Annual report of the burgess and town council of the borough of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 1941-1947, Part 5

Author: Chambersburg (Pa.)
Publication date: 1941-1947
Publisher: [Chambersburg, Pa.] : The Borough
Number of Pages: 580


USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Chambersburg > Annual report of the burgess and town council of the borough of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 1941-1947 > Part 5


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28


Balance Sheet-Water Department .


Assessments-Water Department


Historical Sketch-Electric Light Department


CHAMBERSBURG PENNSYLVANIA


OFFICE OF THE BOROUGH ENGINEER CHAMBERSBURG, PENNA. SCALE 1'' 300"


JANUARY 1935


PLAN NUMBER 30009-A


POPULATION OF BOROUGH


13.788 1930 CENSUS


BOROUGH ENGINEER


USRED STATES ParLE MLM


AVENUE


FIFTH WARD


STACEY


Profer


Sracrs


STREFY


STREL


"PELALANT


GARVER


FIRST


PRECINCT


SENTER


AVENUE


QUEEN


KING


FOURTH WARD


NOgTH


& MILE


% MILE


LINCOLN


UBLEY


4 MIL p


Avenue


PHILAOCLOUTA


Ave


ELLY 6250+


Bagno


AST


NONTH


PRECINCT


FIRST


NORTH


· MILE


FIRST


SOUTH


t


BLUE240


THIRD


WARD


STACEY


KING


STOCKS


AVENUE


MITET ALE


CATHERINE


AVENUE


ELEV DIJO


WASHINGTON


NHLLbUN


East


LAST


Nor.


FAST


CHALET


SOUTH ..


· LLEV 650


EAST


ST


EIGHTH


AVENUE


CHAMBERSBURG PENNSYLVANIA


AREA OF BOROUGH


OFFICE OF THE BOROUGH ENGINEER CHAMBERSBURG, PENNA.


SCALE |'- 300"


JANUARY 1935


1930 CENSUS


WATER


36 ACRES


PLAN NUMBER 30009-A


TOTAL 2273 ACRES


PENN HALL


AVENUE


VINE


WILSON


Cou.Les


WATTO


Avenue


PRE CINCT


SMILE


FIRST WARD


& MILE -


AVENUE


THIBO


WARD


GOANT


AVENUD


PRECINCT


SECOND


THIRO


PRECINCT


STRICT


FILTH


AVENUE


AVENUE


-1 MILE


LMARYLAND


GUILFORD


AVENUE


LONa


ELEV GSZO


CUMBIALDA


HIGHLAND


POPULATION OF BOROUGH 13.788


LAND


2237 ACRES


SELLV 6550


STREET


STREET


Descavolo


STREET


OLEN


STREET


HINUNA


HOO TH FEDERAL


..... ..... .......


WOLF


WAY


LOUDON


BANKULN ST.


WOLF


PLANT


AMD6 43


POPLAR AVE


SECOND


PRECINCT!


WAST VIASIN


Artwy


COLLEGE


AVENUE


AvE


VE


NORTH X


WILSON


KENNEDY


AVENUE


RAHSET


YOBLAND


ALERNOCH


SECOND


ELEV 6200


FIRST PRECINCT


VA MILE


FOURTH


SECOND PRECINCT


MILE


MCKINLEY


BERTY


I MILE-


MON TOOMEAT


MILE


EDGAR


LE


MILLES


STREET


MAIN


SECOND PRECINCT


MAIN


AVENUL


DOROUGH ENGINELG


COLODA


GRANDVIEW


Press of THE KERR PRINTING CO. Chambersburg, Penna.


ANNUAL REPORT


of the


BURGESS AND TOWN COUNCIL of THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG PENNSYLVANIA


For the Year Ending December 31, 1942


This Pamphlet is published for the benefit of the citizens of Chambersburg, that they may become better acquainted with those vital things in our community that go to make Chambersburg a better place in which to live.


ANNUAL REPORT


of the


BURGESS AND TOWN COUNCIL of THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG PENNSYLVANIA


For the Year Ending December 31, 1942


FOR THE YEAR from JANUARY 1, 1942, TO DECEMBER 31, 1942 Being THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH SINCE INCORPORATED As A BOROUGH


PERSONNEL OF THE BOROUGH GOVERNMENT 1942


H. R. FORBES


Chief Burgess


CHAUNCEY M. DEPUY, JR.


Chief Burgess


STEPHEN MCC. NELSON


President of Town Council


J. HASE MOWREY


Manager of Utilities


E. W. DAVIS


Secretary


JAMES G. BIETSCH


Treasurer. .


EDMUND C. WINGERD


Solicitor


EDGAR W. DIEHL


Tax Collector


HARRY R. GEARHART


Auditor


ALBERT S. HENNEBERGER


Auditor Auditor


HERBERT C. KEEFER


MARGARET E. WINGERT


Chief Bookkeeper


H. S. BYERS


Chief of Police


ROBERT MONN


Superintendent of Water and Sewer


F. D. RHODES, JR.


Borough Engineer


CHARLES F. PFOUTZ


Assistant Borough Engineer


WILLIAM L. GROVE


Plumbing Inspector Market Master


COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL


FINANCE COMMITTEE


STEPHEN MCC. NELSON, Chairman


JOHN C. SIERER


J. POY WILLIAMS


EARLE MCL. MILLER


C. H. PENSINGER


WATER AND LIGHT COMMITTEE


C. H. PENSINGER, Chairman


R. F. ANGLE


B. F. SMALL


STREET COMMITTEE


R. F. ANGLE, Chairman


B. F. SMALL


A. R. ZIMMERMAN


FIRE COMMITTEE


J. ROY WILLIAMS, Fire Marshal A. R. ZIMMERMAN


EARLE MCL. MILLER


BOROUGH PROPERTY COMMITTEE


STEPHEN MCC. NELSON, Chairman


C. H. PENSINGER


R. F. ANGLE


EARLE MCL. MILLER


B. F. SMALL


PUBLIC COMFORT STATION COMMITTEE


T. C. MCCULLOUGH, Chairman G. S. KLENZING


EARLE MCL. MILLER


INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE


G. S. KLENZING, Chairman


T. C. MCCULLOUGH


J. ROY WILLIAMS


SEWER COMMITTEE


B. F. SMALL, Chairman EARLE MCL. MILLER JOHN C. SIERER


NOTE: H. R. Forbes succeeded Chauncey M. Depuy, Jr., as Burgess on July 6, 1942, Chauncey M. Depuy, Jr., being called to the Armed Services.


2


ROBERT RINICK


PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS COMMITTEE


A. R. ZIMMERMAN, Chairman


J. ROY WILLIAMS G. S. KLENZING C. H. PENSINGER JOHN C. SIERER


COYLE FREE LIBRARY TRUSTEES


JOHN C. SIERER EARLE MCL. MILLER


PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE


H. R. FORBES, Chairman H. S. BYERS


EARLE MCL. MILLER


A. R. ZIMMERMAN


R. F. ANGLE


MARKET COMMITTEE


C. H. PENSINGER, Chairman


T. C. MCCULLOUGH


B. F. SMALL


A. R. ZIMMERMAN R. F. ANGLE



3


BOROUGH OFFICIALS OF THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG


STEPHEN McC. NELSON President of Council Councilman, 1st Ward


EARLE MCL. MILLER Councilman, 1st Ward


H. R. FORBES Chief Burgess


R. F. ANGLE Councilman, 2nd Ward


A. R. ZIMMERMAN Councilman, 2nd Ward


4


BOROUGH OFFICIALS OF THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG


C. H. PENSINGER Councilman, 3rd Ward


JOHN C. SIERER Councilman, 4th Ward


J. ROY WILLIAMS Councilman, 3rd Ward


T. C. MCCULLOUGH Councilman, 4th Ward


B. F. SMALL Councilman, 5th Ward


5


BOROUGH OFFICIALS OF THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG


G. STEWART KLENZING Councilman, 5th Ward


F. D. RHODES, JR. Borough Engineer


E. C. WINGERD Borough Solicitor


J. HASE MOWREY Manager of Utilities


H. S. BYERS Chief of Police


6


BOROUGH OFFICIALS OF


THE BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG


MARGARET E. WINGERT Chief Bookkeeper


ROBERT MONN Supt. of Water and Sewer


W. L. GROVE Plumbing Inspector


E. W. DAVIS Borough Clerk


ROBERT RINICK Market Master


7


MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING


HISTORICAL


Chambersburg was founded by Benjamin Chambers at "Fawling Spring on Cannogogige," in 1734, and in 1764 Benjamin Chambers writes, "there is a town laid out on Conegogig Creek." The Town was incorporated by an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Penn- sylvania, March 21, 1803, and the first Burgess and Town Council con- sisted of the following: Chief Burgess-Major John Holliday; Council- men-Edward Crawford, Esq., Andrew Dunlap, Christian Oister, John Shryock, and Patrick Campbell. It has grown slowly, but its growth has been steady, and its accomplishments enduring. Today it bears the rather enviable reputation of being one of the outstanding boroughs in the State of Pennsylvania, and its citizens enjoy more vital services at a much lower cost than any other borough in the State.


POLICE DEPARTMENT


The first police force for the Borough of Chambersburg was estab- lished January 16, 1818, by the following action of Town Council, "Be it ordained, etc., That four men shall be employed to watch and patrol the streets of the Borough during the night, from nine o'clock until day- break, for the term of three months from this date, to guard the property of the inhabitants, as far as in their power, from incendiaries, thieves, and plunderers, and to arrest and detain all vagrants and night walkers until the morning, unless he, she, or they can give satisfactory account of their purpose, and the occasion of their being found on the street- and also call the hour."


The Council entered into an article of agreement dated January 17, 1818, with Robert Allison, as Captain; William McElhaney, Jacob Hecker- man, and Dan McAllister, Privates; to patrol the town from nine o'clock until daybreak, call the hour, and light any lamps that are, or may be, erected, for which the Captain was to receive $18.00 per month, and each Private $15.00 per month, and the Council was to furnish each one with a sufficiently warm watch coat.


From the following proclamation, it is evident that 126 years ago the sources of amusement for the good people of Chambersburg were more varied, permanent, and better protected than they are today:


"To Robert Allison, High Constable


Sir: You are hereby authorized to attend the Theatre in the Borough of Chambersburg and Protect the Manager thereof whilst act- ing from any disorderly Person or Persons-and if any Person or Per- sons attempt to disturb said actors during their performs-you are hereby Commanded to bring him or them before me or any Justice of the Peace in said Borough to be dealt with according to Law. Fail not.


Given under my hand and seal this 19th day of July, 1816.


(Signed) PATRICK CAMPBELL, Burgess."


From this very modest beginning, the Police Department has de- veloped into a highly efficient and very completely equipped organization, consisting of a Chief, two Sergeants, and twelve Patrolmen. Their equipment consists of a Hardinge Police Register System, dictograph, finger printing outfit, Colts 38 calibre revolvers, tear gas guns, tear gas hand grenades, two police cars, two motorcycles, and the most modern of Police Short Wave Radio transmissions.


9


During the year 1942, the Police Department answered 1,844 calls. This is exclusive of all calls answered by the Chief. There was a total number of 2,899 arrests made for various offenses. The arrests for drunk and disorderly conduct totaled 584. There were 19 actual cases of breaking in and larceny reported, and 3 arrests were made in these 19 cases. The night patrol reported 271 store doors left open by owners on leaving stores. The total amount of fines collected by the Borough was $2,390.00, $1,512.00 of which was Parking Meter fines.


FIRE DEPARTMENT


In 1790, one hundred and fifty-two years ago, when the village of Chambersburg consisted entirely of either log or frame houses, and the fire hazard was great because of wood fires upon the open hearth, the necessity of providing protection from fire was first discussed, and the Friendship Fire Company, an organization of citizens equipped with buckets, was formed.


Since that time, with the expansion of the village from a few houses to a borough of the first magnitude, the formation of additional com- panies became necessary, and their equipment, from bucket, to hand pump, to hose reel, to steam fire engine, and, during the past sixteen years, to modernized motor drawn and motor driven apparatus, has kept pace with the times.


Today, the Fire Department consists of five companies, advantage- ously located, and equipped with three American LaFrance Pumpers, one Ward LaFrance Flood Light Truck and Pumper, an aerial truck with 85 foot ladders, a City Service truck with booster pump, two Peter Pirsch Combination Booster and Squad Wagons, a squad and chemical car, and an ambulance.


The companies are entirely volunteer, only the drivers of the apparatus receiving pay from the Borough. The fire houses and equipment are owned by the Borough, and under the care of the Property Committee and the Fire Committee of the Borough Council.


In addition to the above mentioned equipment, the town is complete- ly covered by the Gamewell Fire Alarm System, consisting of 60 fire alarm boxes, 5 station house indicators and gongs, and one general alarm, all storage battery operated. Two hundred and forty latest type fire plugs are installed at the most advantageous points.


The Department answered 69 General Alarms sounded by the Game- well System during the year. In addition to these system alarms, the companies responded to silent alarms and individual calls as follows:


Franklin Company 18


Junior Company 26


Good Will Company 20


Cumberland Valley Company 10


Friendship Company 13


The Franklin Fire Company Community Pumper answered 36 calls for rural fires.


The fire loss in the Borough of Chambersburg for 1942 was $30,240.00.


The Good Will Ambulance responded to 1,066 calls during the year.


10


FIRE EQUIPMENT OF FRIENDSHIP ENGINE AND HOSE CO. NO. 1


JUNIOR H.& T. CO Z ON


FIRE EQUIPMENT OF JUNIOR HOSE AND TRUCK CO. NO. 2


FIRE EQUIPMENT OF JUNIOR HOSE AND TRUCK CO. NO. 2


DO L PH UGINOP


FIRE EQUIPMENT AND AMBULANCE OF GOOD WILL STEAM FIRE ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANY NO. 3


FIRE EQUIPMENT OF FRANKLIN FIRE COMPANY NO. 4


-


FIRE EQUIPMENT OF CUMBERLAND VALLEY HOSE COMPANY NO. 5


STREET DEPARTMENT


On March 30, 1734, Benjamin Chambers was given a grant to take, settle, and improve 400 acres of land at the mouth of the Falling Spring and the Conococheague Creek, but this tract was not sub-divided until 1764 when it was laid out as a town and called Chambers Town, which name was changed to Chambersburg when Franklin County was erected in 1784.


The limits of the town at that time were on the North by the Falling Spring; on the East by Second Street; and on the South by approximately Liberty Street; and on the West by the Conococheague Creek.


In the beginning of the 19th Century no streets had been graded or paved, although each property owner was required to maintain a walk in front of his own property. The original plan of the inhabitants was to make Second Street the principal business street, but this was changed to Main Street after considerable influence was exerted by those property owners.


Prior to 1813, the Lincoln Highway and Main Street were repaired by the Turnpike Company, by turnpiking which consisted of placing one foot of broken stone covered with gravel and clay. The first record of a contract awarded by the Borough was in 1813 to repair the Lincoln Highway and Main Street near the "Diamond."


The first covered storm sewer was built in Burkhart Avenue from Main Street to the Creek in 1823. This sewer had an inside height of 41/2 feet and a width of 31/2 feet.


The extension of this form of street repairs, grading, and sewers continued with some modification until 1912 when the present brick paving was laid, and plans adopted to continue this paving four blocks each year. This plan was not followed, due to the increased cost of materials.


In 1918 a general plan of macadam construction and surface oiling was adopted, and the Lincoln Highway and Main Street were paved first with water-bound macadam, and treated with road oil. This is the first year that a large quantity of road oil was used as a maintenance and construction material. Prior to this time, oil was used as a dust pre- ventive and partially paid for by the property owners abutting on the streets treated.


This plan was continued until 1927 and 1928, when the Lincoln Highway and Main Street were again repaved with reinforced cement concrete.


Work in the Street Department during 1942 consisted of the usual maintenance work, such as patching, oiling, sweeping, and removing refuse from streets and alleys; snow and ice removal; control of dust and weeds on streets and alleys; maintenance and repair of bridges; operation and maintenance of Street Department Garage; and the back- filling of ditches that were opened for the purpose of new installation or renewal of water, sewer, and, or, gas service to properties.


War time limitations on the use of materials prevented the com- pletion of any construction work, except that which had been started and that which was considered essential. The following construction projects were completed during 1942:


17


Street Construction: The following streets were paved with water- bound macadam:


Coldbrook Avenue-South of Lortz Avenue 480 Sq. Yards Cumberland Avenue-from Sixth Street to Borough 1,170 Sq. Yards Limits


Total 1,650 Sq. Yards


Alley Construction: Sections of four alleys were paved with cement concrete, having a total area of 1,583 square yards.


Storm Sewer Construction: No new projects were undertaken during 1942. Storm sewers on Miller Street, High Street, Garber Street and Hollywell Avenue, which were started during 1941, and are listed in that report, were completed.


STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT


FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1942


In presenting this report of the Street Department activities during 1942, we feel it is interesting to show in addition a comparative report of the works completed during the past twenty-four years. The progress in Highway construction and maintenance has made necessary large expenditures for drainage structures and bridges.


Comparative report of streets, alleys, sewers, bridges, as of 1918 and 1942, showing works completed by the Street Department during the past twenty-four years:


STREET SURFACES


1918


1942


Square Yards


Type


Square Yards


3,850. Oil Treated Water-Bound Macadam 418,090 0. Oil Treated Bituminous Macadam 46,515


0. Reinforced Cement Concrete 72,663


Brick on Cement Concrete Base


14,712


14,712. 0 Bituminous Concrete


12,935


302,400 Stone and Cinder


38,675


188,200 Clay or Slate


3,586


96,965.


Not opened


941


Total-608,117 Square Yards, or 31.39 Miles.


ALLEY SURFACES


1918


1942


Miles


Type Miles


0. Reinforced Cement Concrete


1.74


0. Bituminous Concrete


3.46


0 Oil Treated Macadam


7.20 4.10 Stone and Macadam


8.27


17.90 Clay, Slate, or Not Opened


. 1.36


Total-22.0 Miles.


18


UNDERGROUND SURFACE WATER DRAINS


1918 Linear Feet


Type


Linear Feet


2,610 12" Terra Cotta Pipe


2,610


200


18" Terra Cotta Pipe 4,380


0.


15" Terra Cotta Pipe


260


2,650


24" Terra Cotta Pipe.


4,993


0


36" Terra Cotta Pipe


452


0


12" Concrete Pipe


831


0.


.15" Concrete Pipe


350


0.


18" Concrete Pipe


2,253


775.


24" Concrete Pipe


2,514


0.


.36" Concrete Pipe


800


0.


18" Iron Pipe


1,050


0.


3' x 2.5' Cement Concrete Box


1,662


0


4' x 3' Cement Concrete Box


1,467


0.


.3' x 3' Cement Concrete Box


8,385


0.


4' x 4' Cement Concrete Box


6,726


0


2' x 2' Cement Concrete Box


150


0


1.5' x 3.5' Cement Concrete Box


720


0.


. 1.75' x 3.5' Cement Concrete Box


113


0.


1.5' x 4.5' Cement Concrete Box


252


6,235


Totals


39,968


31.


Inlets


311


ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT


The office of the Borough Engineer in Chambersburg was created by Ordinance approved by The Burgess and Town Council on June 14, 1909.


The Town Council appoints the Borough Engineer, and they are the judges of what assistants shall be furnished. He shall furnish all engineering for all departments unless otherwise directed by Council; To make profiles and plans of all streets, alleys, sewers, bridges, and to keep proper records of same; to have charge of all Borough property not under the supervision of the Manager of Utilities; to have general supervision over all work of the Street Department, and to report monthly to the Borough Council of all works completed; to keep records of locations of water, sewer, and gas pipes; to furnish and supply maps, charts, profiles, plans, specifications, estimates, data, and advice to Town Council, all committees, and officers of the Borough.


MUNICIPAL MARKET


The first Market House and Town Hall was erected in Chambersburg in 1830 on land purchased from Andrew Hemphill and Ruth, his wife, on May 3, 1830, for $630.00. This lot had a frontage on Queen Street of 64 feet and a depth on Second Street of 110 feet. Apparently there was some doubt of the construction as one of the provisions of the sale of the ground provided that if a Market House or Town Hall was not erected until April 1, 1833, Hemphill could repurchase the ground at the same price that he received.


19


1942


The Market House and Town Hall was enlarged later in 1874. Dur- ing 1930 other alterations were made when additional office space was required and after interest in the market had decreased to such an ex- tent that ample room still remained to conduct this market. However, when the market session was changed to Friday afternoons and evenings a considerable increase in attendance resulted and the demand for larger quarters and parking facilities were apparent.


At a meeting of the Burgess and Town Council held on November 12, 1940, the preparation of plans for a new market building to be located on South Third Street was authorized and on April 15, 1941, the general contract was awarded. The first market was held on November 7, 1941, in the completed structure.


The building is one story, 150 feet long and 50 feet wide with a full basement. The entire construction is of concrete foundations and brick walls faced with glazed tile in the market room. Steel trusses support the roof which provides a ceiling height of twenty feet in the center and fifteen feet on the sides. Fluorescent lighting is provided for the market room, concrete walks are laid on three sides of the building, and a maca- dam paved parking lot to accommodate fifty cars is provided on the North side.


The Municipal Market was in operation for the full year with a large attendance at all Friday markets but with very few dealers or buyers attending the Tuesday markets, with the result that the Tuesday markets were eventually discontinued.


From November, 1941, to May, 1942, there were 40 dealers renting 396 linear feet of space. From May, 1942, to November, 1942, there were 30 dealers renting 318 linear feet of space and from November 1, 1942, to May 1, 1943, there were 28 dealers renting 318 linear feet of space, although for the past several months some of these dealers have not been attending market. A decrease in the number of dealers attend- ing markets was expected due to wartime rationing and labor shortage.


The Franklin County and Borough Control Center is located in a portion of the basement of this building and the balance of the base- ment is being used as a recreation center.


The total cost of the Market Room and equipment was $28,686.35; the total cost of the basement was $13,500.18; making the total value of the building $42,186.53.


Operating costs of the market for the fourteen month period ending December 31, 1942, were as follows:


Soap, telephones, towels, paper cups, insect spray, advertising, light bulbs, mops, brooms, etc.


$ 317.41


Coal


417.79


Removal of ashes and refuse


106.88


Cleaning materials


77.84


Janitor Services


242.78


Fire insurance


87.67


Painting


32.53


Salary of Market Master


332.82


Electric current


303.27


Water


8.65


Total operating Expenses


$ 1,927.64 Income from rentals of space for the same fourteen months period amounted to


$ 2,333.75


20


MUNICIPAL MARKET


MUNICIPAL MARKET


INTERIOR OF MUNICIPAL MARKET


0


PUBLIC COMFORT STATION


A Public Comfort Station was built by the Borough of Chambers- burg, and the Commissioners of Franklin County in 1932 at a total cost of $10,689.03, and is maintained jointly by them. The operation costs and repairs are divided. In 1942 the costs were $1,358.10, of which the Borough paid $679.08. In addition, the Borough furnished water and electricity in the amount of $526.92, and the County Commissioners furnished heat and janitor service, without charge.


Two attendants are employed, and are on duty each day during the hours of operation to maintain order and keep the station in an orderly and sanitary manner.


The use made of this station has greatly exceeded the estimates made by the original promoters, and the records kept show that more than 2,000 persons attended this station in one day.


PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS


The Burgess and Town Council at the present, as well as those in the past, recognized leisure time activities and recreation as an essential governmental function and have adopted a plan for expansion and im- provement that will eventually provide for Chambersburg a system of Parks, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds and Play Areas to conform to standards set by the National Recreation Association.


The playground system was started through the efforts of churches, civic organizations and citizens who together formed small associations to secure sites, equipment and voluntary supervision for play areas for small children. Much of their equipment was made by members of these associations and by funds for materials secured from festivals and contributions. As the value of these areas were proven the demand for expansion increased and the Borough of Chambersburg then assumed the obligations of maintenance and operation, assisted by the various citizens' committees.


The present playground program is designed for a twelve week period during the months of June, July and August and is under the direction of the Parks and Playgrounds Committees of the Town Council, together with the Borough Engineer, Playground Supervisor, seven girl leaders and an Athletic Director.


The playground system consists of three combination athletic fields and playgrounds and four play areas distributed over the Borough at locations as accessible as possible to the more densely populated sections.


During the past few years several Community Hymn Sings were sponsored during the winter months jointly by the North Eastern Branch Franklin County Christian Endeavor Union, the Chambersburg High School, and the Borough Department of Parks and Playgrounds. These were largely attended and received considerable favorable comment.


The summer program has been expanded from year to year and larger attendances have been noted in all the various activities sponsored by this Department.


23


HENNINGER FIELD


HISTORY OF THE CHAMBERSBURG HEALTH BOARD


The first meeting of the Chambersburg Health Board was held in Council Hall, September 26, 1893. The following men-Dr. Johnston McLanahan, A. J. White, J. Brua Hoyer, and George Denton were sworn in as members by Burgess George A. Wood. Dr. John A. Bouse was appointed Health Officer.


Dr. Johnston McLanahan was elected President of the Board, which office he held until October 3, 1912.


Among the first duties of the Board were the enacting of local sanitary measures which, in conjunction with the State regulation, began functioning shortly after its inception.


The Health Board was the outcome of an Act of the General As- sembly of May 9, 1893, authorizing Chambersburg such a Board. Those who served as members of this Board, until the present date, are as follows:


Dr. Johnston McLanahan H. A. Logue Thomas K. Scheller


A. J. White


E. E. Foust




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.