Valley Girl Views: On This Day In Local History

On This Day In Local History, April

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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

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THIS MONTH IN LOCAL HISTORY

April

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Day By Day:

It's Flitting Day!
Well, it was, until around World War II.

For decades all leases expired, in Pennsylvania, on April 1st. ALL leases. If you rented a home, your lease was up April 1st. If you rented a farm, your lease was up April 1st. If you rented a building for your business - April 1st. It was even common for elderly ancestors to be moved to the next house in the rotation - so if Grandma lived with your sister last year, it might be your turn to host her, starting today. [In New York, the date was May 1st]

In the 1880s, newspapers would dedicate whole columns to who had moved where, in the days after moving day. In 1883, , 110 families, and 8 businesses, moved, all in one day, in Watsontown Pa.

It could sometimes be challenging - all of that moving in unpredictable April weather.

But in 1912, Danville residents faced a Moving Day dilemma larger than the weather - Moving Day fell too close to election day. In order to vote, you had to live in the precinct two months prior to the election. Those who moved to a different precinct would not be able to vote in the spring election.

Read more about the annual flitting here:
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/when-april-1st-was-moving-day-for.html

1st

In Selinsgrove, H. D. Schnure buys one-half interest of S J. Pawling in the "Isle of Que" Mill.
1850 - Eber Culver, who designed and oversaw the building of many of Williamsport's historic buildings left, along with his brother, to join the Gold Rush. He wrote about his experience in his memoirs, which can be read here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-diary-of-eber-culver-summarized.html
1855 - First mail carried over the Catawissa Railroad
1877 - the Gamble House opened - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2025/02/gamble-house-hotel-jersey-shore-pa.html
1887 - New Creamery in Dewart Opened - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/when-dewart-had-creamery.html
1890 - The Hotel Haag opened in Milton https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-hotel-haag-milton-pa.html On April 1 1909, Wolf Dreifuss purchased the Hotel Haag and renamed it the Milton.
1922 - The Milton Building of the Dairman League Co-Op opened, with 100,000 pounds of milk delivered on its first day. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-dairymens-league-milton-pa.html
1923 - The First Easter Sunrise Service was held at the Grampian Hills Cross. The wooden cross was replaced 12 years later with a concrete and steel version that still stands today - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/03/grampian-hills-cross.html
1940 - a flood on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River killed 9 people, and left 15,000 homeless. (The flood was much less severe on the West Branch.) https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-april-1940-flood-on-susquehanna.html

2nd

1858 - Y.M.C.A. organized in Milton
1875 -William Burns of Milton, fireman on the P.R.R., severely burned in a collision near Kemmerers Mill
1907 - The only car ever manufactured in Williamsport was road tested for the first time. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-1908-imperial-runabout-manufactured.html
1909 - Burglars stole $500 from Allen Brothers store in Allenwood
1981 U.S. Bureau of Mines representatives dropped a thermometer through a hole on Main Street in Centralia, to measure the temperature underground. An underground fire still burns under the town today. See photos of Centralia before the town was was condemned and bulldozed: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/a-town-on-fire-centralia-graffiti.html
It's Trout Season! There's fishing lodge along Larry's Creek, in Salladsasburg, Lycoming County Pa, where Presidents, as well as Katharine Hepburn, have stayed. In 1884 it was established by Jay Cooke as his summer vacation spot, and Cooke's accomplishments, as well as the descriptions of life there, are just as interesting as the famous visitors, including Teddy Roosevelt, that it brought to our area. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/ogontz-lodge-in-lycoming-county.html

3rd

1796 - The "New Purchase" made by Samuel Hulings included land where West Milton is not located. Survey of the present site of New Columbia was started that day by Charles Lukens for the Penns Land Office, was opened at Milton. William McKnigh purchased 30 acres of land
1867 - Tannery belonging to Mr. C. Weidman at Buffalo Crossroads burned.
1883 - On April 3 1883, in one day, 110 families, and 8 businesses, moved in Watsontown Pa. That was unusual only because it was two days late. Annual Moving Day in Pennsylvania was April 1. But moving on Friday or Saturday was considered bad luck, so occasionally the date was moved by a few days. When April 1st was Moving Day - - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/when-april-1st-was-moving-day-for.html
1909 - Dr. George Barclay of Milton, famous athlete & "inventor of the football helmet", died in Philadelphia age 33 https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/04/was-milton-boy-one-of-first-inventors.html

4th

1898 - The first trolley car crossed the canal bridge at Port May [Watsontown] and passed through town shortly after four o’clock - Read more about The Lewisburg, Milton & Watsontown Trolley here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/when-milton-had-trolley.html
1914 - The Williamsport High School Caught On Fire https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/williamsport-high-school-fire-april-4.html

5th

In April of 1885, newspapers throughout the state were advertising the "Housewife's Delight", a recipe and household hints book, compiled and published in Lewisburg Pa. See some of the recipes it included, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/housewifes-delight-lewisburg-saturday.html
On April 5th 1895, a meeting "of the citizens" of Sunbury was called at the Central Hotel, with the purpose of forming a committee to procure a charter for a hospital.

As one report stated "As a railroad center with two shifting yards, there have naturally been a large number of accident cases happening in Sunbury for the past quarter of a century."

But up until 1895, the only "hospital" in town was a room Dr Charles Martin built as an addition to his office and drug store, on 3rd street. "From this table, the men were carried to their homes, there to be cared for as best they could."

After the death of Dr. Martin, the company fitted up a second story room in its freight station, as an operating room.

"From the Fact that it was impossible even then to give the men the care and attention that was required after an operation, the railroad officials became very much interested in a movement to get some better accommodations"

Among those who attended the 1895 meeting to organize a hospital charter was Mr. Mary Packer, who "most generously made the offer at this meeting that she would give six thousand dollars toward starting the charity, with the sole proviso that it forever remain non-sectarian in character and free to all who would be unable to pay for treatment, by unanimous agreement of all the persons present, the institution was named in her honor."

Read more about the Packer House Hospital in Sunbury Pa, here:
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2025/01/packer-house-hospital-sunbury-pa.html

6th

On April 6 of 2020, tired of the complaints and liability, and concerned that spray paint was also being used on the nearby cemetery, the company that owns Graffiti Highway had it covered in mounds of dirt. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/a-town-on-fire-centralia-graffiti.html
Devitt's camp opened in April of 1912, and five "victims of the White Plague immediately took quarters there." Read more about when Allenwood Had A Tuberculosis Camp, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/when-allenwood-had-tuberculosis-camp.html

7th

1794 - Rev. Dr. Joseph Priestly embarked from England for America. Read more about Joseph Priestly and his fizzy water, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/03/joseph-priestly-his-fizzy-water.html
1864 - White Deer Railroad Incorporated https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-white-deer-train-station.html
2014 - Nicholas Albert Rosato, an artist from Williamsport who illustrated the Game New Magazine for more than 60 years, died, age 91. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-art-of-nick-rosato.html

8th

1780 - Indians attack settlement at White Deer Mills. Kill and scalp David Couples and two children, take Mrs Couples captive
1826 Chartered on April 8, 1826, the Danville and Pottsville Railroad (D & P) was one of Pennsylvania's earliest railroads. However, it never connected the towns listed in its name. Built in two separate sections, there was an 18 mile long gap in the middle that was never closed. More about the D & P Railroad - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-danville-pottsville-railroad.html
1835 - Monument to Col. John Kelly erected at Lewisburg Cemetery. Great Military parade. James Merill, Esq, was orator of the day. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/col-john-kelly-revolutionary-war-hero.html
On April 8th 1971, St Edwards Church in Shamokin was destroyed in a fire https://shamokinhistory.org/st-edwards-roman-catholic-church-fire-photos-april-8th-1971/

9th

1780 - Fort Montgomery and Fort Bostley garrisoned by Continental Troops
1828 - Isaac Straub empowered to erect a dam across the small course dividing Vincent's Island (Billmeyer and Montgomerys, in 1923, Milton State Park today) also to extended wing walls from the head of the island, parallel to Comley's Island, a distance of 15 rods.
1829 - Congressman Bound of Milton, for whom Bound Avenue is named, was born. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/12/congressman-franklin-bound-from-milton.html
1903 - Fire destroyed the store of William A. Buck and also four dwellings at New Columbia
1943 - Parade in Selinsgrove to honor Selinsgrove's First War Hero, Maj. John Oberdorf - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/a-parade-for-maj-john-oberdorf.html

10th

1784 - Col. Samuel Hunter died at Fort Hunter, aged 52. See Fort Augusta Through The Decades - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/hunter-house-at-fort-augusta-through.html
Muncy Luminary founded April 10 1841 by W.P.I Painter
1918 - Roof of Miltonian office, under weight of many tons of snow, crashed down through plant and destroyed machinery causing suspension of 5 weeks
1875 "Great Apostolic Clock" was on display in Odd Fellows' Hall, Selinsgrove https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/when-great-apostolic-clock-was-in.html
1955 - Easter Sunrise Services were held at the Silver Moon Drive In in Lewisburg. Nearly 200 people, in 50 cars, attended. The same theater was paying regular fines for illegally showing movies on Sundays. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/03/when-silver-moon-was-drive-in-illegally.html

11th

The day was April 11, 1779 -- Brady was returning home following a visit with Samuel Wallis when two shots rang out, both hitting their target and felling Brady in an instant. Was it an Indian ambush, or an assassination by the British Spy, Samue Wallis?

Today there are several monuments to Brady in our area: In Montandon, marking where Brady lived before moving to Muncy. In Muncy, at the spot where he was ambushed. A large memorial in the Muncy Cemetery, erected in 1897, and a memorial in Halls cemetery, where he was buried. Read more about Capt. John Brady, who served at Brandywine with George Washington, knocked over a whiskey barrel at Ludwig Derrs in Lewisburg, and may have, possibly, discovered that Samuel Wallis was a traitor in league with Benedict Arnold, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2025/04/john-brady-monuments-for-him.html

1878 - Peter L. Hackenburberg Esq installed the first telephone in Milton. This connected the two stories of his residence.
1914 - H. Russell Karchner, vice president of the Reid Tobacco Co, accidentally shot by a friend.
1946 - Bogar Lumber Fire, Selinsgrove https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-bogar-lumber-fire-april-11-1946.html
1949, Mrs Langston, national chairman of the DAR, presented two dogwood trees at the Warrior Run Church, in memory of the Revolutionary soldiers buried there.

12th

1869 - Canal Boat, Mountain Boy, was launched by George W. Strine for its owner Charles Malady. This was the finest boat ever built at Milton. When the Susquehanna Valley Had A Canal: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-susquehanna-valley-had-canal-west.html
The Watsontown Record was first published in April, 1869, by Oscar Foust, Esq, and afterwards by a joint stock company. See the 1907 Anniversary Edition of the Record & Star here - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-watsontown-record-star-silver.html

13th

1789 - Twenty Indians attacked Peter Swartz's plantation above Milton, one killed and three wounded. That was about the location of Riverside Park (today Boones Campground) Read more about Fort Swartz here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/fort-schwartz-milton-pa.html
1925 - The Sunbury [railroad] shops closed. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-sunbury-roundhouse.html
1956 The First National Bank in Williamsport was robbed of $64,118. Six hours after the robbery, 21 year old John Watts was arrested in Lock Haven, based on a tip. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/first-national-bank-williamsport.html
On April 13th 1957 the Daily Item Reported "The oldest business in Sunbury within the same family --the Neff Hotel-- marked its 91st birthday today." Read more about The Neff here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2025/02/neff-hotel-sunbury-pa.html

14th

1827 - The Borough Of Mifflinburg was incorporated. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/mifflinburg-union-county-pennsylvania.html
1829 - John Deeter launched canal boat, West Branch. This was the first boat built along the West Branch canal. it's capacity was 275 tons. When the Susquehanna Valley Had A Canal: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-susquehanna-valley-had-canal-west.html
1873, April 14, Undercover Pinkerton Agent James McParlan was initiated to the Ancient Order of Hiberians, as part of his attempt to infiltrate the Molly Maguires. A Time Line Of The Molly Maguire Story - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/a-time-line-of-molly-maguire-story.html
1874 - First windmill of Union County arrived for J. Stoltzfus of Kelly Twp
1876 - Washington Kreitzer rescued young James Brooks from drowning in the canal at swinging bridge
1883 - Milton Water Company incorporated, John McCleery President
1884 - Albert Ranck, age 15 years, was killed at the Pennsylvania Crossing at Watsontown.
The track for the Sunbury & Northumberland Trolley was laid in April 1890. It was tested for the first time with an "improvised trolley" on Monday April 14th 1890. Another test was made on April 29th, testing it on the bridge. It ran successfully to Northumberland for the first time in late May. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-trolleys-ran-in-sunbury.html
On this day in history, April 14th 1912, the RMS Titanic ocean liner struck an iceberg. Two hours and forty minutes after the impact, the Titanic sank, with more than 1500 perishing.

Wealthy widow of Bucknell Colleges namesake, Emma Eliza Bucknell survived the crash. She helped row a lifeboat for nearly 6 hours, and then recounted her ordeal in detail for several newspapers. You can read her entire account here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/mrs-bucknell-sailed-on-titanic-and.html

1914 - George S. Chalfant purchased implement business from Harvey L. Lindner. Mr Chalfant would be murdered in his home in Milton in 1940: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/murder-in-milton-chalfant-house.html

15th -

1831 - Merchants Choice, the 8th boat built by Deeter and Rhoads was launched at Milton
1835 - Lewisburg & Jersey Shore bridge and turnpike company incorporated
1863 - Lewisburg & Chillisquaque turnpike company incorporated and the road led from the east end of the bridge to Montandon Read more about when the road from Montandon to Mifflinburg was a toll road, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-toll-road-between-lewisburg-and.html
1863 - The Williamsport Passenger Railway Company was chartered. Read more about when Williamsport had a trolley, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-trolleys-ran-in-williamsport.html
1866 - William Budd Stuart was born, the son of Eugene and Laura [Van Ness] Stuart. Stuart would go on to make his fortune in motor oil and real estate. In 1937 he purchased the Park Hotel, having the top two floors removed in 1939 to convert it to the Park Home for elderly women, in memory of his mother. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/herdics-hotel-at-park-place.html
1874 - Saw Mill of Nagle, Eschbach, and Churchill at Muddy run destroyed by fire. Loss of $30,000
1908 - Dreamland opened in Buoy Block, Milton. It appears that Dreamland was a theater room inside the Hotel Haag in 1907, owned by Mr Barto of Watsontown. It apparently moved in April 1908, moving again later that same year, when the new proprietors purchased the Savoy theater in Milton. In February of 1909, a Motion Picture Contest was held there, but I have not yet located a list of the amateur actors and actresses who won. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/when-there-was-motion-picture-contest.html

16th -

1804 - William Maclay, one of the first United States Senators and a resident of this county (Northumberland) died age 68 years.
1840 - Lewisburg Academy Incorporated
1853 - Messrs Hutmand and Shander began the manufacture of hats in Milton
1853 - Eddie Kline, age 3, fell into a cistern on Hepburn Street and drowned
1864 - In the April 16th 1864 issue of the Recorder, Enoch Gilchrist announced that Julia Collins was appointed as a school teacher for the African American children in Williamsport Pennsylvania. Miss Collins was the first African American Woman to publish a novel. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/09/julia-c-collins-learning-more-about.html
On April 16, 1879, a Grand Jury indicted "6 Blue Eyed Men" for murder. The "Blue Eyed Six" had the year before, taken a life insurance policy out on an impoverished 65 year old man, and then they murdered him to collect the insurance money. [Lebanon County] https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-blue-eyed-six-first-murder-for.html
1883 - April 16 — Snyder County Normal Institute opened in Old Female College Bldg.
1840 - The Lewisburg Academy Incorporated
1914 - Myron Reed terribly burned by an explosion of gasoline
1910 - Announcement made by the American Car Foundry Company that seamless tank department would be established there. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/from-sawmill-to-american-car-foundry.html
1953 - The Pike Drive In in Montgomery opened for the first time on April 16, 1953
The first movie shown there was Son of Paleface. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-montgomery-got-drive-in-pike.html

17th -

1794 - John Burrows arrived in Montoursville. "Disposing of his tools he took his wife and five children, the youngest an infant, and started for Muncy, where they had relatives living. There they arrived, April 17, 1794, with less than $8 in money, and were obliged to take up their quarters in a log cabin about sixteen feet square with another family of six children, which, with his own family of five children, and a bound boy, crowded the cabin to its utmost." Read more here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/10/montours-reserve-beginning-of.html
1880 - George Baker, the 3rd owner of the old grist mill, died in Milton https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/baker-grist-mill-milton-pa.html
1882 - Pardees Saw mill in Watsontown destroyed by fire
1851 - Great Snow Storm visited the vicinity [Milton], during much damage
1880 - George Baker, third owner of the old grist mill, died at Milton
1882, Pardee & Sons Bill Mill in Watsontown Destroyed by Fire https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-fowler-map-of-watsontown.html
1902 - A mysterious stranger got off the train at Williamsport and offered local undertakers $200 to bury a mystery casket at a location of his choice along the Loyalsock Creek. Mystery In A Casket, Montoursville 1902 -https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/mystery-in-casket-montoursville-1902.html
1912 - First Brick was laid for the new school at the I.O.O.F orphanage in Sunbury https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-ioof-orphanage-in-sunbury-pa.html
2015 - On April 17th 2015, The Midatlantic Chapter of SPOOM & The Union County Historical Society held a tour of historic mills in Union County PA. I've done a lot of great trips, but this remains one of my very favorites. One of the stops was at Johnson's Mill in Mazeppa, where we not only got to see the Mill, but hear great stories about it too. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2015/04/johnsons-mill-mazeppa-pa.html

18th

1728 - James LeTort and John Scull commissioned to bear presents to Madam Montour and Indian Chiefs in the vicinity
1861 - First troops enroute to Washington passed through Milton
1871 - George Schwartz killed at New Columbia by falling off a load of lumber. The wagon passed over his neck.
1892 - There was a train Wreck in Selinsgrove PA - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/03/1892-train-wreck-selinsgrove.html
1897 - Mary Emma Walter asks for the establishment of a Preparative Meeting at Catawissa. Miss Walter continued to attend the Friends Meeting House at Catawissa, as the only member, for more than 30 years. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/02/friends-meeting-house-catawissa-pa.html
1908 - Thieves ransacked the residences of H.F. Algert, Samuel Bryson, and Dr. E.L. Housel of Watsontown
1910 - J.M.M. Gernerd, noted historian and collector of Indian relics, died at Muncy age 78 years. Read The Muncy Valley: Snap Shots Of Scenery, Geology, And History By J.M.M. Gernerd of Muncy here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-muncy-valley-snap-shots-of-scenery.html
1917 - Patriotic Day in Sunbury. Across the nation, flag raisings were so common in April 1917 that there was a national flag shortage. Ceremonies were held on various dates throughout the spring that year, often as flags became available. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/flag-raisings-in-susquehanna-valley.html

19th

1842 - The Limits of the Milton Borough were again extended.
1875 - Rev. Dr George Junkin, formerly of Milton, then president of Lexington College in VA, resigned from that institution because the students displayed the rebel flag. His daughter was the woman later to be known as the Poetress of the Confederacy, the sister in law of Stonewall Jackson, who was born in Milton Pa. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-poetress-of-confederacy-was-born-in.html
1880 - Ex-Governor James Pollock, native of Milton, died at Lock Haven - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/james-pollock-milton-pa.html
1920 Canon Unearthed at Northumberland

20th

1869 - Ex-Governor Pollock again appointed director of the mint https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/james-pollock-milton-pa.html
1870 - John Mauck of Milton and a fellow raftsman drowned at Muncy Creek while trying to run a chute For more stories and photos of the Mundy Dam - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2024/04/stories-from-muncy-dam.html
1880 — A steamer drawing 14 new canal boats, passed down the canal at Selinsgrove about 5p.m. A big crowd witnessed the fleet.
April 20, 1903 The Great Paul Wirt Fountain Pen Writing Contest https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2025/01/wirt-fountain-pens-bloomsburg-invention.html
1910 - Bucknell defeated Yale in a 13 inning game of ball.
1920 - A government aircraft made an emergency landing in Selinsgrove. It was guarded by Boy Scouts. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/first-plane-to-land-in-selinsgrove.html

21st -

1854 - Philip Steinruck purchased the iron foundry at McEwensville
1875 - A. Lochman opened the Sugar Bowl on Brown's Row in Milton
1883 - William P Brink of Liverpool committed suicide at the Broadway House in Milton
1894 - The only daughter of the manager of the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad was killed in a train collision the week before her wedding. Her fiancé died from his injuries. The train that collided with them carried her father. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/killed-while-planning-her-wedding-train.html
1908 - Milton Manufacturing Company suffered second fire. This one destroyed the nut department at a loss of $200,000 https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/milton-manufacturing-milton-pa.html
Easter Sunrise Service was held at the newly installed concrete and steel Grampian Hills Cross. (The original cross was made of wood, and installed in 1923) You can still see the cross today - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/03/grampian-hills-cross.html

22nd

1894 - J. Gosh Bower of Watsontown severely crushed in a fall of an elevator at the Watsontown Furniture and Table Works
Ground Breaking for the Lycoming Hotel [Today the Genetti] began in April of 1921. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/05/celebrating-100-years-genetti-hotel.html

23rd

1847 - Michael Sechler died on the twenty-third of April, 1847, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was said to have been the last survivor of the Life Guard of General George Washington. George Washintgon's Bodyguard, buried in Montgomery Pa - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/04/george-washingtons-bodyguard-buried-in.html
1852 - Hughesville was incorporated as a borough. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/hughesville-pennsylvania.html
1872 - Grain warehouse of Col. Thomas Swenk of Mahoning St in Milton collapsed under a load of 5000 bushels of oats.
1881 - Bob Burdette lectured in Milton. His subject was "The Rise and Fall of The Mustache"
1922 - Milton Moose dedication program in new home
1923 - Fire at the large ice houses at the southeast of town in Milton. The White Deer Mountain Water Company, who owned the ice houses, was expected to tear them down that summer, as "the wide use of artificial ice having replaced natural ice to such an extent that the business is no longer profitable." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/ice-harvest-in-central-susquehanna.html
1958 - Martin Luther King visited Lycoming College in Williamsport. He spoke in an assembly the next day. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/when-martin-luther-king-jr-spoke-at.html

24th

1851 - Thomas Howard dug up the bones of a mastodon in Kelly Township, Union County. The tusk was 10 feet long and 9 inched in diameter Read more here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/when-mastadon-tusk-was-discovered-near.html
1857 - Hon. James G. Montgomery member of Congress died at Danville aged 55 years, from poison eaten in food at the National Hotel in Washington
1898 - The Electric Light Plant in Watsontown, located at the foot of 3rd street, began operations with a grand public demonstration. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/electrocuted-at-watsontown-light-plant.html

25th

1779 - Indians attacked Fort Jenkins and several families were taken prisoner. Read more about Fort Jenkins here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/04/fort-jenkins-bloomsburg-pa.html
1870 - Big fire destroyed 9 business blocks in Sunbury
1893, the Liberty Bell made it's way through the Central Susquehanna Valley, on it's way to the Chicago expedition. It was the first of 5 tours the bell would make, the last being in 1915. Crowds lined the railroad tracks in our local towns of Sunbury, Milton, Williamsport, and Lock Haven, with many kissing the bell, or running trinkets against the relic to keep as souvenirs of the occasion See more about when the Liberty Bell came to Central Pa - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/when-liberty-bell-traveled-through.html
1900 - the remains of a "very young child" were found in an "unused closet" (another account says "outhouse") at he Freight Station at Milton. Officer Rhodes was sent to investigate. If the remains were ever identified, I can find no report of it. Read more about the Milton Train Station here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-milton-train-station.html

26th

1773. April 26 - William Maclay wrote a letter about the magazine at For Hunter being used as a jail, and the need for a "regular jail" to replace it. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/fort-augusta-as-described-in-1871-in.html
1779 - Indians attack militia near Fort Freeland. Michael Lepley killed and scalped. Three months later, in July 1779, Fort Freeland would be lost in an attack by the Indians and British at the Battle Of Fort Freeland - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-battle-of-fort-freeland.html
1870 - was the official day of celebration declared by the Pennsylvania State Equal Rights League. In Williamsport hundreds of people lined the city streets to watch a procession of forty-one carriages and buggies, people carrying banners, and costumed marchers. [See parade photo in blog post] https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/when-frederick-douglas-spoke-in.html
1896 - This picture of the old Mandolin club in Watsontown was taken on April 26 1896 when at an Odd Fellows Anniversary Day was celebrate in Watsontown. According to the newspaper caption: "All the members of the club are deceased, but Edward Kelmble, who lived on East first street in Watsontown. The two seated in the front are DeLa Rombach and William Kramer. Those in the second row, left to right, Frank Krum, Seth Michener, and Howard W. Rombach. In the top row are Oliver Sanders, Edward Kemble, and Frank B. Fisher." https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-watsontown-mandolin-club.html
1904, one of the Montoursville [Trolley] Cars was being driven by a Williamsport Railway Crew, when it wrecked, seriously injuring the motorman. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-montoursville-had-trolley.html

27th

1831 - First Team passed over the bridge at Northumberland, using the towing path
1870 - The Borough Of Washingtonville Was Incorporated See more stories and history from Washingtonville here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/washingtonville-pa.html
1884 April 27 — Selinsgrove - Big fire in alley west of Market street, from Pine to Walnut streets, loss about $15,000. Several firemen hurt. Help from Sunbury by special train.
1891 - On April 27th 1891, George M. Oberender, a freight conductor on the P & R.R.R. was killed at Sunbury Station. He had been filling in as a substitute conductor on the east bound freight train. When nearing Sunbury station, before the train stopped, Oberender jumped off. On a siding stood a long string of freight cars, and he was thrown against them at a force that bounced him back under the wheels of the train he had jumped from. His injuries were severe, and after an hour or two of intense suffering, he died. Oberender was formerly from Union County, a native of White Deer Mills. He had been employed by the railroad for a number of years.
1893 - Canal boat with 84 tons of coal for William Hull sank near the lock
1909 - Odd Fellows Day was celebrated in Danville Pa. During the event, one "well known Shamokin couple" were the victims of pick pockets, losing both their cash and their train tickets. The couple eventually walked all the way back to Shamokin. Read more about the Odd Fellows Celebration here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2024/04/odd-fellows-day-danville-1909.html
1919 - Train of World's War Relics made stops in area towns including Milton - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-war-relic-trains.html
1920 - 101st Anniversary of Odd Fellows held at Milton
1924 - Clover, "the oldest horse in the world", died. Clover resided in Catawissa PA. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/10/clover-oldest-horse-in-world.html

28th

1877 - Dr James McCleery and Coleman Sober make highest score in first trial at glass balls as targets in Milton
1908 - George Keiser age 21 killed on P. and R. at Milton station
1917 - Harry Reynolds instantly killed at ACF plant
1932 - A parade of Auburn Automobiles, all propelled by Lycoming Engines, travelled through Williamsport. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-auburn-car-parade-in-williamsport.html
1963 - Approximately 5,000 persons from all sectors of Central Pennsylvania attended the annual Danville State Hospital Open House program at the institution on Sunday. All facilities were open for inspection except the hospital proper and the tuberculosis ward. Visitors selected the areas they were interested in, and the nurses and attendant conducted them on the tours of the facilities. Open house prevailed from 1:30 to 4:30 p. m. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/01/assorted-stories-history-from-danville.html

29th

1881 April — Burglars blew open safe in local railroad depot [Selinsgrove] and secure about $9.
1876 - Boys set fire to barn in Lewisburg and 4 buildings were burned
1881 - Grocery store of W.N. Baker and Co at Lewisburg robbed of $500 when the safe was blown apart
1890 The Milton Ferry Company was incorporated by Moses Chamberlain, William Chamberlan, Geroge Showers, Reuben F. Wilson and William Hull. The bridges had been destroyed in the 1889 flood, a ferry was used until new bridges could be completed. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/03/when-milton-had-ferry.html
1904 - Ice Mounds from the Ice Flood in early March 1904 were still piled along the railroad tracks, "as high as the top of the train". https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-1904-ice-flood-in-bloomsburg.html
1912 - M. Cobemale, a prominent French Railway Magnate, came from Paris to Milton to view the Edison Storage Battery Car in operation. It was the only car of it's kind at the time. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-edison-battery-car-that-ran-from.html

30th

1869 - Brass band organized at Lewisburg by Prof. Eberhardt
1877 - Henry Huff invented a fire escape for hotels and gave a public test of his invention
Eugene "Jean" Noble Mohr was born April 30th 1877. Mohr, a successful commercial artist, returned home to Muncy after his fathers death, and at the end of his life painted various murals in local restaurants in exchange for food and drink. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2025/03/artist-jean-mohr-muncy-pa.html
1881 - S.C. Klapp reorganized the Milton Silver Cornet band.
1882, April 30 — Bachelor & Doris' Circus and menagerie train passes over the S. & L. en route from Lewistown to Bellefonte
1883 - The Edison Electric Illuminating Company at Sunbury was incorporated on April 30, 1883.Thomas Edison installed his first three wire electric light at the City Hotel (today the Hotel Edison) that year. When Edison Came To Our Valley - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/when-edison-came-to-our-valley-shamokin.html
1971 - The last passenger train, Pennsylvania Railroad to Harrisburg, left Williamsport. Read more about the various Williamsport Train Stations, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-williamsport-train-stations.html
1988, the town of Selinsgrove constructed a 4.55 mile long banana split, stretching down Market street to the Selinsgrove Speedway, and back, three times. This was the second time the town would win the title of the world's largest Banana Split, the first time having been in 1982 https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/05/when-worlds-largest-banana-split-was.html

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MISC APRIL EVENTS

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The last passenger train stopped at Sunbury Station in April of 1971. https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/third-street-station-sunbury.html
April 1875 - G. M. Myers, a cripple, starts a conveyance service between town [Selinsgrove] and the river bridge, the passenger service to the Junction being handled by a hand car.
1875 Three brick yards open and doing a flourishing- business [Selinsgrove]— J. W. Gaugler's, Samuel Gemberling's and Keeley & Wagner's.
1875 - Selinsgrove - Ice gorges above the "Red Bridge" above town, covering the meadows and fields, having been inundated by water from creek and river.
1881 - During this month several rafts go down the river, also several beats for New York. A new canal boat in the shocks at Keller's Boat Yard on the Isle of Que.
In April of 1955, 53,000 acres (84 sq miles) known as the Quehanna area, in the counties of Clearfield, Cameron, and Elk, were set aside for a research a nuclear research, development, and testing facility. You can hike through some of the ruins left behind - see more here:https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-abandoned-nuclear-jet-bunkers-in.html
Maj John Lee acquired about 300 acres in April of 1769 from the Penn Proprietors, naming it “Lee’s Adventure.” The stone house that still stands along the creek in Winfield is believed by many to be the site of Lee’s homestead. Read more about the Lee Massacre in Winfield, here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-lee-massacre-in-winfield-pa.html
At the age of 15, in April 1896, Edward Cressinger assaulted a girl by the name of Laura Holdren. Charged with assault and battery, Cressinger spent 30 days in jail. Two years later, Cressinger would murder a 16 year old girl, and as a result would become the youngest person to be executed in Pennsylvania. [Sunbury] https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-youngest-man-to-be-executed-in-pa.html
In April of 1850, Col Silfer voiced his disapproval of a proposed new "Freeland County" being carved out of parts of Union and Northumberland Counties. The Freeland County Proposal Of 1850 - When Milton & Watsontown almost left North'd CountyThe Freeland County Proposal Of 1850 - When Milton & Watsontown almost left North'd County https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-freeland-county-proposal-of-1850.html
April 1932 - Trial For The Three Men Who Robbed the Allenwood & Exchange Banks - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2016/06/when-three-unmasked-bandits-robbed.html
In April of 1874, 21 cases of hats were sent to St Louis and Chicago, from the White Deer Woolen Mills https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/white-deer-woolen-mills.html
In April of 1867, the Northumberland Democrat reported that the citizens of Cameronia were discussing changing the name of the town, because their mail was consistently, accidentally, being sent to a post office in Cameron County with the similar name of Cameron. When Montandon Was Named For William Cameron - h ttps://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/01/when-montandon-was-briefly-cameronia.html
In April 1929, The Cooner Hotel was purchased by James and Mary Gair. The Gair's renamed the hotel The Watson Inn. See the photos of the hotel over the decades here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/from-cooner-hotel-to-watson-inn.html
In April of 1943, Members of the US Army Air force training battalion at Susquehanna University began flight training at the Milton Airport When Milton Had An Airport - https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/when-milton-had-airport-milton-flying.html
1909 - Work on the man made lake at Rolling Green began in April of 1909
1917 - The Carnegie fund promised $1,100 to the Calvary Baptist Church Of Williamsport, to be used towards the purchase of a pipe organ. Carnegie provided matching funds for churches across the nation, including more than 3,000 in his adopted state of Pennsylvania, to install pipe organs https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2022/02/when-andrew-carnegie-helped-churches-by.html