| Pottsville Republican of February 7, 1900 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN AN INVENTOR A party of prominent Philadelphia capitalists and experts who are interested in a new gasoline engine being built at Schuylkill Haven, arrived here on the eleven o'clock P and R express this morning. They were met at the station by P. D. Helms, of Pottsville, one of the promoters, and J. S. Losch of Schuylkill Haven, the inventor of the new engine. The party was escorted to W. K. Boltz's knitting mill where a fifteen horse power engine of the new patent was placed yesterday. The engine was closely inspected by the men who appeared to be well pleased with its appearance and workings. After spending an hour at the factory discussing the merits of the engine the party had dinner after which they went to Mr. Losch's shop at Schuylkill Haven where another engine was examined. Mr. Losch worked on his first engine for five years before it was finally completed. This engine was constructed at his home between Auburn and Pine Grove. The engine is claimed to be superior to any gasoline engine in the country. The chief advantage over other engines is that it makes an impulse to every revolution while other engines make but one impulse to every two revolutions. The inventor claims a savings of about fifty percent friction and fifty percent in starting. The engine can be run with the cheapest of oil while all other engines require gasoline. There is no escape of gas whatever as it travels from the tank to the engine by gravity. In other engines a pump is used and considerable gas escapes. A four horsepower engine is in use at Dougherty's Box Factory in Schuylkill Haven. A patent has been applied for and a company will shortly be organized to construct and place the engines on the market. |
| NOTABLE NEWS |
| Pottsville Republican of July 19, 1919 AIRPLANE LANDS BEAVER VALLEY;ENGINE TROUBLE An airplane flying westward had engine trouble while passing over the Beaver Valley, below Schuylkill Haven, Saturday morning and was forced to land in a field near the farm owned by Allen Sterner of Pottsville. There were three men in the machine and they were some time in making repairs, after which they hopped off and flew low over the valley in a westerly direction. While going through the valley they were not more then a hundred feet from the ground and the residents of that section had a fine opportunity to get a good view of it in operation. The damage was not serious and the pilot was able to bring the machine down easily, making a perfect landing. The big field afforded an excellent flying field for the aviators and they did not seem to be much perturbed by the unexpected descent. This is the first of the many machines which fly over the county to land in the county and fortunately no one was injured. One of the aviators of the western mail service was killed Saturday morning when his machine met with a mishap near Bellefonte, the first stopping place of the long flight to Cleveland and Chicago. * This event took place about one year after the first sighting of an airplane over Schuylkill Haven. |
| Pottsville Republican of March 14, 1888 RECEIVES PATENT Joseph Bolt, the well known blacksmith, of Schuylkill Haven, has for some months past been working on a new patent safety railway gate upon which he received a patent dated February 28, 1888. It is an ingenious device, preserving the utility of all former patent gates, but is pronounced by prominent railway officials far superior to anything of the kind yet presented to their notice. It can be operated by the wheels of the moving train at almost any distance; the speed in closing being regulated at will. Should a person or team be enclosed on the track the arms are so arranged that they can be pushed outward with a slight pressure, but cannot be pushed over the railroad. Mr. John F. Deibert has an interest in the new patent. Several offers of purchase have been made to them, but they will not sell, preferring to reap the rich reward which certainly awaits them. |
| Pottsville Republican of February 4, 1927 BLIND FOR YEARS, SEES To be able to see quite clearly for several days, after being totally blind for a number of years, was the experience of Frank Shollenberger of Garfield Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, and he is hoping that his sight may be permanently restored. During the World War, Mr. Shollenberger, who now conducts a little store in Schuylkill Haven, was working in a chemical plant in New Jersey, when an explosion occurred and he was deprived of the sight of both eyes. He went to Dr. Sweet, the eminent specialist, who has since died, and was told that there was no help for him but that a film or seal of some sort had formed over the eye. Dr. Sweet warned him not to allow any physician to operate and to be very careful not to touch his eyes in any way, for there was a possibility that this film might suddenly burst if let alone and he might be able to see. While working about his store last Monday, Mr. Shollenberger was astonished to find that he was able to see objects about the room. He had a severe cold in his eyes for several days and its believed that this aided in breaking the film. He was able to see very clearly for two days but then the swelling from the cold closed his eyes almost entirely and although he can still distinguish between light and darkness, he is trying not to strain his sight in any way, hoping that when the cold disappears, he will be able to see once more. His family and friends are all earnestly hoping that this may be the case. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 30, 1904 NEW BANK IS THROWN OPEN Schuylkill Haven's new bank at the corner of Main and Saint John Streets which was just completed at a cost of $23,000, was thrown open for public inspection today, many hundreds of people availing themselves to the opportunity to see the handsome structure. The building is a two story structure, built of light brick with stone trimmings to match. Th bank will occupy the forward portion of the first floor of the building, while the rear of this floor and the entire second floor will be used as a dwelling by F. B. Keller, the cashier. The bank's quarters are divided into several apartments, consisting of a director's room, a consulting room and the lobby for the use of the general public. The bank has a tile floor and marble wainscoting, the fixtures being in dark oak and French glass. A combination steam and hot air plant heats the building. A large burglar and fire proof safe with time lock, and equipped with numerous small vaults for rental purposes, has been put in place. The writing shelves are of French plate glass with glass receptacles for the stationery. The guard is of handsome bronze design. McCauley and Company of Philadelphia were the architects, the contractor being Irvin Becker, of Schuylkill Haven. The bank is known as the First National Bank of Schuylkill Haven and was organized in 1889. It has up to this time occupied the property of Henry Saylor. The new building is on the Wiltrout corner. The officers are C. C. Leader of Shamokin, president; S. A. Mengle, Schuylkill Haven, vice president; F. B. Keller, Schuylkill Haven, cashier; J. A. Noecker, Schuylkill Haven, solicitor. The bank has a capital of $50,000 and a surplus of more then $25,000. It has paid dividends the past three years. Formal possession of the new building will be taken tomorrow. |
| At one time, banks issued their own currency. Above is a fine example of a ten dollar note issued by the bank noted in the article preceding the image. |
| Pottsville Republican of June 3, 1921 BOY WALKS FROM FLORIDA Paul Neyer, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Neyer, of Schuylkill Haven, who disappeared last winter, leaving his shoes on the bank of the Schuylkill River near the Schucker Garage, returned home last night. He is well dressed and in robust health. It was noted that he came home just before school closed and it was his dislike for school that sent him on his travels. At the time he left, the State Police everywhere were looking for him and the police in leading cities had a description of him. The boy says he has been in Florida for several months and that he worked in a potato chip factory, receiving $35 a week. He hit the state road when he left Schuylkill Haven, spent several days in Reading and walked every step of the way to Florida, except that he received frequent lifts in automobiles, sometimes riding for many miles. He took odd jobs along the road and received enough money to live, often existing on fruit and berries secured along the road. He never went near a railroad for several reasons. In Florida, he saved money but although he had a considerable sum in his pockets he walked all the way home, except as stated when he received lifts in autos. He says he liked Florida, but a desire for his home drew him back. |
| Pottsville Republican of October 20, 1896 CONGRESSMAN BROSIUS! Delivered a Telling Speech Last Night - Schuylkill Haven Alive The Watchfires Ablaze and Patriotism Runs High for McKinley and Hobart and the Whole Ticket - Flags, decorations and Cheers Everywhere Schuylkill Haven tendered a cordial reception last evening to Honorable Marriotte Brosius, Congressman from the "Old Guard", once so ably represented by that illustrious friend of humanity, Thaddeus Stevens, and to whom the present Congressman is a worthy successor in line. The meeting was arranged on short notice through the energy of Candidate Losch in conjunction with the newly organized McKinley Hobart Club of that patriotic town with the official sanction of the Republican organization. During yesterday there were many busy hands engaged in the work of preparation. First a large American flag was thrown across the street from the Central Hotel to Metamora Hall in which the meeting was to be held. The hall was then handsomely decorated with flags, bunting and evergreens. The stage was set with potted plants decorated with life size busts of McKinley and Hobart, and in the evening, when illuminated by electricity, presented a picture of cheerfulness and almost indescribable beauty. At half past seven o'clock, Dr. Lenker, of whom Mr. Brosius was a guest while in town, accompanied by the local committee, S. A. Losch, R. H. Koch, esquire, the second speaker of the evening, G. C. Schrink, J. W. Whitehouse, Esquire (the latter two of whom accompanied the Lancasterian from Reading) and a number of others from various parts of the county, filed up from the rear entrance to the stage where they were greeted with a lively hand clapping. After being seated, Mr. Charles H. Cline, president of the Schuylkill Haven McKinley Hobart Club, called for order. The organization having been approved amid hear applause, Dr. Lenker announced the great pleasure it afforded him to introduce to a Schuylkill Haven audience, composed of his neighbors, who never thought themselves too wise to receive instructions nor too perverse to be willing to learn, Congressman Brosius of Lancaster. After apologizing for wearing the cognomen of "Congressman", Mr. Brosius at once entered heartily into the discussion of the current issues which confronted the people of this country today and in the course of his extended remarks of nearly two hours he skipped no facts nor spared no figures which were convincing that the Republican party, the party of honesty and sound money, the party loyal to American institutions, the party of patriotism and in favor of national integrity, was right in this great conflict as it had always been right on every great question that has confronted our national honor or threatened the nation's existence. Our only regret is that we are unable to present in stenographic report of the Lancasterian's speech in full. It was sound to the core and was received with unbounded applause throughout. It will bear good fruit in due time. At the conclusion of Mr. Brosius' remarks, R. H. Koch, esquire, was introduced and made one of the most eloquent concise speeches, which was in turn followed by Honorable Samuel A. Losch, candidate for State Senator, who was heartily applauded. The meeting adjourned with cheers and amid the utmost good feeling. It was one of the most orderly, enthusiastic and instructive meetings yet held in Schuylkill County. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 9, 1925 GIRL SWALLOWS FIVE SAFETY PINS While playing with a sewing basket at her home, Wednesday evening, Fern Renninger, two year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Renninger of Schuylkill Haven swallowed five safety pins which were removed from her stomach by an operation performed by Dr. H. C. Wallace. Her condition Thursday was reported favorable and it is believed she will recover. The pins, one of a large size, one a medium and the others of a small size were taken from the stomach a short distance from the intestinal passage and the fact that they were all closed probably saved the little girl from a horrible death. It is believed to be the first case of its kind in this section and the pins when found were all closely together showing that the child must have swallowed them at one time. It is a miracle that they did not lodge in the throat which would no doubt have caused her death by strangulation. Nine days later... Pottsville Republican of July 18, 1925 Fern Renninger, three year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Renninger of Schuylkill Haven, who swallowed five safety pins several weeks ago came home from the hospital Saturday and it is reported that her condition is satisfactory. |
| The Call of October 8, 1892 A GHOST IN SPRING GARDEN Those of our readers who have never believed in an apparition, a spirit or ghost, may have the strength of their faith tried by visiting certain parts of Spring Garden by night. This invisible wanderer of the night breaks forth with frightful wailings, indescribable with hideousness. It has even been so close as to make its presence felt and then emit such an unearthly shriek dwindling away into more pitiful moans as if the restless spirit were suffering untold agonies. Though heard every night of the week, this unseen messenger is more peculiar to Sunday or the early hours of Monday. More then a dozen fishermen at the docks and workmen returning to their rest have heard it. Some tell of how it has followed after wailing forth its pitiful sobs as though it had a warning to give and only ceasing its pursuit when the pursued had tightly barred the door against it. Who, thus affrighted, goes to his fellow lodgers with palled face and heaving breast, at which they start and wake, only to listen to the deathlike and spiritual wails of the ghost breaking the silence of the night or the outside. |
| The Call of November 13, 1913 HORSES PLUNGE INTO KITCHEN An exciting runaway occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Spring Garden when the sorrel team of James M. Brown dashed into the home of David Fenstermacher. The team, hitched to a dump wagon, was standing near the chutes at the Pennsylvania freight station, when a noise of some kind caused them to take fright and they made a dash to get away. Driver Ketner being off the wagon, assisting in loading same, could not reach the reins in time and the horses came down the steep grade at the Pennsylvania station at a terrific pace. The wagon swinging from side to side broke off the posts of the guard rail as if they were mere strips of thin wood. When the team reached the bottom of the incline, not being able to turn quick enough, they dashed into the kitchen of David Fenstermacher on the left hand side of the road. The contact was so terrific that the tongue of the heavy wagon was driven clean through the side of the building for its full length. The one horse was thrown neath the wagon while the other was pinned between the side of the building and the heavy wagon. The one horse was badly injured and it is feared his leg is broken. The other horse escaped with a few bruises. It was fortunate there was no one in the Fenstermacher kitchen at the time as the tongue of the wagon struck the stove pipe and knocked it down. Had the tongue struck two and a half inches lower it would have bowled over the range and injured any person who might have been in the room. Persons who were attracted by the noise of the runaway and arrived on the scene in time to see the team dashing down the incline state it was the most thrilling and exciting scene they ever witnessed. |
| The Call of November 26, 1926 CHICKENS IN KITCHEN AND DOGS IN THE CELLAR some time, local authorities on Sunday evening, being summoned by residents, found somewhat surprising conditions existing in one of a group of three frame dwellings on the side of the hill south of surprising conditions existing in one of a group of three frame dwellings on the side of the hill south of peculiar odor, nevertheless the officers found the home in rather an unkempt condition and rather Market Street. Mother was engaged in roasting wheat to be used in the making of coffee. This gave off a unsanitary. Health Officer Roan had accompanied the officers and he issued orders to have the house cleaned up immediately. The men found a whole flock of chickens in the kitchen sharing the hospitality and good fellowship of the children of the home. Several of the chickens had been nesting on an old sofa in one of the rooms. Empty tin cans were strewn about in the cellar way and on one of the cellar steps a dog was found had made his home. Down in the cellar were more chickens and another dog keeping house amid great disorder and dirt. The officers were actually amazed that the family had permitted conditions to become so uncleanly and unsanitary. Another visit is to be made to the home to learn whether the orders for cleaning up have been complied with. le |
| The Call of March 30, 1928 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN IS TO HAVE AN AIRPORT Schuylkill Haven will, according to information received, soon be numbered in the forefront with those communities having the latest modern asset, namely an airport. It is to be opened within the next week and will be in one of the open fields near the brick plant. Little change will be required in the contour of the land as it is almost perfectly level at this time. A hangar will be erected and operations on the same will soon be begun and rushed with all speed possible. The owners of the airport will be John W. Noble and George E. Williams. The first plane will be an Aaco Number 10 and this is expected to arrive Saturday of this week. At a recent test the plane took off in a space of four hundred feet and rose to an altitude of one thousand feet. Sunday passengers will be carried and perhaps at a later date a freight and passenger service established between Schuylkill Haven and other towns. Cross country flights will also be made. The firm has placed an order for delivery of its second plane for May 1st. The owners were some time ago granted a charter by the state to operate plans for passenger and freight service and were also given a certificate by the Public Service Commission and the firm is classed as a public utility company. |
| NEWS OF THE BRESSLER BAND |
| The Call of July 6, 1928 The hundreds and hundreds of radio fans in Schuylkill Haven and this section of the county will make special efforts this coming Sunday afternoon to tune in on WMBS of Harrisburg to listen to the special concert to be broadcast by the Bressler Band of fifty pieces of Schuylkill Haven. This will be the first time the Bressler Band has been on the air and it is confidentially believed the band will make quite a hit. Bandmaster Bressler has chosen a program of splendid numbers of the classic and of the sacred character. The men were put through a hard and long rehearsal last evening in order to be as near perfect as possible. The experience will be a novel one for them and as it is the first they will make every effort to give of their best. Schuylkill Haven as a community will reap a considerable amount of good publicity by having its musical organization broadcast and is indebted to the Reverend Beittel, who was very instrumental in obtaining a period in the their time and efforts given so willingly and without compensation, or even remuneration for the personal expense that will be involved. While it may be true that WMBS may be a difficult station for radio fans in this section to tune in on, nevertheless the program will be listened to by an audience of thousands of persons throughout the country. The band will be on between four and five in the afternoon and will broadcast the following program: March, Old Berks, Althouse, Overture, Barber of Seville, Mill in the Forest, Eilenberg, selection from Romeo and Juliet, Sextette from Lucia, Donizetti, Ballet Music and Soldiers March from William Tell, Rossini, and a grand selection of sacred songs. |
| The Call of July 20, 1928 The military career of the Bressler band has come to an end as the last rehearsal or drill was held the last Monday in June and by reason of the period of enlistment having expired for the most of the men, the instruments, equipment, and all uniforms have been turned in to the state authorities. The band has been succeeded by a unit from Allentown. The band served Uncle Sam for a period of three years and as the 213th Regimental Band was conceded to be one of the best of three regimental bands in the state. The two organizations considered above the 213th Band for concert work were musical organizations from Pittsburgh and from Philadelphia each composed entirely of professional musicians. On the march and for drill the Bressler or 213th Regimental Band was considered far above either one of the other two. The band as a military organization was composed of about thirty five members of the regular Bressler Band, with the addition of seven or ten additional members from either military units or not members of the Bressler Band. Ten or fifteen enlistments of the military band have not expired because they did not all enlist at one and the same date. These men will be assigned to the Allentown unit. It is understood at least another ten or more members of the Bressler Band were ready and anxious to reenlist but the majority did not wish to do so and as a result not any of the men reenlisted. The reenlistments would have been for a period of one year. The men as a military band were required to attend at least forty eight drills or rehearsals of from one and a half to two hours duration during the year. For this they received in remuneration from the government $1.00 to $1.80 each, depending on their rank. During the year they were also required to attend a two week camp at which time the rate of pay was slightly higher. |
| BRESSLER BAND TO BE ON RADIO |
| BRESSLER BAND NO LONGER A MILITARY BAND |
| The Pottsville Republican of February 18, 1893 FROM “SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SHORTS” A gray haired widower of this borough is apparently in love with another man’s wife on your East Norwegian Street leading to Port Carbon. This married woman’s husband is engaged away from home, but on unexpectedly returning a short time ago he found his wife with the widower both beastly drunk, so much so that the woman had broken her nose. The widower in the husband’s absence spends days at the house, sends the woman for whiskey and then the fun commences which resulted in the aforementioned mishap. Names in connection with the disgraceful proceeding will not now be designated, but since this villainy has remotely been referred to before, it might be well to add that if it does not instantly cease, an old army musket barrel full of red pepper will be awaiting for the cranium of the intruder. The strong arm of the law will also be resorted to and the cops placed on guard. |
| The Call of May 28, 1926 WOMAN KILLED IN AUTO SMASH UP SATURDAY Mrs. John Eichert, of Fairmount, a resident of Schuylkill Haven for less than two months, received injuries in an auto accident at the corner of Union Street and Parkway, that caused her death several hours later. The accident happened Saturday afternoon about 1:45 o’clock when the Ford touring, driven by John Eichert and going west on Union Street collided with the Oldsmobile touring of Elmer Ketner and driven by Charles, the seventeen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Schumacher, which was going north on Parkway. The two machines came together at a point somewhat north of the center of the intersection. Mrs. Eichert was thrown out of the auto and struck her head upon the curbing surrounding the Parkway. Mrs. Eichert was picked up and taken to the office of Dr. L. D. Heim and later to her home, by Charles Schumacher, in the Ketner machine. Her death occurred about 7:00 as the result of internal injuries and a fractured skull. She had been unconscious, with the exception of brief periods, since the accident. Both occupants of the Eichert car were thrown out but Mr. Eichert escaped injury. The Ketner car was occupied by the driver, Charles Schumacher and Mrs. Elmer Ketner. They escaped injury. The Eichert car was badly damaged. The Ketner car had the fenders bended and the lights broken. Deceased was fifty seven years, eight months and twelve days of age. She, with her husband, were residents of Schuylkill Haven since March 29th of this year. They resided in Washington Township for many years where they followed farming. Besides the husband, one son, William, of Friedensburg, survives. Two sisters, Mrs. Charles Burns of Schuylkill Haven and Mrs. Daniel Confehr of Deturksville and one brother, Milton W. Moyer of Beaver Valley survive. Deceased was a member of the Hetzels Church. Her funeral took place Wednesday morning at nine o’clock with short services at her late home and in the Hetzels Church by Reverend Charles Brown. The bearers were Charles Luckens, A. A. Ruff, Milton Reber, Charles Lutz, Howard Roeder, Harry Reed. The funeral director was William Zerbe. Zerb |
| The Call of June 22, 1917 TOWN MAN NOW COUNTY JUDGE Late Saturday evening, Governor Brumbaugh appointed Charles E. Berger of Schuylkill Haven as Judge of Schuylkill County to succeed the late Charles N. Brumm, deceased. The Call bulletin board gave the public the first inkling of the appointment and the Call was the first to inform the newly appointed judge of the fact. At noon Mr. Berger still persisted the news must be a mistake. Later in the day however, advice from the capital city informed him of his appointment. As the news traveled about town early Sunday morning, on every side were heard expressions of absolute satisfaction and predictions of most excellent results from his elevation to the bar bench. The commission from the Governor arrived in Pottsville Monday morning at ten o’clock. Mr. Berger will take the oath of office Saturday, July 2nd. Of course Charles E. Berger needs no introduction to the people of his hometown. For the past thirty years or more he has been most active in the interest of the Republican Party. He has ably filled the positions of County Solicitor and District Attorney. He is looked upon as being the most learned member of the Schuylkill County Bar. During his term as District Attorney, he fearlessly prosecuted all cases that came before him and his prosecution of the ballot box fraud cases before Judge Brumm in 1909 resulted in cleaning up one of the most despicable and most criminal practices in the county. He is a brilliant lawyer and his services were always in demand. He established for himself an enviable reputation as the most shrewd and distinguished lawyer in this section of the state. Mr. Berger accepts the appointment of judge at a great personal sacrifice. He did not wish to be appointed to his position and at no time sanctioned the efforts being made on his behalf to secure the appointment for him. His extensive legal practice compensated him more generously then will the judgeship salary. His sacrifice is all the more indicative of his honor. Mr. Berger immediately upon his appointment began to adjust his private practice. After taking the oath of office July 2nd he will leave for Wildwood where he will spend several weeks vacation. He will take up his labors as Judge of Schuylkill County on Monday July 23rd. The present appointment while only good until January 1918 will not effect his career as a judge. At the election in November 1917, he will most surely be elected for a full and complete ten year term. |
| The Call of August 4, 1922 THE GOVERNOR PAID US A VISIT For the first time in the history of the town, Schuylkill Haven was honored with an official visit of an acting Governor of the Commonwealth. Wednesday Governor Sproul and his party, enroute to Port Carbon to officiate at the ceremonies incident to the opening of the Pottsville-Port Carbon Pike, was welcomed, honored, delivered an address and shook hands with a number of our residents. The Governor and his party were scheduled to arrive in town at 12:40 o’clock and as is the usual rule, arrivals of this kind are always later rather than earlier then the scheduled hour. While the Schuylkill Haven motorists, some twenty five in number, were gathering on Main Street preparatory to motoring to Friedensburg to greet the Governor and party, the Governor came to town. He was welcomed by long loud blasts from the whistles of the local industries and the electric light plant. This was a significant salute from the industries which have made this town famous as one of the largest industrial towns in the state. The Governor and party were met by the Mayor and Editor of the Call. Mayor Lautenbacher in a few words extended the official welcome of the citizenry and town. The Governor standing upon the Hotel grand steps responded. The several hundred persons gathered in the square remained remarkably quiet during his address. The Governor took occasion to remark that the town had become well known and prominent in official circles because of its industries and manufacturing achievements. He extended a wish for the future prosperity of the town and its residents. He then shook hands with many of its citizens. Following this short reception a number of local motorists headed the line of autos and escorted the party to the Country Club. Quite a large number of residents complied with the committee’s request to decorate. The town certainly did look good and by the way, this fact was personally conveyed to the Editor by one member of the Governor’s official party and one of the County Motor Club Committeemen. Those persons who decorated can at least know that their efforts were noted and appreciated. A number of local motorists accompanied the party to the Country Club and took dinner with the party. Others took in the ceremonies at the Country Club. There were few autoists however in the parade in Pottsville to represent the several hundred autoists of Schuylkill Haven. |
| The Call of October 15, 1898 DEATH OF SAMUEL SPINDLER The sad news of the death of Samuel Spindler soon after his arrival at Fort Monroe from Puerto Rico was unwelcome news to many of his friends here. The shock was indeed felt since many thought he would soon be at home and under the kind and tender care of his good mother and family. A short time after his company F of the 4th Regiment left Guayama, he was placed on board a relief ship, but the surgeon fearing his condition not strong enough to stand the voyage, he with others was taken off at Ponce, a distance of twenty five miles from their start. Here he was placed in the hospital, hence the reason of his whereabouts being in doubt so long. After gaining some strength at this hospital, he was brought to Fortress Monroe but the severe sea voyage caused a relapse and in his weak condition he failed to rally from its effect. His death came before his relatives could be informed in time to reach him. Arrangements were made for the shipment of his body home. Sam, so familiar with the boys of town was loved and liked by all. His kind, reserved disposition made for him hosts of friends. His parents have the heartfelt sympathy and condolence of the community. |
| The Call of October 22, 1898 FUNERAL OF SAMUEL SPINDLER His body laid to rest on Tuesday with Military Honors. At great expense and after weeks of worry and suspense by his relatives and friends, Samuel J. Spindler of Company F, 4th P. V. I. was brought here from Fortress Monroe, where he had landed from Puerto Rico and two days after landing died of typhoid fever. His body was examined at Undertaker Ziegenfus’s establishment by friends and relatives and identified. Tuesday noon our streets were crowded with out of town people who came to offer a last tribute to a fallen soldier for the cause of humanity. The Fourth Regiment Drum Corps, which was rated amongst all the regiments camped at Chickamauga in the early part of the campaign as the crack Drum Corps of the Army, so much so that General Wilson invited the leader, Sergeant Dewald, to instruct other Corps in the service, was here in full trip and number. The company, of which Sam was a member, came commanded by Lieutenant Bishop, Captain Dyson being compelled to meet other officers at Reading to arrange for the trip to the Peace Jubilee at Philadelphia. The Schuylkill Hose Company attended almost to a man, followed by many citizens. The schools were dismissed also to do honor to the first of our soldier boys who met death in this war with Spain. Corporal Warren Brown had command of the pall bearers. The firing squad of twelve were commanded by Corporal Mellon. Reverend Smoll officiated at the house and church, preaching both English and German. |
| These two articles note the death and funeral of Samuel Spindler, the first Schuylkill Haven casualty of the Spanish American War |
| INJURED IN A RUNAWAY While a two horse truck wagon was being loaded with goods at J. F. Bast’s Knitting Mill on Berne Street, Tuesday morning, the horses suddenly started on a run down the alley, and making the turn down West Columbia Street, ran at terrific speed out that thoroughfare. Thomas F. Bast, son of the proprietor of the mill, jumped on the rear of the wagon as the horses started and tried to check their mad speed but without effect. While the wagon was descending the steep grade below the mill, Mr. Bast took a leap to the ground and while in the act of jumping several of the heavy cases, weighing between 250 and 300 pounds fell from the wagon, striking and felling him to the ground. The cases rolled over him, one of the heavy boxes falling on his right hand and bruising and crushing a portion of it in a painful manner. He also sustained painful bruises on his back, chest and other portions of the body. Mr. Bast’s injuries were dressed by Dr. G. H. Moore. The runaway team was caught at the Long Run Hotel, both wagon and horses fortunately escaping without injury. |
| EXCITING RUNAWAY Two horses, one belonging to Mrs. Raudenbush, the other to Peter Rausch, of this place, hitched to a buggy, became restless while standing in front of Earl Witman’s Hotel at Adamsdale on Tuesday evening and ran off. At the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge near Hoy’s, the animals tore loose from the buggy, which was later found lying by the roadside in a broken condition. The animals dashed into town and came down Williams Street at a terrific pace. After running the full length of Canal Street they turned up Main and wildly dashed into the safety gates at the railroad crossing, which were closed at the time on account of an approaching coal train. Two of the wooden gates were broken into splinters and the horses narrowly escaped being struck by the engine while crossing the tracks. The animals were caught near the stables and were uninjured. The driver, William Faust, returned home by trolley. |
| The Call of July 28, 1900 noted two runaway horse incidents in the same issue... |
| The Call of October 20, 1911 LOCAL MAN AN INVENTOR - INVENTS WASHING MACHINE THAT WILL SAVE LABOR TO BUILD SEVERAL MACHINES AT ONCE Charles Ney, of Dock Street, has been granted, the right to manufacture a new kind of washing machine, the patent on the same being pending. The machine promises to be a great improvement over all other kinds of washing machines both in results obtained and labor saving. Mr. Ney is a man of considerable inventive genius. About nine months ago he began considering the improving or building of a new machine. During his spare time pondered over and worked out the details and the right granted him last week is the result of his work. Mr. Ney built for himself a model of the machine and took it to the Patent Office at Washington and after explaining the machine was granted the right to manufacture if he chose and was given pretty good assurance that a patent would be granted shortly. He will begin the building of a dozen machines at once. He already has orders for a number of machines and all housewives who see the first machine he made, in operation, are delighted with it and ready to purchase one as soon as he can turn them out. At present he will manufacture on a small scale and later will turn them out on a larger scale. The invention embodies a casing mounted so it will rock and is formed with bulging ends, constituting compartment adapted to receive water as the casing is rocked so that an air cushion will be formed in the bulging end of the casing toward which the same is rocked. The air in the bulging end of the casing is forced through the clothes by the force of the water. Apertured baffle plates in the compartments prevent the clothes from passing from end to end in the machine. The forcing of the air so compressed with the force of the water through the clothes thorough and very efficiently cleanses them. A desirable feature of the machine is the fact that the slower it is rocked the better the results will be. |
| The Call of February 13, 1925 RAIN AND THAW CAUSE HIGH WATER AND FLOOD The rain of Tuesday and Wednesday together with the deep snow in this section caused small sized floods and high water in most every part of town and in most every section of the southern end of the county. In Schuylkill Haven, many cellars were flooded. The Schuylkill River raised rapidly Wednesday and late Wednesday afternoon was within seventeen inches of the high mark it reached during the September flood. The swift moving churning current carried with it debris of all kinds together with chunks of ice that surely must have caused damage at points south of town. ROAD WASHED OUT As was to be expected the river again came through the washed out section of Broadway. A stream fully eighteen inches deep washed through the cutoff, washed away the temporary roadway that had been constructed by the borough and has left the larger portion of the West Ward completely cut off from communication. Some cellars in the West Ward were flooded. Men employed at the car shops found it necessary to return home via the railroad to Main Street Wednesday evening by reason of the washout on Broadway. The Spring Gardeners were required to walk around via Connor’s and the pike because of the high water at the Level and the Dock which covered their shortcut foot bridge at this point. WATER EXTINGUISHED FURNACE FIRES Willow Street property owners again suffered a considerable amount of damage by reason of the overflowing of the creek which flows through the vacant lots to the old Level. The creek bed, it’s said, has been filled up with all kinds of rubbish dumped into the stream at points near Centre Avenue and along Garfield Avenue. This debris causes a blockage with every high water and a flood consequently follows. Cellars on Willow Street were flooded to a greater depth on Wednesday then during the high water of September. Fires in some furnaces were extinguished by the water which became several feet deep in some of the cellars. Property owners are up in arms over this condition and are going to make a determined effort to have steps taken to deepen the channel of the creek to avoid theses frequent washouts. SOUTH WARD FLOODED Down in the South Ward many homes along Columbia Street had unwelcome swimming pools in the cellars. The river did not overflow its banks but as usual the water seeped through from the river. Water also backed up from “the Eck” to the rear of some Columbia Street properties. Had the rain continued for not more then six hours it is believed this section would have been flooded to as great an extent as last fall. COFFER DAMS WASHED AWAY The coffer dams under construction for the new bridge which will be used as a temporary structure while the railroad “Red Bridge” a short distance south of the town, is being repaired, were broken up by the ice and washed away early Wednesday morning. All the lumber that had been placed on the site for use in the reconstruction work was washed away. The loss suffered by the contractor will total $2000. TROLLEYS ARE BLOCKED Water from the Schuylkill River backed along the road bed at a point near the Bowen School or “Watering Trough” was covered with almost a foot and a half of water. The last car to pass over this section of the road was the car out of Schuylkill Haven at 6:30 Wednesday evening. evening. |
| The Call of October 22, 1926 AUTOISTS GO INTO COAL CELLAR Roy Wike, of Cressona, with several other occupants of an Oldsmobile had a narrow escape from serious injury on Thursday evening last when their auto went through the concrete block porch at the home of Herman Clauser on Berne Street. The machine mounted an eight or ten inch curb and struck the concrete block of the porch with such force that they were tumbled down and the wooden steps of the porch demolished. The impact was so great that the electric meter and wire connections in the home were disconnected. Not only did the autoists have a narrow escape from injury, but five or six children standing on the pavement but a short distance above the point where the accident happened, also had a close call. Wike is said to have been driving at a terrific rate of speed. He has been placed under arrest for reckless driving and will be given a hearing before Squire Kline this evening. The local authorities arrested the same driver on May 18th for reckless driving on the Parkway and it is likely that the revocation of his license will be asked for on this second charge. |
| The Call of November 25, 1927 FAMILY OF TEN EVICTED FROM HOME The Witman family, heretofore residing in the Dallago house on Broadway, was on Wednesday morning evicted from the premises by a Pottsville constable, and until Friday the furniture of the family was parked on the pavement in front of the property formerly owned by Mrs. J. E. Stanton. The family consists of ten children, the youngest a small babe. Neighbors took care of some of the children Wednesday evening and Thursday evening while others were compelled to use the gas house of the borough, it having been generously offered by Superintendent Mellon. Efforts to procure a home or house were unavailing until Friday morning, when after Superintendent Mellon had procured work for the head of the family with the contracting company putting in the new pipeline, owners of houses were more reluctant to rent. Witman however, has been working almost steadily every day. Somehow or other mismanagement in the home results in obligations not being met as they ought to be. It was in the interests of the children that the local Red Cross and other local persons interested themselves, the matter being called to their attention Wednesday afternoon about five o’clock. The children could not be gotten into the County Home and no one was willing to rent a home to them. to |
| The Call of January 7, 1916 HORSES WENT THROUGH DISPLAY WINDOW No little excitement was caused Monday morning and the business section of the town and the businessmen who were complaining about the day being Blue Monday, found quite a change with the noise of splintering wood and breaking of glass. The cause of it all was that the team of horses of milkman Guldin dashed into the display window of J. M. Gipe on Main Street. That the horse escaped with but a few scratches seems quite miraculous. The wagon was damaged somewhat. The team standing on Saint Peter Street took fright when the automobile of Jacob Reed came down over the steep embankment at the Meck residence. The auto in some way or manner started off while the occupants were in a nearby residence. Coming to the edge of the embankment it made the steep descent and smashed into the pavement near the Guldin team. The horses dashing wildly down Saint Peter Street were unable to make the turn at the corner at Main and Saint Peter and naturally ran over the pavement and into the display window. The tongue of the wagon coming in contact with the inside wooden partition of the window brought the team to a stop with the one horse almost entirely in the window. |
| The Call of June 1, 1917 TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EXPLOSION Two men were seriously injured and two others had narrow escapes from similar injury about nine o’clock Friday night in an explosion of dynamite on the premises of Philip Drumheller, on East Railroad Street, town. The two seriously injured men are Edward Potts and Norman Peiffley, both about forty years of age and married, residing in Orwigsburg and near Orwigsburg respectively. The two men who escaped a similar fate by a hair’s breadth were Nelson Sterner and Philip Drumheller. Potts and Peiffley took the contract to dig a cesspool on the Drumheller premises. They had made repeated blasts with dynamite during their work and each blast went off producing the desired results. They had attained a depth of nearly twelve feet and were making their last charge in order that the work could be completed and they could catch the last car for Orwigsburg. A charge of dynamite had been placed and the cap and fuse attached. All four men who had been down in the hole came up and the fuse was then ignited. When it refused to go off, after a length of time, Potts and Peiffley went down the hole, Drumheller was on the ladder near the top and Sterner on the surface. The two men were alleged to have been using a pick when they struck the dynamite and caused the explosion. Potts was the closest and received the full effects of the charge. Both of his eyes were blown out, the lower jaw partly blown away, the flesh was torn from the bones while particles of stone and gravel lodged deeply in the flesh. He bled profusely. Peiffley had his face, arms and portions of his body badly lacerated. No time was lost by Drumheller and Sterner in getting the men to the surface and into the Drumheller home. A local physician was in the neighborhood at the time and hurried to the aid of the two men. Mrs. Ellen Weston and Norman Hendricks were also in the Drumheller home at the time and assisted in dressing the injuries of the two men. While the injuries were being dressed, both called repeatedly for water until finally it was denied them. Members of their family were summoned from Orwigsburg and later they were removed to the Pottsville Hospital, four hours after the accident occurred. Immediate operations were necessary upon both men. Potts is a brother of Mrs. Drumheller while Peiffley is reported to have had about twenty years experience with explosives. The one man is the father of five children and the other a father of six. During the excitement Mrs. Drumheller fainted several times and had to be given attention. |
| The Call of May 18, 1917 ALMOST DROWNED IN DEEP CESSPOOL Miss Emma Deibert, of Union Street, had a miraculous escape from drowning on Tuesday noon on the Sausser premises on High Street. Miss Deibert was assisting Mrs. Sausser with some household duties and had occasion to go into the yard with some old newspapers. Not being familiar with the yard she accidentally tread upon some rotten boards that covered a cesspool. In an instant she was through the boards and into the cesspool which is nearly fifteen feet in depth. Her screams for help were heard by neighbors and the employees of the R. J. Hoffman Knitting Mill. Messers. Harry Goas and Reuben and Newton Hoffman were among the first on the scene. By means of a ladder, Mr. Goas went into the cesspool and placed a stout rope about the victim. The Hoffman brothers pulled on the rope and assisted by Mr. Goas safely landed the unfortunate victim of the accident on terra firma. By this time she was almost in a semi-conscious condition. Miss Delbert was wrapped in a blanket and removed to her home nearby. A physician was summoned and found that she was not suffering with any serious injury. Miss Deibert is more then grateful to those who rescued her and assisted her in her predicament. |
| The Call of October 26, 1917 HORSE ELECTROCUTED HERE WEDNESDAY MORNING The horse owned and driven in the dairy team by Mrs. Benjamin Shappell met instant death by electrocution Wednesday morning about 8:30 o’clock when it came in contact with a live electric wire on Dock Street in front of the store of Harry Sterner. Mrs. Shappell evidently did not notice the end of the wire hanging from a telephone guy wire. The head of the horse came in contact with the same and was instantly killed. Over 2300 volts passed through its body. Mrs. Shappell was greatly surprised and shocked when she noticed her horse fall over and did not realize at once what had happened. Persons who came to her assistance unthinkingly grasped the horse and had narrow escapes from being electrocuted. When the horse fell, the wire in some way or other got beneath its body. The wire was finally worked from underneath by means of a rope. The wire was one of the lines of the borough electric light department and was torn during the high wind storm of the early morning. One end dropped over a telephone guy wire and it was this end that came in contact with the horse. The broken wire was discovered only about two minutes before the accident and word was being telephoned to the plant about the broken wire when the accident occurred. |
| The Call of January 11, 1918 WANTS $250 FOR HORSE Solicitor Noecker reported not having as yet arrived at a settlement with Mrs. Shappell for the horse electrocuted on Dock Street some time ago. It is known that Mrs. Shappell admitted the front part of the wagon was closed on account of the rain and that she did not see the dangling wire and that she was out looking for the trolley and that there is no dispute as to what killed the horse. The only difference of opinion is as to the value of the horse. Mrs. Shappell insists the horse is worth $250 and refuses to settle for anything less. Mr. Noecker stated he consulted with different persons capable of judging horse values. One person said the horse was worth $150, another $160, another $175, another $200 and another anywhere between $175 and $200. The horse was nine years old and could be used anywhere. Councilmen expressed their opinion as to the value of the horse. Saul and Mill thought it wouldn't pay to go to the Court and fight the issue, that with the costs of litigation the borough would have to pay more than $250. Moore thought that if the persons consulted varied as to their estimates of the horses value from $150 to $200 and not any of them above $200, that if the borough would offer her, Mrs. Shappell, $200 she should be satisfied with the amount. Mr. McKeon thought $200 would be a good price. Rooney said horses were pretty high just now and that recently he had to pay $300 for one. The matter or discussion was finally ended by McKeon and Saul making a motion to instruct Solicitor Noecker to settle the case for $200. |
| The Call of May 10, 1918 TRUANT LIVING IN HUT NEAR RED BRIDGE Somewhere near what is known as the Red Bridge on the outskirts of the borough limits is located a hut entirely surrounded by water and in that hut is living a youth by the name of Harvey, about fourteen years old. On Monday night last, relatives of Harvey appeared before the school board and stated that the boy had run away from home and was beyond their control. They further stated that they refused to have the responsibility of his welfare resting upon them. Truant Officer John Butz started an investigation with the discovery of the boy in the hut. Harvey makes trips to land but has a raft for this purpose. At night he ties the raft near the hut while he sleeps. A rowboat would therefore be necessary to procure the boy. Just where he is obtaining his eatables is not known, but it is supposed that other boys are assisting him. The matter has been taken up with the Probation Officer. Just as soon as word is received from the officer, extraordinary efforts will be made to apprehend him and have him committed to some institution. The boy refuses to attend school. |
| The Call of January 12, 1917 A HAUNTED HOUSE Somewhere in this section there is a haunted house, at least that is what is being claimed. The house is occupied, but nightly the peaceful slumber of the occupants have been disturbed by strange sounds. Not only this, but the chickens have refused to lay, frequently the shutters on the windows refused to either remain closed or would refuse to open. Milk placed in the cellar would turn sour within a very short time. Those are only a few of the many things that are blamed on the innocent hex. Everything possible was done to locate and remove or destroy the cause of the unpleasantness of the household. The entire trouble was placed on the shoulders of a resident who, it was believed, possessed the power to haunt and to hex. During the week the cause was discovered and undoubtedly removed. A pigeon was discovered making its home in the garret of the house and with a well pointed shot from a gun that had been loaded with only thirteen small shot, the pigeon was killed, one of the shot having penetrated its neck. The following day a certain resident was noticed wearing a bandage about their neck. The supposed hex is not truly a resident of Spring Garden, but a person who lives on the outskirts of the borough and who daily makes trips to all sections of the town. "Exit the hex for evermore." |
| The Call of February 16, 1912 FAMILY ALMOST ASPHYXIATED A triple tragedy was narrowly averted here the fore part of this week by the timely awakening of one of the trio who would undoubtedly would have been asphyxiated in another hours time. The awakening of Mr. C. Reed, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Reed, who reside in what is known as the "Eck" or the southern portion of the Flat, Monday morning about 4:30 o'clock, who discovered his room and the entire home full of deadly gases coming from the kitchen stove, probably save not only his own life but that of his aged parents also. As was his custom, Mr. Reed arose early to prepare for work, being employed at one of the coal collieries north of the mountain. As soon as he awoke he discovered the fumes and felt himself becoming overpowered with them. He fought off the dreadful feeling and crawled to a window in his room. The cold fresh air soon revived him sufficiently to make his way to the bed chamber of his parents. Here he raised a window also and attempted to wake them but they had already become stupefied. Hastily working his way downstairs and to the nearest neighbors he gave the alarm. Being rather early, prompt response to his alarm was not possible. Neighbors however responded and after working with the aged couple finally brought them to consciousness. Medical skill was summoned and from latest reports all who figured in the occurrence have about overcome its effects. Mr. and Mrs. Reed, from information received by this office, are sixty and sixty five years of age. Both are in ill health, the wife being an invalid, and in needy circumstances, their only support being that of their son, who is forty years of age and is greatly handicapped in his efforts to make a livelihood by having but one leg, the lower portion of his other limb having been cut off in an accident years ago. |
| The Call of July 5, 1912 RUN OVER BY AUTOMOBILE A distressing auto accident occurred here Thursday afternoon about five o'clock when the auto of Frank Runkle ran over a number of people congregated on Main Street. The crowd at this point was very large, all waiting for the bicycle racers to finish. Mr. Runkle came out Saint John Street and accidentally stalled the engine, he got out of the machine to crank it, but forgot to take the clutch out and when the engine was started the car went off before he could jump in and plowed its way through the crowd, knocking down and running over a number of persons before the machine could be stopped. That the list of injured is not more lengthy is due to the fact the machine is a light one and went at a slow rate of speed. The accident caused the ire of the crowd to raise and both Mr. Frank Runkle and his brother George, who was in the machine, were roughly handled. Had not the Burgess and State Police arrived on the scene promptly and drove the crowd back they would no doubt have been seriously injured. Mr. Robert Defen of Reading was the most seriously injured, sustaining a badly sprained shoulder and was taken to his home in Reading Friday morning. Mrs. J. Guy Zulick of Philadelphia was badly bruised about the face, arms and shoulders. Miss Elizabeth Abbot of Pittsburgh sustained a slightly sprained ankle and bruises of the arms and body. Charles Werner of Pottsville had body bruises. Elwood Thomas of town sustained a number of severe bruises and deep cuts about the arms head and body. A Mr. Fidler of Cressona was also injured about the body. Quite a number of other persons had their clothes badly torn. |
| The Call of September 15, 1911 TWO STRUCK BY AUTOMOBILES - Step in Front of Machines, Escape With Body Bruises- ESCAPE OF YOUTH MIRACULOUS Elmer, the seven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Krammes of Berne Street (Schuylkill Mountain Road) had a narrow escape from being killed Thursday evening about five o'clock. The lad returning from school stopped but a moment in front of the store of Charles Bittle to allow a team to pass by and then attempted to cross the street. He stepped directly in the path of an automobile coming in the opposite direction and before the machine could be stopped he was struck by it and dragged along the street for a short distance. He sustained a number of body lacerations and had his clothing torn. His escape from serious injury is said to have been miraculous. The machine was that of Edward Kline of Pottsville. The the machine. The parents release the autoist from all blame in the accident. George Hunter of Dock Street, in attempting to cross Main Street on Thursday morning about nine o'clock was struck by the auto of Samuel Rowland and dragged along the street for several feet. He was somewhat bruised and had his clothing torn. Eyewitnesses said Mr. Rowland was driving slow at the time and it is thought Hunter became confused on account of many teams on the street at this point and stepping out of the road of one team stepped into the path of the auto. |
| The Call of August 16, 1901 HOSPITAL TORN DOWN - Pest House to Isolate Smallpox Patients Razed Erected by Schuylkill Haven Board of Health on Private Property - Rebuilt on Site Donated by County The Borough Board of Health on Monday commenced the erection of a hospital in order to isolate and properly treat the smallpox patients in the borough. The site selected was just back of Boyer's woods on the grounds of the estate owned by the late Martin Bowen. A force of eight carpenters were employed and the building was well underway by evening. During the night, a force of men at the direction of the executors of the estate, it is said, took the building apart very carefully in sections and carried the lumber from the grounds and deposited it within the borough limits. The members of the Board were apprised early in the morning of the razing of the building, but they expressed no surprise, knowing the structure had been erected on private property. The property is advertised to be sold next Tuesday and the location of the hospital on the premises might seriously have affected the sale. The officials of the Board of Health immediately conferred with the county authorities at the Almshouse and were granted the use of a tract of land on the south side of the road leading to Orwigsburg. It is located near the Pennsy cut and is about two hundred yards distant from the former location on the Bowen estate. Work was started at once and the building was completed on Wednesday. It is twenty by twenty four feet in dimensions with a six by ten foot kitchen annex. |
| The Call of February 1, 1901 STRUCK IT RICH - Oscar Hershey's Valuable Claim in California - A Former Schuylkill Haven Boy's Luck as a Gold Miner He Is Now Rated at $500,000 Wealth Pouring In Oscar Hershey, a former Schuylkill Haven boy, has struck it rich, mining in California, and may be a millionaire within the next year. Hershey was quite a hustler when a boy and graduated at the head of his class in the high school at Lebanon, where the family resided some years after leaving here. He got the "gold fever" and when the first rumors began to be circulated about the new gold field in the mountains of Northern California, Mr. Hershey started for the scene. Part of the way he traveled on snow shoes, carrying a small supply of provisions with him. He staked a claim in the new El Dorado which is proving a veritable bonanza. It is yielding ore assaying $1000 to the ton. Experts say it is one of the most valuable gold mines on the Pacific coast. Hershey has a partner and they are already rated as worth $500,000 each, with a million for each in sight. The claim is located near Abrams in Trinity County in California. When a boy, Mr. Hershey was a resident of this borough, his father then being pastor of the Evangelical Church on Dock Street. |
| The Call of December 7, 1900 EXCITING RUNAWAY YESTERDAY An exciting runaway occurred yesterday shortly before noon. A team belonging to Milton Deibert of Auburn, loaded with butter, eggs and other produce was left standing in front of John Murphy's residence on Saint Peter Street, while Mr. Deibert delivered some goods at the rear door of the Murphy home. The children were passing the place n their way home from school at the time and it was supposed that the noises made by them frightened the animal which darted up the street and turned onto Union Street from thence to Margaretta Street. While dashing down the alley between Market and Union Street the wagon top caught at Jere Sterner's lumber shed and was torn from the wagon box. The animal continued his mad flight and in rounding the corner at Saint Peter Street, opposite Charles Meck's residence, the wagon caught at a tree box. The wagon was totally demolished and the sudden jar threw the horse to the ground. Before he could scramble to his feet he was seized and firmly held by two men who happened to be near. The eggs, butter and other articles were found scattered along the road and were a total loss. There are reports of several school children having narrowly escaped being run over by the runaway team. Mr. Deibert was given the use of another vehicle by Mr. Adam Moyer and made his journey home in that. |
| The Call of December 20, 1901 STORM DAMAGE IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN In our town the storm caused damages that will amount to thousands of dollars. The Schuylkill River rose steadily and overflowed its banks on Willow Avenue near Charles Street. A body of water as large as the river itself rushed madly through Charles Street and spread over the entire lower portion of the town. The people had been warned earlier in the night and many of them took their carpets and furniture out of the lower floors and some left their homes for more secure places. At the home of M. M. Meck on Columbia Street, the water rose to the first floor. At the houses farther down it rose halfway to the second floor. The persons who remained at home had to stay there until late Monday morning, as the water had not receded enough to allow them to depart. The water rushing through the streets tore up pavements and fences, washing deep channels in the street, carried off coal sheds and other outbuildings. Much livestock, chickens, etc., were drowned. The water broke through the bank above the baseball ground and flowed over it all night. The grounds are covered with coal dirt and are ruined. The forty foot wall back of the home of Dr. Lenker was undermined by the swift current and a general landslide ensued. At several other points there were landslides. The substantial foot bridge to the ball grounds and two bridges across the dock were washed away. Water flowed across Berger Street and everybody in that part of the town had their cellars full of water. Even the oldest residents say this was the highest and most destructive rise in the Schuylkill River for many years. Every resident in the low lying portions of town suffered to a greater or less extent from the flood. |
| The Call of January 3, 1902 BITTEN BY A DOG – William Paxson and William Moyer Jr. the Victims Mr. Paxson Seriously Injured-Has Gone to New York to Undergo the Pasteur Treatment, Moyer Slightly Hurt William Paxson, son of Isaac Paxson, who resides on the Paxson farm on the top of the Schuylkill Mountain is now at the Pasteur Institute in New York City undergoing treatment for a dog bite. On Monday, as Mr. Paxson was on his way up the mountain road that leads from Schuylkill Haven to his home, just as he reached the little settlement the other side of Bittle’s Dam, a dog came running along the road, snapping and snarling as it ran. Mr. Paxson made an effort to get out of the way but the savage brute rushed at him and sank his fangs deep in the calf of the left leg, inflicting a very painful injury. Mr. Paxson made his way home and later with his brother, George M. Paxson, esquire, went to Pottsville where they consulted with Dr. Farquhar and other physicians who had charge of Pottsville’s hydrophobia patients last summer. Upon the advice of these physicians, Mr. Paxson left on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his brother, George, to undergo treatment at the Pasteur Institute. When Mr. Paxson left town his left leg had swollen considerably and the wound was giving him considerable pain. Just before Mr. Paxson had his exciting experience with the savage dog, William Moyer Jr., who lives with his father William Moyer, on his farm on the other side of the Schuylkill Mountain, had a similar encounter with the dog. Young Moyer was half way up the mountain when the animal suddenly rushed upon him from a bypath. Moyer jumped aside and as the dog bit him on his leg he seized it by the collar and held it out at arm’s length, the beast meanwhile snapping and snarling in a vain endeavor to bite him. Moyer had nothing with which to kill the dog but he made an effort to dash out its brains by throwing the animal forcibly against a rock. The brute was not even stunned by the blow but as soon as it landed on its feet ran down the road before Moyer could make another attempt to kill it. Moyer considers that he had a very lucky escape. The dog’s teeth did not penetrate his clothing and the skin on his leg is not broken. The dog’s bite was severe enough to make his leg black and blue, as though bruised. The dog is believed to have bitten quite a number of digs along the road. It is not positively known if the animal is mad. The dog is a hound and it is said has been running wild for some time. A number of persons have been searching for the dog to shoot it, but at last report it had not been found. |
| The Call of October 3, 1902 SHOCKING FATALITY – William Gehrig Found Dead in Theodore Naffin’s Cellar The Men Had Spent the Evening Together and Had a Glass of Beer and Several Glasses of Wine Considerable excitement was occasioned Sunday morning by the finding of the dead body of William Gehrig in the cellar of the home of Theodore Naffin on Centre Avenue near Garfield and only a few doors away from Gehrig’s own home. Gehrig and Naffin were warm friends and on Saturday evening had been together. On the way home they had a glass of beer together and when they arrived at Naffin’s home he asked his companion in to try some new wine. Together they went into the cellar and had several glasses of wine. The wine being new, and not having completed fermentation, quickly made both men drowsy and Gehrig fell to the floor in a stupor while Naffin managed to crawl to bed. Early Sunday morning Mrs. Naffin went to the cellar to get food for breakfast, when she discovered the form of Gehrig on the cellar floor. She went to awaken him and discovered he was cold in death. Although terribly frightened she managed to give the alarm and her husband and several neighbors at once made an investigation and when satisfied that Gehrig was dead, summoned Deputy Coroner Dr. Daniel Dechert. Dr. Dechert empanelled the following jury: John Butz, John Mengel, Robert Shappel, Harry Sterner, Lewis Reed and Walter Moyer. They viewed the body and the scene of Gehrig’s death. The remains were lying on the cold earthen floor of the cellar in the position of a man in slumber. There was no trace of violence on the body nor indications of any kind of a struggle in the cellar. The jury subpoenaed a number of witnesses and at 2:00 p. m. Sunday met at Dr. Dechert’s office and took testimony, afterward rendering a verdict of death from exhaustion super induced by exposure. The remains were taken in charge by the Ziegenfus undertaking establishment and prepared for burial. The unfortunate man was the son of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Gehrig. He was a native of this town and a laborer by occupation. He worked for some time for Joseph Meyers and William H. Mellon. For the past several months he has been working for Shickram, the green grocer. He was about thirty six years of age, tall and athletic build, was very popular among his circle of friends and acquaintances. A widow and six children, whose ages range from eight months to ten years, survive. The news of Gehrig’s death was quite a shock to the community. The bereaved family have the sincere sympathy of all. |
| The Call of February 3, 1905 AN EXCITING RUNAWAY Dr. John Lessig, the dentist, had quite an exciting runaway on Sunday afternoon. While driving up Dock street toward Centre Avenue and in endeavoring to turn out to avoid another team a runner of his sleigh caught in the trolley tracks and the sleigh tipped sufficiently to throw him out. The doctor pluckily held onto the lines and the frightened horse dragged him on to the pavement where the doctor took a turn with the reins around a telegraph pole. With a sudden plunge the horse jerked the reins from the doctor’s grasp, severely squeezing his hands and dashed out Dock Street and Centre Avenue. As the thoroughly frightened animal dashed past the doctor’s home, a pet dog, recognizing the team, jumped into the sleigh and enjoyed a wild ride as far as the Halfway House where the horse was captured. The horse escaped uninjured and the sleigh was not damaged. |
| The Call of October 16, 1903 TERRIBLY SHOCKED – Telephone Lineman Otto Reese’s Narrow Escape From Electrocution To the several hundred horror stricken spectators certain death appeared Otto Reese a United telephone lineman on last Friday afternoon. Reese and Walter Daniels were putting a new phone in Mrs. Alice Seidel’s millinery store and were stringing a wire. It was about five o’clock and Reese was just descending from a pole in front of Greenawald’s feed store when he came in contact with one of the borough electric light wires Daniels attempted to rescue him but could not get in a position to do so without exposing himself to the deadly current. A crowd soon formed in the street and gazed in horror at the awful plight of a fellow being whom all seemed powerless to help. Finally Lineman Daniels rushed up to the Telephone Exchange where Miss Zulick, the operator, phoned to Ehly’s Bakery and Mr. Ehly ran over to the power house and had the current cut off. To the crowd it was apparent that if the current was not shut off the man would be electrocuted and when it was cut off it was feared he would fall to certain death on the street below. To the surprise of all, when the current was shut off, Reese descended to the ground unaided and walked into Dr. Lenker’s office where he was given treatment. Not withstanding his terrible experience Reese was at work again on Saturday and finished the installation of Mrs. Seidel’s phone and the stringing of the wires. wires. |
| The Call of June 30, 1894 HORSES IN THE CANAL There was a lot of excitement in town last Sunday night. A horse and carriage in the canal was the cause of the excitement. The accident was caused by the collision of two teams near Motzers on Canal Street. A single team containing Charles Berger and William Semmet, of Cressona, was being driven toward the Reading depot. A double team containing Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eiler and Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Eiler, was being driven in the same direction, and the driver attempted to pass the single team. The teams collided about two feet of black mud. In a short time, several hundred people assembled at the scene of the accident. Landlord Yoder, who is the owner of the horse that was stuck in the mud, appeared and with the assistance of a number of young men, he succeeded in liberating the dumb animal. |
| The Call of October 16, 1897 EXCITING RUNAWAY On Tuesday afternoon the team of E. B. Peale, containing his son, R. B. Peale and wife and Mrs. Dr. Carrier and son, were frightened at the noise of escaping steam from an engine near the P and R depot and became unmanageable, dashing down the streets of the lower part of town, badly wrecking the carriage and causing the occupants to narrowly escape serious injury. Near the covered bridge, Mrs. Carrier, with her son in her arms, attempted to leap from the carriage, and was thrown to the ground. She was uninjured beyond a few bruises, while the child received a severe gash on the forehead. His injuries were dressed by Dr. Dechert. This is the second time the team has run away endangering the members of the Peale family. |
| The Call of November 9, 1900 MISSING INSANE MAN FOUND DEAD "Tony", the insane Italian who escaped from the Almshouse on Tuesday of last week, was found dead under a tree in the woods nearby on Saturday morning by William Yost, of Dock Street, this place. Mr. Yost was out hunting for rabbits when he came across the body, which apparently had been lying there for several days. His neck was broken and a broken limb of the tree under which the body was found suggested that he had climbed the tree and then fallen down landing on his head. He was about twenty eight years of age and had been brought to the institution from Honey Brook. |
| The Call of October 12, 1900 RESCUED FROM DROWNING While Augustus Luckenbill was walking near the docks in Spring Garden on Wednesday night he heard splashes in the water and through the rapidly fading twilight he could discern the features of a man struggling in the water. A line was thrown to him and he was pulled ashore. He was found to be a middle aged man, heavily built and refused to give his name, but stated he was a miner from Shenandoah, had a family of five children and was out of work on account of the strike. He claimed poor eyesight and on account of this he fell into the water while walking along the bank. No cries for assistance were heard and this helps to make the case a puzzle. In all probability the man was despondent, brooding over his troubles, and attempted to "drown" his sorrow. |
| The Call of April 18, 1902 EGGS-TRAORDINARY PRODUCER - A Spring Garden Hen that Smashes All Previous Records There are eggs and eggs and the hens which produce them are sometimes blamed with doing some eggs-traordinary things such as becoming non producers when egg prices soar skyward. But Reuben Luckinbill, a farmer near Spring Garden Junction, has the hen that takes the record. She evidently determined to make up for lost time by producing two perfectly formed eggs at one time, one egg being within the other. Last Saturday, Mrs. Luckinbill picked out the largest egg in the basket and cooked it for her daughter's dinner, the latter being employed in a factory in Schuylkill Haven. At the noon hour the young lady proceeded to partake of the egg. She carefully removed the shell from about one half of the hen fruit and took a bite. Her teeth struck something hard. She investigated and found on the inside another perfectly formed egg, slightly smaller than the average egg, but nevertheless perfectly formed and with a hard shell. She took the egg home and Mr. Luckinbill is now searching for that one peculiar hen, for if she can be found she will be given the best in the feed market, in the hope that she may keep up her determination to become a double producer. The egg is on exhibition at Klitsch's Café, where Mr. Luckinbill's son in law, Edward Foulk, has it preserved in a jar of alcohol. |
| The Call of July 5, 1901 SUPPOSED COAL DISCOVERED IN TOWN Quite a little stir was created in town on Tuesday when announcement was made of the discovery of an article supposed to be coal while digging a well on the lot of James Schaeffer on Centre Avenue, he report was not entirely unfounded. The substance dug out, however, instead of being pure coal is of the nature of "croppings" usually unearthed before coal is reached. This material was first reached at a depth of seventeen feet and continued, even improving as to quality, to the depth of twenty two feet when work on the well was discontinued, an abundance of water having been reached. Persons who have visited the spot and who claim to know are of the opinion that a good quality of coal would have been reached at an increased depth. |
| The Call of April 1, 1899 A PLUCKY BOY Two brothers, Oscar aged about thirteen years and Martin, about eleven, sons of Washington Maberry of Haven Street were getting kindling wood at the P and R landing along the dock last Saturday. As they feet deep. The older brother, afraid to plunge in from the bridge, ran in to the shore and left himself into the water gradually and swimming out, caught his brother just as he was sinking and took him to a pier of the bridge, which they clung to until they were pulled out by John Burkett, who happened to come along. They are suffering no ill effects from their icy bath. |
| The Call of February 17, 1905 THE HORSE RAN AWAY While driving down Main Street on Tuesday evening, the runner of Jackson Wortz's cutter caught in the trolley tracks, the sleigh upset and Mr. Wortz and his son were thrown out. The horse took fright and dashed down Main Street at a mad gallop as far as Hotel Grand where he collided with Harry McGeoy's grocery team. The shock threw Mr. McGeoy out of the sleigh, but he escaped unhurt, as did also his team. The runaway horse was bruised and the sleigh was rather the worse for banging around on its side on the icy street. Mr. Wortz and his son landed on a soft spot, on top of their buffalo robes and were unhurt. |
| The Call of February 3, 1905 ANOTHER SLEIGH UPSETS Mrs. Philip Moyer of South Manheim Township, was driving through town on Saturday morning with a load of produce. At the corner of Main and Saint John Streets, owing to the great heaps of snow thrown to each side of the street off the trolley tracks and cleaned off of pavements, she was obliged to drive on the tracks with the result that one of the runners caught in the track and the sleigh upset. Among the contents of the vehicle were fifty dozen eggs, about half of which were smashed. The fact that they were packed in straw saved the other half. This same corner has been the scene of several mishaps, among them the upsetting of a cutter containing a young couple from Pottsville. The sleigh was badly wrecked and the horse took fright running out the Long Run Road almost to Friedensburg. |
| The Call of December 16, 1904 YOUNG COASTER INJURED The first serious coasting accident of the season happened on Saturday afternoon. Horatio, the seven year old son of W. H. Underwood, manager of Doutrich and Company's store, while coasting down Saint John Street lost control of his sled. Coming at considerable speed he dashed into the wagon of Warren Brown's grocery, which was being driven down Saint John Street. The boys head crashed into the wagon wheel and he was rendered unconscious by the blow. He was carried into I. B. Heim's store by Frank Heim, who witnessed the accident. Dr. Heim, who lives just across the street, was summoned and dressed the wound, after which the boy was removed to his home on Saint John Street, where Dr. Heim sewed the wound up with four stitches. The little fellow is able to be out again and suffers no ill results of his injury. |
| The following three articles attest to the ingenuity of two Schuylkill Haven men who had three patented inventions in 1913 alone. Of note, one of them, Albert Geary, has special meaning as he is my late wife's great great grandfather. |
| The Call of July 18, 1913 LOCAL MAN AN INVENTOR J. C. Lautenbacher, one of our pioneer and most prominent manufacturers, has launched into the inventing business and has applied for a patent on a device that is positively the invention of the age. It is a nonrefillable bottle. The patent officers at Washington and those of his friends who have seen the device are all decided in their opinion that Mr. Lautenbacher has the desired ans much sought after invention, a real nonrefillable bottle. By reason of the fact that many manufacturers of high grade liquids, such as liquors, patent medicines, sauces, dressings, etc., continually are having their goods misrepresented by persons refilling the original bottles with inferior goods and passing them off as the real concoction, this nonrefillable bottle, which will prevent occurrences of this kind, will be eagerly sought after and be a most valuable device for them. Several large manufacturers have from time to time offered large sums of money to the person who could invent a positive nonrefillable bottle. Bottles of this kind have from time to time been invented but all have proved a failure. The bottle invented by Mr. Lautenbacher promises to fill the bill to the minutest detail. The device is tube shaped and naturally fits in the neck of the bottle. It is in seven separate parts. When the device is once placed in the neck of the bottle it can not be gotten out without breaking the bottle. By reason of its peculiar construction liquid can positively not be forced into the bottle either by pressure or any position the bottle may be made to assume in the liquid. When the bottle is filled it is emptied by the air getting in and forcing out the liquid, same as any other bottle, but when the liquid is once out none can be put into it because as soon as the bottle is in a position where liquid could be put into it, the device in a sense locks itself. In emptying the bottle with the nonrefillable attachment a better flow is obtained, regardless of the position it is held in, than a bottle without the attachment. Many bottles held in certain positions will choke themselves and retard the flow of liquid. This nonrefillable bottle will not do so. The invention is a very practical one and is admitted to be such by patent agents. It is a device that will fill the bill in every particular. The purpose of this article is not to advertise the device as Mr. Lautenbacher does not intend manufacturing it himself, but will dispose of it to any manufacturer who desires to make use of it, on the royalty system only. Mr. Lautenbacher has been hard at work on the device for the past several months. He was ably assisted in perfecting the same by Albert Geary, a well known and very capable machinist of our town. |
| The Call of September 5, 1913 LOCAL MEN INVENTORS Jere C. Lautenbacher and Albert Geary have recently perfected an invention which will no doubt meet with ready sale when placed on the market. It is an appliance to prevent the skidding of automobiles. The device it is claimed will also enable automobiles to ascend and descend the steepest grades in all kinds of weather and road conditions. The device is controlled by the driver's foot and can be applied to any machine. Messrs. Geary and Lautenbacher have applied for a patent on this device and as soon as same is granted will place the same on the market. This is the second invention of note and worth these gentlemen have perfected within several month's time, the first invention being the nonrefillable bottle. |
| The Call of December 5, 1913 INVENTED SHOCK ABSORBER Mr. Jere C. Lautenbacher and Mr. Albert Geary have invented a most satisfactory automobile shock absorber. Models have been made of the same and patent papers applied for. Autoists who have seen the novel device claim that it will mean added pleasure to automobiling. It will prevent the jar and shock so prevalent in all autos. The absorber works on compressed air. It is a simple device. There is nothing to wear out, will prolong the life of an auto several years by reducing the wear and tear by jarring. The absorber can be made in a number of different sizes to suit the different size and power machines. Messrs. Lautenbacher and Geary have a number of other excellent inventions which will be made public very shortly. |
| The Call of May 2, 1913 MOVED BUILDING WITH AUTO Wednesday morning pedestrians along South Main Street were treated to the novel sight of an automobile moving a house. The automobile was none other than the famous and renowned car of Dr. A. H. Detweiler. Charles Faust was engaged in moving the frame building of Charles Schumacher from its location near the railroad to a site next to the Perry and Bowen Theater. The doctor happened along just as the work of moving was about to be commenced. He made the remark that he could pull the building and the bystanders immediately took him up. Ropes were attached to the building through a pulley and to the machine. At this stage of the game it was seen that some means had to be used to hold down the rear of the machine. Heavy Harry Moyer was at once on the job. The signal was given and away goes both the auto and the house. Three times the same method was employed, the entire distance which the house was moved was about one hundred yards. Quite a crowd collected during the performance. The building weighed about eight tons. The doctor certainly has some car but he says if Dock Street is not soon paved and he is compelled to continue to drive his machine over it in its present condition, it will soon be utterly ruined. |
| The Call of January 19, 1912 TROLLEY HITS SLEIGHING PARTY Considerable anxiety was felt here Tuesday afternoon about 4:30 o’clock by a number of parents when it was learned that a sleighing party composed of school children had been struck by a trolley car near Adamsdale. It was at first thought in of the many sleighing parties including, several of the public schools from town which left on this afternoon figured in the accident. The party struck was the second section of a sleighing party of school children of the Glenworth schools taught by Miss Emerich of town. As the second sleigh reached the crossing known as the Filbert crossing, near the Peale residence, the 4:30 car out of Schuylkill Haven came into sight and before the driver of the sleigh could cross, the car struck the horses knocking them down. The jolt caused the children to be thrown out of the sleigh into the snow. None were injured, excepting one girl, Vera Wagner aged twelve years, who in some manner was caught between the car and the sleigh and was squeezed. The horses were somewhat bruised. The occupants of the damaged sleigh were brought to Schuylkill Haven and left for their homes on the 6:40 P and R train. It appears that the driver of the team that was struck had his ears covered with the laps of his cap and did not hear the whistle of the approaching car. As a high embankment hides the car from view until it is within several feet of the crossing , no blame can be laid against either the driver of the team or the trolley company. |
| The Call of April 5, 1912 EXCITING RUNAWAY An exciting runaway occurred Thursday morning about 10:30 o’clock when the double team of Charles Seager, a former resident of town, now a farmer living at Summit Station, dashed madly down Main Street with harness trailing. In front of the Trust Company Building one of the horses slipped on the trolley track and fell to the street, but was pulled along over the brick street by the other excited animal for a distance of fully thirty feet before the other horse stopped. Bystanders took charge of the team. The horses became frightened while their owner was delivering farm products on North Main Street . The tongue of the wagon broke in rounding the corner and the harness was quickly torn. The wagon was but slightly damaged. |
| The Call of August 2, 1912 THREE BOYS SKIP FOR THE WEST The boys, namely Wildermuth, Hartranft and Sattizahn, whose ages are 16, 15, and 17 respectively, last Saturday decided they would set out to see some of this great and broad land of ours. In order to be fully prepared for the trip, it is alleged they appropriated their parents cash. Sattizahn securing $57 and Hartranft $8. In order to throw any person who might accidentally want to follow them up off their they purchased tickets at the local station for Hamburg and left last Saturday afternoon on the 1:59 train. After their presence was missed from their homes and when the parents learned that sums of money were missing, a search was begun. It was learned they left for Hamburg but they were not located in that town. Police fliers were sent out and early in the week word was received from Pittsburgh that the trio were caught in that city. The chief of police was at once notified to hold the boys until an officer could be sent for them. It is expected the prodigal sons will be brought home very shortly, none the worse for their pleasure trip. It is thought they intended on making for the west, there to seek their fortune and return home in time well heeled in cash. |
| The Call of February 27, 1914 CAUGHT RUNAWAY TEAM Charles Graeff, better known as "Baggy", proved himself quite a hero by his daring act of stopping a runaway horse Thursday about 12:30 o'clock on Prospect Hill. The horse was going at a good clip when Graeff made a leap for the bridle. He was dragged for some distance but pluckily retained his grip on the bridle and finally brought the horse to a stop. The horse was owned by Mr. Walter Meck and family. Mr. Walter Meck was driving on Dock Street when the sleigh caught in the trolley tracks, upset and the horse ran away. |
| The Call of October 2, 1914 SHOT IN HEAD ACCIDENTALLY Ralph Sattizahn, while acting as trapper Saturday morning for a number of shots at a shooting match near the Almshouse and along the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks, narrowly escaped having his head blown off. He was in the act of setting the traps when the gun of Charles Auchey was accidentally discharged. Immediately Sattizahn was heard to utter a cry and seen to drop to the ground. He was hurried to the home of his brother Harry near by. Dr. A. H. Detweiler was summoned and after working about two and one half hours in removing about twenty shots from his dead, pronounced him out of danger. He was removed to the home of his sister. The news spread about town that Sattizahn had the top of his head blown off and had died from the effects. For a time The Call has been kept busy contradicting the report and giving out the exact facts of the affair. |
| The Call of September 8, 1916 AUTO CRASHES INTO HOUSE An auto accident that came near resulting seriously, occurred Saturday evening about eight o'clock on Saint John Street when the Ford machine of Edward Culbert of Pinegrove, dashed down the steep hill on Market Street and ran into the fence at the home of Harry Goas on Saint John Street. The collision with the fence caused the front axles to be broken and thus brought it to a standstill. The auto had been stopped at the top of the hill for a few seconds to allow Miss Marjorie Bressler to get inside. After the young lady had been seated, Culbert was about to crank the machine when the brakes gave away and throwing Culbert to the side, started down the hill. Miss Bressler, seeing the machine starting off without a driver had presence of mind to jump and thus escape injury. Culbert sustained a number of bruises by being thrown. In its mad dash, this car narrowly fearing that the machine would catch fire and explode. The peculiar incident connected with the accident is the fact that the car turned the corner and started out Saint John Street towards William Street before mounting the curb and running into the fence. It was towed to the Losch garage for repairs. |
| The Call of October 13, 1916 BLACK CAT KILLS 6 FOOT SNAKE The season for fish and snake stories has about closed and the snake editor of The Call had pigeonholed the few remaining stories he had until the arrival of next season. During the week he was stopped by crossing watchman Lewis Wildermuth and informed of the following story: The time was on Saturday evening last and the place of the Wildermuth homestead on Liberty Street. It will be recalled that it was somewhat warm on last Saturday and this had a tendency to call forth from their winter quarters snakes of every size and description. Now Mr. Wildermuth has a cat, its first name is Jere. Jere was at the upper part of the yard, sitting on the winter quarters, snakes of every size and description. This snake was slightly over six feet in length. Now Mr. Wildermuth has a cat, its first name is Jere. Jere was at the upper part of the yard, sitting on the back yard fence, conversing with one of the neighbor's cats, over the coming election and arguing in the cat language, that Hughes would be the next president and that Boston would win the World Series. Suddenly the attention of Jere was attracted to a moving object in the grass and jumping from the fence, Jere discovered it was a snake. Just how long the battle between Jere and the snake continued could not be ascertained, as the neighbor's cat refused to give any information. However, when Mrs. Wildermuth went up to attend to the chickens, Jere had bitten the snake into three parts. He head and about two feet of the body were still moving around when Mrs. Wildermuth called for her husband and he with the aid of a hoe, sent the remainder of the snake to snake heaven. Mr. Wildermuth refuses to take any amount of money for Jere and states he is not for sale. |
| The Call of December 1, 1916 CONCUSSION OF BRAIN FROM ACCIDENT Running from behind a trolley car going south directly in front of the auto of grocery man Howard Oswald, Hiram Fisher, aged six years, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Fisher, of Main Street, was knocked down. The accident occurred on Friday evening in front of the home of Dr. L. D. Heim. Before the machine could be brought to a standstill it has passed over the body of the child. A stitch was necessary to close the wound in the lower lid of one of the eyes, the upper lid of the other eye was cut, and a slight concussion of the brain resulted from the fall to the brick street. Mr. Oswald stopped the car and picking the child up in his arms, took him into the office of Dr. Heim. Bystanders claim that the accident was purely accidental and placed no blame on the driver of the car. It is surprising that this is probably the first accident of its kind to occur in Schuylkill Haven, as frequently people alighting from a car, especially women, cross the street from the rear without looking for a vehicle coming in the opposite direction. |
| The Call of September 1, 1916 LOCAL GIRL ALMOST CAUSES FAMILY SEPARATION A Schuylkill Haven young lady, who has not quite reached her majority, innocently came near causing the separation of a prominent Pottsville family and it required the efforts of Mayor Mortimer and Chief of Police Hoepstine of Pottsville, to amicably adjust the difference. There are two men in Pottsville by the same name, that is both the first and last names are the same, although they are no relation to each other. The one is married and has a family and the other is single. This Schuylkill Haven girl has been corresponding with the single man and written a number of very endearing letters. Unfortunately several of the letters arrived at the home of the married man and were opened by his wife. Immediately wifey decided that hubby was not true and had an affinity in Schuylkill Haven. Then followed the battle of words at home and the aid of the police. A copy of one of the letters was handed the officers with the girl's name attached. My Dear Darling George, This is Monday night and almost time for retiring. Although it was only a few hours ago that you were with me and held me in your lap, it appears as if it was many years to me. Each time that I look out of the window I think I must see you coming and really, my dearest, it seems a long time between Sunday evening and Wednesday evening. Don't you think that you could arrange your work so that you could spend every evening of the week by my side? If only you could realize how I crave for your presence and fond embrace and the sweet kisses that you alone can give. Were it possible for me to do so, I would climb to the highest peak of Mt. Vesuvius, and breaking a branch from the loftiest tree, would dip the same in the crater and write on the skies, where all the world could see it. "George dearest, I love you." George, the great love that I have hitherto expressed for you, increases daily. If you only would ask me to be your humble wife and thus make me the happiest girl in this wide world, I would care for nothing else. I hear the clock at the Trust Company striking the hour of eleven and must retire. I will look for your angel face on Wednesday evening at Hoy's corner. I will now close with millions of kisses and fond embraces. Your ever loving friend. |
| The Call of April 20, 1917 FIVE FOOT RATTLER ON SAINT JOHN STREET The sun was just peeping from over the hills near the storage yard and its bright rays were making themselves felt, when two weary railroaders, William Bolton and Irwin E. Mengle, were wending their way from the trolley car to their homes on Liberty Street, following a trip made down the main line. When just opposite the home of attorney George M. Paxson, the two men discovered a snake, a real live rattlesnake less then five feet in length. We can't say a great deal about Mengle, for he no sooner discovered this poisonous reptile crawling in his direction then he took to his heels and the last heard of him from his neighbors, was to the effect that every door in the house was locked and every window bolted and he was confined to his bed with exhaustion, due to over exertion in beating the fastest time ever recorded in history for a sprinter. "Dottzer" detests snakes and he don't care who knows it. Like a brave soldier, Bolton stood his ground and although he used every stone within a radius of several squares, he succeeded in dispatching his snakeship, one of the stones fortunately hit the snake on the head. While the excitement was at its height, women grabbed their children and ran indoors. Teamsters went in another direction and a number of family pets, cats, who had been unavoidably detained at meetings during the night and were wandering home leisurely, hastened their gait. Now the snake is dead. It was carried to the general store of I. B. Heim where it was viewed by the snake editor of the Call. The several rattles that it possessed were cut off by some unknown person. Just where the snake came from is not known but it is believed to be one of a number that was brought from Texas by a local soldier. |
| The Call of June 29, 1917 INSANE MAN WALKS OUT WITH GRAND JURY While the members of the Grand Jury were visiting the Insane Asylum last week and were leaving the institution, one of the patients mingled with the jurymen and walked along outside the building with them. Once out in the open, the fellow took to his heels and disappeared over the fields. The fellow was a foreigner and his home is in Saint Clair. At this writing he had not been apprehended. Allowed some freedom about the institution, another patient, an American, escaped on Sunday last. He was apprehended on Wednesday in Wilmington, Delaware. Just how he got that far is not known but it is believed he walked the greater part of the distance. |
| The Call of March 15, 1918 EXCITING SUNDAY MORNING RUNAWAY An exciting runaway took place here Sunday morning when a horse owned by a party named Emerick of Seven Stars, and attached to a light carriage, dashed down Main Street. The carriage was occupied by a youth named Walter Scott, a neighbor of Emerick's. While the horse was drinking from a trough at Seven Stars, it took fright and started on its mad dash. Going down Main Street, it collided with the awning in front of Sausser Brothers store and pulled the posts loose. When near the Hotel Grand, the horse was caught. The youthful driver who stuck to the carriage and with no means of stopping the horse, as the bridle had slipped from its head, was uninjured. The carriage was but slightly damaged. |
| The Call of March 22, 1918 FAMILY OVERCOME WITH COAL GAS The members of the family of C. Reed of 3 North Berne Street, were almost asphyxiated early on Monday morning from sulphur fumes from a furnace in the cellar. The fire had been dampened off for the night and the family retired about nine o'clock. About two o'clock, Mr. Reed, who for the past two months has been ill, attempted to arise to procure some medicine. He stumbled against the wall and fell over. At four o'clock, Mrs. Reed arose and after walking a few steps, she also fell over in a faint and remained in that condition for several hours. A son, William, was unconscious when the daughter, Mrs. Katie Beaumont, arose and went to the room of her parents. It was then she discovered their plight. Dr. H. T. Ryan was summoned and restored the other members of the family to consciousness. Only for the fact that the daughter had her window open several inches, which prevented the room from being seriously effected and her timely discovery of the parents, the accident might have resulted fatally. |
| The Call of June 14, 1918 OIL TRUCK BREAKS COVERED BRIDGE The driver of the oil truck engaged in oiling the state road leading to Friedensburg had a narrow escape Saturday afternoon from going into the Schuylkill River. He was going through the covered bridge at Columbia Street and was about halfway through when he heard a cracking. He gave his machine more power and fortunately landed safely on the other side. He then stopped and made an investigation. It was discovered that nine stringers across the bridge were broken. The bridge was immediately closed to traffic and it was necessary for all vehicles and autos to detour via Cressona. Supervisor Huy and a force of carpenters immediately got to work and by three o'clock Sunday morning had the repairs completed. This Schuylkill River bridge is more then sixty eight years old. It was never built or intended to withstand the strain of the heavy auto trucks that pass over it and the County Commissioners would do well to at once take steps to provide a more substantial bridge at this point or be prepared to pay heavy damages for a mishap which is sure to sooner or later occur here on account of the weakness of this bridge. |
| The Call of April 18, 1919 SNAKE KNOCKED CHILD'S HAT OFF Snakes within the past week or two are reported to have made their appearance in various parts of town in large numbers. From all sections we learn of snakes of various kinds and all sizes being discovered is due to the mild winter we have had. Recently neighbors in the vicinity of the Episcopal church killed twelve good sized snakes in one day. A pedestrian walking along Willow Street last week killed five. Some boys playing in the swamp along this street, discovered several nests of them among some fallen trees and sills. We have also learned of a snake that is alleged to have knocked a little boy's hat off. This happened the latter part of last week when children by the name of Longo were playing near some logs and a pile of railroad sills in the willows near Caldwell Street. The boys, it is stated, were seated on some logs when his snakeship suddenly made his appearance and with one leap knocked the youngster's hat from his head. Whether or not the snake wished to play tag with the boys could not be determined as the boys immediately put up an SOS call. Their screams were heard by shop men nearby and they hurried to the scene feeling sure the kids were being murdered. They hunted about but could find no trace of the snake. In the evening the father set a match to the tall grass in the vicinity and soon discovered Mr. Snake. After a battle it was finally killed and while it did not break any records as to length, being about three feet, it is said to have had a most unusual large sized and vicious looking head. |
| The Call of October 31, 1919 AEROPLANE ATTRACTS MANY PERSONS The aeroplane that visited our town Friday, Saturday and Sunday certainly proved a stellar attraction as thousands and thousands of children as well as adults were attracted to the landing field which was in the field near the brick plant. The owner of the machine was Audrey Stewart and the pilot was Lieutenant Bishop of the British aerial force. A number of local people enjoyed the sensation of flying over the town at one dollar per minute and all report enjoying the same very much. The biggest crowd of spectators was on hand Sunday. Not only did the Schuylkill Haven people walk out to the fields but it is said there were several hundreds of automobiles and motorcycles coming from all sections that brought many more hundreds of persons to the scene. Only a few flights were made on Sunday on account of the heavy atmosphere. Among those persons known to have taken flights were: Frank Deibert, Mrs. Reuben Hoffman, Jacob Rudy, Earl Stoyer, Charles Oberley, Joseph Mulholland, William Schuckers and Miss Clementine Tobin of Pottsville. It is understood the aeroplane will pay this section a return visit probably this Friday and Saturday, the machine having been taken to Allentown for several days. |
| The Call of February 20, 1920 GOVERNMENT AGENT GOES INSANE An Italian giving his name as Dominick Pizzi, who for the past several weeks has been boarding at the Hotel Grand of town, was taken to the County Insane Hospital Thursday, suffering from an acute attack of insanity. Pizzi's identity for some time has been a mystery to hotel guests and businessmen in the vicinity of the hotel. Most of the people with whom he came in contact did not hesitate to remark that he was "bugs". No one had any definite proof and as he didn't pull off anything especially unusual, always appeared in tidy dress, had plenty of money, etc., etc., no one called the institution. Thursday he wandered into the court house and asked to see Judge Bechtel, as he wanted a reward for capturing a German spy. Questioning upon the part of the officials soon decided his case and Superintendent Bowers was given charge of the fellow. To enumerate all the peculiar things the fellow said and did about town would require a column. The peculiar thing about the case is that he always had plenty of money, in fact, rolls of it, had in his possession special cards permitting him to ride on the local trolley cars at special rates, special cards for railroad transportation on numerous lines and all kinds of credentials. He always maintained he was a Government agent and knew his business thoroughly. Several weeks ago it is understood he applied for citizenship papers in order that he might enlist in the army. |
| The Call of March 12, 1920 RAIN AND SNOW CAUSES HIGH WATER The rain on Friday with the large amount of snow on the ground caused damage in and about the town to some extent. Ice and snow blocked gutters were responsible for the overflow of a number of gutters in different parts of town which caused more or less easily repairable damage. The Schuylkill River by Friday afternoon reached an almost flood mark. It was a regular river, swiftly moving and pretty deep and ice cold. The noise of the swirling stream as it reached the rocks at the curve in the West Ward near the gas house caused a thunderous noise as does Niagara Falls. It could be distinctly heard in Spring Garden and along Dock Street to Main Street. While the river did not overflow the embankment along lower Main Street, the result of its having reached such a high point resulted in water in nearly every cellar of every house on both sides of Columbia Street from the river to Canal Street. Even cellars that cellars the water reached the floor. In others it reached a depth of several feet. At the Bittle store, by reason of the blocking of a sewer, the water backed over the pavement and to within two inches of overflowing into the first floor of the store. At the Losch garage the water from the Bittle dam and the Columbia Street gutters flowed into the garage, flooding the boiler and put the heating apparatus out of commission. At the Reider Shoe Factory the water backed into the basement necessitating closing down that part of the mill and causing damage to some extent. At the Schumacher store pumps were kept going in the cellar to keep the water from reaching the floor level. On Union Street a stranger would have thought the portion between Saint John and Saint Peter and then Saint John to Main were small sized rivers instead of streets. Blocked sewers and gutters were responsible for this condition. Out in Spring Garden the Nosedale Creek took a notion to flow in any direction excepting that prescribed by its banks. As a result the nearby fields, Garfield Avenue and Willow Street were very badly flooded. Considerable damage is reported to have been done to a number of cellars on Willow Street. The water backed in through the old lowlands in the flat and covered portions of the washery of John Sirrocco. The Harry Baker washery at the foot of Canal Street near the Old Guard lock was sunk. The end was staved in by a large piece of ice and as the water rapidly filled it, it went to the bottom. The Jacob Daubert washery located a short distance below the Baker washery was also staved in and one end of the same went to the bottom. During the week workmen were busy raising the same. |
| The Call of July 11, 1924 YOUTHS HAD NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING Earl Unger of Paxson Avenue and a little girl by the name of Strauss from Spring Garden, had a narrow escape from drowning in the Bittle Dam, Wednesday afternoon. They were in the act of wading across the dam at a point where the ice machinery for the old ice plant had been operated. They were unaware that there is a depression near the center of the dam. The water was about five feet deep at the point on Wednesday afternoon due to the rain of Tuesday. Stanley Umbenhauer of Columbia Street, who was fooling but after their cry for help noticed their heads disappear under the water. Wasting no time he pulled off his boots and waded to the middle of the dam. He caught hold of both and dragged them to shore where after the usual methods they were out of danger but very badly frightened. |
| The Call of May 1, 1925 ANNIVERSARY SIGN SMASHED TO BITS The 175th Anniversary sign painted on the high board fence at the new building being erected by Paris Lazos on Main Street was smashed to bits about 9:30 this morning. The ton and a half ice cream truck of Ice Cream Manufacturing, Wertley of Hamburg ran away from in front of Frank Scott's store two squares away. The operators were in the Scott store at the time. The truck narrowly missed several cars in the upper end of the square. It struck the iron posts of the awning at Squire Moyer's property and ripped the roof out of position. The ice truck of Mr. Ney in front of the Michel residence was hit in the rear. It then mounted the pavement, crashed through the fence and was only stopped when it came in contact with a large pile of concrete blocks and the iron girders. A Ney boy lying in the back of the Ney truck narrowly escaped injury. Instead of jumping the boy remained in the truck and escaped. The Wertley truck was backed from the pavement and able to continue over its day's route. |
| The Call of January 30, 1925 RUNAWAY HORSE INJURES COASTER SUNDAY Sunday afternoon a runaway horse and cutter sleigh injured a son of painter Fritz of West Main Street and caused quite a bit of excitement as it dashed through the town. That more serious consequences did not result on its wild dash down the Schuylkill Mountain road was due to the alertness of the numerous coasters on the lower portion of the road. The horse was that of farmer Mintz. It took fright on the road on the top of the mountain and broke away and came down the mountain road. The accident to the youth happened in a peculiar way. The boy was "spragging" his sled to avoid striking or running into a horse and sleigh which was in front of him. The boy did not notice the runaway horse and sleigh approaching from the rear. The runaway horse turned to the side of the road to pass the horse and sleigh ahead of him. In doing so the cutter struck the coaster and is said to have passed over his neck. The boy was cut and bruised but not serious. The horse continued on up Columbia to Canal and to Main where it was caught near Hotel Grand. The cutter was somewhat damaged and the horse was somewhat cut about the legs and hooves. |
| The Call of July 31, 1925 LOST GIRLS HAD GONE SIGHTSEEING NEAR BY Helen, ten year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Yost, and Olga, eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Matonis, both of Schuylkill Haven went sightseeing Monday and for a time were thought to have been lost. They left Schuylkill Haven in the morning and were not found until Monday evening. They returned to town on the 9:30 car. The girls are close chums. When they did not turn up for the noon day meal at their home, the parents of each took for granted they were taking dinner at the home of the other, as was often the practice. Not until neither child put in an appearance for the evening meal was anything thought of their absence. Investigation was then made. Search was made over the town, the telephone was put to good use and the police at Pottsville notified. The girls were found at Garfield Square, Pottsville and placed on the above named trolley and arrived in town about 9:30. They were met by their parents and quite a number of persons who had gathered on Main Street and for an hour or two previous had been all wrought up with their disappearance. The sightseers walked the entire distance from town to Pottsville along the trolley tracks. They spent the time in picking flowers, taking a nap and at play. They arrived in Mount Carbon about four o'clock. Here they evidently solicited money and were given a dollar. They hurried on to Pottsville, intent on shopping. They visited the five and ten where they purchased some dolls and drawing crayons. They also purchased some food. The fact that they were unaccompanied and appeared to be lost excited the suspicion of persons residing on Garfield Square. They got into communication with the city police and found the children were the two lost Schuylkill Haven girls. |
| The Call of October 9, 1925 HUSBAND AND WIFE HAD LEGS BROKEN BY AUTO Mr. and Mrs. B. Frank Reider Sr. of Main Street suffered severe injuries when struck by an automobile on Main Street Saturday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Reider were crossing main Street at a point above the Dock Street intersection from the north to the south side. Just as they stepped into the street, the automobile to the street. Mrs. Reider was dragged along the brick street for a short distance. The accident attracted a large crowd and the victims were assisted into Dr. Detweiler's office where an examination showed the extent of their injuries. Sunday morning at 11:30 they were taken to the Fountain Springs Hospital. Mrs. Reider suffered a fractured leg above the knee and a number of painful body bruises. Mr. Reider suffered a broken left leg below the knee. His right knee is completely shattered and during the week he was told of the very sad news that it is hardly likely he will ever be enabled to use the knee again, but will be compelled to use a crutch. Mr. Reider is one of the best known shoe men in eastern Pennsylvania. He has been engaged in the manufacture of shoes for many years in different localities. Recently he with his sons began operation of the Haven Shoe Company. |
| The Call of December 11, 1925 HAD PREMONITION OF HIS DEATH Walter J. Fisher, one of Schuylkill Haven's well known residents was found dead in his bed Wednesday morning, having passed peacefully away Tuesday evening. Mr. Fisher retired in apparent good health and the finding of his lifeless body upon his bed when he failed to answer summons in the morning was a shock to his family. Death was due to high blood pressure with which he suffered for some time. Deceased was a lifelong resident of Schuylkill Haven. He was forty years of age. For twenty years he conducted a green grocery business on Main Street. He was a member of the P. O. S. of A. and of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, both of Schuylkill Haven. His mother who is in her eightieth year has been confined to bed with illness for the past five weeks and the death of her son has greatly aggravated her condition. Deceased is survived by the widow. The death of Mr. Fisher while very sudden was not unexpected as he announced to his wife at the noon meal that it would be the last cooked meal he would eat with her. He had a premonition of impending death for the past three months and as a result had made numerous arrangements in business and family affairs. The funeral will take place Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the family residence on Main Street. D. M. Bittle is the funeral director in charge. |
| The Call of January 14, 1927 PASTOR AND WIFE ALMOST ASPHYXIATED Reverend F. S. Longsdorf and his wife had a narrow escape from serious consequences Wednesday house reading had not noticed the presence of gas in the home until his attention was called to it about ten o'clock. Upon making an investigation in the cellar they found a considerable amount of gas but could not find any leak. They gave the matter no serious consideration until when preparing to retire both pastor and wife noticed they were becoming faint and weak. They made their way with difficulty out of the house and spent the night at the home of a neighbor. The Misses Auman, who live with their aged mother on the same street, almost directly across form the parsonage, also noticed the presence of gas fumes but remained in their home. In the morning they were quite ill. The Gas Department was notified and during the day the gas pipes were cut and the street opened along the main in an effort to discover the leak. About four o'clock in the afternoon Thursday, one of the department employees, Ezra Heilweg, who was working in the ditch was overcome with gas. Superintendent Mellon and his assistants worked over Mr. Heilweg for quite some time and at first it was feared the gas fumes had been fatal to him. He was finally resuscitated and sent to his home after having had a physician administer to him. One of two felines about one of the homes were found to have been smothered to death from the gas fumes. The leak is believed to be in the main a short distance above the home of Reverend Longsdorf. Other residents along this street retired Thursday evening after having taken all precautions in the way of keeping several windows open. |
| The Call of February 4, 1927 AUTOIST HAS NARROW ESCAPE ON HILL Painter Fred Reichert came very near figuring in a bad accident on the unprotected, dangerous and unused steep portion of Saint Peter Street Saturday morning. Automobiling was particularly dangerous Saturday morning on any street with or without chains by reason of the streets being converted into sheets of ice. Reichert came down Saint Peter Street from his home. When near the curve opposite the Meck home the machine skidded and made for the steep hill. The machine crashed into a pole near the steps and was thus prevented from rolling down over the steep incline. It would seem advisable for the borough to either close this part of the street or to post notices of danger and warning. Most local autoists are aware of the danger that lurks at this point and also know that it is practically impassable. Strangers however, at night may sometime miss the curve and plunge down the incline and the borough will surely be in for a suit of damage. |
| The Call of May 27, 1927 AUTOIST HITS BABY COACH BUT CHILD SLEEPS ON The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geary of Main Street had a narrow escape from injury on Friday evening when the child's coach was struck by the auto driven by Paul Mease. The accident occurred at the corner of Parkway and Schumacher Avenue. The child was in the baby coach in charge of the mother. An auto driven by Mr. Heffner was proceeding south on Parkway. At the corner of Parkway and Columbia, Mease, also going south on Parkway, attempted to skirt around Heffner's machine. As a result the hub of one machine caught the fender of the other and Heffner's machine was pushed up on the pavement striking the baby coach. The wheels of the coach were broken but through prompt action of the mother, the child was not thrown out. It slept on as serenely as if nothing had occurred. Mease has been placed under arrest on the charge of reckless driving. His hearing will take place Friday night. |
| The Call of February 24, 1928 FINDS BAG OF MONEY ON BACK YARD Shoe dealer Allen Klahr, while marking off spaces in his back yard the latter part of last week for the location of his onion and salad beds made an unusual and fortunate find. On turning over an old piece of board he noticed several pennies. Picking them up he discovered a few more and after he had picked these up he noticed more of them at the same spot. He began to pick these up and there were more awaiting discovery. He continued and by just a little scraping picked up four hundred and ninety one pennies and two dimes. It is believed a bag of the coin had been buried or lost by some persons unknown at this time. Nevertheless, Mr. Klahr claims ownership of the money and rightly so. |
| The Call of April 27, 1928 RAISED CHICKENS ON SECOND FLOOR OF HOME Complaints from neighbors have recently been lodged with the Burgess, the Health Officer and the Fire Chief of Schuylkill Haven concerning a number of homes and buildings in different parts of town. In some instances the complaint is on the fact that the building is a fire trap and in other places the complaint is that it is not only a fire trap but a menace to health. The officers referred to have begun an inspection and conditions when they are found to be as reported must be remedied or prosecution will be brought within ten days. Two particular cases brought out within the past week were the following: At the Schlachter home the cellar was found to be full of tin cans and rubbish of almost every conceivable kind. Outside the house was found an old mattress that was thrown from an upstairs window when it became ignited by reason of one of the children smoking cigarettes in bed. A large amount of garbage was found underneath the porch. The yard was filled with paper, rags and rubbish. The family was ordered to clean up immediately. A Swartz home on Willow Street was found unsanitary in part and that the tenant was maintaining a fire hazard on the second floor. Here the authorities found a partially open window through which the wind blew over an old oil stove that was burning in order to heat the room. In the center of the room was found a brooder and around it straw. Then imagine the surprise of the officers when they discovered about fifty or more little peeps. No one was about the home excepting two small children. The tenant was given twenty four hours notice to remedy conditions. The local authorities will be glad to receive reports of conditions where health and public safety are at stake. The authorities however do feel that complainants ought to first be sure of their contentions and not insist on investigations because of neighborhood scraps or the like. |
| The Call of June 15, 1928 HYDROPHOBIA SAID TO EXIST HERE During the week one of the children of Charles Dewald was bitten by the family pet dog. The dog was immediately shot by one of the local officers when the matter was reported. The child was given attention by a local physician. The matter was explained to a veterinarian who stated that by the actions of the dog it must have been mad and he added that this would not be unusual because of the fact that in examining another dog recently brought to him by a Schuylkill Haven owner, he discovered that the animal was afflicted with rabies. Under these conditions the public is warned to use every precaution and give immediate attention in the event that anyone is bitten by a dog. Up to this writing the State Department has dispatched but one Schuylkill Haven dog found at large on one of their recent inspections of the town. Attention of the public is also called to the fact that all dogs must wear a muzzle when outside the premises of the owner. This applies whether the dog is held on leash by the owner or not. There has been some confusion regarding this part of the requirements. The department however, definitely announced the above requirements. |
| The Call of April 26, 1929 LIKE THE TALE OF THE WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE The ordering by the Reading Company of the vacating of a small one and a half story frame dwelling at a point near the old locks near the extreme end of Parkway, Schuylkill Haven, brought to light surprising and somewhat deplorable conditions that existed for some time. A remedy had frequently been sought and efforts made in various ways to improve conditions at this home by the authorities, but they were powerless to act and court could not legally intervene it is said. The families ordered to vacate were those of Ben Ney and C. Lawrence. There were eleven persons who made their home in a one and a half story dwelling in which there were two rooms downstairs and one and about half a room upstairs. The occupants were: Mr. and Mrs. Ben Ney and one child, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and four children, also two Kissinger children whose mother is dead and whose father is serving time in jail as being one of the wire thieves. Immediately upon learning of the order to vacate the premises and the completion of arrangements to move elsewhere, the Schuylkill Haven authorities as a distinct humanitarian measure, rounded up the three Lawrence children who are under sixteen years of age and the two Kissinger children whose ages are nine and eleven years. They were taken to Pottsville and placed in the Detention House upon orders of the court. The court on Thursday had the facts presented to it and ordered the children sent to homes where they can be properly cared for. The disposition of the children as above was desired in the interest of the children themselves as they have not attended school regularly, have not been required to do so by the parents, did not have proper clothing to do so, were ill fed and lacked almost any kind of parental care and attention. The relationship existing between the Kissinger children and the others was that of their deceased mother being a sister to Mrs. Ney and Mrs. Lawrence. |
| The Call of May 3, 1929 FIVE CHILDREN SENT TO PHILADELPHIA HOME As the result of a hearing before Judge Hicks this week at which time the complete details in connection with conditions of the Lawrence and Kissinger families of Schuylkill Haven were given, five children who had been receiving no attention, have been provided with a home where they can at least be given an education, proper food and sufficient clothing. The judge, after hearing of the sordid details, sent them to one of the institutions for homeless children. The three children of the Lawrence family are 4, 10 and 15 years of age and the two of the Kissinger family are 8 and 11 years of age. The case closed in this manner ends efforts of quite some time on the part of the authorities of Schuylkill Haven in the interests of the children. The situation from a legal standpoint was a complicated one and although it was known the proper care was not being taken of the children, the law could not step in and change it. The school authorities did not care to act because of the home conditions making the children almost menaces to the health of other children when they did attend school. Only after the adult members were ordered to move elsewhere was it possible to bring prosecution. The parents failed to put in an appearance at the hearing and made no protest whatever as to the disposition of the children. Two of the children are motherless with the father confined to jail. The case was an unusually sad and pathetic one. The general public would be glad to commend the police authorities for their action if but half the conditions in the case were known. |
| The Call of April 26, 1929 ALMSHOUSE INMATE KILLED BY AUTO George Rice, a patient at the County Almshouse, was struck and fatally injured by an automobile on the state road a short distance outside of the borough limits on Saturday evening about 7:30 o'clock. The patient was walking on the state road and was headed toward the institution. He is said to have been walking to the right of the center of the road. A machine driven by John Gilham of Shamokin going south happened along. Because of the rain the man was not noticed until too late. He was knocked down and suffered severe injuries. He was taken to the county hospital where he died at ten o'clock. The man was returning Saturday evening. The driver of the car immediately reported the accident to the Schuylkill Haven police and the Highway Patrol. He was released to await the further action following the verdict of the coroner. According to a number of persons who were nearby, the autoist did not have the slightest chance to avoid the man as he is said to have been walking along on the highway and crossed directly in front of the approaching machine. Mr. Rice was a former resident of Gilberton. Saturday he had been visiting friends and relatives in Gilberton and was returning to the institution where he was under treatment, when the accident occurred. |
| The Call of August 30, 1929 MAD DOG HERE BITES A CHILD AND A MAN BEFORE BEING SHOT A dog owned by Edward Costello of Pottsville, went on a rampage and for several hours created considerable excitement in Schuylkill Haven on Tuesday. After biting a number of dogs and a child and a man the animal was shot by Officer Deibert near the new building of the First National Bank. The wounds of those bitten were at once cauterized and the head of the animal was sent to the State Health Department for an examination. As early as seven o'clock the dog was noticed on Center Avenue where he ran up to several dogs and bit them and then scampered off. When he reached the center of town he snapped at a number of persons near the new bank building and tore the clothing of several men. The seven year old Matthew boy was bitten while near his home on South Berne Street, the dog having been chased down Main Street and over the railroad. Officer Deibert was notified and went in pursuit but coming down Main Street and in a few minutes the chief had sent him through for an unlimited period of time in dog heaven. Ralph Bowen, of Pottsville, a carpenter at work at the bank building, was bitten on the arm and had to have the wound cauterized. Reports have been coming in daily of many dogs about town that were bitten and pedestrians snapped at. A report received late Wednesday from the State Laboratory at Harrisburg was to the effect that the head of the animal was examined and a positive case of rabies discovered. The local authorities have been notified of the seriousness of the situation and all dogs bitten will be placed under a thirty day quarantine. Owners who learned of their canine being bitten unknown to the authorities are urged to take the proper precautions. If treatment is neglected death is assured within a ninety day period. The Matthew child will be subject to a serum treatment to prevent any serious results. Serum has been ordered by the local authorities from the State Department and Dr. L. D. Heim will administer the same. The local authorities intend to shoot all dogs roaming about not accompanied by their owner in an effort to prevent any spread of the condition. Immediate action will be taken, as with the opening of school next week, children would be endangered in coming in contact with dogs that may have been bitten by the mad animal. a |
| The Call of August 30, 1929 FILTHY CONDITIONS FOUND IN APARTMENT HOUSE Conditions most unsanitary, filthy and dangerous to the public health were revealed the fore part of the week as existing in one of the apartments of the Fred Reichert building on East Main Street. The discovery was made by Health Officer Roan on Monday afternoon, who was asked to come to the building by one of the occupants to investigate a terrible odor. Upon entering the building the officer at once detected an odor which almost sent him reeling. Upon investigation in an unoccupied apartment, he found the conditions beyond description through the columns of a newspaper. Suffice to say that bathroom conveniences being out of order made little difference with the last occupants of the apartment as they were made use of despite the fact. In addition the bathroom itself was literally turned into a toilet. The owner of the building was summoned and was surprised to find things in this condition. He was ordered to clean up immediately. The health officer and several members of the health board made an inspection late Monday evening and found conditions much improved but with considerable evidence of the existence of the conditions set forth above. |
| The Call of September 20, 1929 PELVIS BONE BROKEN IN AUTO ACCIDENT William Umbenhauer of Schuylkill Haven suffered a broken pelvis bone and other bodily injuries in an auto accident on Sunday morning about one o'clock a short distance below the Long Run Hotel. Umbenhauer was taken to the Pottsville Hospital on Tuesday morning for an xray examination. Dr. Sterling Mengel is the physician attending. Others in the car were Lamar Boyer and Herbert Fehr of Schuylkill Haven; Canton Boyer and Palmer Boyer of Cressona and a Mr. Bressler of Beckville. Lamar Boyer was the driver of the car. He had a large portion of his thumb cut off. Palmer Boyer is believed to be injured internally and Herbert Fehr received a cut in the hand which required five stitches to close. The machine was a complete wreck. The car was being driven toward Schuylkill Haven when the driver was blinded by the lights of a machine going in the opposite direction. The car left the road, bounded over the culvert along side the road, knocked down a telephone pole and turned over in the field some distance from where it left the road. It is said the occupants of the machine were fortunate that they escaped with their lives. |
| The Call of December 13, 1929 DOG QUARANTINE ON SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FOR 100 DAYS Beginning today, Friday, a one hundred day dog quarantine has been placed upon all dogs in Schuylkill Haven. This because of the fact that the second mad dog within less than three months made his appearance about town last Saturday afternoon. The dog is known to have bitten several dogs in Schuylkill Haven and also bit a horse of farmer Barr of the Long Run valley. Getting over into the West Ward, the dog bit the child of a Mr. Fisher in the face, inflicting a painful but not dangerous wound. Finally the dog was shot by Joe Dallago. The authorities were appraised of what had occurred. The head of the dog was immediately dispatched by Mayor Scott and Officer Deibert to the state authorities for examination. Here within a few hours time word had been received here that the dog had rabies in a very advanced stage. The local authorities immediately upon being appraised of this condition got into touch with the Department of Agriculture and an inspector was sent to Schuylkill Haven. After making inspection of conditions and examining the bitten horse of Mr. Barr, he ordered the animal placed under quarantine, stating that the horse might be in apparent good condition for several weeks and sometime within a three month period might suddenly become "mad" and bite other horses. As a means of protection the Barr horse was quarantined. This means the animal must be kept in the stable for ninety days. One or two of the dogs in Schuylkill Haven known to have been bitten were placed under very drastic quarantine by the representative of the state. The owners have been notified to keep a very careful watch on them. Application was made to the Department of Agriculture for authority to place a quarantine on all dogs in Schuylkill Haven. The order was issued Thursday and as a result a one hundred day dog quarantine in Schuylkill Haven went into effect today. This quarantine means that all dogs, unless on leash or accompanied by their master, will be shot by the authorities regardless of whether the dog bears a license tag or not. This of course means all dogs at large. When in the yard or on premises of the owner they will not be interfered with. The quarantine is taken as a precautionary measure, principally to protect school children, as a mad dog does not always give evidence before hand of being mad. A mad dog does not stop to fight but merely runs along and nips human or beast, right or left. It is believed the dog that was shot on Saturday became mad as the result of being bitten by the mad dog shot here in October. |
| The Call of December 20, 1929 FOUR MORE DOGS SHOT BY POLICE The mad dog scare in Schuylkill Haven has assumed a more dangerous stage than was at first imagined it would take. Last week one dog which was found to have had rabies, was shot by the local authorities after it was known to have bitten several other dogs, several children and a horse. This week four more dogs were shot by the authorities. Although the dogs were found not to have had the rabies, nevertheless the dogs were shot because in the case of three, they had bitten children and in the fourth case the animal showed considerable fight. A collie dog was shot on top of the grade on High Street after it had bitten a boy at the school house. A dog that showed fight was shot on the Parkway near West Main Street. Another dog was shot in the West Ward after it had bitten a child and one was shot on Center Avenue after it had bitten a Walker child. As a result all owners of dogs are asked to cooperate with the authorities and keep them within or on the owner's premises or have them on leash or accompany them when off premises. While the authorities do not wish to go into the wholesale business of shooting dogs, some perhaps, valuable and all pets in a fashion of someone, nevertheless it has been found absolutely necessary in order to handle this situation and to prevent regrettable after effects to dispatch dogs running at large. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 26, 1884 A FAMILY NEARLY SUFFOCATED Yesterday morning when some friends called at the house of Jere G. Bast, Schuylkill Haven, the family were discovered to be still in bed and failed to respond to the loudest knocking. The suspicion of the neighbors were aroused and an entrance to the house effected. They were horrified to find that the whole family were prostrated and an investigation showed that they had been overcome by the inhalation of coal gas from a stove. Had assistance been delayed a little longer, the whole family would have been suffocated. A physician was sent for and Mrs. Bast and the children were restored but Mr. Bast was more seriously effected. He was very ill the entire day but last evening it was thought he would come around all right. Mr. Bast is mail agent on the Pottsville and Philadelphia train. His place was filled yesterday by Joseph E. Protheroe who will have to do double duty. |
| Pottsville Republican of September 10, 1892 A MYSTERY While excavating for a foundation for a dancing platform in the grove a mile east of Schuylkill Haven, on Saturday a body was unearthed dressed in a Continental uniform. He had side arms and a flintlock musket, all in excellent preservation. The body was wrapped in a blanket, lined with some material supposed to be a tar cloth. The news was at once carried to Schuylkill Haven and a party of citizens had gone to the scene. "The Call" weighed in by stating that no explanation than that it may have been the resurrection of the last sad rites paid to the Grant Light Infantry by the Pottsville cadets on Monday, July 4th at that place. |
| The Call of August 13, 1915 BONES CAUSE EXCITEMENT - The Digging up of a Part of Human Skeleton While Harry Bowen, a resident of Saint Peter Street, and at the end of William Street was cleaning up his yard he noticed what he thought to be tree roots protruding from the ground and upon pulling the object from the earth found it to be the shin bone of a human skeleton. Upon further digging he unearthed the thigh and hip bones perfectly intact. The finding of the bones for a time caused a great deal of excitement along William Street and people at once feared that foul play had been dealt upon someone and the body buried at this place as the story ran. It was when Moses Eveley, one of the town's old residents came upon the scene that light was thrown upon the finding of the bones. Mr. Eveley well remembers when the ground, now partly occupied by the Bowen home, was a burial ground. This plot and the burial plot on Dock Street at the Episcopal Church were the only cemeteries in town. He also remembers about seventy years ago, a Negro was buried just inside and to the right of the gate of the cemetery which was the place of the finding of the bones and which he thinks is the skeleton of the Negro. Mr. Bowen has saved the bones which have proven a great curiosity and viewed by many town people. He intends digging for the remainder of the skeleton. |
| The Call of November 18, 1921 $1400 FOUND IN WASTE BASKET An envelope containing $1400 in crisp bank notes was found in the waste basket at the First National Bank, Wednesday morning by an employee of the institution, Mrs. Wertman. Inquiry and investigation during Wednesday revealed the fact that the wife of a farmer residing near Pine Dale had lost the money. The woman came into the bank Tuesday afternoon and after withdrawing a sum of money from an account placed it with another sum of money previously withdrawn from a Pottsville bank. In some how or other she got several envelopes and papers mixed and threw away the envelope containing the $1400 in notes. It was the woman's intention to withdraw money from the Orwigsburg Bank also, but when she arrived at this institution it was closed for the day. The woman therefore, did not discover her loss until she arrived home. The news of the discovery of this sum of money during Thursday got badly mixed up as it went about town and there were various badly discolored stories put in circulation. It is understood Mrs. Wertman was given a reward of three dollars by the owner of the money. |
| The Call of September 2, 1927 TRIPLE AUTO ACCIDENT THURSDAY West Columbia Street was the scene of an unusual and triple automobile accident late Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. The damage done to the machines figuring in the accident was eyewitnesses, to be miraculous. About 11:50, Frank Bush of Llewellyn struck the auto of Henry Herring of Cressona, which was parked on the north side of West Columbia Street in front of the Heinbach home. Bush was headed toward Pine Grove. He then swerved across the street and crashed into the automobile of John Kraft. The car then mounted the curb, crossed the pavement and into a vacant lot. While the wrecked cars were being prepared for removal by the Stoyer wrecker, Joseph A. Reith of Pottsville, came east on Columbia Street from Pine Grove and crashed into the Kraft car and the wrecker, adding still more damage to the Kraft car and also damaging the Stoyer wrecker. Mechanic Webber was caught in the crash and was unconscious for a time. Dr. Detweiler was summoned and dressed his wounds. He was found to have sustained painful body bruises. The work of removing the Kraft car by the wrecker was proceeding with a searchlight and the rear guarded by proper lights. The burgess having been summoned stood in the middle of the highway and was waving a spotlight to warn the approaching machine. Despite these precautions the Reith machine crashed into the wrecker and the Kraft car. The noise made by the first auto crash and the succeeding ones was sufficient to arouse the entire neighborhood and for a time considerable excitement prevailed and despite the hour, attracted a number of persons. |
| The Call of April 20, 1928 DIES OF INJURIES IN AUTO ACCIDENT One Schuylkill Haven man, George Aacley, died from injuries sustained early Sunday morning in an automobile crash a short distance below Schuylkill Haven. Another man, Guy Reed, son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Reed of Margaretta Street, is a patient in the Milliken Hospital with injuries sustained in the crash, that are feared may result fatally. The machine, a sedan owned by A. R. Saylor, was driven by his son Harold and was occupied by George Moyer of Philadelphia, Sylvester Hainley, George Aacley and Reed of Schuylkill Haven. They were driving north on the state road. When they reached a point midway between the McAdams farm and the Deibert farm, the machine swerved from the road and crashed into a pole. Autoists who happened along summoned the highway patrolmen. It was at once seen that Aacley was seriously injured and he was hurried to the Pottsville Hospital. Saylor and Reed had their injuries dressed by Dr. T. C. Rutter. The machine figuring in the accident was brought to the Gipe garage where it has been viewed by hundreds of persons during the week. It is quite a total wreck, the one entire side being torn away together with the top. The frame is bent, wheels, fenders, etc. broken and the car is practically beyond repair. Reed, who is twenty two, had his ear almost torn from the side of his head and also sustained a deep gash in the forehead. His injuries were at first not considered serious but Monday evening it was found necessary to take him to the hospital. It is believed his one lung may be punctured. His condition Thursday afternoon was considered serious. The injuries to Saylor are not serious. Monday morning Harold Saylor was given a hearing before Squire Kline on two charges brought by the State Highway Patrol, namely: manslaughter and driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. On the first charge he was committed without bail and on the second charge held on $500 bail for appearance at court. The court later set the amount of bail on the first charge. This was furnished and he was not placed in jail. Examination of Aacley's injuries showed that one leg was badly crushed and almost severed above the knee. A bone in the other leg was broken and both arms were broken in two places. One of the arms was terribly crushed. He also sustained a deep gash on the scalp. Death is said to have been caused by the tremendous loss of blood from the injuries mentioned. It was first reported that death followed shortly after the accident. This was found to be incorrect, his demise occurring shortly after the noon hour. The deceased was a resident of Llewellyn. He was a resident of Schuylkill Haven several years, having made his home with his sister, Mrs. Jacob Daubert, of Liberty Street. He was forty four years of age. To survive he leaves his mother, Mrs. Louise Aacley of Llewellyn, two brothers, Albert and Edward and two sisters, Mrs. William Crowell of Llewellyn and Mrs. Daubert of Schuylkill Haven. The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon with services from the home of Mrs. Daubert. The services were conducted by Reverend Fetterolf of Pottsville. D. M. Bittle was the funeral director. Interment was made in Lykens. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 6, 1885 For the past few days, previous to "the day we celebrate", P. S. Kinsport exhibited in his drug store an immense fire cracker measuring twenty inches long and ten inches in circumference. Many of his customers thought it was the biggest shooting cracker they ever saw. It was announced that he was to set it off in front of his store, when neighbors warned him that it would shatter the windows and he would have to pay damages. Promptly at four o'clock a crowd had gathered to see that big cracker put off. Mr. Kinsport brought it out and set it in the street, when the crowd began to scatter, some going a square off and holding their ears shut while others looked on suspiciously. The fuse was lit and Mr. Kinsport ran away, presently a small cracker stuck in the bundle of newspapers exploded and the show was over with roars of laughter along Main Street for three squares. |
| Pottsville Republican of August 8, 1885 DEATH OF A VETERAN OF 1812 Daniel Small of Schuylkill Haven died last evening in the eighty sixth year of his age. He was a drummer in the War of 1812 and was of the well known family of Smalls of York County. A cousin of his, Samuel Small, died in York at about the same age a few weeks ago. Deceased was employed for many years as coal clerk for the Reading Company at Mine Hill crossing near Schuylkill Haven and was placed on the retired pension list of the comp-any some fifteen years ago and remained thereon until a couple of years ago when it became necessary to suspend the list of pensions. Mr. Small was also on the government pension list for service in the War of 1812. He leaves a wife, a daughter and two sons to survive him. A correspondent furnishes us the following additional facts: Daniel Small was born in York, Pennsylvania on January 1, 1800. He served as a drummer boy in the War of 1812 and as Deputy Surveyor General under Governor Porter's administration. He was also County Auditor at one time and served as President of the Schuylkill Haven School Board for a number of years. His funeral will take place on Tuesday afternoon next at 1:30 o'clock with interment at Schuylkill Haven cemetery. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 2, 1928 WOMAN HIT BY STRAY BULLET A heavy steel corset stay probably saved Mrs. Grant Morgan of Fairmount, Schuylkill Haven, from serious injury on Thursday, when she was struck by a stray bullet while out in the yard at her home. Owing to the opening of the hunting season, the residents of Fairmount had to remain indoors on Thursday because of the bullets whizzing around. Mrs. Morgan had delayed feeding her chickens until the afternoon because of the danger from bullets and while she was preparing to go into the chicken pen, a bullet struck her, badly lacerating two of her fingers and then striking her in the side, lodging in the steel stay. Although she suffered considerably from shock, she was not badly hurt. The injured fingers are responding to treatment and it is not thought that any complications will follow. |
| Pottsville Republican of September 17, 1887 BASEBALL AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN A famous game of baseball was played at Schuylkill Haven yesterday. The respective nines were under principal rule to be observed was that no man should have a glass of beer until he reached third base. It is unnecessary to say that not one member of the nines failed to reach the beer and it is equally remarkable that not one reached the home base. The fight for the championship that followed the game is not fully reported, but it is said the score was at least two or three runs. |
| Pottsville Republican of September 27, 1889 COLONEL ZULICK DEAD Colonel Thomas C. Zulick died at his residence in Schuylkill Haven this morning at one o'clock, aged sixty eight years. He had been suffering from general debility for over a year and recently contracted pyaemia, or blood poisoning, from a wound inflicted while paring a callous on his foot. Colonel Zulick was formerly collector for the Schuylkill canal at Schuylkill Haven and about 1870 when the canal was leased to the P. & R. Company, he was made superintendent. Several years ago he retired from active life and has been living quietly at his residence in Schuylkill Haven since. During the war he was one of the foremost in raising troops and caring for the families of the absent soldiers, for which offices of kindnesses the old veterans still retain a kindly feeling for him and his memory. He was married twice and his first wife was a sister of the late James Newell of Pottsville. His present wife, an estimable lady, formerly resided in Norristown. He left no children. |
| Pottsville Republican of October 2, 1889 COLONEL ZULICK'S CREMATION - An Authentic Account of the Incineration by a "Republican" Representative Without wishing to intrude upon the privacy of the grief of the sorrowing relatives nor belittle the solemnity of the occasion, the "Republican" has garnered a few facts incident to the cremation of the body of the late Colonel T. C. Zulick. The remains were placed on the 3:00 p. m. Pennsylvania train Monday, accompanied by a few male relatives, arriving at Chelton Avenue Station, Philadelphia, at dark, whence carriages were taken for East Washington Lane, several miles distant on the outskirts of Germantown, reaching the Philadelphia Cremation Society's works about seven o'clock. The body was at once taken into the preparing room and made ready for incineration by removing the outer clothes but leaving on the underwear, after which the whole was encased in an alum sheet, and when all was ready placed within the retort and allowed to remain there about nine hours till next morning, when the ashes were removed and all that was left of the mortal remains of our late friend and fellow citizen placed in an urn for future preservation. Previous to leaving the house at Schuylkill Haven, the full Episcopal Church service was read and in the language of one present "was the most solemn funeral service I've ever seen or heard". To give general information in regard to this method of disposing of bodies of the dead, the "Republican" can state that this aesthetic method of the disposition of our dead is highly endorsed by the professors of our medical institutions and eminent physicians and clergy. The Cremation Society is now in the third year of existence. The building erected on the grounds of the Chelton Hills Cemetery is the finest of its kind in the United States and the only one which contains a chapel with a seating capacity for three hundred persons. It has an extensive columbarium, with niches for the preservation of ashes of the dead and has the most approved apparatus for the incineration of bodies. The retort in which the corpse was placed was heated to a temperature of twenty six hundred degrees Fahrenheit and the confined heated air reduced the corpse to clean white ashes in about ninety minutes. This corrects a popular fallacy that the corpse comes in direct contact with the flames. In order to have the ashes clear and white it is best to use a shroud made of any white material. The charge for the incineration of one body is fifty dollars, but anyone can become a member of the society by purchasing a ticket of cremation for thirty five dollars. Services of any denomination can be held in the chapel, from the floor of which the body sinks unobserved to the crematory after the service. A receptacle for the ashes is furnished without extra charge. |
| Francis Julius Lemoyne was a 19th century American medical doctor and philanthropist from Washington, Pennsylvania. He was responsible for creating the first crematory in the United States. Fearing that decomposing bodies in local cemeteries were contaminating the water supplies and making the citizens sick, Dr. Lemoyne set out to build the first crematory in the United States. The crematory was finished in 1876 on his own land, perched atop a location known locally as Gallow's Hill. The first cremation took place on December 6, 1876. In 1901, after 41 more cremations were performed (with Dr. LeMoyne being the third), the crematory was closed. It seems that is where the body of Colonel Zulick was taken, making him one of the first persons in the country to be cremated. The following two articles are interesting for their relationship to the history of cremation |
| Pottsville Republican of May 11, 1889 CYCLONE AROUND SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The storm burst upon Schuylkill Haven at ten minutes past four last evening. Its approach was plainly visible from the hills. A huge column of dust was seen moving east through Long Run Valley. Then the course changed slightly more towards the east. Much damage was done to the covered wooden bridge connecting the canal landings with the canal bank and used for passing both men and mules to their work, was blown into the dock. The iron bridge spanning the canal from Spring Garden to the Flat was also strained, the top being four feet out of line. It is claimed that the weight of the gas pipes alone saved it. Every farm has sustained considerable damage such as fallen trees, fences, and in some instances not two rails of the stake and sides or old worn fence pattern are in place. |
| Pottsville Republican of June 10, 1889 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN HELPS JOHNSTOWN FLOOD VICTIMS The good people of Schuylkill Haven have been at work the past week gathering and sending forward for the Johnstown sufferers articles of clothing, blankets, quilts, and nonperishable food such as canned goods, hams and dry beef to the amount of nearly 6,000 pounds. They will send forward by express on Wednesday, five hundred loaves of fresh bread. People of Schuylkill Haven will please deliver it at the Relief Room next to the Post Office by Tuesday evening. The cash contributions are coming in lively, a list of which we will have published in the daily when we send it off. |
| Pottsville Republican of October 19, 1891 CLAIMING ALMSHOUSE DEAD BODIES The Anatomical Board of Philadelphia have made a demand upon the directors of the Poorhouse of Schuylkill County for all dead bodies of pauper inmates not claimed by blood or marriage relations. The question is becoming an interesting one and at the same time critical to decide, so the directors have submitted the question to their solicitor, W. F. Shepherd, asking for a decision. In the meantime two clerical gentlemen of Schuylkill Haven have made a demand upon the directors for the bodies of members of their particular denominations who may happen to die in that institution. They are Reverend Smoll and Reverend Father Muldowney. The bodies are claimed by the Philadelphia Board under the act of 1883. The demand has caused quite a commotion among the paupers in consequence. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 7, 1891 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN GENIUS Joy For the Sick Room and Relief to the Family Physician More than a year ago the Republican proclaimed its pleasure in the announcement that our old and well known friend, Mr. A. A. Hesser of Schuylkill Haven, whose connection with the Reading Railroad Company in various responsible official positions for so many years past, has made an invention which would bring joy to every household and relief to every family physician. It is an old and trite saying that people never die so long as they keep their feet warm and moist. So many neglect this precaution that the graveyards all over the land are unduly daily increasing in population. Mr. Hesser, although not a physician, but a close student of human nature and anatomy has given his attention to the work of inventing a method by which the bedridden invalid may procure immunity from cold feet and consequent interrupted circulation of the blood. This is in the shape of what is commonly known as a hot water bottle. Articles of this kind are not uncommon but the effort of the inventors have seemingly been to preserve the bottle shape instead of attaining the real benefit to be derived from the hot water application. Such however is not the case with Mr. Hesser's invention. It is constructed more in a triangular shape and affords a perfect foot rest, as its name would suggest -"Upright Marion Water Bottle". It may be applied to the side of the limbs or body and its upright position is proof against wetting the bed or becoming displace, allowing the patient to hug it close or ease away at will. The bottle has received the endorsement and commendation of eminent physicians headed by Dr. Agnew of Philadelphia, who says, "its adaptability to every part of the body makes it especially desirable in the sick room." Our local physicians all endorse it and have adopted it in their practice. Dr. Biddle of the State Miners Hospital can find use for no others, while the demand already becomes general from one end of the land to the other. Indeed this demand has grown so great that Mr. Hesser has been unable to supply it with the promptness which he would like to do. It is in order now to establish a manufactory in Schuylkill Haven or Pottsville for their production. When the superior excellence of the article becomes known there will not be a household in this or any other land that can afford to be without an "Upright Marion Water Bottle". |
| An early ad for the product from Canadian Druggist in 1893. Click on ad to see detail. |
| Pottsville Republican of March 1, 1892 PULPIT CHANGES The pulpit of Saint Peter's Church in Schuylkill Haven is to be filled by Reverend A. S. Kresge. This appointment has been made by the Bowman Conference and it is feared trouble will follow, should Reverend Kresge attempt to enter Saint Peter's as Reverend Snyder of the Dubs Conference already has possession. The trustees are Jere F. Bast, Milton F. Pflueger, Daniel S. Deibert, J. P. Schwenk and Elijah Emrich, all determined men and as Reverend Kresge is a man of great strength, a conflict is looked for. |
| Pottsville Republican of March 2, 1892 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN THE SCENE OF A CHURCH FIGHT Wednesday morning an unknown mad clad in blue overalls, a fur slouch cap drawn over his face, with a huge handkerchief around his neck, armed with an axe, approached the parsonage of Saint Peter's Evangelical Church and at once battered in the door, entered and closed himself in an upstairs room. Trustee Elijah Emrich at once made information to Justice Helms, who issued his precept directed to Constable W. F. Stitzer. The constable at once proceeded to arrest the unknown man, which he succeeded in doing after some parleying. To the astonishment of the justice and constable, the unknown man proved to be the Reverend F. D. Geary, late pastor of the Saint Peter's Church, who had some months ago jumped from the Dubs to the Bowman faction. The reverend gentleman waived a hearing, entered bail for his appearance at next term of court in the sum of $500 with Charles Wiltrout and J. A. Bowen becoming his bondsmen. The new pastor of Saint Peter's is already in possession of this same parsonage and was yet retired when the door was battered in, therefore it remains to be seen how this unpleasant church difficulty will terminate. Of course there are two sides to every question and at the end the courts must determine. I have it direct from Mr. Bowen that the Reverend Geary was his guest last night and all the disguises he had was by him, Bowen, furnished, including the axe, which is now in the possession of the trustees. I predicted a conflict in my yesterday's letter but I believe it will soon blow over since the Bowmanites should see that they are not wanted in this strong and influential church. Geary, although a man of ordinary stature, certainly showed grit and partially outflanked his old war horses. |
| Pottsville Republican of March 25, 1892 RECOVERED HIS GOODS - Reverend F. D. Geary Received His Goods by the Intervention of the Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Thomas O'Donnell went down to Schuylkill Haven yesterday afternoon, armed with a writ of replavin to serve on the trustees of Saint Peter's Evangelical Church, at that place, to recover the household goods of Reverend F. D. Geary, the late pastor of that church. When he arrived at the place it was guarded by constables, but when the sheriff made known his mission, the officers retreated at first fire and Mr. O'Donnell took possession for the purpose of getting the furniture of the late preacher. Mr. Geary asked for possession twice but was refused. The trustees are M. F. Pflueger, Elijah Emerich, J. F. Bast, Daniel Deibert, J. P. Schwenk, all siding or adherents of Bishop Dubs. Mr. Geary had been living with his father in law in Reading during the time he was without his furniture. He is now stationed at Norristown at the Cherry Street Evangelical Church and never, we are assured, wanted more than his furniture. Honorable J. W. Ryon is the attorney for Mr. Geary and the matter may not end quite so easily as Mr. Geary says the matter rests in his attorneys hands. More developments may be expected. |
| The following three articles follow the saga of a church power struggle in Schuylkill Haven... |
| Pottsville Republican of March 15, 1892 A NEW CADET COMPANY The young men of Schuylkill Haven are organizing a military cadet corps. The organization is well under way and the names of about forty young men are already enrolled. This organization is for the purpose of learning military tactics and a member of the National Guard has already been secured to instruct them. Several of the prominent citizens of town have also been seized with a military spirit and are assisting them to organize but all the citizens of the town should take hold of the matter and help the boys along in this useful and interesting work. As soon as the full quota is reached a committee will be sent to Harrisburg to try to secure arms and accouterments at the state arsenal. A business meeting of the corps will be held next Saturday evening. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 25, 1892 A TELEGRAPHIC CONTEST - An Interesting Affair Among Lightning Manipulators at Schuylkill Haven The telegraph contest and ball at Schuylkill Haven last evening under the auspices of the Telegraph Journal was a grand success. Operators to the number of two hundred were present from Jersey City, Philadelphia, Mauch Chunk, Tamaqua, Reading, Pottsville, Palo Alto and almost every place between Williamsport and Philadelphia. Invitations to the number of five hundred were issued and for some time past all hopes were centered on this "Thanksgiving Day". Pottsville sent the largest number of people, which probably numbered one hundred and fifty people. Philadelphia came next with thirty five and Reading followed with probably twenty five. The contest, which was to promptly begin at 8:00 o'clock, was delayed about fifteen minutes, on account of the nonarrival of a number of operators from a distance, who were unavoidably delayed. Hundreds of anxious waltzers were patiently waiting for the contest to begin, so it appeared to those not belonging to the telegraph fraternity, a dead issue. The contest was to last a space of five minutes and the operator sending the most words, good Morse, was to receive a gold medal, the second best, a silver medal. The judges, Mr. C. M. Lewis of Pottsville, E. E. Helms of Pine Grove and E. A. Kirlin of Schuylkill Haven began. There were thirteen contestants. After the contest was over, the judges announced their decision and in a short and appropriate address, A. A. Hesser of Schuylkill Haven presented the medals. G. C. Williams of Reading, having sent the largest number of words was awarded the gold and James Hoag of Mauch Chunk, the silver medal. Mr. Williams, about a year ago, was a successful candidate for a similar but more costly badge at Tamaqua. The contest ended, the sweet strains of Professor McCauley's orchestra were echoed and immediately the large hall was a scene of merry waltzing. Intermission was held several times. Before the ball closed, during which time the Brobst Brothers, both operators, late of Cleveland Minstrels, entertained the assemblage with songs and dances. There were two hundred operators present to witness the contest and many left on early trains as soon as the judges had decided. Superintendent E. R. Adams of the Philadelphia and Reading Telegraph Company furnished the keys and entire outfit for the contest. The Telegraph Journal, under whose auspices the contest was held, will net about one hundred dollars, which will be devoted to the improvement of their plant at Schuylkill Haven. The Telegraph Journal is a paper recently gotten up by several operators and devoted entirely to their information of the telegraph services. Its editor, E. E. Keiber, who took the responsibility of making the contest and ball a success, was ably assisted by Mr. Brobst of Pottsville and J. E. Stanton of Schuylkill Haven. The matter sent was a sketch of the life of the American inventor, Thomas A. Edison and was in typewritten copy. These contests are interesting and instructive for the past two years at least, one annually has been held somewhere throughout the Schuylkill Valley. The first of note was held in centennial hall in Pottsville some years ago, from which various towns have held successful tournaments. |
| Pottsville Republican of February 11, 1893 RAGING SCHUYLKILL ! - The Lower Part of Schuylkill Haven Inundated - BOATS AND GUM BOOTS IN DEMAND The inundation of that portion of the South ward below the Schuylkill Canal was complete yesterday, causing much damage, annoyance and inconvenience. Not since the disastrous floods of 1850 did the water rise over South Main Street that extends along the Schuylkill River. It was at least one foot deep over said street, while on Saint James Street, it was a running stream from two to three feet. Every yard and garden south of Callowhill Street was filled, while every cellar had water up to the first floor. All the residences on the east and west sides of Columbia Street, as far up as John C. Goas, could not be reached without the aid of small boats or gum boots. Charles Graver, the proprietor of the Columbia House, next to the covered bridge, was denied access to his barn, and the residents of that vicinity had no communication with those beyond Saint James Street. The scene on South William Street beggars description and the premises of the Spindlers, Shoedlers and many others appeared as if on an island in the midst of a great lake. Hundreds of people flocked to the scene during the day to witness the wonderful change which was all caused by an immense ice gorge immediately below the Columbia bridge. At 7:00 o'clock in the evening the water fell and the residents retired with the assurances of no further immediate danger. |
| The Call of October 6, 1911 AUTO IN SMASHUP Sunday evening about 7:30 o'clock, with the rain descending in torrents, a smashup between the Shief automobile and a buggy containing Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Swartz and child, of Pottsville, occurred on Main Street in front of Hotel Central. It appears Swartz was drawing up Main Street on the left side preparatory to turning into the alley at Hotel central to reach the Brown livery stable. The auto was coming up the right hand side. Swartz turned sharp and before the car could be stopped it struck the buggy, breaking and throwing the box and top, containing the occupants to the street splintering the running gear, bruising the horse and tearing the harness. The automobile was somewhat damaged. The accident was considered by eyewitness, as one that had an unusually lucky ending, the escape of the occupants of the carriage without serious injury, considered quite miraculous. |
| Pottsville Republican of May 21, 1894 FLOODING DOWN THE VALLEY At Schuylkill Haven the rushing waters and false reports from up the river of breaking dams and reservoirs, terrorized the people whose homes along the flats and as far up as the Washington House on the Main Street were threatened with destruction. The North and West Wards suffered heavily. Cellars were filled with water and the thick, muddy element swept through the lower stories, carrying ruination to walls, carpets and furniture. The cruel alarm started by some heedless person capped the climax and the residents on the higher grounds began to prepare to "take to the hills" as they had not forgotten one other occasion upon which the Tumbling Run dam opened her breast and let a deluge of water down upon them with such direful results. |
| Pottsville Republican of August 10, 1894 OPPOSED TO A WATER DAM - To Prevent an Occurrence of Another Freshet About four weeks ago the lowlands of Schuylkill Haven were inundated by the heavy rains and several thousands of dollars of personal property and real estate were destroyed. A small stream of water runs through the northern part of that borough and empties into the Schuylkill River. The destruction of property was due largely to the bursting of a dam on this stream owned by William Killian. That gentleman has made arrangements to erect another dam. Some of the residents are opposed to its erection. This morning Judge Pershing in chambers granted a rule on Killian to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not be granted to restrain him from building a dam on that stream. The complaintant is William H. Bashore, who owns considerable real estate in what is known as the Bashore Addition to Schuylkill Haven. He is also the owner of the Mellot farm. He avers in his complaint that the creek running through the ravine oft times in rainy seasons overflows the banks; that the respondent is about to erect a dam which is to be poorly constructed of old railroad sills and earth, at a point about three hundred yards above his residence, which will be a menace to his property and the life of members of his family of children; that he is engaged in and has a large stock of lumber in his yard below the dam. He avers further that William Killian's farm is mortgaged to its value and therefore no recovery could be made from him by law for damages sustained in the event of the recurrence of such a freshet that occurred about four weeks ago, when he was one of the heaviest losers. He therefore asks for this rule which was made returnable on Monday next. |
| Pottsville Republican of December 7, 1894 FROM A WATERY GRAVE - Fortunate Rescue of a Cressona Boy Skater Last evening, Jack Achenbach of Cressona, in company with other boys, was engaged at skating on the dam between Schuylkill Haven and Cressona , when the boy broke through the ice and made a narrow escape from drowning. His companions immediately made an alarm upon discovering that the boy was making a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to escape. Watchman Rausch of the Reading railroad heard the startling cries, when he rushed to the scene and with the aid of the larger boys, succeeded after much difficulty, in rescuing Achenbach just in time to save his life. To effect the rescue, the watchman and the boys dragged a large number of sleepers to the dam and pushed them into the water. One of these was grasped by the boy which buoyed him up until a bridge was finally made, by which he reached terra firma safely. |
| Pottsville Republican of December 8, 1894 TYPHOID SPREADS - Case Reported to the Health Board in Schuylkill Haven Fears are now entertained by the citizens of Schuylkill Haven that the typhoid fever has taken hold in that borough. One case was reported to the Health Board the other evening by Dr. Gray of Cressona. The patient is a young woman named Reed who lives with her parents along side the Schuylkill River in the lower part of Schuylkill Haven. The young woman was employed in one of the factories of that town and had been complaining for some time. She, however, persisted in attending to her work until she became incapacitated by the disease and finally called for treatment. The Health Board of Schuylkill Haven is making strenuous efforts to extirpate the germs of disease and to that end has already inaugurated a system by which the board may learn the cause of the origin of this case. The citizens of the borough are being advised to practice the greatest precaution and to obey all laws tending towards the strictest sanitary measures. |
| Pottsville Republican of March 14, 1895 WORK OF A MAD DOG - He Creates a Reign of Terror in Schuylkill Haven - One Man Bitten A small hound belonging to Shoemaker Honnes of Spring Garden, went mad night before last and has ever since been a terror to the neighborhood for miles around. When Mr. Honnes found out the condition of the dog, he tied him up. Yesterday the dog got loose and ran over to Cressona. Here he bit Samuel Reber in the hand. After biting Reber, the rabid beast went to Daniel Reichert's in Manheim Township. He chased another dog into the kitchen, but was himself chased off by the women folk armed with brooms. Frothing at the mouth the dog continued on his way of terror. At Nosedale he bit the dogs of Messrs. Wisner, Killian and Shappell. At Luckenbill's, a mile further east, he bit several dogs. Then he returned to Nosedale and attacked the ten year old daughter of Contractor William Bashore, who was on her way to school. The little girl tried to beat him off with an umbrella but was only saved from a horrible fate by the timely arrival of her brother. The dog is still at large and there are large parties out hunting him with shotguns. Last evening the Schuylkill Haven Town Council passed a resolution requiring all dogs to be muzzled or shot. |
| Pottsville Republican of April 10, 1895 TOO MANY INSANE - More at The Almshouse Than the Law Allows - Trained Nurses Poor Directors Dietrick, Day and Derr and Clerk John Gressang went over to Harrisburg yesterday to try to make some arrangements by which the overcrowded condition of the county insane asylum can be remedied. Dr. Gray, the new almshouse physician, was in town today and in conversation with a "Republican" representative stated that while the license of the institution calls for only seventy five insane patients, there are at present one hundred and four in that department. They have been coming in very rapidly of late and the authorities are puzzled as to how to dispose of them. Many of them are very violent, especially among the men and quite a number are kept locked up all the time and some must have the mufflers on most of the time. There is not so much violence in the female department. Among the men there are some who cannot be trusted in the yard and the yard itself is a very insecure place. The fence is rotten and a violent man could tear down enough in a minute to liberate all of his fellows, thus causing much trouble and perhaps, danger to life in the vicinity. If the Poor Directors succeed in getting permission to transfer some of the patients, the most violent will be taken away. The necessity for trained nurses in the hospital is being felt more and more every day and Dr. Gray has impressed their value on the minds of the Poor Directors. They seem to feel that there should be trained nurses there but they have not taken any action as of yet. |
| Alton Illinois Weekly Courier of March 5, 1853 SUICIDE IN THE PULPIT Just as we are going to press we learned that Mr. Charles Fultz, a shoemaker, resident of Schuylkill Haven, in Schuylkill County, committed suicide in a rather singular manner on Sunday evening last. It appears that for some time he had been an officer of the German Lutheran Church of that place, and on the evening referred to, had convened and opened a prayer meeting in the building belonging to that congregation. He went through the exercises in his accustomed manner and nothing unusual was noticed about his appearance. Upon the congregation's retiring, he was seen to unbolt one of the window shutters, left the building with the others and was discovered the next morning suspended lifeless above the altar! It is supposed he obtained ingress through the window referred to. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 30, 1895 SERIOUS RUNAWAY - Several Almshouse Officials Reported Injured A Pottsville businessman who came up from Schuylkill Haven at 2:30 this afternoon, said that a serious runaway had taken place near the first archway above Schuylkill Haven, and that four almshouse officials sustained serious injuries. Among those known to be hurt are Messrs. Gressang and Wachter, to what extent, however, could not be learned. The gentlemen further stated that pieces of a wrecked carriage were strewn along the public highway, indicating that the runaway must have been a serious one. It is also known that Mr. Gressang was under the care of the almshouse physician and that his wounds were being sewn up. Those who were questioned about the accident were inclined to be reticent and would say nothing about it. The carriage was a complete wreck and the horses were also badly injured. The occupants of the carriage were John F. Gressang, Peter Wachter, Wash Orme, Butcher Heffner and an almshouse employee named Reese. All of whom were more or less injured. It is said that several of Heffner's ribs were broken, and that Reese's head was badly cut. |
| Williamsport Pennsylvania Daily Gazette and Bulletin of July 10, 1905 FOUND BODY IN WATER - Edwin E. Heim of Schuylkill Haven Drowned at Brighton Beach Harry Clifford Cromwell, of New York City, while bathing at Brighton Beach today, discovered the body of a young man dressed in a bathing suit, floating in the water. He brought the body to the beach where it was identified by Joseph D. McCormick of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, as that of Edwin E. Heim, twenty three years old, also of Schuylkill Haven, a Princeton University student. Heim had accompanied McCormick to Coney Island for a day's outing. He said that he last saw Heim when he left him standing on the beach in his bathing suit, three hours before. |
| Williamsport Pennsylvania Daily Gazette and Bulletin of July 11, 1906 SNAKE HYPNOTIZES HALF A DOZEN WOMEN - Monster Reptile Frightens Females, Three of Whom Swoon Six women who sat together on the front porch of the home of Daniel Sharadin of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, were completely hypnotized by a monster copperhead snake, which emerged from under the porch and coiled itself in front of them. Charles Detweiler saw the women sitting as if paralyzed with their eyes in the reptile. As he looked the snake uncoiled and started to glide toward one of the women. Detweiler rushed into the yard and struck the snake with a club, killing it. Three of the women swooned after the danger was over. |
| Washington Post of October 20, 1913 DIED AS SHE PROPHESIED - Fortune Teller Foresees Her Fate to the Very Month Madame Anna Bunn of Schuylkill Haven, who predicted a year ago that she would die this month, has just died very suddenly, thus fulfilling her prediction. Madame Bunn had wide fame as a fortune teller and was visited by people from all parts of the country. She was a woman of peculiar ideas and at times would not undertake the telling of a fortune without first lighting her pipe or feeding her three black cats. At other times she would not allow the telling of fortunes to interfere with her music, which she found necessary at times "to drive away evil spirits". |
| New Castle Pennsylvania News of July 9, 1921 ACTOR BOUGHT WIFE FOR $2500; HE NOW WANTS HER OR COIN John Miller, actor, who paid $2500 for his wife, wants to get his money back from his father in law in Chicago where he believes his wife is now living, he told his attorneys in Pottsville, Pennsylvania today. "I am satisfied Rosie will not stay with me and I might as well get my money back, but if they do not repay the money, I shall certainly demand the girl," he said. Rose is eighteen and posed as a gypsy carnival girl at a Schuylkill Haven carnival. Miller says it is nothing unusual among men in his calling to buy their wives. "I was married to Rosie Mitchell five months," he declared. "Then her father met her in an automobile at Johnstown, Pennsylvania in June and since then I have seen nothing of her." |
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| This page contains a variety of news stories on the unusual, curious, quirky, newsworthy and interesting events of the day in Schuylkill Haven. |
| The Call of November 1, 1923 MISTAKEN FOR RABBIT, IS SHOT Harry Balseltia, aged forty, of Schuylkill Haven is in a serious condition at his home with gunshot wounds of the stomach, chest and face, inflicted when he was shot while out hunting, in mistake for a rabbit, by his brother in law, John Weber also of Schuylkill Haven, Thursday morning. The men left home at an early hour Thursday morning to hunt rabbits and were near Black Horse when the accident occurred. Weber had aimed at a rabbit and did not know that Balseltia was near but he came from behind a bush at that moment and received the full charge of shot in his body. Taken to his home on Paxson Avenue, it is not yet known whether or not his injuries will prove fatal. |
| The Call of February 21, 1930 LOCAL FAMILY IN NEED OF FOOD Attention of The Call has been called to a number of children of E. F. Fisher of Quinn Street, Schuylkill Haven, being in much need of food. Investigation shows that in addition to the parents there are two daughters and five sons. All the children excepting the one year old girl and the five and two year old boys attend school. The father finds it difficult to procure work and he is said to be in poor health. The mother states they have had and have little to eat at any time. Since Sunday, the daily menu for each of the three meals has been nothing more than bread and coffee. For Thursday dinner the mother was preparing the last of the supply of coffee. Saturday last local persons supplied food for their Saturday meal. The local authorities have frequently been appealed to by the younger children to try and get them something to eat. Believing that Schuylkill Haven can well take care of its poor people without necessity of having the case in question reported to the Schuylkill County Welfare Association, or any other county organization, and believing that Schuylkill Haven people would prefer to do this rather than have the town held up to ridicule of not being able to take care of its unfortunate families, The Call takes this manner of giving publicity to the case. In handling this particular case, the fact must first be realized that the children can in no way be held responsible for conditions in the home. They are entitled at least to a chance in life and their health ought not be jeopardized by insufficient or improper food. Support has been given this particular family in the last several years by a number of local organizations, groups of persons and individuals, however, improvement in conditions does not seem to have been brought about, the children are in need of food. The mother states she will welcome prepared food or the foodstuffs. She will be glad to have excess quantities of food that may be prepared by different families and will send the children to any address to procure the same. Persons desiring to assist this family can readily and easily do so by calling 534, Miss Bottiglier, who will convey the message to the family above referred to. |
| The Call of October 24, 1930 AUTOIST CRASHES INTO STORE FRONT Mr. and Mrs. Elias Liner and family of Pottsville figured in an auto accident on Sunday afternoon about 5:15 o'clock on their return to Pottsville from an auto trip. Their car, a LaSalle sedan, was being driven by their son, Bernard. In making a left turn from Dock Street to Center Avenue, the machine crashed into the curb on their right and knocked down the sign bearing Route Number 120. In some unaccountable manner, it headed diagonally across the street, knocking down the awning post and mounting the curb, crashed headlong into the storeroom of Howard Kimmel. Both large plate glass windows were broken and the framework of the window badly damaged. Mr. Kimmel estimates the damage to his property to be in the neighborhood of $200. None of the occupants in the machine were injured, although badly frightened and shaken up. A very fortunate feature in connection with the accident was the fact that there were no cars going east at the time or more serious results might have occurred. |
| The Call of November 28, 1930 LOST BOY FOUND ASLEEP HERE Harry Eckersley, eight year old child of Frackville, was saved from a probable death by freezing by being accidentally discovered about nine o'clock in the alleyway between the homes of Sam Bast and the Holmhurst apartment. Robert Keller Jr., on returning home, found the gate did not respond to his attempts to open it. Investigating he saw what he thought to be a large dog or bundle of some sort. Striking a match he found the bundle to be that of the youth lying on the cement walk. Had the boy not been discovered, he quite likely may have been frozen to death or contracted cold of such severity from the exposure that would have caused his death. Mr. Keller took the boy into his home, gave him supper and then questioned him. He was then taken to the home of Police Chief Deibert, who got in touch with a minister in Frackville and the news in turn reported to the parents of the child. It appears the boy became lost Tuesday afternoon while shopping with his mother and another lady. He readily answered all questions and his identity was easily established. He stated he waited in Pottsville until 7:30 for his mother and then determined to walk. He began to walk and evidently walked down the highway to Schuylkill Haven, arriving here about nine o'clock. He said he then became sleepy and decided to go to sleep. He was sound asleep when found. The father arrived shortly after being informed he had been found and took him to his home. |
| The Call of March 7, 1930 TO PROTEST AGAINST DUMPING GROUNDS AT SEVEN STARS A very important special meeting of the Health Board of Schuylkill Haven was held Thursday evening. At this meeting there was present a representative of the State Health Department. He was here in the interests of the health of this community. There were three matters on which he reported. The first was to the effect that the state was advised of some person or persons dumping garbage and rubbish on the water line of the Schuylkill Haven Borough at Cape Horn. The state felt that the local water department should protest against this condition and that the local Health Board should make formal protest to the water department on the condition. The above matter was discussed in council some time ago and at the time, Superintendent Mellon stated the dumping was not anywhere near the water line. Now comes the formal notice from the state to the effect that the dumping of garbage is on the water line. The Health Board will protest to the Water Department of the borough at once. Another matter of great importance was the propose dumping ground for Pottsville which is to be below Seven Stars at the old shooting grounds. The state man was of the opinion that this would greatly menace not only the health of the community but be most objectionable by reason of possible stench. The local Board will file formal protest with the State Department of Health and it is suggested that other local organizations take similar action at once , for in the event that a dumping ground for Pottsville were started at that place, residence in Schuylkill Haven would become most disagreeable, it is assumed. The state inspector visited a number of property owners in Schuylkill Haven who have been draining into gutters. He advised them of the importance and of the necessity of at once discontinuing this policy and also notified them that the State Department would back up the local department in having this practice discontinued all over town at once, regardless of whether there were any borough sewers on the same street or near to the premises. |
| New articles from 1901 added including: unusual stories involving a cat, fish and horses, smallpox in town, a man struck by "hoodoo," a fine memento and serious trouble on "chalk night." |
| The Call of December 26, 1930 TOWN'S POOR FAMILIES TO BE TAKEN CARE OF This year in Schuylkill Haven there will be quite a number of organizations, charitably inclined, that will endeavor to supply necessities for less fortunate families so that they will have a little more Christmas cheer than they expect.In some cases it has been difficult to determine or learn the names and addresses of families that are actually in need in the way of clothing, food or coal. Neighbors are aware of the plight of these families but they fail to report facts to persons in position to help them. This is due too, to the fact there is no special directing head of charity in Schuylkill Haven. In the absence of such a definite organization for such particular purpose, reports should be made to the Schuylkill Haven Chapter of the Red Cross, Mrs. Ada Dechert, President. The Red Cross in turn will provide at any time of the year whatever it can and at this time of the year will give information to any organization desiring to assist in spreading Christmas cheer to the poor families. Last minute calls for Christmas assistance can be made at the office of this paper and in turn either one of the following organizations, of whom we have notice of intention to distribute food, etc., this year will be appraised of the fact: the Red Cross, the Girl Scouts, the Eastern Star, the Haven Club. Classes in several of the Sunday Schools will also assist. |
| The Call of March 20, 1931 UNDERTAKER SENT TO HOME AS JOKE About one of the meanest and lowest of character in jokes was pulled recently on undertaker Charles Wagner and the family of James McKeone of North Margaretta Street. That it did not result seriously was due perhaps to the timely intervention of neighbors. But the end is not yet, clues were recently discovered and prosecutions and perhaps a severe lacing for the perpetrators may result. Mr. Wagner was aroused from his slumber about eleven o'clock and notified a death had occurred in the family of James McKeone at the address given. Awakening his assistant, Mrs. Wagner, the undertaking ambulance was taken to the address. Fortunately, one of the neighbors returning home at the time of the undertaker's arrival questioned Mr. Wagner and learned of his mission. The neighbor realized Mr. McKeone had reported for work several hours earlier and that all members of the family had been about earlier in th evening. Realizing that if Mrs. McKeone were to catch sight of the ambulance in front of her house, conclusions would be reached that some member of the family had been killed and the shock might prove harmful. Accordingly a quiet investigation was made and all proved well and the undertaker was sent home. The telephone call, however, was traced to its source, a Main Street restaurant, but the proprietor could not recall who had used the phone at that particular hour. An attempted joke, but not quite so severe in detail, was attempted several evenings later when E. E. Willard was summoned to Minersville to drive a relative to her house in Summit Station. Somehow or other Mr. Willard detected the joke and did not motor to Minersville. |
| The Call of March 20, 1931 ESCAPES INJURY WHEN CAR PLUNGES DOWN MOUNTAINSIDE Gus Menas, proprietor of the pool room on West Main Street, escaped serious injury early Friday morning, when his automobile, a roadster, crashed through the guardrail and went down the embankment on the Schuylkill Mountain Road. The car remained in an upright position and came to a stop only when it became wedged between the trees at a point about sixty feet from the level of the road. The car was being driven down the mountain road. The accident occurred about midway between the road to the coal chutes and the bottom of the mountain road. Menas crawled up the side of the mountain through the snow in a dazed condition and made his way to the home of friends nearby, where his injuries were dressed. The Menas accident recalls to the minds of the oldtimers, a more serious accident occurring on this road about sixty years ago, when a team containing a Mr. Albright, his wife and child plunged through the guardrail, plunged down the embankment and into the Schuylkill River. The river bed at this particular point contained a deep hole and the three members of the family together with the horse were drowned. The point where the accident occurred is about two hundred feet below the point of the Menas accident. Another accident occurred some years later when Edward Boyer and his team went over the side of the road and down the embankment but were not drowned. |
| The Call of June 5, 1931 AGED MAN RUN OVER BY AUTO George Graver, aged seventy six, a well known resident of Schuylkill Haven, suffered injuries on Monday, May 25th, around one o'clock in the afternoon, when struck by an automobile, which injuries, for a time, were feared might prove fatal. His condition was explained to The Call man Thursday morning of this week, as being "somewhat improved but he was very low Wednesday". Mr. Graver was standing on the pavement portion near a display window at the Gipe Garage on West Main Street only a few doors from his home. He was struck by an Austin car driven by John Phillips of Schuylkill Haven, who was receiving his first lesson in the operation of a car from his instructor, John Gipe, who was seated at his side. In some way or other the car struck Mr. Graver upon the knee and knocked him down. One of the wheels of the car passed over his neck and side of the face. Fortunately, the car was one of the lightest in weight now on the market, otherwise it is believed death would have resulted. Mr. Phillips had purchased the car but a day or two previous to the accident and was being given his first lessons in its operation. Contractor Edwin Becker, who was also standing nearby, escaped injury by jumping to the side. Mr. Graver evidently did not realize his danger and could not move as quickly as Mr. Becker and therefore received the glancing blow. He suffered a hemorrhage before it was possible to remove him to his home. For several days his condition was serious. By reason of the veins of the neck being ruptured and the wound very painful, he was unable to partake of nourishment and very little medicine until late on Wednesday. In addition to the injury to the neck and the side of the face, the lower part of the knee cap had been splintered and crushed. This will require a considerable length of time to heal but it is not believed this injury will interfere with his walking. Mr. Graver had never been sick a day in his life and his confinement is quite a hardship. |
| The Call of June 10, 1932 INJURED WHEN AUTO CRASHED INTO WAGON Joseph Ebling, one of the very few owners of horses in Schuylkill Haven, suffered injuries Friday, when his team of horses was run into by an automobile near the new underpass. Mr. Ebling, seated on the seat of the wagon, was driving towards Schuylkill haven when suddenly he heard a crash and found himself with his wagon being lifted high into the air. In falling, he sustained several cuts about the forehead and many bruises about the body. The team of horses ran away and crashed into several automobiles on Centre Avenue. One of them sustained deep cuts and sprains requiring the services of a veterinarian. The auto, that of Dick Hinkle, driven by his brother, was badly damaged. Mr. Ebling, later in the day, was again on the job but the fore part of the week remained at home on his bed. |
| The Call of January 6, 1933 TOWN MAN GETS PATENT ON VAULT Welcome information comes from Clarence A. O'Brien, Washington D. C. patent lawyer, with regard to Robert C. Gehrig Jr., who has been granted United States Letter Patent upon a concrete burial vault. The patent was issued December 27, 1932. While it is a gruesome subject to dwell upon, nevertheless an efficient burial vault adds a little solace to the bereavement. Folks are inclined to conjure up horrible visions of the dead reposing in a terrestrial niche infested with a multitude of creeping and crawling things. You can't change the idea but the inventor alleviates the mental torture by the assurance of a burial vault sealed against the elements. With prudent planning, the vault is constructed with a hinged lid which eliminates bothersome labor connected with interment. All around the edges of the lid is a cleverly arranged groove to receive a waterproof seal that forms a perfect bond between the lid and the box. The praiseworthy feature of the invention is the peculiar construction that permits the seal to embrace and anchor the hinges of the lid to form an absolute bond. Mr. Gehrig expects to begin production on the vault immediately. immediately. |
| The ad for the new vault as it appeared in The Call. |
| The Call of January 5, 1934 SHOT IN HEAD WITH FLOBERT RIFLE Elsworth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Michel of Margaretta Street, owes his life probably, to the fact that at the moment he was looking downward instead of upward. Tuesday afternoon, while at play, he was shot in the head by a flobert rifle shot. The ball pierced the forehead in its center and very close to the point where less than a year ago he had undergone an operation for an infection. The accident occurred about four o'clock in the afternoon. His mother rushed him to the Reading Hospital where xrays were taken immediately. By seven o'clock the pellet or ball from the rifle had been removed. He was put to bed and kept there for the possibility of developments from infection. He was brought home on Thursday. The flobert rifle was a gift from Santa Claus. Tuesday afternoon, Elsworth took the rifle and went down to the home of his friend, Bobbie Obenhouse on Main Street. They were playing with the same for a time. Little Miss Rose, sister of Bobbie Obenhouse, was standing by and during the play, the rifle, cocked, was handed to the little girl. It was while in her hands that it discharged, with young Michel not three feet away, looking toward the floor. Surgeons stated that had the pellet entered the forehead a fraction in either direction than what it did, or had the boy been holding his head in a natural position, the wound might have proven fatal. It will be remembered Elsworth spent several months in the Reading Hospital just about this time last year. His life for a time was almost despaired of. Constant attention by his mother, who remained at the hospital, and with medical skill, he recovered and had, during the past several months, regained his health. |
| The Call of September 7, 1934 DELIVERY TRUCK CRASHED INTO CEMETERY Shortly before ten o'clock Monday morning, residents in the vicinity of Paxson Avenue and Margaretta Street, were given a scare as the result of a meat delivery truck of Scholl's Meat Market of Orwigsburg, running away. The truck had been left standing on the brow of the steep grade on Margaretta Street. A youngster, not more than three or four years of age, was in the machine. The car began to move, evidently from the brakes loosening or shifting. In a moment's time, it was all over. The machine had sped wildly down the street and miraculously escaped crashing into buildings and property along its route. Most fortunately there were no persons or machines passing on Paxson Avenue. The truck crossed Paxson Avenue and went through the fence into the Episcopal Church Cemetery. The driver, in backing the machine out of the cemetery, narrowly escaped backing into the machine of Commissioner James Schucker, who happened along. The truck was driven up the steep hill and apparently was none the worse for the crash. It was again parked at most exactly the same spot as it had been on the brow of the hill and the little fellow again left in charge of the same while the driver went into a nearby home. Within a short time, however, the driver continued on towards Orwigsburg. |
| Miners Journal of July 20, 1877 A MYSTERY - THREE CHILDREN ABANDONED IN A DESERTED HUT Last week a young man from Schuylkill Haven was in Pottsville and in the evening started to walk home on the turnpike. When about a mile from Schuylkill Haven he heard a child's cries for water in an old abandoned stone house on the roadside. He went to the place and found that there was a little girl inside and that all the doors and windows were nailed shut. He went on to Schuylkill Haven and called up Captain J. K. Helms and with him went back in a carriage. They found that instead of one child there were two girls and a little boy. The oldest, a three year old girl, said their name was Betz and that their mother lived "down at Schaeffer's." This was all that she could say. They were sent to the poor house. In the meantime the mother who had so inhumanely abandoned her children is being locked up. |
| Miners Journal of August 8, 1879 BURIED ALIVE - An Adventure in a Sand Bank - How Thomas Coyle Was Saved by a Sand Sieve While working in a sand bank near Schuylkill Haven yesterday morning, Thomas Coyle was buried by the sudden caving in of the earth above him. Michael Donavin was working nearby when the accident occurred, and when he saw the bank crumbling above his friend, he shouted to warn him of his danger. Coyle retained his presence of mind and drew himself as close as possible to the base of the falling bank. Had he attempted to escape by running, he would have been instantly killed by the tons upon tons of earth that fell. Immediately after the accident, Donavin ran to a house about a quarter of a mile distant and got three men to go back and assist in getting Coyle's body out, as they all expected to find him dead. The men worked nearly half an hour before they found Coyle, who was lying insensible in a small chamber that had been formed by the dirt falling against the frame of a large hand sieve. He was taken out and soon regained consciousness and beyond a few bruises, he was uninjured. Fortunately, the earth at the point he was buried, was not over three feet deep and had the men known exactly where to have looked for him, he would have been rescued much sooner. |
| Miners Journal of May 20, 1881 MARRIED IN PRISON The officials at the county prison, with a small and select party of outsiders, witnessed the marriage, Wednesday, of Henry Knox to Elizabeth Bartlet. The ceremony was performed in the warden's office. The contracting parties are from Schuylkill Haven. The marriage was performed by O. J. Aregood, clerk of the courts. Knox has been in prison since the last term of criminal court. He said Wednesday that he always was willing to marry the girl, but that her father objected. Miss Bartlet, it appears, has made up her mind to take the inevitable move not many days since. She is a comely, young girl. He isn't so comely and doesn't look as if he has much go in him either. One of the clerks in the commissioners office gave the bride away and was of a great deal of distance during the ceremony. He held the young woman's hand until all was over, and encouraged her by intimating that if Mr. Knox doesn't come up to the rack, he wouldn't let her go unprovided with a husband. The ceremony was performed in good shape. |
| Miners Journal of August 5, 1881 WHO OWNS THE BABY? About half past ten o'clock on Wednesday night, the gate keeper at the county almshouse in Schuylkill Haven, heard a knock at the gate. He opened it and found a stranger, short in stature, wearing a beard and dressed in dark clothes, standing with a basket in his hand. Presenting the basket to the gate keeper the stranger said, "Give this to the steward." He then jumped into a top buggy and drove off at a swift pace. Almost before he was aware of it, the gate keeper was alone, holding in one hand a basket filled with something, he knew not what. He did as directed and took it to the steward. The latter removed from it a yellow striped summer carriage rug with drab border. The next article which came in view was a baby, a boy, apparently of very tender growth. The child was in good health, sound as a dollar and smiled when removed from the basket. The latter was of the "chip" variety. It was three inches in depth, twelve inches in width and eighteen inches long. The questions agitating the almshouse officials are who the stranger may be and to whom the baby belongs. |
| Miners Journal of November 16, 1883 A FIGHT ABOUT TURKEYS An award of fifty dollars was made by arbitrators on Saturday in the case of James Kirkpatrick and the son of the latter against Joshua Staller. The parties live in the vicinity of Schuylkill Haven. The award was the result of a suit brought by the Kirkpatricks against Staller for damages for false imprisonment. It appears that some little time ago, young Staller saw seven turkeys on James Kirkpatrick's farm which Staller claimed as his fathers. They were hatched, he said, in his father's swamp. Kirkpatrick wouldn't allow the claim and said that the turkeys were his and had been hatched by his hen in Heffner's meadow. Staller took legal advice and, at the suggestion of W. F. Shepherd, Esquire, procured a search warrant from Squire Hill and had Kirkpatrick's premises searched for the turkeys that he already knew were there. Young Kirkpatrick and the turkeys were carried to Pottsville. Hill discharged Kirkpatrick and handed the turkeys over to Staller. The arbitration was held at the Pennsylvania Hall on Saturday. D. C. Henning, Esquire, represented the plaintiffs, while Mr. Shepherd acted for Staller. The arbitrators were Joseph Haugawout, J. H. Seitzinger and Josiah Lineweaver, esquire. Argument between counsel was so warm at times that a fire could have easily been dispensed with. |
| The Call of August 27, 1892 A RETRIEVING CAT Our Dug Kaufman is not only a clever baseball player but something of a Nimrod also. A few days ago he shouldered his flobert rifle and started up Main Street in pursuit of sparrows followed by his Gordon setter? Oh, no, a full blooded Maltese cat. Herein, Dug enjoys a distinction no other sportsman can boast of. This being something unusual in the sporting line, we watched the movements of both. Soon Dug braced himself for a shot. Tabby crouched behind him, back humped, ears back and eyes distended and when Dug winged his bird, tabby rushed forward and fetched like a full blooded bench show prize retriever. Long live Dug and Tabby. |
| Miners Journal of May 29, 1869 HAIL STORM DAMAGES TOWN The hail storm in the county on Sunday a week ago, at Schuylkill Haven in particular, would seem to have been very severe, from the accounts which reach us from that place. Very few houses facing west or south in the town, escaped with less than a dozen window lights broken,where the inmates were not fortunate enough to have their shutters closed and some of the hotel buildings had fifty to sixty lights knocked in while Mr. Henry Saylor's hothouse on his farm southwest of the town will require fifteen hundred lights to replace all those broken by the hail. The injury Mr. Saylor will sustain to his grain will amount to a thousand dollars. The actual measurement of some of the larger hailstones was an inch and a quarter in diameter, and with such force did they descend that there are very few houses, facing the direction from which the storm came, that will not bear witness of its effects until they receive an additional coat of paint. |
| Miners Journal of December 3, 1875 A HORSE'S TONGUE TORN OUT - A SICKENING OUTRAGE A party of men whose names we did not learn, committed a sickening outrage on a horse at Schuylkill Haven one day recently. It appears they were in a loaded wagon, to which were harnessed a horse and a mule. The horse, a fine animal said to be worth $150, for some reason refused to do his share of the work. One of the party tied a rope to the poor animal's tongue and on the continued refusal of the horse to pull, jerked the rope violently. The effect of the jerk was to pull the poor creature's tongue out. The barbarian who committed the fiendish act threw the tongue in the gutter and then drove off. It is a matter of surprise that this affair has been kept dark so long as it has and it should be thoroughly exposed. It is one of the most disgusting cases of brutality we ever heard of. It is said that two of the party have been arrested but two are still at large. Squire Helms and Constable Stitzer have the matter in hand and should push it energetically. The horse we learn, belonged to a Mr. Considence of Port Carbon, who should see that the guilty wretch is severely punished whether he be friend or not. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 10, 1901 SMALLPOX BREAKS OUT AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Smallpox has made its appearance at Schuylkill Haven. Last evening Dr. Dechert was called upon to attend Horace, the son of C. George Miller. An examination showed conclusively that the young man was suffering from the smallpox. Arrangements were at once made to care for the sufferer and at the same time prevent the spread of the disease. The Board of Health of the town promptly took charge of the case and in consultation with Dr. Dechert, made arrangements for attending the case. Horace Miller of Schuylkill Haven, who is ill with smallpox has been engaged as a clerk for a New York firm which has some dealings in second hand goods. About a week ago he was taken ill with what the doctors said was sunstroke. He was directed by the physicians to keep quiet and he accordingly came home. When he arrived home, marks were noticed on him similar to prickly heat. The family thought the case might be more serious or malignant than was expected and they accordingly isolated the young man. Yesterday the case was diagnosed as smallpox but Dr. Dechert says it is a very light case and that the patient will probably be able to be about in five or six days. C. George Miller, the father of the young man has not seen him for a week. Mr. Miller has been boarding at a Pottsville hotel for the past ten days and there is therefore not the least possible danger that he will carry infection to anyone. As the manager of D P & S's store, he also confines himself strictly to his office and has no duties requiring his presence in the store. The patrons of the establishment need not have the least fear in entering the store. The Miller residence at Schuylkill Haven stands considerably isolated form any other building. The smallpox patient is also in a different part of the building from the rest of the family so every possible precaution has been taken. After an investigation by the President of the Pottsville Board of Health, it has been decided that there can be no danger of the contagion spreading to Pottsville through Mr. Miller or any member of his family. |
| The Call of September 18, 1903 A TERRIBLE FALL - Arthur Garrett Walked Out of an Unguarded Fire Escape Door He Was Hurled Twenty Feet to the Pavement Below and Sustained a Fractured Ankle and Internal Injuries Arthur Garrett of Orwigsburg, who came over from the old county seat last Friday evening to see and hear the rendition of the operetta, The Merry Milkmaids, met with a serious accident at the Schuylkill Haven Opera House, that will confine him to the house for some time. The young man had a seat on the second floor of the theatre and after the performance, stepped out of the nearest exit and fell twenty feet to the pavement below, sustaining a broken ankle and internal injuries. Dr. Steckel of Orwigsburg who was also in attendance at the play took the unfortunate young man in charge and took him home. The door the young man fell through was cut to give exit to a fire escape, but the fire escape has never been erected and the door, when opened for ventilation as it was last Friday evening, has no guard of any kind to prevent persons walking or falling out. It is said Garrett will bring suit for damages against the owner of the opera house. |
| Miners Journal of September 12, 1913 TRENCH CAVED IN, TWO MEN INJURED Two men had narrow escapes from being smothered to death this morning at Schuylkill Haven when a bank caved in, completely covering one man and partly covering another. A man named Kramer residing on Haven Street in that town, was the one who was covered completely. It required fifteen minutes of the hardest and swiftest kind of work to uncover him. When his head was uncovered, Kramer collapsed. He was bleeding freely from the nose and mouth and it was believed that he was injured internally. The other man, named Riebsaamen, was fortunate in only being covered to the shoulders but was in such a position that he could not help himself. A physician was called and upon examination, ordered Kramer taken to his home. Riebsaamen was able to continue at his work. The place where the cave in occurred is opposite the Reading Railroad tracks on South Main Street. Supervisor Bitzer of that town, was digging a trench for the purpose of laying a sewer as ordered by the town council of that place several weeks ago. The ground is practically all filled in and was some years ago the old Schuylkill canal bed. The accident attracted a large number of people as it was first reported that several died. |
| Miners Journal of September 7, 1861 EXTRAORDINARY GRAPE LEAF We received this week from John H. Guertler and Daniel H. Stager of Schuylkill Haven, a curiosity in the shape of a gigantic leaf from the twig of a grape grafted in April last, by Mr. Conrad Hammer, gardener. The leaf is four and a half feet in circumference, seventeen inches in diameter and perfect in its proportions. Mr. H. may well challenge the county to produce a grape leaf of similar magnitude. We learn that he had charge of several gardens in the beautiful Cressona Valley and is much esteemed as a horticulturist. The length of the twig from which the leaf is taken is about fifteen feet, a remarkable growth indeed for a single season. In two years it will be in bearing order. This fact should encourage grafting in this county, where the culture of the grape can be rendered profitable. |
| The Call of February 22, 1918 SNAKE RAPS AT FARMER'S KITCHEN DOOR The first snake story of the season, although it is somewhat early for this kind of story, was brought to town on Monday afternoon of the present week by Morris Bowen, who is the proprietor of a model farm on the outskirts of the borough limits. Mr. Bowen stated that during the warm spell of last week about the noon hour, there was a rapping at the door leading into the kitchen. Several times the rap was repeated until finally the door was opened by his son, Warren Bowen, better known as "Dutch" Bowen. There to the great amazement of the family was a snake, less than four feet in length. The snakeship showed a disposition to enter the house and was allowed to come in while the women folks took to the third floor. Mr. Bowen stated that the snake was given a cup of coffee and some meat and after relishing the same, crawled under the stove and went to sleep. It was then captured and placed in a box with a wire netting over the same. Mr. Bowen told the story in the office of Squire C. A. Moyer and was willing to swear to the same but the squire didn't have the time to administer the oath. Mr. Bowen stated that he still has the snake and that it is a sure sign of an early spring. He places more faith in the snake than he does in the groundhog. |
| The Call of July 5, 1918 FRACTURED SKULL IN FALL FROM BICYCLE Lyman Ketner, aged seventeen years, son of Mr. and Mrs. Addison Ketner of 23 Union Street, is a patient in the Pottsville Hospital as the result of a fractured skull. Sunday afternoon the young man went to Brommerstown on his bicycle. As he was returning home and was descending a steep incline having his feet on the coaster brake, the chain on the bicycle snapped. With lightning rapidity the bicycle shot down the incline. Unable to guide the bicycle properly, the machine struck a rut and Ketner was pitched headlong from the wheel. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and brought to his home here. Dr. Heim was called and administered to him until Monday morning when he was removed to the Pottsville Hospital. Monday at noon he was operated upon by Dr. Warner. His condition is reported very favorable and his speedy recovery is looked for. Young Ketner is employed at the rolling mills. |
| Miners Journal of November 9, 1850 TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING We learn from the "Map" that the menagerie men gave some of the Schuylkill Haven folks an extra show on the night of the exhibition. One of the elephants, attracted by the scent of some vegetables in a neighboring cellar, left the place where he had been chained for the night, and after going through the process of breaking open the doors, and finding that they could not be reached in this way, he desperately commenced the removal of the house. The inmates on discovering the cause of their alarm, sent word to the keeper that they had "seen the elephant" and politely requested his speedy removal. We paid our quarter but they didn't show us half that much. |
| Miners Journal of May 3, 1851 AN ACCIDENT The "Map" gives the following particulars of a serious accident that occurred on Sunday last at the Five Locks, a short distance above Schuylkill Haven: "A gentleman and lady were passing when, owing to the carelessness or neglect of the person who had placed the horse to the buggy, the horse became frightened and in endeavoring to run away, run over the bank. The buggy turned over four times and was entirely smashed to pieces. The lady was seriously bruised, so much so that her farther proceeding towards the west was unavoidably postponed. The gentleman and the horse received but little injury, but had the buggy made one more turn, they all would have been precipitated into the lock. A serious accident but a fortunate escape." |
| Miners Journal of December 13, 1851 MAD DOG The principal, in fact the only excitement that has moved our town this week, has been caused by the passing through of a mad dog. This animal made its appearance on our streets and bit some fifty or more of our canine breed. The Town Council convened Tuesday evening and passed an ordinance, requiring all dogs to be chained or muzzled, and authorized the High Constable to go from house to house and give this notice, and if after that, any dog made its appearance on the street, to shoot it down, and by this means earn fifty cents. It was mournful and amusing to see our citizens handing out their dogs to shoot them. Jimmy and Tip and Watch all shared the same fate. Some, prized their pets too highly and have chained them, not a dog can be seen. It reminds us of the times of Moses and the bulrushes. |
| Miners Journal of July 9, 1853 UNCLE SAM'S BIRTHDAY Uncle Sam's birthday was celebrated by old and young. But if my eyes did not deceive me, the "rising generation" outnumbered the "old uns" three to one. No less than about six hundred Sunday Scholars marched in procession through our streets to the various groves. Some of the boys, whose tastes lay in another direction, amused themselves with cockfighting. Our Squires and Constables, excepting the extra one (there being some doubts about the propriety of granting his commission) were suddenly seized with that comic looking disease of the eyes, called squinting, so they looked in all directions for the greased lords, but the right one. |
| Miners Journal of July 9, 1853 STREETS OF TOWN That Act of Assembly, entitled "An Act for the better regulation of the streets of Schuylkill Haven," is on a fair way of being complied with, at least so far as relates to our main street. Our Borough guardians (may their days, like those of Methuselah, number nine hundred and sixty nine years), talk a great deal about removing a part of the hill along the "old Farmers' Bank," and raising said street down town. The sidewalks, it appears do not come under the head of streets, consequently the matter of which there is an inexhaustible supply on rainy days, rests at the doors of the owners. May they all live to become Town Councilmen is the heart felt prayer of every pedestrian that promenades them. |
| Miners Journal of April 29, 1854 VIOLENT STORM, PROPERTY DESTROYED The thunderstorm of Wednesday last, was accompanied with high wind at Schuylkill Haven, causing considerable damage to property in the neighborhood. About one fourth of the tin roof of the railroad bridge was lifted off, and falling on Deibert's stable and shed nearby, crushed them in. The telegraph wires in the neighborhood were also thrown down. The roof of Messrs. Huntzinger's store was also partly lifted off. Mr. Henry G. Robinson's house was struck by lightning. It was not discovered, though, until the next day when some papers in the garret were observed to be burnt, and a hole in the roof nearby, evidently made by the lightning. It had escaped down the outside of the building. The papers after being lighted had luckily gone out by themselves. |
| Miners Journal of June 23, 1855 MAGNIFICENT STRAWBERRIES To Mr. John J. Paxson, farmer, below Schuylkill Haven, we are indebted for a quantity of remarkably fine strawberries. Some of them measure three and a quarter inches in circumference and the rest are nearly the same size. They are without exception, the largest and finest specimens of the delicious fruit we ever saw, and prove that Schuylkill County is not only capable of supplying abundant supplies of "black diamonds" but if necessary can compete horticulturally with its more favored agricultural sisters of the state. Mr. Paxson, we are pleased to state, is one of the most active members of the Schuylkill County Agricultural Society, and invariably obtains premiums at his exhibitions for the products of his skill and industry. His "truck" which regularly reaches this market, is considered among the very best sent here, and its always eagerly sought after. We congratulate Mr. Paxson upon his success in the strawberry line. |
| Miners Journal of December 5, 1857 BEAUTIFUL ROLL We yesterday examined one of the most ornamental pieces of penmanship probably ever executed in this county. It is a roll of the Independent Greys of Philadelphia, five feet long by three wide. It was executed in Schuylkill Haven of this county by Mr. John H. Guertler, a gentleman fifty five years of age, and one who has resided in this county upwards of thirty one years. It was finished only a day or two since, and will be immediately forwarded to the Greys. Mr. Guertler merits special commendation for the originality of the design of the roll. The execution is perfect. Mr. Guertler will shortly give lessons in penmanship in the eastern portion of the state. Where he has heretofore taught, he has deservedly reaped both honor and profit. Mr. Guertler's forte is the execution of ornamental portions of German text, in which certainly, he has no superior in the country. |
| Miners Journal of January 22, 1853 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AFFAIRS Yesterday some two or three hundred persons assembled to witness a prize fight (I do not think the prize was a large one or they would have contended more strenuously for it), between a young man from Friedensburg and a young man from this place. The fighting parties appeared on the ground at five o'clock, the time specified for the fight to take place, but upon meeting, much to the dissatisfaction of the several hundred persons assembled to witness the transaction, they walked together and shook hands, the one remarking, "You did not come here to fight, did you?" The other answered "I would rather not." And at the same time both came to the wise conclusion that it was against the law to fight, thus avoiding some hard work and bruised faces, proving the fact that a wise conclusion is necessary to avoid the disgraceful termination of a disgraceful procedure. It also proved that many men are good fighters until the approach of the enemy, when they are better runners. |
| Miners Journal of February 5, 1853 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AFFAIRS Our town has been thrown into quite an unusual excitement for the last few days, owing to one of the most extraordinary suicides that could have been committed. Charles Foltz, quite a respectable and well known citizen, laboring under temporary insanity, hung himself in the basement of the Lutheran church. He had been at church in the afternoon and evening, and after the service in the evening, went to prayer meeting in a neighbor's house. On his way home, between ten and eleven o'clock, he entered the church through the window, closing the shutter after him and at that time committed the act, as one of the neighbors heard a noise about eleven o'clock. His wife, aware of his condition, informed the neighbors of his absence, and search was made during the whole of the night, but he was not found until next morning, when the sexton entered the church to make a fire. He had just recovered from a severe and protracted attack of typhoid fever, scarcely able to do anything and very much debilitated both body and mind, which, together with pecuniary embarrassments it is supposed by those who knew him best, induced him to commit the act. I have not heard the report of the coroner's jury, whether they assigned it to temporary insanity or not. A few days ago his life was miraculously saved by Mr. Frederick Keely, conductor on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. He fell down between the bumpers of the cars whilst they were in motion and from this perilous situation he was rescued by Mr. Keely, though not until his clothes and also his skin, were torn from dragging on the ground. It is supposed, by some, that he intended at that time to commit suicide by throwing himself under the wheels. This would induce us to believe that many persons who are supposed to be accidentally killed by the cars, place themselves purposely upon the track, in order to be killed. |
| Miners Journal of April 23, 1853 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BIBLE SOCIETY On Wednesday evening, the 20th, a meeting of the citizens of Schuylkill Haven was held in the Saint James Church, for the purpose of taking into due consideration the propriety of organizing a society for supplying the destitute with a copy of the Holy Scriptures. After divine worship and reading from the Old and New Testaments with the 104th Psalm responsively rehearsed, Mr. J. Wilson was called to the chair and Mr. Henry W. Bush appointed secretary. The Reverend D. Washburn of Pottsville then stated the object of the meeting and proceeded to set forth, on the scope of patriotism, humanity and religion respectively, the manifold reasons which prompt the American to do what he can towards bringing home to himself and follow men the enlightening and salutary influences of the Word of God. To give time and opportunity for all feeling an interest in this behalf to cooperate at the suggestion of the president, permanent organization was deferred and several persons were named for officers to draft a constitution for the society, to be presented for adoption at the next meeting. Adjourned for that purpose and to receive contributions for membership on Wednesday evening, May 4th, at the Lutheran church. |
| Miners Journal of November 20, 1858 COUNTERFEIT COIN DETECTOR Mr. Henry G. Robinson of Schuylkill Haven, has invented and patented a very ingenious little instrument, adapted to the instant detection of counterfeit gold dollars. Besides being exceedingly useful, it is of convenient size to carry in the pocket and will contain a limited number of the little mint drops. One of the detectors can be seen at Bannan's store. They are manufactured at Schuylkill Haven, where dealers will be supplied at a liberal discount, by addressing Mr. William H. Robinson. |
| Miners Journal of June 28, 1862 A TROTTING MATCH A trotting match came off at Schuylkill Haven on Monday last, notwithstanding the rain and bad condition of the course, between Patchin Jr., owned by Captain C. Leader and Dolly, owned by Captain George Fertig. Mile heats, best two in three were held with stakes at $200 per side. Dolly won the first heat and Patchin Jr. won the second heat. The third heat was run alone by the horse, the owner of the mare withdrawing her from the course. The judges declared the horse the winner of the race. One heat which was won by the mare was ruled out because the judges wanted better trotting on the part of the mare and another was declared a dead heat. Between the rain and the mud the spectators were about in the condition of the horses when the race was over, bespattered with mud. It might have been fun but we didn't exactly see it. |
| LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 16 |
| Miners Journal of July 26, 1875 TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IN A HARVEST FIELD Saturday morning, intelligence reached town of a terrible accident which happened to Mr. Daniel Reichert, hotel keeper, in East Schuylkill Haven in a harvest field. Early in the morning he was engaged alone in a field near his tavern, driving a mowing machine drawn by mules. In some way the animals became unmanageable, probably through being stung by bees or hornets, and Mr. Reichert fell from his seat, the machine passing over him, breaking a leg and tearing the flesh from knee to thigh. When found, the unfortunate man was in a pitiable condition. He was attended to at once, receiving medical aid from Dr. Dechert. |
| Miners Journal of August 13, 1875 THE GREEN EYED MONSTER Yesterday there might have been observed on our streets a very wet and excited woman, seemingly anxiously looking for someone or something. As afterwards came to light, she was looking for a certain individual to whom she was bound by the holy ties of matrimony. She wanted to see him bad to present him with a piece of her mind. It seems she walked all the way from Schuylkill Haven to see him and conduct the presentation. She was under the influence of the green eyed monster, jealousy. Somehow she got hold of some correspondence, which showed that her husband had arranged a meeting with a Pottsville woman of no character. This naturally excited her ire and she set out on a hunt for the sinner. We didn't hear what luck she had in her search but we'll notice today whether the man has any hair left. |
| The Call of August 31, 1900 GIRL'S EXCITING EXPERIENCE Mary Schumacher, the nine year old daughter of Charles Schumacher, residing on Columbia Street, had an experience last Saturday afternoon that she is not likely to forget. While walking near Schumacher, Keller and Company's knitting mill a roaming cow was attracted by the red dress the little girl wore and made evident signs of attacking her. Mary ran to get out of harm's way but the animal followed and at the knitting mill caught her on his horns and tossed her against the mill building. Willie, the fourteen year old brother, who was not too far distant, heard his sister's screams and ran to the scene. Seeing at once his sister's perilous condition, he seized a large club and bravely attacked the animal and succeeded in driving it away. The little girl suffered no injury other than a bad scare but her dress, the cause of all the trouble, was ruined, being soiled and torn in many places. |
| The Call of September 14, 1900 FOOT BALL TEAM ORGANIZED A spirited and well attended meeting in the interest of local foot ball was held in the Schuylkill Hose house last evening. Schuylkill Haven will not be behind other towns in the county and will be represented on the gridiron by a strong eleven. Harry Helms was elected manager and Fred Bensinger captain of the team for the season 1900-1901. The team will be coached by Luther Becker, who played on the Franklin and Marshall Academy and Lehigh freshman teams. Twelve candidates have thus far presented themselves, and with other prospective strong material in sight, we will make some of the "big uns" hustle. A short signal practice will be held tonight in charge of Coach Becker. All candidates for the team are asked to be on the ball grounds tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock, when a game with the Juniors will be played. A game with the Pottsville High School team is expected for next Saturday. |
| The Call of December 30, 1900 HIS ABILITY TO SWIM PROBABLY SAVED HIS LIFE Howard A. Von Neida, the fourteen year old son of J. W. Von Neida, manager of The Call, met with a very unpleasant experience on Monday afternoon. Shortly after school was dismissed' the lad, in company with several other boys, was roving along the river in the vicinity of the Saylor property, when a portion of the bank on which he was standing gave way and he was carried with it into the water, which at that point was quite deep owing to recent rains. Fortunately, the lad could swim, and was thus able to reach the shore in safety. He received no results other than a thorough and cold ducking. |
| The Call of February 22, 1901 A SAGACIOUS DOG An admirer of The Call has brought to this office several mutilated pages of a book entitled, "Wonders of the World," published in San Francisco twenty nine years ago. This article on a Schuylkill Haven dog was included: "The following remarkable evidence of intelligence was recently exhibited by a Newfoundland dog, who is owned by Simpson Walleisa of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. A son of Mr. Walleisa, a boy about fifteen years of age was taking his sister to Cressona, where she was engaged in teaching school, and when within half a mile of the place, the sleigh struck an ash heap and both the occupants were thrown out. The horse immediately started off on a run, followed by the dog. After running a quarter of a mile, the shafts became disengaged from the sleigh and the horse was running through Cressona, when the dog headed him off by taking a bystreet and catching the horse, a small animal, by the head, he actually threw him and held him down with his mouth, and by placing his forefeet on the neck, till the runaway was taken charge of by some men who saw the occurrence. The same dog on one occasion, carried a dinner basket from Schuylkill Haven to Cressona, a distance of a mile and a half. On another occasion, when the dog was but five months old, he jumped off a bridge into the water and saved a boy from drowning." |
| The Call of November 8, 1901 INSANE PATIENT ESCAPES, BUT IS SOON CAPTURED While Mrs. Peter Wachter and Mrs. Patrick McGuire, night matrons of the Insane Department at the county home, this place, were at supper shortly after dark on Monday, Honora Ansenbach, an insane patient, effected her escape. Through the exercise of marvelous ingenuity in scaffold building and the performance of an expert climbing feat, she succeeded in scaling the fourteen foot fence enclosing the yard. On the matrons' return from supper, the patient's absence was soon noticed and a search instituted. The first clue discovered was the finding of her shoes in the orchard, which she presumably took off to better enable her to scale another fence nine feet high. She was finally traced to Connor's Crossing by Keeper Peter Wachter, who safely and with little trouble brought her back to the institution. Only about an hour elapsed from the time of her escape until she was again safely placed in charge of the matrons. |
| The Call of October 18, 1901 BOROUGH SMALLPOX HOSPITAL CLOSED The borough smallpox hospital closed at noon on Wednesday and the buildings and grounds that have been the object of much interest and talk for almost nine weeks now present a lonely and deserted appearance. The camp was first occupied on August 16th and in all fourteen cases of smallpox were treated, one of which proved fatal, due to hemorrhagic smallpox. There were four confluent cases of smallpox, five of varioloid and the others dessicated cases. Out of the fourteen cases but five escaped complications such as hemattenisis, anchylosis, abscess, heart and kidney trouble or affections of the eye. The last patient was discharged last Thursday, leaving only the physician, nurse, orderly and maid in camp. Dr. Davis, the camp physician, severed his connection with the camp last Saturday morning and the orderly and maid remained to assist the nurse, Miss Elinore Nungesser, in fumigating and closing the camp. The buildings will be left standing for some time to come so that any emergency may be easily met at any time. |
| The Call of September 13, 1901 HURT BY EXPLODING TORPEDO Thomas and Frank Wildermuth, aged five and six years old, son and grandson of Frank Wildermuth, residing on Canal Street, met with an accident last Friday afternoon that might have been attended with serious results. During the parents' temporary absence, the little boys removed a torpedo, such as is used on the railroad from the mantle of the home and took it into the back yard to discharge it. They placed it on a rock and dropping another stone on the torpedo, it exploded with a terrible report, the stone was shattered and fragments struck the boys. Thomas had his foot badly cut and Frank is now having a deep gash in the thigh carefully nursed. Their escape from more serious injury was remarkable. Dr. O. P. Piper rendered medical attention. |
| The Call of August 2, 1901 LITTLE FOLKS WERE LOST Last Sunday night between nine and ten o'clock, two little tots, a girl and a boy, aged about six and four years old, were found by Special Officer Edward F. Miller near the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge near town, on the road leading to Orwigsburg. The little ones were crying and amid their tears it was learned they were lost. They were brought to town and recognized as the children of Walter Boyer, residing in Spring Garden at the corner of Centre and Garfield Avenues. The little folks had been in town early in the evening and on coming up Main Street to return home, failed to notice Dock Street and turn there as they should but continued their walk up and out Main Street to the spot where they were found probably an hour or two afterward. |
| The Call of August 2, 1901 PAINTER'S SERIOUS FALL Milton Butz, the well known painter residing on Dock Street, this place, sustained injuries by a fall at work at Pottsville on Monday afternoon, that came near costing him his life. Mr. Butz was engaged in painting a house on West Market Street and while standing on a scaffold was overcome by heat. He fell to the ground, a distance of only about seven feet, striking on his head. When picked up he was unconscious and continued in that condition for a long time. In response to a telephone message, J. D. Berger drove to Pottsville and brought the unfortunate man home in his team. Mr. Butz was rendered entirely helpless by the fall, being only able to make a slight movement with his hands. An examination showed that his spine was paralyzed. For several days his recovery was a matter of grave doubt but this morning Dr. D. D. Dechert, the attending physician, stated his condition was greatly improved and the chances for his ultimate recovery were very bright. Five minutes before Mr. Butz met with his accident, Scott Lamont, a tinsmith, fell from the roof of the same building at a distance of twenty feet. He was only slightly injured and was able to walk home. When he fell, Mr. Butz went to his assistance, and finding him not badly hurt, resumed his work on the scaffold, only to meet with a similar but more serious accident himself a little later. |
| The Call of July 19, 1901 STEER WAS EVIDENTLY THIRSTY On Tuesday afternoon, the ladies at the Eagle Hotel, George M. Paule, proprietor, were given a bad scare when a big horned steer appeared on the rear porch and stuck his head in the kitchen door, where they were at work. The animal belonged to Peter Raush, butcher, and entered Mr. Paule's premises from an open rear gate. To get on the high porch the beast had to climb a flight of steps, which he did with apparent ease. More trouble was experienced in getting him down again. The day having been very warm, George is of the opinion that the animal had acquired a great thirst and came around to have it appeased. |
| Miners Journal of April 17, 1841 THE FAIR AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Our fair friends at Schuylkill Haven have not only won golden opinions from all sorts of people for the manner in which they got up their fair, but they have received very substantial proofs that their labors have not been in vain. The fair closed on Wednesday evening and the sum of five hundred dollars is expected will be realized. The incidental expenses are little or nothing, as the ladies, sweet souls, generously contributed the articles which were sold. They deserve all praise for the liberality and industry which they have displayed on this occasion. Five hundred dollars is a snug sum to realize during these hard times and it is but fair to presume that the personal attractions of the ladies, together with the elegance of their wares, have been the causes which produced so magical an effect on the pockets of the purchasers. |
| Miners Journal of September 3, 1841 THE CAMP MEETING AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The Camp Meeting at Schuylkill Haven this week, we learn has been well attended and been productive of much and abiding good. To the imagination of a religious enthusiast, there is something about worship in the open air, far from the habitation of man, peculiarly primitive and yet forcible. There, the fleeting pleasures and vanities of this life are more thoroughly divested of their gay and deceptive trappings. There, the mind with many is more disposed to hold commune with pure and holy objects. There, the rustling of the leaves as they are embraced by the sighing wind and the murmur of the rivulet is lost in the earnest tones of the preacher or in the choral strains of thanksgiving and praise. We like the Methodists and we like their camp meetings. May they increase in numbers and may their sphere of usefulness extend. |
| The Call of February 14, 1902 STRANDED ACTORS - East Lynne Company Left Penniless in Our Town Last Week Expected $150 Houses, Curtain Rose on Three Spectators One Night and Empty House the Next The East Lynne Theatrical Company which was billed to appear at the local opera house on Friday and Saturday evenings of last week went up against some very hard luck in this town and were left stranded here. The manager of the company had expected a $150 house on Friday night but when it came time to ring up the curtain there were only three paid admissions in the house and he directed that their money be refunded to the three disappointed ticket buyers. The troupe, unable to secure quarters here trolleyed to Pottsville and spent Friday night there. On Saturday they tried to boom business but the curtain rose on an empty house and the troupe found themselves stranded and without a cent. The manager skipped the town and one of the ladies of the company who had enough money to pay her car fare went home. The other members of the company, three women and five men, spent the time until Monday as best they could. Through the efforts of some of our warm hearted citizens the women were cared for and provided with railway tickets to reach home. These citizens also organized a benefit for the stranded troupe and on Monday night the company produced East Lynne to a fair sized audience in Metamora Hall. The proceeds were sufficient to pay the company's bills and enable the men of the troupe to get to their homes, the women having been provided for. One of the actors, Hendricks, was fortunate enough when things looked bluest, to secure the appointment as advance agent for the Hogan's Alley Company and he left Schuylkill Haven with a lighter heart than the other members of the troupe, although all were glad to be able to get back to their homes. |
| The Call of February 21, 1902 SERIOUSLY INJURED BY COASTERS -W. P. Berkheiser an Aged Resident Run Into by Sled As a result of the dangerous sport of coasting, W. P. Berkheiser, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, today lies on a bed of pain and his injuries may have a fatal termination because of his advanced age. Last Friday evening shortly after dark, a heavily loaded sled came down Saint peter Street at a rapid rate of speed. The boys went merrily along until they reached a point directly in front of Mr. Berkheiser's home. He was crossing the street unmindful of the near approach of the sled and was struck and knocked down. The injured man was carried to his own home where he promptly received medical attention. He was rendered unconscious and was badly bruised. Mr. Berkheiser is 82 years of age. |
| The Call of May 2, 1902 ALMOST A FATALITY - Clayton and Alden Maberry Seriously Injured by a Fall Were Assisting Mother to Move - Porch Railing Gave Way as They Were Hoisting Heavy Bureau Although both are seriously injured, Clayton and Alden Maberry of town, on Wednesday had a narrow escape from death. Their mother, Mrs. Catherine, widow of the late Joseph Maberry, has moved back from Philadelphia to the former home at Schuylkill Haven, her household furniture having arrived Tuesday evening. This was being removed to the Zimmerman dwelling on Dock Street, Spring Garden, which Mrs. Maberry will occupy. Her sons had placed straps around a large bureau and were in the act of hoisting it to the second story porch when the banister gave way, precipitating the young men and bureau to the pavement, a distance of about fifteen feet. As a result of their terrible fall, Alden's ankle was broken as were also several bones in his foot. Clayton's back was badly bruised by the fall, his right wrist sprained and his face slightly cut. Both received a number of other bruises and were very badly shaken up. For a time it was feared they had sustained internal injuries. They are rapidly recovering under the excellent care of Dr. Dechert. Both of the injured men are unmarried. Clayton had resided with his mother in Philadelphia and had only arrived in town Tuesday evening. He was removed to the home of his brother, Edward. Alden had resided here fro some time and boarded with his brother Charles, where he is now being cared for. He is employed as a brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad. |
| The Call of November 20, 1913 ABOUT INCREASE OF ADMISSION There has been considerable discussion as to the increase of prices for basketball. Some few former patrons declare they will not pay twenty five cents to see a game of basketball in this town, others declare the price has been raised simply to increase the profits for the association and to make up for the small net receipts of the recent baseball season. In answer to both these statements, it can be said that the twenty five cent admission will be paid by each patron during this season if he is desirous of witnessing first class basketball games. If the association finds that the attendance falls off to too great an extent the admission will be reduced and at the same time the quality of teams it is proposed to be play will be changed. It will be possible to play but high school teams and scrub games on a fifteen cent basis. As to the association making money out of the game, careful inquiry will show that the members of the association have not taken hold of either baseball or basketball with the idea of making money but simply to give the town both summer and winter athletics. It has been stated in these columns heretofore that the cost of conducting basketball has considerably increased. This is due to the fact that visiting teams demand higher guarantees than heretofore. Under these conditions there remained but one thing to do, that was to ask a higher admission fee. Schuylkill Haven demands and must have the best in sports. This is true in baseball as well as basketball attractions. In order to procure good teams, high prices must be paid them. Basketball teams on small guarantees can be secured but their class of basketball surely would not interest r satisfy Schuylkill Haven rooters. This town for years charged fifteen cents for basketball when other towns in the county charged a quarter. With the increased guarantees and the extra fast teams which will be placed on the floor this year, fifteen cent basketball is entirely out of the question. Other towns, in fact every other town in the county and the majority of towns in the state where good basketball games are given, demand and have demanded twenty five cents right along. The admission is not raised to be in the same class as other towns but of necessity on account of the increased expense of putting on this popular sport. |
| The Call of May 22, 1914 SMASHED AUTO TO SAVE CHILDREN Ray Reed, who recently received a 1914 Ford touring car, badly damaged the same last week in order to save running over a number of children. As Mr. Reed came around the corner of the alley in the rear of his home he noticed a number of children rapidly approaching on a self constructed horseless carriage. It was no more than the four wheels of a spring wagon nailed together with boards. There being no way provided to guide the vehicle, it ran from side to side in the alley. The sudden approach on a wagon such as this and the alley being very narrow, Mr. Reed in order to avoid running down the children turned the machine as close to the fence as possible and in doing so smashed the front part of the car. The children and their vehicle escaped without injury. The above should be a warning to these children and other children of the town who are in the habit of occupying the street and highway of this borough with express wagons, velocipedes and other rudely, self constructed vehicles to confine themselves either to their yards or private lots. In order to avoid accidents which are sure to occur sooner or later, parents should take more notice in knowing the whereabouts of their youngsters. |
| The Call of May 22, 1925 SUNDAY BASEBALL STOPPED BY POLICE Sunday afternoon one of the local baseball teams took possession of the ball diamond in the West Ward and a contest with a visiting team was being enjoyed by a number of spectators. Officer Brown, however, was notified and he promptly cleared the field. The teams finished their contest at the Connor Ball Park. The officers state baseball games on this diamond on Sundays will not be tolerated. The next repetition of an occurrence of this kind will mean the arrest of ball players and spectators. |
| The Call of April 10, 1925 FELL DOWN ELEVATOR SHAFT John Long of Union Street, aged 74 years, night watchman at the R. J. Hoffman Knitting Mill, in some manner as yet unexplained, fell down the elevator shaft Friday morning last sometime between two and three o'clock. He is confined to bed and suffered considerable pain during the week. It is believed he escaped internal injuries and it is not thought any bones were broken. His cries for help were heard by all night operators at the knitting machines. Tracing them to the elevator shaft they were horrified to find his body at the bottom of the shaft. How he came to get through the screens or guards at the entrance of the elevator or from what floor he fell, Mr. Long does not seem to remember. It is not thought his injuries are of a serious nature. |
| The Call of June 19, 1903 A SPLENDID CIRCUS - Welsh Brothers Big Show Witnessed By Two Immense Audiences Welsh Brothers' Circus arrived in town early Sunday morning and its camping ground out on Haven Street was the mecca toward which all who had leisure wended their way until midnight on Monday when the caravan folded its tents and headed for Mahanoy City. Welsh Brothers' Circus is bigger and better than ever and the immense audiences that witnessed the afternoon and evening performances were highly delighted. There are bigger shows but somehow Welsh Brothers seem to have the most intelligent and best trained troupes of performing horses and dogs, the most graceful bareback riders, the most daring trapeze and aerial performers and the most comical clowns. The troupe of Japanese acrobats was the best ever seen here, the clown band kept the audience convulsed with laughter and the side show was fully up to the standard. That the show was appreciated was attested by the fact that at the evening performance, every one of the five thousand seats in the big tent was occupied and a lot of spectators who were unable to secure seats had to stand. |
| The Call of August 7, 1903 $10,000 DAMAGE SUIT - Fred Hinkle Brings Action Against the Borough of Schuylkill Haven He Claims to Be Illegally and Forcibly Detained in the Smallpox Hospital From December 3 to 15, 1902 George F. Striegel, Esquire, on Wednesday afternoon entered suit in the Prothonotary's office in behalf of Fred Hinkle versus the Borough of Schuylkill Haven. Hinkle, who is seventy years of age, seeks to recover $10,000 damages from the municipality for physical and mental suffering endured by being illegally and forcibly detained in the pest house at Schuylkill Haven during the winter of 1902. Hinkle alleges he was taken to the pest house December 3 of that year as a smallpox patient. He avers that he did not have smallpox prior to that time, at that time nor since then. He was discharged on the 15th of the same month. |
| Pottsville Republican of May 22, 1896 A DEAD BABY FOUND Yesterday morning about seven o'clock, as Mr. Prior, the milkman, was coming to Pottsville to supply his customers, he saw on the turnpike this side of the Seven Stars tavern, a pine box with a top nailed on. He got out of his wagon and picked it up, bringing it as far as South Pottsville, where he opened it in the presence of a gentleman who is one of his customers. The contents of the box proved to be the body of a stillborn child, which Mr. Prior was advised to hand over to the police authorities. Upon the advice of Squire Reed, Coroner Quail was telegraphed to and the box with its contents entrusted to Mr. John F. Gressang. The coroner reached Pottsville on the noon train and at once summoned a jury. Squire Morgan Reed gave testimony which has probably furnished the clue to the child's identity. He says that about eight o'clock Saturday night a man named James Lavelle, of Schuylkill haven, came to his office to take advice. Lavelle was in a very bad humor and stated that Father McDermott had refused to allow him to bury in the Catholic graveyard a stillborn child of his wife's, although he owned a lot in the cemetery. He claimed that he had brought the child up for burial and notified the sexton to dig a grave for it. The Squire told him to return to Pottsville this morning, to speak to the priest in a calm manner and he would probably obtain permission to bury the child. If he was still refused permission, then to go and dig the grave himself on his own lot and bury the baby. The Squire was corroborated by Fred S. Shelly, who heard part of Lavelle's statements. The coroner adjourned the hearing until 9:30 o'clock this morning when Lavelle will be present. |
| The Call of July 13, 1906 TERRIBLY BURNED Miss Sallie Batdorf, a prominent young lady who resides with her mother, Mrs. Ida Batdorf, in the South Ward, was terribly burned on Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Batdorf is a dressmaker and the daughter was in the back yard burning scraps of paper and dress goods which had accumulated. The wind carried some of the scraps off the fire and in attempting to gather these, Miss Batdorf accidentally switched her skirts into the fire. Her dress of light summer material was a mass of flames in a moment and she ran screaming to the pump where she tried to outen the flames with a bucket of water. Finding that she could not reach the back of her dress, she rolled in the grass trying to smother the fire. Failing in this, she ran back to the house, where her mother who heard the screams, tore and cut the clothing from her back and carried her tenderly to bed. Dr. Heim was hastily summoned. The flesh from her knees to her head was badly burned. At last report Miss Batdorf was still living but was very weak and no hope was entertained for her recovery. The family is in such straits that financial aid would be highly appreciated. |
| The Call of March 16, 1906 STOPPED A RUNAWAY During the height of the snowstorm on Thursday morning, one of Dr. Dechert's horses, that had been left unattended for a moment in front of the doctor's office, took a notion to run away. He started up Main Street at a good gait. Just in front of the Call office, Mrs. A. H. Kline was crossing the street directly in the horse's path. Taking her umbrella she rapidly opened and closed it in front of the approaching animal and succeeded in so greatly checking his speed that Lee McWilliams, who happened by, was able to grasp the bridle and bring him to a stop. Superintendent W. H. Mellon, who was also near at hand, drove the horse back to the doctor's office. |
| The Call of October 2, 1903 FIRST FOOTBALL GAME Schuylkill Haven's Eleven Tied With Pottsville High School Team The Schuylkill Haven Football Club played the first game of the season on the home grounds with the Pottsville High School Club on Saturday afternoon last. Neither team was in its best form but they played a good game. Schuylkill Haven managed to score a touchdown just before the close of the first half and to even matters up, Boone kicked a goal from the field for Pottsville. In the second half the line bucking of Gangloff, Losch, Daddow and Stevenson and the end running of Weaver were the features of the game. The score was Pottsville High School - 5 and Schuylkill Haven - 5. Schuylkill Haven players were: Guertler, left end; Hill, left tackle; Schwilk, left guard; Waddell, center; Staller, right guard; Fetter and Wildermuth, right tackles; Steinbrunn, right end; Moser, quarterback; Losch and R. Wildermuth, halfbacks and Gangloff, fullback. |
| The Call of August 25, 1933 HEAVY RAINFALL CAUSES DAMAGING FLOOD IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The heaviest rainfall in many years, a part of the tropical hurricane that first struck the Virginia Capes and moved rapidly up the Atlantic Coast, visited Schuylkill Haven and this section Tuesday and Wednesday, and did considerable public and private property damage. The Schuylkill River is said to have been 14 inches higher than on September 29, nine years ago. It is also said that the bed of the river has , within the past several years, been washed out at some places at least four feet, so that this river overflowing its banks at one point, can be said to have been at least five feet higher than for many years. Wednesday evening at nine o'clock, telephone service here was disrupted when the cable which lies underground near Coal Street and South Garfield Avenue went bad. It was not until late Thursday afternoon that this service was effective and this was accomplished by the stringing of many overhead wires from one end of the cable to the other. Cablemen were still at work on this line on Friday afternoon. The cable contained at least three hundred wires, accommodating 1250 subscribers, also the trunk lines to Pottsville and Reading. At nine o'clock by the settling of the approach from Dock Street to the Broadway bridge, a water pipe was broken, so that the West Ward was without water service. Early on Thursday morning a large gas pipe on Dock Street, which runs through the large stone culvert which accommodates the creek, was broken and the town has been without gas service up to this time. The breaking of this pipe inconvenienced many housewives and several cold meals were eaten and baths taken in cold water. The Schuylkill River became a raging and swiftly moving body of water early Wednesday afternoon. In the evening and until Thursday morning, its roar could be heard for some distance away. This was quite unusual for Schuylkill Haven people to hear its only river, usually a slow moving, sluggish body of water, aroused now and making a sound like the real Niagara Falls, heard several squares from the falls. The river actually broke through its banks at but one point in town, but that one point was enough. It was along the ball park, about opposite the Town Hall. The break occurred during the night and by 7:00 a. m. a fast moving good sized river was washing onto Manbeck's ball ground and Island Park. Water to a depth of several feet rushed through a wide opening. Trees were uprooted, river wash and dirt and muck were washed onto the ball field. Deep ruts were worn at some places and the entire field, not alone the diamond, was covered with water to a depth of from one to six feet. It had the appearance of a large lake. Washing in on the Dock Street side, it washed out on the opposite or railroad side. A great amount of water backed up into the "Flat" or the residential section of the West Ward. The entire Island Park has been left with a thick covering of muck and mud. There will be no ballgame this Saturday and it is doubtful if there will be any more games on this diamond this season. This by reason of the entire field being very badly damaged. Some lumber from the field was washed away. One of the players dugouts or score keepers box was upturned by the swift current. The entire field is covered with mud several inches thick. Trees and other debris have been washed on it and from appearances Friday morning, a very considerable sum of money will be required to put it back anywhere near the fine condition it had been in. This applies to the entire Island Park. The cable bridge at the foot of Saint Peter Street became covered with water in its center, along about midnight and about four o'clock, it was entirely covered and a portion was carried away by the constant battering it received from heavy timbers brought down the river. Most of the flooring has been carried away. The concrete pier near the ball park seems to have been undermined as it stands on an angle. The heavy cables are still fastened at both end piers but are twisted. The pier on the Saint Peter Street side has been split and the front portion looks as if it would pull away from the main portion. All day long, autos were parked along Dock Street and the rear of Main Street, many coming from a distance, with people watching the unusual and the most spectacular of all the flood sights in town, namely the river tearing its way down the channel, the lake on the ball park, the bridge, the churning waters near the railroad bridge at the foot of Saint John Street. It was a sight that will long be remembered and has not been equalled in many years. Over in the West Ward water backing up from the ball park completely surrounded the homes of Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Vera Sterner and Mrs. Lizzie Fehr. In the Sterner home the water reached the third step leading to the second floor. The family was taken out at 5:00 a. m. Water covered the first floor in the other two homes but had considerably receded by three o'clock, Wednesday afternoon, leaving a mud covered floor. On Jacques Street the water came up as far as the Frank McKeone garage. This meant that the cellars of the homes of Bridget Gray, who lives at the lower end, then Joe Morro, William McGlone, Fred Merlino were flooded. Water reached the first floor in the home of Bridget Gray. Morro and McGlone had water in the first floor of their homes. Gardens were badly damaged. Contents of the cellars were destroyed or badly damaged. Water reached the first floor of the home of Miss Rose Carlin near the railroad. As early as ten o'clock Wednesday evening, water began oozing into the front of the house from the adjoining property. It covered the entire first floor and the furniture was moved to the second floor. By three o'clock Thursday afternoon it had subsided sufficiently to replace the goods. Along Broadway, water from the Schuylkill River, flowing at the rear of the properties, had soaked through the yard and was running out the front gate or through the fence onto the street into the cellars of property owners. By 2:00 a. m. Wednesday the water had probably reached its highest point in the West Ward, when it stood eighteen inches deep in the garage of James Rooney. Cellars of Joe Dallago, Bob Dallago, James Rooney, James McCord, ed McCord, Joe McGlinchey, Elmer Sterner and Patrick Carr on Broadway were flooded. Water came into the gas plant on this same street but was not of sufficient depth to interfere with the operation of the machinery. A large and old willow tree to the rear of Broadway and along the very edge of the Schuylkill River, several weeks ago was struck by lightning and split through. Wednesday afternoon at four o'clock, a large section having a diameter of about 28 inches, fell over and the branches came through the roof of a summer kitchen and struck Mrs. George Sterner upon her head. With her were Marion Walck and Evelyn Sterner but they were not injured. Out in Spring Garden, South Garfield Avenue was covered with water to a depth of several feet. A portion of the street from Dock to Garfield Avenue was also covered with several feet of water. The water flowed over the porch of Alvin Winter and Milton Koch on this street and of course filled the cellars. The homes of Clarence Sterner, Harry Shirey, Frank Gipe, Jim Lash, Raymond E. Loy, Mrs. Mary R. Loy and Charles and William Gehrig on South Garfield Avenue were surrounded by water which reached a three foot depth at some places. Cellars were filled and little of their contents was saved because the water rose so rapidly, backing in from the Schuylkill River and the creek which runs under Dock Street. The water covered this street early Wednesday evening. In the Gehrig properties, the entire first floors were also inundated by the water. In the George Stump Garage there was several inches of water but in the adjoining building, formerly portion of the Berger Mill, it did not reach the floor, the building being somewhat higher. In this building, the Reed Brothers had stored a large quantity of yarns, merchandise and supplies. It was not damaged and was removed during Thursday. At the Lewis Dress Garage on Dock Street, the water backed up and he had two and a half feet of water in the basement. Harry F. Loy moved his trucks from his garage to the rear of South Garfield Avenue at midnight and shortly thereafter Raymond E. Loy vacated the car from his garage. However water swept away a 35 gallon drum of roof paint, some ladders and window sash, the property of the first mentioned. The water on this street rose four and a half feet in three quarters of an hour and then during the morning dropped and rose again at intervals, until about two o'clock Thursday afternoon when it began to recede. Out on Willow Street water from the nearby creek flooded the field and onto the street. The flower garden of Oliver Campbell was badly damaged and water filled the cellars of Mr. Campbell and H. W. Wagner adjoining. The water tore up the street pretty badly at spots. Down on West Main Street water backed into or soaked through into the basement of the Meck Knitting Mill where was stored merchandise, yarns and material. It reached a depth of a foot or more between seven and eight o'clock. All the material was gotten out without any great damage. Water from the river came through between the Gipe Garage and Meck property and overflowed the street. In the Gipe Garage, there was six to eight inches of water in the mechanical department in the rear and about four to five inches in the front. It began to come in here at ten o'clock Thursday morning. John Gipe, residing next door, had three feet of water in his cellar, as had also Robert Painter and William Quinter, Across the street the cellars of the homes of Mr. Watson, Harry Berger and Mr. Bell contained water to a depth of several feet. The water dropped about one o'clock. Cellars of Charles Williams, E. R. Greenawald, Roy Snyder and Harry Smith on this same street, had considerable water and their gardens were practically ruined. George Graver's house on this street did not have any water in the cellar but the garden was destroyed. At least half the width of West Main Street from the Gipe Garage to saint Charles Street was covered with water. Paul Christman and Mr. Wetzel on West Main Street had a considerable amount of water in their cellars. At the Reider Shoe Factory, the water came within two inches of the first floor. The elevator shaft pit had four feet of water in it and in the boiler house the water was over the fire door. A crew of men, by bailing for several hours, kept the water from getting onto the floor of this plant. At one period at this plant, the water raised at the rate of an inch per minute. The garage of Ernest Huling, next door, had about two and a half inches of water which backed in from a drain pipe. This building is built somewhat higher and a concrete wall protects it. Water was several inches deep around the building during the early morning. The water rose to within about two feet of the water space underneath the Columbia Street bridge. Bittle's Dam was several times its size. Wednesday evening the water had overflowed South Berne Street at one point along the side of the dam. The concrete breast recently placed at this dam by Paul Feeser withstood the severe strain put on it. The water remained high in the dam all day because its overflow was blocked by the river nearby being terribly swollen. Columbia Street was covered with one to two feet of water from Saint James to within 100 feet of Saint Charles Street. Cellars of George Yoder, George Kramer, William Hammerly, Ed Zettlemoyer, Adam Tobias and Paul Hinnershitz were filled with water. On the other side of this street the cellars of Messrs. Wiley, Umbenhauer, Geary, Ney, Hartranft, Reed, Fahl and Fenstermacher were filled to the top with water. The water backed up through the rear of the lots. From the rear of the lots on the south side of Columbia Street, between Saint James and saint Charles Streets, clean down to Penn Street, the section was under water, it having backed in from "The Eck," early on Thursday morning. It was several feet deep in places. The water began to back up shortly after midnight. From a point near the Ketner Garage on Saint Charles Street south the section was under several feet of water. The Scott Box Factory was entirely surrounded with water and it came to within several inches of lapping into the first floor. The homes of Bud Becker, Mr. Heinbach, Ralph Strause, Messrs. Felty, Kramer, Ankenbrandt, Moyer and Jacoby were surrounded and water destroyed much goods in the cellars. These homes are on Penn Street on the east side of saint Charles Street. On the west side of Saint Charles Street on Penn Street, a number of the families had to be taken out early in the morning as the water came into the first floor. The Bensinger and reed families moved at midnight while Nightlinger, Drey, Mrs. Koch, Alvin Confehr, Jack Harner, Mr. Weaver, Mrs. Mary Neiswender and Bill Silliman families were taken out with boats at 5:30 Thursday morning. John Noecker, residing on this street, would not move out as he didn't think it was necessary.Down at the Manbeck washery, at the foot of Parkway, a great part of the place was under several feet of water. This plant is along the river. About 45 cars of fine coal stored on the premises was washed into and down the river. |
| The Call of October 3, 1924 HEAVY DAMAGE HEREABOUTS FROM WORST FLOOD SINCE 1892 A continuous downpour of rain for almost thirty hours Monday and Tuesday caused the worst flood since 1889 and caused damage of an inestimable amount, not only in this community but the surrounding farming districts, other nearby towns and the entire eastern section of Pennsylvania. The last high water in Schuylkill Haven which did considerable damage was on February 28, 1902. Previous to that date the flood of December 15, 1901 was very destructive. The day after the Johnstown flood on June 1, 1889 was the next previous date of the high water in this town during which time great damage was wrought. During the afternoon hours on Monday the Schuylkill River through this town was noticed to be steadily rising but not until Tuesday morning did the situation become alarming. In a few short hours the river had overflowed its banks in the South ward, backed into the lowlands in this ward, flooded the cellar of most every house on Columbia, west Main, Saint Charles, Saint James and Penn Streets. In the North Ward the creek crossing Willow Street had overflowed by reason of the tremendous amount of water flowing down from Garfield Avenue. Willow Street was a small sized river and the cellars of every home flooded and in some instances the water reached the first floor. The Almshouse Creek flowing underneath Dock Street had become swollen to such an extent that Berger and Coal Streets were covered with several feet of water. In the West Ward the river broke through the embankment near the Buechley Lumber Yard and followed the old canal bed, sweeping away the filled in portion where once a wooden bridge had been. The result was every house along the old canal bed and every house nearby was flooded. With a continuous downpour of rain, efforts to prevent destruction and property damage were futile. The river reached its highest point shortly after the noon hour. When word had been passed of the damage wrought, hundreds of persons found time to visit the scene of destruction. BROADWAY WASHED OUT Probably the single biggest item of damage to the borough and the one that may prove the most expensive to replace is the portion of Broadway which was washed away between 10:00 and 11:30 Tuesday. At this point years ago a wooden bridge spanned the Schuylkill Canal. This bridge was some years ago removed and the canal filled up. The continuation of Broadway in this manner left a space between it and the cribbing along the Schuylkill River. Water soaking through this cribbing into this space soon caused a deep small sized lake by reason of the fact that a drain pipe underneath this section of the street became blocked. This caused the water to back up the spur of railroad tracks through the Buechley Lumber Yard and over the driveway in this yard to Broadway. The street soon gave way in the canal bed. As the river continued to raise more water was washed over and through the cribbing and in a short time a stream of water fully ten feet deep was rushing into the West Ward. As a result most every house on Quinn Street and Jacques Street were flooded. In the Carlin house there was four feet of water on the first floor. The Monahan, Morro and Gray homes also were flooded badly in the lowlands adjoining. Every house in this section was surrounded. The water backed up Broadway toward the railroad as far as the McCord home. A pig belonging to the Morro family, also some chickens were drowned. Contents of the cellars of all these houses were destroyed or damaged as the water came in so quickly as to prevent removal of anything. The water rushing through the canal came to within a foot and a half of the gas main leading to town. For a time it was feared this main would be swept down the current as the heavy timbers floating down the stream repeatedly pounded against it. A smaller gas main and the water main were under several feet of water. The water main was strained somewhat at the joints. In order to repair the damage to this street quite a bit of filling will be required and if a bridge is built the expense will be still greater. It has been suggested that it might be best to build a bridge rather than have stagnant pools of water lying in the canal bed at this point and keep the canal bed open from the river at the Buechley Lumber Yard to a point near the "J" office where it at one time emptied into the river again. This would eliminate the mosquito and disease breeding pools that have for many years existed at this point. By removal of timber at the Buechley yards to other points in the yard, a considerable quantity was prevented from being washed away. WILLOW STREET FLOODED The creek crossing underneath Willow street Tuesday morning overflowed into the fields and onto Willow Street. When it became blocked at a point where the trolley tracks cross it on a small wooden bridge, a stream of water backed from Willow Street to Garfield Avenue and most of the cellars of properties along Willow Street were flooded. There was six feet of water in the cellar of Misses Kate and Lizzie Shadel, also in the cellar of Clayton M. Maberry and Harry Shadel. Cellars of Isaac Dewald and Jacob Shadel on Garfield Avenue were flooded, also the cellar of the home of Isaac Huy on Willow Street. The water washed out recently laid pavements and swept down Garfield Avenue to Coal Street. The creek at the borough line was swollen to such an extent that the cribbing on the Bashore property was washed out. Most of the yards of properties all along Garfield Avenue were flooded by the water from the creek. Cellars of Elmer Achenbach, Joe Otterbine and others along this street were flooded. FAMILIES MOVED OUT The Gehrig family of Coal Street was compelled to move out as early as seven o'clock Tuesday morning by reason of the water from the river at a point near the Berger Mill backing up and flooding the first floor of this home. At the Loy residence on this street the water came to within a foot of washing into the first floor. The yards and entire section of this street, as well as Berger Street, to within a short distance of Dock Street, was a veritable lake. The Yost cellar on Berger Street as well as the Moyer cellar was flooded. The Misses Lucy and Hettie Moyer, aged occupants of the corner house had to be removed about 9:00 a. m. from their home. Considerable damage was suffered by James Lash, tinsmith, from water getting into his shop and destroying tar and paints. There was two feet of water in the shop. The water came within a few inches of entering the kitchens of the Milton Koch and Alin Winter houses on Berger Street. The Winter family moved out during the day as did also the Koch family. Added to the water backing from the river was the water from the Almshouse Creek which flows along the Berger Mill. In the old mill property of Berger Brothers the water was 18 inches deep. It came to within four inches of seeping through the front entrance to the Berger Mill proper and the front entrance to the Berger Bleachery. Some damage was suffered by this due to chemical salt stored in the basement of the old mill property being destroyed. The Ford auto of Edward Tray parked in the open space near the Berger Mill came very close to being washed away. The water came to within a few inches to the top of the seats. The machine was badly damaged. Charles Seitzinger suffered the loss of eleven chickens that could not be rescued in time from the hen house on Berger Street. The flooded condition in this section was the worst ever experienced according to residents of the street. In the flood of 23 years ago the water was not as high as on this occasion. BASEBALL DIAMOND FLOODED The baseball diamond, so far as a baseball diamond is concerned, is said to be ruined as it is covered with a thick layer of coal dirt, water to a depth of three feet having covered sections of it. Despite the fact that the raging current in the Schuylkill River washed over the small foot bridge across the river to the ball field, this bridge held firm. Some of the flooring however was washed away. Large timbers being caught in the steel ropes supporting the bridge several times during the day caused a blockade and it was thought the entire structure would surely be swept away. BITTLE DAM OVERFLOWS The Bittle Dam from the greatly swollen creek which empties into it soon spread over the field at this point. In the cellar of Claude Bittle along Columbia Street water reached a depth of 18 inches. Other cellars were also flooded and every yard was covered with water a foot or more in depth. FLAT FLOODED BADLY As early as six o'clock water began to back in from the river in the lower section of the Flat and in a short time the entire section as far as the Lebanon Paper Box Company, Saint James, Saint Charles and Columbia Street as far as the Liberty hose house had been flooded. Added to the water backing up from the river at the lower end of the Flat was the water rushing down Saint Charles Street from West Main Street where it entered the Reider Shoe Factory at the rear door and came out the front entrance. Residents from Penn Street had to be taken from their homes as early as nine o'clock, the water having reached the first floor in some of the homes in this section. The water also reached the first floor of the house of Henry Kantner and Mr. Rhodes on Columbia Street near Saint James, which are somewhat below the level of the street. Most every home on Columbia Street was flooded. At 9:30 on Tuesday the water from the river threatened to enter the Reider Shoe Factory basement floor. Streams of water were washing around both sides of the factory to West Main Street and thence down Saint Charles. By noon the water was so high that it washed in the rear door of the factory from the boiler house where it was over the grates of the furnace and out the front door in a perfect stream. The cellars of most of the homes on both sides of West Main Street in this section were flooded. Water backed in through a drain pipe at the Huling garage and about noon there was several inches of water in the same. All cars had been removed. The foundation walls of this garage recently built may be damaged as the river washed against them to a height of several feet. Early in the morning an unused gasoline tank under the ground at one side of the garage was forced to the surface by action of the water. BERGER GARAGE FLOODED The floor of the Berger Garage was covered with water by noon. The basement of the Meck and Company plant was filled with water to a depth of ten inches and this was pumped out by the Schuylkill Hose Company steamer Tuesday evening. All goods had been removed from the basement before hand. From three to four feet of water found its way into the cellars of homes on West Main Street. West Main Street in front of the Williams garage, by reasons of the excavations preparatory to paving, was a veritable pond. The water was two to three feet deep at some points. It was pumped almost dry Tuesday evening by the Schuylkill Hose Company steamer. By 7:00 a. m. the water had backed up Saint Charles Street to the rear of George Turner's property on Columbia Street. Water found its way into the first floor of the Lebanon Paper Box plant during the day. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING Tuesday afternoon the Bast washery broke loose from its moorings and was washed down the stream. Homer Bast who was on the washery at the time had a narrow escape from drowning. The cribbing along the Bast mill became loosened by the action of the water and a coal chute on this cribbing fell while Mr. Bast was on the washery. As it struck the washery the impact broke the ropes holding it fast. HOLSTEIN WASHERY LOST One of the washeries of Holstein Brothers, a short distance below the Columbia Street bridge, was washed away as were a number of small flat bottom boats. This firm lost a considerable amount of coal that had been stored nearby. The cellar of the Charles Bittle store was badly flooded and a considerable damage suffered by him. The river rose during the afternoon to a point about fifteen inches from the lower level of the bridge across the river at Columbia Street. During the day hundreds of persons viewed the raging stream from the vantage point on the bridge. RUMBLE OF NIAGARA FALLS Anyone who has visited Niagara Falls can probably recall the rumble made by the water and which can be heard outside of Niagara. The noise made by the Schuylkill River all Monday evening and during Tuesday until late in the night resembled much that of Niagara. At nine thirty the water was to within nine inches of lapping the small bridge to the baseball ground. At two o'clock it was washing over this bridge at about two feet at the lowest sagging point. MANY HEROIC WORKMEN Many persons are to be complimented for the heroic work they did in rescuing residents from flooded homes, especially is this true in the Flat section where the water at some points was four to five feet deep and rescue of occupants of homes was accomplished only with great danger. A considerable amount of sauerkraut and wine was reported to have been destroyed in the cellars of homes in the North and West Wards. Ebling's Garage was kept quite busy accommodating the autos that cannot find space in the garages on West Main Street, both on account of the high water of the forepart of the week and the closing of the streets in the South ward for the paving of these streets. |
| The Call of June 30, 1916 HUSBAND LEAVES FAMILY DESTITUTE During the present week neighbors and friends discovered the pitiful condition of the family of Jacob Wildermuth on Canal Street. From these friends The Call ascertained that the husband, the well known barber, suddenly left town on Sunday morning last,leaving his wife and five children without one cent, hardly any clothing to wear and practically nothing in the house to eat. The aid of other friends was solicited and the family were provided with sufficient food to last them a day or two. The rent of the modest little home was due on the tenth of the month and in order that the landlord might receive his money, Mrs. Wildermuth was compelled to sell the best of the few pieces of furniture that she possessed. Through the kindness of the Bast family, Mrs. Wildermuth will the first of the week, move into a smaller home where the rent will be but five dollars per month. Yesterday when the neighbors called they found the distracted wife and mother with a three months old sick child in her lap and attempting to braid underwear. Surrounding here were the other four children, all improperly clothed but willing to help the best friend they have on earth, in their childish way. The spectacle that met the eyes of the neighbors yesterday is one that will not be forgotten by them in a long time. This morning certain residents of the town called the attention of the King's Daughters, a charitable organization of Pottsville, to the condition of the family. In all probability they will endeavor to assist them although it is out of their jurisdiction. It is alleged that the husband and father has skipped to Atlantic City or some other seaside resort. The wife has heard nothing of him since his departure, although efforts have been made to locate him. It is hoped that the many charitably inclined residents of Schuylkill Haven will investigate the case for themselves and do all in their power to keep this little family together and from going to the county home. |
| The Call of September 22, 1916 3500 VIEW MEXICAN WINDOW DISPLAY Fully thirty five hundred people saw, were interested, instructed and enjoyed the recent display of Mexican plants, animals and souvenirs in the south display window of the Felix Store on Saint John Street. The number mentioned above is quite accurate as the crowds that surrounded the window for the last ten days, both day and night, was most surprising. Not only were Schuylkill Haven people interested but the news traveled to other towns and hundreds of automobile parties took time to stop and view the display. Mr. Felix, on Wednesday, removed the articles and turned over to the Boy Scouts of town, upon their request, the Mexican plants and the horned toads, etc., which were still alive and thriving on their menu of grasshoppers and flies. From merchants in Pottsville, Hamburg and Reading came requests for the loan of the display but having promised the major portion to the Boy Scouts, the requests could not be granted. The photos and other Mexican trinkets and souvenirs were returned to their proper local owners. The window display truly was the most attractive than has been dressed in this town for years. Most of these items were sent home by members of the 103rd Engineers, Company C, stationed along the Mexican border during the current conflict. |
| The Call of September 29, 1916 TO HOLD EVANGELICAL CAMPAIGN HERE IN SIX WEEKS - Tabernacle To Be Erected and Experienced Evangelist Secured Schuylkill Haven is to have another evangelistic campaign. It is about two years since the successful campaign conducted by the local pastors in the local churches. The proposed campaign this year is to be conducted along real Billy Sunday lines, that is, tabernacle, saw dust trail, an experienced and imported evangelist and a corps of specially trained assistants. For some time the matter has been under consideration by several of the ministers of this town and a number of prominent and active church workers. The matter assumed some definite shape and form when at a recent meeting of the Schuylkill Haven Interdenominational Ministerium it was decided to make the announcement and launch the preliminary work. As stated above an out of town evangelist of high repute, wide experience and deep conscientious convictions has been secured. There will be a party of five who will take charge of the campaign assisted by local pastors and churches who will cooperate. For the present the name of the evangelist will not be made public. Probably in our next issue his name will be given. It is proposed to build the usual class of tabernacle used for campaigns of this kind. It will seat from twelve to thirteen hundred. The site or location of the same has as yet not been selected but it is known the committee is making an effort to lease the plot of ground near the roller rink for the purpose. The campaign will open December 31st and will be held for a period of five to six weeks. More details will appear in these columns. |
| The Call of October 6, 1916 FOUR CASES OF TYPHOID FEVER Two additional cases of typhoid fever have been reported during the present week making a total of four known cases in Schuylkill Haven. The two previous cases reported were Mrs. William Bautsch and Mrs. Mandon Sweigert of Berne Street, while the two new cases are Eva Wolf, aged ten years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wolf, residing near the Baker underwear factory and Marion Benseman, who is staying with the Moyer family, near the roller skating rink. Practically every physician in town reports one or more patients suffering with high fever and every symptom of the disease. Sixteen cases have been reported in the town of Orwigsburg with half that number on the outskirts. Yesterday a State Health Inspector from Harrisburg went over to the Orwigsburg situation. |
| The Call of November 24, 1911 KILLED MANY CHICKENS For several weeks owners of chickens on Prospect Hill on entering their chicken pens in the morning found many of their stock torn to pieces. Tuesday evening a noise was heard in the chicken house of Mrs. Bowen of Market Street. Neighbors hearing the noise armed themselves with muskets, rifles, and shotguns and proceeded very cautiously to the scene of the noise. Upon opening the door of the pen they discovered a dark red dog dispatching the chickens. One shot from one of the hastily armed neighbors made short work of the animal. It is said the chickens of various owners killed in this mysterious manner would total several hundred. |
| The Call of February 23, 1912 OPERATED ON CHICKEN Elmer Neiman of Union Street performed an operation on a highly prized Rhode Island red hen the fore part of the week, thereby saving its life. Mr. Neiman in going to his chicken stable noticed one of his most valuable hens unable to walk and after examining it found that it was burdened down with a very much inflamed and enlarged craw, the crop having reached a stage of petrification and after removing the contents by operation he carefully stitched together both the craw and the outer skin and keeping it separate from the other stock it has fully recovered and is again as a chick. Mr. Neiman has saved a number of his stock by similar surgery, recently recovering one from a very badly broken leg. |
| The Call of June 30, 1916 HAD NARROW ESCAPE FROM BEING CRUSHED A well known young man of town had a narrow escape from being run over and crushed to death by an auto truck last Saturday evening. The man unfortunately was in an intoxicated condition and being unable to find his way home sought the garage of Charles Faust. Making his bed on the floor of the garage he was soon in the land of dreams. The owner returning with his large two ton auto truck prepared to back the machine into the garage but luckily he first descended from the seat and lighted up a portion of the garage in order that he could see the back of the truck clear of obstruction. Imagine his surprise to find the body of the intoxicated young man lying directly in the path which would have been used in placing the truck, and only a few feet from the place where the machine was stopped. Had it not been necessary for Mr. Faust to first leave the machine and walk around to the side and rear, the presence of the man would not have been discovered until the heavy truck had passed over his body, which in the position he was lying would have passed over his chest. |
| The Call of June 30, 1916 LAD HAD NARROW ESCAPE FROM BEING ELECTROCUTED Lester, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Leeser of East Main Street, had a narrow and most miraculous escape from being electrocuted one morning the fore part of the week. During the night one of the electric lines of the borough light department broke and fell to the ground along the fence of the Almshouse field. Unknown to anyone the youngster while at play wandered to the dangerous spot. The lad either grasped the wire or more likely simply came in contact with it and 2350 volts, sufficient for immediate electrocution, passed through his body hurling him some distance from the spot and knocking him unconscious. A physician who was summoned after hard work brought the lad around again. The only marks to show of his narrow escape is a deep burn across four fingers of his one hand. It is believed that the child's hand simply came in contact with the wire. Had he grasped it he would had been unable to release his hold and would have been electrocuted. In the presence of neighbors, parents and friends who would have gathered but all of whom would have been unable to save him. The discovery of the boy along the fence was made by Mr. Harry Schumacher. |
| The Call of July 14, 1916 FILLED EVERY BAND ENGAGEMENT FOR 34 YEARS - Broken Leg Prevents Local Man From Continuing Excellent Record Schuylkill Haven can boast of having persons who hold a record for regular Sunday School, church, public school attendance, etc. These persons can and are proud of their records and are commended for the same. Few persons if any however also know that the town has a man who holds an enviable record as a bandsman. This man's record for attendance at band rehearsals and for being present of every engagement of the band covers a period or a larger number of years than any other record possessed by local residents. We refer to one George W. Kremer of Columbia Street, who for thirty four years has not missed an engagement filled by the Bressler Band. In this time he has missed but one or two rehearsals. Frequently there were two rehearsals per week, yet this member made it a point to be in attendance. The record is indeed one to be very proud of and there are indeed very few bandsmen the country over who can boast of a record such as Mr. Kremer has. The thirty four year old record would no doubt have been considerably augmented had it not been for an accident that befell Mr. Kremer several months ago in which he sustained a broken leg. This accident prevented him from fulfilling the last two parade engagements of the Bressler Band, namely at Tamaqua and at Pottsville. Up to these two jobs, Mr. Kremer took part in every one. Born in Summit Station 51 years ago, Mr. Kremer at fifteen years of age joined the Bressler band, then termed the Black Horse Band. His first trip to rehearsal was made in his bare feet and a distance covered of about three miles. The band at that time rehearsed at William Brown's kitchen at the Black Horse. The band had a membership of about twenty men and was instructed by Mr. Lewis Drumheller at that time. After several instruments he was finally put on E flat clarinet, one of the most difficult instruments in the band. Mr. Kremer at this time plays the same instrument and is one of the few proficient E flat clarinet players in this section of the state. While residing in Summit Station he attended rehearsal twice a week. Upon his moving to Friedensburg the number of rehearsals per week was cut down to one. Upon moving his residence to Schuylkill Haven several years ago, Mr. Kremer still continued to attend every rehearsal. |
| The Call of July 28, 1916 THIS AUTO HOODOOED The auto of contractor John Meck is certainly hoodooed, according to information advanced by his friends. Shortly after purchasing the machine from contractor Irvin Becker, the machine ran into a fence and through a field near Landingville. Sometime later it jumped a stone wall on Garfield Avenue. Saturday afternoon, when the driver attempted to turn out of the way of another machine, the Meck machine skidded, went over an embankment, turning turtle. Mr. Meck received severe injuries to his shoulder and was cut and bruised about the face and head. Mrs. Meck received slight contusions and lacerations. A Mrs. Walborn and the Meck children, who were occupants of the car, escaped with slight injuries. The accident occurred near Pinedale, the home of the Mecks. Mr. Meck was the contractor for the brick work on the new town hall. |
| The Call of September 8, 1916 SHOT IN BACK BY BULLET Hamilton Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brown, is confined to his home with a bullet wound to his back. Tuesday afternoon young Brown was sent on an errand by his mother and while returning home and near the Brown livery stable, he felt a stinging pain in the back. Hurrying home he acquainted his mother with the fact and a wound, bleeding profusely, was found. Dr. Lessig after probing for some time succeeded in locating and extracting the bullet. It was of a .22 short calibre. The victim stated that he noticed four boys playing with a rifle near the alley but paid no attention to them. He was unable to give a description of either of the four. The bullet missed the spinal column by a narrow margin. The victim is suffering very little pain and unless complications set in will recover. This will require between ten and twelve days to determine. The officials are endeavoring to ascertain the names of the boys and have them offer an explanation. |
| The Call of August 22, 1919 TOWN MAN WANTS A CHUNKY WOMAN Considerable notoriety has been given to some unknown Schuylkill Haven man who about a week ago wrote to Irvin S. Seaman, Field Agent for the Pennsylvania Employment service Station at Reading, that he desired a "small featured chunky woman." The local person is to reside in or near Schuylkill Haven in a bungalow, being 74 years of age and a Civil War veteran. He desires the woman to keep house for him, and must be a good cook, no cripple and must be an American born woman. He guarantees her all the money she wants to spend, plenty of amusement and all his money when he dies. The man resides on Eaton Street. Thus far the employment agent reports at least one dozen applicants have visited his Reading office seeking more information about the local bungalow owner. All of them, it is understood, have weighed from 135 to 243 pounds. Their ages have ranged from 32 to 68. It is expected there will be additional applications later and it is understood the local person has notified Employment Agent Seaman to arrange to have all the applicants on a certain date and he will call and "look 'em over.". |
| The Call of August 22, 1919 FARMER'S HORSE WALKED OFF WITHOUT DRIVER Tuesday evening a Shartlesville farmer on his road home from market, stopped at the Seven Stars Hotel to feed the animals. He of course took down the bridles and reins. He then walked over to an auto standing nearby and sat down in it, intending to rest. The man fell asleep. During the evening the horses began to get tired and homesick and accordingly backed out of the shed and came to Schuylkill Haven. Coming in Dock Street they turned down Main Street and into the street at Hotel central and stopped in front of John Brown's stable. He the noise made by the team awakened the hostler and he noticing there was no driver, unhitched the team and put them to bed. This was 2:00 a. m. Wednesday. An hour later the owner of the team came along and laid claim to his property, hooked up and drove home. The remarkable thing about the affair is that the horses came down the pike in safety, as there usually is a large number of autos going back and forth on this road at night. |
| The Call of January 4, 1918 ALMOST ASPHYXIATED Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sterner of Dock Street, were almost asphyxiated on Tuesday morning of this week by coal gas from a heating stove. Mrs. Sterner, although in a semi coma state was aroused by the 5:50 Pennsylvania train pulling into the station nearby. Arising she went to the window to investigate if weather conditions were suitable for washing. Returning from the window she was overcome and fell to the floor. The noise awakened her husband and who, upon noticing her lying on the floor, arose and endeavored to lift her when he too was overcome and sank across the bed. Mr. Sterner however, regained consciousness first and making his way to the windows opened them. The fresh air revived him sufficiently to remove his wife to another room. Mrs. Sterner was confined to her bed the entire day. Both have recovered completely but had it not been for the noise of the train which aroused Mrs. Sterner, both might have been asphyxiated. |
| The Call of November 26, 1915 MEASLES HAVE TAKEN HOLD HERE Measles seem to have taken a perfect liking to the residents of this town and since the last issue of The Call quite a number of additional cases have been reported. One day this week there were seven cases reported. Altogether there are about twenty eight or thirty cases of the disease scattered in all parts of the town. The Board of Health and the physicians of town are working heroically to prevent its further spread and stamp it out. It is probable if there are many more cases reported within the next day or two, steps will be taken to have several of the schools in the lower grades closed for a period. It is believed that the disease has about reached its climax and that instead of being many more additional cases reported it will slowly but surely be wiped out entirely. |
| The Call of November 5, 1915 BADLY BURNED AT ROLLING MILL Mr. A. J. Parton of William Street, an employee at the Schuylkill Haven Rolling Mill was severely and perhaps seriously burned Thursday morning by hot iron. Mr. Parton was working outside unloading a freight car. In some unaccountable or unexplained manner, a large and heavy piece of iron that was cooling moved and pinned him fast. The iron struck him across the back and side and pinned him prisoner for fully five minutes while the iron seared his flesh. It is said the injury is more painful because the iron was just about half cold and it simply seared or dried up his flesh. He suffered much agony and will be confined to his bed for quite some time as the flesh that came in contact with the hot iron is seared so badly that it will simply have to rot out. He was removed to the office of Dr. Detweiler where his injuries were dressed and he was made as comfortable as possible. |
| The Call of October 4, 1918 SEVERE EPIDEMIC OF LA GRIPPE HERE Schuylkill Haven is in the grip of la grippe. The disease manifesting itself here is of a most virulent character and instead of it being under control is spreading with alarming rapidity. Each day adds innumerable victims and it is one of the most severe epidemics ever experienced here. The local physicians have been kept busy day and night all week and while some cases are more serious than others, there is no telling when it may be checked. So serious has the situation become that the Haven Street school building was closed this week and while it was the intention to reopen the building again on Monday, the spread of the disease may make it necessary to keep this building closed for a portion of next week. It may also be necessary to close down several of the other schools. Not only has this disease affected children but adults as well and a number of industries have been seriously handicapped this week by many employees being ill with the disease. Inquiry from the secretary of the local Board of Health as to whether steps should be taken to close the Sunday Schools for the coming Sunday, elicited the information that the board had taken no action on the matter. The disease among many persons is styled Spanish Influenza. Local physicians stated regardless of the term used the disease here is nothing more than a severe attack of grippe in its most contagious form. |
| The Call of November 14, 1919 GIRLS LEFT FOR PARTS UNKNOWN Mrs. Joe Sinonia and Stephina Morgan, the former sixteen years of age, the latter fourteen, both residents of the West Ward, have left for parts unknown. They left the town some time on Friday morning last and up to this time no trace of them has been found. The former is a daughter of Tony Luongo, who at one time conducted a shoe shine parlor at Hotel Grand. She was wedded on July 17, 1918 and left behind her a five month old child. Her husband is employed by the Reading Company. The Morgan girl left in care of her father several motherless children, the mother having died during the flu epidemic while the family resided on Margaretta Street. The police of the neighboring towns have been notified to be on the look out for them. |
| The Call of June 18, 1920 MOVING OF A HOUSE A DIFFICULT TASK Last week we stated in these columns that the Hoffman house on Margaretta Street that was being moved from one side of the street to the other would be in position by the end of the week. Judging by the progress being made on the day The Call man passed the site he felt sure this would be correct. Far from it however. Unexpected difficulties cropped up to delay and make the task a difficult one. The house proved to be of too great a length to permit it being turned sufficiently between the adjoining house and the Hoffman mill to permit its being gotten into the street. It was necessary to saw and pull apart the rear of the house in order to turn it. It is now thought that the work will move more rapidly although it will still take some weeks before the task is completed. It will now be necessary to move the house up Margaretta Street above the site whereon it will be located. This in order to permit the bringing up of the rear portion of the house and then moving it back and to the foundation and the front part of the house will then have to be brought down Margaretta Street and worked into position. Quite a bit of the plastering has been wrenched loose and has fallen upon the furniture, a considerable amount of which the occupants left in the building and unprotected. |
| The Sunbury American of October 24, 1857 ACCIDENT ON THE CENTRE TURNPIKE Two men seated on a buggy Monday last were precipitated over an embankment of from sixty to a hundred feet in height midway between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven in consequence of their horse becoming frightened at a drove of cattle passing along some of which had their eyes shielded by boards being suspended across their foreheads. Luckily, however, they were prevented from going into the stream, at the bottom, by coming in contact with a tree when at a distance of about twenty feet, which in probability saved their lives. One of the men was quite seriously injured and the other escaped unharmed. The horse was also considerably injured and the buggy much broken. |
| The Pittsburgh Daily Commercial of July 7, 1866 EXPLOSION AT BLACKSMITH'S A singular accident occurred at Schuylkill Haven on Tuesday last. A blacksmith had a whisky barrel brought into his shop to have a new hoop put on. He had just completed the job and laid the barrel over when a tremendous explosion occurred. The head of the barrel blew out, and striking a keg of nails which stood in front of it, broke the keg and shattered the head of the barrel, which was an inch and a half thick, into pieces not larger than a hand, throwing them ten feet into the air. The explosion must have occurred from the expansion of the gas within the barrel, it having brought from a cellar and then exposed to the heat, which was intense on Tuesday. |
| The Reading Times of June 22, 1880 SCHUYLKILL WATER BECOMING PURE SINCE THE STOPPAGE OF COAL MINING Last week three men when out on a fishing excursion threw a hook and line into the Schuylkill River at Schuylkill Haven, more for nonsense than anything else; but a few minutes later they pulled up a catfish fifteen inches long. They continued fishing until about two dozen fish were captured. This is considered remarkable from the fact that heretofore no living thing could exist in the Schuylkill at that point on account of the sulphur water from the red ash collieries. It is supposed that the exhaustion of those collieries has lessened the quantity of sulphur water and consequently the river is becoming purer than it has been for many years. |
| The Reading Times of February 12, 1881 SWOLLEN STREAM - Disasters Caused By The Rise In The River The heavy rain and large floe of ice has done considerable damage throughout the upper portion of Schuylkill County. Along the Mine Hill railroad fences were swept away and ice piled high on the road. A large force of men was engaged all of last night removing the ice from the road and watching the bridges. In the lower part of Schuylkill haven the whole district was submerged. The water came with such force that it was impossible for most people to escape from their houses, many taking refuge in upper rooms until rowboats were launched and the imprisoned women and children rescued. The loss of property is large. |
| The Cincinnati Enquirer of June 10, 1888 DEATH BED MARRIAGE The dying wish of a young girl was faithfully carried out in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. Miss Mary Stauffer of Schuylkill Haven, bright, young and the belle of her circle, was married on her death bed yesterday. While walking in a field yesterday morning, her clothing caught fire from burning brush, inflicting fatal injuries. She was to have married Luke Fisher next week but her wish to die as his wife was gratified and they were united a few hours after the accident. Five minutes after the ceremony she was a corpse. |
| The Reading Times of January 11, 1889 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY PRESENT TO HARRISON There was a large number of visitors at the Harrison residence in Indianapolis, Indiana today but not many political callers. General Harrison was today the recipient of another carved cane, more unique, if anything, than its predecessors. It comes from Joseph Bolt, a blacksmith at Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. It is of hard spruce. In the middle is carved a log cabin from which a boy carrying his school books has emerged and is climbing upward. The next figure shows the boy grown to manhood and riding his charger with drawn sword in battle. Near the top stands Uncle Sam holding a laurel wreath in one hand for the soldier and with the other pointing upward to the Temple of Fame which surmounts them. The handle is an eagle resting upon the temple. The whole is carved from a single piece. The ferrule is a horse's foot with a miniature steel shoe. |
| The Pittsburgh Dispatch of April 13, 1891 EXCITED OVER OIL A petroleum strike in Schuylkill County has startled the natives. There is great excitement in the lower end of Schuylkill County over the discovery of petroleum in supposedly immense quantities on farms in the neighborhood of Friedensburg. The village is just west of Schuylkill Haven and is believed to lie in the heart of a valuable oil region. A number of experts from the Bradford oil fields and elsewhere, after a careful examination of the formation of the ground, express the opinion that large reservoirs of oil and perhaps gas exist under the surface at a depth of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Speculators are already gathered on the scene and are endeavoring to secure leases from the owners. The farmers in the vicinity who believe their land contain oil and gas have organized a stock company and will also bore wells through the underlying strata to demonstrate the truth of their claims. |
| The Philadelphia Times of August 19, 1892 ODD DISEASE IN SMALL TOWN A peculiar disease has broken out at Schuylkill Haven, which is baffling the skill of the doctors, says the Pottsville Chronicle. It resembles malaria but the patient loses his hearing and lies in a semiconscious state while under its influence. At present there are seventy cases of the disease in the town, of which twenty five are believed to be critical. It is conjectured that the disease arises from the canal. |
| The Wilkes-Barre Times of June 16, 1893 SMALLPOX IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Smallpox has broken out in the farming district of lower Schuylkill County. A niece of Poor Director Robert Ebling, living below Landingville, has the disease in its most violent form, having contracted it from a family she had been visiting . Three homes are rigidly quarantined and everything possible is being done to prevent the spread of the contagion. |
| The Allentown Leader of April 25, 1900 SKULL FOUND IN THE RIVER Some years ago, a peddler, George Smith of Schuylkill Haven, mysteriously disappeared. It was always thought that he had been murdered but no evidence could be secured to prove the belief. Yesterday, Morris Bowen of North Manheim Township, at a point near Schuylkill haven, while fishing in the Schuylkill River, secured the upper portion of a man's skull. It bore a clean round hole made by a bullet of large calibre. It is thought that this skull is that of the peddler, who was murdered and his body buried in the bed of the river. The Schuylkill County coroner is investigating the mystery. |
| The Allentown Leader of April 1, 1902 HANGED IN EFFIGY - SCHUYLKILL HAVEN PEOPLE INDIGNANT ABOUT SMALLPOX PATIENT Citizens of Schuylkill haven, who are indignant at the bringing of smallpox patients from other towns to Schuylkill haven, hanged Poor Director Kester in effigy Sunday night. The effigy was strung over the electric light wires at the corner of the two principal streets of the town and remained there Monday. It was labeled with Kester's name. For the second time within a few weeks, Schuylkill haven was forced Sunday to receive a smallpox patient from another town. A man named J. B. Barley, who says he is a Philadelphian became so sick in Ashland that authorities were compelled to take him in charge, and he was placed in the town lock up. Later he was taken in an ambulance to the Schuylkill County Almshouse at Schuylkill haven where admission was refused. An entrance for the patient was then forced into the Schuylkill Haven Municipal Hospital. Director Kester said he did not sanction the removal of the patient from Ashland to Schuylkill Haven. |
| The Saint Paul Globe of September 22, 1902 ONLY SEVEN YEARS OLD BUT A HERO A little boy in Pennsylvania saved a young woman from drowning in the Schuylkill River. Seven year old Kirt Deaven today proved himself to be a gallant little hero here in Schuylkill haven. Miss Mae Hein who was canoing in the Schuylkill River was upset fifty feet from shore. There was no help in sight, save the little boy who was playing on a small raft moored at the shore. He saw the woman's peril and using a pole pushed the raft out into the river. Though almost drowned, the woman had strength left to cling to the raft until her screams attracted help. |
| The Baltimore Sun of November 17, 1849 SINGULAR FREAK OF ELECTRIC FLUID During the thunderstorm on Thursday last, a bolt struck the building occupied as a feed store by Messrs. Snyder and Company, near Lock Number 12 at East Schuylkill Haven. The fluid struck the roof, passing down the front of the building and separating, descended on either side of the front door, through which it entered, into the store where Mr. Francis Benseman and Mr. Snyder were standing. It struck Mr. Snyder on the shoulder, completely stripping the clothes from that portion of his person,passed down his side, across his abdomen, through his pantaloons pocket, where was some silver change, thence down his leg and out through a very considerable hole which it burned in the bottom of his boot, and disappeared through the floor. Mr. Snyder was stricken down senseless and apparently dead, in which condition he remained until some of his neighbors carried him out into the rain, which in a few minutes caused him to revive. He continues, however, in a very weak and precarious condition. Mr. Benseman was also stricken down senseless, but revived very soon, and creeping to the door, opened it, making his way into the open air, so confused however by the violence of the shock, as to be unconscious whither he went. His right side was considerably paralyzed and remained so up to the time we last heard from him. The building was shattered from the roof to its foundation and it seems really miraculous that the inmates were not instantly killed. They represent that at the instant of the shock they felt as if thrown into a heated furnace and the smell of sulphur was utterly overpowering. |
| The New York Times of August 24, 1852 EXTRAORDINARY STORY We have now in pour possession says the Schuylkill Haven Home Miscellany, a piece of wood about one inch long and one quarter of an inch wide, which was extracted from the ye, or rather socket of the eye, of Mr. J. Jones of Minersville, by our skillful friend, Dr. P. R. Palm of this place. The beam was lodged by a fall on a stump, in the upper part of the ball, immediately below the brain and was completely embedded in the tissue of the eye. The strangest part of the case is, that during a surgical treatment of some five or six weeks, neither the surgeon nor the patient knew that there was a beam there. The ball was perfectly immovable previous to the operation performed by Dr. Palm and he entertains hopes of being able to restore the eye to sight. |
| The Reading Times of October 17, 1877 A MAN OF 85 CURED OF DEAFNESS Mr. Daniel Yost of Schuylkill Haven, aged eighty five years old, applied two weeks ago to Dr. C. E. Shoemaker, of this city, for relief from deafness and noises in the ears and was immediately relieved. On Saturday the old gentleman returned to tell the doctor that the relief was of a permanent character. Mr. Yost came unaccompanied by anyone and though somewhat feeble his strength is quite remarkable for one of his years. |
| The Philadelphia Times of June 29, 1882 FATALLY FRIGHTENED BY A SNAKE Jacob Leinbach, a telegraph operator at Schuylkill Haven, was found drowned this morning near his home at the navigation landing. The deceased was subject to fits. He was walking along the bank of a running stream when he stumbled across a large snake, at which he became frightened, was suddenly seized with a fit and fell into the water. He was thirty three years of age and unmarried. |
| The Reading Times of March 16, 1900 EXCITEMENT AT FUNERAL - Spirited Team Runs Away And Creates Havoc At Schuylkill Haven Cemetery A runaway team created considerable excitement and havoc at Saint Ambrose cemetery in Schuylkill Haven, yesterday morning while the last sad rites over the remains of Miss Nellie Quinn, of that place, were being performed. The horses, a spirited pair, owned by A. Hummel, took fright while the cortege was on the way from the church to the cemetery and despite the efforts of the driver, would not be quieted. The occupants of the carriage alighted at the cemetery and were witnessing the ceremony at the grave, when suddenly the restless steeds darted away at a mad gallop. The reins were torn from the driver's hands and before he could recover them, the horses were beyond his reach. The now thoroughly frightened animals cut straight across the cemetery, knocking down costly fences, tombstones and flowers, covering a considerable area before they were finally brought to a standstill by coming in contact with a stout tree. The tongue of the carriage was broken off and the carriage was otherwise damaged. One of the horses was seriously cut and bruised. The runaway team created a great excitement among the mourners and friends in attendance at the funeral, several who had narrow escapes from being run down. |
| The Call of September 23, 1921 LOG TEAM FIGURED IN ACCIDENT One of the big log teams that frequently pass through town came to grief Tuesday evening at the corner of Main and Dock Streets when the wheels caught in the car tracks and the logs thrown from the front part of the wagon. The entire load had to be unloaded and then loaded. Traffic was blocked for some time. After the trip was resumed an auto narrowly escaped running into the team at the corner of Dock and Berger Streets. Some time ago a log team coming down Main Street turned too sharply at the corner of Main and Dock Streets and struck the pole containing the electric light wires with the result that several connections were detached interfering with a circuit for electric power and several industries fed from transformers nearby were out of service for a time. |
| The Call of March 10, 1922 ESCAPE OF AUTOIST FROM DEATH A MIRACLE The escape from fatal injury and probably instant death of Frank Dunmoyer of Pottsville, Wednesday, was indeed a miracle. Dunmoyer drives a Crew Levick oil truck. Near the corner of Saint Peter and Market Streets, he brought the machine to a stop to take off the chains of the rear wheels. The machine was then just about at the top of the steep Market Street hill. Having taken the chains off he was about to resume his seat on the machine when he noticed the hood of the engine had become unfastened. Jumping from the machine he was about to adjust the hood when th emergency brakes loosened and the machine began to descend the hill. He jumped for the machine to get it under control but too late to prevent it from swerving to the deep gutter alongside of the street. The jar threw his body to the side. His feet caught in the gear shift and pedals and he hung out the side of the machine and was dragged about twenty five feet. How he ever escaped being pulled under the rear wheel was a miracle indeed. The machine continued across Saint John Street to the opposite curb where it was brought to a stop. The young man sustained a number of injuries and was removed to the Pottsville Hospital. |
| The Reading Times of March 24, 1915 GIRL ATTEMPTS SUICIDE On Wednesday morning a young woman attempted to throw herself into the Schuylkill River from the Reading Railway bridge, and was prevented by Charles Schucker, of the coal yard nearby, who was summoned by some boys who happened to see the rash attempt. The girl was then taken to the office of Squire Moyer where she was held until relatives arrived from Long Run Valley where her parents reside, and they took charge of her. She gave her name as Miss Ida Kramer and her age as 24 years. |
| The Reading Times of August 5, 1915 BOY SHOT IN PLAY What came near being a fatal shooting affair for Schuylkill Haven occurred a short time ago when two of Spring Garden's youngsters, while playing "Wild West" put too much reality into their play. Clarence Dress of Pennsylvania Avenue and Harry Moyer, son of contractor Rudy Moyer, were playing with a BB shotgun, the property of young Dress, who pointed the gun, which was thought to be empty and pulled the trigger. Moyer screamed and fell over. Dr. Lessig was summoned and extracted the shot from his head. The Dress boy is about seven years of age and the Moyer boy about six years. |
| The Allentown Leader of October 25, 1915 ELOPERS FOOL EVEN PAPA - In Disguises And Separately, They Also Get Past Spotters Lulu Sterner, known as the prettiest girl in Schuylkill Haven, and her fiancé, Mr. Russell R. Smith of Glenwood, succeeded in getting through a cordon of state police and county constables stationed to intercept them and reached Elkton, Maryland, where they were married. The parents of both opposed the match and even went to the extent of having trains from Pottsville bound to the Maryland border searched. To avoid detention, the couple separated and both were disguised. Smith, clad in an old overcoat and wearing a pair of dark spectacles, passed right before his bride's father without being recognized. |
| The Reading Times of February 22, 1916 FIND HORSE BURIED SIXTY YEARS AGO While digging out ground for a retaining wall for his home on the extension of Garfield Avenue, George Coover uncovered the bones of a horse. William Fessler and Frank Eiler, old citizens, remember that sixty years ago, Dr. Shannon of town, who was one of the best physicians in the country, buried an animal there that had run away and broken its leg. The bones are so well preserved that the broken bone of the leg can be discerned. |
| The Call of April 13, 1923 BUILD COOP IN CELLAR TOO BIG TO GET OUT Four carpenters in town employed at building and repairing railroad cars at the P & R shops are being given the laugh by their fellow workmen and others in on the joke. It is understood the men gathered in the cellar of one of the four on West Main Street for the purpose of building a chicken coop. During the building operations some homemade wine was passed around. After this the saws sawed faster, the planes planed smoother and the nails were driven all the more easily. Then some more wine was passed. After this all heed to the blueprints and specifications for the chicken coop were lost sight of. Finally the coop was finished and the chickens invited to inspect it. This they did and found it to their entire satisfaction. On suggestion of "King," rooster of the flock, the coop be placed in position on the premises. Then the fun began. It was discovered it could not be taken from the cellar as it was entirely too big for the cellar way. One suggested the coop be squeezed together but this was not sanctioned by the owner. Another suggested that the cellar way be widened by tearing out the mason work. This was thought to be the best way out of the difficulty but the woman of the house got next to this contemplated idea and promptly put a stop to any such action. Finally in desperation the coop was pulled apart. The sections were brought out of the cellar and the coop finally put together and placed on the rear of the lot. After another inspection the chickens found it answered their desires and took possession of it. |
| The Call of September 28, 1923 ANOTHER FIERY CROSS BURNED HERE Saturday evening, probably one of the most complete and most brilliant of the numerous crosses burned by the KKK on the Schuylkill Mountain, was witnessed by hundreds of people in Schuylkill Haven. Heavy charges of dynamite called attention to the burning of the cross. The local theatres were almost entirely emptied when the explosion took place. In one of the theatres, someone must have noticed the reflection of the burning cross in the sky and gave the alarm of fire. Persons rushed for exits and fire escapes and needless excitement prevailed for some time, but not with any disastrous result, due to the presence of cool headed persons in the theatre. |
| Mount Carmel Daily News of December 11, 1902 SMALLPOX IS NOT "CUBAN ITCH" It is reported that the so called smallpox that is at present ravaging the inhabitants of Schuylkill Haven is not smallpox but "Cuban Itch," a disease brought home by the soldiers upon their return from Cuba at the close of the Spanish-American War. The doctors whop have examined the cases say they are all cases of smallpox. There are thirteen cases in all and of these twelve are slight cases of varioloid and the other case a pretty severe case of smallpox. Nine of these patients are in the municipal hospital for smallpox at the above named town and the other four prefer being treated at home. |
| The Leavenworth Times of April 17, 1912 CAPTURES A CURIOUS FOX - Stone Thrower Comes Home With Unusual Booty J. F. Speacht of Pottsville, while driving along the state road between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven, got out of his buggy to look after his horse, which had cast a shoe. As he did so, a large gray fox, weighing twenty four pounds, ran from the underbrush into the middle of the road and stood for a minute to look at him. The action cost Reynard his liberty, as Speacht spied a large stone, throwing it and striking him in the head and stunning him. The fox was captured alive and will be used for a big fox chase during the coming summer. |
| The Reading Times of July 8, 1914 BABE FOUND IN THE WOODS A new born babe, four days of age, was found alive in a substantial wooden box in Bowen's Grove recently. The babe was clad in clean and proper clothing and had been placed in the grove, it is thought hardly ten hours before being discovered. The State Police were notified and it is understood they are working on the case. |
| Harrisburg Daily Independent of November 28, 1914 MOTORIST FLEES AFTER WRECK Eight Cressona high school girls were thrown from their wagon and George Seitz and son, and Andrew Hellenthal were pinned beneath their motor car, between Friedensburg and Schuylkill Haven yesterday afternoon, when another car bumped the Seitz ca, which in turn struck and wrecked the wagon in which the high school students traveled. All escaped serious injury but State Police are on the trail of the occupants of the auto which caused the double wreck, who drove on without inquiring as to the fate of the people they upset. |
| The Call of October 10, 1924 YOUNGSTER THOUGHT LOST Two Spring Garden youngsters, Jack, the three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Dewitt and Paul, the three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Emerich, both of Center Avenue, one day last week determined they wanted to see more of the town. They accordingly started out on their own account and wandered about and in the mean time had their parents frantic lest they were kidnapped. Down in the business section the youngsters pulled a cute trick when a kiddie car in front of the Quinter store attracted their attention. Without any ceremony whatever they appropriated the kiddie car and were having a swell time back on Saint John Street when one of the members of the Quinter firm came along and suspecting they were lost made inquiry and the youngsters were soon in the arms of happy parents. |
| The Call of October 17, 1924 AWAKENED BY THE STATE POLICE Mr. Snyder, proprietor of the Crown Knitting Mill and Mr. Earl Shapell who have been occupying the Misses Lear home on West Main Street, during their absence, were given quite a scare one evening this week, when they were awakened by state troopers. Noticing a light in the Lear home and knowing the owners to be away, neighbors notified the burgess and it was taken for granted robbers were in the house. The State Police were called. When they arrived the light had been extinguished. An entrance was forced to the home and in the bedroom they found the two men deep in slumber. They were awakened and were easily able to prove their identity when neighbors were called. |
| The Call of December 1, 1902 ESCAPED INMATE RECAPTURED Thomas Brennan of Shenandoah was admitted to the almshouse last Wednesday and escaped from the institution Friday. It was thought he was a victim of smallpox and when the news of his escape became public, great alarm was felt in Schuylkill haven. Searching parties were organized and the man was finally detected in an outhouse and Schuylkill Haven and returned to the institution. It has since been learned that he is not a victim of smallpox as was at first supposed and the people with whom he came in contact during his absence from the institution are consequently breathing a great deal easier. |
| The Reading Times of September 30, 1914 RIFLE CLUB ORGANIZED Lovers of guns and rifles organized the Schuylkill Haven Rifle Club. The necessary papers and funds have already been forwarded to Washington D. C. and it is expected that within a few days the club will be a full fledged member of the National Rifle Association of America. This association is under the direct control of the War Department at Washington and the local club as a member of this association will derive many benefits. Both the rifles and 120 rounds of ammunition for each member of the club will be furnished free by the War Department. There are twenty seven charter members of the local club. There are some crack shots among the members and the Pottsville Rifle Club will have to look to their laurels. Preparations are underway for a target pit and ranges of 200, 300, 500, 600 and 800 yards. Only men above seventeen years of age and of good character and habits are admitted as members. |
| Reading Times of April 7, 1915 ALMSHOUSE QUARANTINED The hospital of the almshouse here has been quarantined. A severe case of diphtheria was discovered a few days ago and the institution was placed under strict quarantine on Monday morning. The hospital contains one hundred and fifty patients, of which fifty are children. A child, John Becker of Tamaqua, developed the disease on Sunday. The child has been isolated with a nurse. Every patient has been given a dose of antitoxin, a preventative of the disease. Everything is being done to prevent the spread of the disease. |
| The Call of August 18, 1916 AUTO RUNS AWAY While standing in front of a residence on Berne Street Wednesday morning, an auto owned by Dr. Morris Roeder, took French leave and started towards Columbia Street. Unguided, the machine did faithfully for a short distance. It then mounted the curb and dashed into a stone wall. The rear axle was bent and the body of the machine slightly damaged. A passing team had a narrow escape from being hit. |
| The Call of August 25, 1916 BOWEN'S GROVE ILLUMINATED BY ELECTRICITY The shades or ghosts of farmers who years and years ago lived in the vicinity of Bowen's Grove were attracted to that favorite woods a short distance from town, Thursday evening, and there not only surprised but astounded to find the grove for the first time in its history illuminated with electric lights. The occasion was the annual picnic of the clerks of a prominent Pottsville store. The illumination was provided by the Delco light plant of which Ralph Deibert, of Orwigsburg, is the agent for this section. As remarkable as the statement may seem, to have this old time picnic lighted with the most modern and latest achievement in the electrical world, it is true nonetheless. A new era in electric illumination was most successfully demonstrated and the possibility of making Bowen's Grove the favorite picnic place for miles about proven effectively. The lighting is furnished by the Delco light which in itself is a compact unit, consisting of a gasoline engine directly connected to a generator, a switchboard and a specially made storage battery. All that is necessary is to string the ordinary electric wires to any part of the grove, or for that matter, any grove, turn on the switch and you have the same illumination as if connection had been made to a regular electric light plant. This new system is absolutely safe and reliable and makes it possible not only to illuminate picnic groves, festival grounds, etc., but brings to the farmer, away from the town, the most modern convenience of having his own electric plant on his farm where not only can his home and barn be illuminated but any place he chooses. |
| The Call of November 16, 1923 OLD LANDMARKS ARE REMEMBERED In the excavations of the hill at the corner of Saint John and Market Streets for the erection of Mr. Homer Bast's home, some old landmarks that are well remembered by many persons have been brought to light. The "Ole Well" with its original wooden pump bed and solid circular wooden pump stub is still intact. The well is about eight feet deep. To the rear has been uncovered what at first appears to be an unusually large stone sewer. This is not the case as it is a ground cellar made of large stone with the roof semicircular in form. On this site stood the Neiheiser home, one of the first to be erected in the town, it is understood. Near the home on the site now occupied by the First Methodist Church stood the Neiheiser blacksmith shop, where gathered the citizenry of old to swap tales, while the mighty smith turned out horseshoes, wagons, etc. |
| Allentown Leader of June 12, 1907 POISONED BY CHEESE More than a score of people were seriously poisoned by eating cheese at Schuylkill Haven last night. A few have recovered but a number are still in critical condition. The cheese which caused the trouble is believed to have contaminated ptomaine poison and was all poisoned at one store. Every member of the families of Luke Fisher, Abraham Huy, J. W. Jones, Abraham Lechler and Albert Seitzinger was poisoned. |
| Miners Journal of January 20, 1882 SHAKY SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The residents of Schuylkill Haven, not all of them, but a great many, are greatly exercised over the appearance of a woman of large stature who seems to get over ground with startling rapidity. Since the advent of "the big woman," as she is called, small boys have kept good hours and even some persons of older growth have been known to turn in earlier than usual. Up to date the woman has done no injury that we have heard of. She merely ranges around and shakes the nerves of excitable people by her unusual size and her faculty for appearing at unexpected times and places and sudden disappearances. |
| Reading Times of July 26, 1912 DRIVES WIFE TO WOODS TO SUFFER Daniel Steffy, a farmer who owns a small place near Schuylkill Haven, upon which he and his wife and their five children live, is alleged by Mrs. Steffy to have put her out of the house, telling her to hunt shelter in a nearby woods and there bring forth an expected babe. She was taken in by a family on the Dutch Flats. Then she was asked to leave and she sought shelter with a poor Negro and his family. It is said that the woman was compelled to go to the stable when two of their former children were born. |
| Detroit Free Press of February 21, 1915 BEAR RISES TO STRIKE HIM A big black bear on the Second Mountain below Schuylkill Haven was nearly successful in ending the life of William Hinkle. Hinkle was walking along the road to Boyer's Mill, when he heard an unusual noise in the mill pond. Just as he got to the edge of the water to investigate, the bear dashed through the bushes at him, and was so close that it stood on its hind legs to strike him. Hinkle succeeded in escaping and summoned aid. The bear was tracked some distance by hunters but the trail was finally lost. |
| Reading Times of December 16, 1915 WATCH POWDER MILL Extreme vigilance, throughout the Atlas Powder Company's plant at Cape Horn, near Schuylkill Haven, followed the reports that an anonymous letter, threatening the destruction of the factories, had been received by the officials. The letter is purported to have bluntly stated that, " On the night of Monday, December 13, 1915, the nitrate plant would be blown up." All possible precautions have been taken, but Superintendent Sinnickson denied that thirty armed guards would be employed Monday night. Disquieting rumors gained partial credence. The officials of the company would issue no definite statement. Asked directly whether any communication threatening the destruction of the plant had been received, the superintendent said,"Well, no more than usual." None of the officials made a direct denial. |
| Reading Times of March 19, 1918 POTTSVILLE MAN BADLY HURT IN AUTO CRASH T. D. Bergen, an undertaker from Pottsville, and extensively engaged as a coal operator, was critically injured in an automobile accident when his machine ran into a trolley car on the highway between Schuylkill Haven and Landingville. Bergen has punctured lungs and fractured ribs and is injured about the head. When the impact with the heavy trolley car came, his machine was tossed to one side of the road, a mass of wreckage. |
| Miners Journal of January 18, 1884 IMPERILING HIS OWN LIFE TO SAVE OTHERS Mr. G. V. Wortz, a prominent citizen of Schuylkill Haven, was seriously injured by a coasting accident on Saturday night. The hills around the town were alive with coasters. One of the largest hills terminates at the railroad crossing. Mr. Wortz, who is day dispatcher, observed a heavy sleigh carrying six persons coming down the grade and at the same time saw that they would be caught by the 8:40 p. m. express from Philadelphia, which was then due. He gave the coasters a signal but they were unable to check their speed, and he, seeing their great danger, stopped them. Just as he succeeded in doing so a second sled struck him, throwing him up in the air, seriously injuring him. He was picked up and taken to his home. His brave act saved the lives of the persons who were on the coaster but it may have cost him his own. The Journal was in formed last night that Mr. Wortz had regained consciousness but that he was in a very precarious position. His collarbone is broken and he has sustained internal injuries. |
| Reading Times of April 27, 1915 BOY STRUCK BY AUTO What came very near being a fatal automobile accident occurred on Main Street a short time ago. Junior, the six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Hartman, while crossing the street in front of the Hartman residence was struck by a machine, which luckily happened to be running very slow at the time. The mud guard of the machine struck the youngster under the chin and rolled him to the side. Had the auto been driven at any but a very slow speed he would have been thrown underneath the car. Outside of a bruise on the chin, he was none the worse for his narrow escape. The auto was compelled to take the left hand side of the street, owing to a large crowd of enthusiastic baseball rooters which were gathered around the scoreboard in front of Underwood's store. It was for this reason that the machine, proceeding northward, was being driven at an unusually slow speed. The accident was witnessed by quote a number of persons. |
| The Call of June 9, 1916 SNAKE AND HEN PERSONAL FRIENDS Late last fall while the editor of The Call was strolling over the mountains, just as the leaves were turning red and the faint whispers of the bleak wintry winds could be heard in the distance, his mind started to wander to that oft repeated poem, "the Melancholy Days Have Come." As he stood there admiring nature in all of her beauty, his attention was attracted to a small coiled object, beneath the root of a tree. Investigating, it was discovered that the object was no other than a snake about two and one half feet in length. An idea struck the editor, he would take the snake home, wrap it carefully up, protect it during the winter, and then early in spring before the other snake editors got busy, would spring a "rattling" good snake story on the innocent public. However, the best laid schemes of mice and men oft go astray, so with the editor. When spring came his snakeship failed to come from his winter quarters at the specified time, with the result that the snake editor was beaten in his story by a Friedensburg man. Lyman Reed, the rural mail carrier between Schuylkill Haven and Friedensburg, is the man who put the snake editor to blush. Now Mr. Reed has a small farm near Friedensburg and on this farm has quite a number of chickens. On Saturday Mr. Reed armed himself with a basket and started over the barn looking for eggs. On his travels he came across a hen sitting on her nest. As the hen was only of the common ordinary breed with ordinary hen's feathers, we will pass on without giving a description of the hen or her ancestors. Just what caused Mr. Reed to believe that this ordinary hen was laying an egg, we can only surmise, but believing that "there was something doing," Mr. Reed raised his mighty right arm and with a clean sweep, shooed Mrs. Hen to the ground amidst the cackling of the other hens and several roosters. No sooner was the hen out of the box then a large black snake jumped from the same nest and immediately started a fight. Mr. Reed became very much upset over the occurrence and in attempting to fight off the snake, fell backwards and into the basket of eggs. According to his version of the affair, this is not the "eggsact" story. With the snake standing on its tail, Mr. Reed kept on backing away until he reached a point where a number of farming implements were stored. Here by chance he got hold of a club and in less time than it takes to tell the story, sent his snakeship to kingdom come. According to Mr. Red the snake measured five feet two and one half inches long. Mr. Reed claims that he has witnesses to prove his story. It is believed that the snake while wandering about the barn in search of eggs, came across the nest on which was the hen who for several days previous had been afflicted with the "hatching fever." The snake believing that the hen was about to lay a meal for him, crawled in to the nest and awaited developments. The developments came too rapidly with the result that there is one less snake in the world today. Mr. Reed states that so rapidly did the snake dance before him that frequently it appeared as if there were two snakes instead of one. Mr. Reed is known for his veracity. He also states that the hen must surely have been sitting on the snake and that the snake satisfied with his warm reception was willing to remain. |
| Reading Times of January 26, 1917 VERDICT FOR MRS. REED The jury in the suit of Mrs. Lizzie Reed of Wayne Township, against the Schuylkill Haven Trust Company returned a verdict in favor of Mrs. Reed, awarding her the full amount of the claim, with interest, a total of $317.04. The main point involved in this case, it is said, was whether Mrs. Reed had signed the deposit slip, which showed that she had given the cashier, James Raub, $30 instead of $300, as she averred on the witness stand. On the same date she had made a deposit for her daughter, Miss Emma Reed, of $33, some of it in checks and the latter testified that when the mother was about to leave their home for the bank she showed the daughter $300 in currency and coin. The plaintiff's side testified this was the first trip Mrs. Reed made to the bank and she was inexperienced and did not look at the bank book, that date, April 1, 1911, and did not note the mistake until her daughter called her attention to it July 1, 1915, more than four years later. |
| Pottsville Journal of May 15, 1915 TWO ESCAPED INMATES CAUGHT Early Friday morning Ignatz Swada, who is being held for deportation, and Simon Pushavicz, patients at the new insane asylum, escaped from the second story by making a skeleton key out of a suspender button, and dropping from the window of their sleeping ward on a rope made of several bedsheets. As soon as their escape was discovered, the alarm was sounded and a posse of keepers went out to look for them. Swada was captured at Orwigsburg several hours later and Pushavicz was recovered wandering aimlessly about the Tumbling Run Valley late yesterday afternoon. Both men are harmless but nevertheless serious cases. |
| Miners Journal of November 24, 1908 LOOK OUT FOR BIG GAME Schuylkill haven epicures are awaiting with impatient and ravenous appetites the return of a party of gunners of that town who are scouring the Seven Mountains in Center County, in quest of deer, bear and other big game this season. These hunters are of the strenuous sort, as is our President Roosevelt, and no game will escape these bold and intrepid disciples of Nimrod. That they will return with an abundance of game is certain, and that they will share it out liberally to their friends, is the reason why their return is so eagerly awaited. The piece de resistance of many Thanksgiving Day tables in Schuylkill Haven will either be venison or bear. The party comprises John M. Ebling, S. E. Mengle, R. F. Moyer, Edward Clouser, Joseph Roeder and William Mengle, all of Schuylkill Haven and E. P. Koch of Pottsville. |
| Miners Journal of January 29, 1909 TEAM TAKES FRIGHT The double team belonging to Oscar Kimmel of Orwigsburg, hitched to a loaded hay wagon, took fright near the Halfway House, on Wednesday morning and made for Schuylkill Haven. Near Bowen's Grove the team of William Fidler was struck and the rear of the wagon damaged. A short distance from this point, in passing the three horse oil team, the rear of the hay wagon swung into the horses and injured one of the horse's legs and badly bruised it about the body. Reaching town they dashed wildly down Main Street, the wagon swinging from side to side, narrowly escaping striking several teams and pedestrians. At the corner of Margaretta and Main Streets they ran over the big, black Sheaf dog, known to everyone as Rover, and crushed out his life. At High Street the rear of the wagon struck the culvert and smashed the spokes of the wheel and also ripped off the tire. In this condition the horses, now quite wild, and on the steep grade, dashed on running into the milk wagon of William Flammer, splintering the rear wheels. Mr. Flammer had a narrow escape from injury. In front of the post office the team was caught and the horses seemed to be none for the worse for their sensational dash. The wagon was badly damaged and Main Street, covered with hay, resembled a farm yard. A large crowd quickly gathered and the excitement was very great. |
| Miners Journal of March 12, 1909 RUNAWAY TEAM IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The double team of John Brown again figured in an exciting runaway about two o'clock this afternoon. At the upper end of Main Street, where the team was working, the pin holding the double tree in position dropped out. The horses took fright and dashed wildly down Main Street and across the railroad where they collided with the team of William Gerhard of Orwigsburg, whose wagon contained a load of coal. A tangle up resulted and both drivers, Harry Achey, the driver of the Brown team having pluckily remained on the wagon, narrowly escaped. The tongue of the Gerhard wagon was broken off and the front wheels damaged, while the Brown wagon was damaged and one of the horses somewhat bruised. |
| Miners Journal of June 25, 1909 RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS BY BLOW UPON THE HEAD BY TIN CAN Match Carlin, a well known citizen of Schuylkill Haven, while returning from his work last evening, in the vicinity of his home on Broadway, was knocked unconscious by being knocked on the head with a tin can thrown by some unknown youngster. A deep gash was inflicted and he bled profusely and when discovered, about an hour later, by John Crevan, was in a very weak condition and still unconscious. A physician was summoned who dressed his injuries. He is now resting comfortably. The authorities are investigating the affair. |
| Miners Journal of August 7, 1909 SKATER WILL DEFY DEATH A Schuylkill Haven man will pull off a feat at the Schuylkill Haven roller rink tonight that will, if successful, put the circus thrillers in the piker class. In point of daring and recklessness the originator of the feat has exceeded that of any "death defier" ever seen in this section but after long practice the daring skater has perfected his feat and will be able to pull it off successfully tonight. A large crowd will visit the rink tonight. The thriller will be pulled off at nine o'clock sharp. |
| Pottsville Journal of October 19, 1916 THREE HURT AS CAR HITS AUTO AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Two men and a boy were slightly injured at Schuylkill Haven this afternoon when a street car struck an automobile. Those injured were Christ Schumacher, who was driving the car, his son, and Louis Goas, a passenger. The auto came out of a narrow alley and was crossing the tracks, when the car, which was moving rapidly, ran into it. The occupants were badly shaken up and slightly cut by flying glass from the windshield. Their injuries are not considered serious. |
| Pottsville Journal of August 21, 1913 LOOKED LIKE RIP VAN WINKLE This morning, Constable John Butz, of Schuylkill Haven, brought to the county jail a middle aged man who had every appearance of being Rip Van Winkle just returning from his many years of sleep. The man had about five years growth of whiskers on his face and his hair was nearly six inches in length. His clothing were ragged and tattered and he apparently had not taken a bath for many years. Constable Butz caught him in the lumber yard late last night in Schuylkill Haven. He believed the man demented and wanted to take him to the Almshouse but the authorities there did not want him. A charge of vagrancy was preferred and he was committed. The man refused to tell his name or state his residence but did state that he has been living on the mountains. He stated he would not take off his clothing until it fell off and according to the reports he had but a few more days to go. Constable Butz refused to search him on account of his dirty condition. |
| Pottsville Journal of November 3, 1913 TO ERECT HOME FOR WORKING GIRLS Within the course of the next several weeks and probably before, plans will be drawn for the erection of a home for working girls in Schuylkill haven. This home will be erected by the members of the Board of Trade and Mrs. W. L. Bryant. For years past the scarcity of help in Schuylkill Haven, especially for girls, has been a serious drawback to the manufacturers. Homes were scarce and it was next to impossible to get families with daughters and sons to move to Schuylkill Haven. Boarding houses were likewise scarce and the present move of the Board of Trade and Mrs. Bryant is one in the right direction. It is understood that the home will be constructed on Saint John Street, on the site now occupied by a photograph gallery. Adjoining the gallery is a vacant lot and this lot extends clear back to the railroad. It is understood accommodations will be provided for at least one hundred girls. The home will be modern in every particular and fireproof throughout. A large size dining room is planned for the one floor. A parlor, reading room, and a recreation room will also be constructed so that the girls will have everything as near home like as possible. A competent manager will be secured and at all times the home will be under strict discipline. The present location of the site is about as nearly centrally located as it would be possible to find one in the borough of Schuylkill Haven. It is less than five squares away from at least eight mills and factories. It is directly on the line of the Orwigsburg trolley road and within two squares of the Reading Railroad station. If the Board of Trade of Schuylkill haven accomplishes no other thing than the erection of this home during the first year of existence they should consider their organization a decided success. |
| Pottsville Journal of May 24, 1919 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FAMILY UNDER MILD QUARANTINE Mrs. Levi Sterner, of Schuylkill Haven, recently returned home from a trip to Boston, Massachusetts. It appears that smallpox developed in the district where she stopped with relatives. To avoid the danger of possibly contracting the dreaded malady, she cut short her visit and went home. Shortly after her return, the health authorities in the infected district in their far reaching efforts at quarantine, notified the Schuylkill Haven health board. The upshot of the latter's action as a safety first measure has been to adopt a modified form of quarantine. The family has been subjected to an espionage that shall last for about eighteen days. Children, it was found, were attending school. To guard against possible danger, they have been taken out for the period mentioned and the school building has been fumigated. There have been no symptoms of smallpox displayed by Mrs. Sterner or any members of her family but no chances are being taken. While the conditions are irksome, the Sterners are cheerfully complying with the mild restrictions exacted of them by the local health authorities. |
| Pottsville Journal of November 15, 1919 LITTLE GIRL INJURED AT ALMSHOUSE Mary Padlock, seven or eight years of age, an inmate of the County Almshouse, was riding on the rear of a wagon on the state road near the county home and in alighting from the wagon stepped in the path of a large touring car occupied by a Pottsville party and was injured about the body with deep gashes about the face and forehead. Dr. Bower, who was only a few yards away from where the accident occurred ran to the little girl's assistance and picked up the unfortunate little girl an sent her to the County Hospital for treatment. Dr, Bowers states that the little girl is very fortunate. The girl was reported to be in good shape last evening with the excellent treatment she is receiving at the hospital. |
| Pottsville Journal of November 24, 1919 ASYLUM PATIENT WANDERS AWAY Milton Stiles, twenty five years old, of Llewellyn, an inmate of the asylum at Schuylkill Haven, escaped from that institution at an early hour Saturday morning and put the State Police to search covering a day and a night before he was finally found in the brush near the tunnel at East Mines. The young man said he had left Schuylkill Haven for his home but had gotten ion the wrong road. He spent the night along the road at the tunnel mouth and Sunday morning came onto the roadway to inquire about the route to Llewellyn when he ran into a mounted member of the force searching for him. He was returned to Schuylkill Haven a few hours later none the worse for his adventure. |
| Pottsville Journal of November 26, 1919 POLICE FIND YOUNG WOMAN'S STORY OF WEDDING A DREAM What promised to be a near wedding with melodramatic situations, was scheduled to take place at Schuylkill Haven yesterday, but contrary to expectations, it failed to materialize for the reason that the woman who planned the sensational ending of another's romance did not have the right dope on conditions. The young woman appeared at Alderman Freiler's office and declared the father of her child, born in the fall of 1917, was about to marry a Schuylkill Haven girl and the ceremony had been arranged for Christmas Day. She was accompanied by an attorney who quoted the act of 1917 covering the support of children and the warrant was issued in accordance with the statute. The girl seemed to be acquainted with all the details of the wedding arrangements, gave names and addresses and other information that promised to make the officer;s work of arresting the groom an easy task. The stage was set for something like the show where Percival is nabbed by the officer just as he is about to claim the fair belle of Kokomo as his bride. But, when the constable went to Schuylkill haven he learned the woman's statements were founded of the stuff dreams are made of. No wedding had been arranged and the man whom the complaintant declared was to be a bridegroom was at the hour appointed doing guard duty or drilling in a military camp somewhere along the Mexican border. |
| Pottsville Journal of August 22, 1912 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SPORTS ARE AT WAR There is blood on the moon that rises over the sporting game here and it's getting redder every minute. The Basket Ball Association and the Base Ball Association are in mortal combat, over the question as to which shall conduct basket ball in the town this coming season. The basket ball association has been in existence several years and last year had the champion team in the county and made money. This year the Base Ball Association decided to go into the basket ball business. The skating rink was leased for a night a week and afternoon of holidays. When the Basket Ball Association heard this they went to the proprietor of the skating rink and asked him to lease them the hall for a certain night where as he informed them that the lease he had signed contained a provision that the Base Ball Association have the exclusive privilege of the hall for basket ball purposes. The basket ball crowd are now engaged in forming a stock company to put up a hall in which they will play games during the winter. |
| Reading Times of February 7, 1918 COASTER HURT June Baker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Baker, of Liberty Street, sustained painful injuries in a coaster accident a few days ago. In company with Kathryn Snyder, the two girls started down Haven Street on a sled. When near the bottom they ran into a tree. The Baker girl sustained a badly sprained ankle and bruises of the entire body. She was carried into the home of Albert Maberry and a physician summoned. The Snyder girl escaped with a few scratches. |
| Pottsville Journal of August 1, 1919 MITCHELLS HURT IN AUTO CRASH AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Returning from a vacation trip, John Mitchell, the popular steward of the Hotel Allan, and his sister, Miss Kate Mitchell, who occupied the front seat with him, met with a distressing accident at Schuylkill Haven last night. They were coming along in the pelting rainstorm which partly obscured the windshield of their machine. In coming up Main Street, towards Pottsville, as the machine was swinging onto Dock Street, it approached too close to tghe trees, in the vicinity of The Call office. The mud guards on that side of the machine were brushed off. Trying to guide the machine, with the rain handicap, it went forward across the street instead of responding to the steering gear that would have secured the straight course to Pottsville, and struck a tree in front of Dr. A. H. Detweiler's office. The impact was sufficient to break the windshield and damage the car to a considerable extent. Mr. Mitchell escaped with a few bruises but his sister had her nose broken and the lower part of her mouth was gashed so her teeth penetrated the flesh. A half dozen stitches were needed to close the wound. Getting into phone communication with the Hotel Allan, another machine was secured which took home the injured woman and also pulled the damaged car back to town. |
| Pottsville Journal of November 29, 1919 BAND FAIR TO OPEN The popular annual Bressler Band Fair opens up this evening in Keystone Hall and will continue all of next week, ending on Saturday evening, December 6th. The business people and the public in general have contributed liberally with many useful articles and the women have many beautiful articles there for the benefit of the band. To entertain and make it as pleasant as possible for the large number of people that will be present, every evening a musical concert will be given and dancing will be indulged in from 10:30. Residents of town who have any articles to contribute to the fair can notify any member of the band and the articles will be called for. We have two musical organizations, the Bressler Band and Citizens Band that rank with anything in the county and everything possible should be done by the Schuylkill Haven public to uphold the fair. The two bands have responded liberally through the summer with finely rendered music for Schuylkill Haven's music loving residents and a good attendance will be looked for by the boys. To see the Bressler boys marching through town with new uniforms and instruments will be the means of creating a large amount of civic pride and pleasant thoughts that you contributed liberally to purchase them. Come to Keystone Hall tonight and be entertained by the band. |
| Pottsville Journal of December 16, 1919 DEPLORABLE HOUSING IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Rented houses in Schuylkill Haven are getting scarce and it is becoming a serious question. There are a number of poor families compelled to live in dilapidated shacks that are not fit for human beings. There are several buildings at the lower end of town called houses where the rats are on dress parade in every room in the house, where infants and small children are peacefully sleeping. That more children are not maimed, disfigured or their faces half eaten away by the hungry rodents is s mystery. The Journal man was recently informed about a shack near Columbia Street where a small child was asleep in the cradle. The child started to cry and the mother investigated and removed the cover from the cradle, a large rat jumped from the cradle to the floor and disappeared in a large hole in the floor. There are many other places in town where the same thing occurs almost every evening and the people are compelled to live in them because there are not other houses in town for rent. Our charitably inclined and wealthy residents could relieve he situation wonderfully by erecting and number of houses "For Rent" in different parts of town. The industries and population of this town are constantly increasing and the rented house proposition should be taken up by the Schuylkill Haven public to furnish proper housing facilities for people who wish to become permanent residents of this place. |
| Pottsville Journal of December 3, 1926 ELECTRIC LEAK WAS ANNOYING ON RADIO - Current Set Loose Performed Odd Tricks At Schuylkill Haven Some of the radio fans in Schuylkill Haven were wondering a short time ago what hit their radios. It seems a leak in some of the electric lines on Main Street caused some of the odd antics in the air and caused some annoyance to the parties listening to the radio. The electric lights in homes on Saint John Street would suddenly become very bright and then drop back again to its usual dimness. It was stated that the leak in the current in some property on Main Street. The source of the trouble was discovered. When one of the motors in the Michel Brothers plant was started, the electric lights on the soda fountain in Stine's Drug Store would light up. This put an overabundance of current sent into the lights, burning out and knocking out the fuses. The leak from the Michel property followed a water line to the street. The electric wires for the Stine fountain are close to the small water pipe that leads from the cellar to the faucets. |
| Pottsville Journal of March 4, 1921 SEARCHED FOR BOOZE Lester Knarr, an auto driver for the Alberta Knitting Mill, suffered an unpleasant experience on one of his trips from the mill to Nosedale, with a load of underwear. Knarr had the contents of his truck under cover while speeding along on Centre Avenue and was held up by the state police, who searched the truck for anything that looked like John Barleycorn, or in the shape of booze. Nothing was found on the truck to indicate that booze was ever in the neighborhood. After a thorough search Knarr was allowed to proceed to Nosedale. There seems to be a sudden inclination to round up the booze jugglers in this vicinity. |
| The Call of May 23, 1924 BOY ACCIDENTALLY SHOT BY COMPANION Sunday afternoon last, Raymond Shomper, aged fifteen, of Columbia Street while in the company of several other boy companions was accidentally shot by a 22 repeating rifle in the hands of Charles Stauffer. The boys were walking down the lower road of the Schuylkill Mountain to the coal chutes when the accident happened. The rifle was accidentally discharged while in the hands of Stauffer. The bullet entered near the boy's right hip and embedded itself in his intestines. Twelve punctures or perforations were found by the physicians at the hospital. His condition Thursday was reported quite favorable, despite the report to the contrary during the week. Thursday he was enabled and sit up and took light nourishment. No ill effects are anticipated and he is expected home from the Milliken Hospital in a short time. Dr.. L. D. Heim is the physician in attendance. |
| The Call of July 11, 1924 INSANE PATIENT SETS BED ON FIRE Oscar Dalton, of Palo Alto, one of the patients at the Hospital for the Insane at Schuylkill Haven, set fire to his bedding, mattress and clothing Tuesday evening. When his room became filled with smoke the man beat upon the window panes with his hands and in this way attracted the attention of the attendants. He was rescued just in the nick of time as the flames by the admission of air, from the broken windows, had begun to lick up the woodwork, and he might have been burned to death. It was considered quite fortunate that the fire was discovered before any headway had been made, otherwise a serious conflagration might have resulted with a considerable loss of life to the patients under treatment. |
| Pottsville Journal of July 13, 1924 TOWN HAS SECRET OF HEALTHY LIVING - Insects Not Allowed To Gain In Number Over Decaying Garbage Schuylkill Haven always had the reputation of being a clean town and was never cleaner than it is now. One of the secrets of the good health of this town is the fact that flies, mosquitoes and other insects are not allowed to breed in decaying garbage. A little kerosene, common coal oil or gasoline, sprinkled in the garbage can daily will prevent the breeding if these insects. Many Schuylkill Haven families follow out this scientific plan and are not bothered by flies. The mere vapor of kerosene or gasoline will kill these pests, some of which carry disease and death to families. |
| Pottsville Journal of July 20, 1929 MOTORISTS TAKE TEST AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Effective Friday, July 26, the location for examinations for automobile operators licences will be held at the intersection of Canal and William Streets, Schuylkill Haven, instead of Port Carbon. This decision was made by the state highway patrol at the Schuylkill Haven barracks following numerous complaints that the street at Port Carbon was not wide enough to permit learners to turn around without considerable difficulty and much shifting of gears. Many failures at examinations are attributed to this small street. The new location is directly across from the Walk In Shoe Factory in an easily accessible place. Prior to the selection of Port Carbon as an examination site, the tests had been given at Saint Clair for some time. |
| Pottsville Journal of June 26, 1930 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY BEAR MYSTERY SOLVED AT LAST - Is Still At Large But Rather Tame Bruin Belongs To Estate Of D. D. Coldren And Wandered Away From Schuylkill Haven Man's Summer Home At Port Clinton The mystery of the bear which has been has been seen this week both at Hamburg and Port Clinton has apparently been solved according to a letter received by the Journal today from D. D. Coldren, president of the Coldren Knitting Mills at Schuylkill Haven, who owns a beautiful summer home in the borough of Port Clinton on the West Brunswick Township line. Mr. Coldren writes as follows: "I believe I can tell the Port Clinton and Hamburg people where the bear comes from, what his name is, and also his general disposition. To make this bear story clear, allow me to mention that the writer owns a summer estate of about seventy five acres of both woodland and tillable soil, located against the mountain in the borough of Port Clinton. It has always been a hobby of mine to try to make this place a little more attractive and if possible more scenic although the surroundings are naturally beautiful. I had an artesian well dug on the hump of the mountain almost four hundred feet deep with a high tower and a large windmill to supply a supply of water for use of wild animals on my estate, such as pheasants, partridges, rabbits, deer and of course, the bears as well as the birds. This water seems to be enjoyed by these dumb creatures and gives me a great deal of satisfaction to furnish it for them. I have also built a log cabin in close proximity to the windmill, among the giant pines, and very often I have watched the wild animals enjoying the accommodations provided for them." "In order to protect the estate and prevent unscrupulous people from destroying things and robbing the place of its game, I employed a professional keeper by the name of George D. Yoder of Schuylkill Haven. Mr. Yoder is employed by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company but for his own diversion and satisfaction loves to look after this department, after his working hours with the company. He can be seen on the estate almost every evening from seven o'clock and oft times until eleven or twelve o'clock at night. Invariable he sleeps in the log cabin on the mountain and drives back to his work in the morning." "When the bear cubs were placed in the pines, near the log cabin, for some reason or other George took an exceptional pride in them. He saw to it that they were well fed with milk and in fact ion several occasions succeeded in procuring wild honey for them. They ate the wild honey with gusto and always licked their lips for more. These bear cubs grew up rapidly, were tame and harmless and grew to full size. While George took occasion to go on a very important business trip, one of these bears went on a rampage and circulated among civilization and up to this writing is still at large. It is a question whether or not he can again be found to be returned to his own home." "George seems to feel very bad about this matter because he feels he has really lost a good old friend. He offers a consistent reward to anyone who will be successful in lassoing this bear and bringing it back to its former haunts.: |
| The Call of February 2, 1917 MACHINERY TEARS CLOTHING TO SHREDS One of the most remarkable escapes from being ground to death a man can possibly have in these modern days was the experience of Paul Cogorno, employed at the washery of the Columbia Drift Coal Company, near the Schuylkill River bridge. Cogorno while in a stooping position to examine a leak in a steam pipe had his coat caught in a nearby cog wheel. As soon as he felt the tug at his coat he realized what had happened and grabbed the shafting nearby and called for help. His calls were heard by employees who hastened to the flat boat on which he was working and stopped the engine which was causing his clothes to be torn into shreds and would surely have finally drawn him into the cogs. Every stitch of clothing on his body was literally torn from him with the exception of his heavy boots. His belt was torn into three pieces and his coat, shirt, trousers and underclothing was torn up into pieces six and seven inches long and from two to two and one half inches wide. The clothing when taken from the cogs was simply gathered into a box and represents just so many pounds of rags. When one examines the remnants of what was once the clothing of a man, one is impressed all the more with the narrowness of the escape of the man. |
| Pottsville Journal of December 1, 1926 PROBLEMS AT COUNTY HOME BURIAL PLOT The matter of the burial plot at the county home or the manner in which persons are interred on the county cemetery has been brought up. It was stated that trenches near the Pennsylvania Railroad Company tracks are dug and used for graves and that in a short while the trench would extend to the state road. That bodies are not buried sufficiently deep enough is also an issue. The least little washout will expose bodies or parts of bodies to view. It was also stated that bodies are buried on top of one another, as high as three and four in some cases. No markers are provided. It was also stated that bodies are thrown into the trench merely wrapped in blankets and without caskets or burial cases. The statement was also made that there have been occasions when, after excavating a foot or more of earth it was found that a burial case containing a body had previously been placed in the grave and that there was insufficient space to place another on top. The man in charge would then use the end of the pick to crush the burial case so that sufficient space were provided. In crushing the first coffin it would be followed by swarms of flies arising from the grave. Skulls and bones, it was said, are frequently exposed and dogs easily scratch the earth away and expose the bodies to view. The Health and Sanitation Committee of the borough council in Schuylkill Haven reported that these conditions had previously been brought to their attention. They had taken it up with the proper county officials who expressed surprise that such conditions existed. They had promised there would be no further cause for complaint along this line and that bodies would hereafter be properly encased in coffins and would be interred at sufficient depth. It was also stated that the County Almshouse officials will furnish caskets for all inmates but that it frequently happens undertakers from other parts of the county and out of the county bring bodies to the Potter's field and in some cases dig a small grave and place the body therein without a casket. In some cases they merely place the body on top of the earth and let the grave digger at a later date provide a grave. An instance was cited where an undertaker brought the body of an ex serviceman to the graveyard and with the body merely wrapped in a blanket buried it. That he collected the full $75 which the county allows for the burial of a soldier or ex serviceman is known. The matter of method of burial was referred to the Health and sanitation Committee to urge the County Almshouse officials to provide another place for the graveyard. A place suggested was on the hill east of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. |
| Pottsville Journal of April 13, 1930 AUTO MISSES CURVE, HITS MAN ON PORCH - John Engleman, Boarder At Beveridge's Hotel Has Broken Arm And Bruises John Engleman, aged 63, a boarder at Beveridge's Hotel on the highway about midway between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven, had a close call from death early last evening, when an automobile driven towards Schuylkill Haven by Floyd Calloway, of Pottsville, left the road and crashed into the porch of the Beveridge Hotel, throwing Mr. Engleman from the chair in which he was seated on the porch and pinning him under the front wheels and against the wall of the building. The chair in which Engleman was seated was shattered as was also a door to the building. The glass in the automobile was broken and the car took fire but the blaze was quickly extinguished by Calloway and two young men who were driving with him. Thomas Beveridge, proprietor of the hotel, ran out when he heard the crash and pulled Engleman from beneath the wheels of the automobile. Engleman was hurried to the Pottsville Hospital where it was ascertained that he has a fracture of the right arm and lacerations of the face in addition to body bruises. Mrs. Beveridge had been sitting on the front porch talking to Engleman but had gone into the house just a few minutes before the accident. Corporal Graeff of the Highway Patrol investigated the accident which attracted hundreds of motorists who would have blocked traffic on the highway save for the efforts of the state police who kept the automobiles moving. |
| Pottsville Journal of January 6, 1930 COLD WEATHER MAKES LANDING NECESSARY Intense cold forced an airplane containing three men to make a hurried landing halfway between Schuylkill Haven and Orwigsburg shortly before six o'clock yesterday afternoon. The landing was made without mishap. The occupants of the plane, after taking precaution to protect the aircraft from the weather, made their way to Pottsville where they registered at the Necho Allen Hotel as F. A. Gibson and C. R. Walker, both of William sport. A third man, a passenger, was W. A. Buckley of Shamokin, formerly of Pottsville. The landing near the Halfway House was made at the suggestion of Buckley, who is familiar with the territory. They checked out of the hotel this morning to continue their trip. |
| The Call of December 29, 1913 TO PROHIBIT SELLING DRINKS TO PAUPERS A coroner jury, sitting in session on Saturday evening, over th remains of Michael Clarke, who was found dead to the rear of the First Reformed Church at Schuylkill Haven on December 26th, recommended that the directors of the Almshouse should notify all saloon keepers in Schuylkill Haven and the vicinity not to furnish any of the inmates of the institution with intoxicating drink. The verdict returned by the jury was as follows: "We find that Michael Clarke had contused wounds on his head, knees and elbows which indicated frequent falling. He was under the influence of drink when last seen at ten o'clock in the evening of December 23 and had two half pint bottles of whiskey in addition to exposure and exhaustion caused his death. We the jury recommend and urge the poor directors to notify all saloon keepers in Schuylkill Haven and vicinity to sell no intoxicating drink to anyone known to be an inmate at the Almshouse." The jury consisted of Harry A. Reber, Charles H. Somers, Charles Williams, Daniel Shaefer, W. H. Wagner and John H. Berger. |
| The Call of May 4, 1917 PREDICTED DEATH WITHIN FIVE MINUTES Five minutes within the time she stated she would pass away, Mrs. Jimmima Mellon, wife of John T. Strouse of Dock Street, died on Saturday night last. Spring of last year Mrs. Strouse one evening called her husband to the front yard and said to him, "We must have a new front and side fence, the house must be painted and a summer kitchen erected in the rear. After these improvements are made, one of us is going to die and that one will be me." The husband implored of his wife not to think such a thing as both she and he were destined to live a long time. From that time on until the time of her death, Mrs. Strouse had been in ailing health but it was only for the past week and a half that her condition was considered serious. So great were her sufferings that she was unable to take to her bed and was compelled to remain seated in a chair where she passed away. Early Saturday night she was visited by Mr. Al Freeman, one of the many neighbors who took a kindly interest in her welfare. He spent some time by her bed conversing with her. Before he left and in the presence of the deceased's sister, Mrs. Isabella Nettles, Mrs. Strouse stated, "I'm with you now but in two hours I won't be." Within five minutes of the two hours she had passed away. Mrs. Strouse was born in Schuylkill Haven 66 years ago. Since the time of her birth she knew no other town than Schuylkill Haven as her residence. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Christina Keller Mellon, and was the youngest of eleven children, five boys and six girls. Her oldest sister, Mrs. Rebecca Fisher, died during the holiday season. Thus the oldest and youngest of this family have passed to the world beyond. Mrs. Strouse was a member of the First Reformed Church, well liked in the neighborhood in which the family have resided for many years, and was loved and held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. One of the greatest pleasures of her life, and she had comparatively few, was to sit along the banks of the old level and fish. During the fishing season there was hardly a day passed that did not find her at her favorite spot. She found great recreation in fishing, following completion of her household duties, which were never neglected as her home was her temple, next to her church. Mrs. Strouse was twice married, her first husband being Daniel Yost. For many years, she resided in the South ward and later occupied a home near Fairmount. She leaves to survive her husband, and two sisters, Mrs. Charles Brown of Saint John Street in town and Mrs. Isabella Nettles of Pottsville. |
| The Call of August 3, 1917 GAMBLING AND BOOZE PARK LATEST ADDITION TO THE TOWN A gambling and booze park is the latest addition to the town and while it is certainly nothing to be proud of, still the conditions are such and have been for several weeks that publicity at this time may have a tendency to do what the local authorities, state police and P & R C & I officers have failed to do. A portion of the plot known as the "Flat," outside the base ball fence, covered and protected from public gaze by trees and brush, is being used nightly, Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday as a booze and gambling park by a number of local residents, both male and female. Beer in cases and kegs is hauled to the scene and real booze parties are held until the supply is exhausted. Local saloon keepers, it is understood, are openly and willfully violating the law in having their employees haul the same to the scene. It is known positively that card playing is one of the principal means of amusement and it is alleged poker is indulged in extensively. Persons passing along Dock Street have their attention called to the existence of the new booze and gambling park by the language emanating therefrom. Within a week several of the females who attended a session at the park and became completely intoxicated and the orgies practiced in the park and near the Broadway bridge would put the scenes and carryings on in any house of ill fame in the shade. The carryings on continue long into the night generally and on a Sunday from early morn to late in the evenings with a goodly sized number of persons in attendance. It is known that a number of persons from town, prominently connected with fraternal organizations are among those who frequently visit the park and judging from their examination of the change on their possession when they are leaving the ballpark, they must indulge in the alleged poker playings. The scene of the new booze and gambling park is on property or ground owned by the Reading Company. That this company has allowed conditions and carryings on of this kind to continue we believe is due to the fact that the officials are not aware of the same. Local authorities say they can do nothing as acts are committed on company property, therefore, if we understand the situation correctly it is up to the P & R C & I officers or the state police to get busy and clean up this "New Park." |
| Pottsville Journal of January 19, 1932 THREE HURT IN CRASH AT CONNOR'S CROSSING Three persons suffered minor injuries this afternoon in a vehicular accident thirty five feet below Connor's Crossing. The injured are Harry Widenheiner, Joseph Eberhart and Walter Bond, all of Reading. They were taken to the Pottsville Hospital and treated for lacerations of the scalp and bruises. A coal truck, occupied by the Reading men, was proceeding north on the Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven highway. Near the intersection of the Cressona cut off, the coal truck and a machine driven by Dr. H. F. Hartman of Frackville, collided. Dr. Hartman was shaken up. As a result of the crash, the coal truck shot off the road across the car tracks and into the canal. Luther H. Hall's ambulance responded. |
| Pottsville Journal of June 23, 1932 CONNOR FIELD IS PASSING Connor Park, once the scene of almost daily games, is passing into memory. In 1920, when rivalry between Cressona and Minersville was at its height and the former club was severely handicapped by lack of an adequate playing field, the site at Connor came into being. Its appearance brought a local baseball boom. For several years tghe Cressona Tigers put on fast baseball. Then the caliber of ball dwindled down. A last stand was apparently made at the park in 1930 and 1931 when Charles Manbeck put on a Schuylkill haven team there and won two local championships. When the site was first considered it was an unlikely looking place. Aside from the fact that it was level, it offered few inducements. Tons of culm wash were carted away from it and plenty of clay was rolled on the infield before it became a real park. At the beginning of this season, parts of the fence had fallen away. Now nearly the whole fence has disappeared and only the old grandstand remains to show there once was a ball plant there. Perhaps, some day, somebody will come along and rebuild the park. For the present it is just another open field. |
| Due to web page limits, all NOTABLE NEWS stories from 1935 forward are now on another page accessible through the link here or at the bottom of the page. |
| The Call of March 30, 1917 AN AUTO, BUT WALKS ANYWAY There was one real cross "mad" grocer in Schuylkill Haven on Wednesday and his temper did not get the best of him because some customer stuck him for a big bill or shopped out of town but he was fit to be tied nevertheless. But who would blame him when the story and cause is learned. It appears this grocer solicits and delivers to the farmers in this vicinity. He has an auto truck. Wednesday the roads were in fine condition outside of the mud being six to twelve inches thick at some places. Well, when everything was going nicely in the Panther Valley near Friedensburg, one, just one but it was enough, axle broke. The only thing to do was to walk not ride, walk to Schuylkill Haven for assistance. It was some walk we are told and the walker was some dangerous grocer for the balance of the day. Now no story is completed without names, however, we do not care to mention the name but will give his initials which are Howard Oswald. Better luck next time Howard. |
| The Call of March 30, 1917 THE CHICKEN CHASER During the course of the past several months Spring Garden has produced quite a number of exciting incidents and it was believed everything was at a standstill for at least some time. The hexes had ceased hexing and the residents were awaiting the time when the grasshopper would turn out grass and the butterfly butter. The latest to make its appearance is the "chicken chaser." People were trying to ascertain why their chickens found the cemetery such a fine feeding ground and why, when the shadows of night hovered over the quietness of this section, these chickens would roost on the tombstones and then refuse to come home in the morning. Now it is all explained. It is alleged that a certain resident would drive these chickens to the cemetery just towards dusk. At night time he would visit the graveyard and gently escort these chickens to another roosting place. When pressed for an explanation, he stated, it is no use to allow some peoples' chickens to get and eat all the grass and other peoples' chickens get none. Well, he has promised to cease chasing the members of the feathered tribe and if a chicken he is after, will look for one of the more modern variety. |
| Pottsville Journal of July 14, 1917 TWO GIRLS JUMP FROM SPEEDING AUTO - Sustain Serious Injuries - Chauffeur refused To Stop Machine At Schuylkill Haven Two young women were injured, one probably seriously, last night near Schuylkill haven when they jumped from an automobile which was going at high speed. The one probably seriously injured is Mrs. Jennie Davis, of 630 railroad Street in Fishbach. She received severe body bruises and a deep cut in her scalp. Physicians fear that she has been internally injured. Miss Anna Brennan, of Philadelphia, a cousin to Mrs. Davis, who is visiting her, is the other woman. She escaped with lesser hurts, receiving only slight bruises of the body and cut over her left eye. The driver of the machine from which the women jumped continued on his way after they leaped and the authorities are searching for him. The women were walking on Peacock Street late last night and were bound for the center part of the city to get a car for Schuylkill Haven where they were going to visit relatives. The stranger came along in his automobile at the time and offered to take them into the city. They told him they were bound for Schuylkill Haven and offered to take them there, saying he was going to Hamburg. When Schuylkill Haven was reached, the girls asked the driver to stop the car. He refused and it was then that he told them that he would not stop until he had taken them to Hamburg. The women attempted to jump out of the car as they were passing through Schuylkill Haven but the driver prevented them. A short distance below the town when the auto was going at forty miles per hour, Mrs. Davis leaped from the car. The driver continued to go ahead and a short distance below, the Brennan girl leaped out. She told the authorities that the driver put all speed ahead and did not look around. A passing automobile party found the girls lying on the highway and brought them to Schuylkill Haven. They were taken to the office of Dr. L. D. Heim and their injuries were dressed after which they were brought to this city. |
| The Call of August 3, 1917 DAMAGE DONE BY WEDNESDAY STORM The worst storm in this locality for many years as regards loss, passed over Schuylkill Haven between 7:30 and 8:30 o'clock, Wednesday morning and continued with a heavy downpour of rain until about 9:20 o'clock. The rain was accompanied by heavy thunder and sharp flashes of lightning. The sewers were entirely too small to carry off the water with the result many cellars were flooded. The usual trouble occurred at the corner of Main and Saint John Streets when the sewers at both corners blocked, causing the water to back up on the pavements of the Hotel Grand and Hoy's store. Only a small portion found its way into the cellars. Two of the worst streets damaged were High Street from Market to Union and Union Street from Saint Peter to saint John. On the latter street, ruts seven and eight inches were washed at intervals of every several feet. The dirt was carried onto the trolley road and it was necessary for the crews to use shovels before traffic could be resumed. Columbia Street from one end to the other was covered with debris of every description. Small baskets and cans were carried from the porches and strewn everywhere. Limbs of trees and even trunks of trees were broken off and thrown lengthwise in the street. FLAG POLE BLOWN DOWN At the town hall the upper section of the iron flag pole was either struck by lightening or blown down by the wind. Fortunately it fell without striking any of the buildings nearby but the flag was caught in the telephone wires and in a short time was torn to shreds. One of the large transformers near Canal and Main Streets was struck by lightening and damaged to such an extent that a new one may have to be procured. Many other transformers about town had the fuses blown out and for a time a number of mills were without power and a number of places without light. TELEPHONES OUT OF SERVICE About twenty five telephones of the Bell Telephone Company and forty five of the United Telephone Company were knocked out of service. One or two of the trunk lines were also put out of commission and for a time it was almost impossible to reach the outlying districts. Many telephone wires in town were blown down. 200 BUSHELS OF WHEAT BURNED A barn used as a store house and occupied by William B. Shoener was struck and burned to the ground at East Adamsdale. Only several days ago two hundred bushels of threshed wheat had been placed in the barn and this was totally destroyed. ACRES OF CORN DOWN Throughout the Long Run Valley and from other sources, reports were made of whole acres of corn being laid down. Some of the stalks were five and six feet high and were practically pulled out by the roots. The loss will run into thousands of dollars. TROLLEY TRAFFIC TIED UP All trolley traffic between Schuylkill haven and Orwigsburg was tied up for a few hours. Near Adamsdale the tracks were covered with several inches of water, while at other places trees and dirt covered the tracks. Both electric and telephone lines were down and at several places laid across the tracks. |
| The Call of August 3, 1917 REMOVED PORTION OF RIVER BANK Some time ago the proprietor of one of the coal washeries in town removed a large section of the dike along the Schuylkill River a short distance below the Naffin properties. It is the intention to use the space for the storage of coal. The removal of the dike has to a certain extent again endangered the "Flats" and subjected them to the ravages and destructive power of high water. This dike was built by the borough in 1900 following the overflow of the river, which caused such great damage in the South Ward. Its removal has caused a storm of just protest from the residents and property owners of this section of the town who claim that should the river rise but a few feet, the water would back into the surrounding property and in addition also wear away the balance of the dike. Following the heavy rain of Wednesday morning the river rose considerably and about eleven o'clock was of such height that with an additional rise of a foot it would have overflowed what little it left of the embankment at the point referred to. The matter has been brought to the attention of the authorities who seem unable to prevent the removal of a further portion of this embankment or dike from the fact that the same has been built on Navigation Company property and that the proprietor of the coal washery leased this plot of ground for storing coal. It is probable that at the meeting of the town council Monday evening, this matter will be brought up and an effort made to remedy the difficulty. |
| The Call of November 2, 1917 SHOT TEAM AFTER FAITHFUL SERVICE Contractor Daniel Phillips recently very humanely ended the career of his team of horses that had given him service for more than twelve years. He drove them to the phosphate factory nearby and there had both of them shot to death. Mr. Phillips states the horses were about twenty five years of age. They had given him excellent service and as they were getting too old for hard work and rather than trade them off and have them come into possession of some unkind owner, Mr. Phillips felt disposed to end their working days in this manner. |
| Pottsville Journal of February 14, 1927 INFECTED CHILDREN ATTENDED MOVIES At the regular monthly meeting of the school board, there was a general discussion on communicable diseases and this occupied much of the board's time. The discussion was also along the line of preventive precautions, quarantine regulations and fumigation. Professor Christman reported that there is now full cooperation between him and the board of health. Every case of communicable disease has been reported by the borough health officer to Professor Christman. There is an understanding by both parties that a close tab should be kept on every pupil from the time that he or she starts to complain of illness until full restoration to health. The discussion brought out that there is apparent laxity in the carrying out of the regulations in the community as required by the state. Two children of infected families were found in attendance at the movies. A scarlet fever patient, in a convalescent state while the skin was peeling off his body was with other children, endangering them to contracting the disease. This all shows that the prevalence of scarlet fever cannot be charged back to the school children as the carriers of disease germs. It was also shown that the disease could be spread by families breaking quarantine regulations and there may have been instances where there has not been prompt report or no report made at all of communicable diseases in households where home remedies were resorted to until it was found necessary to call a doctor. |
| The Call of January 17, 1930 TWO WRECKERS TO PULL OUT NECKERS Two Schuylkill Haven auto wreckers were required early Tuesday morning to pull out of the mud a party of neckers near the famous and popular necking ground, Bowen's grove. As the story goes, the couple began necking and telling one another lies early in the evening and had parked their machine near the Bowen Grove on the plot of ground known as Schuylkill Manor. When they were ready to pull out and return home they found it impossible to do so. A local garage was called for a wrecking crew and wrecker. The response was prompt and equally prompt was the action of the mud in taking a fast grip on the wrecker with the result that the second garage had to be called and the second wrecker sent to the rescue of the first wrecker and the neckers. The township supervisor may be appraised of the matter and requested to have a sign or signs placed along the road and in the vicinity of Bowen's Grove giving warning of the dangers of parking in that section during rainy and wet weather. |
| The Call of January 31, 1930 USES SCREW DRIVER TO PRY OUT TEETH Frank Yeich, of Centre Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, popular proprietor of the Yeich Dance Hall, assumed the role of dentist the forepart of the week and tried out his knowledge of teeth extraction upon himself. Somewhat different and perhaps improper instruments were used, in the form of a pincers used by shoemakers and a screwdriver. It is understood eight teeth were pulled and pried out of the jaw, but somehow or other, the task was not an easy one and the roots of the molars held firmly in the jaw and jawbone. This resulted in most of the teeth breaking off and this then necessitated making a trip to the dentist. The stumps were readily removed but from the fact that the jaw had already been very badly lacerated, inflammation set in and it is understood, more serious results have been threatened. Mr. Yeich's determination to be his own dentist, especially in the manner above described, places him in a category all by himself so far as nerve being required for extraction of teeth. |
| The Call of February 7, 1930 PULLED FOURTEEN TEETH INSTEAD OF EIGHT Last week The Call published an article concerning a Mr. Yeich, of Centre Avenue, who by means of a pliers and screwdriver, extracted eight of his own teeth. Mr. Yeich would have us make a correction this week, he stating that he pulled fourteen teeth instead of eight. We are glad to make the correction. He also states he did not become ill from the effects but merely suffered a sore jaw for a time. Nevertheless we believe few readers of The Call will care to practice self dentistry. |
| The Call of February 21, 1930 ANOTHER TOOTH PULLING EPISODE The practice of home or amateur dentistry seems to have taken on new impetus in this locality lately. For this week we have been given a new story of methods being used to remove teeth. To our notice has been brought a case of a Columbia Street man who promptly yanked out with little trouble a tooth that was giving him pain. He simply tied a small piece of cord to the tooth. The other end he tied to a stove lifter. Taking the stove lifter in his hand, he raised it and then flung it toward the floor. The twine held and so did the jaw and when the stove lifter was picked up, on the end of the twine was the tooth that has been giving all the trouble. |
| The Call of January 21, 1893 THE PHONOGRAPH EXHIBITION The phonograph concert and exhibition given by Professor Lyman Howe in Metamora Hall was a success in every respect. He was greeted with a crowded and appreciative audience. The production of selections played by bands, solos by renowned singers and musicians, the crying of baby and the noise made by fowls was simply wonderful. In the playing of the band, all the different instruments could be easily distinguished. In the singing the different voices could be plainly heard. The selections played by Eiler's band sentences and a recitation produced by persons from the audience were faithfully reproduced by the phonograph. Everyone present had a jolly good time and a hearty laugh and regard the phonograph as being the greatest invention of the nineteenth century. |
| The Call of May 26, 1894 THE FLOOD We could not undertake or attempt to give a correct description of the happenings in town while the waters raged and swept by and through the homes of many of our citizens of the West and South wards. The Philadelphia and county papers have been full of news during the week and the destruction which rent the rich valleys of the state is something terrific. Our town, with its peaceful homes, has been a heavy loser, perhaps to a greater extent than any place along the Schuylkill River. The people are to be commended for their thoughtfulness and prompt offerings of relief. Coal dealers, Burton and Minnig, and livery man, J. Raudenbush, who risked the safety of their teams, deserve the praise and thanks of all, so do also the large number of men who helped and braved the dangers in rescuing the people and their livestock. Mayor Bryant and a large force of hose company men kept watch throughout Sunday night and warned the people of the approaching danger. |
| The Call of June 1, 1917 HOUSE OF DETENTION IS BADLY NEEDED A house of detention for wayward girls and women is badly needed in Schuylkill County and The Call is the first newspaper to bring the matter both to the attention of the public and county authorities. For several months past, young girls and women, awaiting transportation to homes or reformatories, are brought to Schuylkill Haven and lodged overnight or for 24 hours in the old insane building at the county home. The next day they are taken away either by the probation officers or someone in authority. Nowhere in Schuylkill County is there a city or borough lockup that is fit to confine a female in who is charged with an offense other than probable murder or drunkenness. Take for instance a young girl who is charged simply with running away from home repeatedly. Would it be right to confine her in a cell room where there are half dozen or more men, the majority recovering from a state of intoxication, using vile language and carrying on in a disgraceful manner. A case less than two weeks old comes to the mind of the writer. A young girl from the county seat, just entering upon her seventeenth year, who had unfortunately been denied the guidance of a mother, through misfortune, hired herself out as a domestic. Possessed of the desire to wear fine clothing, the girl appropriated the clothing of her mistress and paraded the street. Later she returned home and put the clothing where she had found them. Immediately she was discharged. The same thing was repeated at four different places in less than three weeks. Finally the girl was arrested on the charge of incorrigibility and taken to court. She was sentenced to the house of the Good Shepherd in Reading. Her arrest was made late at night. The prison authorities refused to accept the girl and she was too refined a nature to place in a dirty cell overnight. The authorities had nothing to do but bring her to Schuylkill Haven. The next morning she was spirited away. None of the newspapers of the county, with the exception of The Call, knew of the arrest of the girl. Only the immediate members of the family knew of the misfortune. Today she is confined behind walls to learn a trade and become a better girl and grow up into a woman such as any community would be glad to recognize. What would have been the final determination of this girl had she been placed among hardened criminals in a jail or in a cell room which the air was blue with profanity? No second guess is necessary to think of this girl's future determination. This is only one of dozens of cases that have been brought to Schuylkill Haven. This house of detention should be so constructed that it would provide pleasant surroundings for these misguided , mislead and wayward girls and women, while awaiting transportation to institutions and also for the accommodation for women with children, who traveling from one town or city to another, are compelled to await the departure or arrival of a train. Let it be centrally located that each and every town in the county can if necessity demands, have easy access to it. |
| The Call of February 20, 1931 JACK DEMPSEY PAYS US A VISIT Jack Dempsey, who refereed a boxing contest at Pottsville, Thursday evening, paid Schuylkill Haven a visit, Thursday afternoon, and was greeted at the 3:50 train by several hundred persons. Through the efforts of Earl Stoyer, arrangements were made for him to leave his train at Schuylkill haven in order to give the Schuylkill haven fight fans and others the opportunity of getting an intimate glimpse of him. The news got about town quickly that he was to arrive at 3:50 and so, when he alighted, he was surprised to find quite a good sized crowd. He was later taken to the Stoyer garage where several photographs were taken of him at the wheel of a Packard car. He was then escorted by Highway Patrolman Walters to his hotel in Pottsville, Dempsey and his party riding in one of the Stoyer Packards. |
| The Call of May 22, 1931 IMPERIAL WIZARD OF KKK TENDERED TESTIMONIAL DINNER THURSDAY EVENING A testimonial dinner was given to the Imperial Wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Thursday evening in the Strunck Memorial Hall. There were three hundred and twenty five men present from this section and from different parts of the state. The event began at eight o'clock and the banquet or dinner was served by the ladies of the church. The program for the evening lasted until 11:30. Dr. Shaw, Grand Dragon of Harrisburg, of the Realm of Pennsylvania, and Grand Titan, Charles Fehr of Allentown, were also present. The address delivered by the Imperial Wizard was an excellent one and made a very deep impression. Klavaliers of Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Hummelstown, Pottsville, Allentown, Reading, Frackville and other places were present. |
| The Call of April 26, 1929 TENNIS PLOT SOLD FOR BUILDING LOTS The large plot of ground bounded by Saint Charles Street, Union Street and Tennis Avenue, known as the Tennis Courts of the Schuylkill Haven Tennis Association, was, the forepart of the week, sold to Paul and Gus Naffin of Schuylkill Haven for a sum said to be close to $2,750. The plot actually includes sixteen building lots of good size. Two of them have already been sold. The passing of this plot of ground as a tennis court and recreation center for a number of persons will be regretted as a very considerable amount of hard and exacting labor was required within the past several years to produce tennis courts, whose equal it is said, were hard to find anywhere. There were many fast and furious contests waged on these courts and the grounds were made use of by quite a number of the members of the Association. A waning interest in the sport and a decrease in membership in the association caused the directing heads to dispose of the property. |
| The Call of September 29, 1929 NAVY BLIMP PASSES OVER THIS SECTION Monday morning , about 11:30 o'clock, residents of Schuylkill Haven, Orwigsburg and Cressona were treated to a magnificent sight when the United States Navy blimp J-4 passed directly over the first two named towns and at the edge of the third town. The blimp came from its hangar at Lakehurst and was taken to Mount Carmel. Its appearance at Mount Carmel opened the week's Old Home Week celebration. Immediately after circling over the city and dropping a note to the effect that word should be wired to Lakehurst of its safe arrival, the blimp turned about and returned. As the ship passed over Schuylkill Haven, coming from the east, it was driven northwest and when directly over the Mine Hill Crossing, it turned directly north. The ship was so low that for a time it was felt it would crash into the mountains near Connor. However, when near to the range, it lifted its nose and soared majestically over them. The American flag from the tail of the ship as well as the red white and blue coloring on the rudder were plainly distinguished. The unusual loud hum of the motors brought out of their homes many people who were thrilled by the sight. |
| The Call of December 4, 1931 THREE YEAR OLD HAD EXCITING RIDE Three youngsters in Schuylkill Haven, last Wednesday, had an automobile ride with more thrills to it than most adults would care for. Their escape from injury and possible death was with a narrower margin than most adult persons would care to have. It so happened that Mr. and Mrs. George Shelly, of Allentown, and their four and a half year old daughter, Jeane, were visiting at the Reed home on Saint Peter Street. The Shelly car, a coach, was parked against the curb on an angle, and slightly on the incline but not in gear. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Reed's children, Donnie, 5, and Nancy, 3, were playing in the automobile. One of the children took ahold of the steering wheel and slightly moved it but just sufficient to take the wheels away from the curb. The car, standing on a slight grade, began to slowly move. Master Donnie and little Miss Jeane in the front seat somehow or other had the presence of mind to scramble down and get out of the car, the door having been left open. The machine continued to move, mounting the driveway and over the curb and into the field which is on a steep incline. The car began to travel down over the side of the hill, gaining speed every second. At the edge of the field, a deep ditch had been dug for some purpose or other. The car had sufficient momentum to pass over the ditch and crashed into the garage of Charles Bowen. The doors of the garage were broken down and the Bowen car pushed through the front of the garage by the impact. Little Miss Nancy was found buried underneath the cushions and seats and mixed up with chains and tools, but for a few scratches and bruises, was none the worse for her thrilling ride. Neighbors who witnessed the accident stated the little girl seemed to be enjoying the ride at the time. As she was standing up in the car as it was moving down over the side of the hill. Fortunately the car did not upset or she might have sustained serious injuries. And fortunate too, was that the machine was a coach with but one door on the side, or in scrambling out if the car, the other two youngsters might have been caught with the rear door and knocked down and the car pass over their little bodies. |
| The Call of November 10, 1916 WHY THIS DISCRIMINATION? In the South Ward of Schuylkill Haven, in a modest little home, lies a man suffering from typhoid fever. At least that is what the placard on the front door conveys to the mind of the passerby. According to reliable information, this man was taken ill while sleeping in a shanty in the middle of town. Without money, a kind hearted resident of town gave the man the privilege of sleeping in the shanty. When he was taken ill with the disease, a relative, poor at that, volunteered to give the man shelter. Here he is lying on a couch in a small room with the kitchen stove but a few feet away and the dining room table where three times a day the members of the family sit down, stands but an additional few feet away, a deplorable condition. A united effort was made by two local taxpayers to have the man taken to the county almshouse. The information was sworn out before a justice of the peace but when the poorhouse authorities were informed of the contemplated proceedings, they positively refused to take the case. The poorhouse authorities put forth the argument that they did not have the room and besides there were too many children there. They asked why this man was not sent to the Pottsville Hospital, insinuating that the hospital at the almshouse was a sort of an aristocratic institution. One of the poor directors was appealed to as was also the state health physician at Pottsville, Dr. J. B. Rogers, but to no avail. The action of the authorities at the almshouse is far beyond the comprehension of the taxpayers. This victim of typhoid fever is a taxpayer of the county and holds a receipt for his taxes of last year. A foreigner can come into the county, can be here only a week or ten days, unnaturalized and suffering with an incurable dreaded disease, and the doors of the almshouses across the state will be opened to him almost as long as he desires to stay, while on the other hand a taxpayer of the county, without funds and without friends, is denied admission when in the hour of need. This is a matter that should be investigated by the Taxpayer's Association. Another case that was called to the attention of The Call during the past several days was that of a local woman, a Mrs. Zerbey, aged 82 years of age. This woman lived alone in a little home and her advanced years kept her from receiving the attention a woman of her age should receive. Relatives in New Jersey were appealed to and came on. The woman was examined by a physician and it was found that her weakened condition would not permit her removal to any distant point. She was taken to the county hospital near the noon hour and according to the information, it was nearly evening before this woman was even visited by a nurse or physician. Whether or not the patient was brought away or allowed to remain, the informant did not state. It might not be amiss for the Grand Jury next week to inquire into the above reports or have the courts call their attention to the same and allow them to investigate. |
| The Call of June 29, 1928 RAIN RESEMBLING CIVIL WAR WEATHER A Schuylkill Haven woman recalls tremendous showers during the great conflict of the Civil War. The present incessant weather reminds Mrs. Gottlieb Fidler, aged 89, of the constant rains during 1862 and 1863, when the Civil War was in progress. The frequent rain at that time was attributed to the concussion of the atmosphere by the heavy cannon used by the Union forces. "Now we have the electrical forces disturbed by the radio broadcasting, which in my opinion is causing the present heavy rain," she says. But Mrs. Fidler is confident that no artificial force can permanently change the weather without causing a decided reaction. "Look for a prolonged drought at the end of the summer," she says. "The dry weather will be as prolonged as the wet spell." |
| The Call of October 9, 1931 BONES OF MULES BEING UNCOVERED Men who have been engaged screening coal down at "the Eck" down below the locks on Parkway have, during the summer months been uncovering skulls and all sorts of bones. These bones are said to be of the mules that had been burned in the fire in July of 1887, when the canal company stables along Parkway were destroyed during the night. Eight mules perished. The carcasses were loaded upon a scow and taken to "the Eck" where they were buried. A number of local people will, no doubt, remember the occurrence. |
| Pottsville Journal of September 9, 1932 AIR STUNT FAILS TO HELP COUNTY GIRL Two sudden ten thousand foot descents in an airplane over the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds this afternoon failed to give hearing to Miss Rose Dallago, 28 year old Schuylkill Haven girl who has been deaf since her birth. With her father, Joseph Dallago, Rose went aloft in a plane piloted by Charles Hastings of Lancaster. They took off at noon from the Schuylkill County airport and were aloft two hours. Twice Hastings took his ship to a thirteen thousand foot altitude and then dived down ten thousand feet before straightening out. Many persons have been known to regain their hearing by this method but it was a complete failure in Miss Dallago's case. |
| Pottsville Journal of November 26, 1930 FRACKVILLE BOY, 8, HAS NARROW ESCAPE - Becomes Lost Here, Wanders To Schuylkill Haven - Found Nearly Froze It is no fun to be lost on a cold night nor is the hard ground much of a substitute for a fellow's soft bed. That is what Harry Eckersly Jr., eight years old, of Frackville, will tell you and he ought to know, for the young boy underwent a decidedly unpleasant experience last night. Harry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Eckersly, of 424 Washington Street in Frackville, accompanied his mother and a sister to Pottsville yesterday afternoon on a shopping tour. He was told to remain at the A & P store on North Centre Street while his mother and sister made a purchase at another place. Harry says he became tired of waiting and decided to look around Pottsville in order to find the folks. He wandered around Centre Street and became interested in the window displays. Then losing his bearings, the boy walked all the way to Schuylkill Haven, a good hike for an eight year old lad. He got there about 8:30 o'clock and wandered to Saint John Street. Fatigued, he crawled close to the rear of a building on that street and started to doze off. He was very cold. Robert Keller Jr., of Saint John Street, found the boy about nine o'clock. He was nearly frozen and gladly drank several glasses of warm milk and munched on cakes at the Keller home. Chief of Police Frank Deibert of Schuylkill Haven was notified. Harry was taken to the Deibert home where he got more hot milk and was wrapped in blankets. Learning the boy's name and address, the chief called the Frackville police chief but there was no answer. The police were helping the parents locate the missing son. Learning that the boy went to the Methodist Sunday School and knew the name of the pastor, the Reverend Cunningham, Chief Deibert communicated with the clergyman, who in turn notified relatives. The distracted parents had appealed to Pottsville police, the State Police and asked the Journal to cooperate in the search early last evening before Harry's whereabouts were known. Mr. and Mrs. Eckersly were overjoyed to find their boy safe. Had not Keller found the lad, he might have frozen to death according to Chief Deibert. |
| The Call of May 14, 1920 WILL HAVE WIRELESS STATION HERE SOON Messrs. Carl Dress and John Baker, two young men of town, are preparing a wireless station on Liberty Street, where, in a short time, they will be able to intercept and send by wireless, messages from almost any part of the globe. A thirty five foot aerial station has been erected in a vacant lot near the Miller Shoe Factory. Wires from it lead to the shop and office at 110 Liberty Street. As soon as the DeForrest Unit Panel Set is received the necessary receiving machinery will have been on hand and when installation is completed it will be possible to receive the message from the air from any person or any station that is sending out the flashes. It is proposed to receive daily weather reports from Washington D. C. and the daily noon hour signal from Arlington. The firm also anticipates installing the necessary machinery to send messages by wireless shortly. Their office is also equipped with an elaborate laboratory where all kinds of electrical and chemical tests and experiments can be made. |
| The Call of September 2, 1921 PLANKS IN BRIDGE GAVE WAY Monday morning while a heavily loaded coal auto truck passed over the temporary Columbia Street bridge, one of the wooden girders or supports broke and several planks split. The chauffeur noticed the break and spurted across, otherwise the truck might have broken through a considerable portion of the bridge. It is said the planks on this bridge are entirely too weak and that most every day one or more planks must be replaced. The bridge seems to be entirely too light for the heavy traffic passing over it and it is feared that unless it is very much reinforced or made stronger, it will cause a serious accident one of these days. |
| The Call of March 9, 1928 SAYS LOCAL MAN COERCED HER INTO MARRIAGE Of the twenty three couples granted at Media, Pennsylvania the fore part of the week, one was from Schuylkill Haven. As taken from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the article is as follows: Mrs. Lillian F. Dewald, of Essington, was granted a divorce from Herman R. Dewald, now of Schuylkill Haven. She named fraud as the grounds for the action. The couple were married at Elkton, Maryland on September 18, 1926, and the separation came the following day. According to the libel, Mrs. Dewald was the guest of a sister in Pottsville when she became acquainted with her husband on September 15, 1926. Two days later she was invited to be his guest on a brief expedition to Washington D. C. She accepted, the libel sites. When they reached Elkton, Maryland, he suggested that as long as they were passing through the town of many marriages, the most appropriate thing to do would be a license and a marriage ceremony. "I was alone in a town of strangers," Mrs. Dewald explains in her petition, "and my refusals to entertain the idea were met with repeated threats. Finally when I declined to discuss the matter longer and demanded we continue on to Washington, he drew a revolver and threatened my life. I became so frightened that I could not do anything but follow his instructions." Mrs. Dewald was then nineteen. They were married in Elkton on September 18 and returned to the home of her sister in Pottsville the following day. According to the libel he deserted her immediately. |
| The Call of April 27, 1928 HAD SNUG SUM SECRETED ABOUT THE HOUSE Upon the death of Lewis Glump, of Paxson Avenue, on Sunday afternoon, those who he directed to take charge of his effects after his death, found to their amazement a considerable sum of money. To take the findings to the bank required a good sized grip. The sum found is said to have been between ten and thirteen thousand dollars. Of this amount only about $250 was in denominations of fifty dollar notes. The balance was in small denominations and tied up in little bundles and apparently carelessly tossed in the old trunk in his room. It is believed that from his weekly or semi weekly paycheck after it was cashed, he took the major portion of it, tied the notes together and put them away for safe keeping. It is said Mr. Glump had no idea of the amount of money he had saved and if he had any idea of the total he did not advertise it. |
| The Call of July 6, 1928 "FOLLOW THE TROLLEY TRACKS" GETS MOTORIST IN CREEK The frequent explanation or direction of "Follow the trolley tracks," given by Schuylkill Haven people to autoists who are strange in this locality was the direct cause of one motorist coming to grief. It brought him into the creek which flows from Garfield Avenue and underneath the car tracks at the end of Willow Street. The motorist had inquired the directions to Pottsville and had been given the usual answer, "Follow the trolley tracks." The motorist did so and at Willow Street, turned left and followed the tracks north for a distance and at the point where the creek cuts through the street, the motorist not being aware that there was no bridge across the stream, plunged into it. His car was badly damaged and the occupants narrowly escaped a ducking as the creek waters were rather high, Friday evening of last week. The road followed by the motorist at the end of Willow Street was the road used several years ago as a detour road while Center Avenue was being paved. The bridge placed across the creek had been removed. Either this end of Willow Street should be closed to public travel or persons should be careful in giving directions to motorists to add to the "Follow the trolley track" sentence, "Keep on straight where tracks leave bricked street." |
| The Call of January 21, 1927 TO MAKE DRESS FOR WIFE OF PRESIDENT COOLIDGE Among the mail orders received recently by the Coldren Knitting Mill of Schuylkill Haven, for their knitted tennis-golf dresses, was one from the White House and from no less a personage than the wife of President Coolidge. Accompanying the order for the dress was a very delightful letter from Mrs. Coolidge in which she praised the local industry for the splendid line of samples forwarded and the unusual low prices at which the goods are offered. The Call would have been delighted to publish this letter were it not for the fact that Mrs. Coolidge made a special request that the same not be published. At any rate the Coldren Knitting Mill employees, clerical force, representatives and to say nothing of "D. D." himself, are more than elated over the fact that they are being privileged to fill an order for their goods for the wife of the President of the United States. Mrs. Coolidge chose a mixed heather shade. A photo in one of the display windows of The Call showed the style garment selected. |
| The Call of January 15, 1932 MAY GROW SOUTHERN FRUIT HERE John Mengle and Michael Conley of Spring Garden, prompted by the marked change in winter weather for this locality, are reported to be preparing to meet conditions by planting and growing southern fruit trees in this locality. It is said they have taken out an option on a number of plots of ground hereabouts and expect very shortly to plant lemon, orange, banana and pineapple trees on the same. The trees will be imported from Florida. The new venture, it is said, may provide splendid financial returns if it is tried out and is proven successful. |
| The Call of January 15, 1932 THE CALL "AD" GETS LOST WAD OF BILLS The value of advertising and importance of same were forcibly demonstrated over the weekend through a classified ad placed in The Call by a resident of Wayne Township, who had lost something like forty dollars on the previous Saturday, while shopping in Schuylkill Haven. The cost of the ad was twenty three cents and was, of course, placed with some misgivings as, usually, money lost rarely finds it way back to the owner. On this occasion, the money was picked up by an honest young man, who discovered it on the pavement near the First National Bank Saturday afternoon. It was rolled together and the denominations were tens, fives and ones. For the young man to advertise he found a sum of money would have been foolish, for there would have been likely many claimants. He was wiser and read the classified column as soon as The Call reached the home of his parents. Saturday morning his find was reported at The Call office and the man who had lost the money had been found. It was a happy and smiling farmer who came into the office on Saturday evening, and reported he had visited the home of the young man and the money had been turned over to him. Her liberally rewarded the finder. |
| The Call of June 10, 1932 "LOST" WOMAN PICKED UP HERE The attention of Mr. Harry Sterner of Schuylkill Haven, who was near the used car lot of Earl Stoyer, Saturday afternoon, was attracted to that of a woman whose actions seemed peculiar. After standing along the highway for some time trying to thumb a ride, the woman was noticed going into a nearby field and lying down. When questioned as to whether she was sick, she stated she was worse than sick, that she was lost. Inquiry resulted in the statement that she hailed from Roanoke, Virginia, but had no recollection whatsoever as to where she was or how she got here. She had but $1.01 to her name. She was willing to work at almost any task in order to procure funds to return home. Mr. Sterner was about to assist her to the County Institution, where he thought employment might possibly be given her. They had just begun to walk along the highway when a large car happened along, two men jumped out and hustled her into the car and drove off. They remarked, "How the H___ did you get down here?" Whether the men were white slavers or guards from some institution could not be learned. The woman, however, did not seem to be mentally unbalanced, but without memory. Fortunately, Mr. Sterner took the license number of the machine and anyone desiring further information regarding the affair can obtain the license number from Mr. Sterner. |
| The Call of June 9, 1933 MAY BE RELIC OF BOATING DAYS William Bowen of Parkway has in his possession a relic of boating days, which is remarkable for its particular form or condition. It's a mule shoe embedded deeply in a heavy piece of a plum tree. Mr. Bowen cut down a good sized plum tree last week in the yard of Miss Jennie Zulick of Parkway. In sawing through a part of the tree trunk, the saw struck something solid and an examination showed the shoe to be in the tree. From its position, it is believed the shoe was hung on a branch of the tree during the boating days and that the tree and limb grew together and covered over the iron shoe completely. Boating days on the canal can readily be associated with the odd find, for the boatyard was nearby as was also the navigation stables and the old company blacksmith shop. As boating was discontinued at least forty four years ago, and as the tree bears every evidence of having been a very old one, the relic may be a half century old. |
| The Call of June 16, 1933 HITCHHIKED TO CHICAGO IN THREE DAYS TIME Nelson Shollenberger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shollenberger, of High Street and Wilford Gilbert, of Saint John Street, left last Wednesday noon, on a hitchhike trip to the World's Fair at Chicago. The first word received by their parents was of their arrival in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday afternoon. Saturday afternoon a telegram received at two o'clock announced their arrival in Chicago on Saturday morning. They will be the guests of the former's cousin, William Hoffman, who is a resident of that city. Just what length of time they will spend in Chicago had not been determined by the boys. Evidently, these hitchhikers were fortunate to obtain some mighty good "lifts" by autoists, judging from the short period of time required to get to Chicago from Schuylkill Haven. |
| Clearfield Journal of March 26, 1862 BODY FOUND The body of the late Jesse Dress was found on Sunday last in the Schuylkill River, on mile from Schuylkill Haven. He has been missing since the ninth of November, 1961. It was at first supposed that he had been murdered, but since it is believed that he was intoxicated, and falling in the water was drowned. His body was still in a good condition and money was found in his clothing. |
| Reading Times of June 24, 1864 DEATH AT A HORSE RACE On Monday last, at Schuylkill Haven, at a horse race, during which a man whose name we did not learn, was so badly beaten that he died on Wednesday. He belonged to Pottsville. Several others were also badly beaten. This is definitely a bad business. |
| Reading Times of August 27, 1873 WITCHCRAFT - A SCHUYLKILL COUNTY LITTLE GIRL PUT UNDER THE SPELL OF AN AGED HAG FIVE YEARS OF PENANCE FOR A MOMENT'S CHILDISH SPORT It is a bold thing to do in this nineteenth century, the age of enlightenment and progress, the time when men believe the light truth sheds its beneficent beams throughout nearly the whole world, to come before the public with what most men will instinctively call a raking from the embers of the dead past of Salem, and present a case of witchcraft. Yet such is the straightforwardness of the story as told us, so minute are its details, that we consider it our duty to narrate it. The public then can exercise its own judgement. In a certain house in George Street, in this borough, there is today a girl, aged nineteen, who for five long unhappy years has dragged out an existence under the wicked spell cast upon her in the heat of a rage by an old woman the girl had made sport of. Five years ago the mother of the girl found it necessary to have the services of a midwife, and called in the services of an old woman nearly seventy years of age, who lived in a rickety house near the Stone Tavern on the Schuylkill Haven Turnpike. The mother of the unfortunate girl was then living in Schuylkill Haven. One day or night, when the old witch, for such we must call her, was in attendance upon the sick woman, the child, then a bright, merry, mischievous girl of fourteen, dressed herself in the shawl and bonnet of the midwife, and came dancing into the room where she was. Lifting her finger threateningly, the old woman said, "I'll fix you! I'll fix you!" and went on with her work. No notice was taken of the threat at the moment but the very next day the child was taken with the sickness which still keeps its remorseless grip upon her. Doctors were called in but went away baffled. They could do nothing. Then it was, after several months of anxious solitude, that the threat of the old woman was remembered. The exertions of the despairing woman were redoubled. She called in every physician, especially aged men who professed to have any special remedies. All to no purpose. Finally a man who pretended to be initiated into the mysteries of voodooism was called in. As soon as he came into the house, the child was in an upper chamber and unaware of his presence, threw herself upon the floor and began to utter strange, appalling cries. Hearing them the man said he could do nothing, the spell had been upon her too long, and left the house. Upon his going, the child became quiet. She is said to have uniformly acted in the same way whenever the enchantres happened to come near the house. Noting this peculiarity and connecting the circumstances with the threat, the old woman has been charged more than once with having put the spell upon the child. She has never replied at all to the accusation, either to deny or confess. The girl belongs to a family known for health and robustness. She has none of the symptoms of consumption. Her lower limbs have become useless to her. She courts retirement and wears a handkerchief over her face, which feature is said to be very beautiful and pale as chiseled marble. Her hands are as tiny as a child's and more resemble the hands of a marble statue than those of a living creature. |
| Somerset Herald of November 12, 1873 ACTIONS OF MINISTER A Schuylkill Haven correspondent writes to the Pottsville Standard that there is a minister in Schuylkill Haven that gets blind drunk, breaks open the church shutters, buys whiskey for his house and drinks it himself, and does very many other naughty things. |
| Carbon Advocate of July 15, 1882 ATTEMPT TO POISON Mrs. Long, wife of Simon Long, a well to do farmer, living one mile north of Schuylkill Haven, after spending the afternoon, Thursday the 6th, working in the fields returned to the house and drank a cup of coffee. She was taken suddenly ill and seized with vomiting. After a careful examination had been made, it was decided she had been poisoned by Paris green, which in some mysterious manner had found its way into the cup of coffee. Two days later, Mrs. Long and her youngest son, after drinking from the coffee pot, were taken ill, whereupon Mr. Long sent for a physician, who pronounced it a case of poison and that Paris green was put in the cup. Suspicion rested upon the fourteen year old daughter of Mr. Long. Dr. Dechert, the attending physician, finally induced her to tell what she knew. She acknowledged putting the poison in the cup and coffee pot but claimed that she was prompted to do so by an elder sister, who lives in Philadelphia, and who through some family difficulty left her home. The affair caused considerable excitement. The victims, while still very sick, are in a fair way of recovery. |
| Harrisburg Daily Independent of August 24, 1882 A GHASTLY PRESENT - A Dead Child Sent By Express To A Schuylkill Haven Doctor Dr. Wiltrout, the almshouse physician at Schuylkill Haven, received a box last evening by express, believed to be from Port Carbon. The appearance of the package somewhat surprised the doctor, who, after a moment's hesitation, opened it and was horrified to find that it contained the dead body of a newly born, healthy male child. An examination was made by Dr. Wiltrout before he summoned the deputy coroner, who empaneled a jury. The doctor said a week or ten days ago a young girl, giving her name as Mary Brennan, of Frackville, called at his office and asked if she could not come to the almshouse one day, be confined and return to her home the next day. She was told that this could not be done. Her object was to conceal, if possible, her condition from her mother and brother. Dr. Wiltrout subsequently received a letter from her sister, in which she made an appeal to him that she might come to that institution and return the next day, thus avoiding exposure. A further examination of the box showed that it contained a letter, the contents of which confirmed the suspicion that Miss Brennan is the mother of the child, which was born alive. The case of the child's death is unknown to the jury. Miss Brennan will probably be arrested on a charge of infanticide. |
| Reading Times of September 14, 1885 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ALMSHOUSE SCANDALS The discharge of Mr. Meehan, who had a hearing on Friday evening at Schuylkill Haven on the charge of betraying two insane female patients of the county almshouse has not ended the scandal. The Schuylkill County grand jury,which, by order of the court, made an investigation of the circumstances, reported Saturday. It inculpates Thomas J. McGrath, a Poor Director, and two other directors, for laxity in their duty. In pursuance of this report the court will probably take action and order further arrests which may lead to more serious developments. |
| Lebanon Daily News of March 8, 1886 FOUND FLOATING IN THE SCHUYLKILL The body of a man was found floating in the Schuylkill River at Schuylkill Haven today. It was much decomposed but from a letter found upon it, it was identified as that of Richard Williams, who went to Pottsville from the oil region two months ago to attend the funeral of his mother and has since been missing. When last seen he had several hundred dollars on his person but no money was found on the body, which circumstances are suggestive of foul play. |
| The Call of March 1, 1918 OFFICERS MUST KILL DOGS State game protector A. F. Hartwig, of Tamaqua, spent several hours in the company of Constable John Butz and Squire C. A. Moyer. The state game protector stated that the officers of the law are too lenient and that they are not performing their duties in killing all tagless dogs. All squires and county officers are now supplied with tags and there is no reason why a dog should be tagless at the present time. Persons in town who up to this time have not provided tags for their dogs need not be surprised if they do not turn up for supper some day. Constable Butz probably carried out the law with his trusty weapon. |
| The Call of March 8, 1918 KISSED HIS WIFE BY MISTAKE If there is a separation followed by a divorce in a Schuylkill Haven family, no one will be responsible for the same but the electric light department. Monday night, shortly after seven o'clock, when the greater part of the town was in complete darkness, a certain man approached who he thought was his affinity. Immediately he threw his arms about her and pressing a kiss upon her rosy countenance, exclaimed, "Mary, I have been waiting for you." Mary turned out to be his wife. She was on her way to attend a meeting of a sewing circle of which she was a member. The funny part of the drama is, that the wife's name is not Mary. Now, just because he kissed his wife, she refuses to speak to him. Just what explanation was made to Mary could not be ascertained because hubby was compelled by his wife to go along home at once. |
| The Call of March 15, 1918 LOCAL BOY IN FIGHT WITH MEXICANS George Roeder, of town, has received an interesting letter from his son, Earl, with the 8th United States Cavalry in Texas, giving an account of a battle with the Mexicans in which 27 of the latter were killed. The fight started in the morning and continued until dark when the Mexicans retreated. The writer stated that this was his first battle since last summer and besides the 27 killed, a number were captured and several hundred horses slain. The American forces used machine guns and it was stated that one machine gun did more damage than fifty Mexicans. |
| The Call of March 22, 1918 STOPPED RUNAWAY TEAM Risking the chance of having his life crushed out beneath the hoofs of a spirited team of horses, Linn Sterner yesterday morning grabbed hold of the bridle of one of the horses and succeeded in bringing the team to a stop after being dragged twenty feet or more. The runaway took place near the Pennsylvania Railroad arch and it is believed that a passing engine caused the horses to shy and start off. The owner of the team, a farmer, was delivering food stuffs in a house at the time. Although the contents of the wagon were considerably mixed up, a basket containing several dozen eggs remained undamaged. Mr. Sterner was complimented for his pluck and judgement. |
| The Call of May 10, 1918 WELL WE CERTAINLY DIDN'T EXPECT THIS OF HIM When Fred B. Reed left here on Wednesday last for the training camp in Texas, he carefully packed his dress suitcase with men's underwear, shaving utensils, toothbrush, socks, etc. The trip was uneventful until the Grand Central Station in Saint Louis was reached. Here Fred apparently became dazzled by the hugeness of the station, the large number of tracks and the multitude of people passing to and from the trains. He placed his suitcase down for a moment, consulted his watch, examined his timetable and the started for his train. He finally landed in Texas and at the training camp. Next morning he opened his dress suitcase and discovered several pair of ladies' hose, face rouge, several packages of hair pins, face powder, ladies underwear, corsets, etc., things that he absolutely did not have any use for. During the moment that he had stood his dress suitcase in Saint Louis it evidently became mixed with another suitcase with the result that Fred has the ladies' wearing apparel and the lady has everything required for a close shave. The Fourth District Draft Board have taken up the case with the government in an effort to have at least the razor returned to their former clerk. |
| The Call of June 7, 1918 THESE CHICKENS WILL BE HIGH FLIERS Down on the farm of Morris W. Bowen is a brood of fourteen young chickens that are destined to become high fliers. They have the distinction of having been born more than twenty feet above the ground. Several weeks ago Mr. Bowen was making an inspection of his orchard and was surprised to discover one of his chickens sitting in a tree. With the aid of a ladder, he made an investigation and found that just fourteen eggs had been deposited there. This week he again looked and found that every egg had been hatched. |
| The Call of June 16, 1933 SEVERE WIND STORM DOES MUCH DAMAGE One of the most severe wind and electrical storms in a great many years passed over Schuylkill Haven, Saturday morning between midnight and two o'clock. The lightning flashes were most brilliant and at times appeared to be almost continuous. While there was not the accompanying roll of thunder with every display of lightning, nevertheless, there were many heavy crashes. The wind blew for a terrific gale for at least a full twenty minute period and swept everything loose and many articles that were not loose, before it. Trees were uprooted, large limbs and hundreds and hundreds of branches of trees were snapped off. Several roofs of small buildings were blown considerable distances. Porch chairs, swings and awnings, in many instances, fared badly and were blown into corners. Much damage to gardens was wrought. The wind howled with a true midwinter snowstorm fury and was accompanied by a downpour of rain. The approach of the storm , to those awake at that hour, was not without warning. For fully an hour and a half before it broke, the western sky was illuminated with lightning, but there was not even the slightest presence of a breeze. Then, suddenly, the wind put in an appearance and continued to grow in velocity until it blew with terrific fury. Many reports are to the effect that families , every second, expected their homes to be swept away, as the wind seemed to shake it from top to bottom. Almost with the breaking of the storm, electric wires in some parts of town came down by reason of heavy limbs having been swept on them and certain sections of the town were without light until daybreak. After the first storm had subsided for a short period, it seemed to return, or another one, with the wind not quite as furious but with an accompanying rain and severe and the similar almost continuous flashes of lightning. This storm continued for fully a half hour or more. Along Dock Street, near Paxson Avenue, large limbs from the willow trees were broken off and almost completely blocked all traffic. As soon as the first storm had subsided, Officer Bubeck, with several volunteers, opened up the street at this point by pulling to a side the largest of the limbs. It was necessary to cut through them with an axe before many could be moved. This was a very thoughtful move to avoid damage to autos that passed this point. Men were employed the entire day gathering up the debris from trees and removing it to the public dump. There were few streets, if any, in town that were not littered with tree limbs and branches. The large trees at the Episcopal Church on Dock Street suffered badly from the storm, unusually large limbs being broken off. The trees on Island Park also suffered considerably from the wind. The storm seemed to cover a wide area in this locality with damage to the trees, some property damage and considerable damage to garden and field crops. A huge pear tree of the Bartlett variety, covered with fruit, was uprooted and entirely destroyed in the yard of Mr. and Mrs. J. Foster Lebengood. Many trees were destroyed or damaged on the property of Dr. L. D. Heim during the storm early Saturday morning. The large maple tree in the front of their home was badly damaged, almost the entire top of the tree falling into the street and blocking traffic for a time until the street was cleared. Mrs. Harry Weiser was deeply cut in the face by glass broken by the wind. A number of trap doors from houses were pulled off and carried considerable distances. The loss of the trap door itself was not so great, had it not been for the resulting damage of rain coming into the home from the trap door opening. Considerable damage to the maples at the Union Cemetery resulted. Over at the Maurer Orchards, near Berne Street, ten apple and peach trees were destroyed. Mr. Maurer estimated that over a hundred bushel of apples and peaches were destroyed. After the storm, the men went about the orchard with shovels to gather up the undeveloped fruit shaken from the trees by the wind. Lightning played one of its many pranks at the old "Company house" on Coal Street. This building is of brick. One bolt seemed to travel completely around the house, clipping off large limbs from the trees that surround the house. In different parts of the town, there was considerable damage to telephone and electric light lines. |
| The Call of July 21, 1933 ARMY PLANE FORCED DOWN HERE SATURDAY Saturday morning about seven o'clock, an airplane carrying two United States Army officers, was forced to land in a field at the end of East Main Street, due to a leaking oil line. These officers were on a tour of inspection of the Civil Conservation Camps and were headed for the forestry camp at Loyalsock, a few miles north of Williamsport in the Trout Run Forestry District. In mistaking the Schuylkill River for the Susquehanna, they followed it a few miles from Philadelphia. These men stated they were unable to see unless they raveled low, as the visibility was bad, and this they were afraid to do because of the high mountains in this region. After repairing their oil line which required about a half an hour, the pilot went up on a trial trip. After the teat, he landed, picked up his fellow officer and traveled westward, following the chain of mountains that lead to the Susquehanna. |
| The Call of September 1, 1933 GOOD BYE TO PEDDLER NUISANCE IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN "Goodbye Peddler" nuisance for Schuylkill Haven! Efforts, at least, are to be directed to this end and from the enthusiasm with which local merchants are entering into this movement, it looks as if success were to be likely, after years and years of more or less effort. The borough council is to be asked to have drawn an ordinance which will prohibit the peddling of all sorts of merchandise, wares and food stuffs from door to door in Schuylkill Haven. Of course, there will be a number of exceptions. For instance, the farmer will be permitted to do so, provided he peddles products produced on his own farm. Local persons will also be permitted to continue to solicit business from door to door. The out of town peddler, however, who cannot produce a veteran's or ex serviceman's license, will be dealt with according to the law. A well attended meeting of the merchants was held on Wednesday evening in the town hall at which time the situation was gone over at some length. A committee was appointed to draft a skeleton ordinance embodying the principal features which the merchants hope for once and for all time will overcome the continual annoyance to which the general public has been subjected for years, namely, that of peddlers. |
| The Call of October 13, 1933 BRYANT HOME NOW KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL The beautiful Shannon-Bryant residence on East Main Street, which has been unoccupied since the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Bryant, five years ago, has come to life again. Happy children's voices may be heard throughout the house and the lovely garden is the scene of many frolics and good times. Mrs. John R. Ramsay has organized a Kindergarten there for little children. She is especially trained for this department, having taken her post graduate work at Columbia University in New York City, under Professor Patty Hill, a distinguished authority in elementary education. The Kindergarten is centrally located and modernly equipped and the building is steam heated. |
| The Call of November 3, 1933 SKUNKS HAVE VISITED TOWN Believe it or not, skunks have come to Schuylkill Haven, and their presence can not be disputed by anyone except those persons suffering from a very bad cold in the head. It is believed that the activity of hunters on the outskirts of town have driven them into town where they have been searching for food and taking refuge wherever possible. During the week they have, however, been roaming both during the day and night. One was reported near the corner of Main and Dock and was chased down Main Street. Sam Yeich was awakened by the barking of his dogs and being a hunter and trapper, knew something was not as it should be. In the moonlight, he noticed a large skunk in his yard. Arming himself with a poker, he batted the pretty animal over the hind quarters and drove it into a hole in the yard. He then set his traps and there is at least one less skunk then before. |
| The Call of December 15, 1933 PATENT DEVICE TO STOP AUTOS Harold C. Roeder and Alfred M. Peiffer of Schuylkill Haven have invented an automatic automobile stop for railway crossings for which Patent Number 1,848, 903 has been issued by the United States Patent Office in Washington, recently. The automatic automobile stop for railway crossings is a life and property saver. Its use will eliminate accidents at grade crossings. The oncoming train will energize electromagnets in the roadway and the projecting armature in the automobile will be attracted, thereby causing the cutting off of the ignition and application of the brakes. Since motorists fail to appreciate the speed at which a train travels over the rails and takes chances of beating the train at the crossing, this patented invention provides a very simple and efficient means for preventing all accidents by electrically cutting off the ignition of the motor vehicle and setting the brakes when a train is approaching the crossing. |
| The Call of August 16, 1918 INSANE PATIENT COMES TO LIFE Escaping from the County Insane Asylum, Andrew Smar, aged 38 years, started for Mahanoy City. Being an epileptic, he fell over along the roadside in an unconscious condition. A passing auto picked him up and took him to a morgue in Mahanoy City. The body was placed in an ice box and surrounded by ice. After lying as a corpse for a half hour, Smar leaped from the box and ran into the street. He was captured and returned again to the asylum. |
| The Call of August 30, 1918 WORKMAN STUNNED BY LIGHTNING SUNDAY EVENING During the electrical storm of Sunday evening, Francis Lins, of Leonard Street, who is employed as a workman at the plant of the Schuylkill Pressed Brick Company, came very close to being struck by lightning. Lins was standing at a door and was ready to walk to a nearby building when a bolt descended and struck directly in front of him. He was thrown to the ground and was unconscious for a time. Later he managed to crawl to a nearby farm house and summoned help. He was taken to his home and a physician was summoned. He is at work again. No damage was done at the plant. |
| The Call of November 27, 1918 FARMER WANTS HIS MAILBOX RETURNED Mr. Herbert Boyer, residing near the Bowen farms south of town, asks us to request the return of his mailbox. He states that a local autoist, Christmas Day, unintentionally took along this needed article and up to this writing has not returned it. It appears the steering gear on the machine went wrong near the point mentioned and struck a telephone pole on one side of the road and then struck another pole on the other side of the road and then continued on its rampage till it pulled a hitching post out by its roots. Not content with this the mailbox was struck amidships and the box hurled through the windshield of the machine. Residents of that section state it certainly was lucky that the auto was not damaged to a greater extent. The mailbox bears the owner's number and Mr. Boyer would like it returned and placed in position again as the mail man has no place to deposit his daily papers and mail. Of course this well known local autoist will comply with this request and not ask the owners of the telephone poles, hitching post or mailbox pay the damage because they were in the road of the auto. |
| The Call of January 10, 1919 COASTERS HAVE THEIR INNING This week the coasters, young and old, had their inning and took advantage of the same in large numbers. Saint Peter Street, the William Street side, found a large number of coasters although the steep grade and the fact that both William and Liberty Street were crossed, made sledding somewhat dangerous. Haven Street, the only safe street in the town on which to coast, was used on Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening and all through the week. Tuesday evening the coasters took to Main Street and starting at Margaretta Street, after dodging autos, pedestrians and trolleys, finally landed near the railroad. It was the first time in many years that there was coasting on this street. All participating in the sport thoroughly enjoyed it and we have yet to hear of the first serious accident. We suppose just as long as the authorities allow it and the snow permits, coasting on this street will continue. |
| The Call of May 2, 1919 UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS AT HOME Gordon Schaeffer, of Center Avenue, was notified by health officer Butz to clean up in and about his home. Complaint was made by neighbors that the home was very dirty and unhealthy. Schaeffer promised to put the same in better condition. It will be remembered that the wife of this man died during the flu epidemic leaving a number of small children and a fifteen year old feeble minded and paralytic girl. The father works during the day and the children take care of themselves as best they can. For several months efforts of all kinds have been made to procure homes for all the children. The State Police have reported the conditions, the Red Cross has made appeals, representatives from charitable organizations in Philadelphia have visited the home, the probation officer of the county has been appealed to and the matter has also been taken before the courts, but as of yet nothing definite has been done to relieve the situation. It is about high time that residents of this section get busy and insist that some action be taken at once by the court. |
| The Call of June 6, 1919 VALUABLE DOG BROKE LEGS "Luke," a valuable dog, the property of a medicine company holding forth in Schuylkill Haven this week, jumped from the second story window of the Hotel Grand to the street, Tuesday evening and brokeboth of its front legs. The animal was taken to Dr. Frederici, of Orwigsburg, and the broken bones set and placed in splints. The animal is well trained and is of French descent, his sire and dam having carried messages in the French army for several years. The dog was brought to this country by his master, who was in Uncle Sam's service. |
| The Call of June 27, 1919 BRIDEGROOM HOME, TOWN CLOCK OK Just how really important a man, Mr. Charles Williams, who several weeks ago joined the ranks of the benedicts, is, was evidenced during his absence from town on his honeymoon, when the town clock at the Trust Company building cut up all kinds of capers. Persons going home from dinner some days found it was about supper time according to the town clock and persons going home at night discovered that it was just about time to go to the movies. Men emerging from the saloons in the vicinity of the Trust Company building upon looking up at one side of the clock found the hands indicated a certain time and these persons upon looking at the other side of the clock found to their surprise that the spirits they had imbibed in had already effected their eyesight and the hands of the clock indicated an entirely different hour of the day or night. Upon Mr. Williams' arrival in town and after receiving congratulations and being appraised of the condition of the affairs, promptly made a few adjustments and behold Mr. Clock is again recording the passing of day and night correctly. |
| The Call of November 14, 1919 AEROPLANE ATTRACTS MANY PERSONS The aeroplane near the Half Way House attracted many persons Friday, Saturday and particularly on Sunday. On the latter named day, people flocked by the hundreds to the scene and viewed and watched with interest for hours, the machine making quite a number of trips. The lineup of automobilists of persons who came from a distance to see the aeroplane, while very large, was not as great as two weeks ago when it is said there were fully five hundred autos along the highway and in the fields. The rate of fare charged for trips in the aeroplane ranged from ten to fifteen dollars. We learned of only three Schuylkill Haven people making trips upon the recent visit, namely W. Frank Deibert, Walter Holtzer, and Clarence Keiber, all being Spring Garden residents. Asked how it felt to ride in an aeroplane, Holtzer smiled and told The Call man, "Oh, it feels like H___." |
| The Call of June 10, 1927 SUNDAY BASEBALL TO BE PROHIBITED For the past several weeks, games of baseball have been played on a diamond on Columbia Heights, the same being located just within the borough limits. Numerous complaints have been received by the authorities concerning these games. Last Sunday's game broke up in a free for all fight over an umpire's decision. For a time there was quite a disturbance and a considerable nuisance created. As a result there will be no more Sunday baseball games permitted on the Columbia Heights diamond or on any other baseball diamond in the borough. |
| The Call of June 24, 1927 DON'T WANT DARK CORNER ILLUMINATED As a forcible demonstration of the fact that unknown persons do not want to have a heretofore dark corner, that of Wilson and Railroad Streets, illuminated, is given by the tactics thus far employed. The Light Department has an electric light on a pole at this corner which is controlled by a small hand switch. Someone always would turn the light off. Later the small knobs on the switch would be turned off and thrown away. This then made it impossible to turn on the light. A different kind of switch was put up with the result that the globes were mysteriously broken. The latest act is to deliberately tear the switch and electric wires loose from their fastenings, making contact impossible. The Light Department this week repaired the damage and placed a switch inside of a nearby home. Police have been notified and may be able to catch someone in the act one of these fine evenings. |
| The Call of July 22, 1927 TRUCK LOAD OF MEN HURLED OVER BANK Fifteen men narrowly escaped death and serious injury Wednesday morning when they were hurled from a motor truck which went over a steep embankment a short distance above the Seven Stars Hotel. The truck was that of F. A. Sterner of Pottsville. The men were being conveyed to a point at the Seven Stars Hotel where a new conduit system is being placed along the highway. The hub of the left front wheel of the truck is believed to have been struck by another truck proceeding in the same direction. It swerved from the road, crashed through the fence and dropped over an embankment at least fifty feet. It remained in an upright position but the men were hurled in all directions. Several of the occupants are said to be in a serious condition. One, Johnson, who is colored, is the most seriously injured and there is little hope for his recovery. He sustained a fractured skull and internal injuries. He with several of the other injured men were taken to the Pottsville Hospital and still others to the Warne Hospital. A complete checkup of the injuries sustained by all the workmen revealed broken arms, legs and severe lacerations. The injured are Robert Hills, Otis Walker, Enoch Habbinger, John Murtha, John Nicholas, Joseph Panacello, Doc Johnson, Santono Pascquino, Tony Pascquino and Joseph Riotto. All are said to be residents of Philadelphia but have been located in Pottsville for several months. The accident occurred shortly after seven o'clock Wednesday morning and was witnessed by Mr. Harry Loy of Schuylkill Haven, who was driving a truck directly in back of the ill fated truck. He states the scene of the men being hurled in all directions from the truck as it made the plunge was horrible and beyond description. The accident occurred without a moment's warning and not one of the men had a chance to save himself. Mr. Loy, with the driver of the ill fated truck gave chase to the truck that is believed to have struck the hub cap of the wheel and turned it from the road. Not until the arch near the Sterner Service Station was reached was the first truck caught. The driver, who gave his name as McCarthy, stated he was not aware that the accident had occurred. The accident occurred at one of the most dangerous and possibly one of the narrowest parts of the Pottsville Pike. It was at a point between the Marsh home and the garage and just where the road makes a slight curve. |
| The Call of September 30, 1927 OLD BUILDING NOW COMPLETELY RAZED The Keller building at the corner of Main and Dock Streets, formerly the Voute building and the building in which the town's first bank was housed, the building in which the Reformed congregation held forth and the building which for a number of years housed the post office and later the home of The Call, is no more. The razing of the building was completed late last week. During the week, excavations were made by the steam shovel and this work is almost completed. The large tree, more than a hundred years of age, was pulled down after the ground around it had been removed. It was quite a task to saw this giant and remove it in sections. Excepting for the front retaining walls facing on Dock Street, the last visage of this well known local landmark has been removed. |
| The Call of November 18, 1927 AVIATOR FORCED TO LAND HERE Thursday afternoon, Edward J. Detmer, of Fifth Avenue in New York City, son of the well known Wooden King of New York City, was forced to bring his aeroplane to earth in the county field on the outskirts of town along Center Avenue. The forced landing was due to the fact that serious trouble developed causing the engine to be completely ruined. The aviator was enroute to Pittsburgh from the Curtis Field. When about two thousand feet above this town the engine trouble was experienced and it was necessary to circle over the town several times in order to pick out a suitable landing field and to have the plane under the proper control that a landing might be perfected without further damage to the plane. This feat was accomplished with considerable difficulty but by reason of the fact that Mr. Detmer is an experienced aviator, he was successful. Within a short time after the plane came to earth people began to flock to the field fearing at first that a serious accident had occurred and fearing also a fatality also as on the occasion of the crash of the plane at Reedsville, some months ago. Mr. Detmer was uninjured and gave the crowd assurance that all was well with him but not so with the engine of his plane. This was found to be completely ruined. He inquired for lodging for the night at a home close to the field so that he could occasionally keep an eye on the machine during the night. He remained at the house of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Hill nearby. He proved a welcome visitor and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality offered and given. During the evening he attended a supper given in the First Reformed Church and made the acquaintance of numerous persons. Mr. Detmer is a mechanical engineer. He is a graduate of Stevens Institute at Hoboken. His plane is number forty nine and has flown over Schuylkill Haven on six different occasions. He recently competed in the Seattle to Chicago contest and finished fourth in the race. As a prize he was awarded a gold mounted searchlight that measures twenty four inches in diameter and which was mounted on the plane. He says flying is great and considerably cheaper than transportation by train. His relation of various experiences while flying and details about flying were quite interesting. He commented at length on the desirability of this town having a landing field, stating that the field he landed in was admirably situated and possessing all the requisites for an airport or landing field. He did not hesitate to say that within a very short time this town will be crossed by many planes as the route this section and valley in various directions will surely be over Schuylkill Haven. Many of the youngsters who gathered about the plane took advantage of writing their names upon different parts of the machine. Some of the more forward and curious began climbing up and on the plane but this inspection was not favored by the owner who in a kind way protested and had no further cause for complaint. Friday morning the plane was dismantled. The wings were taken off and hauled by truck to the hangar and airport at Leesport. Later in the day the machine was towed by a truck to Leesport, where he expected to have another engine placed on it and be on his way. |
| The Call of July 6, 1934 THREE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS MADE TO TAKE HIS LIFE Charles Rolinitis, after a hearing before Squire Klahr, was committed to jail on a charge of assault and battery as a result of a pre Fourth of July celebration, in which he not only injured his niece, Viola Ambrose, but also made three attempts to kill himself. Rolinitis struck his niece, who resides on the Schuylkill Mountain, across the forehead with a cane when she attempted to stop an argument between him and the girls mother, who is Rolinitis's sister. She suffered a deep cut across the forehead. The man jumped off a bridge into the Schuylkill River in an attempt to drown himself, but found the water not deep enough. Later, several men found him trying to throw a knotted belt which he had tied around his throat, to the limb of a tree. Finally, Sergeant Graeff of the Highway Patrol found him standing on the Reading Railroad tracks, for the purpose, as Rolinitis said, of throwing himself in front of the first train that came along. |
| The Call of July 27, 1934 HILL CLIMBING TESTS MUST STOP The Schuylkill Haven Highway Department some time ago repaired and put in such condition a short section of Saint Peter Street at the property of W. F. Meck. This section of road is on a steep grade. Motorists have been using it as a testing hill. In order to get momentum, drivers begin speeding on Saint Peter Street and cross the Union Street corner at a dangerous rate of speed. The authorities are issuing notice herewith that any autoist caught speeding on this street with a view of using the hill as a test of the climbing power of their car, will be prosecuted. |
| The Call of August 24, 1934 POLICE DOG SHOT BY OFFICERS "Ruby," the German police dog owned by the family of Paul Boyer and a special pet and companion to the Boyer children, was shot by the local officers last Thursday evening, after having bitten several persons. The dog was guarding a litter of pups for the last week and anyone in passing was subject to her snaps and growls, as it seemed she feared harm to her young ones. While Miss Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James A Dalton, was walking along North Margaretta Street, the dog sprang at her and sank her teeth into the girl's right thigh, inflicting a tear of three and one half inches into the flesh. The wound was immediately cauterized by a local physician to prevent infection. She has been given daily treatment by her physician since the injuries were received and is still nursing a very sore leg. Shortly thereafter, the animal jumped at Leonard McKeone and tore his clothing but did not inflict any wounds into his body. Vincent Corcoran, in passing received a bite on his right thigh but not of such a serious nature. About two weeks ago, the young son of Paul Haldeman, while playing in the yard, was bitten by the dog. Residents of this section, fearing the animal had gone mad, notified the local authorities, who had the legal right to shoot the dog, from the fact that three persons had been bitten. The Boyer family consented to "Ruby" being put to death, although they were saddened and deeply touched, as she had been a faithful and close pal to each and every member of the family. |
| The Call of August 31, 1934 DANGEROUS CABLE BRIDGE TAKEN DOWN The cable bridge across the river at the foot of Saint Peter Street in Schuylkill Haven, which, last fall, became a menace to public safety, as the result of the high water in the river which washed the greater portion of it away, was removed this week. The highway department in a short time, had cut off the cables from the concrete foundation and it required only a short time to remove every vistage of the bridge excepting the concrete pillars. The department operated under the direction of the police department in removing this menace and the both departments are, therefore, to be commended for their action. |
| The Call of October 19, 1934 GRANDSTAND BEING TORN APART Piece by piece, the grandstand on the Island baseball park is being torn apart by thieves during the night and early morning hours. It is believed the lumber is being used for firewood. The thieves can work without any great fear of being discovered as access to the park from the town side of the park is next to impossible as the bridge across the river has been torn away. Arrests, however, are promised, of anyone found in the act of this thievery. The destruction of this grandstand recalls to mind the fact that quite a number of years ago, not only was the same grandstand on this same baseball park entirely torn to pieces, but a high board fence also, which surrounded the field was carried away. And yet, no one did it. |
| The Call of August 10, 1895 HORSE IN THE CANAL About nine o'clock in the morning on Thursday while John Worts, while driving one of Raudenbush's horses, was attempting to dump a cart load of dirt into the canal to the rear of Krammes's stable, the heavy cart pulled the animal over the embankment. The horse became entangled in the harness and while struggling to release itself, went foremost into the mud and water and drowned. The excitement was great. Several hundred men, women and children gathered along the canal bank and witnessed the extrication of the animal with block and tackle. |
| The Call of September 28, 1895 NUISANCE AT THE POST OFFICE A great nuisance, and one persisted in by a good number of school children, and especially those of the higher grades is not only perpetrated upon our Postmaster, Mr. Moser, but upon the general public. Each and every time the schools are dismissed, these scholars feel it their duty to make a playhouse out of the Post Office to the annoyance and disgust of the parties wishing to attend to business. Mr. Moser has from time to time advised to conduct themselves with propriety and within the bounds of common decency; and unless this is done, he will be compelled to either resort to a stuffed club as the postal law advised, or the office will have to remain closed during the distribution of the mails. Good breeding is as essential to the mind as book knowledge is, and here is a chance for quite a number of parents to step in and do their duty both to child and others. |
| The Call of December 8, 1916 "CALL" REPORTER IS IN LOVE? Somewhere in this large universe there is a maiden with brown hair, she is neither a blonde or a brunette, neither skinny or real fat, but just simply plump. That is the girl The Call reporter is in love with and she is in love with the reporter. Heartbreaking are the many incidents of this life and breaking is the heart of the reporter for the reason that he has not met the girl as yet, although he came very close to being engaged. All he had to do was to ask the girl to marry him and she would have spoken the fatal words. Such is the knowledge imparted to The Call reporter on Tuesday afternoon when he went to consult a fortune teller doing business in Schuylkill Haven. The reporter braved a diphtheria sign and entered the house. He was immediately shown to the room of the fortune teller on the second floor front and here it was that his errand, to the abode of the female that foretells the past, present and future, was inquired about. The errand to the fortune teller was to inquire about a piece of jewelry that had never been stolen and which the reporter was anxious to recover. Once seated before the remnants of a sewing machine that served as a table, a pack of cards were brought forth. While the shuffling of the cards in the hands of the fortune teller was taking place, the reporter was informed that due to a recent operation, it was impossible to go into a deep trance and hence she would only go into a semi-trance and would endeavor to locate the much stolen jewelry. "Cut the cards with the left hand and place in three piles, at the same time making a wish and keeping your mind on this wish," was the remark made. Extremely nervous lest something dreadful was about to be imparted, the reporter did as requested. Picking the first pile of cards from the table, she turned them around and behold the ace of spades was the first card brought to view. "You have lost a watch," stated the teller. "No, it was a ring," stated the reporter. "Just as I thought," stated the teller, "I could tell by the cards that it was something round. But you will recover the ring but with a great deal of trouble. It will be within a two. I can't say whether it will be two hours, two weeks or two months, but it will be very shortly and everything will work out alright." The young man who stole the ring (the one that was never lost) is not a neighbor of yours but loves in the same town. He is in love with the girl that s in love with you, but she don't love him, it's you she wants and no one else. There is also another girl in love with you, but you don't think enough of her to marry her. Now this man that stole your ring drinks and several times he has made attempts to sell it, but the girl who you love knows that he has the ring and will not let him dispose of it. "Some dark evening a man will wrap at your door and tell you about this ring. Shortly afterwards the young woman who is in love with you will do the same thing, expecting to win you by so telling you, but you will remain faithful to the first girl. Now, it may not be known to you but the girl you love has an admirer in the person of a bachelor who has passed out of his twenties. He is endeavoring to win this girl, who by the way, has been away from town for a period. Yes, stated the reporter, everything you say is right with the exception, "I didn't know that a bachelor was after the girl." "Providing that I should make up with the girl and marry her, what would be my future?" in quired the reporter. "The cards tell me that you will have happiness. You will have a change in position that will benefit both you and the girl and your future is very bright. When you renew the acquaintance with the girl, take things easy at first and then accuse her of knowing something about the ring. She will claim to know nothing at first, but hold her down to the fact and she will finally confess. Then go to the fellow who is darker than yourself and rather young and ask for the ring. If he refuses to give it up, then inform the officers but under no circumstances tell the officers before this time." With a, "I will assist you in every way and the ring will be returned to you, I feel positive you will surely marry the girl and everything will be lovely," the reporter hurried downstairs and out the front door before some spell was thrown over him or before he was turned into a beast. The above is a sample of what a large number of the people of Schuylkill Haven are paying twenty five or fifty cents to learn. Living as we are, in an enlightened age, with every means of education at the command of both the humble and the rich, it is surprising that people will become so ignorant as to consult one of these persons. If the people themselves are not capable of remaining away from these fortune tellers, then it is the duty of the proper authorities to step in and either order the person or persons, to leave the town or cease in this type of work. The city of Allentown has placed an ordinance upon the books, causing to be arrested all persons engaged in fortune telling. Perhaps another way of breaking up the practice would be to station a person there and to publish the names of all persons observed either entering or leaving the home of the fortune teller. |
| The Call of September 6, 1918 MULES DRAG THREE MEN The mules hitched to the milk wagon of William Flammer took fright while standing at the store of Clinton Confehr on Wednesday morning. It appears preparation was being made to extract a nail from the hoof of one of the beasts when the animal decided there was to be nothing doing and induced his partner to join in a runaway. They turned out Dock Street. The combined efforts of Mr. Confehr and Flammer failed to stop them. John Scholl happened along on a team and he, noticing the situation, grasped the bridle and brought the team to such a sudden stop almost instantly that the momentum of the wagon was so great that as it crashed into the animals' hind quarters, the casher split in several places. |
| The Call of April 23, 1920 OLD LANDMARKS NOW REMOVED The aged and sturdy weeping willow trees, under which many boatmen of years gone by found shelter and rest, and which in later years afforded shade to many pedestrians and acted as a protection against the hot rays of the sun, are no more. These sturdy willows, thirteen in number along the canal Parkway, were last week chopped down by the borough highway department. It required but two days to do the work and was done by Messrs. Huy, Riebsaamen and Warner. A number of residents nearby chopped some of the larger pieces into smaller ones for kindling wood. Some of the wood was hauled away. The light department made several changes in its lines by reason of the removal of the trees. |
| The Call of January 9, 1925 HEAVIEST SNOW ON RECORD The snow of Friday last, from what The Call man can learn from old timers, was the heaviest for such a short period, about thirteen hours, that has visited this section in a great many years. Pedestrian travel, trolleys, trains and most certainly autos were tied up almost completely for the greater part of Friday. The snow measured from 26 to 28 inches in depth and where drifted, of course was considerably deeper. Saturday the trolley company was enabled to get several cars in operation between here and Pottsville but great difficulty was experienced in working their way through town. This was due to the fact that quite a number of persons took delight in shoveling the tracks full of snow after the snow plow and sweeper had banked it high along the sides. Frequent derailments in town occurred Saturday and as late as Monday. The Highway Department with an extra force of men and a dozen trucks began work early Monday morning and removed large quantities of snow, making traffic possible with less trouble. Spaces at fire plugs were also cleared away and cut outs or sidings provided along some of the streets. At the present writing it appears as if the Department could put in an entire week on clearing away the banks of snow which at some places around town was piled six to ten feet high. Fortunately telephone service and the electric light and power lines of the borough were little interfered with, but no end of difficulty has been experienced by the milkmen, bakers, butchers and vendors and dealers in foodstuffs. Church and Sunday School attendance was in most instances cut in half. Local industries that provide transportation to rural sections for their employees found it impossible to transport their workers to their homes Friday evening or Saturday. They provided lodging and board for them in private homes. Funerals held Friday, that of William Hinkle of Schuylkill Haven and James Heffner at Friedensburg were greatly interfered with. As could be expected the attendance of friends and relatives was reduced and transportation of the body to the cemetery was made possible only with sleighs and then only with great difficulty. |
| The Call of February 6, 1925 LEGION HEADS SNOW SHOVELERS Under the direction of and with the assistance of many members of the American Legion, the several weeks' accumulation of snow in Schuylkill haven was removed in large quantities from the streets on Saturday and Sunday. Early Saturday morning the boys of the Legion together with a number of school boys attacked the snow banks on Main Street. A number of local teamsters loaned their auto trucks and in several cases, men for the entire day. The Traction Company put on its large dirt car and in a few hours' time a considerable impression had been made on the snow banks that had lined both sides of Main Street. All day Saturday and until evening the boys continued on the job. Sunday their forces were augmented by some members of the Civic Club and many Boy Scouts. Splendid work was done by them on all streets covered by the trolley and where the snow had been banked unusually high. Crossings were shoveled open and spaces cleared in front of fire plugs. The Highway Department of the borough also had men at work on both days assisting in the work. By four o'clock Sunday afternoon splendid progress had been accomplished. The American Legion was complimented on all sides for its forethought in undertaking this work and the results accomplished. Town Council at its meeting Monday by a rising vote of all present extended thanks to all persons who assisted in the removal of the snow. |
| The Call of April 19, 1901 CAT'S HIGH RETREAT AND HIGH JUMP The sight of a black representative of the feline tribe perched on the top of a fifty foot telegraph pole in front of the residence of Dr. J. A. Lessig, of Spring Garden, for three days attracted the attention of not a few people. On Tuesday, to escape the jaws of a dog, the cat sought refuge on the pole. Apparently fearing to come down, it remained there until yesterday afternoon, when Samuel Hill, electric light lineman, climbed up for the purpose of bringing it down. When he got near the animal it became frightened and jumped from its high position, landing on the hard street below. It had scarcely touched the ground until it was off with a bound, seeking a safe retreat under a nearby porch. The cat has since been seen and to all appearances is none the worse for its awful plunge. |
| The Call of May 3, 1901 THE FISH A WHOPPER One of the largest fish ever caught in this vicinity was landed from the docks early yesterday morning by Robert Schadler. The fish is a German carp and weighs twenty three pounds, is thirty five inches long and measures twenty four inches around the body. The catch was made with an ordinary hook and line and it took Mr. Schadler fully twenty minutes to land him. The monster is on exhibition in a large tank at the corner of Dock and Coal Streets and hundreds of persons have viewed him. |
| The Call of June 25, 1901 HORSES RUN AWAY Shortly before noon on Monday, after returning from a twenty five mile drive, a pair of horses attached to Butcher P. R. Raush's meat delivery wagon started to run away while standing in front of the Main Street store. In endeavoring to turn off Main Street at Greenawald's corner they ran against a post and were firmly caught. A broken pole was the only damage resulting. On Tuesday morning the same fractious animals, while being driven from the stable towards Main Street, began kicking and plunging and in attempting to turn around, the wagon was upset. Charles Hoffman, who was driving at the time, was thrown out and very fortunately escaped with only slight injuries to his right hand and side. With the wagon, which was loaded with meat, dragging along on its side, the animals continued on a run, but were caught at Hartman's drug store. The wagon was damaged somewhat, the pole and other woodwork being broken and the top slightly torn. Shafts were put in the wagon and another horse hired with which to make the day's regular trip. |
| The Call of August 16, 1901 ANOTHER SMALLPOX CASE Another case of smallpox in the borough was reported at noon today. The victim is Daniel Deibler, brother of William Deibler, another patient. He did not reside at home since his brother's illness. There is a rumor of another case in town but up to a late hour this afternoon, no such case has been reported to Health Officer Bast. Within the next twenty four hours the new smallpox hospital will be occupied. All arrangements have been made to have George Dietrich and William Deibler, two patients, secretly moved to that place. Luther Dewald's condition is so poor as not to allow his removal. Miss Mary Nungresser, of Delano, an immune nurse and graduate of five years experience, will take charge of the hospital. She will be assisted by William Kauterman, an immune of this place. A laundry woman and cook will also be engaged. The quarantine at the home of Frank Schwartz was lifted yesterday. Health Officer Bast asks that the public contribute liberally to the hospital. Cash or clothing will be received. The contributor's names will be published in next week's Call. |
| The Call of September 20, 1901 "HOODOO" PURSUES THIS MAN Last Saturday evening at about 7:30 o'clock, while playing "ring" at a picnic in Cressona, Harry Steinbrunn, son of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Steinbrunn, of Schuylkill Haven, fell and broke his collar bone. The young man was walking outside the ring at the time and in the darkness fell into a ditch. He landed on the side of his face and shoulder, causing the fracture. His face was also badly cut. Dr. J. C. Gray reset the broken bones and brought him home in his carriage. The unfortunate young man seems to be pursued by a streak of ill luck. Last year, while employed in the storage yards, he was standing on a car loaded with coal, when the bottom doors were suddenly opened and he went down through with the mass of coal quite a distance below. He escaped with only slight injuries. A week later he fell into a vat of hot compound at Samuel Rowland's bleachery and was horribly burned. Several months ago while working at the Derr Stove Works in Pottsville, his feet were burned by molten metal to such a degree that he was unable to wear shoes al summer. On top of all this comes last Saturday's accident which will keep him from work for at least eight weeks. |
| The Call of September 27, 1901 A FINE MEMENTO There is on exhibition in one of the display windows of L. Hummel's furniture store on lower Main Street, a memento, a tribute to the late Harry J. Lindermuth, of Landingville, who was killed on the railroad near Mohrsville on February 18th, that is attracting considerable attention. It is a gilt framed case, thirty two by sixty inches, and is six inches deep. The interior is finished with purple velour and contains the tributes contributed by friends at the time of the young man's death. The piece was designed by Mr. W. W. Distelhurst, manager of the store, and it is also a specimen of his artistic workmanship. |
| The Call of November 1, 1901 CARRIED TO EXTREMES - Some Disgusting Results of "Chalk Night" Observances - Authorities Should Act On The Matter "Chalk Night" was observed to its fullest extent in town on Monday night and the limit was far overstepped by some of our young folks in carrying on the fun. Chalk marks were observed everywhere next morning, some of these being of a most shamefully indecent and disgusting character. We feel sure there are few places where "chalk night" is carried to the extreme as here, and the borough authorities should take active measures to stop, or at least have a limit put on the practice. The same night a horse and carriage brand new belonging to Samuel D. Deibert, of Landingville, was hitched to a post on Main near Dock Street, while Mr. Deibert transacted business about town. During his absence, some persons maliciously put chalk marks all over the carriage. Every chalk mark left a scratch on the highly polished finish of the vehicle, with the result that it is greatly damaged. The matter was reported to Burgess Mill, to whom Mr. Deibert said that he knows the perpetrators of the act and that unless proper reparation was shortly made for the loss suffered, the guilty parties would be brought before the law. |