USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Maytown > Bicentennial celebration, July 1, 2, 3, 4, 1960 : Maytown, Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, 1760-1960 > Part 4
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
29
Steamer ready to prepare beds.
Pans steaming seed beds.
Placing canvas.
Pulling plants from seed beds.
CIGAR INDUSTRY
Trucks laden with bales of tobacco, headed for distant parts, now rumble through Maytown. Time was when a team and wagon hauled bales no further than the confines of the village itself. for Maytown was not a so little center for the manufacturing of cigars. Nothing comparable to the huge factories today, but in the not too distant past 12 to 15 "factories" were in business.
A few hired sixteen or eighteen men and wo- men, some coming from Marietta and Columbia. But for the most part, they were one man, or two or three men factories, operated in small sheds or spare rooms of homes. The larger ones were estab- lished in warehouses, several of which still are standing and in use for other purposes.
Fifty or more years ago saw much of this industry which continued so for several decades, during which all cigars were rolled by hand of pure Penn- sylvania type 41, local in origin. Cigars were sold to jobbers. But thousands went directly to the many taverns which lined the river front during the brash era of rafting, and commerce on the Pennsylvania canal. . . . . Time, change and ma· chine work in volume closed these factories.
Among the names identified with this Maytown industry are: H. B. Haines, C. G. Longenecker, George Glattacker, Lou Hartman, Al Risser, Ho- ward "Tim" Shireman, George Houseal. John K. Roath, Charles Hipple. Harry Klugh and my father. M. R. Hoffman.
Prime tobacco ready for cutting.
30
Spearing and piling tobacco in "patch".
Judy Schadt Graham, granddaughter of M. R. Hoff- man, driving tractor, pulling in tobacco wagons.
Wagon load of tobacco ready for hanging.
The late Hon. M. R. Hoffman standing in midst of tobacco "patch".
-
Modern tobacco shed.
Aerial Views of Maytown taken by Adam Greer
BANK
On May 11, 1909 a citizens meeting was held at the home of George S. Rhoads Sr. for the purpose of considering the advisability of estab- lishing a banking institution in the town of May- town. This proved to be the beginning of an institution that has served Maytown and vicin-
ALARM
UNION NATIONAL MOUNT JOY BANK MAYTOWN OFFICE
ity since that time. During the organizational period the Bainbridge National Bank was used as temporary depository for all the money re- ceived. Stock was sold for $105.00 per share with par value of $100.00 and capitalization set at $25,000.00.
The building first used for the bank was known as the Ernst property. (This building just east of the square is now part of the Maytown Hard- ware Store). Electric lights, telephone and a secondhand hot-air furnace were installed in the building. A burglar proof and fire proof safe was purchased at a cost of $1.225.00. Adequate furniture was purchased, and the bank opened its doors on July 1, 1909.
The first board of directors consisted of nine men. They were George S. Rhoads Sr., Henry H. Engle, John A. Dehoff, David A. Hollen- baugh, John H. Shank, Hiram H. Engle, Edwin Fitzkee, Phares E. Wolgemuth, and Abram Mar- tin. Charles D. Zell, served as the first cashier. His salary was set at $50.00 per month. Mr. Zell was largely responsible for the organization and early beginning of the bank. Banking hours were from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. for the express purpose of granting additional accommodations for the outlying districts.
In July of 1910, steps were taken to erect a permanent bank building. Accordingly a lot was purchased from the Curran property on which the present bank is located. The corner stone showing the 1910 date may be seen on the bank building. One half of the new building served as the bank and the other half as a home for the cashier. Mr. Zell served as cashier and lived in the bank house until the year 1916, at which
time he accepted a position with the Lancaster Trust Company.
John H. Hoffman replaced Mr. Zell as cash- ier and served in this capacity for 39 years. John S. Hiestand, now cashier of the First National Bank of Marietta served as teller and bookkeeper for 21 years. During the depression of the 30's the Maytown Bank stood firm when many of their neighbors were failing. The sound and con- servative banking practices proved the means of saving a banking institution for Maytown.
Through the years immediately following World War II the banking business has grown considerably. New technique and automatic equip- ment have replaced many hand operations. Char- acteristic of this same period many banks were merging and uniting to give better service. Branch banking was becoming more and more popular. In 1955 the Maytown National Bank was sold to the Union National Mount Joy Bank.
Since the purchase by the Union National Mount Joy Bank the banking building has been completely remodeled. New low counters have replaced the high bar cage. A new glass front was added and the main door moved to the left for changing the lobby area. A night depository has been added to serve after hour customers. Posting of checking accounts are done with elec- tronic equipment at the main office in Mount Joy. A direct phone connects the Maytown of- fice with the main office. J. H. Hoffman Jr. has served as branch manager and assistant cashier since 1955.
Time has made changes in personnel, in build- ing construction, in equipment, and in owner- ship, but the same sound practices that have characterized the Maytown bank for 51 years still exist. On this Bi-Centennial year the bank's pledge is to continue to provide efficient, mod- ern, and complete banking services for all.
HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOLS
East Donegal Township marches on! If our great grandparents, who in 1812 so nobly contri- buted money to build the first little stone school house in East Donegal Township. were living to- day, they would surely believe that the story of the acorn is true.
It is known that as early as 1772 a log school- house stood near the old Donegal Presbyterian Church, which had been erected in 1722, half a century before. In this log edifice a parochial or church school was kept. This schoolhouse was constructed of hewn oak; the roof, the floor, and the furniture also consisted of that material. A night school was held once a week for those who were not able to attend the day school. This school was supported by subscriptions. The county court appointed trustees to visit the school once in six months. The school was discontinued when the public free schools came into existence.
One of the earlier township schools stood on the edge of the Maytown Square. It was a small one- room long cabin.
Twenty-two years after the first school was erected the need for more buildings was realized. In 1834, after the Free School Act was passed, eleven schools were built or purchased in the town- ship. Some of them were open for a term of three months, others for a term of four months each year.
By 1838 Maytown alone had three schools, the original "Stone House," the "Brick House" and the "Female House."
One source says the Maytown High School was founded in 1889 as a County High School allowing pupils to come from West Donegal, Mount Joy and Rapho Townships. The principal was J. D. Tuckey from Churchtown, Chester County and the assistant principal was Miss Ella Weaver of Mari- etta Borough. Samuel S. Kraybill, Secretary of the
East Donegal School Board, must be given credit for this movement.
The old High School covered the upper floor of the southern end of the old original building. The enrollment was 84. The library had 24 books. The names of the members of the senior class were as follows: Miss Marinda Peck, Harry Lenhart, Abram Longenecher, Harvey Brandt, and Harry Nissley, of Mount Joy Borough. Mr. Nissley, the only recent survivor died in March of 1960.
Another record states a three year high school was organized in 1893 and the first class was grad-
This school is now the remodeled primary building in Maytown.
35
Former East Donegal High School-now the Maytown Elementary School
uated in 1896. Eight persons were graduated in this class, and Mr. N. W. Metzger was the principal at that time.
In 1903, the school was changed from a three year curriculum to a four year curriculum and the class of 1906 was the first to be graduated under these new regulations. That year there were only our graduates and Mr. A. E. Kraybill was the principal.
By the year 1910, the graduating class had in- creased to eighteen and Mr. J. S. Simons was the principal. In 1920, the number of students seemed to decrease and there were only seven graduates, one less than in the first graduating class. At that time Miss Emily Longenecher was principal.
As the years passed, more and more people began attending school. The school now known as the Maytown Elementary School was then being eree- ted for a high school. It was occupied in 1926. Mr. H. E. Raffensperger was the principal.
By 1936, this building became too small and a new addition was ready for use and the dedication service was held Thursday evening, April 29. 1937. Dr. J. W. Bingeman was the principal.
Whereas the earliest school probably had only one teacher, this new school had approximately twenty, thus showing the great increase in the number of people attending public schools.
The high school student of 1896, of 1906, and even of 1936, was given little opportunity to select studies which he believed would be of specific value to him personally, but due to the increasing demand for skilled workers and the increasing facilities in educating pupils, it seemed wise to in- troduce a new course of study. Thus the student of 1937, in East Donegal Junior-Senior High
School was given the choice of four courses: the Academic, the Commercial, the General, and the Agricultural.
For example, a person interested in secretariai work, no longer needed to study advanced science. foreign languages, or some other subject which did not seem applicable to his chosen field.
For the first time in the history of this town- ship a student was given the opportunity to select the course which would best prepare him for his life work.
In the six years from 1916 to 1921, there were 52 students graduated from high school, approxi- mately as many as are graduated now in one year.
The present primary building in Maytown was once a one room school and rooms were added one by one and then a second floor was built.
At the present time, 1960, construction of a new cafeteria building, which will be completed by September will tie the two elementary build- ings in Maytown together making them in effect, one. The school will house 550 students in 18 classrooms and will include a gymtorium, health room and several smaller rooms for specialized purposes.
THE HISTORY OF THE DONEGAL HIGH SCHOOL
The Donegal Jointure was first proposed at a meeting of representatives of the school districts of East Donegal Township, Marietta Borough, and Mount Joy Borough on February 13, 1950. at the Marietta High School. At that time the formation of a joint senior high school was dis- cussed, but a month later the three boards met at Mount Joy and decided to form a jointure of Grades 7-12. Since that time the boards have
36
held monthly meetings, alternating at the various schools.
On January 9, 1951, the group elected Mr. Paul Portner of Marietta as its first president. It also selected the Buchart Engineering Corporation of York to proceed with plans for the proposed building and designated the third Thursday of every month as the meeting night of the Joint School Board.
The first regular meeting of the Board of Direc- tors of the Donegal Joint School Board was held at the Mount Joy High School on Thursday evening, February 15, 1951, one year after the inception of the idea. At that time Mr. Willian B. Arnold, Lancaster, was selected as solicitor for the group. Also, the land owned by Henry E. Brubaker and Ehner Shearer opposite the former location of the old Union Schoolhouse was recom- mended as the best site for the school because ol its commanding position, its good drainage, and its central location in the three school districts.
On April 19, 1951, the jointure was approved by the State Department of Education, and on June 13 of that year the Donegal Authority was granted its charter. On August 6, 1951, the Bru- baker-Shearer land was named the official site for the school.
"Donegal High School" became the official name of the school on November 19, 1951. The name, "Donegal Joint High School," is used for identification purposes only.
At this time the boards were beset with a nuin- ber of construction difficulties. There was even a
question of whether to proceed with the project at all because of the possibility of the location of an airport in the area, the increasing cost of con- struction, and the hardship of securing the neces- sary steel. Because of the tightening of the steel supply during the Korean conflict, laminated wood girders were approved as a substitute for steel girders in the proposed building, and the project was continued.
Bids for the construction were opened at seven o'clock, August 4, 1952, a bond issue of $1,575,000 was authorized, and the bond sale opened on October 1. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new school took place on October 6, 1952.
In that same month representatives of the Mount Joy Township Board expressed their de- sire to become a part of the jointure, and on May 1, 1953, Mount Joy Township was officially ad- mitted to the group.
On August 20, 1953, the Joint Board elected John H. Hoffman, Jr., Maytown, as treasurer and designated the Maytown National Bank as deposi- tory for the school funds. At the same time Mr. A. I. Beahm was appointed high school principal.
Green and white were adopted as the official school colors on November 19, 1953. In May, 1954, seven courses were recommended for the curriculum.
On July 15, 1954, the Donegal Joint School Board met for the first time in the Donegal High School. At that time several board members vol- unteered to underwrite the financing necessary for the purchase of an organ for the school until
Donegal High School
37
amortized by students and patrons.
The contractor officially turned the school over to the Authority on August 11, 1954. The doors were opened to students on September 8, and at Open House on September 13, 14, and 15, thou- sands of patrons had an opportunity to tour and inspect one of Pennsylvania's most modern and beautiful schools.
The school districts of East Donegal Township, Marietta Borough and Mount Joy Borough formed a jointure of grades 7-12 in 1951. This Joint Board planned for Donegal High School to replace the East Donegal Township High School, Marietta High School and Mount Joy High School. About the time construction was to start, the southeastern part of Mount Joy Town- ship was admitted to the jointure. The enroll- ment of Donegal High School was at capacity when it opened in 1954.
In order to relieve these crowded conditions, a study was made to decide whether to build an addition to Donegal High School or to plan a separate junior high school. This study showed that it would be both financially and education- ally advantageous to plan a separate junior higli school, using the former Mount Joy High School building, now being used as an elementary school.
Along with this study, the needs of elementary housing was studied. This phase of the study showed the need of an elementary building to replace the buildings at Milton Grove and Florin North and to provide facilities for the new hous- ing development in the Northwest section of Mount Joy Borough. It also showed the need for inore adequate cafeteria facilities at Maytown.
Accordingly, in 1956, when the jointure was extended to include K-12, the Board filed several building projects for approval with the Depart- ment of Public Instruction. These plans called for:
1. A new elementary building in Florin.
2. A new elementary building in Mount Joy to allow the use of the present building as a junior high school.
3. Additions and renovation of the Mount Joy building (elementary) for use as junior high school to be known as Donegal High School Annex.
4. A new cafeteria building in Maytown
5. Remodeling of Donegal High School cafe- teria to provide two serving lines instead of one as at present.
6. Remodeling at Marietta building to pro- vide for cafeteria.
7. Addition to Washington Elementary build- ing.
8. Approval of renovation of Maytown Pri- mary for reimbursement.
The Department of Public Instruction approved all of these projects except the addition to the Washington School.
Presently under construction and scheduled for completion by September 1960 are the Maytown Cafeteria, Seiler Elementary (Mount Joy) and Grand View Elementary (Florin).
Bids were opened for the High School Annex on April 14-this building will be completed by September 1961.
Bids were opened on April 21 for the remodel- ing of the present high school cafeteria and reno- vations in the Marietta building to conform to Department of Labor and Industry regulations concerning exits. These projects are to be com- pleted by September 1960.
The remodeling at Marietta for a cafeteria is now under study and if construction is under- taken, it will be completed in time for the opening of school September 1961.
Future plans call for a second Junior High School in the Maytown-Marietta area when the high school and the annex become overcrowded.
ALUMNI
By Grace Henderson
The First Annual Meeting of the Central High School Alumni Association, Maytown was held March 28, 1900, in the Maytown Band Hall. A program was rendered. Following the program the banquet was served at the home of Mr. Eli Hoff- inan. After the banquet the members returned to the Band Hall for a social hour. Mr. John Epler was the first president.
They met February 4, 1901 to elect new officers and plan for the Second Annual Alumni Banquet. It was also held in Band Hall and the banquet was served at the Washington House March 27, 1901.
The banquets were held annually in the Band Hall until May 28, 1926, when it was held in the higli school auditorium.
Previously the banquets were held in the Band Hall, Washington House, Swiler's Store Room and the Lodge Room.
At the March 28, 1905 meeting a citizen of Maytown offered to contribute $2500 to the Association toward a Banquet Hall providing the Association raised $2500 also. A committee was appointed to plan for this, but it never material- ized.
At a special meeting of the Alumni Society on June 27, 1908 it was decided to hold a picnic every sumner. Pienics continued to be held until 1929. The date was the third Saturday in August. Many were held at Accomac, Wild Cat Falls, Donegal Springs, and Mt. Gretna. The majority were held at Accomac.
The first commencement was hield in 1896. At the nineteenth annual meeting on May 4, 1918, upon the suggestion of Dr. Harter, who was an honorary member, a committee was appointed to compile the names of all persons who finished
38
high school between 1889-1896. These persons were to become active members of the Alumni Association.
Maytown High School Alumni Song Tune "Old B. V." Dear Alma Mater, here tonight We've come to honor you, And greet old friends in fond delight With spirits brave and true. No matter where, or how far away We gather home once more When comes around this happy day We're schoolmates, as of yore.
Chorus
Maytown, Maytown, loyal hosts are we
Maytown, Maytown, on to victory
You're the heart of Donegal.
We're your children, one and all.
Honor and fame, for Maytown's old High School
Maytown, Maytown, country girls and boys
Maytown, Maytown, equal right enjoys
Hear it echo on the air
Winds relay it everywhere
Everything's right in Maytown's Old High School. (Mrs. Marinda Shillow)
TRIXTIME THEATRE
Mrs. C. C. Hicks
In July, 1937, Jean Huntzinger, Ann Shewman, and Henry Haines organized a theater group it Huntzinger's Garage. They presented a musical program with the help of Herman Shue. This performance proved quite successful, and other children became interested and joined this organi- zation.
The theater, at first, was a small space on the lawn of C. C. Hicks. Two borrowed sheets served as curtains. Eventually the children, with the help of Mrs. C. C. Hicks, Mrs. J. G. Hollenbaugh, and other interested adults, were permitted to use the
East Donegal High School auditorium.
Throughout the seven years this group was in existence, a variety of plays was presented. Among these were: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Three Little Pigs, Virtue Triumphant, The Lighthouse Keeper, The Sacred Cat, The Perfect Tribute, The Little Match Girl, Too Many Cooks, The Chimes Rang, and A Perfect Day.
All financial receipts were turned over to the Columbia Hospital for use in the children's ward.
The performance in the summer of 1943 was the last to be presented by this little theater group.
Henry Haines, Peggy Hicks, Jack Peck, Anna Wetzel, Robert Huntzinger, Jack Frank, Catherine Engle, Edward Haines, Herman Shue, Donald Hower, Jean Huntzinger, Robert Boltz, Dorothy Ney, Louise Hicks
39
GIRL RESERVES
Group of Girl Reserves enroute to Shady Lawn Camp. Bus driver is Chris. Beshler
One of the most interesting projects in the com- munity of Maytown during the "roaring twenties" was the organization of the Girl Reserves, a junior branch of the Y. W. C. A.
This club was organized by Miss Marie Harter and Miss Helen Harter, daughters of Dr. George Alvin Harter, our town physician.
The charter members of this club were:
Anna May Ney Sara Hershey Roberts
Mary Keiser Nolt Clara Warner Wingert
Caroline Keiser Coup Nellie Reynolds
Anna Fletcher Houseal Lillian Sload
Eleanor Barnhart Eater Alma Sload Brenneman
Tean Sload Gary Kathryn Eshelman Wilson
Minerva Arnold Houseal Esther Nolt Wood Margaret Keener
Ruth Engle Baker
Mabel Strawsbaugh Johnstin Viola Strawsbaugh Nicholson
Dora Sweitzer Rorabaugh Dorothy Ney Singer
Their uniform consisted of a white "middy". a white skirt, and a triangular blue scarf with the initials G. R.
The Club projects consisted of participation in all community activities, handcrafts, home talent plays, bazaars, and the purchasing of silverware for the Y. W. C. A. House at Kepler Lodge.
Two honorable mention projects were the mak- ing of fifty scrapbooks for the Home of Aged Wo- men at Atlantic City, and the collection and string- ing of beads for Christmas presents for the Girls' Home at Laurelton.
One unique activity was the annual May Pol- Dance given cach Decoration Day in the square of Maytown.
Of most interest to the girls were their camping trips. All expense money had to be carned by the members.
In 1923 they camped at Dix's Dam, Shady Lawn Cottage, Gettysburg, Pa. The counsellors were Marie and Helen Harter.
In 1924 they again returned to "Shady Lawn" and were counselled by Mrs. Helen Harter Hos- tetter, Miss Marie Harter and Miss Josephine Beshler. Transportation was especially exciting as this year we went in the Lucas Manufacturing Company bus with Chris. Beshler driving. This was the first bus trip taken by the club.
In 1925 it was decided that since Kepler Lodge was completed the annual camping trip would be spent there. What a delightful week it was for ail girls and counsellors!
While at camp the activities were swimming, hiking, and nature study, as well as learning the art of camping.
During the summer of 1926 it was decided to spend the camp period at Mt. Gretna. This was a delightful change. Also two new members were added-Ruth Beshler Newcomer and Beatrice Garber Blank.
By 1927 the membership of the Club decreased due to "Dan Cupid," graduation, college enroll- ment and the "Work-a-day" world. This year eight members drove in Miss Harter's "Packard" 10 Coburn, Center County for their vacation.
During 1928 it was decided to discontinue the club as most of the members were too "grown-up" and occupied with other interests to continue the work.
During the five year period of the "Girl Re- serves" the entire community took a keen interest in these young people and all felt it was a fine contribution to our "way of life" in Maytown.
Signed Girl Reserve Committee Marie Harter, chairman Anna Houseal Helen Harter Hostetter Josephine Beshler
40
BOY SCOUTS
The first Boy Scout Troop was organized in Maytown around 1940. Stuart Schule was the lead- er.
In 1942 James Strickland became Junior Assis- tant Scoutmaster. A Florin Troop organized our troop. This year we received the Acorn Award.
Then 1943-1944 Dr. William Duncan was Scout- master and John G. Hart was Assistant Scout- master.
The Boy Scout Troop #53 was reorganized in Maytown in 1951, sponsored by the American Legion Post 809, by Scout Commissioner Elwood K. Gerber. Rev. William Wagner, Pastor of the Maytown Church of God, was appointed the Scout Master. He gave much of his time to the boys, instructing them on scouting, hiking and camping. They held their summer camp at Cowens Gap on the South Mountains near Chambersburg. In 1953 Rev. Wagner's church duties compelled him to resign as Scout Master. Mr. Gerber had resigned as Scout Commissioner several months before this, so he was asked by the chairman, Vernon Mayers, to serve as Scout Master. The troop committee consisted of Vernon Mayers, Chairman; Samuel Johns, Treasurer; Ray Kendig, Floyd Shuman, Kenneth Mowrer, Raye Frye, Marvin Folts, Mer-
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.