History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 142

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I > Part 142

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).

good reputation for the company, because it was the first on the ground to throw water upon the burning building. The "Hornet " which had done good service for many years was chanced off and won by Emanuel Emig, a farmer, who afterward changed it into a wagon for use upon his farm. A charter was obtained April 30, 1873, and the fol- lowing officers were elected : Christian Bender, president ; John Miller, vice presi- dent; Emanuel Frey, secretary; William Miller, treasurer ; Charles Schaszberger, Ed- win Blasser and James Long, trustees. In 1888, a committee composed of John Miller,

At the opening of the Civil War, many of the members entered the Union army: the engine house became a recruiting office, and

George W. Scheffer, Elias Spangler, J. H. the company had no regular organization Hartman, Christian Bender, C. A. Boyer, until November 2, 1865, when George A. and Franklin Witman, was authorized to Heckert was chosen president; A. B. Far- buy a new Silsby engine, which arrived in quhar, vice president; J. W. Schall, treas- York in March of that year. They bought urer : C. H. Stallman, secretary. A bell was purchased in 1868 for $168. During the same year a uniform for the members was adopted. It consisted of black pants, white shirt, and black slouch hat ; in August of the a hose carriage from the Rescue Fire Com- pany, which later became the property of the Leo Fire Company, of Red Lion. The Goodwill then purchased a hose carriage from the Union Fire Company, of York, same year, changed to a green shirt, black

792

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

pants, white belt, white necktie and navy frame cooper shop on East South Street, cap. The first festival of the Union was held near George. in November, 1868, at which the sum of A committee obtained from the town $210 was cleared. A steam fire engine was council authority for the use of a hose cart, purchased from Jucket & Freeman, of Mas- formerly the property of the Resolution sachusetts, October 18, 1870, at a cost of $3,200. In September, 1876, the company participated in the firemen's centennial pa- rade at Philadelphia. In 1882 the present engine house was built on the site of the George Heckert residence on North George Street, nearly opposite the old engine house. Fire Company, and for several links of hose then in the possession of the Vigilant. A steamer, manufactured by Cole Brothers, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was purchased and arrived in York, February 22, 1873. A lot was bought on South George Street, and a three-story brick engine house, now The height of the tower is II0 feet and occupied by the company, built thereon. weight of alarm bell 2,066 pounds. The The following is a list of the presidents of cost of the building was $6,590. The fol- the Rescue, with the date of election: T. lowing is a list of the presidents of the com- Kirk White, 1872; M. L. Van Baman, 1875; pany in order of succession, together with the dates of election : T. Kirk White, 1876; George Graybill, 1883; Albert Bishop, 1885. M. L. Van Ba- man, who has been president of the com- pany for a period of twenty years, was one taken an active interest in the fire depart-

Thomas E. Cochran, 1855; George A. Heckert, 1865; Charles H. Stallman, 1866; James Kell, 1868, I. W. G. Wierman, 1869; of its original members. He has always Michael Stambaugh, 1870; O. P. Weiser, 1872; J. P. Madsen, 1874; W. H. Roden- ment of York and organized a Volunteer house, 1875; George W. Cole, 1880. Since Firemen's Relief Association, which in 1882 B. C. Pentz has been president of this 1907, contained 800 members, the entire fire company, and is also vice president of the department of the city. Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association of York.

The following have served as secretaries : W. F. Eicher, 1872; George Graybill, 1873; Albert Bishop, 1877; John Swartz, 1880; C. F. Horner, 1882; William H. Hibner, 1884, and William Loucks, who has served for many years.

In 1886 the Union changed from hand to John Swartz, 1875; Jacob A. Mayer, 1876; horse service by purchasing George and Bill, two fine animals, for drawing the en- gine. In 1887 another horse was purchased to draw the hose carriage. In 1889 the " Jucket " steamer was upset and the appa- ratus greatly damaged. The company then

In 1886 the Rescue introduced horse ser- vice, purchasing Mac and Major, two splen- purchased a La France steam fire engine did animals, used to draw the engine. In at a cost of $4,350. In 1897 a combination 1907 Mac was still in service. The com- chemical engine and hose wagon was pur- pany since purchased three other horses, chased. Improved electrical apparatus has Bruce, Kirk and Major, and owned a La been introduced. The company owned five France engine, which cost nearly $5,000, horses in 1907. The entire membership was and a Holloway chemical engine.

140.

protection of public and private property in the south end of the town, granted the use of the public school building on Duke Street, in which the fourth meeting of the company was held. At this meeting George Graybill was elected secretary. The Rescue soon after rented and remodelled a one-story

The Royal Fire Company was or- ganized February 6, 1901, with D. F. Lafean, president; C. Elmer

The Rescue Fire Company was Royal. Rescue. organized in 1872. At the first meeting John Immel was elected Smith, first vice president; John McCoy, president and W. H. Schwartz, secretary. second vice president; S. Nevin Hench, The school directors, seeing the necessity third vice president; David E. Small, secre- or an additional fire company for the better tary; P. A. Elsesser, treasurer. A charter was obtained March 18, 1901, under the name of Royal Fire Company No. 6, of York, Pennsylvania, and a lion adopted as the emblem of the company. In June, 1901, a lot of ground was purchased from Israel K. Ziegler, on the corner of West Market Street and Carlisle Avenue. A temporary

793

THE CITY OF YORK

frame building was erected on this lot, fac- years, the truck purchased from Gleason & ing on Carlisle Avenue. The apparatus was at first composed of the old exercise wagon of the Rescue Fire Company, and two hand fire extinguishers, with two horses named Baron and Czar. On February 10, 1902, the company became a part of the York Fire Department, as Royal No. 6, with John F. Young as its representative as assistant chief in the department. On February 7, 1902, a Holloway chemical engine was pur- chased. A committee composed of C. El-

Bailey was often used and rendered valua- ble service as an adjunct to the other equip- ments of the department, but it was found inadequate to the many demands made upon it. February 17, 1892, the company pur- chased a Hays truck, at a cost of $5,000. This truck was received and put into service and the old one disposed of. It was soon found that the new truck was more than two horses could draw and three horses were put into service. Since this time the com- mer Smith, D. F. Lafean, Hiram M. Faust, pany had added to its equipment until it Luther Bond and Luther Smyser, were ap- pointed to purchase an engine. On January 3, 1904, a first size Amoskeag engine was bought from the Manchester Locomotive Works, of Manchester, New Hampshire, at a cost of $6,200. It performed its first duty at the burning of the York Carriage Company Works, April 6, 1904.

has received every modern improvement used in fighting the flames. The horses and apparatus are housed in a commodious building adjoining the Laurel engine house.

The company has eighty-five members in the active list. The uniform is a blue fa- tigue suit, overcoat, light tan gloves and black tie. J. W. C. Austin, of this company,

The equipment of this company is com- has frequently attended the Pennsylvania plete and since its organization has done Firemen's Association, and was the first del- excellent service at fires in York. In 1903 egate from the state association to the na- a handsome brick building was erected on tional convention of firemen. The officers the lot owned by the company, with the of the company in 1907 were, H. Kister front facing on Market Street. It is an or- Free, president; George W. Reisinger, sec- namental structure, complete in design and retary, and Jacob Raffensberger, treasurer. Liberty Fire Company, of North admirably adapted for the purpose intended. The Royal Fire Company has a large and active membership and has been an impor- Liberty. tant addition to the fire department of York.

March 30, 1886, in answer to a call signed by many citizens of

Rex . Company. York, a meeting was held at the house on Ocean Avenue. In 1902 Samuel law office of N. M. Wanner, to organize a Hook and Ladder Company. At the first election the following officers were chosen : Charles W. Myers, president; W. D. Billmeyer, vice president ; W. A. Miller, Lichtenberger, William N. Morningstar, William Yost and George B. Zech, four en- terprising citizens of North York, sub- scribed the sum of $3,700, and with this money erected a two-story brick engine secretary; R. H. Shindel, treasurer; H. C. house. When the building was completed . Smith, A. D. Killian and Charles M. Bill- meyer, trustees ; F. W. Hess, foreman ; Wil- liam Bastress, first assistant foreman; J. Et- dent, and C. Edward Yost secretary. Dur- ter Small, second assistant foreman.

they turned it over to the Liberty Fire Com- pany, of which Joseph Graybill was presi- ing the same year the company purchased a new Holloway combination chemical engine at a cost of $1,500. The company in 1907 had 100 members. Joseph Graybill was president; W. W. Williams, secretary, and Charles Lightner, treasurer.

At a meeting held February 2, 1887, the company ordered a truck from Gleason & Bailey, of New York, at a cost of $1,077. It was decided that the name of the organi- zation should be the Rex Hook and Ladder Company, of York. The truck arrived and A meeting was called in the pub- was accepted August 2, 1887, when it was Reliance. lic school house of West York borough at the instance of B. M. Landis, for the purpose of organizing a fire placed into active service. The first pair of horses used by the company was bought at a cost of $300. During the succeeding five company. M. L. Van Baman, of York, was

The . York Borough, was organized June 29, 1899, by the election of Edward Lentz, president, and Robert McNamara, secretary. The first meeting place was in the public school

794

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

invited to be present. This meeting, held on December 16, 1904, resulted in the organ- ization of the Reliance Fire Company, with James M. Zinn, president; G. W. Myers, vice president ; Daniel Rossman, secretary ; Millard Jones, assistant secretary, and B. Frank Moul, treasurer. Soon after the organization the borough council installed plugs, procured hose, a hose reel, bought a ing. A brick engine house was erected by the borough in 1905 at a cost of $2,200. The company started with fifty-seven char- ter members, which in 1907 had increased to ninety members.

The officers then were: B. M. Landis, president ; Charles P. Shellenberger, secre- tary; George Smyser, assistant secretary ; P. Frank Moul, treasurer ; J. Frank Gross, pipeman ; D. G. Wood and Charles Folken- roth, assistant pipemen.

CHAPTER XLV. MARKETS, INNS, HOTELS.

Centre Square-Farmers-City-Central- Eastern and Carlisle Avenue Markets- Old Time Public Inns-Quaint Tavern Signs-Modern Hotels.

In 1754 George Stevenson, the agent for the Penns at York, mentions in a letter tinued in Centre Square and along the side- to Richard Peters, secretary of the Prov- walks of the four streets extending in every direction from the Square. ince, that there were then two markets in the town, which contained 210 dwelling Immediately after the organiza- houses, and a population of about 700.

Robert Hunter Morris, lieuten- Removed.

Centre ant governor of Pennsylvania, by

Square authority of John and Richard

on Wednesday and the other on Saturday,in such commodious place or places, as shall or may be appointed for that purpose." Another clause of the charter reads: "And we do hereby appoint John Meem, of the town of York, to be the first clerk of the market, who, and all succeeding clerks, shall assize of bread, wine, beer, and other things, with all the powers, privileges and immunities lot and laid plans for the erection of a build- by law belonging to such office."

The building called the "state house " in which were the county offices, was erected in 1793 in Centre Square immedi- ately east of the Court House. This build- ing was torn down in 1840 and in 1842 Jacob Dietz, by authority of the borough council built a market house, which extended from the centre of the square to a line nearly par- allel with the east side of Centre Square. In 1844, by the same authority, Jacob Gotwalt built a market house, extending from a point near the centre of the Square to a line nearly parallel with the western side of Cen- tre Square. The lockup, or place for tem- porary imprisonment of miscreants and the headquarters for the police, was under- neath this building. There was a driveway between the two market sheds from the time of their erection until these sheds were torn down.

Curb street markets have since been con-

Sheds . tion of the City Councils, the question of the removal of the old market sheds was the fore- most topic for discussion. George W. Heiges, Luther A. Small and Dr. Jacob Hay, in 1886, had been appointed a committee to investigate this subject and report their opinions to the borough councils. The re- port of this committee advocated the re- moval of the sheds. The agitation about their removal brought forth violent opposi- tion, but the majority of the city councils advocated immediate action. Property holders who desired that the sheds should remain in position threatened to file an in- junction if attempts were made to tear down the sheds.

Market. Penn, granted the first privilege for holding markets in the town. This charter was granted October 18, 1755, and states: "that the inhabitants of the town of York, in the new county of York, have become so numerous that they find it necessary to have a public market estab- lished within the said town of York, for the better supplying and accommodating them with good wholesome provisions, and other necessaries, under proper regulations." It then, " upon the request of the inhabitants of York, grants and ordains that they and their successors shall and may forever there- The Common Council passed a resolu- tion demanding their removal. R. H. Shin- after hold and keep within the town in every week in the year, two market days, the one del, chairman of the conference committee

795

THE CITY OF YORK

of councils, reported that "The market tures, some one sent in an alarm of fire from sheds in Centre Square interfere with the the box on the flag staff between the two convenience of public travel and have be- market sheds. The firemen responded, the come a public nuisance. That immediately people turned out in crowds and gathered in after the expiration of the leases with the the square, thinking there was a fire, but renters of the stalls and stands in said mar- only to see the old sheds go down with a ket sheds in Centre Square, the sheds shall crash and a cloud of dust rise in the air, be torn down and removed from the which, in the moonlight, looked at a dis- Square." On June 27 a resolution was tance like smoke from a fire. At about 3 adopted ordering the removal of the sheds. o'clock the old sheds were flat on the The vote in the Select Council stood five to ground, a mass of ruin. The debris was re- four; in the Common Council, fourteen to moved from the Square the same day. ten, in favor of the removal.

The passage of this resolution caused a Farmers lively discussion throughout the city. The Market. general sentiment advocated the tearing down of the sheds, but some property hold- ers still insisted that these landmarks should remain

The resolution adopted by City Coun- cils and approved by the mayor, reads as follows :

"Whereas, the market sheds now erected in Centre Square, in the city of York, en- croach upon a public highway of the city, thereby greatly impeding and rendering travel dangerous Therefore, be it

through said square. secretary, and Israel Laucks, treasurer.

" Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of York (Select Council concur- ring) that the said market sheds are, and are hereby declared to be, public nuisances, and that the Mayor be, and is hereby authorized and directed to remove said market sheds from the said Centre Square to secure for that purpose such assistance as he may deem necessary."

June 30, at 12.05 A. M., Mayor Noell ap- proved the resolution and issued the fol- lowing order to Street Commissioner Wil- liam Y. Link :

"Under the above resolution, passed by Councils, and approved by the Mayor, you will proceed at once to carry the same into execution."

About 2 A. M., twenty men, with seven mules and three horses began the work of removing the sheds. The police force was on hand to preserve order.

Exciting Scene.

It required some time to prepare for the work of demolition, so as to make it complete and effectual.

This market was established un- der act of the Pennsylvania Leg- islature passed January 31, 1866.

The rapid growth of the town west of the Codorus Creek, demanded a market house in that section. The incor- porators were Jacob Baer, John Winter, Israel Laucks, C. F. Winter and John H. Baer. The managers chosen were Daniel Kraber, Frederick Baugher, Martin Emig, John Winter, Israel Laucks, Philip Eichel- berger and Samuel Smyser. This board soon afterward organized by electing Fred- erick Baugher, president; Daniel Kraber, The market at once became a success. It had been twice enlarged until it reached its present size, being a conspicuous building on the corner of Market and Penn Streets.

The capital stock is $28,750. Jacob H. Baer succeeded Frederick H. Baugher as president of the company. Captain John Fahs has served as president during the last fifteen years, and Martin Bender has filled the office of secretary for twenty years. The following composed the board of di- rectors in 1907: Captain John Fahs, Israel Laucks, Martin Bender, Thomas B. Laucks. William F. Laucks, John Rebert and Jere Carl.

The southern portion of the town City Market. having extended its limits, a spe- cial desire for establishing a mar- ket in that section, which gave rise to a meeting of enterprising citizens, July 16, 1878. The meeting organized by electing Dr. W. S. Roland, president. It was at the same time decided to purchase one-half a square of land 250x230 feet, for $16,725, and form a company of thirteen di- rectors. The officers elected were: Presi- James A. Dale; secretary, Charles F. Se-

When all was ready for the final work of the horses and mules, and the pull- dent, Dr. W. S. Roland; vice president, ing away of the supports to the old struc-

796

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

christ; treasurer, Henry Winter; Daniel and was succeeded by Samuel Lichtenber- Keller, George Daron, Frank Geise, John S. ger, who filled the office until December 18, Heistand, E. D. Ziegler, P. W. Keller, 1893, when George P. Smyser, who has Henry J. Gressley and Frederick Flinch- since been president of the board, was baugh. The market building, 225x80 feet, elected. Edward Chapin retired from the was erected in 1878, at a cost of $27,000, office of secretary, December 17, 1889, and from a design made by J. A. Dempwolf, ar- was succeeded by B. S. Gilbert, who contin- ued in office until January 25, 1897, when Frederick J. Palmtag was elected. Wil- liam H. Griffith held the office of treasurer until 1890, when he was succeeded by M. L. Ebert, who continued in office until H. H. Weber was elected. chitect. James A. Dale, David Keller, Frank Geise and the architect were the building committee. The slate used on the roof was obtained from the Peach Bottom quarries. The market was opened April 29, 1879. Markets are regularly held on Tues- day and Friday mornings, and Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

The capital stock of the company is $30,- 000. The market house was twice enlarged since its erection, and now is a commodious building. The board of directors in 1907 was composed of the following: James A. Dale, president ; Joseph R. Strawbrdge, sec- retary ; William R. Horner, treasurer; Adam Sechrist, Dr. B. F. Spangler, John J. Rieker, Hermann Sauppe, J. Frank Gable, directors.

The Central Market House Com- Central pany was organized at the office of John F. Erwin, on Philadelphia Street, in 1887, and plans were laid for the erection of a market house fac- ing on North Beaver and Philadelphia Streets, in the Third Ward. The original board of directors was composed of eleven persons as follows: David Emmitt, pres- ident ; George W. Hess, vice president; Ed- ward Chapin, secretary ; William H. Griffith, treasurer ; George P. Smyser, Samuel Lich- tenberger, M. L. Ebert, P. F. Wilt, Jacob L. Kuehn, John J. Rieker and C. S. Strick- houser.

The Central Market has been a success since its organization, and has received a large patronage. Markets are held regu- larly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons of each week. Needed improve- ments have been made and the company since its organization, has expended the amount of $79,000. The board of directors in 1907 were: George P. Smsyer, M. L. Ebert. F. J. Palmtag, H. H. Weber, A. W. Immel, William S. Noss, Clarence E. Eisen- hart, Chauncey K. Spangler, William H. Miller, E. K. Emig and John Alexander.

The plan to erect a market house

Market. Eastern in East York was originated at a Market. meeting held in the law office of C. B. Wallace, November 30, 1885, when H. C. Niles, E. M. Vandersloot, Christian Bender and C. B. Wallace were appointed a committee to select a site for the new market house. The company was organized at a meeting held November 30, 1885, when the following were elected offi- cers and directors: C. B. Wallace, presi- dent; Charles H. Fry, secretary; Isaac Runk, treasurer ; C. B. Wallace, Isaac Runk, At a meeting held March 30, 1888, the company reported the purchase of proper- ties on Philadelphia and Beaver Streets, from the following persons for the amounts named: John F. Erwin, $1,900; George W. Hess, $1,500; Marcus C. Lanius, $2,000; C. H. Fry, E. M. Vandersloot, Christian Bender, Geoffrey P. Yost, C. B. Wallace, J. J. Vandersloot, John Miller, George W. Sheffer and Jacob Beitzel. A site was pur- chased on East Market Street, near the rail- road, and a brick building erected at a cost of $11,875. This substantial building was Charles H. Neff, $9,100; Edward Danner, blown down during a violent storm, which $2.400; Trinity Reformed parsonage, $6,200. swept over York January 9, 1889.

A contract was then given out to George Soon afterward the second market house was built on the same site at a cost of $4,500. The bricks and some of the timber of the demolished building were utilized. Yinger for the erection of a market house at a cost of $30,550. The building was com- pleted in 1888. The capital stock of the company was fixed at $45,000. Soon after William H. Emig became president in 1890. Charles H. Fry filled the office of organization David Emmitt resigned the office of president, on account of ill health, secretary from the time of organization un-

797

THE CITY OF YORK

til January 12, 1895, when he died. John C. door." In 1822 Joseph Allison came to Bender has filled the office since that date. York from the lower end of the county and Isaac Runk was treasurer from 1885 until opened the Swan Inn, on South George the time of his death, 1906, when William F. Fry was elected.

Markets are held on Wednesday and Sat- urday mornings. The board of directors in 1907 were as follows: Horace Smyser, president ; John C. Bender, secretary; Wil- liam F. Fry, treasurer; Jacob Beitzel, Lamb. George W. Fry, Charles Lichtenberger, Horace Smyser, Edward W. Laucks, Wil- liam C. Hively, Isaac Kauffman, Samuel Fritz, Henry C. Markley and Gottlieb Brookman.

Carlisle Avenue Market and Stor- Carlisle age Company was organized in Avenue. 1902, and the same year the com- pany erected a large and com- modious brick market house on Carlisle Avenue, near the railroad. Markets are regularly held here on Wednesday and Sat- urday afternoons. The capital stock of the company is $25,000. P. A. Elsesser is pres- ident; Henry Hoff, secretary; John H. Hantz and Martin Carl.

Brooks, treasurer; other directors, Casper Oerman, W. S. Noss, George W. Gross, Zachariah Lauer, C. S. Gable, Rolandus Seifert.

PUBLIC INNS AND HOTELS.

The frontier settlements in colonial days had a large number of houses for public en- tertainment. Before the Revolution and as late as 1830 they were known as taverns or public inns. As early as 1745 there were six taverns in York; in 1760 there were ten. The number had increased to twenty-two when Continental Congress held its sessions in York during the winter of 1777-78. An account of many of these early hostelries is given in the following pages.

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.

History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 142

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1372

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372