USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > Frackville > History of Frackville, Schuylkill County, Pa. > Part 6
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ceiving its proportionate attention. £ The hope of our future liomes, nation, and church, depend upon the education the chil- dren of to-day are receiving. So that education becomes a matter of interest not only to parents, but to the public in general. As soon, therefore, as a community is established in which there are children the public interest is at once enlisted in providing the best possible means for their education. Scarcely had the first settlers been more than located in this community when a movement was set on foot that has since developed into a sys- tem of Public Schools that is not surpassed by any borough, of equal size, in the State of Pennsylvania.
The first school started, in what is now the borough of Frackville, was in the fall of 1861. It was held in a small build- ing standing on the back part of the lot, now occupied by Cor- nelius Caulfe, at the north end of Nice Street. There were at that time but nine pupils, who were taught by Miss Sallie Gil- bert. Early in the spring of 1862 Samuel Haupt, one of the pioneers of this community, donated a lot, on the east side of North Nice Street, to the school board of Mahanoy Township, of which the present borough was yet a part, for school purposes. Upon this lot the Board at once began the erection of the first frame school building, and which was completed and ready for occupancy in the early fall of the same summer, 1862. Hence' in the fall of 1862 the public school opened its session in the first building of its own in this community. In the year 1868 the lot. one hundred by one hundred and fifty feet, on Frack Street, where the high school building now stands, was purchased by the school board from John Hadesty. A two-story, four-roomed, frame building was erected upon this lot. At its completion this community had two public school buildings, of its own, with a total of five rooms. During this time the number of children had increased to such an extent that it was deemed necessary to grade the schools. In 1870 the number of pupils had already in-
70
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
creased to seventy-four, and hence were divided into three grades. The teachers at this time were W. W. Wood, Ella Kaup, and Emma Jones. On the incorporation of the village into a borough, in the year 1876, W. W. Wood was elected the first Principal of the public schools, and served from July 1st, 1876,
Prof. I. G. Miller, Principal
until August 23rd, 1880. During the early spring of 1879 the Board purchased, from Daniel Frack, the lot on the east side of Broad Mountain Avenue, at present the property of the Roman Catholic Church, upon which the first school house was erected, on the east side of the borough, in the summer of 1879. This
71
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
building was used for school purposes from the fall of 1879 until the year 1893, when it was bought by the Romans and converted into a church. By the year 1880 the number of pupils in the borough had grown to three hundred and eleven, hence it be- came necessary to increase the number of grades from three to five, with an equal number of teachers. The term of W. W. Wood, as Principal, having expired on the 23rd day of August, 1880, S. Shipman was elected his successor, and served until June 26th, 1882. The first Board of Directors, of which we could find any record, was in the year 1881, and was composed of the following members: Thomas Beddow, Thomas Philips, William Clifford, - Beatty, John Eckersley, and - Taylor. S. Ship- man's term, as Principal, having expired on June 26th, 1882, and H. H. Brownmiller having been elected, served in that capacity until the 17th day of June, 1886.
During the following four years, from 1882 to 1886, the number of pupils within the borough had again outgrown the possibilities of the public school buildings. Hence it was decid- ed, by the Board, to remove the two story frame structure on the southeast corner of Frack and Balliet Streets, and erect a more commodious brick building in its stead. It was, therefore, in 1886, that the Board, composed of David Taggart, M. D., Harry Evans, A. A. Seaman, William Wagner, Thomas Philips, and - Cowan, gave the contract for the erection of the present seven roomed high school building to Messrs. Call and Garst, of Reading. This commodious and well equipped building was completed and occupied the following year, 1887, at a cost of eleven thousand one hundred and fifteen dollars. The borough now owned three public school buildings, with a capacity of nine rooms. At this time H. D. Gise, a graduate of Millersville State Normal, became Principal and served from June 17th, 1886, to May 17th, 1888. He was succeeded in office by I. K. Witmer, also a State Normal School graduate, whose term expired on the 9th day of June, 1893. The year previous, or in 1892, the Board purchased the lot, one hundred by one hundred and fifty feet, on the southwest corner of Frack Street, and Broad Mountain Avenue, from Hadesty and Parfit. Upon this lot a two story, four roomed, frame building was erected the summer of 1893. The Board at this time was composed of C. A. Bleiler, M. D., Henry Dingle, Evan Thomas, Simon Moore, Richard Morgan, and H. D. Berkheiser. The contract for the erection of this building was given to P. J. O'Neil, but failing to carry out his part of the
72
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
High School Building
0
i f
73
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
agreement it was completed by the Board at a cost of six thousand eight hundred and thirty-four dollars. In the meantime the Board offered the original school property, on Broad Moun- tain Avenue, for sale, which was purchased by the Roman Cath- olic Church. This gave the borough three school properties, the High School, the East Side Building, and the one on Nice Street, with a sum total of twelve rooms. I. K. Witiner, having about completed his term as Principal, the present incumbent, I. G. Miller, M. A., Ph. B., a graduate of both Kutztown and Millersville State Normal Schools, and also the classical de- partment of Wesleyan University, was elected and has served from the 9th day of June, 1893, to the present time.
During all these years, up to the present, 1904, the internal has been keeping steady pace with the external growth. The standard of education has been gradually raised until to-day the average graduate of the High School can easily enter the senior class of any of the best Normal Schools in the state, and from which he can receive his diploma at the end of the year. For the past eight years no less than fifteen of our High School graduates have entered the senior class of one of the different Normal Schools in the state. And out of that number not one failed to graduate from that institution at the end of their first year. Besides these, five entered college, one the Sophomore and four the Freshman class, and did credit to themselves and the Public Schools of Frackville. At the present time, 1904, the borough of Frackville owns three public school properties, whose combined value is about twenty-one thousand four hun- dred and eighty-four dollars. These three buildings combined contain twelve large and well equipped rooms in which twelve teachers are engaged for nine months each year educating six hundred and forty-seven children. A library, of about five hun- dred volumes, is maintained by the High School for the use of its members, which is being gradually increased each year. The following are the present teachers:
Prof. I. G. Miller, M. A., Ph. B .. Principal.
Miss M. Nettie Ranck, Assistant in High School.
Miss Lillian G. Beard, Grammar Shool.
William R. Troutman, Grammar School.
Miss Minnie D. Oakes, Sub Grammar.
Miss Barbara A. Leiser, Sub Grammar.
Miss Annie V. Curry, Secondary.
Miss Jane Dingle, Secondary,
74
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Miss A. Renie Moyer, Secondary.
Miss Minnie Edwards, Primary.
Miss Lizzie Penna, Primary.
Miss Lettie D. Clark, Primary.
Miss Ethel Morgan, Substitute Teacher.
This entire institution is under the direction and supervision of the following Board of Directors: Alex. Scott, President; Maurice Heywood, Secretary; Henry Dingle, Edward Davis, Evan Thomas, and Edward Hinks.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE BOARD OF TRADE.
A borough or city is an organized community, covering a definite amount of territory, within the limits of which there are a greater or less number of individuals and families. And generally speaking no such community possesses the natural resources of support for its ever increasing number of citizens. Therefore it becomes the duty of every such community to pro- vide, if possible, some industry which will give to its wage earn- ing citizens profitable employment. But as this is a matter which touches the welfare of the community as a whole, and only effects the individual as it reaches him through the community, the responsibility of securing and, at least in a degree, controll- ing such industries rests with the community. For numerous reasons, however, which must be evident to all, it would be impossible for any community, as a whole, to act with any degree of satisfaction, upon such matters. Therefore this duty must be placed upon some person or persons, who speak and act not for themselves, but for the community. And as the duties and responsibilities of this work are too great to be entrusted in the hands of any one individual, however capable, a number of persons are organized and incorporated into a body known as the Board of Trade. This organization, therefore, hav- ing legal standing, speaks and acts with authority in all matters pertaining to the industrial interests of the community, over which it is given jurisdiction.
A number of the enterprising business men of Frackville, realizing the importance of having some such interests located in this community, banded themselves together, some years ago,
75
THE BOARD OF TRADE
for the praiseworthy object of industrially improving the town, if possible. But as this was an informal body without any legal standing or authority, they were unable to accomplish anything more than to interest the community in the movement. This body, however, succeeded in increasing the interest to such an extent that on the evening of June 6th, 1899, a large number of the business men of the borough met in the store room of Thomas M. Reed to consider the advisability of regularly organ- izing a Board of Trade. H. K. Reich was chosen chairman and Thomas M. Reed, Secretary. After some discussion, it was agreed to at once enter into such an organization. Whereupon an election of directors was entered into, which resulted in the choice of the following persons: F. A. Dietrich, H. K. Reich, C. A. Bleiler, M. D., A. S. Seaman, W. S. Sanner, Samuel Winn, Thomas M. Reed, C. B. Philips, W. C. Wagner, C. C. Wagner, and David Taggart, M. D. The organization was then completed by the directors at once electing the following officers: H. K. Reich, President; Samuel Winn, Vice President; Thomas M. Reed, Secretary; and C. C. Wagner, Treasurer. The Treasurer and Secretary were each required to give bond, the former one thousand dollars, and the latter three hundred. The capital stock was fixed at five thousand dollars, to be issued in shares of five dollars each. It was then decided that the proper officers secure a charter. In the early part of June, 1899, the Board purchased a lot, fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, on the South West corner of Balliet and Laurel Streets, from A. S. Seaman. On June 30th, of the same year, the directors entered into a contract with E. K. Becker, of Girardville, for the erection of a factory building, thirty by forty-five feet, two stories high, with an addition nine by eighteen feet, one story high. At the same time the following persons were appointed the building committee: C. A. Bleiler, M. D., Thomas M. Reed, F. A. Die- trich. The charter, which had been applied for, was granted on the 18th day of July, 1899. During the month of August a well was sunk, which was partly dug and partly bored, to a depth of one hundred and four feet, with an abundant supply of water. On the 18th day of October, 1899, the building was completed at a total cost of one thousand four hundred dollars. It was during this same month that the Board leased the building to Messrs. Sausser and Kern, of Schuylkill Haven, to be used as a shirt factory. After having fitted it up with the necessary machinery they used the building for nearly one year, when
76
THE BOARD OF TRADE
they sub-leased it to C. F. Dyer, who continued the business only for a short time, when he left the town. In January, 1901, the Mervine Brothers, of Higins, leased the building and occupied it as a shirt factory for but two months. From this time forth until October 1st, 1902, the building stood idle, when the Frack- ville Shirt Company took charge, fitted it up with thirty-five ma- chines, and have since been running it to its full capacity. Be- sides the man, who is in charge of the work, there are at the present time thirty-four women and girls employed, some of whom make as much as seven dollars per week. Since the pres- ent parties have taken charge of the plant the future outlook is most encouraging. And as it may be the nucleus of still greater things along this line for Frackville, it should receive the generous support of the community.
CHAPTER IX.
THE MOUNTAIN RESORT ASSOCIATION.
The natural features of the locality upon which the borough of Frackville stands are in many respects unique. So much is this the case that for some years back traveling men, and visi- tors would speak of the great natural advantages Frackville possesses for a Mountain Resort. And not a few of the citizens of the borough have, at different times, spoken and written upon the subject. In the columns of the Schuylkill Valley Industrial Journal, published in Pottsville, we find as early as April 17th, 1880, these words: ""As a summer resort, Frackville offers the very best of pure air and water, and situated on the top of Broad Mountain, is notably pleasant and picturesque." So that the thought is not a fad of some recent enthusiast, but one which the natural features themselves have ever suggested to the mind of those who are capable of seeing the beautiful in the world of nature. And in order to ascertain what might be done along this line, the following citizens assembled in the store room of Thomas M. Reed, on the evening of March 28th, 1900: W. S. Sanner, Daniel Coleman, F. A. Dietrich, D. P. Haupt, N. L. Ranck, Alex. Scott, Calvin B. Philips, Joseph J. Kehler, John Haupt, A. S. Seaman, John Eckersley, F. S. Haupt, Charles Hillanbrand, Thomas M. Reed, and Rev. Jonathan W. Miller. After a full statement of the object of the meeting had been
77
THE MOUNTAIN RESORT ASSOCIATION
made by the Rev. Miller, they at once entered upon an organiza- tion by the election of W. S. Sanner, President; Thomas M. Reed, Secretary; and D. P. Haupt, Treasurer. On the evening of April 30th, 1900, an advertising committee, consisting of Rev. Jonathan W. Miller, Daniel Coleman, and Robert C. Hunt, was
HOTEL
DLANBRAND
OFF ISE
"Hotel Hillanbrand, " Charles Hillanbrand, Proprietor
appointed. An advertisement of fifteen lines was ordered placed in the Philadelphia Press and the Philadelphia Inquirer, to ap- pear in the Sunday issues of each of these papers during the month of May, 1900. One thousand copies of an illustrated, thirty-two page booklet, written by Rev. Miller, descriptive of
78
THE MOUNTAIN RESORT ASSOCIATION
Frackville, was published by A. J. Milliette Co., of Camden, N. J. On the 13th day of July, 1901, the Rev. Jonathan W. Miller and Norman L. Ranck secured the lot on the southeast corner of Frack and Nice streets, from John Haupt, for a Lawn Tennis Court. This lot, after being properly graded and marked off by a number of the young men of the town, was used for that purpose the remainder of the season. September 14th, 1900, a number of the ladies of the borough organized themselves into a Woman's Branch of the Mountain Resort Association, by the election of Mrs. J. C. McGinnis, President; Mrs. J. W. Miller, Secretary; and Mrs. Charles Hillanbrand, Treasurer. The ladies of the Woman's Branch of the Mountain Resort Association did a most efficient and praiseworthy work, both by way of raising funds to meet the expenses of the Association, and in creating an interest in this enterprise. Early in the fall of 1900 the Rev. J. E. Johnson, of Philadelphia, wrote to the Association, making inquiry as to the adaptability of Frackville for a Mountain Ra- sort. The Rev. Mr. Johnson owned, and successfully conducted, a resort in the White Mountains, New Hampshire, for about twelve years. So successful. was he in this particular line of business, that at the end of this time his patronage had out- grown the possibilities of the place. And having an opportunity of disposing of his property, he sold out, with a view of locating in the same business, somewhere within easy access of his home in Philadelphia. Whereupon the Association at once sent him a cordial invitation to visit Frackville, which he accordingly did on November 10th, 1900. Remaining from Saturday until the following Tuesday he met the members of the Association on Monday evening, the 12th, and explained to them both the ad- vantages and disadvantages Frackville would present as a Mountain Resort. Among the many things which he said was, "that as the advantages far outnumber the disadvantages, there is a bright future for Frackville, along this line." Having con- cluded his remarks, Rev. Johnson made the following proposi- tion, that he would locate here, build a summer hotel costing about twenty thousand dollars, put up a number of small port- able cottages in different places on the grounds, and then bring his patronage with him, provided the land could be bought at a very low figure, and the same be beautified and kept in order either by the borough, or some of her citizens. The location selected, as the most suitable for the purpose, was the high ground above the reservoir west of town. Toward this the land
79
THE MOUNTAIN RESORT ASSOCIATION
owners offered the following inducements: F. S. Haupt agreed to deed over to Rev. Johnson, and his successors, nine acres, ¿n
" Westminster Hotel," John Stone, Proprietor
fee simple, to be used only for this purpose, while D. P. Haupt offered twenty acres, lying west of this, on the same conditions. But between these two tracts lay a bare strip of thirty-three
80
THE MOUNTAIN RESORT ASSOCIATION
acres owned by a Mrs. Barlow, which was offered for six hundred and sixty dollars. Thus making a total of sixty-two acres, to be used only for a summer hotel and small cottages, at a cost of six hundred and sixty dollars, all of which would have been accepted, and the work pushed to completion, had it not been
discovered, at the very last moment, that Frackville is not free from Hay Fever. Hence, so far as the Rev. J. E. Johnson was concerned, all the hopes of the Association, wrought up to the very verge of realizing something tangible, were dashed to pieces. But not being dismayed at this sudden and unexpected turn of events, the Association still having some money in their
"Eisenhuth Lake "
81
THE WATER PLANT
Treasury, continues intact, ready to aid in any enterprise that will improve the condition of the borough of Frackville.
CHAPTER X.
THE WATER PLANT.
There is nothing quite so essential to the well-being of a borough as water. And the purer and more abundant such a supply is, the better for every citizen, residing in the commun- ity. This water, in order to serve all the varied demands of the community, must be brought under such control that it can be conveyed to where it may be needed, either temporarily or per- manently. Hence neither springs, streams, wells, nor cisterns, however pure and abundant the supply may be, will meet a.il the demands of a thickly settled community. The only means, therefore, by which this demand can be satisfactorily met, is by a well equipped water plant, with an abundant supply of pure water, under sufficient pressure to carry it wherever it might be needed.
On the 1st day of March, 1882, Francis S. and John Haupt began the construction of the plant that supplied the borough of Frackville with water for within a few months of twenty years. Upon that day ground was broken for the reservoir, on a tract of land, owned by F. S. Haupt, lying northwest of town, at an elevation of one hundred and fifty feet above its source of supply. After the completion of the reservoir the trenches were dug and the pipe line laid from the reservoir to the Little Mahanoy Creek on the Haupt farm. There a large pump, with a capacity of three hundred gallons per minute, was located. From the reservoir a pipe line was extended down John street to Nice, and down Nice to Pine. This was the limit of con- struction during the first year, 1882. The first water was pumped into the reservoir on July 1st, of this year, and supplied to about fifty consumers.
Whilst the first intention of F. S. and John Haupt, in the con- struction of this plant, was to supply their own properties with water, yet it was, at the same time, intended that in case any other families should desire the water, they would be willing to meet this demand. This demand had sufficiently increased dur- ing the following year, that a company was duly organized with
82
THE WATER PLANT
a capital of twenty thousand dollars, and an application made to the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania for a charter on the 24th day of March, 1883. The stockholders, and the number of shares held by each, were as follows: Francis S. Haupt, nine hundred and eighty; John Haupt, five; Samuel R. Haupt, five;
J. J. Kehler, Sr., Proprietor
William Haupt, five; and Henry Haupt, five shares. This or- ganization was incorporated under the name of "The Mountain City Water Company," and was required by said act of incor- poration to supply the borough of Frackville with water for all domestic purposes. The charter, which was granted on the
83
THE WATER PLANT
7th day of April, 1883, made "The Mountain City Water Compa- ny" a perpetual institution: And from this time on the pipe line was, year by year, extended in order to meet the ever increasing demand of the public, until finally all of the following streets were laid with four inch pipes: Stephens, Pine, Second, Centre, John, Nice, Frack, Balliet, Spring, and Lehigh Avenue. Thus "The Mountain City Water Company" continued operating under the charter until 1889, when, by mutual consent of the stockhold- ers, the charter was allowed to become inoperative. In the meantime work was begun preparatory to the changing of the source of supply from the Little Mahanoy Creek to Artesian wells. Four of these wells were bored, three on one iot eighty- two by one hundred and fifty feet on the east side of West Pine Street. These wells are from twenty to one hundred feet in depth. The water is pumped from them by a Cook Steam pump, and three Aermotor Wind pumps, and by them the water is forced through the pipes to the consumer, while the surplus water backs up into the reservoir. The capacity of the steam pump is from fifty to sixty gallons per minute, while that of each of the Aermotors is from thirty to forty gallons per minute. On the 1st day of August, 1890, this work was all completed and the pumps started. The consumers at this time numbered one hundred, which later on increased to one hundred and sixty. From this plant thus equipped Messrs. F. S. and John Haupt continued supplying the citi- Zens of the borough with water until the month of February, 1902, from which time the plant stood idle for more than a year.
Early in the spring of 1901 William Volkhardt, the chief stockholder and representative of a New York Water ÁERMOTOR Company, visited Frackville and offered to purchase the Haupt plant with a view of both improving and enlarging it, and distributing thirty or more fire hydrants through the borough, provided the borough pay twelve hundred dollars per year for fire protection. This Company was fully
84
THE WATER PLANT
organized and chartered under the name of "The Frackville Wa- ter Company." On the 12th day of August, 1901, a proposed Or- dinance was submitted, by Mr. Volkhardt, and considerably over a year spent in negotiations, when the whole matter was dropped.
In the early part of the summer of 1902 another effort was put forth, when a public meeting of the citizens was held, at which it was decided to organize, if possible, a water company whose stockholders were all citizens of Frackville. A few months later such a company was formed by the election of W. C. Wagner, President; C. A. Bleiler, M. D., Secretary; and John Thomas, Treasurer. This newly organized company was char- tered under the name of "The Citizens' Water Company". Late in the fall of 1902 this company bored an Artesian well on the electric Light property, in which they placed a pump. But being unable to dispose of a sufficient amount of stock, and the council and company not being able to agree upon an ordinance, they were unable to accomplish anything further.
In the month of March, 1903, the Haupt plant was sold to J. J. Kehler, who has since been operating it.
CHAPTER XI.
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT.
It had for some time been felt by a large number of the citi- zens of Frackville that the time had come when the borough should have its streets lighted with something better than the old, antiquated, gasoline lamp distributed here and there over the town. With this end in view a public meeting was held in Burchill's Hall in the month of November, 1899. After thor- oughly discussing the subject it was decided to at once attempt the organization of an Electric Light Company for the purpose of supplying the borough of Frackville, and surrounding towns, with light. This organization was effected by the election of the following directors: Simon Mpore, C. A, Bleiler, M. D., D.
$5
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT
P. Haupt, J. E. Mckeon, John Dunlop, George Burchill, David Taggart, M. D., L. C. Anstock, and George Fulmer. Whereupon these directors elected D. P. Haupt, President; J. E. Mckeon, Secretary; Charles C. Wagner, Treasurer; L. C. Anstock, Su- perintendent. It was decided that the full title of this organiza- tion shall be "The Frackville and Gilberton Light, Heat, and Power Company," and to be capitalized at forty thousand dollars. From the time of the organization up until about the middle of the following year there was very little done, save to get the company itself in such a condition that would enable it to go ahead with the work. In the meantime application had been made to the state authorities for a charter, which was granted
Electric Light Plant
August 25th, 1890. The charter grants the company the right to furnish light, heat, and power to Frackville and adjacent towns. Another year had almost rolled by before anything tangible was accomplished. On the 14th day of July, 1891, the lots on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Arch street, ninety-eight by two hundred feet, were bought from Daniel Frack, Sr. It was then decided to erect a one story frame building, forty-five by eighty feet in size. E. K. Becker, of Girardville, was given the contract, who at once began the work, and completed the building during the month of November, 1891, at a cost of one thousand five hun- Ared dollars, On its completion the building was fitted up with
86
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT
the following machinery: one engine of one hundred and twenty- five horsepower; one fifty light arc dynamo, thousand candle- power; one alternating, six hundred and fifty light, incandes- cent dynamo; and many other fixtures necessary to equip the plant. In order to supply the plant with water a well was partly dug and partly bored to a depth of seventy-two feet, which has ever since given an abundant supply. In the month of Decem- ber, 1891, the Company received the contract to furnish light to the borough of Gilberton, including the three wards-Maha- noy Plane, Maizeville, and Gilberton. After considerable nego- tiations with the borough council, on the evening of October 4th, 1894, the Company was granted the privilege of furnishing the borough of Frackville with ten arc lights, at one hundred and eight dollar per year, to burn all night, and to be distributed over the town as the council might determine. The poles and wires having been put up, the streets of Frackville were lighted up for the first time in the month of November, 1894. June 8th, 1895, an additional light was ordered placed at the crossing of Lehigh Avenue and Arch Street, but was not ready for use until three months later. Having received the contract to light the borough of Girardville in 1896, an enlargement of the plant be- came a necessity. Hence in December, 1896, a wing, twenty by forty feet, was added to the original building. Upon the comple- tion of the wing the inside equipment was enlarged by the addi- tion of another fifty light arc dynamo, two thousand candle power. and an alternating, fifteen hundred incandescent dynamo. During the month of May, 1897, an additional light was placed at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Pine Street, and in June of the same year one at Nice and Oak streets. Thus the borough of Frackville has a total of thirteen arc lights at the present time.
There are eighty-seven arc lights on the system, while the plant is capable of supplying one hundred. The Thompson and Houston make of arc light is the one in use.
The present directors are: . C. A. Bleiler, M. D., Garrett Caton, Samuel Bailey, John S. Thomas, Thomas Lafferty, David Taggart, M. D., John Dunlop, W. C. Wagner, and George W. Johnson; with the following officers: David Taggert, M. D., President; C. A. Bleiler, M. D., Secretary; C. C, Wagner, Treas- urer; and L. C. Anstock, Superintendent,
BROAD MOUNTAIN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSO'N 87
CHAPTER XII.
BROAD MOUNTAIN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.
The Broad Mountain Building and Loan Association is the only financial institution in the borough of Frackville. This Association was organized on the 30th day of August, 1887, when
John C. McGinnis, Pres. B. M. B. and L. A.
the following persons were duly elected to the several offices: George Spencer, President; Henry Snyder, Secretary; A. S. Sea- man, Treasurer; Charles E. Breckons, Attorney. A charter was
88 BROAD MOUNTAIN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSO'N
granted the Association on October 27th of this same year. The authorized capital stock was fixed at five hundred thousand dollars. This stock is divided into shares, the matured value of each of which is two hundred dollars. Upon each of these shares the holder pays one dollar per month, until the principal with the accrued interest matures the stock. This money is invested only on gilt-edged real estate, with the stock, held by the lender, as collateral security. The Treasurer is required to give a bond of eight thousand dollars, and the Secretary one of five hundred.
As the assets and liabilities, as well as the receipts and disbursements necessarily vary from time to time, we shall give the last annual report of the Association to the Banking De- partment of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is as follows:
ASSETS.
Real estate loans with stock as collateral. $45,900 00
Cash on hand and in bank.
1,538 71
Real estate ..
2,900 00
Furniture and fixtures
50 00
Dues, interest, fines &c.
803 89
Insurance and taxes advanced.
116 10
Due on agreements
2,000 01
Total
$53,308 71
LIABILITIES.
Due on Stock &c.
$45,681 14
Bills payable &c. 34 55
Unearned premiums
3,040 16
Advanced payments
289 67
Undivided profits
4,263 19
Total
$53,308 71
RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand
$ 1,593 28
Dues, Interest, premiums and fines
15,267 88
Admision fees &c.
42 07
Mortgage and stock loans repaid
354 85
Other loans repaid
125 00
Rents
279 00
Sale of real estate
500 65
Insurance and taxes
9 00
Total
18,171 73
DISBURSEMENTS.
Books, stationery, rent &c.
$ 72 48
Salaries, commission &c. 386 00
BROAD MOUNTAIN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSO'N 89
Real estate and stock loans
300 00
Withdrawals &c ....
14,679 43
Insurance, repairs, taxes, &c.
254 97
Legal expenses.
5 14
Stock matured
700 00
Collateral repaid
200 00
Orders paid
5 00
Auditing
30 00
Total
16,653 02
Thomas M. Reed, Sec. B. M. B. and L. A.
The officers of the Association at the present time are as follows: John C. McGinnis, President; Thomas M. Reed, Secre- tary; Alex. Scott, Treasurer; R. A. Reick, Attorney.
Directors: J. C. McGinnis, John Thomas, Richard Fennessey, Jr., H. K. Reich, Evan Thomas, W. J. Miller, D. J. Kiefer, W. H. Reich, James Hicks, W. E. Stevenson, J. F. Price, David Taggart, M. D., Harry Schaeffer, C. A. Bleiler, M. D., John Dunlop.
FINIS
90
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter I. Topography of Frackville. 5
Chapter II. Public Drive Roads. 8
Chapter III. Rail Roads 12
Chapter IV. Coal Mining Industry
19
Chapter V. The Borough of Frackville 32
Chapter VI. The Churches.
45
Chapter VII. The Public Schools
68
Chapter VIII. The Board of Trade. 74
Chapter IX. The Mountain Resort Association
76
Chapter X. The Water Plant. 81
Chapter XI. The Electric Light Plant
S4
Chapter XII. Broad Mountain Building and Loan Association .. $7
90
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter I. Topography of Frackville. 5
Chapter II. Public Drive Roads 8
Chapter III. Rail Roads.
12
i
Chapter IV. Coal Mining Industry
19
Chapter V. The Borough of Frackville.
32
Chapter VI. The Churches
45
Chapter VII. The Public Schools
68
Chapter VIII. The Board of Trade.
74
Chapter IX. The Mountain Resort Association.
76
Chapter X. The Water Plant.
81
Chapter XI. The Electric Light Plant.
S4
Chapter XII. Broad Mountain Building and Loan Association .. 87
0
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East Side School Building
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