Valley Girl Views: On This Day In Local History

On This Day In Local History, October
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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 a Time Line By Year, go here:
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-time-line-of-history-in-central.html

For an index of history posts by Subject & Town, go here:
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/p/history.html

Witches, Ghosts, Skeletons & Grave Robbers

The Spooky Side Of The Susquehanna Valley

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-spooky-side-of-susquehanna-valley.html

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THIS MONTH IN LOCAL HISTORY
October
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1st

1788 - The first United States Senators were elected. One of the two from Pennsylvania was William Maclay of Northumberland County
1795 - Work commenced on the first court house in Sunbury
1866 - James Pollock resigned as director of the mint https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/james-pollock-milton-pa.html
1875 - "Clarence Billmeyer of Mexico [Milton area] nearly killed in a hunting accident when he was shot in the brain
1895 - A paper titled Fort Horn by Capt. John M. Buckalew was read before the Wyoming Historical and Genealogical Society. Fort Horn was built in 1777, and was named for Samuel Horn, a German Pioneer whose cabin was located on the site of the stockade. The remains of Horn's fort could be seen until 1856/58, when "by the building of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, the last vestiges of it were destroyed." The fort was located "about midway between Pine and McElhattan Stations on the P. & E. R. R., west of Fort Antes" Read the paper here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/03/fort-horn-by-capt-john-m-buckalew.html
James Sebring, of Williamsport, hit the first homerun in World Series History, on October 1st 1903.
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-millionaires-were-outlaws-in.html
1907- The first piece of silk was woven at the Souter Silk Mill in Milton. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-silk-mill-to-shoe-factory-history.html
1911 - Heavy rains flood outlying streets in Selinsgrove, damages repairs on Market Street.
1913 - A sweet pumpkin raised by Harry Hause, 30 Bound avenue in Milton, was displayed in Clarence Summers Window in Milton. The Pumpkin was 37 inches long, 45 inches around, and weighed 94 pounds. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/09/giant-pumpkins-as-mentioned-in-local.html
1918 - Susquehanna University, in common with over 400 other colleges of the United States, is turned over to the War Department. The induction ceremonies on the local campus is witnessed by a large assemblage.

2nd

1830 - Pennsylvania Canal completed from Northumberland to Muncy https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-susquehanna-valley-had-canal-west.html
Charles Roland of Lewisburg found murdered at Harrisburg - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-possible-murder-of-charles-roland.html
On the second day of October, 1852, in Philadelphia, Ole Bull swore allegiance to the United States and abandoned all fealty to the King of Norway and Sweden. That this ceremony might be a sacred and imposing as possible he requested that it be held in Independence Hall, where, in true characteristic manner, he placed his hand over his heart and proclaimed that he desired to be deemed worthy of so great a privilege; that he had never sworn allegiance to the King of Norway and Sweden, nor to any other potentate, nor had he bowed his knee to any but his God. He declared that already a thousand Norwegians had settled in northern Pennsylvania and that he should induce "hundreds of thousands more to taste the blessings of liberty in that same locality." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/11/ole-bull-famous-violinist-with-castle.html
1877 Rosanna Hartman, an eccentric match peddler, was found dead in Rangler's Orchard. She had $149 in coins around her waist. Age 70. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/eccentric-match-peddlar-found-dead-in.html
1878 - Professor S.C. Hartranft, and a party composed mostly of "young fellows from Northumberland County". began their journey home from the Collins Expedition to build a railroad in Brazil. They left San Antonio "and for nineteen days rowed down the Madeira and the Amazon rivers, a distance of 691 miles, to Serpa, a small town of about 700 inhabitants and a custom house. During that time the provisions had given out and there was discord as to the party's future course. The men's nerves were unstrung by hard exertion and their weak condition at the time of starting." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-collins-expedition-when-local-men.html
1902 - Alem Bly single handedly fought off a gang of bandits during an attempted robbery at the trolley station in Montoursville. The bandits had been responsible for a series of robberies across Pennsylvania.
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-local-man-singlehandedly-fought.html
The highlight of Veil's professional baseball career occurred on October 2nd, when in relief of Pirate ace Sam Leever, he held Boston to one run over the eight innings he pitched. The Pirates, crippled by injuries to star position players Wagner and Clarke, and starting pitchers Leever and Ed Doheny, lost the series to Boston, 5 games to 3. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/08/bucky-veil-first-to-hurl-in-relief-in.html
1913 - Governor John K. Tener visited the Great Milton Fair - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-milton-had-fair.html

3rd

1858 - Robert Wilson won first prize for best flynet at the State Fair in Pittsburgh on a net he had but recently patented. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/06/wilson-fly-net-factory-milton-pa.html
1860 - Montour County opened a fair at Washingtonville
1888 - The Milton Knitting Company was incorporated. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/09/west-branch-hosiery-milton-pa.html
1904 - Watsontown Door and Sash Company's plant burned, set on fire by a spark from a passing engine on the Pennsylvania Railroad https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-watsontown-door-sash-company.html
1913 - First brick on front street in Milton laid by W.P. Hastings - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/south-front-street-milton-pa-through.html
1915 - "Selinsgrovers, over a hundred strong, auto to Hershey, the Chocolate Town, for the day."
1919 - Mary E. Smith wills money for Milton Hospital. In 1920, the former silk mill (shoe factory building) was being considered for the site of a hospital in Milton. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-silk-mill-to-shoe-factory-history.html
2016 - A memorial plaque was placed at the wreckage of Allegheny Flight 371, which wrecked in 1959, in Williamsport. There's no trail, and it is not an easy hike by any means, but it's a nicely done memorial, if you are up to a challenging hike down the side of the mountain. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-flight-371-crash-site.html

4th

1869 - William McDowell of Lewisburg was killed in a fall from a tree
1902, there was a "frightful collision" in Milton. A Passenger train ran into a freight train. Two were left dead, one was severely injured. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-no-9-collided-with-no-99-1902.html
1910 - The Danville News reported on the hundreds of squirrels at Billmeyers Elk Park in Washingtonville https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/when-elk-lived-in-washingtonville.html
1917 - The government removed four prisoners from Sunbury to Scranton for trial by the US Court, charged with furnishing whiskey to soldiers on duty on the Selinsgrove Bridge several months ago.
1918 -Local [Selinsgrove] Red Cross busy making influenza masks and pneumonia aprons for local town and university sufferers. State Board of Health issues orders closing all churches, saloons, theatres. Movies, and meetings on account of influenza epidemic sweeping the country.
1919 - Milton Elks purchased the Chamberlin property - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-elks-home-milton-pa.html

5th

5th - Great flood in river. Much Suffering. [The Great Pumpkin Flood] https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/when-mighty-susquehanna-flooded-our.html
1855, the Lewisburg Chronicle and West Branch Farmer [a Milton Newspaper] published a map of a proposed new county - Freeland County. The proposal included all of upper Northumberland County, including Milton and Watsontown. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-freeland-county-proposal-of-1850.html
1903 The Susquehanna, Bloomsburg & Berwick Railroad connecting Watsontown With Berwick, formerly opened to public travel https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/watsontown-train-station.html
1907 - New Trolley Bridge Opens between Sunbury and Shamokin Dam, With Toll House In Sunbury. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-trolley-bridge-between-sunbury.html
1909 Dewart suffered the worst fire in the history of the town. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-1909-fire-in-dewart-pa.html
1914, the first brick was taken from the kiln at the Milton Brick Plant https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-milton-brick-company-1914-1940.html
1922 - Seven “Noted Speedkings”, Famous Auto Racers, were slated to race on the track in Milton - R. Burr Lampkin, french peugot; Ray Claypool, speedway haynes; Floyd William, Monroe Special ; E. King, Brisco 90; Cleo Sarles, Mooney Special; F.R. McDonald, Special Essex

6th

1781 - Christian Hetrick killed by Indian's at Derrs Mills
1848 - Messrs Montgomery and Mausteller established a new carriage manufacturing plant in Milton
1854 - Catawissa Railroad completed in Milton. Great celebration. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-railroad-at-catawissa.html
1912, John Jay McDevitt, Millionaire For A Day, announced his plans for a statue, of himself. Once it was completed, he proceeded to very dramatically, with much fanfare, present his statue to cities, including Milton PA. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/wilkes-barres-millionaire-for-day.html
1921 - John Trate caught a 7.5 lb eel below Watsontown https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/07/eel-in-susquehanna-river.html

7th

1867 - Milton Tannery destroyed by fire
1869- Francis Irwin shot Robert Montgomery at the Turbotville fair.
"David Childs and Francis M. Irwin, two roughs from Montour County, created a great disturbance at the Turbotville Fair. In an attempt to arrest them, Irwin shot Robert Montgomery." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-fair-was-held-in-turbotville.html
New And True,
Rhymes and Rythms,
and Histories Droll
For Boys and Girls
from Pole to Pole
was published by Mary Wiley Staver of Jersey Shore, in October of 1891 https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/10/mary-wiley-straver-jersey-shore.html
1912 - The new battery operated trolley car made it's first trip to Mifflinburg https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-edison-battery-car-that-ran-from.html

8th

1736 - Col. John Henry Antes, noted frontiersman and long resident of this county, born in Montgomery county. Died at Antes Fort May 13 1820.
1847 - The Miltonian ran a copy of a letter written by Dr Edward D. Hammond, a surgeon in the Mexican War. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/letter-home-from-mexican-war-milton.html
1870- fire damaged the store of W.F. Nagle to the amount of $2000
1874 - Annie Cummings, a young girl, accidentally shot and killed Maria Newhard Eckert, aged 5 years.
1874 - An explosion blew out a wall in gas plant in Milton
1878 - First Curb market in Milton a success, 9 wagons attended
1884 - Four Days fair opened at Turbotville https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-fair-was-held-in-turbotville.html
1892 - The Soliders Monument was unveiled in Montgomery Pa, by 4 year old James Claghorn, a grandson of Col. Montgomery. Although the day of the dedication was rainy, groups from Watsontown, Milton, Selinsgrove, Catawissa, Berwick, Hughesville and Muncy all came to the ceremony. Muncy brought a Howitzer, which they fired off as other GAR groups arrived. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/05/soldiers-monument-montgomery-pa.html
1925 - The Yankees Played Against the Detroit Tigers, in Bloomsburg Pa. [Also in Mt Carmel on the 7th] When Professional Baseball Came To Bloomsburg - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-new-york-yankees-played-detroit.html

9th

1835 - Robert Brass became the proprietor of the Milton Brewery - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/when-milton-had-brewery.html
1876 - Great excitement at Dewart when Dr C.H. Dougal's brown horse won a match race from Dr. J. H. Miles gray racing mare, taking three out of four heats https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/when-dewart-had-fair.html
1877 - Pleasant Valley Fair opened at Milton
1883 - Six tribes of Indians at the Turbotville Fair - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-fair-was-held-in-turbotville.html
1900 - Newspapers around the nation declared that I.W. Keller had confessed to seven murders, including an unsolved Murder in Mausdale Pa. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/mystery-of-mine-mausdale-pa-1900.html
1909 - P&R Station at White Deer Destroyed by fire https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-white-deer-train-station.html
1913 - Frank T. Winterbach met tragic death at the P&R station at Rupert. He was returning from the Bloomsburg Fair.
1918 - Selinsgrove and surrounding territory wait in vain for the War Exhibit Train, due at 7 a. m., which had been cancelled at 2 a. m. on account of state wide influenza epidemic.
1925 - Houdini came to Williamsport - to expose fake mediums. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/09/when-houdini-came-to-williamsport-to.html
2021 - The Milton Art Academy held their grand opening event in the old Eagles building on South Front Street in Milton. Here's a look at what the space has been over the decades https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-eagles-building-in-milton-pa.html

10th

1728 - "Shamokin Indian Chiefs met Provincial authorities at Philadelphia and war clouds disappeared"
1823 - A six cent reward was offered for the return of a 15 year old shoemakers apprentice by the name of Tobias Remert, who had run away. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-escaped-shoemakers-apprentices-in.html
1898 - 16 year old Daisy Smith was murdered near Sunbury Pa. Her murderer is the youngest man to ever be executed in Pennsylvania. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-youngest-man-to-be-executed-in-pa.html
10, 1899 - Ordinance passed in Selinsgrove requiring all dogs to be muzzled. This followed "another mad dog scare" on Oct 8th of that year.

11th

1736 - Six Nations deed to Proprietaries, "all the said Susquehanna with land lying on both sides thereof."
1779, Col Matthew Smith, of Milton, was elected vice president of Pennsylvania. He held the position for just 12 days. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-milton-man-was-vice-president-of.html
1854 - Hon. James Pollock of Milton elected Governor of Pennsylvania by a plurality of 37,007 votes. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/james-pollock-milton-pa.html

12th

1887 - the 13th annual convention W.C.T.U. of Pennsylvania began a three days session at Lewisburg [Women's Christian Temperance Union]
1900 - One of the original Pennsylvania Capitol Columns was erected as a War Memorial in McElhattan PA - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-capitol-columns-where-are-they-now.html
1911 - First brick laid on Market street in Selinsgrove.
1946, one man was killed and three others injured while working on the roof of the theater at Rolling Green Park. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/06/rolling-green-park-peoples-playground-in.html
1947, Delvin Fruit & Guy Mensch took a Piper Cub out of Milton airport. Five minutes after take off, they crashed into the field of the Glyn Baker farm near the Lewisburg Penitentiary.
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-milton-had-airport-milton-flying.html
1997 - The Fireman's Statue was dedicated in Sunbury Pa https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-sunbury-firemans-memorial.html

13th

1853 - First meeting Union County Agricultural Society held at New Berlin https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-union-county-fair-was-held-in.html
1856 - Messrs Hayes, Goodman, and Moodie purchased the Milton Steam Flour Mill
1875 - Home of A.B. Lesher at Watsontown destroyed by fire
1887 - William Gauger of Watsontown lost both arms in an accident on the railroad this place.
1915 - Civil War Vets of Company G 147th PVI marched in Selinsgrove, on the 50th Anniversary of their departure from Selinsgrove
1917 - One of the two first "National" Ear Trucks, just completed pass through Selinsgrove down the Susquehanna Train, enroute from Rochester NY to Washington D.C.
1918 — About 1 a. m. Selinsgrove receives news of Germany's "acceptance of Wilson's Peace Terms." With Sunbury's whistles echoing down the river, local whistles and bells usher in an impromptu parade, participated in by citizens Red Cross, students, and S. A. T. C. Band and unit. Speeches and music at the Fountain at 2 a. m. In the midst of this peace demonstration, a huge army truck pauses in the crowd, enroute southward. About 3 p. m., Fremont- Freeburg Bands and automobile escort arrive In town and celebrate the news by suitable exercises at the Fountain. Open Air Religious Services held at the Fountain at 6 p. m. by the several pastors of the town.

Political Banners in Selinsgrove, October 1915

The first banner reads "We Want Teddy", in Support of Teddy Roosevelt and the Progressive Party. In the middle is a stuffed deer, provided by C.W. Knights, a sign of support of the Progressive Party the back banner, which is not readable in this photo , is for W.H. Taft

14th

1782 - John Martin and wife killed by Indians in their home on Chillisquaque creek; near Col. James Murray's. Three others were taken prisoners.
1798 - Samuel Wallis died October 14 1798 at Philadelphia of yellow fever which was prevalent at that time https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-samuel-wallis-assisted-benedict.html
1827 - Great Masonic parade in New Berlin. One of the earliest demonstrations then occurred in the Anti- Masonic crusade.
1858, the newly formed Union County Agricultural Association purchased 10 acres in "Brook Park", one mile west of Lewisburg. The new location had Bull Run creek nearby for watering livestock, and plenty of room for buildings to be constructed. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-union-county-fair-was-held-in.html
1885 - Milton Driving Park and Fair Association opened first exhibition
1892 - The Sterling Mine Disaster https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/sterling-colliery-coal-twp.html
1906 - The Trolley carried 2,000 passengers to the Bloomsburg fair. Read more about when Danville had a trolley: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/when-danville-had-trolley.html
1909 - Dr Harry T. McNeal of Sunbury and John R. Smith of Milton struck by P&R train at grade crossing in Sunbury. Horse killed, both men slightly injured.
1915 - A massive three day celebration was held in Selinsgrove, on the 160th Anniversary of the Penns Creek Massacre. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/09/160th-anniversary-of-penns-creek.html
1916 - Susquehanna University Beat Bucknell 9-10 in a football game. The 16th was declared a holiday at Susquehanna, with the freshmen spending the day securing firewood. "Monster nightshirt parade bonfire in the evening, over Bucknell victory".
1918 - Local [Selinsgrove] Boy Scouts and citizens assist Sunbury in a mammoth Liberty Loan Parade
On October 14, 1960 in Corpus Christi, at the evening performance George Keller [former Bloomsburg Professor] entered the arena with his cats. During the act Keller was stricken with a massive heart attack and collapsed in the ring. George's assistant Bill Scamihorn rushed in and got the cats out of the arena. The ringmaster called for a doctor, one volunteered but could not save Keller. Keller, a showman at heart, died on stage while the crowd applauded his performance. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/12/keller-his-mountain-lion-here-tame-this.html
The Woapalanne statue was dedicated in a ceremony at Brandon Park - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/09/chief-woapalanne-whispering-giants.html

15th

1833 - Rev & Matthew Lair of Lewisburg sailed for Africa to serve as Presbyterian Missionaries
1834 - the first water was let into the West Branch Canal [possibly at Williamsport?], which eventually ran from Northumberland to just below Lock Haven Pa. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-susquehanna-valley-had-canal-west.html
1860 - the New Depot of the Sunbury and Erie, now P.R.R., opened at Broadway. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-milton-train-station.html
1878 - Centennial Reunion of Follmer Family held at the home of John Hoffa, Turbot township
1910 - Eisenhuth shoe factory in Selinsgrove closed for removal to Williamsport
1914 - The remodeled interior of the Masonic Temple in Selinsgrove, occupied by "The Movies", thrown open to the public.
1919 - Local workmen [strike breakers] again attacked on streets of Sunbury while endeavoring to go to work. A detail of State Police was brought in to patrol the streets for the men to work the next day.

16th

1755 - George Leininger, about 18 years old, accompanied his mother to Gabrils Mill, near the mouth of Penns Creek, to grind grain. Their neighbors, the , LeRoy's had a hired man, who about that time set out to fetch the cows. And just then, a band of Indians began a three day massacre, beginning at the LeRoy home.. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-leroy-massacre-penns-creek-pa.html
1755 - Marie LeRoy's was taken captive by Indians. For the next three and a half years, while held captive, she kept a journal. After her escape, it was published, and can be read here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-journal-of-marie-leroy-held-captive.html
1795 - Samuel Stewart was elected the first sheriff of the newly formed Lycoming County. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-binns-stewart-duel-montandon-1805.html
1850 - David Master and Henry Johnson, of near Millville, disputing the ownership of a fiend of Buckwheat when Mrs Johnson threw a stone at the antagonists, killing her husband.
1868 - Store of William Heinen and Son in Milton robbed of goods to the value of $1000
1908 - Monument to U.S. Senator Samuel Maclay unveiled at Dreisbach Church
1921, a service for Rimert, Shannon, Dull and Kratzer was held at the Methodist Church in Lewisburg. The men had been killed on September 26 1918, when an exploding shell killed ten members of the 103rd Trench Mortar Battery in Argonne. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/05/dull-kratzer-pierce-rimert-shannon-5.html
1938 - Giant Military Exhibition held at Sunbury Airport https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/10/when-sunbury-had-airport.html

17th

1763 - Express from John Harris arrives at Fort Augusta, with news of 45 persons killed by Indians at Northampton County and order that Major Clayton be recalled from his Wyoming expedition
1831 - Mathias Strine & Son launched the canal boat, Freeman's Choice
1851 - First fair of the Northumberland Agricultural Society met at Sunbury
1908 - Kennedy Block, front street in Milton, damaged by fire. Four businesses houses and four families in danger.
1915 - James Reber killed on P&R near Dougal station, aged 51
1937 - An article in the Grit shows a picture of the Indian Park tabernacle being built. The park was at that time owned by the Indian Park Bible Conference. Read more about the history of Indian Park in Montoursville Pa - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/from-starr-island-to-indian-park.html

18th

1915 - Herman T. Ocker of Sunbury electrocuted in Milton. Aged 30.
1907 - The No. 5 Boiler at the Northumerland Puddling mill was inspected an found to be in good condition. Just 4 months later, after being unused for a number of months, the boiler would be fired back up and would explode - killing 9 and severely injuring 5 more. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-pudding-mill-explosion.html

19th

1789 - Convention held at Paxtaang, now Harrisburg, to take measures to improve the river. Charles Smith, Anthony Stine, William Wilson, Frederick Antes, Aaron Levy, and Andrew Straub delegates from this [Northumberland] county.
1811 - Northumberland Bridge Co incorporated. First company in the state to be incorporated to build a bridge over the Susquehanna
1870 - William E. & Reuben F. Wilson form partnership in flynet business https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/06/wilson-fly-net-factory-milton-pa.html
1878 - Hon. Eli Slifer Jr lectured in Watsontown on experiences with the Collins expedition to Brazil for the benefit of the families in Watsontown of the deceased members of the party. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/eli-slifer-jrs-account-of-his-time-on.html
1907 - The Imperial Motor Car Company invited the public to view, for the first time, 5 completed Imperial cars. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-1908-imperial-runabout-manufactured.html
1947- There were “Hot Rod Auto Races” at the Montandon Speedway https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-montandon-speedway.html

20th

1851 - McEwensville Intelligencer moved to Milton https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/when-mcewensville-had-newspaper.html
1865 - Henry C. Magruder, the Kentucky guerilla who brutally murdered Captain R. C. McCormick, hanged at Louisville
1902 - College Students [Susquehanna University] turn out by moonlight and dig steam pipe ditch from boilers to Seibert Hall to hasten heat to the latter building.

21st

1888 - George J. Higgins, agent, arrived at Allenwood on the No. 5 Train. He wrote a bit about his time in Allenwood, you can read his words here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-allenwood-train-station.html
1915 - Between August 11, 1915 and October 21 1915, there were one hundred and twenty one cases of typhoid fever were documented in the Danville area, in addition to the 135 cases in the Danville State Hospital. The cause, in town, was eventually traced to the water supply, which was being contaminated by sewage. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/03/when-typhoid-outbreak-cancelled-parades.html
1916 - 21 year old Thomas Thompson killed Homer Remmel, in a boarding house in Milton. Remmel then calmly walked to the nearby drugstore and asked to use the phone to report his crime. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/when-woman-played-with-fire-in-milton.html

22nd

1743 - Marcus J Hulings Jr, first permanent white settler at Milton, born
1858 - 1858 - Mrs. Mary Twiggs hanged at Danville for the murder of her husband and Mrs. William J. Clark. Clark was hanged for his participation in the crime on September 24th previous. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-twiggs-clark-murder-in-danville-1857.html
1915 The Women's Suffrage Bell arrived in Philadelphia, concluding it's tour of Pennsylvania. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/when-womens-suffrage-bell-toured-valley.html
President Harry S. Truman made a whistle stop in Bloomsburg, Northumberland and Williamsport on October 22 1952. It was his second stop through the area, in four years time. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/02/when-president-truman-came-to-area-1948.html

23rd

1784 - The Last Treaty Of Fort Stanwix was signed. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-last-treaty-of-fort-stanwix-signed.html
1878 - "Hairy John" died. But his legend lives on in a state forest picnic area - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/hairy-john-legendary-hermit-who-had.html
1885 Washingtonville Fair management in trouble over fake exhibition of famous "Maud S." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-fake-race-horse-came-to.html
1892 - Bad wreck at Allenwood. Engine No. 580 and Engine No. 562 collided on the Philadelphia and Reading Line.. No one was killed, but 3 men were severely injured, one having been buried in the wreckage. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-allenwood-train-station.html
1910 - Sunday Schools and Public Schools [Milton] closed by the Board Of Health, on account of a diphtheria outbreak.
1911 - Eber Culver died in his Williamsport residence, at 738 West Fourth Street, on Saturday, October 23, 1911 at the age of 87. Culver, who designed and oversaw the building of many of Williamsport's historic buildings, wrote a "diary", or memoir, of his life, focusing mainly on his trip west in the gold rush, but also mentioning his life and business in Williamsport. Read a summary here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-diary-of-eber-culver-summarized.html
The Legionaire Theater first opened on October 23 1924. The first motion picture shown, that evening, was Welcome Stranger, With Florence Vidor https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/miltons-movie-theaters-before-capitol.html

24th

1782, Lee and Carothers members of Captain Robinsons rangers, were sent out from Fort Rice to see if any Indians were in the area. Lee was spotted, shot, and killed. Carothers was taken prisoner. (Fort Rice still stands, near Turbotville, today) https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/fort-rice-near-turbotville-pa.html
1780 - Susanna Martin and niece were taken prisoners by Indians
1911 - Three men escape from jail at Bloomsburg b
1917 - "Liberty Day", a day of celebration in behalf of the 2nd Liberty Loan, as proclaimed by President Wilson, and the boosting of the sale of bonds speeded.
1919 - Wallace W. Fetzer Post No 71 American Legion, organized permanently in Milton https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/wallace-w-fetzer-when-milton-gave-one.html
1919- King Albert of Belgium, Queen, son pass over the main line eastward and spend the day in Harrisburg after a seven hour pause in their special train on side track near Newport.
1929 - Local papers reported that John L. shireman of Alvira "knows his potatoes". https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/alvira-pennsylvania-before-bunkers.html
1935 - The first fair by the new Montour Delong Fair Association was held October 24-26, at the Delong Memorial School https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-montour-county-fair-montour-delong.html

25th

1851 - J.M. Sassaman of Milton opened a machine shop at White Deer Mills https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/white-deer-woolen-mills.html
1854 - First Filling of the Union Iron Furnace in Winfield https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/union-furnace-old-iron-furnace-at.html
1873 - James Van Dyke of Turbotville severely injured when Kentucky George, the thoroughbred horse he was riding at Williamsport, fell. The horse broke it's neck and died under the wire a winner. Read more about Herdic Park (Later Old Oaks Park) in Williamsport here. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/herdic-park-old-oaks-park-williamsport.html
1873 - The Miltonian became a Daily paper
1917 - S. Dewey Gitler of Pottsgrove killed in P.R.R. yards at Northumberland

26th

1830 - First agricultural fair held at Milton
1833 - The Lewisburg Cross Cut Canal Complete https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/lewisburgs-cross-cut-canal.html
1880 - Elias Bickel, prominent miller and founder, laid foundation for a new foundry in Milton
1917 - John R.G. Smith aged 46 years instantly killed at the P.R.R. grade crossing at Chillisquaque when troop train hit the automobile in which he was riding
1917 - Manufacture and distribution of explosives except under Government control, prohibited by Proclamation of the President.
1918 - Milton Elks turn over home for Flu hospital https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-elks-home-milton-pa.html
1921 - Engine of the P&R blows up at Devils Elbow [between Milton and Danville], killing four https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-explosion-at-devils-elbow-p-1921.html
1923 - When Babe Ruth Came To Williamsport https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/10/when-babe-ruth-came-to-williamsport.html

27th

1830 - John Deeter ran first [canal] boat, West Branch, through Milton from Baltimore. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-susquehanna-valley-had-canal-west.html
1866 - Independents of Milton defeated Excelsior's of Watsontown by a score of 79-14
1873 - A Pinkerton Agent went over cover as James McKenna, to expose the Molly Maguires https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/an-attempt-to-understand-moly-maguire.html
1874 - John Saxton of Watsontown killed when a wagon ran over him.
1921 - Local Elks formerly open new home. Formerly Chamberlin property. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-elks-home-milton-pa.html

28th

1825 - Banquet to militia officers by Captain Alexander McEwen. Name of Pine Grove changed to McEwensville https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/mcewensville-pennsylvania.html
1867 - Chamberlin's Addition laid out in Milton
1880 - Milton Garfield Club rented the canal boat Beatrice to attend rally at Lewisburg. They were compelled to walk home.
1919 - Leon C. Pierce Post Veterans of Foreign Wars, organized in Milton
1920- Temperature drops about 40 degrees in 12 hours time.
In 1926, 8 miles of the road from Benton to Jamison City were abandoned. The railroad was sold at public auction at Bloomsburg on October 28 1928. It was purchased by the Reading Company. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-bloomsburg-sullivan-railroad.html

29th

1768- The land that is today the town of Montoursville was presented to Andrew Montour, in recognition of the valuable services he had rendered the government from time to time as a guide and interpreter. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/10/montours-reserve-beginning-of.html
1809 - Moses Chamberlin, 23rd child of Col. William Chamberlin born. He was the father of the late William B. Chamberlin of this place. [Milton]
1869 - Store of Miss Tillie Shoemaker, corner of Broadway and Front Street in Milton, robbed.
1874 - George S Haag of Milton received patent on potato digger
1898 - 12th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry mustered out of service in Spanish-American War.
1915 - 13th Annual Reunion 12th Regiment Po Vol Spanish American War held in Milton. Met here again in 1920. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/remembering-susquehanna-valley-men-who.html
2013 - State and local officials reached an agreement with the seven remaining residents of Centralia, allowing them to live out their lives there, after which the rights to their houses will be taken through eminent domain. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/a-town-on-fire-centralia-graffiti.html

30th

1868 - Philip Shap opened general store in Watsontown
1874 - The second major fire in two years wiped out more than two full blocks of the town of Selinsgrove. Although never officially solved, the series of fires over these years were all ruled arson. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-great-fire-in-selinsgrove-1874.html
1884 - Jas O'Neil killed on P.R.R. at nail mill [in Milton] when he was run over while repairing car.
1909 - First National Bank in Milton opened for inspection
1911 - The Chair Factory at Lewisburg Burned https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-lewisburg-chair-factory-1887-1931.html
1917 - Terrific rain and wind storm, followed by sleet and snow flakes, flood railroad tracks in Selinsgrove. Rainfall nearly 2.5 inches.
1931 - three unmasked bandits robbed the Exchange Bank in Montour County https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2016/06/when-three-unmasked-bandits-robbed.html

31st -

1788 - Congress drafted a resolution for a National Day Of Thanksgiving to be celebrated on December 18th, celebrating the defeat of the British Forces at Saratoga. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/07/york-pa-where-united-states-of-america.html
1828 - David Housel opened a large store in Chillisquaque township.
1902 - The Miltonian reported that a stone with the inscription "Mt Pleasant 1825", which had been carved by Gov. James Pollock as a boy, was taken from the old stone distillery building and placed in one of the AC&F buildings. The stone is still there today. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-stone-that-governor-james-pollock.html
1917 - 400th Anniversary of the Reformation of Martin Luther at the Wittenburg Cathedral celebrated by the ringing of local Lutheran church bells in common throughout the United States and Canada

HALLOWEEN!

Misc. October History:

1961, the VFW announced they would have find a new meeting place "since the heating in the Watsontown Borough Building is out of commission.". A year later, the building had been torn down and the new borough building, which stands today, was under construction. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-watsontown-borough-building-towns.html

Fall 1855 - The First Bloomsburg Fair Was Held

1900 - In Selinsgrove, "The Susquehanna River so low that farmer mow grass from the river bed. Draught has not been exceeded since 1802"

1901 - Bridge over abandoned canal at Pine Street In Selinsgrove removed. North Market Street widened on west side from Mill street to the railroad.

Thomas Edison visited Turbotville, attempting to create an interest in the new technology, a three wire light, he had installed in Sunbury earlier that year. Edison and his assistants gave a demonstration of the electric light. The equipment consisted of a steam engine, a generator, and some long stakes driven into the ground to support the wires carrying the current to the light. The demonstration had not been generally advertised, so that only a few people were present. (Other accounts note that this farming community was busy in the fields when Edison arrived, making them unavailable to watch his presentation) https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/when-edison-came-to-our-valley-shamokin.html

October 1875 there was some conflict between the Democrat and the Miltonian over the news coverage of the fairs. Horse races were very popular at this time, with most of our local small towns having a track. The Miltonian reported something along the lines of the Democrat disparaging their fair, because it had horse races included. "lest the agricultural fairs this year should prove failures and degenerate into horse races and gambling dens." The Democrat replied that they did not say anything of the sort, but had rather "given the Milton fair a half dozen favorable notices; we have done still better for the Dewart fair."

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/when-dewart-had-fair.html

1879 - the Milton town council had held a special meeting and sold its upper engine house, two hand engines, hose and hose cart. That left them with a steamer and a hook and ladder, both purchased in 1876. There was no police department, the council having voted in April of 1879 to abolish it. Seven months later, the entire town would burn to the ground. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-great-fire-of-1880-when-entire-town.html

In October of 1880, Emmanuel Ettinger was tried for the murder of German Fortune Tellers in Snyder County. Later, while in jail, he poisoned himself to avoid hanging. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/when-german-fortune-tellers-were.html

October 1952 - Harry Miele, Harry Nixon & Benjamin Pulizzi had 12 acres of land cleared along route 15 for the Pike Drive In Movie Theater. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-montgomery-got-drive-in-pike.html

October 1936 - John Wilson of Watsontown applied for a patent for his Wilson Walkie toys. The patent was granted on December 13th 1938. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/wilson-walkies-toys-made-in-watsontown.html

Today the Watsontown Halloween Parade is sponsored by WABA . But once upon a time, it was sponsored by The Doodle Dandies - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-doodle-dandies-of-watsontown-pa.html

1952 - The Pike Amusement Corporation had 12 acres of land along Rt 15 in Montgomery cleared for a Drive In Movie Theater. The estimated cost for the theater was $135,000.

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-montgomery-got-drive-in-pike.html

The original Hiawatha Steam boat, which ran from Sylvan Dell Park above Williamsport, would finish up it's season with Dickinson Seminary's traditional Chestnut party in October. The boat would then return to it's winter haven back of Goose Island. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-original-hiawatha-ran-to-sylvan.html

In October of 1918, Mrs Mattie A Cummings of Dewart received a verdict in her favor, awarding her $15,000, for a grade crossing accident resulting in the death of her husband two years prior.

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-dewart-train-station.html

The top two floors of the Park Hotel in Williamsport were demolished.

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/herdics-hotel-at-park-place.html

==============

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

This is what they had to say about October 1922: