Monday, November 30, 2020

On This Day In Local History - December

 

On This Day In Local History, December
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
December
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On This Day....

1st: 
  • 1774, "there is recorded the deed from William Robb and his wife Olive, to Henry Titzell, for fifty acres of land on Little Buffalo Creek, just three tenth of a mile north of Kelly Cross Roads, whereon he erected a grist and saw mill during the following winter. Titzell's mill was a rendezvous during the American Revolution, and a station of the defenders of the frontiers. "  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2015/04/fort-titzell-1775.html
  • 1871 - First Passenger train moved the county to the cheers of hundreds of onlookers along the right of way and there were great festivities when the train pulled the Selinsgrove station and moved on across the river to Selinsgrove Junction and to Sunbury. It inaugurated freight passenger service on the which became the Sunbury- Lewistown Division of the Pennsylvania and which flourished more than half a century, contributing greatly to the economic well beingamp;of Snyder county." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/11/selinsgrove-junction.html
  •  1959,  Allegheny Airlines Flight 371 crashed (the wreckage can still be seen on the mountain) https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-flight-371-crash-site.html
3rd:
  • 1811 - First Presbyterian Church of Milton organized.  Previously the Presbyterians worshipped with the Warrior Run and Chillisquaque congregations.  Rev. John Bryson was the pastor called.
  • 1862 - The Williamsport First National Bank Was Organized.  When researching Williamsport, the First National Bank comes up frequently.  In Meginnesses history of Lycoming County, he tells us that it was the fourth bank to open in the state of Pennsylvania, and the first in the city of Williamsport.   In 1914, during fall merchants week, not only did tightrope walkers perform each night, but on Tuesday Mons Hammon jumped from the top of the First National Bank, parachuting down to the street.  Many photos of the Market street bridge construction were likely taken from the roof of the First National Bank Building. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/first-national-bank-williamsport.html
  • 1883 - E.M. Barnfield of Watsontown, Night operator at Dewart Station, killed in accidental discharge of the pistol he was cleaning.
  • 1903 - Mrs. William Edwards of Watsontown killed in grade crossing accident at that place
  • 1908 - I.H. Gingrich killed by a switching machine at local nail mill.
  • 1913 - Twenty year old Fred Nye was hung for murder https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-sunbury-pool-hall-murder-1913-last.html
  • 1958 - The manager of the two Sunbury Theaters ordered them both closed, following more than a year of efforts to eliminate the city amusement tax  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-sunbury-had-movie-theater-rialto.html

5th
6th
7th

8th

9th
  • 1866 - Secretary Chase approved of Pollock's proposed motto on the new one cent, two cent and three cent coins.  "I approve your mottos, only suggesting that on that with the Washington obverse [front side] the motto should begin with the word OUR, so as to read OUR GOD AND OUR COUNTRY. And on that with the shield, it should be changed so as to read: IN GOD WE TRUST." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/james-pollock-milton-pa.html
  • 1880 - "The ice in the North Branch Canal was ordered to be broken by the chief engineer, in order to release 150 ice-bound boats, but old Boreas seems to object to this proceeding as he apparently intends re-freezing as fast as it is broken."
  • 1965, an unidentified object, "a large fireball", was spotted in the sky. Sightings were made in Canada, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The object dropped slowly into a wooded ravine near Kecksburg in Westmoreland County Pa. Military personal quickly arrived on the scene, and a military flat bed vehicle was seen to be leaving the area with a "large bell shaped object" on it's trailer. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-kecksburg-ufo-monument.html
10th
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11th

12th
  • 1875 - Large Fire in Milton.  "Adding to the terror of the scene, the wind blew almost a hurricane.  Men and women were rushing in all direction while those interested in the adjoining buildings at once commenced the removal of their goods. "It soon became apparent that, with the inefficient preparations of the town for fighting fire, the loss of property would be great.  Watsontown and Lewisburg were at once appraised of the fire.  Calls were made on other places, but the lines were not open." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-1875-milton-fire.html
  • 1884 - The WCTU in Watsontown was organized.  "The Watsontown Women's Christian Temperance Union is an organization of Christian women banded together for the protection of home, the abolition of liquor traffic, and the triumph of Christ's Golden Rule in custom and in law." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-wctu-drinking-fountain-in-watsontown.html
  • 1905 - businessmen from Lock Haven, Williamsport, Philadelphia and Milton incorporated the West Branch Knitting Company.  This company made cotton, wool, thread, and yard to be used in a variety of textiles.    They were awarded a contract from the US Government to furnish the Army & Navy with Hosiery.  The monetary value of the contract was $75,000, with 40,000 pairs of hose being shipped from the factory each month.   https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/09/west-branch-hosiery-milton-pa.html
  • 2018, the Honesdale Borough Council designated the "Winter Wonderland Star" in honor of Dick Smith, a Honesdale native who wrote the carol Walking In A Winter Wonderland. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/12/winter-wonderland-was-written-by.html
13th
15th

16th
  • 1774 - Edward Shippes & his brother Joseph gave five acres at Buffalo Cross Roads for the Presbyterian Church
  • 1850 - First session of court in Montour County opened in Danville
  • 1870 - John Billings lectured in Milton
  • 1870 - John J. Fausnaught, Levi Truckenmiller, and Marshal Reid opened a grocery store in the Academy of Music under the firm title of J.J. Fausnaught and Company.  
17th
18th
  • 1854 - P and R.R.R. opened Great celebration at Williamsport.  Governor Pollock spoke.  
  • 1860 - Milton first lighted with gas
  • 1909 - Mrs. Margaret Garrett [Jarrett] aged 81 years burned to death at Turbotville
  • 1974, the 14 room Guyer house was moved from the Shamokin Dam traffic circle, referred to as the "Dumb-Built Circle", in the Selinsgrove Times,  to County Line Road in Winfield Pa.  The "traffic circle" was nothing like our modern day traffic circles, and it was the scene of many, many accidents, several of which were fatal. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/12/moving-guyer-house-from-dumb-built.html
19th
  • 1867 - Milton Academy burned to the ground
  • 1870 - John K. Trego succeeded E. S. Trego in ownership of the Milton Foundry
  • 1914 - Paul Huntingdon of West Milton died from effects of a collision on the P and R near Halls
20th

21st
22nd
  • 1864 - Ernest Weik instantly killed and Howard Keefer seriously injured at the P and R crossing above New Columbia.  They were bringing to Milton a load of Christmas trees.
  • 1921 - Fire damaged Shippers Car Line Plant to the extent of $25,000

23rd
24th
  • 1878 - Walter Van Fleet [famous for his roses], S.C. Hartranft of Watsontown, and Horace Aunkst of Milton were among a group of men attempting to return home after helping to build a railroad in Brazil.  The Collins Expedition had run out of money, leaving many men stranded, without pay or means to return home.  'The boat, delayed by tropical calms and storms off the coast of the United States, did not reach New York until the day before Christmas. The captain, Jesse E. Cavalier, became disgruntled at the men, because he found the orders they had given him were worthless. He went ashore, leaving them aboard ship for two whole days without fire and food. Still dressed in tropical clothing, they nearly froze to death and their Christmas dinner that year consisted of some cold boiled potatoes. "Finally they succeeded in making a landing and their appearance in New York City was an odd one. They had a letter to a business man in Maiden Lane. He helped them as much as he could, but Mr. Hartranft says to-day they would have frozen or starved to death, had it not been for the saloons. They sold some pieces of tropical wood to pay their fare to Philadelphia, where they arrived December 27th. They met Mr. Philip Collins at his office, but he was bankrupt and could not pay them for their work. The first really good meal the men had, after leaving home in February, they enjoyed with the servants of a Philadelphia hotel. The youngsters ate well into the night and, next day, were furnished by Mr. Collins with transportation to their homes.'' https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-collins-expedition-when-local-men.html 
  •  1908 - "Robert M. Shaffer murdered by 3 drunken boys in Allenwood" - The Christmas Eve Murder in Allenwood Pa https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-christmas-eve-murder-in-allenwood-pa.html
  • 1908 - The IOOF Orphanage moved into their new building.  "What a glorious Christmas for the Home ! Quite a change from the old ! Many comforts and conveniences are enjoyed in the new not known in the old. Here is a Home in the country with all the equipment's enjoyed in our city residences, including steam heat, electric light, sewerage system and electric power. Truly the Lord has directed our steps. " https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-ioof-orphanage-in-sunbury-pa.html
  • 1914 - First Municipal tree lighting at Lincoln Park in Milton.
  • 1950 - Each Employee of the Milton Shoe Company, the communities newest industry, received a pair of shoes as a gift during a buffet luncheon Christmas part at the plant. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-silk-mill-to-shoe-factory-history.html
  •  1955 - Milton Steel held a Christmas party for employees children and grandchildren at the Capitol Theater.  388 children attended. Each child received a "bright steel sand pail", filled with candy. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/when-milton-had-movie-theatre.html
25th

26th
27th

28th
  • 1828 - The Milton Library Association was organized.  Joseph Bound president. Joseph's son Franklin would later become a congressman, and Bound Avenue in Milton is named for him.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/congressman-franklin-bound-from-milton.html
  • 1850 - Danville and Pottsville R.R. sold by Sheriff at Sunbury https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-danville-pottsville-railroad.html
  • 1864 - Capt. Robert M. McCormick, of the 7th Pa Calvary, murdered by guerillas at Bardstown KY
  • 1870 - The Williamsport National Bank was authorized by a special act of Congress "The Williamsport Safe Deposit Company, incorporated in 1881, is connected with this bank, and the officers are the same."
  • 1914  - A young man impersonating Santa for a church service in Iola Pa was badly burned when an intoxicated youth purposefully set a lit match to his costume.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-santa-was-set-on-fire-as-he.html
  • 1917 - Nurse Helen Fairchild wrote her last letter home. ""Dr. Norris was just in to see me and told me I could stop some of my medicine. He said my throat looked much better but I still can't go on duty "till I eat and get some color, so I see my finish, for as usual, I look like the wrath of Kingdom come, but I'll make them let me go back soon, for it's too lonesome here to be off duty. Gee but I'll be glad to see you all by the time this war is over, but at the same time I am glad to be here to help take care of these poor men, and I'll be doubly glad when our own U.S. boys will be [in this part of France] with us, for they will be so far from home, and they will have no one but us American nurses to really take any genuine interest in them, for their own friends will not be able to reach them. What the Red Cross and the YMCAs are doing for us here means so much to us. Really, it would be awful to get along without the things they send us. Most of the pleasure that the troops get are the ones provided by the YMCA. If you could only see what the boys here have to go through sometimes, you would see they need all the comfort possible. Without the supplies sent to us by the Red Cross Society, we could not do half as much for them as we are." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/05/nurse-helen-fairchild.html
  • 1953 - Thieves emptied the cash drawer at the Eyers Grove Mill, "but it was hardly worth the trouble, there wasn't a penny in the money drawer".  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/09/eyers-grove-mill.html

29th

 31st
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Misc December History
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"A peculiar sort of alchemy takes place each Christmas season in Pennsylvania coal country, where skilled practitioners huddle over big pots of steaming liquid, coaxing a potent but soothing elixir from secret recipes handed down through the generations."

The first Christmas tree lights were red white and blue, strung on a Christmas tree in 1882 in  the home of Thomas Edison's partner, at a time when few homes had electricity, and months before Edison successfully ran his first three wire light in Sunbury Pa.

A 1910 edition of the Miltonian explores obscure notions such as "If anyone's shadow has no head, that person will die within the year" , if thieves steal anything on Christmas and are not caught, they can safely steal all year, and if you walk in the winter corn on Christmas eve, you can hear all that will happen in the village for the coming year.
Christmas Traditions of the past, as published in local newspapers

The Art Bronze & Iron Company  in Danville was the local pioneer of company provided life insurance, paying the premiums for $1,000 of life insurance as a Christmas gift to their employees.  Read about the industries in Danville Pa in December of 1928, including the   Danville Iron and Steel, Gunter Silk Mill, and the Art Bronze & Iron Company. 


In December 1946, Santa rode on horseback to lead downtown shoppers to the Park Theater where "Badman’s Territory,” was showing.  Read more about the old Park Theater in Williamsport here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/park-theatre-williamsport-pa.html

1755 - Marie LeRoy, held by Indian Captors, was in Kittany.  In her journal, she recorded: "After having rested for five days at Puncksotonay, we took our way to Kittanny.  As this was to be the place of our permanent abode, we here received our welcome, according to Indian custom. It consisted of three blows each, on the back. They were, however, administered with great mercy. Indeed, we concluded that we were beaten merely in order to keep up an ancient usage, and not with the intention of injuring us. The month of December was the time of our arrival, and we remained at Kittanny until the month of September, 1756."  Read all of her journal here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-journal-of-marie-leroy-held-captive.html

1845 - "After the coming of Major Perkins to the West Branch Valley it soon became apparent to him and a few others that Williamsport could be made a great lumber mart. Its location on the river and contiguity to the vast forests of pine and hemlock that lined the eastern slopes of the Allegheny mountains warranted this conclusion. The river could be made the contributing artery to supply the mills with logs, if some means could be devised to bold them safely until manufactured. It was this idea that gave birth to the boom project. Major Perkins came here in December, 1845, and now at the mature and mellow age of eighty-nine he can look back upon the pioneer days of lumbering and contemplate with pride the part he bore in the early enterprise, and the improvements he was instrumental in having introduced." Read more about the Susquehanna Lumber Boom in Williamsport here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-lumber-boom-in-williamsport.html

1890 - By December of 1890, the shell of the Hotel Shikellamy was constructed, and a well had been dug.  The construction attracted many visitors to the site as the building progressed.  The impressive three story hotel would operate for 7 years, before being destroyed by fire.  https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-hotel-shikallamy-1891-1898.html

1902  - By December of 1902, Hero Alem Bly was declared by his doctor as  unfit to identify his attackers.  The constant retelling of his adventure, along with nightmares, had severely effected him, and his nerves were shattered.  The doctor expected him to make a full recovery in time, but ordered that he have complete rest and quiet for some time. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-local-man-singlehandedly-fought.html

1891 - sixty Allenwood residents complained to the Union County Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace that the toll charges were too burdensome. They further asked that the County take over
the bridge. The Board of Commissioners for Union and Northumberland Counties inspected the bridge on January 30, 1892, and found that the toll charges were fair.

1910 - The Souter Silk Mill went into receivership, not having enough collateral to satisfy it's debts.


1912 - Galbraith Opened a Butterine & Delicatessen in the Galbraith Building on Broadway & Arch in December of 1912. Butterine was a butter substitute, created when Butter was very expensive due to a milk shortage. Butterine was a chain store.

See the businesses of Broadway in Milton, Block by Block, through the decades, here:
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/viewing-broadway-in-milton-through.html

1923, December - Dewart Creamery purchased the M&F Ice Cream Company [Bloomsburg] .  "It is also understood that Dewarts interests have taken over the Millville Creamery, and that Wilson Eckman will manage the plant, which will be retained as a receiving station."

1865 -  J. Calvin Wolf was charged with the murder of Charles Roland, but he was quickly acquitted, the judge instructing the jury that no shadow of a case had been made out against him. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-possible-murder-of-charles-roland.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 December 1922:



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"On This Day In Local History"
JAN    FEB    MAR   APR    MAY    JUNE   JUL   AUG   SEP   OCT   NOV   DEC
=================
An Index Of Christmas Activities & History
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/11/christmas-in-valley.html

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