Gypsies In The Valley

 
Gypsy Encampment, Williamsport Pa

There are frequently mentions, and even photos, of gypsies along the West Brach of the Susquehanna. Gypsy camps, gypsies at the carnivals and fairs, and even gypsy reunions. According to a 2017 article in Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine, the above postcard " offers a rare glimpse of the role and presence of the Romani in Pennsylvania. "  

Until now, I haven't made any attempt to keep track of the mentions, so excuse the brevity of this post.  I'll continue to add to it, now that I have a designated place to put the notes.

Definition of a gypsy, from Websters dictionary -  "a member of a people originating in South Asia and traditionally having an itinerant way of life, living widely dispersed across Europe and North and South America and speaking a language (Romani) that is related to Hindi; a Romani person."

"The Romani often traveled regular routes and returned to the same places to set up camps for weeks or months on vacant property at the outskirts of cities. In 1909 the state passed a law requiring the Romani to pay for licenses in each county prior to setting up camps or selling goods. Newspaper accounts of that era detail the occasionally contentious relationship between established communities and Romani encampments." - Romani in Pennsylvania, from Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine 2017

1941 Reunion At Hughesville

[Coinciding with the Lycoming County Fair. ]

After a series of theft allegations, eight gypsy tribes were ordered to move along - 

September 1941

8 Tribes of Gypsies ordered to move out, during the Lycoming County Fair

After a series of complaints about theft.

"The same spot [at the mouth of the Mahoning creek, just below the present town of Danville] is now frequently occupied by the semi-barbarous Zingari-the wandering gypsies-the descendants of Egypt." The History of Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania by Brower

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Beginnings Of the Gypsy

As published in the Williamsport Sun Gazette

July 1909

Centre Democrat, June 21, 1888

This is the story behind the grave marked “Franie the Egyptian Babe” which is near the fence in the Houserville Cemetery.