When Mother Nature blesses us with warmer weather I create my list of places I’d like to visit over the next few months. These may not be your typical tourist attractions, but they are certainly worthy of a closer look.

From the bygone days of the trolley…

Long-time readers may remember the story I wrote highlighting a former transformer building from the early trolley lines in the area. Easily overlooked and tucked away in rural Heidelberg Township, that building offered an intriguing look into the past.

I’m happy to report that an identical building exists in Jackson Township and I’ll soon be checking it out. My father, Carl Stough, shared the photo below which gives you a glimpse of the second building.

Despite its questionable condition, I’m thankful that it’s still standing after all these years.

While we’re on the topic of York County trolleys, I also have my eyes on a former trolley stop just outside of Menges Mills. The property is owned by the parents of a school friend and I’ve already received permission to swing by to photograph it.

Home Sweet Home…

Sitting on the edge of a wooded area and not far from a gently-flowing stream, an abandoned brick farmhouse has been calling my name. The parents of the elderly property owner once lived in the house, but it’s been sitting empty for decades. It’s hard to say if it would be safe to go inside, but I was told to stop by for a visit any time so he could show me around.

I certainly can’t argue with his hospitality.

Gone but not forgotten…

For at least two years, perhaps a bit longer, I’ve been searching for a small cemetery near Saginaw. Wogan Burial Ground is the final resting place of at least eight people, one being that of Revolutionary War veteran George Wogan. During his service, he was a guard at Springettsbury Township prisoner-of-war site Camp Security.

Cemeteries on private property can be tricky to visit, and this one is certainly no different. I’ve been told it sits on the edge of a former quarry near the Susquehanna River, but its exact location hasn’t been easy to pinpoint. The aerial image below, courtesy of Bing.com, shows the area where the cemetery should be located.

I’ve sent a letter to the owner asking for permission to search for the burial grounds. If granted, I’d also enjoy documenting the building from the former quarry operation, which appears that they are still standing.

A trip to southern York County…

The Stewartstown Railroad has been in the news for years as efforts are underway to save the threatened railway. There are several buildings and structures with its operation, and I’ve been given access to document all of them.

While in Stewartstown, I’d also love to explore the former Ramsay Theater that rumors say used to have a bowling alley in the basement. This is another site that contact with the owner is needed, which is some thing I’m working on.

Photo credit: Cinema Treasures (submitted by David Shelleman)

The list goes on and on…

Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the end of the list and is only a starting point. I also have plans to visit some abandoned or neglected churches, schoolhouses, barns, cemeteries, and anything else that crosses my path along the way. I not only expect the next few months to be busy, but also extremely memorable.

What sites would you like me to visit and write about? I’m open to all suggestions.

In other news…

Preserving York is seeking local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring our 2013 fundraising event. Several have already made the commitment while others have asked for additional information. If you would like to know more, please send me your contact information and I’ll see that you receive it promptly.

The post York County Explorations Blossom With Spring Flowers appeared first on Preserving York.

This week, those who are passionate about York County history lost an iconic landmark when demolition of the former Avalong Farms barn began. I’m not going to detail the events that lead us to that point because, quite frankly, I don’t have the energy to do so.

You see, as the founder of Preserving York and the administrator of its Facebook page, I read scores of heartfelt comments that members shared with each other. Some were saddened by the loss and told us they shed tears while others were very vocal about their feelings for corporate America, who them blame for many of these types of losses.

I would like to sincerely thank each and every person for openly sharing their feelings. I truly respect the entire Preserving York family for pulling together over the past few days, and I’m happy to call all of you my friends.

As I sit here typing, my own eyes wet from tears of admiration, I’m deeply in thought of how Preserving York should be organized to handle future threats towards historic York County properties.

Wait a minute. Do we even know which older properties are threatened? Let’s take it a step further. Do we know what older properties are out there, threatened or not?

Another thing to consider is a statement I’ve heard many times: “You can’t save all historic properties”. How do we decide which are worth saving and who should make that decision?

Should Preserving York as a whole participate in picketing and protests during situations such as that faced by the Avalong Farms barn?

What about mudslinging, name calling, and harassment of those who could possibly stop such a project from taking place? Should they be bullied into submission?

Preserving York, and myself as an individual, will never condone such actions and will always work with others in a proactive manner.

With each new thought, even more questions bubble up to the surface, but I’ve always been one to ask a lot of questions.

I’ve decided to organize a townhall meeting focusing on historic preservation, whether physically or through photography, memories, and documentation. I’m awaiting confirmation for a promising venue and have started to invite speakers who will be able to aid in the dialogue.

This will be a public event and those attending are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas.

Preserving York can only go so far using my own personal finances, which is why I am also planning a fundraising effort to be launched in the early Spring. This will include a short video to include supporters, in their own words, sharing why Preserving York is important to them and their community.

If you have experience with the recording and/or editing of video and would like to donate some time and effort for this project, I would greatly appreciate it.

Despite the loss of the Avalong Farms barn this week, there is still fascinating history all around us. What have you discovered recently?

The post Emotional Week for the Preserving York Community appeared first on Preserving York.

Over the weekend I attended an auction that offered a remarkable assortment of items including ephemera, firefighting memorabilia, railroad photographs, Civil War items, antique firearms, and much more. I was fortunate to win several lots that had interested me including some amazing local trade cards. A few were quite unique so I thought I’d share two of them. I know my friend Chris Otto, founder of the Papergreat blog, will enjoy these.

The Dude At His Toilet

This has got to be one of the most unusual Victorian trade cards that I’ve ever seen. “The Dude At His Toilet” was printed in the 1880s according to some online references that I have come across.

Does anyone know if the caption has any significance, or possibly the meaning behind it?

Opposite of “The Dude” is an advertisement for the York Stove Company which was located at 24 North George Street in York, Pennsylvania. The Climax Cook was touted as The Most Reliable Cook Stove Ever Made and contained large nickel plated panels.

I wonder if any of these stoves are still in the area.

Sea lions and elephants in York, OH MY!

This entertaining trade card was almost placed on the pile of non-local items that I’ll be selling since it didn’t seem to have an apparent connection to York. Based on some research that I performed, I now feel that there is in fact an amazing local connection.

Last month my friend and fellow history lover June Lloyd wrote about alligators that lived in a pool at Penn Park. It looks like York hosted some other exotic animals, including living sea lions and sea elephants that rolled into town via the railroad circus.

The Sells Brothers’ circus was started in 1871 by brothers Allen, Ephraim, Lewis, and Peter who came from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania before settling in Ohio. Their circus started in 1871 and continued until 1895. In 1900 they merged with another circus owned by Adam Forepaugh to form the Forepaugh-Sells Brothers’ Circus. Later it merged with the Floto Dog & Pony Show to form Sells Floto Circus.

You don’t want to miss reading: Sells Brothers’ Enormous United Shows.

If this trade card is accurate, the Yorkers of yesteryear who attended their show were in for quite a treat. Sea lions, sea elephants, and the only baby sea lion living in captivity were surely the stars of the show.

The routes of early circuses appear to have been recorded quite extensively, and the Forepaugh – Sells Brothers’ Circus was in York on April 27, 1900, May 15, 1902, and June 16, 1911.

As shown above, this trade card does not mention the Forepaugh name, so I feel it could date to the years before any mergers, from 1871 – 1895.

Imagine the excitement on the streets when the portable aquarium was removed from the train car. I think I can still hear the commotion after all these years.

NOTES:

1. Please be sure to share Preserving York’s postal address with those who may not have internet access. We’d love to hear from them: P.O. Box 11, Spring Grove, PA 17362

The post An Ostrich in a Suit and Sea Lions Visiting York? appeared first on Preserving York.

For those who are interested the address is: Preserving York, P.O. Box 11, Spring Grove, PA 17362. Items to be returned should include a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope). This is a great way for those without internet access to contact me with their memories, comments, or suggestions.

Feeling patriotic today?

Yesterday I received a great package – the first piece of mail sent to the new PO Box – from Jaclyn Sallade. She’s a loyal reader and member of the Preserving York group on Facebook. Included in her mailing were some great pieces of local history including the photograph shown below.

The great thing about a photograph like this is the fact that there is so much going on. There are all types of clues that tell us about it, but you need to look at the details to decipher them. Feel free to click the image for a larger view, and take a look below at some of  the things I discovered.

The subjects of this parade photograph were from the York Manufacturing Company. Over the years the company has evolved and changed names several times. In 2005, when it was called York International, it merged with Johnson Controls.

The men are represented by different signs based on the department in which they worked: Power Department, Electrical Department, Yard Department, and the Gray Iron Foundry.

In the distance you can see numerous flags on the facade of a large brick building. I was able to determine that there are 48 stars on them which tells us this photograph was taken after 1912.

The company I work for, Quinn Flags, has some great information about the history of the American flag on their website.

The men are even wearing their own American flags on their jackets. Perhaps the flags are a key element that will help us figure out if the parade was taking place on a holiday or other special occasion.

While examining the photograph I hope you didn’t miss the drummers.

Following the men is one of the trolleys from the local service that ran throughout York County. It looks like there might be some wording over a front window, but I can’t be certain.

Even better is the signage that is barely visible WAY down the street and just over the roof of the trolley. That wording is difficult to read but by looking at the original photograph through a powerful loupe, I was able to get a better look. The sign reads “Western Maryland R.R.”, and there’s even a faint sign displaying the word “York”.

What we don’t know…

There are two important questions I have about this photograph. First, what was the event that this parade was commemorating. Finally, where was the photo taken? I’m certain these answers will be answered quickly on the Facebook group but for now, I’ll be left wondering.

I didn’t mention every feature, such as the woman watching from the sidewalk or the old cars along the street. What’s your favorite aspect of the photo?

Many thanks to Jaclyn for offering some of her family mementos so that they may be shared with others. There are certainly some great pieces of local history scattered throughout the area and abroad, and I’l love to learn about them all.

NOTES:

1. If you know someone who would be a great candidate to share their memories of York County in a recorded interview, please let me know.

The post The Patriotic Parade of the York Manufacturing Company appeared first on Preserving York.

Take for example the Preserving York group on Facebook. In existence for just over one year, this online community has just reached a milestone by adding its 300th member. Besides each of those people being a separate branch of my “history” family, they are valuable for the knowledge they bring to the discussions.

Brett Wisotzkey was one of the newest members of the group – actually, the 300th member – and eagerly shared this great photograph. It was passed on to him and he wondered where it was taken. Not only were the group members able to determine the location – 288 West Market Street in York – but they also offered a number of other details as well:

• The building is now used by a bridal shop and appears to have been combined with 286 West Market Street.
• JoAnne Everhart had a neighbor, Clarence Dubs, who worked at the business.
• Daphne Shaffer-Fuller remembered Peoples Dry Cleaning which was next door at 284 West Market Street.
• Ted Schaefer told us the business was started in 1910. When they celebrated their 50th anniversary his father gave them an engine and other parts from his 1910 Model 10 Buick Roadster to display in their showroom window.

Upon closer inspection of the photograph we see lettering from a property across the street in a reflection, as shown below:

The next mystery was trying to figure out what city store the reflection came from, which was quickly determined by JoAnne. As it turns out, Leinhardt Bros. Furniture was located at 277 – 283 West Market Street.

Mystery solved.

By the way, if you noticed the woman “peeking” at you on the lower right of this cropped image, I believe that’s actually a window decal.

When Brett joined the Preserving York community I don’t think he realized the enthusiastic response that most postings received. After learning much more about the photo than he had expected, he said:

I didn’t expect to get such a reaction. Thanks for all the info.

Group member Betty Eppard Sipe offers some of the most heartfelt and detailed responses and is eager to share her memories with others. Through our discussions I learned she spent the early years of her life in Stoverstown, which I called home for many years. JoAnne had even lived there many years ago and the information they supplied helped spark my interest for some upcoming stories.

During the group’s conversation about a forgotten cemetery near Saginaw, Betty offered this detailed account of her time living near Brunner Island:

I lived on a farm that over looked Brunner’s Island. We were toward the southern tip of it. They started building PP&L the first year we moved to that farm. I grew up watching them destroy the island below our home. Our landlord farmed much of the land on the southern part of the island for many years, till they put ash pits there. We sat on our front porch and had a beautiful view down river toward a stone railroad bridge crossing the river. We could see the old lime stone quarry on the other side of the river as well. Bainbridge was almost directly across the river from our farm. In the fall we had the beauty of the woods around the farm. It was a beautiful place to grow up. As a kid my parents would sometimes take us fishing down on Brunner’s Island. I walked the fields a bit there looking for arrow heads as well. I moved to the farm when I was nine, in 1958, and was there until I got married in 1970. My parents moved away from there in 1975. It is still home to me.

Preserving York community: Local history “helpdesk”?

I recently read a blog post from several years ago which really got me thinking. A reader was questioning why there wasn’t a central place where people could find answers they need or get pointed in the right direction.

While he didn’t mention a specific area of interest, I truly feel Preserving York is a strong contender when it comes to questions about York County history. While I’ll never personally consider myself an expert, I have over 300 people standing by my side, ready to unconditionally offer their assistance and knowledge whenever asked.

Isn’t that what community is all about.

We’re here for you York County. How can we be of assistance?

NOTES:

1. Warm weather is just around the corner. If you know of abandoned properties or cemeteries you think I should check out, let me know. 
2. I highly recommend checking out the numerous blogs featured on the York Blog website.

The post The Preserving York Community: Local History Helpdesk? appeared first on Preserving York.

Now living in Arizona, the 1969 West York graduate made the discovery while removing wainscot from an old farmhouse in the early ’70s. A small opening between the wood and wall plaster had captured items that had fallen including coins, combs, and a few old postcards that were probably a feast for hungry silverfish.

One special piece would be cherished by Ken for several decades.

Ye Grand Old York Fair

Found in that small opening was a unique York Fair calendar card from 1913. During that year the fair ran from October 6 – 10 and was labeled as the “LARGEST 25¢ FAIR IN AMERICA“.

My, how times have changed.

Now this isn’t your typical advertising card made of heavier paper. This piece is actually made of very thin metal and is the same size as a typical business card. I checked to see if the card was attracted to a magnet, which it isn’t, so it’s possibly composed of aluminum or some other non-magnetic metal.

Ken has been trying to learn more about this piece with little luck. He was told it might have been given to life members of the York Fair, but that hasn’t been confirmed.

The Mundorf connection…

Found in very fine print is the name of the person who created this card, Chas. M. Mundorf of York PA. Over the years his occupation has been listed as a printer, advertising novelties, and manufacturing (lithograph).

Charles was born in the 1860s and appears to have lived in the city of York for his entire life. He was married to Edith and together they had at least two daughters, Grace and Frances.

We are able to track the whereabouts of the family through the use of various records. A listing of residential addresses are shown below, but I can’t be certain if any of them were also used for the business, except for the 1904 address which has been confirmed.

• 1900: 48 South Pine Street, York (U.S. Federal Census)
• 1903: 159 South Pine Street (1903 City of York Atlas)
• 1904: 159 South Pine Street (Bedford Gazette newspaper)
• 1910: 822 South George Street (U.S. Federal Census
• 1920: 822 South George Street (U.S. Federal Census)
• 1930: Charles died during this year.

Charles is also listed in the Typographical Journal, Volume 27 which was published in 1905. In the listing it states that Charles S. Day, age 21, was “at trade 7 years, learned the trade in the office of Charles M. Mundorf, York, PA“.

Regular readers may remember a story I wrote about a painted banner from the Shady Dell stand at the York Fair. That was created by John Mundorf, who was likely a relative of Charles.

It was evident while exchanging emails with Ken that this card means a great deal to him. I truly respect his feelings, and admit I have pieces in my own collection that I feel the same way about.

Ken’s wish is to share this piece of history with others who will enjoy it as much as he has over the past 40 years. Learning more about Preserving York, Ken offered the card with one simple request: display the century-old item at the 2013 York Fair and make sure he receives a photograph of it with any ribbons it receives.

It would be an honor to do that for you Ken, and to share it with the thousands of visitors who view the displays each and every year of the York Fair.

NOTES:

1. At the time this story was published the Preserving York group on Facebook is nearing 300 members. Who will be the next person to join?

The post Forty Years Later, Metal York Fair Advertisement Emerges appeared first on Preserving York.

A few days ago I visited Jean Staub of York and her brother, Richard, who lives in Dallastown. I learned they owned some local scrapbooks, four of them to be exact, and were seeking someone to hand them over to who would care for them and share their contents with others.

Readers of the “Only In York County” blog, written by my friend Joan Concilio, may remember a story featuring a great downtown map that was created by Jean, Richard, and his wife Cheryl.

The scrapbooks they had contained an assortment of items including newspaper clippings from the anniversary celebrations of York County and the City of York, “Then and Now” articles, vintage ephemera, plus much more. Clippings from The York Dispatch and York Daily Record are included.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Scrapbook #1: Organization is key…

The beginning of this scrapbook starts from the early stages of local history – very early stages – including local dinosaurs, geology and forests, and even Native Americans.

One reason I like Jean so much is her attention to detail and organization skills when putting this collection together. One section features stories about each York County township and are placed in chronological order by their date of formation. Other clippings are neatly “tabbed” as shown below.

It would take quite a long time to look through this notebook, which also includes articles about local properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, “Then and Now” stories, and so much more.

Scrapbook #2: Clippings, envelopes, floods…

The next scrapbook is another great collection of newspaper clippings featuring local history, but is also mixed with examples of vintage ephemera. Jean broke this notebook down into categories including stores, miscellaneous York industries, actors – artists – entertainers, sports, and more.

The vintage items offer us a fascinating look into the past. One of the most unique findings are postal envelopes that have been saved from businesses such as People’s 5 and 10 Stores Co., York County War and Welfare Fund, York Paint and Hardware, Frey Bros. Coal, and many, many more.

Tucked away and almost overlooked near the back of the notebook are other interesting treasures. Some of them include a listing of York City Fire Alarm boxes and even a small booklet titled “Views and facts of York’s Flood in ’33″. This is a unique pictorial history of that disaster as captured and distributed by amateur photographer Phil Amig.

Scrapbook #3: A collection of “tidbits”…

The first two scrapbooks I discussed are actually 4-inch binders that are completely filled with pages of history. The next one isn’t nearly as full but still contains a large amount of information. The most prominent feature are brief newspaper clippings titled “A 250th Tidbit” and were featured during one of the local anniversary celebrations.

A few of these tidbits were:

On Aug. 24, 1814, Yorkers observed an unusual light in the southern sky. It was the reflection of the flames consuming Washington, D.C., which the British burned during the war of 1812. Shortly after, The York Volunteers, a colonial militia, fought in the battle of North Point, just south of Baltimore.

One historian wrote in 1834 that deer were nearly extinct in the county because of a 3 1/2-foot snowfall in January 1772. The snow was followed by rain, which froze forming a thick crust. The deer supposedly died from wounds on their legs caused by falling through the ice.

Scrapbook #4: Then and Now…

I can’t forget Jean’s brother, Richard, who is passionate about firefighting and is a Trustee of the Dallastown Fire Department. He was fun to talk to and also had a colorful scrapbook to pass on that he acquired from a local resident who had passed away.

One of the best parts is the creative cover that the original owner created.

The collection in this notebook predates the others mentioned above and contain earlier “Then and Now” clippings. I find these are a great way to look at the past and see changes that have occurred over the years.

Identification and preservation…

One of the fist steps I’ll take with these scrapbooks is to identify the contents and create an index which will provide much easier accessibility. The pages also need to be digitized to preserve them for future generations. Newspapers are very acidic which causes the images and print quality to deteriorate over time.

I really can’t thank Jean and Richard enough for their generous offering of these four amazing York County scrapbooks. The information contained in each one is a wonderful collection of local history that will be used for future research, education, and most importantly for the enjoyment of others.

NOTES:

1. Jean is the Treasurer of the John Timon Reily Historical Society in McSherrystown, Adams County, Pennsylvania.
2. Many thanks to Joan Concilio for putting me in contact with Jean and Richard. 
3. My good friend Blanda Nace passed on a great scrapbook to me that has been the source of several stories.

The post Four Donated Scrapbooks Contain Centuries of History appeared first on Preserving York.

Highlights: Rex/Laurel Fire House Tour

It was quite surprising to learn about the many intricacies found in this historic property. Firehouses of yesteryear were as much a “men’s club” as they were a service organization and they certainly spared no expense.

This larger-than-life painting overlooks the second-floor meeting room. It was created by Lucien Whiting Powell in 1873, according to his dated signature on the lower left corner. Lucien served as a Confederate private during the Civil War and later lived his life in Washington, D.C. Several years ago the painting was cleaned and restored, making the colors much more vibrant.

You can learn more about Lucien Whiting Powell, shown above, on the Smithsonian American Art Museum website, the Arlington National Cemetery website, or on the Findagrave website, which is credited for his photograph.

The stairway and second-floor hallway are graced with this amazing decorative woodwork. Imagine the number of firefighters who have passed by these flowers over the years. Photo credit: Dave Wagenknecht

Another decorative feature was hidden behind a wall hanging and has a “folksy” feel much like the stairway railing. June Lloyd, author of the “Universal York blog, tells us the designs don’t have a Pennsylvania Dutch connection. June and Terry Downes also feel they were possibly from the Watt & Brothers Company, a York business specializing in painting and wallpapering.

Out of everything that was discussed during the tour, this ornate chandelier was one of the most fascinating. Once powered by gas, it is now lit by electric and features horses, men riding creatures that I can only describe as sea dragons, and even the face of William Shakespeare. Click the above photograph to see a larger, more detailed image of the faces. Photo credit: Dave Wagenknecht

The groups learned about these unique chairs which were used by those leading meetings held at the fire house.  Greg told us how one of the finials were missing from a chair and later replaced, which lead to the photograph below being shared on the PY Facebook group.

In this image, courtesy of Daphne Shaffer-Fuller, you can see the chair with the missing finial. The globes on the chandelier are also visible in this photo. Four globes need to be replaced but when quotes were given for their unusual size, one company was asking $10,000 just to make the mold!

The alarm system in the fire house is an interesting piece of early technology. It’s still in operation as we learned at the end of the second tour. As we were wrapping things up the bells started ringing in code, which tell the firefighters which fire alarm box was pulled. The box number was also stamped on a ticker tape using a series of shapes, which I believe were triangles at this fire house. Box 214 would be indicated by two triangles, one triangle, and four triangles.

A listing of fire boxes and their locations are present in the facility, a small portion shown above.

Imagine being a firefighter and not having a ladder able to extend to the needed height. This is where a pompier ladder comes in handy. Greg showed us one found in the firehouse and described how it was used. The firefighter would hook it onto a windowsill, climb up and sit on that sill. He would then hook it to one on an upper floor and start the process again.

Bravery at its finest.

On behalf of Preserving York and those who participated in the tours (shown above), I’d like to personally thank Greg Halpin for the time he spent showing us around the Rex/Laurel Fire House. If you ever have the opportunity to tour it yourself, I would highly recommend it.

NOTES:

1. Want to participate in future invite-only tours? If so, please join the Preserving York group on Facebook. 
2. We want to tour more historic location in York County so tell us your suggestions.

The post Intricate Treasure: The Rex/Laurel Fire House Tour appeared first on Preserving York.

In my grandparents collection of family photographs was an obscure scrap of paper containing an unusual early writing. At first I thought it was a simple prayer but I soon realized it was actually part of the powwow culture.

There are two remedies on the tattered paper, written by the hand of an unknown author. One is a remedy for the common headache while the other was meant as a way to stop bleeding.

How many people over the years have recited these words?

Cure for headache…

Tame thou flesh and bone like
Christ in Paradise and who
will assist thee, this I tell thee
[name] for your repentance sake

According to the book “Pow-Wows, or Long Lost Friend“, written by John George Hoffman in 1820:

This you must say three times, each time lasting for three minutes, and your headache will soon cease. But if your headache is caused by strong drink, or otherwise will not leave you soon, then you must repeat those words every minute. This, however, is not often necessary in regard to headache.

Is it possible for a few words to offer relief from a headache?

Stop bleeding…

A portion of this remedy has been torn from the original paper, but Hoffman’s book helps us to fill in the missing portion as shown below:

Jesus christ dearest blood
that stoppeth the pain and stoppeth
the blood in this help you [first name]
god the father god the Son
god the Holy ghost amen

The book also tells us…

A certain Remedy to stop Bleeding, which cures, no matter how far a person be away, if only his first name is rightly pronounced while using it.

What intrigues me about this remedy is the numerous times religion is included in the wording. I’m curious if that was a common powwowing practice.

Powwowing: Are you a believer or a skeptic?

There are certainly people who believe in the practice of powwowing while others remain skeptical. There is mention of it in a number of local history books and many elder members of the community have their own knowledge of those who practiced it, whether firsthand or through family lore.

As I’m writing this I’m suffering from a “bug” that’s been affecting many others in the area, including two more members of my own household. What I wouldn’t do for a remedy to relieve a bad cold.

If your family has passed down stories of powwowing in York County, I’d love for you to share them in a comment below.

NOTES:

1. My grandparents had a friendly Black Lab with a unique Pennsylvania Dutch name, Schwatz, which translates to Black.

The post Skeptic or Believer – Powwow a part of York County appeared first on Preserving York.

I have never been to the Haines Shoe House, unless my parents took me as a child of course.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know some of my fellow countrymen (or would that be countymen?) haven’t visited either, so I’m in very good company.

During yesterday’s visit to Grey Beard’s Antiques and Collectibles in Jacobus, I found a large zip-lock bag on the bottom shelf in their 50% off area. It contained a slew of Haines, The Shoe Wizard and Shoe House memorabilia, and since I had none in my collection… well you know what happened next. The vintage pennant above was one piece that was included.

A little of this… A little of that…

We’ll start today’s show-and-tell session with a very common postcard showing “Haines – The Shoe Wizard – Shoe House“. This is an extremely common postcard that’s as plentiful as snowflakes in a blizzard. Each one that I’ve seen share the same characteristic: very grainy print quality.

  Next up is a Christmas card that hasn’t aged enough to be considered “old”, but is still worthy of mention. It was distributed by Cadle Creek Cards and appears to have been drawn and/or designed by Barbara Noel of Jacobus. I wonder if any other York County landmark properties have been drawn by her.

How many readers have ever used a shoehorn as an aid when trying to slip your shoes over your heel? I believe I have a few times, but the practice was common years ago. This was a practical and useful tool that offered by the “Shoe Wizard”.

Next we have a color postcard showing the unique house on a sunny, autumn day. Notice the trees in the background, all beginning to change colors as they prepare for the winter months. The back of the card states the house features an “old Pennsylvania Dutch ice cream smorgasbord“.

Let the games begin…

One of the most interesting items from the goody bag I purchased was a simple question and answer game featuring a small advertisement for the Haines shoe business. It contained Mahlon’s photo with a simple statement:

“Haines – The Shoe Wizard – Long Wear – Everywhere”

Simply called “Kwiz”, there were twenty question that players would answer to see who earned the highest score. Answers were hidden underneath “pull tabs”, which were never opened and are still fully intact.

As shown below, questions asked such things as “What was a “Big Bertha”?” and “In what country was golf developed?”. How many questions you you be able to answer correctly?

One side of the game can be opened slightly to reveal a simple “Thank You” message and advertisement. A 1937 copyright date is shown for Worthmore of Chicago, Illinois, which is the same year it was registered with the United States Copyright Office. It doesn’t appear the game lasted very long, and no other examples were found online in a brief search.

You’ll have to ignore the sad state of my daughter’s fingernail polish in the photo below, but taking this photo was impossible by myself.

Memories…

Even though I have no memories to share of the Haines Shoe House, I know many area residents have had great times there over the years. Why not share a few as a comment below?

A video of the Shoe House was filmed and featured on HGTV and can be viewed here.

NOTES:

1. The television show “Amazing Race” included the Shoe House in an episode  according to online sources.

The post A Confession and Memorabilia from the Haines Shoe House appeared first on Preserving York.