Sunday, September 20, 2020

On This Day In Local History - September

  

On This Day In Local History, July
JAN    FEB    MAR   APR    MAY    JUNE   JUL   AUG   SEP   OCT   NOV   DEC

In the early 1920's, the Miltonian newspaper ran a weekly page of Historical Notes, with history listed by day.  It's one of my favorite things to read, and many of the articles on this blog have come from those blurbs.  This is my version of those 1920's pages, in a month format rather than a daily one.  (They typically post daily on my facebook page, when I remember to schedule them to do so)


For an index of history posts by Subject & Town, go here:
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/p/history.html
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THIS MONTH IN LOCAL HISTORY
September
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1st
2nd
  • 1853 - Henry Frick Jr became the sole owner of the Miltonian.
  • A magnificent exhibition of the Great Works of Andrieu’s Double Panorama of the South and West was held at the concert hall in Danville. There was never an exhibition given in this place that appeared to give more satisfaction, according to newspaper accounts.
  • 1875 - Milton won a pigeon match from Sunbury marksmen by a score of 37-28.  Seven men on each side shooting seven birds.  David N. Hoy, Thomas Swenk Jr, Coleman K Sober, Grant Hoy, all of Milton, and Hemperly, of Sunbury, each killed six out of seven.
  • 1881 -  the Car Works in Milton caught on fire, again.  A fire that began there in May of 1880 destroyed the entire town, leaving thousands homeless.  This time the fire was contained to the Car Works. Flames were first seen through the roof above it's boiler room - within 80 feet of where the fire began that burnt down the town the year before.
    A small piece of the roof over the boiler works caught fire, but was quickly put out.  The entire sawmill however, and and a large amount of lumber.  The loss was estimated at around $7,000.  Insurance would cover about 2/3 of the loss.
  • 1884 - Frank Charles Laubach was born.  Laubach,  from Benton, Pennsylvania was a Congregational Christian missionary , and a mystic known as "The Apostle to the Illiterates." In 1915  while working among Muslims at a remote location in the Philippines, he developed the "Each One Teach One" literacy program. It has been used to teach about 60 million people to read in their own language. He was deeply concerned about poverty, injustice and illiteracy, and considered them barriers to peace in the world.
  • 1888 - Ira Milton Lewis wrote a letter from Danville State Hospital, about his stay there.https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/letter-from-lunatic-about-his-stay-at.html
  • 1907 - Susquehanna District Association Knights of the Golden Eagle reunion at Milton.
  • 1945: Formal surrender of Japan, aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially marked the end of WWII.

"Allow me to picture my Lewisburg . September 1863, after alighting at a farm shed in a bare field by the side of a road, near a hotel named Montandon, from a small passenger car with red plush seats for about 30 passengers, which ran up the east side of the river from Dauphin, 19 miles above Harrisburg.  There was only one track.  The canal then in use occupied most of the ground between the river and the rails.  After picking our our small trunks and eyeing each other, we packed into a coach drawn by two slow horses and drove to the mouth of a covered bridge, which was also used for the horses or mules. Paid our toll.  Thru the dust we emerged and a big woolen mill greeted us.  "  Read more about when the Lewisburg bridge was a covered bridge, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/05/when-lewisburg-river-bridge-was-covered.html
 3rd
  • 1834 - The West Branch Farmer and True Democrat, the third newspaper in Milton, was established here by Montgomery Sweeney.  It continued about 3 years.
  • 1871 - John Lunger, Milton, a Catawissa railroad brakeman, almost fatally injured at Catawissa when pinched between the cars
  • 1875 Mine superintendent John P. Jones, accused of blacklisting striking miners, and having received a "coffin notice" , was shot in the back while walking along a pipeline in Carbon County. See a time line of the Molly Maguire saga here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/a-time-line-of-molly-maguire-story.html
  • 1880 The first telephone line connecting Watsontown to Turbotville was completed. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/when-valley-first-got-telephone-lines.html
  • 1883 - Unknown man killed in fall through culvert of P.R.R. near center street
  • Airplane hangers were constructed, along with a runway, in 1930, with the official opening and dedication on September 3-5 1930.  The Hughesville Airport was considered an important refueling stop on a direct route between New York City and Cleveland, Ohio.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-lycoming-county-fair-at-hughesville.html
  • 1936: The first midnight show at the Capitol Theatre, Danville’s new show house, was held at 12:01 the night before. The show was the “King of Burlesque,” a musical comedy. It was the first time for that type of event in Danville.
  • 1922 - Concrete highway Milton-Muncy opened for travel
  • Knoebels Artist in Residence Matt Rusnack sculpted the fiberglass replica of the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima, for the 50th anniversary of V-J day. The sculpture took him a month and a half to complete and was dedicated in a ceremony on September 3rd 1995, with Rep. Merle Phillips as the speaker. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-art-of-matt-rusnak-knoebels-full.html
In September of 1975, the Northumberland Redevelopment Authority sold the property where the Haag Hotel stood to Northern Central Bank, and they built a squat, one story, brick bank on the lot there soon after, which still stands today as M&T Bank.  See more about the Hotel Haag here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-hotel-haag-milton-pa.html 

In September of 1889 the Williamsport Grit announced that gigantic skeletons and historic relics were discovered in Devil's Cave.  The gigantic announcement was later revealed to be nothing more than a gigantic hoax.  Read more about Devil's Cave - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/06/devils-cave-lycoming-county-pa.html

Sept 4:

Sept 5
  • 1780 - Two hundred and fifty to three hundred Tories and Indians began attack on Fort Montgomery  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-fort-at-bosleys-mills-bradys-fort.html
  • 1859 - Milton Classical Institute opened in the fine new school building on Academy Hill
  • 1870 - Levi Trutt drowned in river near Lewisburg when pole broke and he was thrown from boat 
  • 1878  -  The Danville News reported that A man playing a Scottish bagpipe was seen on the town streets in Danville one day last week, "which was quite a refreshing change from the usual hand organ."
  • 1884 - Edison Illuminating company of Milton applied for a charter 
  • 1918 - Gundy Romig fatally scalded when "Mt Vernon" was torpedoed during World's War.
The tradition of the cannon firing at Lycoming College home football games was started by a science fiction writer.  A folklorist and friend of Henry Shoemaker, Pipers first published Science Fiction story took place in Williamsport Pa. He went on to write stories that were sold to Walt Disney, and reportedly inspired George Lucas' Ewoks. During his lifetime, his work was met with mixed reviews. After his death, his work developed a cult following.

An antique weapons expert, with a large collection of his own, he was brought in by Lycoming College to help clean and identify the guns donated from the Grand Army Of the Republic Hall. In the collection was a cannon... and the rest is Lycoming College history. (Be sure to scroll down and read John Hunlingers account of the cannon being fired for the first time - it is hysterical)
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/11/time-time-again-science-fiction-in.html

George Barclay of Milton is widely attributed as the "inventor of the football helmet", in many books, articles, and websites covering the history of football.  Unfortunately,  the evidence is not completely on their side.  He was however, almost certainly one of the first to wear the gear that would eventually evolved into the helmet we see today.  

Sept 6 
  • 1780 - Fort Montgomery [Fort Rice] at Paradise, again attacked by Indians.  One killed, one wounded.  Read more about Fort Rice, the Revolutionary Fort that still stands near Turbotville Pa,  here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/fort-rice-near-turbotville-pa.html
  • 1832 - The first bridge across the Susquehanna at Milton, completed.  See more of the bridges of Milton here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-bridges-of-milton.html
  • 1869 - The Avondale Mine disaster.  111 workers, mostly welsh, were killed.  Later investigation showed it was caused by a design flaw in the mine shaft, but early on, the Molly Maguires were blamed.  Read more about the disaster at Wynning History: https://wynninghistory.com/2019/03/04/avondale/
  • 1875 - Prof. Kistler opened a classical school at Milton.
  • 1877 - 175 carriages at funeral of David Moore of Pottsgrove, who accidentally killed himself while cleaning a revolver, aged 26 years.
  • 1907 - Annual reunion of famous Ricketts Battery held in Milton. The late James F. Kennedy was the leading spirit.
  • 1907 - Irvin Trate, aged 32,  of New Columbia, died at his home of an accident at the AC&F plant.  
The Daily Item reported in September of 1950 that 30 inmates at the Laurelton Center were engaged in picking tomatoes for Hilands Cannery.  The girls averaged 10,000 to 12,000 baskets daily.  "Working under a basket fee basis, the inmates are able to earn funds which go into their personal accounts."  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/tomato-harvesting.html

7th
8th
  • 1869 - Murray, Dougal, and Company made proposition to borough to built a reservoir on top of Red Hill, where one is now located if Council would promise to pipe the town so that all could enjoy the advantages of water
  • 1872 - Turbot township erected the brick school house, long known as the Shakespeare school house
  • 1919, two new No 6-B motion picture projecting machines were installed in the Victoria Theater. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-sunbury-had-movie-theater-rialto.html
Between 1875 & 1926, The Dewart Fair was held in September.  Read more about when Dewart had a fair, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/when-dewart-had-fair.html

In September of 1931, the trolley tracks near the Milton Fairgrounds were removed.  Read more about when a trolley ran from Lewisburg to Watsontown, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/when-milton-had-trolley.html

9th
  • 1745 - David Brainard, the noted missionary, preached to the Indians in this vicinity.
  • 1854 The First train from Elmira on the new extension of the Williamsport RR Company from Ralston to Elmira, arrived.  The line was renamed the Elmira and Williamsport Railroad.'
  • 1872 - The famous Housel's band of Watsontown was organized with Dr. Joseph R. Housel as musical director.  This band until very recently [1924] was one of the best in the state and for the 50 years of it's existence had but once  leader. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/11/housels-band-watsontown.html
  • 1953: Oliver Andes, an 11-year-old singer-actor of Danville, signed a contract with Ezio Pinza, a noted opera, musical comedy and motion picture star. He made his debut with Pinza on a new TV show “1 Bonino” Show on NBC. Andes, not a stranger to TV, made many appearances on popular shows. He also performed in different roles on the stages of the New York City theaters.
  • 1977 - The First Tomato Harvest Festival In Milton was held. 
    See more here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/miltons-first-tomato-harvest-festival.html

10th
  • 1826 - The first service of baptism by immersion in the river at Milton.  Many persons present to witness the religious ceremony.
  • 1866 Samuel B. McHenry was born in Benton Pa.  McHenry owned the Brush and Broom Factory on Millville Rd, and he was the inventor of the majority of the machines used in his factory.  McHenry held more than 30 patents at the time of his death.  In 1910, he became infatuated with "The Belle Of America", even though he had never actually met her.  For two years he sent her letters.  On November 14th he went to the Elkins home to propose, and when he refused to leave, he was arrested, and after a months observations, he was committed National Government Hospital for the insane for a short time. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2016/02/samuel-b-mchenry-inventor.html
  • 1877 - Prof. Joseph Rhoads opened a select school in Milton
  • 1877 - William Cameron, a veteran of the War of 1812 died at Lewisburg aged 81 years, ten months, brother of US Senator Simon Cameron.
  • 1910 - Local papers reported that the Lycoming DAR had erected a memorial to Capt. Simon Cool, who was killed by Indians along Lycoming Creek.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/05/capt-simon-cool-grave-on-rail-trail.html
  • 1913 -  the Shimer Hose Company replaced their hand cart with "the first motor driven truck to make it's appearance in Milton" Read more history of the Milton Fire Companies here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/an-incomplete-history-of-fire-companies.html
  • 1914 - Woman's Suffrage organization formed at Sunbury.  Miss Mary T. Stecker county chairman.
11th
  • 1777 - Captain John Brady the famous Indian fighter, wounded in the Battle of Brandywine. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-john-brady-monument-in-montandon-pa.html
  • 1791,  officer Robert Johnson was riding through western Pennsylvania in an attempt to collect the new whiskey tax,  when he was surrounded by 11 men dressed as women. The mob stripped him naked and then tarred and feathered him before stealing his horse and abandoning him in the forest.  Read more about the Whiskey Rebellion here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/when-6-local-men-were-pardoned-by.html
  • 1810 - James Pollock was born in Milton Pa.  He would later become Governor, and is credited with adding the phrase "In God We Trust" to our currency.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/james-pollock-milton-pa.html
  • 1909 - Mr James C. Packer of Sunbury presented the Lewisburg Fire Department with Hook and Ladder truck.
  • On September 11 1915, professional decorator  E.J. Hendrickson,  arrived in Danville with a train car load of materials, including columns, lamps, and buntings.  The decorations extended from the river bridge to bloom street, and were reported to be "exceedingly elaborate, unlike anything that has ever been attempted in this city before.  Unfortunately, the entire event, meant to celebrate the opening of Geisinger,  was cancelled, due to a typhoid outbreak. The hospital, slated to open later that month, was put into service early.  Read more about when a typhoid outbreak cancelled the parades and fireworks in Danville: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/03/when-typhoid-outbreak-cancelled-parades.html
  • 1917 - Troop M., 1st Penna Calvary of Lewisburg, left for Camp Hancock.
  • 1918 - Arthur Fetzer, 109th Field Art, cited for bravery on Argonne front
  •  2002 - Mike Mahalko,  was a former professional wrestler for the World Wide Wrestling Foundation, known as "Iron Mike Mahalko, the Executioner".  He said that when he retired, he wanted to build a castle in which to live happily ever after. on September 11 2002, they moved into the castle and christened it Dane Castle, after their love of Great Danes. The date was no coincidence.  "So many people lost their lives and dreams, we wanted to honor them with our dream coming true." The castle is located less than an hour north of the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville Pa. See more about Dane Castle, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/08/dane-castle-strongstown-pa.html
9/11 Memorials

12th

13th
  • 1785 - Northumberland County was divided into four election districts.
  • "Let's start near the beginning. John McHenry, known as "Hunter John," was born September 13, 1785, and is frequently referred to as being the "first white child born north of Knob Mountain in Fishing Creek Valley." He was number five of nine children of Daniel and Mary (Stephens) McHenry. Hunter John claimed he shot a total of approximately four thousand deer starting when he was 13 years old. He kept track by means of notches in hickory sticks. A stick with five hundred notches was given a place of distinction on a rack above his fireplace. There are tales of deer horns piled higher than the eves behind Hunter John's house. In 1812, John McHenry started the McHenry Distillery, which remained in operation for over a hundred years and in many respects was the mainstay of the local economy for much of that time. " https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/07/benton-columbia-county-pennsyvlania.html
  • 1850 - Franklin Institute organized at Milton
  • 1851 - Milton Lodge No 256 F & A.M. constituted, Amos Witter warrant master
  • 1878 - The Marsh Foundry  was destroyed by fire. It was not rebuilt. Read more about the old Iron Furnace in Winfield, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/union-furnace-old-iron-furnace-at.html
  • 1884 - Skating rink  Upper Market and Arch streets opened.
  •  1900 -  George Sanderson erected monument (one of the former capital columns) in memory of Wii-Daagh. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-widaagh-monument-in-antes-fort.html
  • 1910 - First meeting of the present Milton Great Fair opened.  Milton's first fair was held in 1830, it was the first fair in the county.  In the 1880s the fair was held by the "Milton Driving Park and Fair Association", and in 1910 it reorganized into the "Great Milton Fair" Association.  Read more about the history of the Milton Fair, which ended in 1925, after being burnt down by George Shimer in a fit of spite, here:  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-milton-had-fair.html
  • 1919 - Mark Lewisson," one of the towns most promising young men" was killed at Broadway crossing by P.R.R. engine.  Aged 23 years.
  • 1932 - The American Nurse attempted a Trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Rome.  On board was a 28 year old dancer and night club host from Williamsport Pa, a ground hog, a retired gynecologist, and a barn stormer pilot.  The purpose of the flight was to monitor carbon monoxide levels in the cabin during flights https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/06/when-28-year-old-dancer-from.html
14th
In September of 1913, J.M. Wolfe of Montgomery purchased the Muncy Opera House From Willard C. Mozley.  The building is frequently referred to as the Mozley Opera House. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-muncy-opera-house.html

15th
  • On September 15 1831, The original "John Bull" - a British built railroad locomotive was operated for the first time, in New Jersey. It became the oldest operable steam locomotive in the world when the Smithsonian Institution operated it in 1981, outside of Washington D.C. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-old-john-bull-and-its-replica-at.html
  • 1869 - Dr Lichtenhaler, of Lock Haven, formerly of Milton, acquitted of voluntary manslaughter.  Two women having been killed in a runaway accident when he was driving at the time.
  • 1874 - By the explosion of gas in a tank car at the local car works [Milton] C. Shoemaker aged 15 was killed.  Levi Everitt, Ambrose Green, and William McIntyre were seriously injured
  • On September 15th 1893, the Miltonian reported: "Hotel Shikellamy closed its doors after a very successful season on Thursday of this week.  The encampment of the 12th Regt. on the hill made known it's beauties and comforts to many hitherto strangers." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-hotel-shikallamy-1891-1898.html
  • 1910 - G. Dal Fox appointed District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, B.P.O Elks for Northeastern Pennsylvania
  • 1921 - the Selinsgrove Times reported that "youthful Gordon Klinger" caught two large bass at Sampsell's mill.  One was 13.5 inches long, and the other 12.5 inches long. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2018/03/sampsells-mill-now-penns-creek-pottery.html
In September of 1925, plans were made to improve the pike.  An oil bound macadam was expected to be used, "six or eight inches of crushed stone being covered with a tarvia dressing."  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-montgomery-pike-look-out.html

In September of 1907, Foreman C.M. Fessler of the Norther Central Roundhouse at Sunbury  secured a patent on an automatic retaining valve for air brakes that would hold the full pressure on the wheels until the auxiliary was discharged.
16th

17th

18th

19th
  • 1769 Joseph Wallis, brother of Samuel Wallis (who was decades later revealed to be  a traitor and spy, having worked with Benedict Arnold) shot William Beaver, mistaking him for a bear, while on a hunt near what today is Muncy farms.  Read more here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-samuel-wallis-assisted-benedict.html
  • 1789 - Mifflin County erected out of part of Northumberland County 
  • 1856 - A grand sacred panorama of the Pilgrim’s Progress painting by eminent artists on 10,000 feet of canvas, figures of life size, was exhibited at the concert hall in Danville
  • 1860- Dr Green, superintendent of the Williamsport Division, Sunbury Erie R.R., severely injured in attempting to alight from a train at Broadway.
  • 1866 - The 13th Annual Northumberland County Fair was held in Milton 
  • 1878 - The agricultural Implement Works of James S. Marsh at Lewisburg destroyed by fire.  $100,000 loss.
  • 1878,   Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth was exhibited in Danville. P. T. Barnum, with 40 of his first-class artists, stayed at the Montour House. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/07/montour-house-danville-pa.html
  • 1917 - the first drafted men, 50 in total,  left Milton for the National Army. 
  • 1950 the Chere Restaurant was listed for sale in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. "Includes soda fountain and first class business necessary to operate a successful business.  This sale does not include the building." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-chere-muncy-pa.html
  • 1960: American rock artist Chubby Checker’s "The Twist" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was responsible for a dance craze that would sweep the Western word in the early 1960s.
  • 2004 - Milton Flooded
20th
  • 1801 - Col. Frederic Antes of Northumberland County President Judge and for many years treasurer of the county, died at Lancaster.
  • 1867 - Hon. Franklin Bound became editor of the Miltonian.  Bound avenue was later named for him.
  • 1869 John Irvine shot Jacob Miller
  • 1870 - Dan Rice's circus was in Milton (the circus was in Milton on Sep 27th in 1849)
  • 1870 - At a meeting held in Milton it was decided to extend the Catawissa Railroad to Williamsport on the west bank of the river via Muncy
  • 1883 - First Locomotive on the P and R annex track went through Milton as far as Center Street.
  • 1895: Danville's "Home Wheelmen" bicyclists made quite an exhibition at their first formal parade. The announcement of it brought to Mill Street a vast number of spectators who collected to enjoy the sight. The procession was led by Stoes Band in a wagon followed by the wheelmen in various costumes on their "silent steeds."
  • 1915 - The Women's Liberty Bell went from Lewisburg to Vicksburg, on to Mifflinburg, and from there to New Berlin.  Speeches were given in each town. Prior to the bells arrival in Union County, the Lyric Theatre had hosted an evening of films, music and speeches on women's suffrage. Dr. Wolfe gave an eloquent and well received speech, as did Dr. Raignel of California (son-in-law of Mrs. George S. Matlack of Lewisburg). Raignel told how in states where women had the right to vote, there was a positive impact on education, the economy and community welfare.  Read more about when the Women's Liberty Bell toured the valley, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/when-womens-suffrage-bell-toured-valley.html
  • 1974 - L. R. Letterman's Bakery, Inc. was incorporated.  The Letterman Bakeries operated out of Bloomsburg, Williamsport, Danville and Catawissa.  One of the founding partners was Alfred Letterman.  The bakery closed in 1982, but the sign can still be seen on the building in Catawissa. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/main-street-catawissa-block-by-block.html
21:

22nd
  • "Well, then, at high noon, on Wednesday last (September 22, 1852) a one horse buggy was seen dashing through the main street of our town, with a brace of passengers inside. One of the passengers was at once recognized as one of our most popular (John F. Cowan), estimable and enterprising citizens.

     The other was - Ole Bull.  There could be no mistake about the matter. There was the white hat -- the call, commanding form - the muscular limbs -- the flowing locks -- the keen, impassioned eye the countenance all truth, all love, all sympathy, all brotherly kindness. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/11/ole-bull-famous-violinist-with-castle.html
  • 1868 - Great Grand and Colfax meeting at Lewisburg.  Hon. S.M. Hewlett of New Jersey, and Hon. B. Packer of Sunbury, spoke.
  • 1870 - Dan Rice's circus in Milton
  • 1875 - Planing Mill of Wagner, Star and Co burned at Watsontown, loss $30,000
  • 1879  -  William "The Second Son Of Col Eli Slifer" was killed while quarrying stone on his farm in kelly twp. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/col-eli-slifer-1818-1888.html
  • 1883  - On September 22, Thomas Edison lead a crowd through Shamokin to see the light first turned on in Kitty McConnells kitchen, then on to Abe Strouse's store on the corner of Rock and Sunbury Streets to turn the light on there, before walking on to Shamokin Street, to turn on the lights in the first church in the world to have electricity, Saint Edwards Catholic Church.  Read more about when Edison brought electric 3 wire lights to the valley: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/when-edison-came-to-our-valley-shamokin.html
  • 1892: John Philip Sousa held a one-night performance with his new Marine Band at the Opera House at Danville,  on his travel to the World’s Fair. There were about 50 artists, including Millie Marcella Lendh, soprano, and Sy Antonio Golassi, baritone.
  • 1903 - 83rd anniversary of Northumberland Baptist association at Milton.
  • 1927 - All the stores in Lewisburg were to close at 11 o'clock, "on account of the Union County Fair."  One of the main features was Arlins Seal and Diving act, "which has won much applause at the Pottsville & Reading Fairs"    In 1928 you could purchase 3 50 cent admission tickets for $1, up until September 10th.  Each ticket included a chance to win a new automobile. Read more about when the Union County Fair was held in Lewisburg, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-union-county-fair-was-held-in.html
  • 1928 The John Brady monument in Montandon was dedicated in a former ceremony that included an invocation to the Great Spirit, made by Chief War Eagle, a Delaware Indian Chief, in the language of the Delawares.  "The chief was arrayed in the costume of his office"  Read more about the monument here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-john-brady-monument-in-montandon-pa.html
  • The Nu-Wave Drive In Theater in Hummels Wharf Pa first opened September 22, 1948, showing The Hurricane. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-nu-way-drive-in-theatre-in-hummels.html
23rd
  • 1775 - Armed force arrived at Warrior Run from Wyoming in interest of the Connecticut Settlers.
  • 1843 - S.A. Burkenbine and William B. Shriner of Lewisburg commenced publication of the Lewisburg Chronicle.
  • 1854 - Last rails laid into Milton on the Williamsport, Catawissa and Erie Railroad.
  • 1868 - The Northumberland County Agricultural Society opened three days fair at Turbotville.
  • 1870  - Robbery at First National Bank at Northumberland
  • 1898 - "Fatmen and Leanmen assembled following their charity (town band) baseball game on the Susq Univ diamond (pre-Warner). The "Fats" captained by Charles Erdley bested the Kid Kessler led "Leans" by a score of 28 to 13" https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/09/fatmen-vs-leanmen-charity-baseball-game.html
  • On September 21 1910,  on the Danville Opera House, the "large and fine appearing electric sign which was hung during the past few days was illuminated" for the first time. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-victoria-theater-danville.html
  • 1917 - J. Miles Derr, wife, and daughter Martha and Miss Jennie Leiser of Turbot Township instantly killed in a grade crossing accident on P.R.R. above fairgrounds.
In September of 1876 - The Body Of A Hessian Soldier was found, still in uniform, in the basement of a Lycoming County Home https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-hessian-soldier-at-lochabar.html

24th
25th
  •  1775 - Connecticut farmers taken prisoner at Warrior Run, three confined at Fort Augusta  This ended the Connecticut Raid.
  • 1736 - Col. William Chamberlin, distinguished officer in the Revolution and father of the late Moses Chamberlin, born in New Jersey.  he settled in the Buffalo Valley in 1792.
  • 1865 - The Herdic House Hotel opened.  That same day, Herdic's new horse drawn streetcar line opened in the city.  The Hotel was intended to be the location for social gatherings for Williamsport's elite, as well as a destination for those traveling through.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/herdics-hotel-at-park-place.html
  • 1867 - Terrible storm did much damage between Milton and Danville.  Especially severe in Mooresburg.
  • 1878 - Pleasant Valley Fair opened at Milton
  • The Philadelphia inquirer printed Songs Of The Susquehanna by Herbert Stover on 9 pages in their September 25 1949 edition, as part of their Gold Seal Novels.  A former professor at Bucknell University, Stover published several Historical Fiction Novels.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/02/song-of-susquehanna-by-herbert-stover.html 
1869- Christopher Sholes, born in Mooresburg, completed his typewriter design.  Sholes wrote to Densmore to declare his new design met all of their essentials for success, stating "I am satisfied that the machine is now done."https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-inventor-of-typewriter-was-born.html

26: 
  • 1778 - Col. Hartley's expedition against the Six Nations meets and defeats them in battle.
  • 1870 Robert Wilson, Patentee of the Famous Wilson Fly Net and other leather articles and punching machines, died aged 70 years.
  • 1874 - In the first inter-city shooting match Milton beat Williamsport.  52 to 43.  Milton Team and Scores - Frank Hoy 9, Dave Hoy 9, Coleman Sober 8, Dr H.G. Stickler 7, Charles Stickler 7, Thomas Swenk Jr 7, Isaac Stickler 6, Mr Welshans of Williamsport killed ten straight. The match was shot at Williamsport.
  • 1877 - Joe A Logan edited the first number of the Tradesman's Journal
  • 1885 - John P Hackenburg and Walter Voris enter in wholesale and retail china and Queensware business, as Hakenberg and Voris.
  • 1913 - Jenkins Field Day first celebrated.  1300 school children participated.
  • 1913 -  Thomas Tomasheffski was trapped in a mine at Centralia for 8 days and nights. Not only did he survive,  but it was the second time he had been trapped in a mine. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/09/trapped-in-mine-for-second-time-in.html
  • 1903 - Watsontown's W.C.T.U. fountain was dedicated - Read more here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-wctu-drinking-fountain-in-watsontown.html
  • On September 26th 1913, Thomas Tomasheffski was trapped in a mine at Centralia for 8 days and nights. Not only did he survive,  but it was the second time he had been trapped in a mine. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/09/trapped-in-mine-for-second-time-in.html
  • 1918:  an exploding shell killed ten members of the 103rd Trench Mortar Battery in Argonne.  Among those killed were Private Leon C. Pierce of Milton, Sgt Edward I. Shannon &  Privates Robert D. Rimert, Bright Kratzer & Ralph J. Dull, all of Lewisburg. Read more here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/05/dull-kratzer-pierce-rimert-shannon-5.html


27th
  • 1816 - The Advocate of the Union of Lewisburg ceased publication
  • 1849 - Dan Rice's circus in Milton
  • 1863 - The Billmeyer saw mill owned by Nagle and Eshbach destroyed by fire
  • 1870 - A Coal Lamp Exploded, Killing Mrs Savidge of Turbotville.  In 1870, Mr William Savidge of Turbotville was having a very bad year.  His valuable horse had been stolen, then later his store had been robbed.  An attempt was made to blow up his safe, and separately, his stable had been burnt to the ground. Then, on September 27th 1870,  a coal oil lamp exploded in his home, burning him and his two children, and killing his wife.  Read more here:  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-extremely-unfortunate-years-of-mr.html
  • "Cider Bailed Into Apple Butter", On the Bloomsburg & Sullivan R.R. From the Wilkes Barre Sunday Leader September 27th 1903https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/05/cider-bailed-into-apple-butter-on.html
  • 1915 - Wm. Tyson electrocuted by high tension current
  • 1918 - Charles H. Kerstetter, John Buoy, and Lieut Joe Logan all prominent Miltonians, wounded in France.
  • 1919 - Street Carnival for the American Legion in Milton clears $4000
  •  1923 - Artist John Wesley Little died in Picture Rocks, Pa  He paid for his children's tuition to Bucknell University in paintings, many of which are still owned by Bucknell today. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/john-wesley-little-artist-from-picture.html
  • 1932: For the first time in the history of Danville High School, a plane was used to advertise one of its activities, when Joe Morrall circled over Danville and strewed announcements of the opening football contest under the flood lights at the Rotary Field. The first night game was played against Lewisburg High School.
  • 1965 - The Lewisburg Auction caught on fire.  One hundred and twenty fire firemen, with eleven trucks, came from three neighboring communities, but the 70 by 250 foot wooden building was consumed by fire, and could not be saved. Flames shot 50 feet in the air, and the fire burned so high and hot that buildings 200 feet away needed to be wet down.  The fire was reportedly the worst since the Bucknell Library roof burned in 1960. The Leitzels chose to rebuild after the fire  The new building was built out of concrete blocks, and measured 300 feet long and 50 feet wide.  The Auction reopened in March of 1966. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/when-lewisburg-farmers-market-was.html

28th
  • 1742 - Moravians first visited Shamokin (Now the town of Sunbury)
  • 1775 - Col. Plunkett with Provincial troops attack Yankee settlers at Vincents above Milton.  One killed, eight wounded, buildings burned and Yankees taken prisoners.
  • 1776 - 12th Regiment Continental Line recruited at Northumberland County
  • 1857 - Famous Haas Tavern in Limestone Twp, Montour County, Burned to the ground.
  • 1874 -  The first Pleasant Valley Fair was held in Milton on the grounds of the late Michael Farley.  Read more about when Milton had a fair - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-milton-had-fair.html
By the end of September [1939], the Germans had subjugated the Poles, and Berwick ACF workers found out that they were going to be building tanks for the U.S. Army." - Heritage Magazine

In September of 1925 the new street lights at Danville were "experiencing difficulties".  It was found that the pot heads, which were cup shaped, were holding water in the standards.  The water was causing the lights to cease functionating.  The report said that Bloomsburg, Milton, and Sunbury had similar pot heads in their boulevard light standards, without having the same issues.  But those towns did not have as high of a voltage in their lights.   https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/danvilles-street-lights-financed-by.html

29th
30th
  • 1794 - The Whiskey Rebellion. "Big riot in Northumberland" https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/when-6-local-men-were-pardoned-by.html
  • 1866 - Store of A.T. Bisel and Co at Pottsgrove destroyed by incendiary fire.
  • 1868 - Murran, Dougal and Company raised 40 foot flag pole for Grant and Colfax.
  • 1874 - Representatives of eight of the companies of the 131st Regiment met at Sunbury and organized reunion association.
  • 1881 - Bryson Post 225 G.A.R mustered at Watsontown
  • 1918 - Capt. F.D. Wolfe, died from wounds received September 7th.  Jacob Brown gassed and J. Sidney Balliet, 314th, wounded in France.
  • 1925 - George Shimer Jr Burns down the Milton Fairgrounds, ending the Milton Fair. Read more about when Milton had a fair - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-milton-had-fair.html
General September History:

A peak on Nittany Mountain was named "Catharine's Crown", in honor of the Widow Catherine Smith of White Deer.  Read more about Widow Smith here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-widow-catherine-smith.html

An advertisement in September 1943 offered work to 30 girls or women, to peel tomatoes.  Daily, free, bus service would be provided from Laurel Park, Glen Iron, Laurelton, Hartelton, Millmont, and Mifflinburg.  Read more about the cannery track supports in Lewisburg here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-cannery-train-track-supports-in.html


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In January of 1923, the Miltonian ran several pages recapping the news of the prior year.

This is what they had to say about September 1922:




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READ MORE - Assorted Fall History
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Each year Muncy and Montgomery High School football players play to win... an old shoe. Read the history behind the Old Shoe trophy here:
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-muncy-montgomery-shoe-high-school.html







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