| HISTORY |
| Schuylkill Haven is a small borough in the state of Pennsylvania, located about one hundred miles northwest of Philadelphia and fifty miles east of Harrisburg. It is located in the southern portion of Schuylkill County about four miles south of the county seat of Pottsville. One of the earliest settlements within the borders of the county, it is generally accepted that the first settler was John Fincher, a Quaker from Chester County. A warrant for 225 acres of land was granted to him on March 5,1750. The land facing on the Schuylkill River,taking in the curve of the river, is today the west ward and part of the south ward of town. It is this year that the borough celebrates as the official founding. |
| LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 24 |
| OTHER HISTORICAL INFORMATION |
| In addition to historical information about the formation and early years of Schuylkill Haven, other unique and interesting news stories and facts will be offered here. |
| Pottsville Republican of December 18, 1902 " In the midst of life we are in death" twas never more forcibly demonstrated then at Schuylkill Haven last evening when two young boys were plunged into the Schuylkill River while at play and were drowned without scarcely being able to raise a cry. It came so sudden, that those who had seen them but a short time before, were loath to believe it. The swollen river carried the bodies of the two coasters from sight in an instant and although searching parties were out all night, They were unable to locate the bodies. Joseph, aged eleven years son of Walter Bast, and Floyd, aged ten years and son of H. E. Bast were the two unfortunate victims. They were cousins and nephews of Jeremiah Bast, the well known knitting mill proprietor. After school the two boys, who were inseparable companions, took their sleds and went coasting on the hills. They romped about and were having a good time with their little friends until finally, a short time after five o'clock, they found themselves alone on the Berne Street hill, which has a very slight and easy grade. They had coasted down the hill several times and it is believed they were on what they intended to be their last trip before supper when the fatality occurred. Their sled went gliding over the hard crust with Joseph lying on his stomach and Floyd astride his back. When they came to make the turn they found that on account of the hard crust on the snow that the curve was too sharp to make and as the sled went sliding towards the river bank they threw themselves onto the ground. The momentum they had gained however was too great and clutching at the hard frozen snow, with desperate cries they slid to the edge of the river bank and with a plunge disappeared from sight. Edward Boyer, who was standing not far away, saw the terrible accident and after giving the alarm, rushed to the river side, but the angry rushing swirling waters had already swallowed their victims and carried them down the stream. In a short time the banks were lined with people, while others waded through the river further down where the water was not so deep and the channel wider. No trace of the little fellows could be secured, however until late in the night the search was continued. The river at this point is very much swollen and the current rapid on account of the rain and the melting snow the day before. The bed is mostly mud and it is feared that the bodies may be buried in this and never recovered. The sled did not go into the stream but was caught in a bush along the bank and held there. When the parents of the boys were notified, they were almost frantic and would not believe that their children were cold in death when they had seen them but a short time before, so jolly and full of life. Both little fellows were known to everyone in Schuylkill Haven and were very well liked and made much of by the older people as well as their playmates. A shadow seemed to rest over the town last night and this morning, the terrible tragedy being the sole topic of conversation and the only thought. It was a shock such as has not been felt in the town for many years and the sorrow of the parents was shared in a degree by everyone and they have the deepest sympathy of the entire community. |
| TRAGEDIES strike Schuylkill HAVEN |
| Pottsville Republican of July 22, 1915 $5000 TOWN HALL FOR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN It has now been definitely decided that Schuylkill Haven is to have a town hall to cost $5000. A special committee appointed by council held a meeting on Wednesday evening at which they discussed the ways and means. The committee which is composed of Robert Hoffman, George Berkheiser, Arthur Yost and Oscar Bast made reports regarding their visits to other places, giving as examples the town of Kutztown, with 3800 people, Tamaqua and Coaldale in this county, all three having nice town halls for about this figure. The council owns a plot of ground on the west side of Dock Street between Main Street and Paxson Avenue, and the town hall will be erected on this spot. At the present time Schuylkill Haven council meets in a room which is fifteen feet in length and fourteen feet in width, and it is too small to accommodate any taxpayers who might wish to be present at council proceedings. Besides this there is no downtown office for the light company, the borough jail is too small and in such a location as to be useless, and there are a number of other reasons why a town hall has been boosted for Schuylkill Haven. It is the intention of the borough to erect the building within the next few months and in all probability an architect will be employed at the next meeting to draw up a set of plans. Bids will be asked for and the contract awarded as soon as possible. The building is to be a two story brick one, according to present plans, and it will require only a short time to erect this. It will include offices for the borough officials, board of health officials, office for light, meeting room for council, an auditorium for small public meetings and also a borough jail. The authorities contend that it will cost less to conduct a town hall then paying rent for various buildings at the present. |
| Pottsville Republican of October 17, 1921 WORLD WAR ONE VET RETURNS HOME First Lieutenant Ivan Lautenbacher, whose body was brought home from France arriving at Schuylkill Haven last Wednesday was laid to his final rest in Union Cemetery, Sunday afternoon. The funeral was one of the largest which has ever taken place in that town. Many hun- dreds of people stood along the line to the Union Cemetery with bared heads as the cortege with the remains resting on an Army caissons drawn by four black horses passed slowly by. The body in its metallic casket lay in state all Sunday morning and until the time of the funeral under guard of honor and hundreds of people went in to view the cas- ket, which was draped with the flag. At the head was a life size portrait of Lieutenant Lautenbacher and there were some beautiful flowers. At two o'clock with a short service concluded, the drums beat the roll and the body was brought out and the cortege started on its way to Grace United Evangelical Church. About 160 members of the Robert Baker Post American Legion in uniform were in line and they were commanded by Lieutenant Edward Mengle to whom Major Gangloff turned over the command after he had assembled them. Music was furnished by the Schuylkill Hose Company drum and bugle corps. All the military with the relatives and about three hundred civilians were able to enter but hun- dreds were disappointed at not being able to enter and instead journeyed to the cemetery to witness the military burial. Reverend F. S. Fasnacht, the pastor, officiated and Dr. Schlegle, Reading, presiding elder of the district, and who was a boyhood pastor of deceased at Williamstown, preached an eloquent funeral sermon. His text was 2 Timothy 2-4. His theme was the life of a Christian soldier and how his days should be spent. Mr. Brown, a friend of the family, read a touching poem. There was no singing or music. Because of the work on Centre Avenue, the cortege had to go by way of Jerusalem Cemetery which is on top of the hill and then journey back to the extreme lower end of Union Cemetery. The body was buried with full military honors. Lautenbacher was injured while acting captain of Company C, 316 Infantry, 79th Division near Mount Faucon. He was struck in the right shoulder, the bullet passing through his body and emerging on his left side. He was taken to the hospital in the rear and died five days later on October 2. He had been ill with the flu and had been tagged for the hospital but refused to go back as long as his company was on the firing line and would probably have recovered had it not been for his weakened condition. He was born at Williamstown and was a graduate of the high school there. At the time he enlisted for service at the Mexican border he was a student in the American School of Dramatic Art. He had remarkable success in home talent plays as he had much natural ability. Prior to his service on the border he had served several enlistments in the National Guard being a member of Company, made into an engineer company and was a member when they became Company C, 103rd Engineers. Later at a training camp he earned his commission and was assigned to the 316th Infantry, 79th Division and was sent to France in July 1918. Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan L. Lautenbacher, two sisters, Ruth and Katherine, survive. |
| PLEASE NOTE: Articles on this page are now grouped by type and in chronological order. Newest articles are highlighted with a yellow background. Sections include: historical information, Tragedies documenting sad stories of the past, Municipal News that details civic news, The Great War documents Schuylkill Haven's participation in World War One; Other Notable Events covers items from early auto accidents to ghosts to inventors to odd and interesting stories of Schuylkill Haven of the day. |
| MARTIN DREIBELBIS |
| ELECTRICITY COMES TO SCHUYLKILL HAVEN |
| These two articles address the beginnings of electricity in Schuylkill Haven. |
| COMING OUT OF DARKNESS Schuylkill Haven Declares For Electric Light |
| Pottsville Republican February 5, 1891 |
| A prominent citizen of Schuylkill Haven writes to the Republican as follows: The Schuylkill Haven Borough Council adopted the Thompson-Houston electric arc light at their regular meeting last Tuesday evening, and in our estimation it showed good sense and judgement in giving the citizens a good and superior light even if it would cost a trifle more then the Edison and Westinghouse. The committee appointed by Council, comprising Messrs. Weber, Moser, Mayberry, McGoey and Freed, to visit Martinsburg W. Va, Harrisburg, Pottsville, Mahanoy City, Shenandoah and several other places to inquire and inspect the electric plants of the Edison Westinghouse and Thompson-Houston systems, submitted their report to Council on Tuesday evening. The Edison Westinghouse and the Thompson-Houston companies were represented by Messrs. Meyers, Porter and Snow respectively. After some discussion it was unanimously decided to adopt the Thompson-Houston electric arc light as most suitable for the borough. It has been darkly hinted by several citizens of this enterprising town that the committee received boodle for making a more favorable report relative to the plant now adopted. The gentlemen comprising that committee are honorable and upright citizens in every sense, and their refusal of boodle offered by an agent of a different company showed the honesty and backbone that was in this committee and should be commended. We hope Council will immediately take steps to have the town lighted by electricity at an early date. |
| Pottsville Republican October 22, 1891 |
| SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S NEW LIGHT |
| The Electric Plant Set in Motion Last Night by Due Ceremonies Our neighbors of Schuylkill Haven came in out of the darkness last night and set in motion its new electric plant and flashed before the astonished citizens forty-five glaring lights of the Thompson-Houston system. It is unnecessary to say that everyone was pleased even those who were first opposed to the cost of the plant to be erected by the borough, but the progressive council braved the storm of opposition and now every taxpayer can see the result and the advantages of well lighted streets. The light was turned on at 7:20 o'clock pm, by Clarence, the 12 year old son of President H. J. Moser of the Borough Council, under the direction of Superintendent Freed, Engineer Robinson, Machinists Wilson and Killian and Councilman Mulholland. The plant is located behind the Pennsylvania freight depot and has been erected by the borough at a cost of $12,600, and can be enlarged at any time as the demands and wants of the people warrant it. At present forty-five lights are used to light the streets and every one confess it is an improvement that will pay for itself in a few years. To vary the monotony of seeing a flood of light surrounding the town, a game of quoits was resorted to under the new light at Greenawalt's store, and created some amusement for the bystanders. At last accounts the advocates of the electric light were ahead and scored many "hobs" and finally won the game. Messrs. Moser, Felix, Reifsnyder and Mulholland inspected the lights last night in their official capacity. |

| NEWS OF THE GREAT WAR |
| Pottsville Republican of May 19, 1917 SCH. HAVEN HAD GREAT PATRIOTIC OUTPOURING TO ATTEST LOYALTY TO FLAG AND COUNTRY With the tri-color of France and the British Union Jack marking a harmonious contrast to the thousands of American flags, over three thousand residents of Schuylkill Haven paraded the principal streets of that borough in a big outburst of patriotism that was enthusiastic as those for which the past month or more have awakened the entire county to the duty that it is being called upon to perform. The serious side of the demonstration was indicated by the presence of Company C Engineers, which paraded in full marching equipment, while the fact that the populace of the town would soon be called upon to give its sons, was brought home by the parading of a hundred of the new company of engineers. Eighteen bands and drum corps made the music for the pageant which took practically all the residents off the sidewalks and put them in the line of march. Secret societies, churches, railroaders, factory employees and even the tiniest school tot was in line. Probably the most impressive group in line was the school children of the public and parochial schools, which paraded with almost every member of nine hundred pupils in line. Next in point of contrast was the demonstration made by the Red Cross organization, which was newly organized a little over a week ago. The women paraded in twenty five automobiles, which flooded to the breeze hundreds of the red cross flags, the white field with the Swiss cross center. The high school made a pretty turnout, girls parading, white skirts and blue coats, red, white and blue hair bands. Practically the whole turnout of the school were attired in white with the American colors and neckties or hair bands. The Pennsylvania Railroad employees and the P and R Railroad employees, with over three hundred, paraded with the familiar blue diamond of the Reading, while the Pennsylvania were marked by a white field and a red keystone center. Many other groups, attired in patriotic colors filled the parade. Every business place in Schuylkill Haven, including the saloons, was closed. Every resident of Schuylkill Haven is in a patriotic mood and as early as one o'clock the formation of the various divisions started. Extra trolley service brought thousands of people into town and everything was closed tight from one o'clock until after the parade. It was a sight that will never be forgotten by the residents of Schuylkill Haven. |
| Pottsville Republican of August 20, 1919 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOLDIERS HONORED BY TOWNSMEN Saturday at Schuylkill Haven the three hundred soldiers of that town will have impressed upon them that their home folks are proud of them for the service they rendered to their nation in its time of need, as this is the day for which the preparations of the past weeks have been centering to hold a parade and a program of pleasure and enjoyment, which it is intended shall be one of the bright spots in the minds of the khaki clad boys of a year ago but most of whom are now back again in their peaceful pursuits with the war but a memory. Schuylkill Haven responded as few towns have done in sending her sons to the front. The town was represented very largely in the three Pottsville companies, particularly in Company C of the 103rd Engineers. Many of these boys won well deserved promotions to commissioned and non-commissioned officers, while on the other hand many of them gave their lives or sustained grievous wounds which they will always carry with them as long as there is life. The big parade, in the afternoon, will not be the only feature of the day by any means, although the procession is of a kind which will set a mark which will probably never be surpassed. The town will be in semi-holiday life all day Saturday, as stores will be closed, factories will suspend operations, and many of the industries in nearby towns will suffer because of the absence of Schuylkill Haven workers. The town intends to celebrate the occasion fittingly and to do this all hands intend to pitch in and do a share. In the morning a baseball game will be played on the Haven grounds between the Cressona and Mount Carmel Polish Giants. Those who follow baseball know that it would scarcely be possible to get together two teams more evenly matched to insure a good game. Following the parade, probably at three o'clock, the soldiers will give an exhibition of trench warfare and drills and also machine gun drill. At 3:45 o'clock the Tigers and the Giants will play the second ballgame of the day. While the ball game is going on, those who do not care to attend this sport will find chance for entertainment in the drills which will be conducted by the Boy Scouts on Saint John Street. This will be at four o'clock. The banquet for the soldiers will be held from six to eight o'clock and a fine menu has been prepared. Band concerts will be held from 7:15 until 8:15 o'clock at the Heim store by the Citizen's Band and at the Hotel Grand by the Bressler Band. At the public meeting to be held in the evening a musical program will be rendered. Then from 9:30 until 11:00 o'clock there will be the Block Party dance. It can be readily seen that the program is one that will give pleasure to all and will not leave an idle minute during the entire day or evening. But it is not to even end at midnight, for Sunday is to be another day of patriotic celebration. In the afternoon there will be a memorial service at Saint John Street beginning at 2:15 o'clock. All ministers of town will take part in these exercises. There will be one address. The program will open by a short sacred concert by the Citizen's Band. This will be followed by the memorial service. The band will render several selections during the service. Following the memorial service another sacred concert will be given on Dr. Rutter's lawn on Saint John Street. The Bressler Band will hold this concert and it will last from four until five o'clock. In the evening special church services will be held in all of the churches at the usual hour, to which the public is invited. |
| Pottsville Republican of January 1, 1918 TOWN RAISES SERVICE FLAG A patriotic community watch service was held in the auditorium of the new high school building, Schuylkill Haven on Monday night, which proved to be a unifying force in that community. All the religious bodies of the town united in the service in the interest of the boys that have gone from the homes of the community. It was an inspiring sight, for as the names of the men in the service was called, representatives of their families arose and at the conclusion of the calling of the Honor Roll, the audience arose and the patriotic hymn, "America", was sung with renewed inspiration. The Service Flag, which was concealed behind the arch on the stage, was unfurled and called forth great enthusiasm. It is a regulation Service Flag, five by eight with one large star in the center of the white field, with white numerals on the blue star, indicating the 179 boys who are in the service of our country. One gold star graces the flag in honor of Robert Baker, sailor, formerly a mate on the United states ship Alabama, who died in October of blood poison. The program was carried through on schedule time. There were two guests present to lead in the interpretation of patriotism and the issues involved in the struggle in which our country has been called upon to take her part. Reverend A. O. Reiter, of Pottsville, was present as the special guest of the Ministerial Association of Schuylkill Haven, whose address was inspiring and helpful. Lieutenant Joseph A. Judge was the main speaker of the evening and proved to be a great unifying force in the meeting. His address was logical and convincing. The task before us was visualized and the audience was inspired and enthused. The auditorium was filled to capacity. Quite a large addition was made to the Red Cross enrollment. As the old year ended and the new year was ushered in the large audience arose and sang "The Star Spangled Banner" with the greatest devotion. In every way the meeting was a splendid success. |
| Pottsville Republican of June 7, 1922 FEAR HAVEN BOY DROWNED Lamar Moser, aged sixteen, son of Clarence Moser of Schuylkill Haven, is believed to have been drowned in the reservoir in back of the car shops at Schuylkill Haven, and a party of men were at once put to work at pumping the water from the reservoir to see if the body can be recovered. The young man, who is a popular high school student, went for a swim shortly before noon Wednesday and several hours later some children who were laying about the reservoir came back to the town and said that they had found his clothing on the bank near the reservoir, but no trace of the boy could be found. A number of men at once started out to search for him and although they searched the woods nearby, he has not been found, and it is feared that he is drowned. Up to a late hour his body had not been found. Several hundred men were at the reservoir pumping out the water, the boy's father, Clarence Moser, a fireman on the P and R Railroad, and the grandfather, H. L. Moser of Schuylkill Haven were on the scene and were nearly frantic with grief as all efforts to find the body were in vain. Several men were diving and grappling hooks were being used but with no results. The whole town was anxiously awaiting some definite news as the young man was a Boy Scout and was very popular. |
| Pottsville Republican of January 13, 1899 LODGE'S ANNIVERSARY The members of Carroll Lodge, Number 120, I. O. O. F. of Schuylkill Haven, last evening celebrated the sixteenth anniversary of its institution. There was a delightful program of exercises rendered, after which the members and wives and lady friends sat down to a most sumptuous banquet. The anniversary was celebrated at Metamora Hall, which was comfortably filled, altogether a number of the members were detained at home owing to illness. The exercises opened by the Eiler Cornet band rendering a choice selection. This was followed by prayer by Chaplain S. R. Hartranft, after which D. S. Byerly delivered an address of welcome. The address of the evening was made by Dr. C. Lenker, whose subject was "Odd Fellowship". Miss Bessie Dengler recited a selection which was well received. Speeches and songs were indulged in by others during the evening. The party dismissed at two o'clock this morning. |
| Pottsville Republican of April 6, 1914 ASK $15,000 BOND FOR CARNIVAL Schuylkill Haven Council at a meeting held on Monday evening decided that if the Citizens Band of the town intended to have a carnival they would be obliged to enter bond in the sum of $15,000. After about two hours of very lengthy argument between the Council members and the representatives of the band, a vote was taken by the council which resulted with seven of them in favor of having the carnival and five against it. The president declared that permission had been given them by the vote, but that the bond as stated must be furnished before they will be allowed to go on with their street carnival. It will be remembered that after the last celebration in that town Council passed a ordinance forbidding the use of the streets for carnivals no matter for what purpose. Messrs. Herbert Baker and Clayton Eiler represented the Citizens Band while Howard Stager was a representative of the Athletic Association of that town, in league with the band. This trio put up a stiff argument in favor of the carnival and it was though their explanations that the permission was granted. They explained how carnivals of this kind benefited the town and were of the opinion that another one would be a helping hand in their borough. The band representatives told how they were obliged to get funds to conduct their band that they had no contributors and they were obliged to earn in some manner money for their treasury. A visitor stated that he knew of one person at least who would contribute and both representatives of the band explained their past experience which showed perfectly that supports by contributions was out of the question. On the opposite side were petitions from the churches in that town stating that in their opinion these celebrations were detrimental to the town. The immorality topic was their plea and they contended that these celebrations did more to demoralize the entire community than anything else they knew of. These petitions were signed by some of the members of their churches, mostly women. After the hearings of both sides, the discussion began and it was one of the warmest arguments heard in any meeting for many a day. Both sides seemed determined to win and when the vote was taken on the proposition it was seen that the band led by the small majority of two votes. Schuylkill Haven is the scene of much argument today over the carnival proposition and while it was the opinion of many of the citizens that the band would be allowed to have the carnival, they did not expect to see such a fight on the part of the churches on this account. The permission is granted and that is what the band were fighting for and arrangements will begin in another week for holding the celebration which will be of one week’s duration. |
| Pottsville Republican of April 24, 1915 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FREE DELIVERY Postmaster Fred B. Reed, of Schuylkill Haven, is in receipt of three communications regarding the instituting of free mail service in Schuylkill Haven and according to these notices there will be no free mail delivery in that town until after July 1, the fiscal government year. The communications followed a petition by over 450 voters of Schuylkill Haven, asking the government to install free mail delivery there. The first letter received was from D. C. Roper, first assistant postmaster general at Washington, and it stated that the receipts at Schuylkill Haven fell off during the past six months, ending December 31 of last year, and he did not deem it wise at this time to install free delivery. The second one, from R. D. Heaton, in explanation stated that the government felt that they would not take up any matter of this kind at any place owing to the general fall off of post office receipts through the European war, and that it was very probable that this would be given first thought on or about July 1. The free mail delivery service was promised Schuylkill Haven about seven months ago. It was expected to have it instituted about January 1 of this year and then was delayed a month later and again thirty days more. In the meantime Schuylkill Haven residents got busy numbering their houses, and the council of that town expended some money in having the streets named and a sign posted at each street corner. It was seen that there would be no free mail service at once as there were no notices about examinations for positions and the voters then took the matter up, finally getting a series of petitions on the market. These were in the hands of popular citizens in that town and last week were turned in with over 450 voters names. Recognition was given these petitions and a very early answer was given the Schuylkill Haven citizens to clear their minds and to assure them that the free mail delivery proposition had not fallen through. |
| Pottsville Republican of May 31, 1932 BOY FELL OFF RAFT DROWNS Kenneth Shollenberger, six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Shollenberger, Schuylkill Haven, drowned in Miller's Pond, near Schuylkill Haven, Monday when a raft from which he, his sister Fern and two companions were fishing, overturned. The other three were able to reach shore in safety but Kenneth sank. A short time later, A. A. Alleman, operator of a washery near the pond, recovered the body and made efforts to resuscitate the boy but life was already extinct. Dr. Lenker, the deputy coroner in Schuylkill Haven, who was summoned to the scene of the accident, pronounced the boy dead. When the child fell on the overturning raft, his head struck the edge and he was rendered unconscious, a large mark over the temple and forehead showed where he struck. The family are former Pottsville residents, where the boy was born, the mother before her marriage was Irene Reed of Tremont, and the father is a well known assistant in the Yost Meat Market at Schuylkill Haven. Besides his parents, the one sister Fern survives. The family are embers of Christ Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven. The funeral will be held from the family home on Thursday afternoon with services at the Union Cemetery with Reverend E. H. Smoll presiding. |
| Pottsville Republican of August 19, 1932 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN LEGIONNAIRE GOT MILITARY DECORATION Edward Mengle of town, who served in the World War with the 103rd Engineers, has received from the War Department the decoration known as the Order of the Purple Heart. The award reads "given for special military merit". Back in the Revolutionary days this order was founded by General Washington and was given to soldiers then for special valor in service. In memory of the Washington anniversary year, the War Department have again taken up the order and wounded men or men who have been cited for special acts of bravery are eligible for this honor. The citation is made by certificate and Mr. Mengle of town was one of the first men in this county to receive it. He is a member of the Baker Post of the American Legion of town and a member of the milling firm, Mengle Brothers, of Beckville. |
| The following three articles are related and tell a sad tale..... |
| Pottsville Republican of April 4, 1916 MISSING SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN FOUND DEAD After searching for Clayton Mengle, aged twenty one years, of Schuylkill Haven since New Year's, his dead body was found in the river to the rear of Bast's Factory near the covered bridge at Schuylkill Haven on Wednesday morning by a schoolboy named Noecker, of that town. Mengel was identified by means of some postcards that he had in his pockets and also by a scar on his face. The body was badly decomposed and by all appearances has been dead for many weeks. The authorities upon the finding of the body started a search for the body of Miss Helen Hepler of Cressona, with whom Mengle was supposed to have gone away with about New Years. The authorities think that perhaps her body may be in the river also, and while they have no special reason to confirm this belief, they are searching all along the river for her body. It will be remembered that about New Years Mengle, who is a son of Henry Mengle of Schuylkill Haven, disappeared from Schuylkill Haven and at the same time, Miss Helen Hepler, a daughter of Charles Hepler of Cressona, aged nineteen years, also disappeared. The two were friends and it was the opinion of the members of the families of the both that they ran away together. The state police have been working on the case ever since and twice they thought they had a clue in Maryland, where it was thought they had gone to be married. About seven weeks ago a suicide story was circulated about the pair but this was found to be untrue. The last heard of the pair was January 2 of this year, when residents of Schuylkill Haven claim to have seen them together. The authorities are puzzled over the finding of the body of Mengel. He has one mark on his head but otherwise seems unmarked. The suicide theory was advanced and it is the general opinion that this is the case. Dr. G. O. Santee, acting as coroner for Dr. Moore, who is out of town, seems to think that the boy committed suicide. Late Wednesday afternoon there were several state policeman and residents of Schuylkill Haven searching for the body of Miss Hepler. Besides his parents, Mengle leaves to survive him two sisters, Mary and Eva, wife of Evan Steinbrunn. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 3, 1916 MAY BE BODY OF HELEN HEPLER What may be the last chapter in the famous Mengle-Hepler case turned on Monday afternoon with the finding of a body of a girl,decapitated, in the Schuylkill River near the washery at Landingville. It is believed to be the body of Miss Helen Hepler, the fourteen year old girl whose whereabouts have been unknown since January 2. Her father was notified by Coroner Moore about 10:30 o'clock and he viewed the body which is in a badly decomposed state. He was unable to positively identify the remains although he knew she wore a blue dress similar to the shreds of the one found on her and in the river. The buttons on the dress were practically the same he said and he agreed that she wore a locket, bracelet and ring similar to those found on the girl in the river, yet he would not positively say that it was his daughter. The mother was sent for at 2:30 o'clock and the body removed to Schuylkill Haven to await her identifying the body. Coroner Moore says that it is beyond doubt the Hepler girl and the state police are of the opinion that it is the girl being sought since January. The condition of the body and being minus the head made identification hard and the father and people who knew Helen Hepler said it looked nothing like her body. The father said that if it is his daughter, it bears out the statement made by him several weeks ago when he asserted that a train struck both his daughter and Clayton Mengle, the boy with whom she disappeared. In order to make identification a trifle easier, the blue shreds of a skirt found on her were washed by the authorities on Monday afternoon before the mother was brought to identify the body. An investigation is being made and an inquest will likely follow. It will be remembered that Miss Hepler and Clayton Mengle of Schuylkill Haven, who was her sweetheart, disappeared at the same time, the evening of January 2, and nothing was heard of either of them until April 4th, when a boy named Noecker found the body of Mengle in the Schuylkill River just below the covered bridge, at the point where the Bast boys fell in and were drowned some years ago. Up to this time the state police and authorities all over the state had been looking for the pair and had run down more then thirty clues all of which failed to give the police any information as to their whereabouts. It was rumored in Cressona that the girl had been seen by a policeman in Easton and later in Allentown and after this pictures of the pair were sent state wide in an effort to land them. Shortly after the funding of the body of young Mengle, a note was found in the Schuylkill River near Reading which read as follows, "We are tired of life and have ended our miseries together. You will find both our bodies in the river." The note was found in an old bottle shaped can was corked so as to be free from rain. The boys that found it turned it over to the police in Reading and the state police in town were notified. They at once started an investigation after securing samples of the writing of both Miss Hepler and Mengel, and finally concluded that the writing was neither that of Miss Hepler nor Mengle, although both their names were signed. The case then was just as deep as ever and the police started to work over some facts that had been brought out at the inquest conducted by Coroner Moore on the evening of April 11th. It was shown at the inquest that the Mengel boy, who was twenty one years of age, and pretty Miss Hepler, who had just passed her nineteenth birthday, were to meet in front of the hose house in Cressona, friends of the two having testified to this statement. The girl was seen to leave her girlfriends in Cressona and walk towards the Cressona road where she would reach the hose house, and likewise Mengel broke away from his chums and went to meet her. That was the last seen of either of them alive and since that time the authorities have had nothing on which to base any foundation and have been searching for the young lady, the finding of Mengle's body coming as a surprise to them. A hat belonging to the Hepler girl was found in the bushes near the railroad at Connor's Crossing and this together with other information regarding the pair, resulting in the decision of the girl's father that the two had been hit by a train and driven into the river. A railroad crew several weeks ago also remarked that they felt they had struck someone but were never able to give out any definite information. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 5, 1916 HEPLER GIRL BURIED TUESDAY After several hours investigation,. The body of the girl found in the Schuylkill River near the washery at Landingville on Monday afternoon, was identified as that of Helen Hepler and the remains were claimed on Monday night by her parents and were taken from the almshouse to the Hepler home, from where the funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon. The identification was made through a locket which was found on her neck. W. L. McLarren of Cressona, a merchant, sold it to Helen Hepler a week before she went away, identifying it as the same one that he sold her. It had a diamond chip on the top and a large stone setting in the middle, being of an odd figure and easy to identify. When the father saw the body he said it was not the body of his daughter and with the head not visible he was unable to identify it. He could not identify the bracelet, rings or locket as the property of his daughter although he knew she had some similar to those found on the body. He refused to claim the body and Coroner Moore sent the remains to the almshouse, from where it was taken after the father and mother were shown that the daughter had purchased this locket the week before she and Mengle left Cressona, from McLarren. The blue coat, blue skirt and red sweater were not identified by the parents although this description was given by them and other witnesses at the inquest and when the report of their disappearance was made. Coroner Moore stated on Wednesday that he would not conduct an inquest, that he was satisfied that nothing more could be learned then was brought out at the Mengle inquest. He says that in his opinion the girl and Mengel were struck by a train while on the bridge near Schuylkill Haven and that their bodies were both knocked in the river. Upon investigation of the body Coroner Moore found that the girl's right arm was broken and that the right arm of Mengle was broken, so that is plausible that the pair were struck by the train. There are many who consider the case a deep mystery and can not understand how the pair were struck by a train and the crew did not ever learn of it or feel the jar. One crew a short time after the pair disappeared said they felt sure they struck some object and when they alighted from their train and went back to investigate, they were unable to find a trace of anyone. |
| WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHT |
| THE COST AND LOCATION |
| Pottsville Republican of June 13, 1936 DEDICATE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POST OFFICE SATURDAY Today marked an unusual day in the history of Schuylkill Haven. The modern Post Office building recently completed by the government contractors was formally dedicated to the use of the Postal service business. At eleven o'clock a delegation of local businessmen and others headed by Mayor Roy A. Scott, journeyed to Pottsville where they met visiting officials. At Saint John's Reformed church a luncheon was served after which headed by the local band the procession marched to the post office building at the corner of Main and saint John Streets. There from a platform erected on the Saint John Street side, draped in the national colors, the Honorable Clinton B. Eilenberger, third assistant postmaster delivered the dedicatory address. Congressman James Gildea had been designated by the Postal Department to have charge of the afternoon meeting and the entire program was prescribed by the Department at Washington. Honorable Ralph M. Bashore, secretary of Labor of the state of Pennsylvania and Honorable Roy Brownmiller, Deputy Highway Commissioner, were honored guests. In addition to Postmaster J. Harry Brownmiller, who accepted the building, quite a number of postmasters from this section were present. Prior to the afternoon exercises the visitors were entertained briefly at the home of earl Stoyer on east main street and following it a formal reception was given at the extensive estate of D. D. Coldren in the Blue Mountains near Port Clinton Gap. This evening at six o'clock, the days program will close with a banquet at Saint John's reformed church which will be attended by more than 250 people. Mayor Roy A. Scott, who is chairman of the borough general committee will have charge of this event. He will formally welcome the guests and introduce Attorney V. J. Dalton who will act as toastmaster. In July, Roy Brownmiller received word from Washington that $20,000 was offered to build the new office. The preliminary survey was done in August 1934 and in March 1935 the contract was awarded to Oscar Weinstine of Wilkes Barre. In August 1935, the work of razing the old Hotel Grand property was started and in September the actual work of construction was started. Mild weather was extremely favorable to the work but the snows of the severe winter delayed the work. However the work was completed on time and June 1st was occupied by Postmaster J. Harry Brownmiller and his force of employees. The building is of colonial design, one story with a roomy basement. It is modern in every particular, is centrally located and is indeed a welcome addition to the borough. In 1830 the first postmaster was named for Schuylkill Haven. Up to that time the residents had to go to the county seat at Orwigsburg for their mail, brought up the Schuylkill Valley by stagecoach. In 1915, letter carrier service was instituted and later parcel post delivery was included in their work. A horse and wagon was hired for use of one of the men, as it was found impossible to deliver by hand with the increase in size and weight of parcels accepted. Later a motor truck was purchased by the government for this work. The local office is well managed and enjoys a high rating of efficiency. |
| MUNICIPAL NEWS |
| The Call of August 8, 1913 TO BUILD BRIDGE ACROSS RIVER The efforts to have the county construct a bridge across the Schuylkill River at a point near the Roller Rink connecting with Berne Street having failed, the Grand Jury before which the matter had to be argued, deciding that the cost would be too great on the county at this time, a movement has been begun by residents of Berne Street to effect a quicker means of communication. A petition is being circulated for subscriptions to cover the expense of constructing a substantial foot bridge between Berne Street and lower Main Street. It is proposed to construct at least a six foot wide bridge. The approach on the west side of the bridge being at a vacant lot on Berne Street directly opposite to the back road to Cressona and between the properties of Daniel Phillips and William Luckenbill. The east side approach to the bridge will be about 150 feet below the Roller Rink. The distance across the river at this point will be 115 feet. The bridge is to be of wooden construction on concrete piers. The estimated cost will be $1000 to $1200. Messrs. Phillips and Luckenbill, the owners of the vacant lot on the west side of the river have agreed to give sufficient ground for the approach to the bridge off of Berne Street. An effort will be made to have the Reading Company grant permission to build an approach on the east side on their property. The petition was circulated for the first time Monday and we are informed that several hundred dollars has already been subscribed for the project. Businessmen and public spirited citizens will be asked to contribute and in this way the amount necessary can easily be secured. It is also proposed to hold a festival in the near future to assist in securing the necessary funds. If at all possible it is the intention of the Berne Street residents to have the bridge built this year and from the general and liberal response already given them it is quite possible that this may be accomplished. |
| The Call of August 17, 1928 COUNCIL BUYS TWO TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS A short meeting of the Schuylkill Haven Town Council was held on Thursday evening with all members in attendance. The Highway Committee recommended that traffic signals be purchased of the Attica Company at their bid recently submitted. The committee determined upon this company’s signals after tabulation and comparison of the bids on traffic lights of several other bidders. The total cost for the two proposed signal lights will be $600. The plans call for the placing of a traffic light at the corner of Columbia and Berne Streets. It will be a four way three light system and will be of a pedestal type mounted upon a circular concrete and cast iron base. The base of the light will be illuminated with a white light. The base will be about the same size as the base of the present beacon light which it will replace. The second light will be placed at the corner of Dock Street and Centre Avenue, and will be a three way three light system. This will be of a suspension mast arm type mounted upon a circular concrete and iron base and will occupy the same space and position as the present beacon light which it will replace. Upon the concrete base will be a master pole of steel and from this steel arm will extend an arm from which the signal light will be extended. With the purchase of the two traffic lights the borough will have on its hands two traffic beacons and the question arose following the adjournment of the meeting, what disposition was to be made of the two beacons. Some councilmen favored their being placed at dangerous street intersections. Others favored their sale as their use will mean a continual expenditure for the gas which they consume. The Highway Department also recommended that A. R. Saylor of Schuylkill Haven, be awarded the contract for the placing of the large sewer in the south end of the Parkway. His bid was $1225. The next highest bidder, Schaffner Maberry was $1263. $1263. |
| The Call of October 26, 1917 FIRST LOCAL DEATH IN WAR Schuylkill Haven’s first real sacrifice in the world war was made this week when the first one of her fighting sons lay down his life for his Uncle Sam. It was Robert Baker, of the U. S. S. Albany who died at the Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, Wednesday evening, following an illness of several weeks. De- ceased was but nineteen years of age. He enlisted in the Navy in the early part of the year. He recently returned from a trip across the sea to England, being of the convoy which guarded the U. S. transports. The exact cause of his death could not be learned, the death certificate giving the cause of his demise as “a complication of diseases”. It was intimated that a serious nerve disease or rheumatic fever was the cause. It is known however that upon his return from a trip across the sea he slightly scratched his arm. He began scratching it as it healed with the result that it became infected and it was ne- cessary to have it lanced several times. This might have developed into blood poisoning. Little information could be obtained by his father from the hospital authorities. Mr. Baker was born in Schuylkill Haven and spent the greater part of his life here. He was of a quiet disposition, well thought of, and enjoyed a wide acquaintanceship. He served with Company C Engineers during the late Mexican affair on the border and upon the return of his company to this county was transferred to the Pine Grove company. He enlisted in the Navy on April 17, 1917. He was a member of Saint John’s Reformed Church and Sunday School. He was associated with several fraternal organizations in town. He is survived by his father, Guy Baker of Liberty Street. At this writing definite funeral arrangements had not been made. made. |
| The Call of December 5, 1919 WAR COUNCIL DISBANDED At the meeting of the war Council held at Town Hall, Thursday evening the business of this organization was wound up and adjournment made “Sine Die” or forever. This means that the War Council, which organization took charge and conducted the various loan drives and campaigns and other work of various kinds during the war, has ceased to exist. The Community Hall proposition which has been under consideration by this organization for some time was, after a discussion, dropped entirely. The Community Hall had been suggested as the manner and method to show the town’s appreciation of the deeds of the Schuylkill Haven soldier boys, to honor them, and as a memorial to those who lay down their life. The committees appointed some time ago to take hold of the matter reported that they felt the proposition too large to handle for a town this size. That the cost of construction would be between $50,000 and $60,000 and that a sufficient fund for maintenance each year would be most difficult to provide. The committee in charge of placing the Honor Roll in the Town Hall reported they would confer with the committee of town council in order to determine the exact place in the Town Hall hallway the same is to be placed and that the Roll would be moved the coming week. The committee having in charge the purpose of furniture for the American Legion reported having purchased two large couches, two tables, a desk, twelve arm chairs, three rockers and forty eight folding chairs. The money to be turned over to the American Legion would not pay the bill entirely but that the Legion would pay the balance. It was also decided to pay Mr. Yeich, whose horse was injured when the arch fell on it, twenty five dollars as damages. The treasurer reported a balance from the celebration of $408.31, with additional receipts of $5.92, making a total receipt of $414.23. Additional celebration bills paid $19.19, leaving a balance of $395.04. To the above amount was added $2.00 for lumber sold making a total balance of $397.04. Bills of the evening paid were: Mr. Yeich, for damages to his horse, $25.00; “Call” printing, $7.30; Leon Sterner, $4.00; A. R. Maberry, postage, $1.25; Dr. Driesbach, bill paid by Publicity Committee for veterinary services to Yeich horse, $10.00; miscellaneous, $1.00 for a total of $48.55. The remaining total of $348.49 is to be turned over to the American Legion. |
| The Call of December 2, 1921 LANDMARK OF 1816 BEING TORN DOWN One of the oldest of landmarks in Schuylkill Haven, a landmark associated with many events of importance in the early history of this section of the state is being razed to the ground. It is the B. F. Gehrig property on Centre Avenue that was sold to the Keystone Oil and Gas Company. On its site will be erected a concrete service station. The landmark was for many years a hostelry as hotels were termed in the early days. The first keeper or proprietor was Michael Freehafer, who opened it for business about 1815 or 1816 at which time the first road between Sunbury and Reading was built. The laborers who worked on this road often stayed here and for board at the hostelry they paid eight dollars per month. The road at this point followed a straight line north. The curves now in the road were made necessary when the Pennsylvania Railroad came through the town. Another early proprietor was Daniel Stager who also was postmaster, which post office was located in the same building. George Locks was the next proprietor and then followed in succession from 1842 when John Mackey took charge, John Charles, Israel Wentzel, Thomas Summers, Howard Heffner, George Fegley and J. Deitrich. William Gensemer then opened a saddler shop in the place and in 1891 B. F. Gehrig moved into the building. As was expected the place was of extra strong timbers and built in an unusual manner. Upon the foundation were placed heavy fourteen by twelve inch solid oak stringers. Extending crosswise, between the joists were placed boards and upon these narrow pieces of boards was filled in clay or plastering to the top of the joist, so that the space between the joists was entirely gilled in solid. Upon the joist on the first floor was fist put down an oak floor and upon this was a yellow pine floor. This construction was found in the room evidently used as the bar room. The walls of the building were planked and then plastered. The house was forty by forty feet and three stories high. Contractor Fisher purchased the building and is finding extra fine timber in it which will be used for other building purposes. The contract for the construction of the service station will be let shortly. |
| The Call of June 9, 1922 TWELVE YEAR OLD BOY DROWNS IN OLD RESERVOIR Not in years has an accident, death or any other occurrence shocked and saddened this community as did the drowning of Lamar, the twelve year, eleven month and fourteen day old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Moser of Main Street. The drowning occurred Wednesday afternoon probably shortly after the noon hour at the “Old Reservoir” above Caldwell Street. The discovery of the boys clothes made by companions led to the fear that the lad had drowned. His parents were summoned and upon their arrival immediately recognized the garments. Other boys in the meantime had gathered in answer to the alarm spread and identified different articles of property that they occasionally made use of such as a comb, key ring, etc. Efforts were made at once to locate the body and a dozen or more young men continued diving into the reservoir but without any success. Almost frantic with grief, the father and other relatives and friends urged haste that if perchance the body was discovered, there might be efforts made to resuscitate the boy. The water in the reservoir was between nine and ten feet deep. It was very cold, covered with grease and oil and not any of the swimmers could remain under water for any length of time. Finally the company authorities were appealed to and they ordered the water from the reservoir drawn off immediately. In the meantime Messrs. John and Mike Starr, by means of a plank and a rake, located the body about fifteen feet from the side of the reservoir and near the wire which was used by boys to get into the dam. A young man by the name of Bensinger succeeded in bringing the body to the surface where it was taken in charge of by undertaker D. M. Bittle and brought to the home of the grief stricken parents. The boy was popular with a host of friends, not only companions and children of his own age, but of adults as well. He was a bright and very active lad and won the admiration of his elders in many ways. He was an unusually bright scholar, a pupil of the seventh grade school taught by Miss Reinhart. He delighted in playing baseball and had developed a remarkable pitching arm as it were. He was capable of pitching ball accurately equally as well with the left as with the right arm. He possessed a wonderful memory and could recite in a pleasing way many readings of considerable length. The lad had also taken up the study of the violin and was making excellent progress on this difficult instrument. Just shortly before leaving home on the fateful afternoon he had finished his daily practice on the instrument. The public was concerned as to why the boy sought such a secluded and rather unattractive swimming hole and without companions. It is learned that he had expressed his intention of learning to swim and surprise his boy friends when they began taunting him about his not being capable of swimming. It is believed that with this intention he had visited the reservoir and after getting into the water found it entirely too deep, went to the bottom and because of the peculiar construction of the reservoir could not get out again, although he most certainly must have made every effort to do so. His sudden death not only broke the hearts of the parents and relatives but saddened everyone in the community who had been acquainted with him. Besides the parents, a sister Rose survives. |
| This article relates the events of the Tumbling Run flood of 1850... |
| The Call of October 7, 1921 FLOOD WASHES AWAY BRIDGE The building operations under way for the new concrete bridge across the Schuylkill River at Columbia Street which necessitates the removal of the old wooden structure, has caused many people to query as to when this structure was erected. From Joseph Paxson of Oaklette Virginia, who at one time was a resident of this town, was received the following interesting article regarding the destruction of the bridge which the old structure now being removed, supplanted. Mr. Paxson does not give any exact date of the building of the bridge, but it evidently was during the year 1850 or 1851. His article is as follows: Some time in the summer of 1850 while my father, mother, five brothers and myself were living on the Edenbower farm situated on top of the Schuylkill Mountain (having moved there on April 1st, 1849 from Philadelphia), we had a heavy continued fall of rain and one morning we could hear the roaring of angry waters and we rushed to the edge of the mountain top and witnessed the great waters of the Tumbling Run dam sweeping nearly everything before it in the lowlands along the banks of the river. Our view was unobstructed, as at that time there was no growing timber on the mountainside, it having been cut off by Levan and Kaufman to be used in the wood burning locomotives, in sole use at that time. We could see wrecked buildings, canal boats, bridges and trees, horses and cattle floating. We could also see occupants of houses on the Dutch Flat waving distress signals from the second story windows and see men in small boats rowing around and rescuing families from houses that were still standing. We could see that the covered bridge close to Boyer’s Hotel was gone. It could not stand the great pressure of canal boats, wrecked buildings and other debris. The loss of life was small but the loss of property was very great. Many homes having been swept away, the canal for miles torn to pieces, the Pottsville turnpike, which was then a toll road was also torn to pieces and was not passable for many months. We were completely cut off from wagon travel to stores and Post Office but fortunately the railroad bridge which was stronger, stood the test and we could use that for foot passing. My older brothers, Isaac and Edward, were in the habit of attending the Pottsville market with the produce of our farm. If either one of them were living now they could help me make this more interesting, as they were obliged to seek a new route to Pottsville. The Pottsville and Cressona road was built or constructed a number of years afterward. Some time elapsed before a ford of the river was cleaned of big rock and stones, some one hundred yards or so south of the bridge. At that time there was no coal or culm in the bed of the river. The County Commissioners decided to erect another covered bridge at the same place, but with heavier timber and bulkheads. My father agreed to sell them heavy stones for the bulkheads at a very low figure, they to do the quarrying an hauling, and they were quarried from the east end of the quarry, which lies south of what we always called the Old Field. After the water receded, several of my brothers and myself went down to Boyer’s Eck and rummaged among the debris, which consisted of all kinds of broken furniture, utensils, clothing, etc. One prize we found was a hive loaded with the best of honey, the bees having left or drowned, so our table was supplied with good honey for a long time. A canal boat lodged there was afterward floated. |
| These two articles tell of the new Columbia Street bridge being built.... |
| The Call of February 4, 1921 MAY BUILD NEW BRIDGE OVER RIVER IN SOUTH WARD Before the fall of 1921, Schuylkill Haven in all probability may be graced with a concrete bridge more pleasing in appearance and more capable of accommodating the ever increasing traffic then the present structure termed “The Schuylkill River Bridge”. It is understood the County Commissioners have under consideration the replacing of a number of bridges in the county this summer. The Schuylkill River bridge in this town is one that is on the list to make way for a more modern concrete structure. The new bridge is to be of concrete and on the same style and design as the concrete bridge in Pine Grove completed about a year or two years ago. It is known that the present structure is an ever present expense to the county as it is constantly in need of repairs. Being built on the old style design and of wood, repairs by reason of the heavy traffic that daily passes over it, it is not a source of constant expense but is dangerous and impracticable. Many collisions have been narrowly averted. On every occasion that a heavy touring car or an ordinary light weight truck passes over it the structure is shaken to the water’s edge. When a heavily loaded truck passes over it, it does a regular accentuated quivering stunt. From the rumors afloat it is evident the County Commissioners are aware of this fact and have also realized the need for a bridge that is more safe and more adequate to accommodate the traffic. A new bridge at this point will certainly be welcomed by the borough and it is more then likely that the council will be glad to place on the new structure the proper illumination. With a new bridge at this point, with the contemplated elimination of the large bridge at the Bittle Dam this coming summer and the putting down of pavements in this section, the erection of a number of houses, and the continued improvement to the section along the river front by the building of bungalows, the South Ward certainly will in a short time show a marked improvement in appearance and come into its former position of being the beauty spot of town. |
| The Call of July 22, 1921 COLUMBIA STREET BRIDGE BEING TORN DOWN Work of dismantling the Columbia Street bridge was begun Monday morning by a force of men under the superintendency of H. G. Dixon of the Concrete-Steel Bridge Company of Parkesburg, West Virginia. In its place will be built a two span reinforced concrete arch bridge. Each span will be sixty six feet in length. The plans call for a thirty foot roadway with a five foot sidewalk on the north side of the bridge. Efforts however are being made by Columbia and Berne Street residents to have two footways built on the bridge. A petition was last week circulated and signed by, it is said, every resident or taxpayer, excepting one, who refused to sign feeling that the building of another sidewalk on the bridge would increase local taxation. The petition was presented to the County Commissioners. Just what disposition will be made of the same could not be learned at this writing. The present width of the roadway over the bridge is eighteen feet. It is felt that another five foot walk could easily be built on the new structure without interfering with traffic. There are to be four electroliers with five light clusters placed on the same for illumination at night. There is to be a solid railing along both sides of the bridge with bush hammered panels. The roadway is to be separated from the sidewalks by a six inch concrete curbing. The bridge is to be finished in 150 working days. The Superintendent expects to complete the bridge in 120 working days. During the building operation the present bridge which will be moved further up the river will be used as a temporary structure. The foundations for the new bridge will be of concrete and stone and will set upon a bedrock foundation in the river. In order to accomplish this the pumps on the Sirrocco washery will be used in the excavating. Large coffer dams will of course first have to be constructed before it will be possible to begin work on the foundation. |
| The Call of July 21, 1916 HOW ABOUT A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN DAY During the week a number of local people have made suggestions for an event for Schuylkill Haven which the Call believes will have the approval and support of everyone. It is for a community picnic or community day out. How will the term “Schuylkill Haven Day Out” strike you, Mr. Reader? Remember what a big day and time Schuylkill Haven had at Adamsdale Park several years ago. Everybody present had a great and grand time. Almost everybody in Schuylkill Haven spent at least several hours at the park and joined in the festivities and merry making. Those in attendance were not only from Schuylkill Haven, but many were from the surrounding towns. And do you remember how the day was favorably talked about and thought of for many, many weeks? Do you believe the event had a tendency to promote a communal social spirit which was beneficial and helpful in giving Schuylkill Haven an impetus for better and bigger things? Yes, you say, and in the same sentence you add that the total cost or expense was but of a minimum and never before was so much enjoyment and pleasure at a general outing or picnic procured as on the particular occasion referred to. If Schuylkill Haven could hold a successful day out years ago, why cannot something of a similar nature be held in 1916? There is no question about it being possible to do so. It is realized that community affairs of this kind, where the public is brought together for a days outing, fun, and real merry making, makes for a better, livelier, stronger and healthier town. It prevents the town and the public spirit from growing dead. Every businessman will join in to make a day out a success. Every manufacturer will assist and will be glad to give the employees a day off. Altogether the idea appeals and will appeal to everyone. The persons who have already spoken of the matter are enthusiastic over it. All that is necessary is to get the ball rolling and if the weatherman can be bribed so as to send the proper quality of weather, the success of the big day out several years ago can and will be duplicated. The educational and welfare committee of the Industrial Association, we believe, would be the proper committee to proceed with the matter and stir it up. If this committee feels it is not proper for them to do so or hesitates in going ahead, then a citizen’s committee should take up the idea. A number of citizens will be too glad to lend assistance and take an active part and share the burden of a large amount of labor necessary for an event of this kind. The public will surely take an immediate active interest in the project and lend every aid necessary. Now altogether, let’s have a Schuylkill Haven Day Out this year some time in August. What do we hear? |
| The Call of April 16, 1926 STRUCK BY AUTO, SIX YEAR LAD DIES OF INJURIES Herbert, the six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Epler of Margaretta Street, died at the Milliken Hospital Tuesday morning at three o’clock as a result of injuries Tuesday morning about ten o’clock, when run over by a small auto truck driven by Hobart Becker of Adamsdale. The accident was unavoidable and occurred as Mr. Becker was driving up High Street during the morning recess hour. It is understood children were on both sides of the street. One group of pupils had been playing with or jumping rope in the street. As the machine happened along, one of the children dropped the end of the rope so the machine could pass. It is said that the little boy not noticing the approach of the machine and believing the rope had been pulled out of his playmate’s hands, stooped to pick up and walk after the rope. He was struck by the machine and the wheels, from an examination of the body, evidently passed over him. Mr. Becker immediately picked up the child and rushed him to the office of a physician who was not in his office. He was then rushed to the office of Dr. Heim who made a careful examination and had him taken to his home. The child was unconscious when picked up and remained in that condition until death. Convulsions followed shortly after the accident. A hasty examination did not disclose any fracture of the skull. Monday afternoon the child was admitted to the Milliken Hospital where an x-ray showed a concussion of the brain. A more careful examination showed the lungs and liver of the child to have been badly crushed. There were few body lacerations. Besides the parents, one brother Samuel survives. The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon with services at the United Brethren Church at two o’clock. Mr. Becker, the driver of the car, deeply feels the sorrow of the fatal accident, and it is understood the parents have exonerated him from all blame in the matter. matter. |
| The Call of May 14, 1926 HIT AND RUN DRIVER KILLS SIX YEAR OLD James Franklin, the six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Tobias, died Sunday afternoon at the Milliken Hospital at three thirty o’clock from a fractured skull, sustained Saturday evening about 8:30 o’clock, when struck by an auto on Columbia Street. The little fellow was about to cross the street from the Umbenhauer store where he had gone for a cone of ice cream. The store is but one hundred and fifty feet from his home. The driver of the automobile that struck the child extinguished the lights on the car and drove rapidly away. An eyewitness to the accident, Attorney Vincent Dalton, quickly summoned the neighbors and the child was picked up by the frantic mother and carried into the home. Dr. Detweiler was summoned and gave first aid. The child was unconscious and remained in that state until death. An examination at the hospital, to which institution he was removed Sunday morning, revealed a compound fracture of the skull and all hopes of his recovery were given up. It is understood, at this writing, clues being followed may lead to the arrest of the driver of the machine, a Ford runabout with a small truck body, before the week ends. The machine went north on Columbia Street. The funeral of the boy took place Wednesday afternoon. Reverend E. H. Smoll conducted the services and C. G. Wagner was the funeral director. Beside the parents, four sisters and one brother survive, namely, Mrs. Oscar Butz, Esther, Carrie, Francis and Adam Jr. Jr. |
| The Call of April 16, 1892 OUR CORRESPONDENTS VISIT TO THE ELECTRIC LIGHT STATION As your correspondent was walking along Haven Street the other evening, complacently smoking one of C. B. P.’s two for fives, I thought I would drop into the electric light station and as I had frequently heard, the council had a great deal of trouble with the men and machinery, I thought I would investigate. And just by the way, I understand that council proposes to run the station with an engineer and a boy to act as fireman. The employees were very reticent when any questions were put to them, but after remaining for some time I came to the conclusion that two men experienced in machinery and firing would be necessary to run the station successfully. While there, they were compelled to shut down one engine on account of the packing in the cylinder having become loose. On several occasions I have heard it remarked by several citizens that the town was frequently without light, owing to the inexperienced persons employed at the station. Not to flatter these men, but I believe they understood their business thoroughly and if our citizens would go to the station when the plant is in operation, they would be convinced that the blame cannot be placed on the employees. Upon inquiry, I learned that they are compelled to hunt up the members of the light committee to order their supplies. Some times the committee evidently fails to order them in time, coal, oil, etc, for instance and consequently the town is in darkness until the supplies arrive. As council has elected a superintendent, all this could be avoided by giving that person the authority to order and place the station in his hands instead of the committee, who know nothing whatever about machinery. Council is continually experimenting with coal, which is used for steam purposes. The citizens often wonder why it is that they have a poor light some nights. As the secret of successful electric lighting may be placed in keeping up regular steam, and as so many changes are made in the fuel by council, you will readily see that it is impossible for the fireman to know the nature of the coal and successfully keep up the required amount of steam. I also noticed the absence of rubber matting at the dynamos, which are used as nonconductors and can always be seen in use at other stations. The station should also be supplied with a blower to keep up the fires, and the boilers should be cleaned out occasionally, which council refuses to do. Dirty boilers often cause explosions. Another defect, and a most dangerous one I noticed, was the tremendous shaking of the building while the engines were working. I was informed that the foundations on which the engines are placed are not large enough. I think if council does not remedy this defect, our citizens should take the matter in hand before some fatal accident occurs. Anyone visiting the station will readily see the defects and the great danger the employees are placed in. We give this to the public, in order that they may know the true state of affairs at the station. And, as council is failing in its duties, that the citizens may take the matter in hand. hand. |
| The Call of February 22, 1918 GERMAN ALIEN CAPTURED HERE A man giving his name as James Pennypacker and his age as eighteen years, although he looks considerably younger, was placed under arrest and locked up at the town hall on Wednesday afternoon by Constable John Butz. No criminal charge was lodged against the man at the time of his arrest other then the fact that he was a German alien and had neglected to register under the German Alien the State Police to Pottsville. He stated that he was a German and glad of the fact, he having no reasons to deny the same. He was born as a subject of Germany on territory acquired from Denmark in the year 1864. Practically all his life was spent at sea. When war broke out between Germany and the United States, he was in the West Indies. His last trip was to Liverpool England. That was one year ago last Christmas. Owing to ill health he quit the navy and for a while was employed in a paper mill in New Jersey. Later he was employed as assistant manager at a café at Camp Dix, New Jersey. November 19th last, he was discharged and since that time has not worked. Several days ago in conversation with a stranger, he was told he could procure employment at the Insane Asylum here. His reason for wanting to get away from the city was a German had a hard life if found working near a munition plant or where munitions were kept. He arrived here on Tuesday afternoon and registered at the Spring Garden Hotel. Here he was placed under arrest. He was committed to the county prison where he is being held pending instructions from Washington D. C. |
| The Call of August 9, 1918 TWO LOCAL SOLDIERS WOUNDED BY HUNS Wilmer Crossley, a member of Company C, 103rd Engineers, has been injured in France. Tuesday of the present week, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Crossley, received a letter telling of the accident. The letter was written by the victim on July 18th and stated that several days previous to writing the letter, he had been shot. A piece of shrapnel three inches thick, had struck him in the fleshy part of the hip. He had submitted to an operation, which was very successful, but was still very nervous and weak from the effects. He gave great credit to the Red Cross Society and the doctors for their care and attention and stated they were the best part of the army. Soldier Crossley promised to write again after he had more fully recovered. Thursday morning a letter was received by John Fenstermacher, from his son Kimber B. Fenstermacher, a member of Company D, 103rd Engineers. The letter was written on July 20th. The writer stated, "I am in a hospital at present but hope I will soon be out as I don't like to be in bed. I am slightly gassed. I am getting along fine at present. The Yanks are keeping the Germans pretty busy just now. I have not much to write as news is not plentiful at present. France has some of the finest wheat crops that I expect ever to see." The government informed the father this week that the soldier was severely gassed in action of July 16th. According to the victim's statements, he was only slightly gassed and is doing nicely. |
| The Call of August 23, 1918 FIVE TOWN SOLDIER BOYS ARE WOUNDED Word of the injury to five more Schuylkill Haven boys, all members of Company C, 103rd Engineers, was received here by their parents on Monday evening. The boys injured were Hugh N. Coxe, Milford D. Klahr, Harry E. Reber, John A. Knarr and Harry M. Keller. The telegrams all read alike and stated that the five were officially reported as being injured, the degree or the extent of the injury being undetermined. These telegrams were probably the first of their kind to be received here and elsewhere stated that "officially reported seriously wounded". It is the opinion of many, that neither one of the quintet has been seriously wounded or the telegram would have so stated. |
| The Call of October 11, 1918 SOLDIER BOYS WOUNDED IN FRANCE During the week, word was received by the parents of a number of Schuylkill Haven soldier boys, that their son was wounded in action. No details as to the nature or extent of the injury were given in any case, the telegrams being identical and all stating the injury or wounds were sustained on September 5th or September 8th. From letters received by the parents of several of the boys listed as wounded, which letters were written on various dates, September 13th, 15th, and 18th, the boys state they were only slightly wounded with shrapnel and others state they were gassed. Several letters were received by parents informing them of their having been gassed long before the government telegrams were received. The casualty list as given by the War Department as effecting local boys, as per telegrams received during the week is as follows: Corporal Eugene Holtzer, son of Mrs. Sarah Holtzer of 61 Centre Avenue, Private James R. Mellor, son of Mrs. Alice Mellor of 510 Main Street, Lester S. Bast, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bast of Berne Street, Warren E. Burket and Isaac E. Burket,both sons of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Burket of 216 Saint John Street, Corporal William J. Christ, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Christ of 122 Dock Street, Kimber Confehr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Confehr of Center Avenue, Sergeant Hobart Becker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Becker of 223 Canal Street, Albert W. Straub, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Straub of 600 Railroad Street and George C. Kramer, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Kramer of 219 Columbia Street. |
| The Pottsville Republican of August 24, 1933 DAMAGE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The Schuylkill River rose alarmingly in Schuylkill Haven and vicinity and at three o'clock this morning broke through the wall below Columbia Street and a three foot rush of water inundated the low lying land and flooded the homes. The trucks of the Headquarters Battery, with the Army truck and a Bittle and Confehr truck were held in readiness all night and when the wall broke families were removed to safety. The water rose to such heights on James and Penn Streets that a boat had to be used to bring the residents to safety when the water rushed into the homes and flooded the first two stories. This section of the town is very low and has no protection against the river. Two residents refused to leave their homes and at nine o'clock the water around them was three feet deep. There was considerable damage to cellars and stocks of knitting mills and shoe factories were damaged; the Schuylkill haven Paper Box Company building was surrounded but the water did not quite reach the floor level. Water flowed through the Huling Garage on West Main Street and flooded the Reider Shoe Company and Meck Knitting Mill. All the woodwork on the bridge to the ball grounds was washed away and the river broke through the dike and flooded the diamond. The creek along Long Run Road overflowed the road into Schuylkill Mountain and all washeries along the Schuylkill were abandoned and several boats carried away. |
| The Call of June 29, 1895 A WARNING NOTE To those whom it may concern, who have license to sell drink in certain wards in the borough of Schuylkill Haven. It is a well known fact that those saloon keepers sell on Sunday as well as on weekdays. All you have to do is go in the back way and you will get all the drink that you wish or desire. This does not apply to all, but only to certain individuals. Let them take warning and stop this Sunday selling, for if they do not, their licenses will be broken. How can any man or woman who goes before the bar of justice and takes an oath that they will not sell drink on Sunday, allow it to be sold in their houses. If he is a man or a father of a family who sells drink, he conceals himself in this manner, he will not sell, but his wife or any other member of the family can sell all they have call for. In this manner does a woman act. She takes an oath that she will not sell on Sunday, but her children or her relatives can sell all they have trade for. Such is the way in which saloon keepers trifle with justice in certain wards in Schuylkill Haven. Let this be the last warning for those persons, for the first one of them that is hereafter found out to sell on Sunday, either in the house or to have it carried out of the house, their license will be broken. Let them dare not sell drink to minors at any time. The same thing can be applied to those who are living on the border of this borough. Let them beware; there is one watching them. |
| The "Call" puts illegal liquor sellers on notice... |
| During this time frame, the Call had an editorial section called, "The Chatterbox". This particular item deals with the timeless issue of loitering youth' |
| The Call of October 12, 1906 CHATTERBOX We often wonder why it is, so many young men can be seen loafing upon our streets until a late hour of night. Many of them are from our best homes. The fathers of these young men, many of them at least are numbered among our best citizens. If their sow or their horse or even their favorite dog was away from home after dark they would be out on a search, but their own children can roam the town all night with apparently no effort being made to find them. The boy seems to be turned loose at a tender age to wander at will into the paths of sin and vice and then we wonder where all our tramps and worthless specimens of humanity come from. It is a regrettable fact that too many of them come from seed germinated in good homes and then sown in a careless manner upon our streets and back alleys. Reader, is your boy wasting his time upon our streets? If so had you not at least look after him as carefully at nightfall as you would your horse and cow. We do not intimate that this evil exists to a greater extent in this community than in our sister towns but the evil seems universal and increases in magnitude as the years roll by. |
| The Call of November 24, 1911 FALLS 50 FEET TO HIS DEATH – Charles McFadden Thrown When Girder Twists SECOND FATALITY AT NEW ASYLUM The second fatal accident at the new asylum being built occurred Tuesday evening when Charles McFadden, of Allentown , boss iron worker, fell about a distance of fifty feet, receiving injuries from which he died several hours later. The accident occurred at three o’ clock when McFadden attempted to walk across on of the iron girders, the girder not being bolted, twisted and threw him. As he fell, he struck a number of beams and when the body reached the ground, blood was oozing from a number of injuries. He was picked up by fellow workmen and rushed to the hospital nearby and everything possible was done for him. His skull was fractured, a number of bones broken and his body badly lacerated. He died at 5:30 o’clock without regaining consciousness. Several days prior to the accident, he was struck by a heavy piece of metal and suffered a deep gash on his head which required eight stitches. Guy Baker, of town, was standing near the unfortunate man when he fell. Mr. McFadden resided in Allentown . He is survived by the widow and four children. |
| The Call of September 8, 1911 FALLS 30 FEET TO DEATH – Lad Dies of Injuries Received at County Building FIRST DAY AT THIS KIND OF WORK Henry T., the seventeen year old boy of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wessner of Haven Street, met his death in a distressing manner Thursday afternoon about three o’clock. He was employed on the construction of the new County Insane Building and was wheeling a barrow of mortar on two planks across the iron girders of the second story. The wheel of the barrow slipped between the planks and threw him to the basement of the building, a distance of thirty feet. In falling he struck the iron girders with his head and fell into a ditch, striking with a sickening thud a large pipe in the ditch. The wheelbarrow with its heavy load of mortar crashed on top of him. He sustained a crushed skull and a number of internal injuries. Fellow workmen rushed to the scene and tenderly carried him to the County Hospital nearby. Dr. Gillette, the County Hospital physician, upon examination, saw at once that he could not survive. He died at 4:30 o’clock , being unconscious from the time he was picked up. Mr. Wessner’s father was summoned as soon as the accident occurred and arrived at the hospital shortly thereafter. Both the boys father and mother are prostrated over the sudden death of the oldest of their children. The body was removed to the sorrow stricken home, from whence the funeral will be held Sunday afternoon. The boy had been employed on this work for several weeks but Thursday was the first day he was put at work on the second story. He had previously been employed at the Walkin Shoe Factory and as barber for J. Mengle. He was well known and liked by all. The news of the accident was a shock to his many friends. The family has the sympathy of the community. |
| During construction of what is now known as "The 1912 Building" at Rest Haven, two tragic deaths occurred. It has been said the building is haunted. Perhaps these two poor souls still walk the halls. |
| The Call of October 31, 1913 NEW INSANE HOSPITAL OPENED HERE Schuylkill County's new $600,000 hospital for the insane, located at Schuylkill Haven, was dedicated with appropriate exercises Thursday afternoon in the presence of thousands of people from all parts of the county. The program of exercises were of a simple yet interesting nature. They were held in the chapel, second floor of the main building. The room was far too small to accommodate the large audience that annoyance was caused by persons jamming their way into the room and in a short time pressing their way through the crowds again to get out. Promptly at 2:30 o'clock the Third Brigade band, which occupied the front right corner of the chapel struck up the opening march of the program. The program as given in these columns last week then followed. It was completed and brought to a close about 4:30 o'clock by the audience standing and enthusiastically joining in singing America. For hours prior to the exercises, during the same and until five o'clock, the entire building was inspected by thousands of persons. The County Commissioners must be commended for the excellent arrangement and provision of the details for the handling of the visitors. Attendants were stationed in many parts of the building and directed the public through the same, explained the different portions of it, various kinds of apparatus, etc., and answered the many inquiries in a courteous manner. From all sides was heard expressions as to the wonderful building which has been erected, delightfully located, modernly equipped, conveniently and comfortably arranged in all its appointments and with a capacity to accommodate 600 to 700 patients. Schuylkill County sure can be proud of one thing and that is that it possesses the most uptodate and thoroughly scientific institution for the care of the insane in the state. Judge Brumm in his address struck the keynote of the entire days program when he stated the cause, in his opinion, of the present number of insane and the rapid increase of the number, throughout the country was the cigarette. He stated that he had ascertained to his complete satisfaction that there are more weak minded boys, more imbeciles, eventually lunatics, bred in this country of ours today from the effects of the cigarette then there is from the effect of alcoholic spirits. He further stated that parents should see that their children are not permitted to use cigarettes. That during his career on the bench there has not been a single instance where he examined the fingers of boys and young men brought before him for trial that he did not find the stain on their fingers of the cigarette. He said he hoped every man and woman would take some step to prevent the use of the cigarette and also to punish the villain guilty of selling them to their boys. Handsome souvenir booklets containing valuable information covering the new institution were given to all persons. |
| The Call of July 3, 1914 CHILD FOUND IN MANHOLE Some excitement was caused about town on Saturday evening and Sunday by the announcement of the discovery of a dead three year old child in a manhole of a steam pipe line at the County Institution. From the details at first obtainable the affair looked like a case of murder, but an investigation satisfied the Coroner that the child met death accidentally. The child was that of Theodore Warnisky. The father being in the county jail and the mother an inmate of the County Almshouse. While out walking Friday afternoon with its mother it became lost. Search was made during Friday evening and all day Saturday. Saturday afternoon one of the State Police made the discovery. The manhole in which the child was found is that leading to the steam pipeline between the power plant and the Insane Building. It is about ten feet deep and four feet square. The iron opening of the manhole is about twenty inches in diameter. A tin cup, such as is used at the institution, being used for soup, etc., was found in the manhole. It is believed it belonged to the child and the child while playing near the manhole pushed it over and it dropped into the hole. The child in looking down at the cup, lost its balance and fell into the manhole. A post mortem examination was mad by Dr. Lessig Saturday evening. The manhole being filled with steam pipes, the temperature was between 120 and 140 degrees and the child was suffocated and literally roasted to death as its little body was quite brown and shriveled. A feature that led one to believe that the child met with foul play was the fact that on Monday, June 29, the child was to be taken to a state home of children and it was thought the mother instead of caring to part with it, had caused its death. Investigation by the coroner did not bring to light any evidence that would cast suspicion on the mother. |

| The Call of February 16, 1917 NEWS OF SPRING GARDEN The battles between the Allies and Germany were transformed from the other side of the deep blue sea to several sections of Spring Garden on Wednesday night. The battles here were realistic with the exception of the smell of powder and the roaring of the big sixteen inch guns, although the manner in which one of the fighters roared, reminded one of the roar of these guns. The first combat took place near Centre Avenue and Dock Street. This battle ended by one of the fighters, a German, receiving two badly darkened optics and a disfiguration of the countenance. The battle lasted but a few seconds. The second engagement was fought near the Lehigh Valley arch. Fists flew fast and thick in this fight, guns were thrown to the several winds and the uniforms of both fighters, Englishmen, were smeared by the battle of honor. It is understood that the fight is only over for the time being as suits are to be brought and the courts allowed to decide to whom belongs the spoils. |
| The Call of May 2, 1919 AUTO ACCIDENT PROVES FATAL The first auto accident in Schuylkill Haven for years to result seriously and fatally was that of Tuesday struck by an auto on West Main Street. The car was in charge of Roy Eiler. It was a machine, the property of Charles Michel and was being taken to the Losch garage for repairs. The child was struck on the chest and shoulder by the guard of the machine and thrown against the fender, striking with his head. He was picked up in an unconscious condition. Mr. Eiler immediately summoned a physician. Both Doctors Gillette and Lessig arrived. An examination showed he sustained a fractured skull. he child was rushed anesthetic as his condition was considered too serious to do so. Death occurred at 5:45 o'clock. The youngster was a pupil of the second grade school of the South ward building, taught by Miss Carrie Rehrer. He had just finished his dinner and was leaving home, walked through the yard to an alley at the rear of the house leading to Main Street. Bystanders state he was standing on the pavement near the skating rink facing west. Just as the auto came from the east, he without warning stepped into the street. Although it is stated the machine was going slow, the driver could not turn quick enough to avoid striking the child a sort of glancing blow. The parents, although grief stricken over the sudden death of their son, feel the accident was an unavoidable one and do not hold the driver responsible. Besides the parents, two brothers, Elmer and Clarence survive. The deceased was in his eighth year. He would have been nine years of age on the twenty ninth of this month. He was a member of the Christ Lutheran Sunday School. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at the home of his parents. |
| The Call of May 24, 1918 COFFIN FOR KAISER BILL HERE TONIGHT Schuylkill Haven is not to be behind other towns throughout the country when there is anything of a unique nature to be had. This evening and tomorrow, the Kaiser's coffin will be exhibited in the square between the First National Bank and the Saylor building. Each and every resident is requested to drive a nail in the coffin and this drive will cost but ten cents, a small sum in comparison to what the ten cents will do. The first two nails driven into the coffin will be extracted and offered at auction to the highest bidder. All money thus procured will be given to the Red Cross Society. The coffin will be in charge of Miss Tillie Meyer and the scholars taught by her. Last week a similar event was held at Sunbury and several hundred dollars procured. Everything was going along smoothly when a timberman came along, paid a dollar for a nail, picked up the hammer and one blow, presto, the coffin went to pieces. The coffin this evening is built along more substantial lines and will stand the hardest blow that can be delivered. Remember the proceeds are for the Red Cross and do not neglect to take your "whack". |
| The Call of May 24, 1918 INVESTIGATED SEDITIOUS REMARKS Saturday afternoon last, Constable John Butz and two members of the State Police force, the latter of Pottsville, investigated seditious remarks made by two Schuylkill Haven residents, one a man and the other a woman. It is alleged that a man by the name of Kramer went into a store on Main Street and demanded ten pounds of sugar. He was refused this amount and likewise was refused flour without substitutes. The officers were informed that Kramer then said, "I wish the Kaiser would come to this country and teach these G__ D___ people a lesson." A Mrs. Fegley is alleged to have stated in the presence of two witnesses that she "Wished that every S__ of a B____ of a man going to Germany would be shot and killed." After the officers procured their testimony and the same was sworn to, they left to place the matter in the hands of the United States authorities. During their investigation, several other cases were reported, one being that of a local barber who has refused to subscribe for either one of the three Liberty Loans, the W. S. S. or the Red Cross, besides making a number of remarks. Human nature can endure just so much. If the United States authorities neglect to take immediate action in the matter, it is probable that the local authorities will. |
| The Call of July 5, 1918 ESCAPED GERMAN ROBBING FARMS HEREABOUTS A man supposed to be an escaped German alien from a detention camp is causing the farmers of this vicinity all kinds of trouble. Last week a report was made to the officers of the law that this man had entered a number of farm houses in the vicinity of Landingville and Adamsdale and had made his escape with anything that he could possibly lay his hands on. eye glasses and a small grindstone were even taken from one farm house. On Sunday afternoon, Constable John Butz and two members of the State Police force from Pottsville started out on a search for the man. At one time they were within thirty feet of him when the man suddenly bolted and made his getaway followed by a number of revolver shots. All trace of the fellow was lost until Tuesday morning of the present week. Robert Moyer and Wilson Miller, residing on the other side of the Schuylkill Mountain came to town and reported that they had been robbed of eatables and fruit. They likewise had obtained a glimpse of the man and their description tallies with that of the officers. This week apparently the same man found his way to the storage yard and when one of the employees attempted to chase him from the premises, the man pushed his hand in his shirt and warned the employee if he valued his life to keep away from him. It is believed that the German is armed with either a stiletto or a revolver and would not hesitate to use it when cornered. Autoists and others who travel the Schuylkill Mountain would do well to protect themselves or if they see the man, to report the same immediately to Constable Butz or the State Police. It is presumed that the man has a hut or a dugout somewhere, sleeps during the day and at night makes his visits to farm houses for food. He is described as being about six feet tall, red mustache, broad shouldered and partly bald. Every effort is being made to apprehend him. |
| The Call of July 12, 1918 GERMAN TAKEN AT JEFFERSON Our vicinity was greatly aroused on Sunday evening when a suspicious fellow made his appearance at the place of James Emerich and asked to sleep in the barn. When this request was not given him he became very angry and used harsh words and snappy motions towards Mrs. Emerich. He then left and went to the place of Thomas Reber, entered the barn without asking, taking off his shoes and coat and starting to sleep on the hay. Mr. Reber went to the telephone and got the Auburn Constable to the place and the neighbors rushed together armed with revolvers shotguns and clubs. They entered the barn with searchlights and found him sleeping on the hay. He made little resistance when ordered hands up and complied quickly to the rules. He was handcuffed and taken to the Auburn lockup overnight and the next morning to the county jail. It is supposed he is the man who terrorized the community along the Schuylkill Mountain, south of Schuylkill Haven for the last few weeks by stealing all kinds of tools together with smoked meats and other eatables from the farmers there. |
| The Call of September 13, 1918 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOUNDED SOLDIER BOYS From notice received by parents from the War Department and from letters received by parents from their soldier boys now in France, "The Call" has gathered the following list of town boys that have been gassed or wounded while in action. We would be glad to keep a complete list of the casualties if parents will be kind enough to notify us of the casualty and give the type of wound as soon as notified. Leon Sterner struck with shrapnel, Harry Reber gassed, Milford Klahr gassed, Allen Knarr wounded and gassed, Hugh Coxe gassed, Harry Keller gassed, William Mill struck with shrapnel, Clarence Womer shell shocked, Francis Wildermuth wounded, Joe Kantner wounded, Lester Gilham gassed and wounded, Wilmer Crossley struck by shrapnel, Kimber Fenstermacher wounded, Abraham Swartz gassed, Clarence Graeff wounded, Howard Wertz wounded and John Webber gassed. |
| The Call of October 25, 1918 SOLDIER BOY DIED IN FRANCE One of the four blue stars on the service flag at the home of Mr. Adam Burket of Saint John Street will now be changed to a gold star, indicating that a member of that family has made the supreme sacrifice and lay down his life for his country. It is the name of Isaac Burket that will be added to this town's soldier boys killed in France. The first word or intimation of the death of Isaac Burket was received by his sister Monday morning in a letter from her brother, Warren Burket, member of Company C, 103rd Engineers. This letter stated that his brother was buried on the day the letter was written, September 23rd, and from the letter one is led to believe that the writer felt sure that his father and relatives had been informed of his brother's death by the government. Up to this time no word has been received from the War Department to this effect. A postal card dated September 13th and received several weeks later from the dead soldier boy conveyed the first information to his relatives that he had been gassed. The postcard stated he had received a little mustard gas. That he was in the hospital and expected to be back with his company by the time the card reached its destination. A telegram received here from the War Department on October 8th informed the relatives that both Isaac and Warren had been wounded on September 5th, degree undetermined indicating their having been in a gas attack. The letter from Warren Burket, giving information that his brother had been buried was indeed an unpleasant surprise to say the least. The letter was written on September 23rd from a hospital near Paris. The missive contained several pressed flowers taken from the wreath of flowers that was placed on the coffin of the soldier boy. Portions of the letter are as follows: "Well, Ike was buried this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock. They held services here at the hospital for my benefit as they usually hold them in the cemetery. There were about eight other fellows from our company (Company C, 103rd Engineers) there. The chaplain conducted the services very nice and we can be thankful that he at least got a very decent burial. They had an ordinary casket covered with "Our Flag" and a wreath of flowers which I had ordered extra large at my own price. The Red Cross usually buys the wreath but the lady that represents the Red Cross asked me whether I wished to buy the flowers. He is buried in a large American cemetery here which I expect to see in the near future. I will not try to locate it now but will see whether I may tell you where it is at a later date. One of the chaplains told me that as soon as I put on a uniform I should notify this Red Cross lady and she would have him come here for me with his car and take me to the cemetery. I am sending you herewith a sample of the flowers the wreath was made of. It was about two feet in diameter and stood about three feet high. I do not know what personal belongings he had and as yet they have not given them to me but I suppose they will send them to you. I expect to be out and then they will send me to a Casual Camp and from there back to the company." Isaac Burket is the second Schuylkill Haven boy to die overseas. He was thirty six years of age, born, raised and spent his entire life in Schuylkill Haven. he was a member of Company F of the old National Guard for a number of years. He enlisted in Company C in July 1917. He was affiliated with the Grace Evangelical Church and his occupation prior to his enlistment was that of a P. and R. engineer. He resided for a number of years on Canal Street. He was a quiet young man and well and favorably known. To survive him he leaves his father and four brothers, three of whom are in the service in France, two of whom were in his company, namely Warren and Fred, and Harry in Company A, 313th Infantry. Another brother, Charles of Abrahams survives in addition to these sisters; Miss Anna and Miss Eva at home, Mrs. Harry Becker of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. George Downs of Philadelphia and Mrs. Frank Batdorf of Reading. |
| The Call of April 25, 1919 WAR TRAIN STOPPED HERE The War Trophy Train or Victory Loan Special, carrying tanks, cannon and numerous other war relics stopped in Schuylkill Haven for ten minutes on Tuesday morning enroute to Pottsville. No announcement had been made of the fact that the train would stop until about an hour or two before its arrival. Station Agent Johnston, early Tuesday morning, communicated with the company officials and men in charge of the train and induced them to make a stop here of ten minutes. The word was telephoned about town and by the arrival of the train at 10:10, several hundred adults and as many school children were massed at the local P. and R. station. The exhibit on the flat cars consisted of cannon of various sizes captured from the Germans. All bore marks of hard service. Also a bomb thrower, a caterpillar tank and an armored car. The tank saw service on the front in France for several months. The most interesting exhibition was in the seventy foot baggage car, but the period of time was too short to permit the public to view it. It consisted of star shells, helmets, machine guns, mortar bombs, a naval mine, shells of various kinds and sizes, German clothing, guns, swords, bayonets, German, French, English and American gas masks, etc., etc. Several short speeches were made by several of the speakers bureau but their remarks were several times interrupted and the audience prevented from hearing the same by a coal train that kept chugging away, pulling up and down past the war train and whistling. A bystander near "The Call" man adaptly put that it was the most brazen evidence of German propaganda yet shown in this town. |
| The Call of April 9, 1920 16 YEAR OLD BOY KILLED BY AUTO Raymond Sterner, the sixteen year old son of Charles Sterner of Auburn, was instantly killed Tuesday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock by being run over by an auto truck, the property of the Rettig Brewing Company of Pottsville. The accident occurred on Centre Avenue, a short distance above the home of was going north as was also a junk dealer who had an unhitched horse walking along the side of his wagon. The auto was just about driving around the junk dealer's team when the boy on the bicycle came south. The driver stated his particular attention was called to him as he appeared to be very nervous or just learning how to ride. As he passed the machine the driver leaned from his car to see how he was afternoon about 4:30 o'clock by being run over by an auto truck, the property of the Rettig Brewing making out. He was shocked to see his body lying in the road. The boy's front wheel evidently was Company of Pottsville. The accident occurred on Centre Avenue, a short distance above the home of Joseph Maberry. The boy was riding a bicycle and was coming south on Centre Avenue. The auto truck was dead when he was reached. The body was picked up and carried into the home of Joseph Maberry. The wheel of the machine passed over his forehead and diagonally across his face crushing the same. There were but a few bruises on his body. several hours were required before the identity of the young man was established. It appears the boy made his home with his uncle, a Mr. Koch, residing on Caldwell Street. He had come to Schuylkill Haven but a few days previous to his death. His home is in Auburn. One brother residing in town also survives. The funeral will take place this afternoon at one o'clock with services at the Koch home and later in the Red Church. O. A. Bittle will be the funeral director. |
| The Call of August 27, 1920 CHILD KILLED BY AUTO TRUCK Anna, the eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Berger of North Berne Street, was run over and Mr. Reed, who is well known here, made frequent visits to town and disposed of his farm produce to residents of Berne Street. The children frequently watched for him on particular days and hung on the machine. Mr. Reed had warned them repeatedly to discontinue their practice. On Saturday when he was about to depart from in front of the Berger home, he ordered all of them off the truck and started the engine. Just as the machine began to move he heard a woman scream and looking around saw the girl Anna, the eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Berger of North Berne Street, was run over and clinging to the side of the truck. He immediately stopped the car but too late as the clothing, having instantly killed by the auto truck of Squire Reed of Summit Station, Saturday shortly after the noon hour. come in contact with the tires, the little body was drawn underneath the rear wheels. The child was internally injured and bruised about the leg and neck. Death was caused by the neck having been save her life. Mr. reed has been absolved of all blame by the parents of the child. Needless to say, the Squire feels the result of the accident almost as keenly as the parents. The little girl was a member of Saint John's Reformed Sunday School. Last year she was a pupil in Miss Raudenbush's school. Besides the parents, these survive: Marlin, Donald and Arvil. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon with services at the late home by Reverend M. A. Kieffer. Many bouquets of flowers were presented by friends and playmates of the deceased as well as the Sunday School. O. A. Bittle was the funeral director. |
| The Call of July 8, 1921 GERMAN SHRAPNEL REMOVED FROM LOCAL SOLDIER BOY'S NECK John A. Knarr, Liberty Street, was one of the boys who served his Uncle Sam in the world war. He was one of the boys who was struck by Kaiser Bill's shrapnel. A piece hit him in the neck below the right ear. Upon his return to his country he visited two government hospitals to have the same removed. at each he was told the same had been removed. Recently the same began to give him trouble. He came to the office of Dr. Lessig one evening with a badly swollen jaw and face. The swollen portion was lanced and drainage affected preliminary to further probing for the shrapnel. Several evenings later he returned to the doctor's office, was given a local anesthetic and the doctor removed a piece of shrapnel of good size. John says he feels much better now as he was not at all favorably impressed with carrying around with him anything that had any connection with the Kaiser. |
| The Call of July 7, 1922 KILLED BY AUTO ON CENTRE AVENUE Sad as it was sudden, was the death of William Boussum of Dock Street, one of the town's best known persons, which occurred shortly after nine o'clock Saturday evening. Mr. Boussum met death as the result of being struck by an automobile driven by Walter Sheafer of Pottsville, going north on the avenue. Mr. Boussum was assisting some members of the Rainbow Hose Company to flush the debris and mud from Centre Avenue, which had been washed thereon by the heavy rains. He was in the act of stooping down to take a kink from the fire hose when he was struck. He was dragged along the street about forty feet. When picked up, life was extinct, as the back of his head had been crushed in. His face and front of his body was bruised and bleeding as a result of having been dragged. His one leg was broken in two places. Tenderly he was carried to a nearby home and Dr. Detweiler summoned. The doctor's examination merely confirmed his death. The autoists in the Buick touring owned and also operated by a Mr. Walters of Pottsville, were returning from the country club. It is alleged that the machine was traveling at a rapid rate. The driver continued toward Pottsville. Mr. Daniel Greenawald, who was on his way to the brick plant, witnessed the accident. Turning around and noting that the other auto continued on, he hurried after him. Mr. Harry Sterner accompanied him and on the stretch between town and Seven Stars it is said it was necessary to drive sixty five miles an hour to overtake the other machine. Mr. Greenawald passed the auto and turned his car square across the road, narrowly escaping being run down. The blood was still noticeable on the fender of the car. The autoist was brought back to Schuylkill Haven. A hearing was immediately before Squire W. C. Kline. The charge preferred was manslaughter. The driver stated he thought he had struck a post or several lines of hose. He was committed to jail without bail. The court later released the young man, a student at Yale, on $5000 bail. The coroner's inquest will be held some time the coming week. William Boussum was a lifelong resident of the town and known to most every resident. He was forty five years of age. He, for many years, was employed at the P. and R. car shops. He was a member of the Moose and the Rainbow Hose Company. In this latter organization he was one of the most indefatigable and most willing workers. Regardless of the time or place of a fire, "Kutch" Boussum, as he was more familiarly known, was among the firemen. His death cast a deep veil of sorrow over the entire section of the community in which he resided. The news of his death was on the lips of everyone Sunday. the deceased was of a jovial disposition, always full of life and sunshine and it was this happy temperament that made and retained his innumerable circle of friends. Besides the widow, three stepchildren survive. Also two sons, Thomas of Cressona and John of Pottsville. Also one sister, Mrs. Harry Maurey of Orwigsburg. |
| The Call of January 14, 1921 EASTERN STAR INSTITUTED An Order of the Eastern Star was instituted here Thursday afternoon with auspicious and detailed ceremonies. The new ladies organization to which only wives and daughters of members of the Masonic Fraternity are eligible, will be known as Schuylkill Haven Chapter Number 317, Order of Eastern Star. The institution was made possible by the presence of seventeen Grand Lodge officers who came from Pittsburgh, Hazleton and Wilkes Barre. The event took place in the Keystone Hall and lasted from about one o'clock until five. In addition to the local fifty chartered members of the order and the Grand Lodge officers, there were present members of the Eastern Star lodges from Pottsville, Minersville, Saint Clair, Tamaqua, Hazleton, Reading and Philadelphia. New paraphernalia had already been received by the local chapter and was used during the ceremonies. Several hundred persons were present, all of whom were served refreshments following the lodge session. The Grand Lodge officers were met at the P. R. R. station, Pottsville, at noon and brought to town in autos and served with dinner at Hotel Grand. The new order is composed of some fifty charter members and has this same number of candidates for admittance to the lodge. The complete list of officers installed is as follows: Worthy Matron, Mrs. H. C. Gleockler; Worthy Patron, George M. Paxson; Associate Matron, Mrs. Frank Schumacher; Conductress, Mrs. John Berger; Associate Conductress, Mrs. Frank Reider; Treasurer, Mrs. Harry Quinter; Secretary, Mrs. G. O. O. Santee; Chaplain, Mrs. George Berger; Marshal, Mrs. W. E. Stine; Organist, Mrs. George Long; Points of the Star, Mrs. H. D. Felix, Mrs. Harvey Heim, Mrs. J. A. Noecker, Mrs. Carl Eves, Mrs. Charles Rickson; Sentinel, Mrs. James Lengel; Warden, Mrs. Walter Bast. |
| The Call of February 1, 1924 KKK HELD OPEN MEETING HERE The Invisible Order of Ku Klux Klan held a public meeting here Monday evening in Bittle Hall. It was attended by about two hundred and fifty citizens of the town who were invited by small cards handed to them personally several days before the meeting. An address of over two hours length was delivered by the speaker of the evening. His first statements relieved the minds of many of his hearers when he remarked that the organization was not an Anti-Catholic, Anti-Negro or Anti-Jewish institution as has been charged. He explained at some length how the KKK had come to be thus charged. The speaker held the attention of the audience for almost the full two hour period by a most clear and concise explanation of the principles, aims, plans and workings of the order. He explained why the gown and hood is worn by the members. The Ku Klux Klan, continued the speaker, has been unjustly charged with unpardonable conduct and crimes committed by unknown persons who have donned the somewhat peculiar shaped mask and gown worn by this organization. These acts are the results of personal grievances and the mask and gown is used by these unscrupulous persons to shield and protect their identity. The KKK is unjustly blamed for many happenings of this nature. The Ku Klux Klan does not proceed in this manner. Not a hand is to be raised against or laid upon any individual in a harmful or injurious way. The speaker explained that if there is reason for improvement of conditions either of a personal or municipal and civic nature, warnings are first issued to persons concerned and if the result is not accomplished notices are then posted. If there is no improvement the officials of the town or city are notified. If this does not produce the desired result, county officials are notified, then state officials and finally the National Organization. It is also understood that following the meeting and during the week quite a few persons have signed allegiance to the Ku Klux Klan in this section, as a result of this open meeting conducted in no unusual way. |
| The Call of March 21, 1924 TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN OPERATION This week Street Commissioner Huy with his assistant "Uncle Will" placed in position the four American Gas Accumulator Traffic Beacons. One each was placed at the corner of Berne and Columbia, Saint John and Main, Main and Dock, and Dock and Centre Avenue. The beacons, as we endeavored to describe in these columns months ago, are mounted on solid concrete foundations. A warning signal is flashed in four directions both day and night. The signal light is mounted on top of an oblong box which contains the gas tank and machinery that operates the same. The four were placed on trial and are expected to assist in regulating traffic and preventing accidents. A thirty day trial will be allowed and if the borough decides to retain them the cost will be in the neighborhood of two hundred dollars. The gas tanks are of a capacity sufficient to operate each light for six months as only a small amount of gas is consumed daily. |
| The Call of June 30, 1922 SOLDIERS' MONUMENT PLACED This week the memorial tablet to the nine soldier boys of Schuylkill Haven who were killed or died during the World War was placed in position. It is mounted on a concrete base in the Canal Street parkway about midway between Union and Main Streets. It faces Main Street. The memorial consists of a large handsome granite boulder with a bronze plate attached on which are printed the names of the soldier dead. The memorial will be dedicated and unveiled with proper ceremonies at a later date to be announced. The committee of the Legion Auxiliary having this part of arrangement in hand will hold a ceremony on the parkway which will likely consist of community singing, the presentation and acceptance of the marker and an address. |
| The Call of April 1, 1927 DEAD BABE FOUND IN BED OF CREEK Some excitement was caused Saturday afternoon by the finding of a dead infant babe in the channel of the creek which flows from Garfield Avenue, underneath the banks of the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania Railroads and continues on through the property of W. C. Kline where it empties into the level. The body, that of a girl of about four months premature birth, was found at a point in the stream at the Pennsy Railroad arch. The discovery was made by William Sattizahn who was assisting Mr. Kline in removing some of the debris from the channel of the stream. The body was found unclothed, there not being even a stitch of clothing or wrapping of any kind. The authorities were summoned and Deputy Coroner Heim made an examination and pronounced that the babe had not been in the water for a longer period than from Friday evening. It was thought that it was hardly possible that the body was placed at the point where it was found but rather thrown into the stream at some point along its course. At this season of the year there is considerable current and the body could easily have washed down to the point where it was found. Possibly if men had not been working in the vicinity on Saturday afternoon the body would in time have been washed into the river and the discovery never made. The body was taken to the morgue at the county institution and during the week it was ordered interred by Coroner Heim. The authorities are investigating the matter and may fix responsibility shortly. |
| The Call of August 3, 1928 TWO YEAR OLD CHILD DROWNS IN POOL OF WATER Less than one half hour after the two year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Berger of Liberty Street, standing at the rear of the lot with his mother, had waved goodbye to his granddaddy, Milton Berger, flagman on the Reading express Number 6, leaving here for Philadelphia Sunday morning at 11:30, as the train passed the home, the child was cold in death and frantic parents mourned over the body. The child had been brought up to the house from the rear of the lot by the mother but walked around to the front. As the mother was preparing for the noon day meal, his absence was not discovered for a few minutes. Upon the discovery, one of the members of the family was sent to the home of the grandparents a few doors away where the child frequently went. The child was not at the home of the grandparents. The little fellow had gone out front and into the yard of a neighbor, Schuyler Frehafer. At the end of the yard was a ditch or hole that was being prepared to be used as a cesspool. The child wandered to this hole and on top of three or four feet of water the mother found the lifeless body. Dr. Rutter was summoned but found life extinct. Dr. Fegley of Tremont, County Coroner, made an examination of conditions on the premises where the drowning occurred and issued a death certificate of accidental drowning. The funeral of the child took place Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock. Services were conducted by Dr. Noll at the home. Interment was made in Cressona. D. M. Bittle was funeral director. Besides the parents four children survive: Arlis aged seven, Milton Gerald aged six, Jean aged four and Lola an eight month old child. The deceased child was two years of age Thursday of last week. The little fellow was the pride of the home and much sympathy was extended to the parents and to the grandparents also in their bereavement. |
| JOHN FINCHER |
| This article published in The Call on July 22, 1921 gives detailed information on the section of Schuylkill Haven known as "Spring Garden" |
| SPRING GARDEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF TOWN "Spring Garden!" What, why and where is it? To explain what it is will require several paragraphs. To explain where it is may be difficult, nevertheless we will undertake to do so. Spring Garden is not a suburb of town but like several other names given to different sections of all big "cities", it is simply the title given years ago to that portion of the town located on the north of the central portion. Just what portions of the northerly part of the town constitute Spring Garden have never been quite definitely determined, although it is generally conceded to include that portion of the North Ward beginning at Paxson Avenue and extending for some distance north and east. By some persons it is said Centre Avenue is the eastward boundary and this may be true as that section east of Centre Avenue has a name all its own, Nosedale or years ago generally called "Naussadahl". Then again Spring Gardeners tell us it includes all of the North Ward. For chronological purposes therefore we will take it for granted that is exactly what it consists of; the entire North Ward. Now, How Come? Well in the early history we understand, physically Spring Garden was a separate village from Schuylkill Haven. It was separated near Paxson Avenue by a huge swamp which in later years was filled in by the borough. Minutes of the town council years and years ago show that considerable filling had to be done at that point and at other places trees had to be cut down. Spring Garden was the title early assigned to that particular section. Just why such a name was chosen, older residents do not seem to be with wooded hills, the river and several streams running through it. Then too there was a spring on what is now Haven Street near the Pennsylvania Railroad station. A spring that has proven to be of a never failing supply and a spring whose water is always fresh and very cold and a wonderful thirst quencher. The spring prior to the laying of water pipelines, supplied hundreds of families with water. It was a spot where housewives would meet during the day to greet one another or perhaps discuss some item of interest that occurred in this section. "The Spring" was also considered the "hang out" of a number of the male population in the early evenings. It became a regular town square and folks gathered in that section and whiled away hours at a time. The spring today supplies many people with good fresh and cool water. As to its purity at this time we are not too certain. Several years ago a sample of the water tested by the State Health Department was not given a very satisfactory or clean bill. There are many prominent features in Spring Garden that can be enumerated to show or prove, "What it is" and therefore answer the first question in the article. The assessed valuation of the North Ward for the year 1921 is $294,108. There are 476 male taxpayers and 460 female taxpayers in this ward. The women taxpayers will pay $427.07 regular borough tax and $54.38 special borough tax or a total of $481.65. The male taxpayers will be required to pay, according to the records of the Tax Collector, $2514.01 regular borough tax and $316.08 special borough tax or a total of $2830.09. In this ward $71531 is reported as being on interest by its residents. According to a report made by the Fire Chief of town on July 16, 1920 there are 332 houses in the North Ward. This number it is thought has been somewhat increased since this date. Spring Garden was years ago one of the busiest sections of the town. It was the seat of activity of the boating industry as the coal landings and docks were located in this ward. The coal was dumped from the mine cars to the waiting canal boats after being weighed. Many residents remember the busy center and importance this particular point held in the Schuylkill Canal boating. From Schuylkill Haven, three fourths of all the coal began its trip by water to tide points. With the boating industry having passed and much of it forgotten, Spring Garden took on another form of activity on a relatively larger scale and of equal if not far greater importance, the Reading Company car building and repair shops. There are employed at this, the town's most important industry, something in the neighborhood of 350 men. Their importance to the P. & R. Railroad system is also very great, so that Spring Garden seems to be able to maintain its honor of being a most important center of industrial activity. While on the industrial subject we cannot fail to underestimate the value of its other industries, namely the Berger Brothers Knitting Mill, the Berger Brothers Bleachery, the J. E. Stanton Knitting Mills, the Alberta Knitting Mills and the Keystone Paper Box Factory. While Spring Garden contains the most important as it were industry, the P. & R. shops, it also has within its boundary the most important of the town's institutions and pride, namely the electric light and power plant. Located on Haven Street, this industry is frequently visited by out of town people who marvel at its size, spic and span condition and the fact that it is a municipal plant, owned and controlled entirely by the borough of Schuylkill Haven and being operated upon a paying basis. These facts have been in most instances lost sight of by the Schuylkill Haven people who have sort of forgotten its importance. Then too, lest we forget, Spring Garden contains the largest and most important unit of the public school system, namely the High School or Haven Street $85,000 building. Other important things which are located in Spring Garden but of which we give little consideration until brought face to face with the realization are the burial grounds. It contains three of them, namely the Episcopal, the Jerusalem and the Union Cemeteries. Unless we are of the Catholic faith we can expect to spend unnumbered days in Spring Garden. Of the town's nine churches, four are in Spring Garden, namely the First Reformed, the Christ Lutheran, Saint Ambrose and the Episcopal. It has a less number of hotels than any other section of town, priding itself on the small number of two. All of the town's bathing and fishing resorts or ponds with the exception of one are in Spring Garden, namely Willow Lake, the Dock and the Level. Since the opening of the latest of the bathing resorts, namely Willow Lake, hundreds and hundreds of persons visit Spring Garden weekly and as a result considerable has been added to the popularity of this section of town. Two of the three railroads in the town pass through Spring Garden, namely the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Lehigh Valley. It is the home of the first and oldest fire company, the Rainbow Hose. It is the home of important municipal officers, namely the Chief of Police, Street Commissioner and the Borough Auditor. While it does not contain that important institution, namely the Post Office, it nevertheless can boast of being the home of Postmaster Ebling and one of the Post Office clerks and one of the mail carriers. One thing Spring Garden lacks and for which we have frequently heard expressions favorable for it, is a motion picture theater. It is believed that were a motion picture theater to be conducted in Spring Garden it would be a paying proposition at least for three evenings every week. This amusement may be provided for sooner or later. Spring Garden contains a considerable length of paved street, the equal if not greater amount of paved streets than any other ward or portion of town. Then too, it contains to our mind, the most beautiful residential section in Schuylkill Haven, namely Centre Avenue. With the majority of the houses on this street built upon an elevation with fine lawns, pretty retaining walls in front of them and the homes of neat roomy design, one passing through the town cannot help but be impressed with its pretty appearance. With this street being concreted it will be a very fine driveway indeed and by reason of its being the connecting link between Pottsville and Reading, will be traveled most extensively. Spring Garden is a healthy live and prosperous place to live in and few of its residents ever move from it to other sections of the town. It contains up to date stores supplying most every need and desire in the way of wearing apparel or food stuffs. Proof of this is further found in the page of display advertisements of its leading merchants in this issue and which will also be found in next week's issue. These merchants believe in advertising and are using this means not to call attention to their particular stores but to Spring Garden as a whole as being an ideal, desirable place to live and a place where one can shop most satisfactorily and to advantage. |
| 80 YEARS AN INCORPORATED BOROUGH At an election held at the house of Philip Boyer on June 13, 1843, the following were elected: Chief Burgess, John Heebner; Town Councilmen Mark Mellon, Moses Reed, Samuel Bowen, Michael Frehafer, Gideon Bast; High Constable, Robert Mellon; Borough Constable, Rowland Kline; Supervisor, John Saylor; Reed and Andrew Boyer; Inspector of Elections, William Saylor; Clerks, Daniel H. Stager and John Frehafer; School Directors, William Sterner and Mr. Feger. D. H. Stager was reappointed Town Clerk. James Campbell accepted the offer as solicitor for the borough for one year. George Kauffman was elected Treasurer. The tax rate on August 7, 1843 was fixed at four mills on the dollar. At a meeting on September 4th, it was resolved that no person be exempted from paying wharfage for articles landed on any of the public landings or roads of the borough. On each ton of limestone so landed, two cents per ton, stone, five cents per thousand, lumber, five cents per thousand. Any of these articles that were not moved from one place of landing within one month, double wharfage is to be charged. COUNCILMEN TO EAT OYSTERS A peculiar and yet very interesting record under date of December 4, 1843 is as follows: "The Council agreed that each member and officer of the borough shall have the right to eat oysters on the second day of Christmas for fifty cents." On March 4, 1844 it was decided that unless Jacob Feger paid the rent due the borough for his tinshop standing in the public road, the High Constable was to have the shop removed. THE FIRST FIRE APPARATUS It was also decided to have two ladders made, one twenty eight feet long and the other twenty feet long and four fire hooks, two with ropes attached. That the same should be kept in some central part of town and not be used for any other purpose unless in case of fire. James Campbell was paid twenty dollars for service as solicitor for one year. FIRST FIRE HOUSE Under date of April 1844, a notation was to the effect that the place for the ladders and hooks chosen was near Schumacher's Store and that the supervisor was to plant six posts in the ground about five feet high and six apart, roof the top with two boards and the back part with two and put wooden pins in said posts about eighteen inches long, also two chains six feet long to each fire hook. On May 6, 1844 the rate of wages for borough laborer was fixed at eighty cents per day and hauling at $1.62 per day. At the election in June 1844 Henry Saylor was elected Chief Burgess; Charles Kantner, John Deibert, John Martin, Reuben Shrader and B. W. Hughes were elected councilmen. Daniel H. Stager and John Hudson were elected school directors. The tax rate was fixed at four mills. In October 1844 it was decided to stone Front Street from the canal bridge up to Mrs. Mannon's hotel. On April 15, 1845 the Supervisor was ordered to open Broad Street in Rhode's addition to Schuylkill Haven along the Philadelphia and Pottsville Railroad. The High Constable was ordered to remove a hog stable as a public nuisance on the lot occupied by William Mitten PLENTY OF POLICEMEN At an election in June 1845, Henry Saylor was elected Chief Burgess. Mark Mellon, B. W. Hughes, William Schoener, Joseph Moyer and Dr. John G. Koehler were elected councilmen. Charles Huntzinger was appointed as Treasurer and Charles Saylor as Secretary. Policemen appointed were: Peter Martin, Joseph Feger, John Boyer, John Frehafer, Franklin Bensamin, Jacob Sterner, John Wirtz and George Schwint. The salary of the Chief Burgess was fixed at $25. At the same meeting in which his salary was fixed it was decided that he, the chief burgess, be subject to a fine of one dollar for each and every meeting of the Town Council which he does not attend. COUNCILMEN WERE PAID It was also decided that each and every member of the Town Council be entitled to the sum of fifty cents for each and every night of his attendance at any meeting. Every councilman failing to attend any meetings shall be fined fifty cents each time. On August 1845 it was decided that the laborers be paid eighty five cents per day from six a. m. to seven p. m. On October 6, 1845 an ordinance was passed prohibiting casting or depositing on any of the streets or alleys any beef, calf or sheep head or any bones. The fine was fixed at three dollars. Abraham Bartolet was notified to appear before council and make settlement for the sand taken from the street leading from Philip Boyer's to Verner's. John Saylor was given the privilege of quarrying the stone from saint John to Saint Peter Street. In return for this privilege he was to grade the street between Saint John and Saint Peter. The Schuylkill Navigation Company was notified to stop taking earth to Market Street and William Kiehner was notified not to encroach on Front Street with his building. |
| The Call of March 4, 1921 offered this hodgepodge of information from early town council meetings in the 1840s when Schuylkill Haven was newly incorporated as a borough. |
| The Call of January 18, 1929 GAS KILLS YOUTH IN HIS GARAGE Lester Shappel, a robust and well liked young man of Schuylkill Haven met death in a sad manner Monday afternoon in the garage in the rear of his father's home on Centre Avenue, when he was apparently overcome by monoxide gas from the operation of his automobile in the closed garage. The horrible discovery was made by his mother, who shortly before one o'clock went to the chicken coop, adjoining the garage to feed the chickens. She found smoke issuing from the garage and looking through the window saw the body of her son in a crouched position on the floor. She attempted to open the garage door but did not succeed in doing so as the body was propped against it. Neighbors summoned removed the body to the home and physicians were called. Dr. Mengle was first called and he worked desperately to restore life. Dr. Rutter was also summoned as was a physician from the Warne Hospital. Life however was extinct. The deceased left the house for the garage and expressed his intention of working on his automobile. It is understood however, that he was seen downtown and spoken to by friends shortly after ten o'clock. It is presumed he returned and began working on the car. When discovered the hood on the machine was raised and the ignition switch was on. The engine was not in operation and it is thought it possibly became choked and stopped. All the poultry in a pen adjoining had been killed by the gas. Until recently the deceased was employed at the brick yards. He was nineteen years of age. He was in good health and his cheerful disposition made for him innumerable friends. He was a member of the First Reformed Church and Sunday School. Besides the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Shappel, one brother, Luther of Schuylkill Haven and three sisters, Mrs. Daniel Michel and Mrs. Barnhardt of Schuylkill Haven and Mrs. |
| The Call of June 21, 1929 BATHER KILLED BY LIGHTNING HERE Miss Bernice, the eleven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Krasuskey of Girardville was instantly killed at Willow Lake Wednesday afternoon shortly after five o'clock by a bolt of lightning, which preceded the breaking of a severe electrical storm over this locality. The young lady was standing underneath a large willow tree, which stands between the bungalows of James Mellon and Mr. Keiser and about fifteen feet from the water's edge. The bolt of lightning struck in the center of the tree and followed wires to the Willow Lake office where the electric fuses in the control box were blown and burned out. The shock was distinctly felt for several moments by the bathers in the lake and was described by them as being a tingling sensation. The victim was standing alone at the time and when bathers nearby saw the body fall forward, they rushed to the scene. A nearby automobile was commandeered and the child was rushed to the office of Dr. J. A. Lessig where attempts were made to revive her but without avail. The body was then taken in charge of by Undertaker D. M. Bittle. The young lady came to the lake accompanied by her aunt, not more than ten minutes before being struck. She had donned a bathing suit and was about to enter the water. |
| The Call of November 2, 1928 WAR HEROES MEDAL TO BE PRESENTED NOVEMBER 13 The Distinguished Service Cross will be presented to Mr. Irwin Lautenbacher of Schuylkill Haven on Tuesday evening, November 13th, at the Armory in Pottsville, with full military ceremony by Colonel L. S. Sorley, present commander of the 79th Division. The honor to be thus bestowed by the War Department is for extraordinary heroism by the son of Mr. Lautenbacher, Lieutenant Ivan Lautenbacher, Company C, 316th Infantry, in action near Verdun, France on September 29, 1918. As a result of the wounds received in action the lieutenant died two days thereafter, The ceremony will be in complete charge of the War Department and conducted with military pomp and is probably the first public ceremony of this particular nature, where the Distinguished Service Cross will be presented as a posthumous award. The public is invited to attend. The armory in Pottsville was chosen because of the fact that it offered the only suitable and proper place for a military ceremony of this kind. |
| The Call of November 16, 1928 TOWN BOY HONORED BY UNCLE SAM For the first time in the history of Schuylkill County, a Distinguished Service Cross was presented to a Schuylkill County man by the War Department. The man so honored was Ivan L. Lautenbacher, deceased of Schuylkill Haven. The Distinguished Service Cross, one of the highest awards for valor and bravery to be made by the government, was presented to the father of the deceased soldier boy by Colonel Sorley, Chief of staff of the 79th Division. The colonel reviewed the history of the life of the young man, together with the events leading up to the action on the field in France in which Lautenbacher was mortally wounded. With the members of the Headquarters and Service Battery of the 213th C. A. P. N. G. drawn up and at attention, the actual presentation of the medal to the father of the soldier boy, there was presented a military scene of pomp and impressiveness never before witnessed in this section of the state. The acceptance by the father and the family was without comment. Prior to the actual presentation of the award, drills were executed by both companies while the Bressler Band furnished music for the occasion. There were numerous representatives of Uncle Sam in attendance as well as representatives of the American Legion, Mr. and Mrs. Lautenbacher, Mr. and Mrs. William Schlappich and Miss Catherine Lautenbacher, members of the family occupied seats of honor. Quite a number of Schuylkill Haven invited friends were also in attendance. The Distinguished Service Cross Citation and the Posthumous Award was based upon the following conditions: Ivan L. Lautenbacher, formerly first lieutenant, Company C, 316th Infantry, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Confined to the hospital with a severe attack of influenza, at Mountfaucon, he stuck his evacuation tag in his pocket when the drive began on September 27th and went to the field of battle. He was chased off the field and to the hospital by the captain. Next day, Lautenbacher again left the hospital and by removing his evacuation tag got to the field of battle. The captain again ordered him to the hospital telling him that he was too sick to be out of the hospital. At the moment of conversation however, the captain was wounded and to Lautenbacher he said, "They got me. Take charge." Lautenbacher then took command of the company and fought with them and for two days he, with the company, was without food or water on the drive on Verdun. While in action on September 29th, Lautenbacher was hit with a steel jacket bullet. The bullet entered his right breast and came out at his left groin. The wound was such a severe one and so painful that he could not be carried on a stretcher but upon a specially constructed chair and with eight men detailed for the purpose, he was carried back to the hospital where he passed away on October 2nd. The body was brought to Schuylkill Haven and on October 20, 1920 with full military honors, it was placed in its final resting place in Union Cemetery. |
| In 1915, The Call newspaper put out the question,"Who is the oldest resident of Schuylkill Haven?" What followed was the reminiscences of the town's oldest residents of the day. Here are some of the stories of early Schuylkill Haven as told by the oldest citizens of the day. |
| The Call of April 23, 1915 REMINISCENCES OF HENRY RAUDENBUSH Henry S. Raudenbush of Main Street, known to most everyone as "Daddy", has entered the contest as the oldest resident or the one who has resided here the longest. He is eighty four years old. He came to Schuylkill Haven at one year of age with his parents and has resided here since. He was born near Boyer's Mill, the son of the late Daniel Raudenbush. They first resided on Main Street in the first house that stands back from the pavement above the Hannum property. The house is supposed to be the oldest standing residence in Schuylkill Haven today. Mr. Raudenbush stated that when he was a boy, there were but few residents. The present Main Street contained but a few residences and houses. There was a chestnut grove where the Weist, Weiss and Commings houses now stand. Dock Street was at least twenty feet lower than at present and it was even with the towpath and at many places the waters of the Schuylkill lapped over its surface. Most of the town was covered with dense woods. On the site of the present Frank Brown residence stood an old log tavern conducted at different times by Samuel Kauffman and a Mr. Hudson. On the site of the present Hotel Grand stood a small hotel conducted for many years by Squire Dengler. Then there was another tavern near the Schuylkill Bridge conducted by a Mr. Boyer. It must be remembered Mr. Raudenbush spent his boyhood days in this town from 1831 on and there were no railroads, trolleys or canal boats in the earlier days. Mr. Raudenbush, because of his age, does not remember how the mail and newspapers of that day were gotten into town or where the first Post Office stood but he remembers several of the stores. One store, that of John Schumacher, was where the present F. D. Starr store is. It was a general store. In it worked one by the name of C. C. Leader as a clerk. Mr. Leader is now a resident of Shamokin and is the president of the First National Bank of Schuylkill Haven. Henry's wife was also employed there. Mrs. Wiley, whose present age is ninety and who still resides in Schuylkill Haven, was employed at this store as a seamstress. A hardware store was conducted by George Snyder and Frank Feger on the site of the present Sausser Brothers store. This store has undergone little change from its former construction, that is the front portion of the store. Mr. Raudenbush can remember of Mrs. Hannum being Postmistress when the Post Office was where the G. I. Bensinger drug store now is. He does not know who was postmaster prior to Mrs. Hannum. As to the schools there were three one room school houses where the present main building now stands. Although the present main building is pretty old it is not the same as referred to by Mr. Raudenbush. This school was taught by a Mr. Guertler at one time and by a Mr. Porter on another occasion. There also was a log school house where the David Fenstermacher store is located. A school house was also located in the West Ward, then known as the "flats". As to the churches, there was a Methodist Church on upper Main Street and the "White" Church on Centre Avenue. Sunday School was conducted in a building now known as the Episcopal Church on Dock Street. Somewhere along 1851, the Lutheran and Reformed members attending the "White" Church split and built a Saint Paul's German and Reformed Church on the site of the present Saint Ambrose Church. Several years later dissension again arose in this congregation and resulted in a separation. The Reformed members rented a room in the Vouty Building, the room now occupied by The Call offices, and for years held church in the same. The Lutheran members then built their own church. Later the Reformed members built a church on North Main Street on the site now occupied by the Garrett houses. When the split took place the borough took over the church building and later sold it to persons who established the present Saint Ambrose Church. Mr. Raudenbush is a carpenter by trade. He took up this work in 1851 in the blacksmith and carpenter shop conducted by Henry Byerly on the site of the present Saint Matthew Lutheran Church. He assisted in constructing many canal boats, working in the boat yard when in charge of Abe Saylor and Superintendent Henry Sterner. He also boated for some years when a young lad. He tells of many interesting happenings when he was on the boats. In particular is the brace of accidents or narrow escapes he had from drowning. The first "ducking" he got in the canal came very near being his last one. It happened one evening as he was driving. About three miles below Hamburg, as the boat was being made ready to be lowered while in the locks, he stepped over the side of the lock to get the boat, missed his footing and went down between the boats and the side of the lock. In addition to a narrow escape from being drowned, he came very near being crushed to death against the lock by the heavy boat. His absence was discovered by his fellow boatmen and a search was begun with lanterns. Had it not been for his long hair which floated on the water he would never have been discovered. He was pulled out and rolled on a barrel and put through other rough tactics to bring back the spark of life which almost departed. On another occasion at the five locks near Blue Mountain he was jarred into the canal and had a narrow escape. In Fairmount Dam he tripped and pitched overboard and at the Laurel Locks he was swimming with other boys and got in a sort of whirlpool. They were rescued by boatmen who heard their cries for help. His fifth escape was on this side of Port Clinton when boating with Joseph and William Kerkeslager. He intended jumping from the boat on to the locks, misjudged the distance and went into the water. |
REMINISCENCES OF MOSES EVELY On Canal Street there at one time was a tavern conducted by Charles Kantner where the Motzer property now stands. There was also a tavern where the Krammes Hotel now stands, conducted by Philip Boyer. There was no bridge across the river in the early days as at present. The stream had to be forded. The road up the Schuylkill Mountain was at a different location than it now is. Near the site now occupied by the Saul and Zang Box factory was a brickyard at one time conducted by Bartley and Heim and later by Mr. Wingander. There were but two small houses on Berne Street in the early days. The greater portion of this section was hills and woods. In the early days in one of the small houses on Berne Street was committed a crime which stirred the county from one end to the other. A party by the name of Marty Peiffer cruelly butchered his wife with a big butcher knife. The trial of the murder was held in the Courthouse in Orwigsburg and attracted considerable attention. Peiffer was committed to prison for life. At one time in the early days where the present P. and R. stone bridge near the Main Street crossing now stands, was a huge frame covered bridge. A large roundhouse also occupied the site to the rear of the present "J" office. There was but one track on the railroad at that time. The engines burned wood instead of coal and the cars were but "four wheelers" and small in size. On Dock Street near Centre Avenue was a tavern. There was a school house on the Fenstermacher property. Dock Street was at least fifteen feet below its present grade. On the site now occupied by the Berger Mill was a grinding or flour mill conducted by a Mr. Seifert. On Centre Avenue the White Church stood several hundred feet nearer the street than at present. The greater portion of the town in the early days was a dense woods. Prospect Hill was nothing more than a chestnut woods where the boys had many good outings and chestnutting parties. On the site of the Keever Box and Lumber Company planing mill was a tannery. In 1850 when the Northumberland Dam burst, almost the entire town was under water. The water overflowed its banks at Saint John Street and came through between the present Saylor and Bank properties, went back Saint John Street to Union, down Union to the canal on Canal Street. Practically the entire lower section of the town for a time was under water. At several points it was several feet deep. Many stables, portions of houses, fences, lumber of all kinds, etc. floated down the river. A number of chickens and several pigs were saved from a watery grave by men who pulled their coops and pens out of the water as they went through town. The water washed away the old railroad bridge where the present Red Bridge is. Possibly the largest fire the town ever had was that of the Navigation Company stables when a large number of horses were burned to death and considerable property destroyed. |
| The Call of May 14, 1915 REMINISCENCES OF CAPTAIN C. E. BROWN This week is given a short history of Captain Charles E. Brown, aged seventy three years, who during the Civil War gave his country the best of service. Mr. Brown enters The Call's contest not alone from the fact that he has been a resident of the town for seventy years but also due to his excellent war record. He was three years old when with his parents John and Sarah Brown, he came to town, so that he is a resident almost seventy one years. Mr. Brown first lived in the lower portion of the flat near the "Eck" in a small log house. The house is still standing but is now weatherboarded. He first remembers being employed at ten years of age in the tobacco factory of Clouser and Kearacher which stood on the site now occupied by the B. R. Kauffman property. Mr. Brown's wages were twenty five cents a week. Mr. Brown when quite young took up boating, which occupation he followed until the outbreak of the Civil War. Returning from the war he again took up boating. He was later made weighmaster at the Landing in town and was also Captain of the wreck boat "Petril". During the time of the Molly Maguires, he was on the special police force with Captain Linden of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. He was also employed at the Bast Mill, in the rolling mill, as watchman in the First National Bank and the Schuylkill Haven Trust Company during the time both these institutions were having the present buildings erected and completed. In the early days of this town, Mr. Brown states Main Street from the Call office to the Lautenbacher property was a fine white pine woods. The trees in it were very large and beautiful. Prospect Hill was also a woods. The section from Union Street to Main Street, along Saint John Street was a swamp. This section was always full of stagnant water. At the Felix property on Wilson Street, the street went in under the railroad. On the opposite side for many years, one Enoch Blinkley conducted a cobbler shop. In the early days there were two brick yards, one tobacco factory, a rope factory, a small repair shop and these together with the boating and hauling of coal down the Mine Hill road gave employment to the town's citizens. The coal that came into Schuylkill Haven was pulled in with horses down the Mine Hill line. There were no engines on this road. There was a wooden track on top of which was iron and on this track the small cars holding from a ton to a ton and a half moved over. Some drivers had one, two, four and six horses and therefore pulled an equal number of cars at one time. A driver with eight horses brought down eight to nine cars at one time. There were no brakes on the cars. Braking was done by throwing a sprag on the wheel. In 1850 during the time of the flood a scow broke from its fastenings in the Dock and was washed down the canal taking away the Schuylkill Bridge. The docks were washed full of coal at this time and a portion of the old Dock was washed away. A new and much larger dock was then built. Main Street at one time possessed an Atlantic City boardwalk, only it was always in a very dangerous condition because of the rotten boards. It extended from the bank property to the railroad. The properties from the present bank property to the railroad were all several feet below the level or grade of the street. |
| The Call of May 21, 1915 REMINISCENCES OF MISS CATHARINE BYERLY Miss Catharine Byerly this week enters our contest and we believe comes very near taking the prize for being the oldest Schuylkill Haven resident. She is in her eighty ninth year. She was born on January 11, 1827, a short distance outside of what is now the borough line. She spent her entire life in this town, her parents moving into what was then considered the borough when she was three years of age. She is the only surviving member of a family of eight children. She makes her home with her niece, Mrs. J. Sherer of Prospect Hill. We can say she has been a Schuylkill Haven resident for her entire eighty nine years. Miss Byerly states her father fought in the Revolutionary War. When ten years of age, Miss Byerly can remember that there were but fifteen houses in the town. Her parents lived in a house on Saint John Street where the Hesser property now stands. There was a house on Columbia Street owned and occupied by a Mr. Hughes. This man also owned the entire lower portion of the South Ward or the Flat at that time. A man by the name of Robinson also lived on this street. An English family by the name of Kennedy resided on this side of the river and at about what is now the corner of Main and Saint John Streets, an old lady by the name of Berkheiser lived. On Main Street a short distance below the railroad was a general store conducted by William Huntzinger. The building was a one story block house of two rooms and a small kitchen. In one room Mr. Huntzinger conducted the store. Later another store was conducted by Edward Huntzinger where the P. T. Hoy store now is. On Canal Street resided a family by the name of Moses Reed and a Trump family also resided along this street. On Saint John Street resided families by the names of Ream and Trump. On Saint John Street resided William Neiheiser. This house is still standing at the corner of Saint John and market Streets. It was built by a German minister by the name of Kroll. On Dock Street resided a party by the name of Wymert. Prospect Hill was a great woods. On Main Street between what is now the Call office and the Lautenbacher property at one time was a woods, later an open lot where circuses were held. This was later occupied as a lumber yard. The first school house was on the hill that is now the Union Cemetery. Until a few years ago this building was still standing although in a very dilapidated condition. It was taught by a Mr. Huff. In this section of town resided also the first settler, Martin Dreibelbis and his family. In the very early days there was no church or meeting house in the town. People together with those of Orwigsburg went to church near Friedensburg either riding horseback or in the heavy wagons of the day. Later a church was built here, the "White Church", whose first minister was Reverend Kroll who was the followed by Reverend Minnick. A few years later the Episcopal Church on Dock Street was built. Here was held Sunday School regularly and was attended by nearly all the young and old of that time. It must be remembered at the period above referred to there was no railroad, neither a P. & R. line or the Mine Hill road. When the roads were built and the first trains were run over them it caused much excitement, interest and wonderment. People from the small settlements across the mountains and from miles about came into town to see the great spectacle and marveled much. At one time Indians owned and cultivated a large farm along the Long Run right near to town. They raised almost every good kind of vegetables and fruits. This farm later became what was known as the Kerschner farm. The Indians were peaceful at that time, they did not molest the whites to any extent, except on one occasion they murdered an entire family residing in a small hut on the road to Cressona near Connor's. The blood bespattered walls of the little house were for a long time a curiosity and a grim reminder of the awful murder that had been committed. Quite a number of years ago about forty Indians on horseback rode into town and through it pointing out different locations, presumably to the younger Indians, where their ancestors once lived and roamed. They attracted much attention by their pointing one way and then another but they never stopped or conversed with the residents. In the early days, prior to the erection of the county institution or almshouse it is said the sufferings of the poor and insane was intense owing to the unsatisfactory method and manner of protection. Near the site of the small house along the Turnpike at the County Home was a log shed much resembling the open sheds used for the sheltering of horses built at taverns in the country and at country churches. It was nothing more than a shed with a roof, back and sides. The front was open. Here both the sick, aged and insane were confined. The insane were chained with heavy chains and attached to heavy iron balls. The chain and ball system of preventing their escape and injuring other persons was then used. When all preparations for boating had been completed the first boat instead of being pulled by mules was pulled by three men all the way to Philadelphia. The three men were Messrs. Byerly, Hummel and Rudy. Mr. Byerly was the father of Miss Catharine. Later on, mules were brought into service. An instance or event clear in the mind of Miss Byerly is that of a drowning at the Dock. A young man by the name of Kennedy who was weighmaster slipped into the locks and was drowned. His mother and two sisters, Katherine and Martha, were left alone, the husband and father having died a time previous. The mother because of her ill health and realizing what the loss of the only support to the family would mean, was not informed of her son's accident and death. The body was kept at the office eat the locks and the funeral was held from that place. The daughters even on th eday of the funeral were afraid the news would cause the ir mother's death so they did not inform her. They dressed in white and told her they were going to a party. Instead they attended their brother's funeral. Miss Byerly has resided on Main Street in the house adjoining the Jere Kline property for sixty eight years. She is able to be about but complains greatly of aches and pains. Her hearing has been affected and it is with difficulty she can be made to understand by her friends and relatives. When interviewed by The Call man she displayed a remarkable memory reciting events in her life and the early history with little questioning. |
| Here are two mementos from the Schuylkill Haven celebration held in honor of the town's returning World War One doughboys. At left is a ribbon worn by a member of the War Council. Below is a pennant from the August 1919 celebration. |
| The Call of October 26, 1928 ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING FATAL TO SIXTEEN YEAR OLD BOY An accidental shooting proved fatal and regrettable Saturday afternoon last week when Ralph Oswald, a sixteen year old boy from Garfield Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, died in the Pottsville Hospital as the result .22 rifle. Just how the accident occurred may never be known as there were no eyewitnesses and any circumstantial evidence appears to be lacking. He had prepared to accompany his sister to the dentist and was awaiting her arrival. His body was discovered in the yard with blood spurting from his throat with every gasp of breath. He was taken to the hospital but died shortly after arrival. It was found the bullet had pierced the jugular vein and had taken an upward course and came out at the temple. It is believed he tripped and fell, either while walking or crouching with the rifle in his hand. The deceased was the son of David and Ella Webber Oswald. He was adopted by Thomas and esther Eden with whom he was living. He would have been sixteen years of age on the 28th of this coming November. He was a member of the Christ Lutheran Sunday School. He attended the Junior High School at Schuylkill Haven and was a quiet but studious pupil and well liked by everyone. A twin brother died when quite young. He is survived by a step brother, David Oswald of Perkasie. Two half sisters, Mrs. Herman Reed of Schuylkill Haven and Mrs. Crow of Hershey also survive. The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon. Reverend E. H. Smoll conducted the services. There were pretty flowers, tributes from friends and neighbors. C. G. Wagner was the funeral director. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 28, 1885 AFTER THE SPOILS Our Democratic friends at Schuylkill Haven are having quite a time contesting for the post office appointment. While there are more applicants in the field, the contest has narrowed down to Charles Keller, the clothing merchant and the renowned Peter Stanton. Keller has the support of the church members and conservative element, while Stanton is urged on by "the boys" who have fought and won the Democratic battles in the Haven. Stanton is bothered just now about the disappearance enroute of a lot of credentials he sent to Washington whose loss, he says, handicaps him greatly. The office is now held by Mrs. Hannum, a widow, and a relative of Senator Keefer and mother of the P. & R. station agent in this city. |
| Pottsville Republican of February 15, 1886 THE WORST IN THE COUNTY A Schuylkill Haven gentleman informed us this morning that the street leading out of that borough from the culvert to the intersection with the old pike is perhaps the worst in the county. On Saturday it was all that a good strong team could do to haul a wagon with a half ton load on through the mud and clay. This morning it was as much as one horse could do to haul a buggy with two occupants through. He is anxious to know what the supervisor intends doing about it. Such a piece of road is death to beasts of burden and promotes human profanity to an alarming extent. A few hundred loads of broken stone will obviate the great evil and make pedestrians and teamsters happy. |
| Pottsville Republican of February 22, 1886 PARADE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN A general holiday was observed at Schuylkill Haven today. The stores were generally closed and the people came out in force to witness the patriotic element of the town have a parade in honor of George Washington. The parade was headed by George E. Bast as Chief Marshal; assisted by James K. Helms and John Goese; Captain Burkert, Grand Marshal of the G. A. R. with sixty five men, headed by Washington Cornet Band; Schuylkill Haven Drum Corps, Schuylkill Haven Commandery, P. O. S. of A. with thirty five men; Washington Cadet Band; Junior Fire Department with sixty men; a representation of Washington on a white horse together with citizens in carriages and on foot. The display was a good one and creditable to all who took part. |
| NEW STORIES: New stories involving tragedies including: A terrific plane crash south of town kills a World war Two veteran the day he gets his pilot's license, a young boy drowns while fishing at Miller's Pond and a young mother dies in her kitchen. New Municipal stories include: Development of the "Island" for recreation in 1938 and again in 1948, the beginnings of the Smoketown and Willow Street playgrounds and the town recruits for the National Guard. Posted at the bottom of this page,in honor of Veteran's Day, are the stories of Schuylkill Haven men James G. Anderson and David C. Ney,both killed in the Vietnam War. |
| Pottsville Republican of September 1962 WIFE SEES HAVEN STOCK CAR DRIVER KILLED AT READING Charles A. Bubeck, 43, of 201 Centre Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, was killed Friday night when his stock car crashed during a race at the Reading Fairgrounds. His wife was a spectator in the stands. Bubeck was impaled on a galvanized pipe when his machine crashed while he was participating in the consolation race of the night. His car struck the fence near the pit gate. Impact of the crash dislodged the pipe, which was almost five feet above the track, supporting a wire screen. The one and a quarter inch pipe entered the car on the right side, pierced Bubeck's right shoulder and continued through his chest, coming out near the left shoulder. PIPE PIERCED METAL HOOD The car spun off the track and went about fifteen feet into the pits before the vehicle came to a halt, fourteen feet of the pipe pierced the back of the seat and went through the metal hood and out through the back of the vehicle. Dr. A. M. Snyder, a Reading physician pronounced Bubeck dead. He said death was almost instantaneous. An acetylene torch was used to burn the pipe in sections before it could be removed from Bubeck's body. SECOND FATALITY OF SEASON Bubeck's death was the second during the current racing season at the Fairgrounds. On June 8th, Leon McMinn of Coatesville, was killed when his car upset and struck a concrete retaining wall. Bubeck in two weeks would have observed his twenty fifth wedding anniversary. A son was graduated last month from the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis Maryland. His body was taken by ambulance to Community General Hospital. Dr. Fred D. Good, coroner, ordered an autopsy to be performed today. LIFELONG RESIDENT Mr. Bubeck, a life long resident of Schuylkill Haven, was a son of Mrs. Olive Falls of Orwigsburg and the late Royal Bubeck. He was a member of Saint John's United Church of Christ at Schuylkill Haven and was affiliated with the Rainbow Hose Company, the Union of Operating Engineers and was a charter member of the North Ward Social Club. He was employed as an equipment operator for James Morrsie Company of Stroudsburg. Surviving are his wife, the former Mary Phillips; his mother of Orwigsburg; his son Ensign Charles Rodney Bubeck, with the U. S. Navy, stationed at New Iberia, Louisiana; one granddaughter;four brothers and two sisters: John Bubeck in Connecticut, Roy Shadel of California, William Falls with the U. S. Marines, Ralph Falls of Palo Alto, Mrs. Carrie Schappel of Orwigsburg and Mrs. Elizabeth Roeder of Quakertown. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon from Bast and Detweiler Funeral Home in Schuylkill Haven. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park. The Reverend L. Eugene Moyer will officiate. |
| Pottsville Republican of June 27, 1889 THE SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POST OFFICE office since his appointment. Besides remodeling and repainting the interior, a new oak front has been substituted for the old glass one, and thirty Yale lock boxes have been put in for the accommodation of the public. Everybody is highly delighted with the change. These boxes are a new feature in the Schuylkill Haven Post Office and before they had been in one week, they were with few exceptions all rented. This office, during the last Republican administration was rated third class, but on the advent of the Democrat Cleveland, made it fourth class. To put it on its former footing will be Mr. Dengler's greatest effort. He says business warrants it, and if he continues as industrious as at present, there is no doubt he will succeed. For neatness and convenience it is now second to none in the county. |
| Pottsville Republican of August 22, 1889 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLITICS The Republicans of this town have been grossly outraged by the actions of Chairman Phillips and H. N. Coxe who has set himself up as the political dictator to carry out the orders of Phillips and his gang in the naming of the election officers, all the regularly elected county committeemen were ignored entirely, and Coxe, who is not even a member of the committee, named the men. Whilst this was against party usages, yet the men named were honest and no particular objections were made; but now as a last resort in order to help carry the town, Phillips has changed the polling place from the Washington Hotel (where the delegate elections have been held in the South Ward since the organization of the political party) to the Columbia Hotel at the extreme lower end of the ward in the hope that they might be better able to manipulate the primaries in the interest of Phillips and Coxe. Upon learning this last evening Captain Helms, the regular and duly elected committeeman from that ward called on Doc Coxe and asked him why such an outrage had been done the Republicans of his ward; the Doctor replied, "That is my business; I attend to those things and it is none of your business." The old veteran replied, "It is a mean, dirty, contemptible trick that only a man like you and Phillips could be guilty of," whereupon Coxe, his son and clerk violently dragged the old wounded veteran to the door and thrust him into the street. Our Republicans and citizens generally denounce this hasty action of Dr. Coxe. |
| Pottsville Republican of February 24, 1890 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN POLITICS Dr. H. N. Coxe gave a banquet at the Cross Keys Hotel to a number of his political friends and admirers on Tuesday last. The affair was kept very quiet, hence your correspondent did not learn of it until Saturday night and since it has become known it has been the talk of the town. The menu consisted of all the choicest viands and delicacies of the season and after the table was cleared and the cigars were passed a flow of reason followed. Dr. Coxe in a few well timed remarks bid his guests a hearty welcome and stated that the object of the meeting was to form a compact organization in the several wards of the town for future campaigns, and in conclusion he thanked his friends for the gallant fight they had made in the municipal election and urged them not to give up the good fight until all the offices were filled by honest and capable men. (Great applause) Some of those present could not exactly understand where the victory came in unless he meant the defeat of the old veteran, Captain Helms for School director. Honorable Lish Davis was the next orator. He gave the boys a vivid description of "Down in the Coal Mines" and related many instances of his own life up to the time that an old friend, with a Schuylkill Haven boy, called on him as he came out of the shaft and offered him a place, which he accepted, and came to Schuylkill Haven and entered the service of Dr. Coxe, which had so much to do with his life since, as all his successes he could attribute to that one event. The next speaker was Colonel Bill Reppert, who amused the party with his varied experience in the late war. Charles Shappell next recited a very comic piece entitled "The Boodler". Lewis Deibert then sang several of his side splitting seriocomic songs and in conclusion Morris Saylor made a few well timed remarks and urged the boys to renewed action. It was not until the small hours that one of the most agreeable parties that ever met adjourned. As near as we were able to learn the following were present: Dr. H. N. Coxe, host, Honorable Lish Davis, Albert Hartzel, Charles Shappell, Sigil Hays, Colonel William Reppert, Milt Meck, John Hill, Lewis Deibert, Morris Saylor, Albert Warner, August Mellon, Earl Whitman, Lewis Kaufman, John Hubner, Thomas Meck, and Lewis Klump. George E. Bast, the Chief Burgess elect was expected but failed to put in an appearance. |
| Pottsville Republican of June 11, 1890 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN EXCITED - The Voters Up in Arms Against Increasing the Debt Schuylkill Haven has been in an uproar the last week. Never since the war has this staid, conservative town been so thoroughly shaken from stem to stern as within the period ending last evening at seven o'clock. Old neighbors opposed each other and it was certainly illustrated that "it takes all kinds of people to make a world." The cause of it was a proposition to increase the borough indebtedness $38,000 and "effect a great saving to the people" in having their own water works. A circular stated that the borough pays the present water company $500 per year and four hundred consumers pay $3,200 per annum, a total of $3,700. The expense per year of the borough's water works would be: interest at 4%, $1,520, annual sinking fund, $1,266.66, expenses $50; total, $2,836.66, making a clear savings of $863.34. To the last amount must be added the sinking fund, $1,266.66, which in thirty years will pay the debt, making a real annual savings of $2,130. The charter had been granted two years ago by Governor Beaver to the Economical water Company. Among the advocates of the project were Honorable S. A. Losch, Councilman Emerick and Z. T. Hendricks. The opposition was marshaled by Dr. H. N. Coxe, John J. Kemple, Councilman Mulholland and "many citizens". Their circular ridiculed the proposed source of the water supply and objected to the cost of the charter, stated that the annual cost would include $1,500 interest, $800 for a superintendent and $500 in repairs, a total of $3,000. They charged that the new water company could not show a list of one hundred consumers at five dollars per year and the taxpayers would therefore make up the deficiency. The P. & R. Company would remove the car shops owing to increased taxation. The rate is now two mills. According to the opposition, in most other towns it is eight and Poles and Huns would build the plant, to be given out by contract. The project, it is claimed, had also been manipulated in the dark and something must be wrong. Somebody had a charter to sell. A special election was fixed for yesterday. On Monday evening a meeting of citizens was held. Dr. Coxe presided and J. J. Kemple was secretary. There were many speeches. People who had never uttered a word in public before, talked. Messrs. Emerick and Mulholland held a private conversation. They did not whisper, yet it was private and we say nothing about it. They do not now speak as they pass by. The election took place yesterday and here is the result: East Ward, 94 against and 47 for; West Ward, 32 against and 5 for; North Ward, 65 against and 18 for; South Ward, 53 against and 51 for. The total was 244 against and 121 for. Nor is the end yet. Councilman Emerick will bring a scheme before the next session of council to increase the debt and start some industrial plant, perhaps a brewery. Tis claimed that the present water company stock is paying nothing and that most of it is held by residents of Schuylkill haven and Cressona, while the bonds to the amount of $92,000 are paying six percent to the holders. It is also claimed that the majority of the holders reside in other towns. At any rate the people have decided against owning their own water supply. |
| At left is the plot plan for the borough of Schuylkill Haven as it appeared in the 1875 Atlas of Schuylkill County, published by F. W. Beers. It is quite detailed showing the canal, railroads, businesses and the owners of each residential property. It is a great source for locating ancestors who may have lived in town in that time period. |
| BEERS ATLAS |
| The following three articles relate the tale of Carl Fey, declared killed in action and then discovered to be wounded and in a prisoner of war camp. |
| The Call of June 21, 1918 CARL FEY KILLED IN FRANCE Carl Fey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Trout, of 314 Canal Street, has fallen a victim to the Hun bullet and is the first Schuylkill Haven boy to meet death on the battlefields of France. Shortly before eight o'clock last evening, his mother was handed a telegram from Washington announcing his death. The telegram was as follows: Washington, D. C. 6:18 p. m., June 20, Mrs. Lottie Trout, 314 Canal Street, Schuylkill Haven. Deeply regret to inform you that Private Carl Fey, infantry, is officially reported as killed in action, May 29th. McCain, Adjutant General. The telegram was handed to Mrs. Trout while she was visiting at the home of her father on Canal Street. Tenderly she tore open the envelope and then burst into tears. Several minutes elapsed before she could tell her parents of the contents of the telegram. Shortly after the receipt of the telegram, Mrs. Trout was visited by a representative of "The Call", and between sobs that only a mother who has offered her son as a sacrifice to her country can know, she gave an account of his brief life. Carl Fey was born in Schuylkill Haven on the 12th day of April, 1900, he being but a few months more than eighteen years of age. On April 25, 1917, he enlisted at Pottsville. The next day he was sent to Hoboken, New York and after two days there went to Columbus barracks. A short training period found him in Texas, where he remained for three weeks. He was then returned to Hoboken and on July 4 of last year, his mother received his first letter from France. Since that time she has received a number of letters, several of which have appeared in the columns of "The Call." On May 6th, Carl Fey wrote a letter to his mother and again on May 12th, Mother's Day he wrote his last letter. Both of these letters were received on the same day. Following will be found a number of extracts from both letters: Somewhere in France, May 6th. Dear Mother, I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you. I received dad's letter and was very sorry to hear of the death of Jack Barr. Mother, did you hear about young Kantner being gassed over here while we were up at the front. Mother, I will stay with you if I ever get back and I expect to get back sometime. I did not get the birthday package that you said you sent me. Sorry to hear that dad is sick. How is Oscar and his family. I guess this is all now. From your son, Carl Fey. P. S. Mother, I am going into the trenches again for the sixth time. I am under the lucky star. Don't worry. Somewhere in France, May 12th. Dear Mother, I thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope this finds you the same. How is dad, Mother? Find out how Russel Kantner is. He was up at the front and I did not hear about him for a long time. I was looking for a box but did not get it yet. Mother, today is Mother's day in France and every soldier is to write his mother a letter. I wish I was back in the U. S. A. again but I guess it won't be long till we get back. The writer then makes a number of personal suggestions and closes his letter by stating that he does not have the time to write to all and inquires about a number of relatives. He closes the letter thusly, "This is all for this time. Answer soon. From your loving son, Carl Fey, Company L, 28th Infantry. |
| The Call of August 9, 1918 CARL FEY A PRISONER OF WAR Like word from the dead, was the welcome news received on Friday noon just a few hours after "The Call" had gone to press, announcing the fact that Carl Fey was alive but a prisoner somewhere in Germany. The letter was received by his mother, Mrs. Samuel Trout of Canal Street, and the rejoicing of the mother and other relatives knew no bounds. It will be recalled that on the evening of June 20th, Mrs. Trout received a telegram from the government stating that Carl Fey was officially reported as killed in action on May 29th. The following Sunday, June 22nd, memorial services were held for the young soldier which were largely attended. It is infrequent that one returns to read his own obituary and all the nice things that have been said about him, but in all probability, such will be the case with Carl Fey. A copy of the letter is as follows: Darmstadt, Germany. Dear Mother, I thought that I would write you a few lines to let you know I was wounded. I got shot in the right jaw and also got captured on the 27th of May. Mother, how is Eleanor and Si. Mother, all my money I guess will come to you now. When you answer this letter, just address it to this hospital. Mother how is dad and yourself by this time and how is Gussie and her family. Do not worry, everything will come alright for me and you sometime. Try and send me a package with some smokes and candy. Captain Von Watter said you can. Tell them I send all my best regards. I guess this is all for this time. Son, Carl Fey, Prisoner of War, 28th Infantry. On the envelope are the words "Camp de Prisoniere de Guerre," with the date June 5th. Mrs. Trout lost no time in preparing a box of smokes and candy for the injured boy. The same was packed carefully and left Schuylkill Haven on Monday afternoon. The fact that it required almost two months for the letter to reach here is accounted for by reason of all mail from Germany first going to Switzerland, Holland, then to England, and then to the States. |
| The Call of October 11, 1918 LOCAL SOLDIER IS NOT DEAD Under date of August 9th, "The Call" published a statement to the effect that Carl Fey of Schuylkill Haven, reason of the mother having received but one letter from him it was later thought that the boy had died in camp and this supposition was generally accepted as correct. Under these circumstances Fey's name was camp and this supposition was generally accepted as correct. Under these circumstances Fey's name was listed among the Schuylkill haven boys who had made the supreme sacrifice. Now comes the announcement substantiated by proof that Fey is not dead but is still a prisoner of war. Postcards and letters have been received by his mother, Mrs. Samuel Trout, recently, which prove beyond a doubt that at the time of writing his last message to her he was a prisoner in a German camp and was in good health. The prisoner according to the first card received was stationed at the prison camp in Darmstadt, Germany. The prison camp was later moved to Worms, Germany and as the Allied Army continued its advances, the German prison camp was also moved. It is now located at Czerak, several hundred miles northeast of the home of Kaiser Bill, Berlin and about fifty miles south of the Baltic Sea. In one of the letters, Fey states he is getting along alright. He had a hole shot in his right cheek and all the teeth in his upper jaw shot out. For quite a time he could not talk and then later only in a whisper. Now he can talk loud again. He asks whether the people at home here think the war will be over soon. He inquires about a number of his friends and relatives, about the rolling mill, etc. He states he is only allowed to write one postal card a week and two letters a month. He states while he didn't have permission to tell of his having a good time in Paris and England in previous letters , he now can do so. He adds he enjoyed himself better in England than he did in Paris. He also asks his mother to send him some cigarettes and tobacco as he can not get any where he is. He states his mother will be permitted to send a package every month. He asks for a little money. All of those things are being sent by his mother together with a number of other articles. The regulations permit the sending of money in denominations of five dollars only, nothing less and no amount greater than five. From the American Red Cross Society in Switzerland, Mrs. Trout recently received a letter of instruction giving the address of her son, a map of Germany showing exactly the town near which the prison camp is located. A list of articles was also enclosed which will be passed. The list included many different things such as all kinds of canned goods, coffee, cigarettes, tobacco, etc. If clothing is sent it must be U. S. Army clothing. It requires three months for a letter from the prisoner to reach here. From the letters received, Mrs. Trout feels positive her boy is alive and while the government has him officially reported and registered as being dead, the letters coming from him right along prove this is incorrect. Mrs. Trout has received several checks from the government to apply on the life insurance taken out by Carl Fey. These are being returned with the advice that the boy is alive and well. |
| The Call of September 7, 1917 LOCAL KNITTERS CAN KNIT FOR SOLDIERS A communication has been received by the Schuylkill Haven chapter of the American Red Cross Society asking them to assist in supplying supplies and wearing material for the soldiers. The communication states that 650 each of the following articles are needed by October 16th and the portion allotted to Schuylkill Haven is sixty five each of sweaters, mufflers, pairs of wristlets and pairs of dry socks. The communication was read to the members at their regular monthly meeting held on Tuesday evening. At present there are sufficient funds in the treasury to purchase the socks but the other items will have to be made. The members feel that they are equal to the task and that the articles in question will be completed before the time allowed. There is hardly a young girl or woman in Schuylkill Haven who is not knitting at the present time. In the majority of cases the knitting is for their personal needs but it is conceded that they would be only too willing to sacrifice their own comforts for those who are called upon to sacrifice their lives if necessary. The members of the Red Cross are willing to teach all persons how to knit and whether you are a member of the organization or not, you are invited to come to the Red Cross room in the town hall on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon or Thursday evening when instruction will be given. Tuesday evenings will be devoted to surgical dressings. Persons willing to knit should notify Mrs. C. Lenker or Mrs. D. D. Dechert. An appeal is also being sent broadcast for literature for the soldiers. Good stories are in demand, books of adventure, sea stories, detective stories, collections of short stories, especially humorous ones. Books of poor print, worn out and out of date books are not worth shipping. As to magazines, the best are wanted, the very latest. Arrangements will shortly be completed for the collection of these books and magazines once or twice a month. They will be taken to the Free Library at Pottsville and shipped from there. If you have anything in the reading line that will appeal to the soldier boys, notify the secretary of the Schuylkill Haven chapter and you will be told what to do. |
| The Call of October 19, 1917 LIBERTY LOAN PARADE HERE MONDAY EVENING The effort to have the public subscribe to the Liberty Loan issue to the amount of $165,000 is meeting with success. Reports made at the meeting of the solicitors Thursday evening showed that already $75,000 has been subscribed. The largest amount is yet to be taken and every possible effort is to be made to prevent Schuylkill Haven falling down and failing to handle its pro rata share of the Second Liberty Loan. In order to reach the general public and have the proposition plainly laid before them an open air mass meeting has been arranged for Monday evening at eight. It will be held at the corner of Saint John and Main Streets. Prior to the meeting a street parade will be held. Both the Bressler Band and the Citizen's Band have willingly granted the request of the special committee to parade. The Boy Scouts will also participate and every automobilist in Schuylkill Haven is asked to join in the line and to have his car occupied with adults. Each autoist is asked to fill up his car, adults preferred. The mass meeting will be addressed by C. S. White of Philadelphia and John Robert Jones of Schuylkill Haven. Mr. George Saul will officiate as Chairman. The object of the meeting is to arouse enthusiasm in the Loan Bond campaign which is somewhat lacking and up to this time this town has not done as well on subscribing its share as other towns have. On Monday addresses will be made in the public schools on the Liberty Loan project. Attorney J. A. Noecker will speak in the North Ward school, Attorney George Paxson in the East Ward school, Attorney J. L. Stauffer in the new high school building and Attorney J. Harry Filbert in the South Ward building. The special committee having charge of the parade, mass meeting, public school addresses, etc. is Reverend G. M. Richter, F. H. Minnig and Charles Deeney. Each and every minister will be requested to bring before his people at both services this coming Sunday, the Liberty Loan matter. In order to have the town subscribe its full quota allotted, every effort must be made to have every individual subscribe. The methods now to be used as above stated are for the purpose of aiding in doing so. Many persons are of the opinion that because the bonds are sold in denominations of fifty dollars that the amount of money must be on hand or that cash must be paid for it. This is wrong. From many sources comes the information that the loan is being subscribed in several easy payment plans. In Schuylkill Haven this too can be taken advantage of. The banks offer the very easiest payment plans possible. Namely five dollars down and a dollar a week for forty five weeks. Then too employers offer similar inducements to their employees. The coming week will be the last week to sell the bonds and the solicitors will double their efforts to make a grand final drive and interview every resident. "Buy a Bond" is being driven home and all are asked to do so. The idea of buying to many is in simply giving money to the government. This is incorrect as purchasers of bonds are only loaning their money to their government and in doing so are simply backing up the flesh and blood of this country by loaning their money. If the hearts of Schuylkill Haven people are in back of the soldiers this town has sent away, and it is believed they are, the money of the town should also be back of them. The Liberty Loan is to be used to equip, arm and maintain our soldiers, to prepare them for the conflict in France and make them as effective and powerful as possible. It is also to safeguard them in every way possible. The uses of the Liberty Loan appeal to every patriotic American, as it is used for the soldiers and sailors and the principles which they uphold, which the heart of the whole country is with. Loan your money to your government. "Buy a Bond Now." |
| The Call of August 2, 1918 JOHN G. BOLTON KILLED IN FRANCE Another Schuylkill Haven boy, the third from this town has given up his life in the cause of world liberty. He is John George Bolton, aged twenty three years, of Liberty Street. This and news of another victim brings the awfulness of war nearer to home and a deep feeling of sympathy goes forth to the young widow and the parents and family of the deceased. At the same time a greater feeling of patriotism is aroused because another name has been added to the Honor Roll. The sad word of the soldier's death was received on Wednesday evening shortly after seven o'clock by the mother of the young man, Mrs. Samuel Francis Bolton. The telegram read: "Deeply regret to inform you that Private John George Bolton, Company A, Machine Gun Battalion is officially reported killed in action on July 15th." McCain, Adjutant General. John George Bolton was born October 27th in Schuylkill Haven, son of Samuel Francis and Mary Naus Bolton. Had he lived until October 27th of this year he would have been twenty three years of age. Leaving the public schools of town at an early age, he secured employment at the Walkin Shoe Factory. Later he worked at the local rolling mill but his last place of employment was at the Coldren Knitting Mill. About one year before his enlistment, he was employed at Hamburg. It was there that both he and his brother became members of Company E, National Guard of Hamburg. On April 6th, 1917, he first enlisted. On September 8th of last year he was united in marriage to Miss Florence Victoria Heckman, daughter of Mrs. Charles Heckman of Columbia Street, town. Two days later he left for Camp Hancock. On May 1st of the present year he sailed for France. The first letter received from him after his arrival was on June 10th and the last letter, which was very brief and inquired about the family, was six weeks ago. Fraternally the young soldier was a member of the Junior Mechanics and a life long member of Grace United Evangelical Church. Surviving besides his widow and an infant child of five and one half months, he leaves his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Samuel, a member of the same company and with the deceased brother in France; Jacob, at home; Louise, wife of William Gradwell of town; Gladys, Laura and Martha at home. John George Bolton was a second cousin to Carl Fey, the second Schuylkill Haven victim to offer up his life. Shortly after the receipt of the sad telegram, the mother was visited by a representative of "The Call." She stated that she had no regrets to express other than the fact that it would be impossible to bring the body of her son home and give him a decent burial. She was glad she was enabled to make the sacrifice. The father of the young soldier was down the main line when the telegram was received and was not aware of his son's death until nearly eleven o'clock, four hours after the receipt of the telegram. |
| The Call of November 1, 1918 DIED OF WOUNDS IN FRANCE Another home of a local soldier boy was this week saddened by the news of his having made the supreme sacrifice for his country on foreign soil. Another blue service flag star will be changed to a gold one and the hearts of another family and a host of friends are saddened. It is on account of the death of Lieutenant Ivan L. Lautenbacher, which occurred October 2nd from wounds received in action in France. Monday evening the sad news reached town and quickly it spread from one person to another and by all was regret expressed as the young lieutenant was so well and favorably known here. No prior or later information was received by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lautenbacher. No details were given in the message, only the plain hard facts from the War Department regretted to announce the death of Lieutenant I. L. Lautenbacher who died on October 2nd from wounds received in action. The death of Lieutenant Lautenbacher increased the number of town boys having died in France to three. From the letter written to his parents several days before going into action, the engagement in which he received his wounds was the first time he was in battle on the front lines. It is quite likely that prior to his going he realized the seriousness of it all and from the tone of his letter, possibly had a premonition that he would receive fatal wounds. The letter is as follows: France, September 23. Dear Folks, We are packing up to move into the trenches. From what I saw when up there the other day I shall have no opportunity there for letter writing. So this will be the last until I come back from the battle. We expect that to happen about the 25th. Hope I may come out unscathed but if it is His will otherwise, then let it be so. Very soon it will all be over. Everything tends in that direction. Recent reports are all in favor of it. Don't get excited. Unless we have bad weather, all will be well. Nothing more. Lovingly, Ivan. Ivan L. Lautenbacher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lautenbacher, was twenty seven years of age. He was born in Williamstown and was a resident of this town for eleven years. He was a graduate of the Williamstown High School and later took a business course in the Pottsville Business College. He was employed by the Morea Coal Company for a time and later and prior to his last enlistment, was employed as a mail clerk at the New York Post Office. He was a member of Company F of the old National Guard, having served two enlistments in that service. He was serving his third enlistment in France. Upon his return from the Mexican border, he with Captain Gangloff, were instrumental in recruiting the new company, Company C, to its full strength and in procuring an Armory for the town and the town boys in the service. He left with his company for camp. Later he attended an officer's training camp at Niagara, where he was given a commission as lieutenant. He was assigned to the 316th Infantry, 79th Division at Camp Meade and after being there for several months, his command was sent to France on July 20th. Just a short time prior to his sailing for foreign shores, he obtained a furlough and visited his parents and many friends here. Ivan Lautenbacher was held in esteem by friends wherever he went or remained for a time. In his own hometown he was known as a bright scholar of a kindly nature and most pleasant disposition. He took an active interest in local entertainment and his wit and humor and his ever readiness to joke will be remembered by his many friends long after the war has been won. He was always of a genial disposition and this with his affable mannerism were potent means in endearing him to all persons with whom he came in contact. He loved his country devotedly and he was ever ready to risk his life in its defense and ever ready to avenge any insult, veiled or direct made against it. Besides the grief stricken parents, two sisters, Ruth and Kathryn, both at home, survive. Two cousins, Lieutenant Herman S. Schwenk and Russel Schwenk are also in service in France, the former in the 314th Infantry, 79th Division and the latter in Company C, 103rd Engineers. |
| The Call of November 15, 1918 ANOTHER GOLD STAR IN OUR FLAG Another Schuylkill Haven soldier boy is reported as having died in France this week. The sad news of Corporal Charles M. Goas having died on October 12th in France was received by his sister, Miss Marion Goas, Thursday evening shortly after supper time in a telegram from the War Department. The message gave nothing but the cold hard facts. The young man was a member of the famous Company C, 103rd Engineers and left with the company for France months ago. No intimation had been received by his relatives of his having been in ill health and it is believed the disease which laid him low was contracted and developed in a very short period. The young man was well known hereabouts and had many friends who will be saddened to learn of his death. He was twenty years of age and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Goas. His mother died at her home on saint John Street on January 24th of this year while he was at Camp Hancock, Georgia. He is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Leon Goas, a member of Battery D, 72nd Field Artillery, stationed in Wyoming, Misses Marion, Catherine and Christine, of Schuylkill Haven. |
| The Call of January 10, 1919 THEODORE AUCHEY REPORTED KILLED According to a message received from the War Department, Schuylkill Haven adds another one of her soldier boys to the "killed" list, namely Theodore Auchey, of the 145th Infantry, 47th Division. The sad news was received by his mother who resides on Centre Avenue, the fore part of the week. On December 19th, the date of his thirtieth birthday, a message was received to the effect that he was reported missing since November 11th, the day hostilities ceased. The second and most sorrowful message was received January 5th and stated he was killed on or about November 11th. There is just a possibility that Auchey is neither missing or dead but got separated from his unit, the same as did many other soldiers. Possibly he was slightly injured and sent back to a hospital and in this way the records of his company may have become confused. Almost every day one reads of soldiers who were previously reported missing or killed, have turned up alive and unharmed. Then too from the fact that he was reported missing only since the day hostilities ceased greater confidence is placed in the possibility of his being alive and well. Theodore Auchey was thirty years of age. He was born in South Manheim Township and spent the greater part of his life in this town. He wa an employee of the P. & R. car shops. He was a member of the Summer Hill Church. Fraternally he was connected with the I. O. O. F. of Summit Station and the Junior Mechanics in Friedensburg. Deceased left Schuylkill Haven with the selected men during the month of May. He was sent to Camp Lee. He was the only man picked out of his company to fill up several companies of National Guards. he sailed for France in June and arrived there the latter part of that month. Besides his mother, these brothers and sisters survive: Charles Auchey, in the service in New York City, William Auchey of Jefferson, George Auchey of Hamburg, Mrs. John Ebling, Mrs. John Peiffley, Mrs. Frank Stripe, all of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. Emanuel Emereich of Summit Station, Mrs. Milton Wert of Landingville and Bertha at home. Just thirteen days before the date on which he was reported missing, he wrote the following letter to hos sister, Mrs. Frank Stripe. It was dated October 29th, Somewhere in Belgium. Dear Sister, I guess you have long been looking for some mail. We were away pretty far from the Y. M. C. A. and we could get no paper so when we were in some town, then I bought some. I dare not tell you just where we are or give the name of the place, but it is somewhere in Belgium. We were in that big drive in September for five days. We took a good many prisoners and a good many guns. We had a good many casualties in our company but not many killed. I was hurt a little bit but I am alright again. We were lined up in the trench, ready to go over the top. One of our own shells dropped short and bursted outside of our trench and threw stones up in the air. One of them came down and hit me on the head. It cut my head open a little bit but I went along with the boys. I am alright again and hope you are all well too. Theodore. *Note:Theodore Auchey was indeed killed in action, one of nine Schuylkill Haven deaths in World War One. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 6, 1893 KILLED BY LIGHTNING A Farmer's Son and Two Horses Meet a Sudden Death - Violence of the Storm The rain and hail storm which broke over Pottsville about four o'clock yesterday afternoon, had a fatal effect at the farm of Joel Rever on the road between Schuylkill Haven and Friedensburg. One of Rever's three sons was killed instantly, his two horses also perished and another son was seriously hurt. Farmer Rever and his three sons were loading hay and were hurrying to get the wagon loaded and housed before the storm broke. A flash of lightning nearly blinding the farmer, was followed by a scream of agony. When the farmer, who was on the ground, looked at the wagon he saw it in flames. One of his boys had dropped to the ground dead and the other was writhing with pain. The third boy was unhurt but the horses were stretched lifeless on the ground. Dr. Dechert was summoned from Schuylkill Haven and found that the one boy was not seriously hurt. He will come around all right. Farmer Rever dragged the dead body of his son from the blazing load of hay. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 21, 1893 DEATH IN A SAND PIT - A Schuylkill Haven Boy Buried Under a Pile of Sand - The Inquest About Two o'clock yesterday afternoon a sixteen year old boy of Schuylkill Haven named Henry Alfred Koch met death by being buried underneath a bank of sand. Young Koch had been hauling sand from a pit near Connor's Crossing. He was down in the pit shoveling up from the bottom when the sand fell in covering him. The boy was almost smothered but he managed to crawl from under the sand and out on the bank where he lay in the hot sun until discovered by a woman. He was dead. The alarm was given and the boy's body taken to his home. Dr. Dechert, the family physician, was called but he found that life was extinct. At his request, Deputy Coroner James J. Clemens was summoned to hold an inquest. The jury consisted of Dr. Lenker, Willis Bryant, W. S. Reifsnyder, C. D. Saylor, Peter Bauers and Jere Kline. A verdict from shock was rendered. |
| Pottsville Republican of January 12, 1893 The indebtedness created by our Borough Council for the electric plant has caused generous indignation, but thus far no one has stepped forward to take the lead in the effort to oust the entire Council, replacing them with men who might save the concern before it is too late. This should be done, there is no question, for even the Town Clerk, although he has no vote in Council, cautioned them to go slow but they paid no attention, went ahead pell mell and now our town is in a fearful dilemma. No street lights on these cold and dark nights, no lights for the individual patrons and no head nor tail in the accounts pertaining to the same. Rouse up property holders, rouse up before it is too late. With a splendid bench of law judges, if properly represented before them, justice will and can be secured. |
| Pottsville Republican of May 5, 1893 MAJOR LOSCH'S TIMELY MOVE Major Losch of Schuylkill Haven, last night sprang to the protection of the citizens of Philadelphia by preventing the passage of a bill that would permit al the mines in the Schuylkill Valley to pollute the Schuylkill River with their refuse by draining them with tunnels and pipes. The bill had been introduced by Mr. Boyer of Philadelphia and is a supplement to the Incorporation Act of 1873, to permit the formation of corporations to drain swampy and overflowed agricultural and mineral lands and mines. No one apparently suspected that the passage of the bill would operate to the disadvantage of a community until Major Losch, who had been reading the bill, was struck with the references to mines and tunnels in it. While examining more carefully the House had passed the sections and it was about to agree to it being transcribed for third reading when he had realized the full effect it would have upon the Schuylkill River, and he jumped to refuse into the river by tunnels. As it is now, the mines are relieved of the water which gathers therein by pumps which take up only the water and this is let flow into the streams that take it to the river. The attention of the other members from mining districts being called to this feature of the bill, a general assault was made upon it, which Mr. Boyer unavailingly attempted to resist. Parliamentary tactics were resorted to for the purpose of helping the measure but the doughty Major stood his ground and succeeded in having it postponed for the present. While the bill is only postponed and may be called up at any time, the sentiment against it is growing and it will meet with greater opposition when it appears again for consideration. |
| Pottsville Republican of June 26, 1894 BROKE HIS OWN NECK - An Inmate of the Almshouse Committed Suicide on Sunday Pater Sarpolis, aged twenty three years, a resident of Shenandoah, who has been under treatment at the almshouse hospital for black damp lung poisoning, committed suicide yesterday morning by jumping out of a third story ventilator. He fell to the ground, a distance of twenty five feet, and was picked up dead. His neck was broken and one of his wrists was fractured. Dr. Wiest of Schuylkill Haven, the deputy coroner, held an inquest and the jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the facts. The jury also recommended that bars be placed at all of the windows of the hospital. Sarpolis did not get out of a window. He walked into the toilet room on the third floor and crawled through the ventilator above the window. There are screens on all the windows except in the new addition put up by the previous Board of Commissioners without consulting with the Poor Directors and paying for the work without getting an opinion from the board. Sarpolis had been getting better but had grown despondent. |
| Pottsville Republican of February 19, 1895 A WOMAN ASPHYXIATED - Others in The Family Are Seriously Ill Mrs. Scheck, a widow aged sixty five years, was overcome by gas during the night at her home in Schuylkill Haven and died before morning. It is believed the gas main sprung a leak and the gas escaping, followed a drain pipe into the cellar of the woman's home. The family of William Wildermuth, her son-in-law, lives with her and they are all sick from the effects of the gas. The house was filled with the fluid. One of the members of the family had been awakened during the night and discovering the trouble went into the cellar and tried to prevent the gas escaping by putting a piece of carpet in the drain and then thoughtlessly went to bed without opening the windows to allow fresh air into the rooms. |
| The Call of March 7, 1930 NEW BRIDGE TO BE STARTED SOON Preparations are being made by contractor Charles walton of palo Alto to begin construction work on the new Broadway bridge across the Schuylkill River at this place. Mr. Walton, on Tuesday, stated a considerable amount of preliminary work is necessary, such as moving wires and pipes before actual work can be started. Then too, a temporary structure across the river at a point north of the present location of the bridge must be provided. It is planned to build a sturdy detour bridge with entrance to it from Broadway along the river bank. Entrance from the Dock Street side will be from Berger Street or South Garfield Avenue over private property. The bridge is to be of concrete of a very artistic design set on three piers and will be of a two arched span type. The driveway will be twenty one feet wide and there will be five foot sidewalks on either side of the driveway. It will be illuminated at night with electrolier system. Mr. Walton was awarded the contract at a price of $39,000. |
| The Call of March 28, 1930 BROADWAY BRIDGE BUILT IN 1872 Work on the new bridge was held up this week on account of the unseasonable weather. The planking however, was torn from the bridge the forepart of the week. Most of it was in very bad condition. The steel girders appeared in fairly good condition but rather weak to bear up under the heavy weight of trucks, etc. that pass over this bridge. Built in 1872, it was not built to be subjected to the present day heavy weight of auto trucks. The Bell telephone Company men worked during the week in relocating their heavy cable which carries hundreds of smaller wires and crosses on the west side of the river at this point. It is not expected that any great amount of trouble will be experienced with building the center pier because the amount of water flowing in the river is not very great and very much less than in previous years. However, the spring rains always cause the river to rise quite rapidly and sometimes rather high. |
| The Call of October 17, 1930 NEW BRIDGE HERE CREDIT TO COUNTY OFFICIALS AND TOWN The concrete bridge over the Schuylkill River at Broadway, Schuylkill Haven, has been completed. The ponderous wooden forms and braces have been removed and the bridge appears in all its symmetrical beauty and grace as well as its very evident sturdy construction. It is expected the bridge will be open to vehicular traffic within the next week or ten days. A small piece of concreting at the West Ward end of the street approach must be completed and the electric light standards placed thereon. Whether or not there will be any special ceremony or dedication or formal opening is not known. It is possible that such ceremony will be included in the Halloween celebration. The committee feels that such an event would fit in well with the celebration and that the bridge certainly is well worth an honorable and auspicious special ceremony of this character. The bridge will cost between $35,000 and $40,000. It was started in spring and the contractor, Charles E. Walton, demonstrated his ability as a bridge builder in making great progress very early in the summer. In all fairness it must be stated that the work was pushed in quite an unusual way. There were very few if any delays by reason of this or that particular material not being on hand. All this had been carefully provided for and the men kept right on the job daily from the time the old iron bridge was cut away until all of the frame work and forms were torn down this week. County Commissioner Joseph Dando and Assistant Jack Hanley are due compliments for preparing the plans which produced a bridge of unusual beauty and attractiveness as well as one sufficient in size to take care of traffic conditions for many, many years to come. Schuylkill Haven certainly is well pleased with its latest acquisition and extends to the three county commissioners: Messrs. Kirschner, Walton and Brownmiller, its sincere thanks, not only for the building of the bridge but for the building of a bridge of such a splendid type, strength and appearance. The bridge will long stand as a creditable testimonial to them, the engineers and contractor. To the Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Club and the other service clubs of the community, may also be extended due credit at this time for the interest aroused and efforts directed in urging the commissioners to construct the said, much needed bridge. |
| The Call of September 4, 1931 TRAFFIC BEACONS ARE REMOVED The traffic beacons which for years gave service at a number of dangerous street corners in Schuylkill Haven, were removed during the week by the highway department. The beacons, of the flasher type, served the purpose of preventing traffic from becoming messed up in that it was directed to the right and around said beacon. With the state adopting new rulings permitting traffic to make turns to the left of the center of intersecting streets, the beacons became practically useless and to some extent increased the danger of collisions. Arrests could not be made for turns made to the left of the beacon. At the council meeting, Monday evening, this subject was discussed at some length and a motion carried to have the words "Keep to the Right" painted off the said beacons. President Moyer then referred the future disposition of the beacons to the highway department with the instructions that a recommendation be presented to council. As a result of the removal of the traffic beacons, there appears to be more space available for motorists and it is not believed any accidents will occur as a result. The immediate center of the street intersections , if marked or painted white, would be of great assistance to the motorists. Pedestrians, however, in crossing the street will have to be more watchful of approaching machines, it is believed. |
| The Call of June 15, 1934 FREE LIBRARY OPEN TO PUBLIC LAST OF MONTH The Free Public Library for Schuylkill Haven will be opened to the public on the last Saturday in June or Monday, July 2nd, if all plans now in mind can be carried to completion. The appointment of Mrs. Norman Neuin as librarian has been authorized by the state and on Tuesday the first shipment of books furnished by the state was received and unpacked. The library will be operated upon a fifteen hours per week basis. The schedule of hours when the library will be open to the public will be announced shortly. The number of books that the Schuylkill Haven Library will contain will be entirely dependent upon the Schuylkill Haven public. No funds are available to purchase books, so all except the fifty received from the state must be donated. Within a week or two, a special campaign for soliciting books from the general public will be made by the local Library Committee. The town will be divided into districts and a captain and solicitors assigned to each district. It is hoped to visit every home. Books of a historical, reference, fiction, etc. will be welcomed. The slogan adopted by the committee is, " A book from every home" and the public too, might remember that the value of the Schuylkill Haven Library as a place where books of interest, learning, reference, etc. can be obtained, is entirely up to the Schuylkill Haven public. It must be supported by the public and the first contribution now being requested is quite an easy one to meet, namely a book, or the equivalent to one or more books in cash. |
| The Call of July 13, 1934 WILL FORM LIBRARY ASSOCIATION HERE Considerable interest is being created in the opening date for the Schuylkill Haven Free Library. This opening date will be determined upon very shortly by a permanent Library Organization which it is hoped to form Friday evening of next week. To this meeting is invited the general public, or everyone who is in any way interested in a public library for Schuylkill Haven. An institution such as this has long been a desire and a dream of many persons. Now that it will be possible to realize and bring true such dreams, those who are working to this end are hopeful that there will be a large number of persons to attend the meeting and to become members of the Library Organization. A very splendid response has been made by the Schuylkill Haven public to the solicitation for books. More than five hundred books have been obtained and many more will be secured as soon as all of the solicitors complete their canvass. All solicitors are urged to finish with their work by Friday afternoon, July 20th so that complete and final reports can be made at the meeting. The books that have already been received are being labeled, classified and everything is being prepared for a very early opening of the library. A special urgent request is being made of every citizen in Schuylkill Haven interested in a public library to attend next Friday evening's meeting. If you have not already contributed in cash or a book or two, do so at once. Books desired need not exactly be new books but their condition should be such as to warrant their being placed for further handling and reading. |
| SANBORN FIRE MAPS OF 1903 |
| The Sanborn Maps were originally created for assessing fire insurance liability in towns and cities in the United States. The maps include detailed information regarding town and building information. Clicking on each map allows one to see detailed lot information in Schuylkill Haven along with information on local businesses. The maps here are from 1903. |
| Thanks to Brad Knapp for this interesting contribution to the web site. |
| The Call of May 30, 1930 LOCAL SOLDIER BOY KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT Luther A. Frantz of Schuylkill Haven was instantly killed in an auto accident last Thursday evening, may 22nd, near Churchill, Virginia about six miles beyond Richmond. He, with two other companions, was driving toward Richmond, when their car was forced off the road. After striking a telegraph pole, the car was turned too sharply and overturned. Frantz was thrown out and struck the concrete road causing a complete fracture of the skull. He was picked up dead. One of his companions sustained a broken leg while the driver escaped serious injury having clung to the steering wheel. The unfortunate man was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Frantz of Liberty Street. He was born in Minersville and was a resident of Schuylkill Haven for three years. He was employed at the Buck Run Colliery until some time ago. On March 15th of this year he enlisted and was assigned to the 56th Ordnance Unit stationed at Nausmond, Virginia. Besides the parents he is survived by the following sisters and brothers: Mrs. Harry Yoder of Schuylkill Haven and Olga, Gilbert, Herbert, Grace, Edna, Alma and Louise, all at home. The body under escort of Private Edward McCrone of Scranton, arrived on the P. & R. on Saturday at 1:05. The funeral took place on Tuesday morning with services conducted at the late home and in the Christ Lutheran Church by Reverend E. H. Smoll. The Headquarters Battery provided a military funeral. Sergeant John Dewald had full charge of the military honor guard which consisted of Sergeant John Fisher, Sergeant George Fatkin, Privates John Bolton, Allen Moyer and Roland Seidel. Ray Brown stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia and home on a furlough at present, acted as bugler. The firing squad was composed of Corporal Norman Rhen, Corporal Claude Walters, Privates Frank Allenbach, Walter Kleckner, Floyd Whitman, Clarence Zechman, Harry Miller and Joseph Trotman. Interment was in Minersville. |
| The Call of June 27, 1930 TWO DIE AS RESULT OF AUTO SMASHUP One man, John Fisher, twenty four, of Coaldale, was instantly killed and another man, Michael Kopes, twenty, of the same town, was so seriously injured that he died less than twenty four hours thereafter as a result of an automobile crash, a short distance north of Schuylkill Haven, shortly after midnight on Sunday. The machine that figured in the accident was a truck loaded with several barrels of molasses. With the two men was an eighteen year old girl from Coaldale, who sustained minor injuries. The trio were enroute to Lebanon. The crash was distinctly heard by residents in all parts of Spring Garden and it is believed to have resulted when the driver attempted to turn onto the junction road at Connor. The speed with which the truck was traveling caused it to overturn and its occupants were thrown into the street. The truck dropped into the ditch on the south side of the intersection of the two roads. Motorists happening by called the Highway Patrol and Officer Bubeck of the Schuylkill Haven police. The injured were rushed to the hospital. Fisher, who was found along the side of the road had suffered a fractured skull and was dead when picked up. The other man died in the Pottsville Hospital at 10:15 from internal hemorrhaging. The truck was completely demolished by the force of the impact. The body was torn from the chassis and parts hurled for quite a distance. The molasses was spread over quite a section of the highway. A large round spot of thick blood in the center of the macadamized road early Monday morning was mute evidence of the serious injury of one of the men. |
| The Call of July 24, 1931 AARON NEY DROWNED AT SWEET ARROW LAKE Aaron Albert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ney of Columbia Street, drowned at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove, while bathing with a party of friends Sunday morning shortly after the midnight hour. The young man, who was just learning to swim, evidently was attacked with cramps. His cries for help were heard by his companions who came to his aid but failed in their efforts to save him. The exact scene of the drowning is the portion of the large dam known as "The Point". The water is shallow for quite some distance and then suddenly increases in depth where, years ago, a creek flowed. The young man was eighteen years of age. He had asked permission of his father about 11:30 o'clock to use the family automobile. Permission was granted and he with William Umbenhauer and Mary Heinbach and Dorothy Heiser of Cressona, left for the lake. All went in bathing. Soon Ney was heard to cry for help. Umbenhauer responded but by reason of the darkness, it was difficult to detect the exact position of the drowning lad. Umbenhauer, however, got to his side and was grabbed by Ney in his naturally excited state. Had it not been for the assistance of the girl companions, Umbenhauer, too, would have been possibly been drowned, as he was almost exhausted in his efforts to rescue Ney and at the same time keep himself from going under. As soon as Umbenhauer reached shore, the alarm was given but this required some time. Word was telephoned to Pine Grove and several persons responded. Word was also sent to the Y. W. C. A. camp located nearby. A message was also sent to the Pottsville Hospital asking for assistance and farmers from the vicinity came to the scene. Miss Vera Morrow, camp supervisor, and Miss Helen Wills, physical instructress at the camp, aided by Miss Elizabeth Matting of Hazleton, junior lifesaving student, and Miss Frances Miller, of Pottsville, also a student and Miss Virginia Walling of the camp, entered the water and worked indefatigably to locate Ney's body in the hope he could be resuscitated. Ney was brought to the surface by a young man by the name of Becker of Pine Grove. The body had been in the water about thirty five minutes. Dr. Walters of Pine grove was assisted by the swimming instructors and others at the Y. W. C. A. camp in an effort to bring back life. Miss Christine Kline of Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County Examiner for Lifesaving and an expert swimmer was also summoned. For more than three hours every effort was made to resuscitate the boy by the several persons working in the light of the automobile headlights. Dr. Walters finally pronounced the lad dead and expressed the opinion that death came as soon as Ney sank, rigor mortis having set in. A pulmotor from the Pottsville Hospital was brought to the scene and oxygen was pumped into the victim for sometime, to no avail. Undertaker C. G. Wagner was summoned and took charge of the body. As soon as the body had been recovered from the water, word was sent to the Ney home in Schuylkill Haven, that their son had drowned. Mr. Ney and his daughters were taken to the scene. Mrs. Ney collapsed at the home upon being told the news and a physician and neighbors were summoned. The deceased lad was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and was well known about town. Besides the grief stricken parents, these sisters survive: Mrs. Leroy Powell, Josephine Beatrice and Leola Ney. |
| The Call of November 13, 1931 ACCIDENTALLY SHOT AND FATALLY WOUNDED HIS PAL A distressing hunting accident occurred Tuesday morning resulting in the death of John R. Sigmund, a popular and well known young man of Schuylkill haven. Not alone is the death a sad and sorrowful event for the family but also for his very close lifelong friend, Arlo Bensinger, in whose hands the gun was when its discharge shattered the hip bone and tore a deep gash in Sigmund. Both young boys were returning from several hours of hunting near Landingville. It was their first year of hunting and first time out after game. On their return they took several shots at a box. It was while the gun of Bensinger was being reloaded that a premature explosion took place and the contents of the shell struck Sigmund full on the right hip, he having been standing but a few feet from Bensinger. The accident occurred at 8:30 a. m. Tuesday about a hundred feet from the Reformed Church in Landingville. Persons who came to the scene quickly summoned the Pottsville Hospital ambulance and upon examination at that institution it was at once announced that his condition was extremely serious, this because of the great loss of blood. The deceased youth was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Sigmund of Grant Street, Schuylkill Haven. He was twenty one years of age, a member of Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Schuylkill Haven High School in 1928. Less than three weeks ago he was married to Miss Helen Moyer of Landingville. The day of his funeral will be exactly three weeks following his wedding day. His last employment was at the Schuylkill Haven car shops. He was a boy of clean thoughts, congenial and of a pleasant disposition. He made friends with many persons but his one particular pal was Arlo Bensinger. Born and reared in the same neighborhood and in one another's company for years at every spare moment, they had become almost inseparable. The fatal accident, although entirely unavoidable, is sincerely regretted by Bensinger. Sigmund is survived by his parents, the father is quite seriously affected by his death, by reason the condition of his health, it having been undermined by the great amount of pain and suffering he has undergone in the past five years following an accident resulting in the amputation of his limb. These brothers and sisters also survive: Harry Sigmund, until quite recently of Mauch Chunk and now of Schuylkill Haven, Margaret, wife of Earl Flexer of Newberry, and Miss Mary, now taking a postgraduate course in nursing at the Jewish Hospital, Philadelphia. The young wife also survives and is almost prostate with grief. |
| The Call of September 6, 1935 GAME REFUGE FOR SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SOON Within a very short time, Schuylkill Haven can boast of a game refuge for the protection of small game, including rabbits, ringneck pheasants, quail and wild ducks. This refuge will be located on the Baker farm entering Schuylkill Haven on the road from Adamsdale. This plot is sixty five acres and is well suited for the purpose with plenty of water, feed and protection. The donor of this farm, Charles D. Manbeck, has agreed to let the local Game Association use this ground for this particular purpose until such time as the land can be used for other more valuable purposes than farming. An eight gauge wire is to be placed around the acreage on steel posts. Signs will be placed on this wire by the Schuylkill Haven Fish and Game Association, making it unlawful for any hunter or person to hunt or train dogs within the wire. Commencing in the fall of 1936, local enthusiasts predict that possibly two to five hundred rabbits can be taken off the farm and distributed into localities where hunters are allowed to hunt by the property owners and likewise birds. In former years, the local association always purchased from two to three hundred rabbits from western states but due to the fact that a number of this game is considerably weakened by the time it arrives at destination, it is an easy prey to its enemies and the predictions are that only about half the game survives which is purchased for this purpose. In view of this fact, the local association feels that this much game can be raised yearly without very much trouble on anybody's part and for a whole lot less expense. Local hunters who have investigated this property for this purpose venture to say that there are more than 150 rabbits and a positive prediction of well over a hundred ringneck pheasants inhabiting same. In the spring of this year there were placed on this farm fifteen breeding rabbits and during the season so far, seventy eight ringneck pheasants were released. To get an idea how plentiful the game is, we refer you top Melvin Bamford. He recently stated that when he drives up to his home on Avenue C, it is customary to see eight to ten rabbits. The local association through its able and untiring president, Charles Clauser, and other officers and members has made it worthwhile for any sportsman to climb the hills, valleys and dales, of course meaning those that can hit a mark with a shotgun, to come home with their efforts well rewarded. During the past ten years there were always several hundred rabbits released after the close of each season and during the past two years, ringneck pheasant eggs were secured form the state, hatched, raised and liberated by local sportsmen, free of charge. After a few years when these activities were started, the State Game Commission recognized the same and for the past five years this particular section always got more than its free pro rata share from the state. The original cost of this venture will be approximately a hundred dollars and the local association, being short on funds on account of buying more game than ever before, is going to ask the public for donations or to join the organization. The charge of joining is one dollar and dues thereafter sixty cents per year. If every sportsman would join the organization in Schuylkill Haven it would be very easy to enter into more projects of this kind. The association now has 190 active members. The members chosen to solicit funds for this venture are: D. M. Bittle, Bud Becker, William Sattizahn, William Kline and Charles Clauser. Next Tuesday evening at eight o'clock, a meeting will be called at Charles Clauser's store to make plans and start the erection of the wire, placing of brush piles for game protection and other business. Everybody is invited to attend, whether they are a member or not of the local association. FISH DOINGS This year the local association was able to secure state hatcheries more than ten thousand fish, The species were trout, catfish, bass, perch and sunfish. They were liberated in the following streams and ponds: Earl Stoyer's Pond, Miller's Pond, Deer Lake, Tunnel, and Bear Creek at Roeder's. Besides the free fish that were procured from the state, the local association, by supporting the Anthracite Hatcheries at Hazleton in a financial way, got an extra two thousand fish, which were mostly of the trout variety. COMMENTS BY LOCAL SPORTSMEN Judge Gangloff state that he would support this project by donating two dollars, providing that every sportsman in this community would be honest in his statement as to how much game he bagged or fish caught when asked. "Personally, the judge remarked, "if I should come home from a day of hunting or fishing with a bag limit, I am going to be frank in saying whether I actually killed the game or whether an expert did it for me and donated same". William Kline, our efficient squire said, "you can rest assured that any person who is going to enter inside the wire will be promptly fined twenty five dollars and the proceeds handed over to the Fish and Game Association". Our Editor of the Call, F. H. Minnig, said," All I want is some sportsman to furnish me with one ringneck pheasant for publicizing this venture". The Editor's wish is to be granted. Watch Dave Bittle. He obligated himself to collect fifty dollars of the one hundred dollars needed for this purpose. Dave is a "hot number" in this business of charity collections. If he can't convince you with his tongue, he will pick your pockets. Ralph Sattizahn, who does more work for the organization than all the rest put together, said, "Don't worry, this is going across". Floyd Rhein, better known as "Pat", who can easily be talked out of hitting game, said, "Well, if the game is going to be as plentiful as some members predict, all I have to do is shoot into the ground and I'm bound to hit something". Charlie Clauser, our able president, said "Give me a big chew on one side of my face and the six shooter on my right shoulder and I'll show them thar young fellows how to shoot a buck and bag the limit every time I go a-hunting". Jim Weston said, "Furnish the ground for the game preserve and I will drive in all the stakes for the wire myself". Well Jim, you can start anytime. There a re a lot of hunters in the Dutch Flat who bag a lot of game during the season but who have not as yet helped to support the organization that is greatly responsible for making it possible for them to do so. Now boys, here is your chance to show real sportsmanship by either joining th organization or giving one day's work in placing the wire around the farm. Any person giving one day's work will be made a member of the organization for one year. |
| The Call of February 18, 1936 RIVER BANK TREES REPLACED WITH STONE Despite the cold weather, the WPA river project In Schuylkill Haven is being continued right along and it now begins to look as if the same would be completed this spring. There remain about seventy five or more feet of the dike or embankment along West Main Street to be rip-rapped with stone. Work on the project was started last summer and for a time moved ever so slowly. There seems to be more speed to the work now than before. Of course, this work requires considerable time for the stone must be cut to a certain size, then cut to fit and set in pretty deeply too. The work already done shows up very nicely and, it is said, will greatly strengthen the dike itself and prevent a great deal of the water from seeping into the bank itself and then soaking through underground to cellars as far distant as Columbia Street. There is a difference of opinion, however, as to whether removal of the large willow trees along this embankment has strengthened the embankment or not. There is one thing their removal certainly has done. It has destroyed a most inviting, beautiful and natural scenic setting. Trees will never be planted along the bank again. It is impossible to do so now with the embankment covered with stone. Despite their various sizes and decrepit shape, "The Willows" along the river bank always provided something attractive and inviting, perhaps more so in years gone by than in recent days. They are now gone forever. The changed appearance, as noted from the west side of the river, or in crossing the Columbia Street bridge from west to east, is very great. It looks neat, clean and businesslike. However, traveling along West Main Street and looking across to the west side of the bank, or crossing the bridge east to west, the sight that greets the eye is terrible. The bank is covered with ashes, etc. Neither the borough itself nor people whose properties abut the alley along the river, can or should feel proud of the appearance. Indications are that little concern has been given by the authorities in cleaning up eyesores about town and that no effort has been made along this line, even though the borough now operates and pays for n ash and garbage collection system. The west side of this river bank certainly ought to be put in a cleaner condition, otherwise everything that has resulted in the way of improved appearances on the east side of the river will be very greatly offset and overshadowed by the dirty, messy and uninviting condition of the west river bank. Further improvements along the east side of the river will be started early in the spring and will consist of putting curb and pavement along the most easterly side of this street. It will present a most dignified appearance when completed some time this summer. These improvements are the result of the activity and the foresight of the borough's highway department. |
| The Call of June 24, 1938 LIBERTY STREET PLAYGROUND TO BE OPEN JULY 2ND The official and formal opening of the Liberty Street Playground, located near Liberty and Saint Peter Streets, will take place on Saturday, July 2nd. The men interested in this project have been working all spare hours: morning, noon and night, and many have been putting in regular time too at this project. It started as a neighborhood affair and has grown until now children from the entire East and South Wards are waiting for the opening that they may take advantage of the brand new swings, seesaws, sliding boards, etc. that are to be installed. The plot is located to the rear of Liberty Street at Saint Peter Street. Weeks of filling was required and some mighty hard work too. The plot has been brought up to a level now and covered with some fine limestone which has been rolled into the other soil. This has resulted in a fine solid field. At some places the fill had to be six to ten feet. This week, the equipment was expected to arrive and it was intended to place the same. This new equipment consists of ten swings, four seesaws, several sliding boards and more. A twelve by fourteen foot sandbox has been placed under some small shade trees. Two volleyball sets are also to be provided. Youngsters as well as grownups are looking forward with interest to the opening of this playground. |
| The Call of July 15, 1938 UNION STREETERS WILL DEVELOP RECREATION FIELD From a tennis court to a recreation ground for children is the change that is taking place on the plot of ground south of Union Street near Grant Street. Of course, a considerably greater portion of the plot than was used for a quoiting court is being developed into a playground. The undertaking is in charge of the Blue Goose Recreation Center Association, composed of residents of Union Street, Grant Street, Margaretta Street and the nearby vicinity. Work was begun a week ago but plans had not yet been completed until the end of last week. Now that a definite idea of the program that is to be undertaken has been established, the work will go forward with enthusiasm. A considerable amount of work will be necessary for the development. The plot must be scarified and scraped and then, too, some filling at different points will have to be made. At other points, cuts in the surface will be made. There is a good sized clump of trees or small woods. This is being cleaned out of the undergrowth. It will be most inviting in every way and afford generous shade. Swings, sliding boards, sand pits and the usual playground equipment will be ordered and placed as soon as possible. In order to raise funds for the work a festival will be held on Wednesday, July 27th. Memberships to the Association are being invited at one dollar per person. The temporary officers of the Association are: President Charles Deibler, Secretary Paul Strause and Treasurer Homer Raudenbush. |


| As we honor our veterans this Veteran's Day, let us remember the two young men from Schuylkill Haven, who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. Below are the stories of James G. Anderson and David C. Ney, as presented in the Pottsville Republican some years ago. Click on each to better read their story. Also posted are rubbings for each man that I did on a recent visit to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington D. C. |

| The Call of July 15, 1938 NEW PLAYGROUND DRAWS MANY YOUNGSTERS The East End playground, corner of Liberty and Saint Peter Streets, has been a mecca for hundreds of children from the immediate neighborhood and all parts of town since its opening two weeks ago. Ten swings, horizontal bars and rings, sliding boards, see saws, two volleyball courts, a sand pit and a tennis court are providing plenty of amusement and exercise as well as fun. The festival held July 4th netted something like eighty five dollars and this money together with seventy six dollars, realized during a festival held in June, provided some of the necessary cash to buy some of th equipment. Personal contributions also helped swell the fund. A balance of twenty five dollars in a Tennis Association treasury that had ceased to function and which was composed of members from that section of the town, was turned over to the playground association. And now an order has been placed for some additional playground equipment. But that is not all. At the present time, there are strings of electric lights over the playground. These are to be replaced by large floodlights that have been ordered. The poles for the same have been erected. A low wooden picket fence has been placed along the upper side of the playground. At the end of this space, flowers are also lending a sort of air of happiness to that evidenced by the children in their romping, laughter and smiling countenances. The flowers are blooming in a neatly built rock garden. A large fireplace and bake oven is to be built to provide for doggie roasts, clam bakes and the like. Work has already been started in building the playground larger by extending toward the railroad. Cribbing is being placed and the plans call for extending the same fifty feet towards the railroad for a length of two hundred feet. The most important part, however, of the entire article concerning the playground is the fact that the same is being attended by an unusually large number of children. And are they having a good time? Well, all you need to do is to step back Liberty Street way and watch them. The playground association is composed of parents residing in the vicinity of Liberty and Saint peter Streets. The officers are president John Bolton, Vice President Margaret Nauss, Secretary and Treasurer Miriam Naus, Directors Floyd Schwenk, Howard Bowen, Herman Miller, Mrs. Frank Schaeffer, Mrs. Anthony Wallace and Alma Nauss. The membership dues are one dollar per year and almost everyone approached has willingly contributed a membership dollar. There has been, however, a group of men who have contributed more than a membership dollar. They have given much time and a lot of mighty hard work. For compensation, they are satisfied to see the children enjoy themselves and have the knowledge that they have in this manner contributed to their happiness and are keeping them off and out of the streets. The July Fourth festival was gotten up on short notice and was attended by hundreds of persons. IN the evening a fine display of fireworks was given without any mishaps. |
| The Call of July 22, 1938 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN TO HAVE THIRD RECREATION PARK SOON Schuylkill Haven is to have a third new recreation field or park. This is to be the larger one of all thus far developed this season. It will be the "Old Ball Park" on the Island in the West Ward. Work has already been started on a program of improvements that may take a year or two to complete but nevertheless, it is expected, when completed, it will not only provide a recreation field for youngsters but a Community Park. For the last week piles have been driven along the river's edge on the Dock Street side of the Island. This will be for the purpose of building a dike and thus replacing a section of the bank washed through several years ago. It was this washing of water and coal dirt through the opening of the bank at this point that destroyed the ball park that had been reconditioned, after having been unused for years. It is planned now to safeguard against any repetition of water flooding the section. All of the hundreds of tons of coal dirt spread across the diamond are to be removed. Fill is to be put on and a hard and softball diamond made. A soft ball diamond has already been provided. The undergrowth and high weeds are to be removed from that section of the plot that contains a clump of trees. This will be converted into a park. The organization that has the improvements underway is known as the West Ward Recreation Club. The lease from the Reading Company, owners of the plot, will be transferred to this organization. |
| The Call of July 26, 1940 RECREATION CENTER DEVELOPMENTS BEING SPEEDED ALONG Fine progress is being made on the development of the Community Recreation Center and Park in the North Ward. It is located between Willow Street and the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks or embankment. The plot covers at least three and a quarter acres. The festival held last Thursday evening has made it possible for the Recreation association to begin work on its program of developments and to also hurry along the work as originally planned. Wednesday, the grading of the greater portion of the plot of ground was completed. A large bulldozer had been in use for a little more than a week for this purpose. The plot has also been rolled. It will now be necessary to place a four inch top dressing upon the foundation. This work will be done at once. It may take some time for this part of the work, as only ground of the clay character will be used in order to make a solid field. The top dressing will only be placed on the part to be used for the infield. It is expected the field can be put in shape to play baseball games on it, yet this season. The festival last Thursday evening will net just about $175.00. This sum will go a long way toward purchasing equipment and further development of the center. The association wishes to thank everyone for so generously patronizing the festival. It was one of the largest attended festivals for years. It was one of three events held on last Thursday evening. There was a special religious motion picture shown in the First Reformed Church and there was a festival on the East Ward playground. In addition it was the night for the big Fruit and What Have You Sale at the Fairgrounds. Nevertheless, the crowd in attendance at the Community Festival was beyond all expectations and early in the evening, stocks of food began to run out. The baseball field, above referred to, is of regulation size. In fact, it will be of unusual size. Standing at a point where the home plate will be, the field toward the Pennsylvania Railroad embankment measures three hundred feet. Standing at the home plate and measuring over the pitcher's box into center field, to a point where the old highway was located is a distance of 450 feet. From the home plate and in the northeasterly direction, across third base, to the end of the field is 375 feet. The baseball field will be available for any team that desires to use it, provided arrangements for its use can or will be made in advance. The baseball field is of such size that it will be possible to have a softball field in its center field part. Batters on the softball field will play with their backs toward the railroad embankment or facing to the west. Batters on the big baseball field will face toward the east. Both fields are being prepared for use at the same time. Upon the plot of ground that for some time has been used as a softball field, will be placed the equipment for the amusement, entertainment, and physical development of the children. There will be swings, seesaws, slides, and sand boxes. These are to be placed very shortly. Framework is now being built for the same. Along the side of the big field is sufficient room for tennis courts and volleyball courts. These may not be put in shape this year but the program calls for their being ready for use next summer. |
| The Call of July 19, 1946 NATIONAL GUARD UNIT FOR TOWN IS BEING FORMED A recruiting drive is now underway to form Battery C, 690th AA Battalion, the Schuylkill Haven unit of the National Guard. Opportunities are offered to qualified veterans of World war Two to earn more "side" money than ever before through spare time military service as the new armed services pay bill recently put into effect will apply to the National Guard. The new pay base for enlisted men in the National Guard begins at $2.50 per drill and $45.00 for each fifteen day period of annual field training for basic privates and mounts to $5.50 and $90.00, respectively for master sergeants and first sergeants. The field training pay for enlisted men also includes fifty cents per day from the state in addition to basic Army pay. The best opportunities now exist for many former non-commissioned officers to regain stripes held in wartime or to qualify for higher grades by signing up now for membership in the reconstituted national Guard. Interested veterans of Schuylkill Haven and vicinity are requested to contact Captain Reynold M. Schwartz, battery commander. The battery headquarters in the Pottsville Armory will be open for enlistment. |
| The Call of March 26, 1948 PURCHASE OF ISLAND START OF RECREATION PARK With the purchase of the island in the Schuylkill river by the Civic Club last week, the long discussed and desired recreation park for Schuylkill Haven appears to be on the verge of becoming a reality. The island, which in years past contained one of the best ball diamonds in this section and had some of the best teams playing on it was bought by the Civic Club from the Reading Company for $500.00. Plans have already been made to clear the island of unnecessary trees and brush and to put in cribbing at the upper end of the island across from the Town Hall where the flood waters had broken through in the past and flooded the island. Building and excavating contractors, truckers and timbermen have volunteered to give their equipment to help get the ground in shape. An engineer who was consulted concerning the protection of the island from floods in the future told those interested in the project just what measures would have to be taken to afford adequate protection. He advocated leaving the covering of coal dirt where ot os and covering it with fill in ground. Efforts are being made to secure a bridge to span the Schuylkill river at Saint John Street. As soon as more suitable weather comes, work of clearing the land and building a bulwark against floods will be started. It is expected that a ball diamond can be built for use this summer. |
| The Call of June 3, 1932 EIGHT YEAR OLD LAD DROWNS IN POND Kenneth, the eight year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Shollenberger of Saint Peter Street, was drowned on Memorial Day morning, when he slipped from a raft in a small pond, known as Miller's Pond, a short distance south of Schuylkill Haven. All efforts to revive the boy, after he was pulled from the water, failed. The lad was a very active and bright youngster and the parents are grief stricken over his death. The funeral, which was held Thursday afternoon, was attended by many friends and relatives of the sorrowing parents. Pretty floral offerings were in evidence and the services by Reverend Smoll were touching. Interment was made in the Union Cemetery. J. M. Zerbe was the funeral director. The circumstances connected with this accident make the drowning all the more pathetic and sad. The boy, in company with his sister, Fern, aged eleven, and two other children, frank Doll, aged twelve and Bobby Doll, aged six, the latter two of Philadelphia, were taken to a smaller pond, south of Miller's Pond, about nine o'clock by Mr. Doll, father of the last two children and who have been frequent visitors to Schuylkill Haven as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Morris.A fishing party was in mind and in expectation of the fun, the youngsters had been preparing lines and poles since seven o'clock in the morning. Upon arriving at the pond, Mr. Doll left them to their own fun and intended returning for them within an hour or two. They began to fish but not having any success, they decided to walk north a short distance to the Miller Pond, where they were sure the fish would bite. The Miller Pond is located a short distance from the back road to Adamsdale to Schuylkill Haven and at a point opposite the old water trough and on the other side of the trolley road. It is but a small pond but the water at some points is said to reach a depth of eight feet. At this point they began to play instead of fish. Kenneth and his sister Fern boarded a wooden raft. The raft, however, was tied fast and could only be moved a short distance. Kenneth began to move and push the raft by the use of a long pole. They were having fun and lots of it. Their companions, the Doll children, watched from the bank. Suddenly, Kenneth lurched forward when it is believed, his pole striking a sudden depression or hole in the pond, threw him off balance. His head struck the side of the raft and he was evidently knocked unconscious. He rolled on his back and seemed to be gasping for breath and suddenly rolled over the side of the raft into the water. The frightened sister reached after him but too late. She expected the body to rise but it did not do so. Through the clear water she could see her brother lying on his stomach at the bottom of the pond. She screamed for help and the elder one of the Doll children ran up through the field and summoned Mr. Alleman, Upon responding, Mr. Alleman quickly was enabled to hook the clothing of the lad and pulled him to the surface and began work to restore life. Telephone calls to Schuylkill Haven were made to the local physicians. In the meantime, Mr. Doll, who had taken the children to the pond and had returned to Schuylkill Haven, drove his car down to the first pond where he left them, intending to bring them home for dinner. He could not find them and as he was driving along toward Schuylkill Haven, he noticed a man near Miller's Pond swinging a boy in his arms. Hurrying to the scene, he found it was young Shollenberger. He immediately notified the father who hurried to the pond. The father brought the child to the office of Dr. Rutter. The child was lifeless but additional efforts were made to revive him but without success. Kenneth Shollenberger was eight years old on February 10th. He was born in Palo Alto and was a member of Christ Lutheran Sunday School. He was a second grade pupil in Miss Raudenbush's room. The mother was prostrated at the news of the drowning of her son and had been confined to bed up until the hour of the funeral. The father is well known, being a native of Schuylkill Haven, employed by H. J. Yost, meat dealer. |
| The Pottsville Republican of August 22, 1946 DIES IN PLANE CRASH HALF HOUR AFTER HE PASSES TEST AS PILOT Less than half an hour after he had passed his test for a private pilot's license at the Schuylkill Airport this morning, Francis Muldowney, 31, of Mount Carmel, former resident of New Street, this city, was dead. The curly headed young veteran of World war Two was instantly killed when his plane crashed into a clump of tall oak trees just over the crest of the hill a few hundred yards south of the Halfway House, midway between Schuylkill Haven and Orwigsburg. The accident happened about ten minutes before noon as Muldowney pulled out of an acrobatic spin. Witnesses to the accident said he apparently had misjudged the nearness to which he had approached the ground and the right wing of his plane struck the limb of an oak tree about forty feet above the ground, tearing through that tree and another standing along side and plummeting into the cornfield thirty yards beyond. When Clarence Hartranft and Theodore Mataolajunas, whose farm homes are nearby, reached the plane he was dead, instantly killed. The top of his head was crushed like an eggshell, his legs broken and his body mangled. The plane, which did bot take fire, was reduced to a mass of mangled wreckage. Parts of the wing and fuselage still clung to the sixty foot trees. In falling, the plane tore off an eight inch oak limb which was found beneath the wreckage. This limb may have been the one which brought instant death to the young pilot. The throttle of the plane was wide open. It hit the trees with terrific impact. Another twenty feet to the southeast and the plane would have missed the trees which stand at the corner of the wood lot. The cornfield and wood lot are on the former William J. Felty farm, now the property of Schuylkill Memorial Park. Ned Dolan of the Schuylkill Airport, who gave Muldowney his test in the morning said that he was above the average as a pilot. During his war service, Muldowney had almost finished a course in flying and had more than one hundred hours of flying time, he told Dolan. Since his discharge several months ago, he had been flying at the Gordon Airport. The plane was a Piper Cub, the property of the airport to which he was returning. Among the witnesses who saw the plane spin and heard its motor roar as the pilot pulled out were Hartranft and Mataolajunas, the latter a flier, also Hartranft's wife Clara and their daughter Patricia, aged thirteen, who were standing near their homes. Salvatore Stramara, thirteen and James M. Renninger, ten, standing near Highway 122 which passes north of the scene also saw the plane and heard the roar and the crash. William Keller of Schuylkill Haven RD 1, an employee of the Schuylkill Memorial Park saw the flash as the plane tore through the trees and heard the crash. Mrs. Hartranft telephoned to Pottsville State Police and Corporal William Keuch and Privates Bidack, Labensky and Ripka hurried to the scene. The body was released to Undertaker D. M. Bittle of Schuylkill Haven by Dr. Joseph Matonis of Schuylkill Haven, deputy coroner. There will probably not be an inquest. The dead youth is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Muldowney, two sisters, Rita and Jean and one Brother, Edward. His father is employed as an assistant foreman at the Locust Gap Colliery. His mother is the former Mary Curran. The family recently moved to Mount Carmel. Francis enlisted in the Air Corps in May, 1943, a month before his graduation from Pottsville High School. |
| The Call of August 14, 1948 MOTHER OF THREE DEAD IN GAS FILLED HOME Mrs. Floyd J. Schwenk, Schuylkill Haven, Had Been in Ill Health A young mother of three children was found dead in the gas filled kitchen of her home at 109 east Liberty Street in Schuylkill Haven. Deputy Coroner Joseph F. Matonis said the victim Blanche S., thirty seven, wife of Floyd J. Schwenk had been despondent over ill health. Her body was discovered lying on the floor after attendants at the Naus garage across the street had been summoned by a neighbor, Mrs. Robert Gipe, who smelled gas and was unable to open the door of the Schwenk home. When they broke open the door they found gas pouring from the oven burners of the stove. A note was found attributing the act to her health, it was said. She was alone in the home at the time. Survivors in addition to her husband are a son, Richard, seventeen, who graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School this past spring, Joyce, eight and Patricia, two. Born in Harrisburg, a daughter of Claude and Sara Kantner Krout, she lived in Schuylkill Haven for thirty five years. She was a member of the United Brethren Church in Schuylkill Haven. Funeral on Tuesday afternoon at the convenience of the family from the D. M. Bittle funeral home in Schuylkill Haven with interment in the Union Cemetery with Reverend E. T. Uhler officiating. |