USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Columbia > Columbia, Pennsylvania : its people-- culture, religions, customs, education, vocations, industry > Part 8
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This new railroad running as it did through the northeastern section of Lancaster County and the southern part of Berks County, in addi- tion to being an outlet for coal from the Anthra- cite regaions, passed through a rich agricultural country which had not as yet been touched by railroads.
The railroad was built and occupied approx- imately the same right-of-way as the present road with the exception that when the road reached a point just below Front and Locust Streets, it crossed the tracks of the Pennsylvania and had for its passenger station the building known as Carpet Hall which stood on the lower corner of Front and Locust Streets.
Previous to the occupancy of Carpet Hall as a depot, which was in the eighteen years, the Com- pany had, at the time the first train was run, used Blacks Hotel, which was superseded as a sta- tion by a frame building at Union Street, but not being suitable, was used but a short time.
In 1872 the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company leased the Columbia and Reading for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years. The business grew and prospered and the road became an important factor in the business life of Columbia.
By 1882 the passenger business of the company had increased to the extent that it became neces- sary to have a new station. Two properties were bought and razed at the corner of Bank Alley and Locust Street, and up-to-date building designed by Frank Furness, Architect of the P. & R., and built by L. H. Focht, of Birdsboro, was opened for use November 26, 1883. The second floor of the passenger station was used as the general offices of the Reading and Columbia, and also the Mari- etta, Manheim, and Mout Hope and Quarryville Branches.
Railroad passenger service for Columbians ended in January, 1952 with the last nightly run of the "gas buggy" between Lancaster and York.
RAFTING
Columbia lay in the path of the rafting activity which began in the latter part of the 18th Cen- tury and continued for almost 100 years.
Pennsylvania provided ample lumber for the raftsmen who were rough, hardy men. Lumber was in much demand and was conveyed from New York State, down the Susquehanna River to the Chesapeake Bay.
In 1799 businessmen of Baltimore, aided by a state appropriation of $30,000, spent $70,000 to clean a channel in the river from Columbia to Port Deposit. In 1800, a note states that the first ark came down the river from Columbia and on to Baltimore. Some large rafts (4 on top of one another) could transport as many as 2,500,000 feet of lumber.
AIR SERVICE
Aviation service in Columbia was pioneered by George McGinness, who, with the encourage- ment and support of his father, James McGin- ness, introduced this service to Columbia in the early 1940's. John Klair, Irvin Sholl, Joseph Fisher, William Bankert, Charles Morrison, Jay Marley and Samuel Pelen also gave personal aid in the establishment of this aviation facility.
From 1942 to 1945 the site on Manor Street, at Eleventh Street, was a private air strip.
In 1945-1952 the strip was extended for com- mercial purposes. 800,000 cubic yards of dirt and 6,000 cubic yards of limestone were removed for the construction of two runways.
The runway designations are NEO8 - SW260 - 1,800 feet in length, 1,800 feet long; NW200 - SE110 - 1,900 feet long.
The air strip was licensed for commercial oper-
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ation in 1952. Facilities at the site include hangar, pilot quarters, tie down facilities, gas- oline sales, minor repairs. Services available are charter flights, flight instruction, hangar rentals, tie down rentals, minor repairs and gasoline.
It is Columbia's first airport and was the first and last site for innovation of air mail pick-up service in Columbia by All American Aviation, Wilmington, Delaware.
James McGinness was air mail courier.
The bag, poles and rope of the last air mail drops are in the possession of the McGinness Aviation Service, Columbia.
George McGinness is the owner-manager of this service.
COLUMBIA'S FIRE DEPARTMENT
Columbia's Volunteer Fire Department in- cludes five companies. The volunteer fire services began on July 4, 1796, when Columbia Fire Com- pany #1 was formed.
Next to form in order was the Vigilant or Good Intent #2; The Shawnee #3 (named after the In- dians); The Keystone (Hookies) - a hook and ladder company; and the Susquehanna #4.
A Fireman's Relief Organization and the Co- lumbia Fire Police are offsprings from the five fire companies.
Columbia is indeed fortunate to have had, for almost 200 years, fire protection of the finest calibre. They have kept abreast with the trend of the times, and have modernized their equip- ment through the years.
The Fire Police serve the citizens in many com- munity events, directing traffic, not only dur- ing times when the firemen are battling a fire, but at other times when community gatherings require traffic duty service beyond that available from the town Police force.
The firemen devote their time, not only when called upon during a fire, but also attend fire fighting classes to learn modern methods for fire fighting, life saving, etc.
The Columbia Fire Police are responsible for the acquiring of a Fire Police Ambulance, which is now financed by the Community Ambulance Fund.
Columbia Fire Company No. 1 was first known as the Columbia Steam Fire Company. Col. Thomas Boude was named the company's first president. Samuel Wright was elected secretary and William P. Beatty, treasurer. Members were required to own a bucket. Fines of members were
used to finance the company. They included fines for failure to have their buckets hung up; failure to attend meetings. Before there was a water sys- tem in the town, fires were put out by long lines of citizens passing buckets of water from one to the other from a spring, pump, or other bodies of water.
The Vigilant Fire Company No. 2 was formed in April of 1835 as the Good Intent Fire Com- pany. One of the early presidents was Capt. James Haughey. In 1848 a reorganization took place and the name was changed to The Vigilant Fire Company No. 2.
Shawnee Fire Company No. 3 was formed June 12, 1874, with these officers: Henry E. Wolf, president; Frank Conroy, vice president; George L. Lyle, secretary; Daniel Gohn, treasurer; and George W. Wike, foreman. The name Susque- hanna, for the new company, lasted only one week. At a meeting held just one week after the organizational meeting, the name was changed to Shawnee.
Susquehanna Steam Fire Engine Company No. 4 was formally organized February 18, 1897. First officers were: George W. Weisser, president; H. K. Miller, vice president; Michael B. Wolfe, secre- tary; and Gottleib Young, treasurer.
The Keystone Hook and Ladder Company: It seemed imperative by 1890, as taller buildings were erected, that an additional fire service was needed. Thus was born the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company, providing safer fire protection for 3-story buildings.
COLUMBIA BORO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Prior to 1911, few records as to how the Boro of Columbia was protected can be located. Up to this time, to the best of anyone's knowledge, the streets were protected by what were known as Hi-Constables, who were empowered to enforce the laws at that time. Around 1911, according to the old minutes of the Boro meeting, Sam (Baby) Campbell was appointed Columbia's first Chief of Police and with what assistance he could obtain from the general public at that time, he patroled and protected the streets of Columbia. In 1923, the first Borough Ordinance establishing a Police Force was adopted. On June 12, 1923, the follow- ing Ordinance was signed into law by Chief Bur- gess S. S. Mann.
"Be it ordained, etc.
1. That Council after the passage of this Ordi- nance shall appoint and thereafter annually ap-
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point on the first Tuesday in January in each year, not more than six policemen, one thereof to be designated as Chief of Police and the others as patrolmen who shall thereafter be the police force of the Borough of Columbia and whose du- ties shall be those now prescribed by this ordi- nance.
2. That the police shall be vigilant and active in the preservation of order and peace within the limits of the Borough, they shall arrest all per- sons who shall have violated any of the ordi- nances of the Borough, the violations of which may subject persons to arrest. It shall be their duty to obey the orders of the Burgess and to con- form to such regulations as the Burgess may establish.
3. That all Borough Policemen shall, when on duty, wear a shield or badge with the words "Borough Police" and the name of the Borough inscribed thereon and shall wear such suits of clothing as shall be prescribed and furnished by the Committee on Public Safety.
4. That the Borough Police shall be under the direction of the Burgess as to time during which, the place where and manner in which they per- form their duties. The Burgess may for cause and without pay suspend any policeman until the succeeding regular meeting of the Council, at which time Council shall discharge or reinstate such policemen.
5. That the Borough policemen, residing in the Borough may at the same time hold and exercise the office of constable in any ward of the Borough and may demand and receive all costs, fees and amoluments pertaining to such office of consta- ble.
6. That Council be hereby empowered to ap- point upon request of any corporation or private citizen, as many special policemen for the use and protection of said corporation, or the prop- erty and person of citizens as they may think the necessities of the case require and such person or persons appointed by them shall have the same powers and authorities for the preservation of the public peace and the protection of property as are invested in the regular police. Provided, that said special policemen shall be paid for their service by the corporation or individual asking for their appointment and that all such appointments shall be reasonable at the pleasure of the Chief Burgess, and that the person or persons so ap- pointed shall wear a distinction mark or badge while on duty.
7. That the Chief of Police shall be paid a sal- ary of $110 per month as full compensation for all official services rendered in behalf of the Borough.
8. That each patrolman shall be paid a sal- ary of $100 per month as full compensation for all official services rendered in behalf of the Borough.
9. That it shall be unlawful for any Borough policeman to charge or accept any fee or other compensation in addition to his salary for any service performed pertaining to the duties of his office as policeman, except public rewards and legal mileage for traveling expenses.
10. That the Committee of Public Safety is hereby empowered to institute, erect and operate a public patrol system which shall be under their management and supervision and to this end they are empowered to procure one patrol auto- mobile to be kept and maintained at the Bor- ough's expense and that they shall designate and appoint certain policemen to operate same.
11. All or any Ordinance, or regulation, con- flicting with the provision of this Ordinance, is hereby repealed and rescinded.
Approved this 12th day of June, A.D. 1923. S. S. MANN, Chief Burgess
At the time this Ordinance was instituted, Harry Hartman was the Chief of Police, as he had succeeded Sam Campbell in the early 1920's. On April 4, 1923, Harry Hartman became the first Policeman to be shot in the line of duty, and at 4:00 P.M. on that same afternoon died of wounds sustained while serving commitment papers on Victor Arms, a demented youth who was to be taken to an asylum that day. At this time, police- men went about their duties unarmed and this can partly be attributed to why Chief Hartman died that day.
Chief Hartman was succeeded by Assistant Ralph G. Stewart. At this time, after the death of Chief Hartman, there was only one other patrol- man, who was William Kilp. On June 14, 1923, another patrolman was hired by the name of Jacob Buck. Jacob served as Chief of Police in the late 1920's and early 1930's, and in these years was Chief for a total of three and a half years. After his stint as Chief he returned to the rank of patrolman and before his retirement in 1950, he covered the parking meter beat.
On February 15, 1946, the Borough enacted a new Ordinance which allowed for an unlimited
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number of partolmen and one Chief of Police and allowed the Public Safety Committee to ap- point patrolmen as they saw fit. It also allowed higher pay rates and vacations.
On August 1, 1964, several members of the School Board and the Chief of Police and Mayor met to discuss the possibility of forming a School Crossing Patrol and on September 23, 1965, this became a reality with Mrs. Dana Englert, Mrs. Dorothy Preston, and Mrs. June Cover, being as- signed to three separate corners in the Borough to protect young school children going to and from school.
From 1963, the department was run by Chief Gardiner T. Bink and has grown from a depart- ment of five patrolmen to a department of 11 patrolmen and a Chief. The department has seen many changes over the years, going from foot patrolmen to a three-car department and many new additions to our vast array of equipment. Chief Bink retired on August 1, 1977, and was succeeded by Acting Chief Frank C. Newcomer.
The department consists of the following members:
Frank C. Newcomer
Acting Chief of Police
C. J. Smith
Sergeant
Earl B. Kinard
Patrolman
Harold N. Colin
Patrolman
Lee V. Griffith
Patrolman
Joseph F. Greenya
Patrolman
James D. Bourne
Patrolman
Randy L. Herman
Patrolman
William L. Meyers, Jr.
Patrolman
Thomas G. Ziegler
Patrolman
Stephen L. Sherk Patrolman
As of this time, the vacancy of retired Chief Bink has not been permanently filled.
The department, in addition to the above Offi- cers, also employs six part-time officers and four Crossing Guards.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Columbia has an active and self-sustaining Senior Citizens' group, planning their own pro- grams, trips and other activities. They also serve faithfully on the town's Meals-on-Wheels Pro- gram, and support the Columbia Playground in fund raising, and enjoy socializing with one another.
More than a century ago, in November of 1874, a need was felt in the community and an organ- ization known as "Ancient Citizens of Columbia" was formed. Unlike the present group, the "An-
cient Citizens" was composed of only males. Ac- cording to an old history, the "Ancient Citizens" organized to "cherish social interests and friendly relations". Membership requirement was a res- idence of 50 years.
MEALS-ON-WHEELS
In the late 1960's and early 1970's, a Meals-on- Wheels program was activated in Columbia, It was formed to provide one hot meal a day for five days a week, plus a lunch for a second meal, for those persons who were home-bound because of age or illness. The program became quite popular as volunteers provided transportation to convey the meals to the subscribers in disposable con- tainers. Initial cost was $9 a week when the sub- scriber could afford to pay for the service. Other payment arrangements were made when neces- sary.
The Rev. and Mrs. John G. Bernheisel, assisted by Howard Hanlon, launched the program.
JUNK OPERATION
Three generations of the Rochow family carried on a thriving junk business in the community for many years. The enterprise was begun by William Rochow, continued by his son, then his grandson, Walter Rochow. It is closely associated with the historic interest in the community.
The first quarters of the business were located in a building on North Fifth Street between Lo- cust and Walnut. Built in 1865, the building, the only one in the block, was outside the borough limits and was built for a carriage works, then served as the home of a shoe blacking manufac- turer. In 1874, William Rochow acquired it for his junk business. He abandoned the North Fifth Street building when he acquired three historic buildings on the south side of Locust Street which stood on the ground once occupied by the large stable belonging to the Old Ferry House, which stood across the street on the north side of Locust Street.
The stable was built in 1730 and was destroyed by fire in 1775. The land and subsequent build- ings were successively owned by Alexander Scott, Esq., then by Col. Jacob Strickler and by Capt. Joseph Poole. In 1806 John Haldeman purchased the property. He conducted a store in two build- ings and erected four large brick buildings.
John Haldeman's son, Peter, succeeded him in the store. Peter's two sons, George W. and B. F. Haldeman, succeeded him and continued the
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business in this location until 1886 when they moved their merchandising center up into the next block on Locust Street.
The Rochow junk operation was carried on for many years until Walter Rochow retired. Walter's brother, Charles, was also associated in the fam- ily business.
The Rochow enterprise was sold to Gordon Waste Company, Inc., in the mid 1950's.
The plot of ground on North Fifth Street where the Rochow family junk business was born, later became a parking lot for the Salome United Methodist Church.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
About 1814 a market house was erected at Third and Locust Streets. It ran parallel with Third Street. The southern end of the market was divided into two sections. One section served as a market house, the other side, which was plas- tered, was used as a town hall and school room. It was built by Calvin Cooper at a cost of $650.
By an ordinance introduced by Robert Crane on April 17, and adopted June 19, 1868, by Coun- cil, a new market house was authorized. Plans were presented (the floor plan of Mr. Sloan and the front plan of Mr. Hobbs) and adopted. The committee was Robert Crane, W. W. Upp, S. S. Detwiler, David Muller, and Alexander Craig. The contract was awarded to Michael Liphart on August 1, 1868, at a cost of $17,000. Changes in the plan increased the cost to $19,656.77. It was completed September 17, 1869. The market house was 80 feet wide, 118 feet long, had 180 stalls in- side and 37 under a roof outside.
In the mid 1940's some changes were made and a comfort station was installed in the north end of the building.
TOWN HALL
In May, 1828, ground was broken for a new town hall at the end of the market house and fronting Locust Street. A 2-story brick building was erected, completed in November, 1829. A bell, weighing 315 pounds, hung in the steeple, and by a fund raising campaign, a town clock was purchased and put in the steeple. The clock cost $700. Entire cost of the hall, which measured 30 feet on Locust Street and 40 feet deep on Third Street, was $2,731.
A "lock-up", constructed of oak planks set up- right, was built on the east side of the market house lot. It was used to confine lawbreakers
temporarily. It was torn down in 1836 and the basement under the northeast corner of the town hall was fitted for a "lock-up".
Spirited citizens saw the necessity for a larger and more imposing town hall because of the town's rapid growth. Citizens generally opposed it, objecting to a new borough debt. Ways and means to raise the needed funds became an issue which was settled when an Act of Assembly was passed giving borough officers authority to bor- row money. Bonds were issued, sufficient funds were secured and work for a new town hall com- menced. Michael Liphart was the contractor. The old town hall was razed and ground was broken for a new one to measure 75 feet in front, 100 feet in depth, to include one of the finest opera houses in the state. Several fine store rooms were constructed along Locust Street, on the first floor level. The opera house (with a seating capacity in excess of 1,000), a council room and borough regulator's office were located on the second floor. A tower and belfry was erected on the front of the building. The hall was completed in 1872.
A new market house was built on the east side of the town hall in 1874. It measured 80 x 100 feet. A basement under the front end was used to confine prisoners. These buildings cost $100,- 000.
A Pound House was built in 1814. It was in- tended to confine swine running at large in the streets. It caused annoyance to farmers and often friction between neighbors.
Sometimes lively boys would lower the bars or open the gate, permitting the hogs to run loose. The constable would take them up, put them in the pound house, and their owners were com- pelled to pay a fine, with costs imposed to recover their animals.
Jacob Strickler, William Wright and others sometimes came and forced open the Pound House to get their swine. The Town House was sometimes used to confine prisoners temporarily if the "lock-up" was filled. It acquired the name of "hog house" and was torn down in 1832 and a "lock-up" was made in the cellar of Town Hall.
On February 19 (Ash Wednesday), 1947, Co- lumbia's pride, her magnificent Town Hall, was destroyed by flames. Many tears were shed as this community center of the town, tower with its weather vane, bell and town clock, bowed to the ravages of the flames. It was a landmark that every citizen knew and loved. Many famous thes- pians trod the boards of the Opera House, the
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OLD TOWN HALL. Locust and Third Streets.
theatre with superb acoustics. Many local thes- pians and musicians delighted audiences from the commodious stage - the finest in the area. Vocalists, symphony orchestras, graduates, all graced the stage for admiring and appreciative audiences. The Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Louis Vyner, director, was scheduled for a con- cert on February 20. The orchestra's music was lost in the flames.
A new one-story structure has been con- structed. It provides space for several retail stores, a police station, borough sewer offices, a lock-up and a council chamber. A striking town clock tops the structure. However, the beloved, old opera house is still mourned.
WILSON BUILDING
The northwest corner of Second and Locust Streets has been a center of activity since the first house, a log structure, was erected there in 1789.
A general store was conducted in the basement by David Brown. Dr. John Houston lived in the house until his death in 1809. At one time A. S.
Moderwell, Postmaster in Columbia, lived in the house and in 1850 the property was purchased by Hiram Wilson, who opened a hardware and tin- ning business in the basement. He occupied the house as a residence. The building was razed in 1874 and a 3-story building was erected by Mr. Wilson. A fourth story was added to the building in 1907 for the Folmer Clogg Company, who used the fourth floor as an umbrella factory. The building has since been used as a manufacturing plant for pretzels, potato chips and as a silk mill. It later was purchased by L. R. Zifferer. It became' the property of his Estate and was later sold.
The original log house had a porch running across the front. The ground along that side of Locust Street was 7 feet above the present level and many wooden steps led up to the porch. Un- der the porch or balcony was the entrance to the basement, which was used as a storeroom.
BANKS
The first organization that served as a bank, the Columbia Bridge Co., was chartered on De- cember 23, 1811. Later, because of State laws con- cerning extending loans with depositors' funds, the name was changed to the Columbia Bank and Bridge Co. Later it became the First National Bank at Second and Locust Streets.
In 1864 the Columbia National Bank was char- tered, located at 227 Locust Street - in 1923 it was moved to Fourth and Locust Streets - Hugh M. North was president of the First National Bank until 1928, James W. Staman followed. 1961 Walter W. Lucas and in 1966 John F. Hinkle, Sr. In 1973-74 it became the Dauphin Deposit Trust Co., Sylvester J. Welsh, vice president.
The Central National Bank, chartered in 1888, was located at 325 Locust Street. C. F. Markle was president of the Central National Bank in 1926. Roy K. Garber took over that position in 1928, then in 1947 John J. Dietrich became pres- ident. This bank then merged with the National Central and Gary Peters became manager.
In 1899 the Columbia Trust Company was chartered at 4th & Locust Streets. John Wester- man was president of the Trust Co., followed by D. L. Glatfelter. In 1940 George A. Shillow be- came president, 1945 Philip H. Glatfelter, 1963 Dr. L. O. Loechel the last president of the Trust Company R. Clark McCachren. In 1967 they merged with the American Bank & Trust Co., of Reading, with Philip H. Glatfelter, II, serving as vice president.
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In 1897 The Home Building & Loan Association of Columbia was chartered. It was dissolved about 1967 and funds were turned over to the subscribers.
In 1925 the Central Building and Loan Associa- tion received its charter.
The Wrightsville Savings & Loan Company, now known as Colonial Savings and Loan Com- pany, opened in Columbia in 1963.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Columbia has been privileged to have a Cham- ber of Commerce since 1928. It was chartered that year on July 28, by a group of business men. In 1957 the body was reorganized and a success- ful membership drive was conducted. Paul V. Snyder was president at the time of the reorgan- ization. In 1960 a scrap book of the Chamber's activities was compiled by A. W. Droege, Norman Hartman and Theodore Miller. This committee of three, named by the President, Chester Kline, submitted to the State Chamber of Commerce a Scrap Book of the Columbia Chamber's Commu- nity Development. The book received an award of $1,000, signifying commendation of the develop- ment project. The $1,000 was divided into three parts with the Columbia Hospital, The Planning Commission and the Playground Association sharing in the award.
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