USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lititz > Lititz, 1756-1956 > Part 6
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A Jaycee benefits from the work of the organization in that it teaches him to be a better citizen and trains him in community leadership. The organization gives the young men of the community an opportunity to ex- press themselves and to run their own civic organization, preparing them for larger re- sponsibilities in community affairs.
Presidents of the organization have been: Donald Rannels - 1948-49 Ray Oatman - 1949-50 Richard Hardenbergh 1950-51 Wilbur Miller - 1951-52 Ray Oatman - 1952 Sidney Long - 1952-1953
Robert Bomberger - 1953-1954
Frank Leanza - 1954-1955
Edward Crowl . 1955
LITITZ SPORTSMEN'S ASSOCIATION
"The purpose of the association is to protect and propagate game and fish, to assist in the conservation of forests and waters, to assist in making game and fish laws and to foster and perpetuate a feel- ing of good will between sportmen, fish and game authorities, and land owners."
This was the first by-law established by the association at its first meeting at the Brobst Hotel, on February 24, 1934, headed by President, Elmer Bomberger; Vice President, Emory Wagner; Secretary, Abram Hershey; Treasurer, Howard Keener; and 5th member Chester Ruth.
Since its organization in 1934, association presidents have been:
1934-40 - Elmer Bomberger 1941-43 - George Royer 1944-47 - John Steffy 1949-53 - John Helter 1954 - Fred Royer
In its 22 years, accomplishments briefly in- clude: Stocking of an estimated 10,000 pieces of game, 80,000 game fish released, planting of trees and cover, education of children in conservation, better relations between farmer and land owner, improved conditions in gen- eral for public outdoor activities, conservation and recreation.
The association has maintained an average of 250 members interested in the future health of public outdoor sports.
SOCIETY OF FARM WOMEN NO. 1
In December of 1916 a Farmer's Institute was held in the Lititz High School. There were displays of vegetables, fruit and flowers. The officials of the Department of Agricul- ture were aware of the keen interest of the women, and suggested that they form a club. On December 28, 1916, Mrs. Binz of the de- partment met with a group of women to urge them to organize. A temporary organization was formed.
January 27, 1917, Mrs. Frank Black, of Som- erset County, was a guest. She described the organization of a group of women of her com- munity called Die Hausfrauen. Their consti- tution and by-laws were adopted and a per- manent organization was effected February 24, 1917.
The following fall the name was changed from Die Hausfrauen to Society of Farm Wo- men No. 1. We meet the first Saturday of each
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month. Our flower is the hollyhock, our colors brown and green. Our motto is "For Happi- ness", and our theme song, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are".
We believe that it is necessary and advisable to perpetuate that which was good in the pio- neer homes of our grandmothers and to pre- serve their spirit of patriotism and sacrifice; to foster a love for the farm and rural life of today; to uphold the dignity of farming; to teach the responsibility that lies in working the soil; and to enhance the charm of a real country home.
We propose in all our activities to contribute to the power and influence of farm women; to increase the influence of the farm home; to contribute to the community activity of farm women; to develop leadership and to promote better living and working conditions in the farm homes of Pennsylvania.
As the society grew larger, new groups were formed until we now have twenty-three soci- eties in Lancaster County, with eight hundred seventy-three members. New counties were or- ganized until we now have seventeen counties with three thousand one hundred members in the state organization.
In July 1917 the society held a family out- ing on the Wellington Pfautz farm. Each year since that we have held an outing or conven- tion where all the societies of the county meet together for a day. Each year during Farm Show Week all the societies of the state have a two day convention.
Our programs and our interests are varied. We give homemaking and gardening, safety and health, an important place on our pro- grams. As early as October 1917, we had pro- grams dealing with the schools, consolidation, vocational instruction, etc. We have had many interesting days sewing at the various hospi- tals. We lend support morally and financially to such worthy projects as: The March of Dimes, Heart Haven, Red Cross, Crippled Children, Muscular Dystrophy, Public Library, Recreation Center, Community Chest, Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Needlework Guild, Tuber- culosis Society, Bible Society, Blind Associa- tion, Hearing Center, Cleft Palate, Good Shepherd's Home, Christ's Home, Rescue Mis- sion, U. S. O. Migrants Workers and all the hospitals.
We give an award to the most oustanding senior student in Home Economics of our local high school each year.
It has become a tradition of our society to entertain the ladies of the Moravian Home each year with a Christmas party providing a program and a supper.
We have supported the Lititz Community Show with a display.
At the show we have often sold food as a source of revenue. Other means of increasing our treasury have been to serve dinners, hold food and plant sales, bazaars, spelling bees, sell goodie baskets, and sponsor food stands at farm sales. One of our most recent endeav- ors has been applebutter boiling for Pennsyl- vania Dutch Day on Labor Day or Lotwar- rick Day, at the Lititz Springs Park. We sell hundreds of quarts of applebutter as well as cheese, coffee, cider, shoofly pies and funnel cakes. We are selling sun bonnets during the Bi-Centennial celebration.
The following presidents have guided this Society of Farm Women during these years: Mrs. J. Clayton Brubaker, 1917-21; Mrs. Mar- tin A. Moore, 1922-23; Mrs. J. B. Weidler, 1924; Mrs. M. W. Hess, 1925-31; Miss Anna Erb, 1932-33; Mrs. W. Cullen Carpenter, 1934- 39; Mrs. Clarence Troutman, 1940-42; Mrs. Martin A. Moore, 1943-44; Mrs. Simon Rupp Snyder, 1945-46; Mrs. C. Neil Clark, 1947- 48; Mrs. Leonard Miller, 1948; Mrs. Daniel Brubeaker, 1949-51; Mrs. W. K. Baer, 1951-52; Mrs. Willis Bucher, 1953-54; Mrs. C. Neil Clark, 1955-56.
THE LITITZ COMMUNITY SHOW, INC.
Approximately 40 years ago a group of men conceived a plan to provide a "fair" for the people of this area at which farmers, garden- ers, housewives, and others, could exhibit the "fruits of their labors" throughout the year and compete for prizes. This was the begin- ning of the Lititz Community Show Associa- tion which was later incorporated.
In those early days the show consisted of nothing but exhibits and each year the pro- ject ended in the "red" with interested mem- bers making up the deficit. In order to offset this annual loss the idea of granting concess- ions to business firms for exhibit of their wares was started and with the growth of this part of the show the group was able to end the year without a deficit.
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200th ANNIVERSARY
The profits from the show each year have been put to good use in the community tliru projects carried out by the association and through contributions to such groups as the Lititz Recreation Center, the Lititz High School Band, and others. One of the largest projects carried out was the erection of the beautiful memorial fountain at the Square. The large flag pole at the athletic field was also erected by the group and the public ad- dress system used for football games was pro- vided and is maintained by the association.
Although the association has been the butt of much criticism because of the "carnival" atmosphere connected with the fair, the men interested in this project have continued to carry on, endeavoring to give the area a fine "community show".
Last year, at considerable expense to the association, an agreement was reached with the VFW Post and the Recreation Center, whereby the VFW lot adjacent to Lititz Springs Park was improved and the 1955 show was held on these grounds, on the park grounds, and in the Recreation Center.
Membership in the association is open to any interested persons and the group includes farmers, business men, and other interested individuals. The present officers are: Carl Foltz, president; Christ Koehler, Lloyd Smtih and Harry Regennas, vice-presidents; John Keehn, secretary; Raymond Reedy, treasurer; W. Martin Hess, assistant treasurer; John Keehn, superintendent of exhibits; and Car] Reedy, superintendent of concessions.
THE W. C. T. U.
One of the organizauons which works for the religious and moral welfare of Lititz is the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. On May 23rd, 1884, Narcissa E. White spoke in the Moravian Sunday School Chapel. At the conclusion of her address on "How shall the temperance question be solved", the Rev. John Taylor Hamilton, a member of the Mor- avian Synod then in session, briefly exhorted "to strike while the iron is hot" and form an organization. Miss White then organized the Lititz Woman's Christian Temperance Union of fifteen inembers with Mrs. Angelica Wolle as president.
On February 12, 1885, a Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized with Elizabeth Kemper Sauders as president. This group directed their activities to the in- struction of children, organizing the group now known as the Loyal Temperance Union. After ten years as separate organizations, the W. C. T. U. and the Y. W. C. T. U. united under the name of the Lititz W. C. T. U.
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA 1956
The principles of the organization are set forth in the mottoes: "For God, and Home, and Every Land" and "Total Abstinence for the individual and prohibition for the nation". Methods of work are along the line of pre- vention, education and legislation. The scope of the work is seen in the number of de- partments adopted, each with its own direct- or. Most important of these are the depart- ments of Scientific Temperance Instruction, Christian Education, and Legislation and Christian Citizenship.
Auxiliary branches of the Lititz union are the Loyal Temperance Legion and the White Ribbon Recruits. Membership at present numbers 195 women members, 24 honorary (men), 40 L. T. L. and 92 W. R. R. mem- bers.
Miss A. Virginia Grosh, better known in the community as "Miss Jennie" is the only living charter member of the organization. She has served as president of the Lititz union for more than 50 years and at the present time holds the office of President Emeritus. Now in her 93rd year she maintains an active interest in all phases of the temperance work and attends regular meetings of the group whenever possible.
Present officers are:
President Emeritus Miss A. V. Grosh President Mrs. Mabel Light
Vice President Miss Ella Stauffer
Corresponding Sec'y Mrs. Florence B. Gibbel
Recording Sec'y Mrs. Robert Hanna
Treasurer Mrs. John P. Mohler
THE DELPHIAN SOCIETY
The Lititz Chapter of The Delphian Society was organized July 6, 1920 with the following officers elected: President, Mrs. H. J. Pierson; Vice President, Miss Anna K. Miller; and Miss Magdalena Bricker, Secretary. Because of ill- ness Mrs. Pierson was unable to fill her office and Miss Miller became president. The first regular meeting of the Society was held at the home of Mrs. Sara Jenkins. There were twenty two charter members.
The Delphian Society was organized as a cultural and home study group, with members contributing in discussions. Each member was required to obtain a complete set of group study books from the National Delphian Head- quarters.
For the ten years following its founding, the Society was primarily a self improvement and cultural group, but it gradually began to branch out along the lines of community service. This started by the club's giving three trees to be planted on the school grounds. Later, in 1937, several trees were given in
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200th ANNIVERSARY
memory of Mr. J. Augustus Beck, well known Lancaster County artist. These trees were planted in the plot which marks the burial of the Revolutionary soldiers.
In 1933 the Delphian Society was accepted as a member of the County Federation of Wonien's Clubs. The Delphians sent repre- sentatives to County Federation meetings, and also to Community Chest and Musical Arts Club entertainments. They have gradually broadened their interest in community pro- jects, and have become regular contributors to the Cancer Society, the Recreation Center, and other projects.
Within the Society there was a great inter- est in starting a public library. The charter of the Library Association was signed on Novem- ber 1, 1935, and the new library was formally opened on April 3, 1936. It still receives an- nual Delphian support.
One of the highlights of the summer for Delphian members was the annual trek to Mt. Gretna by invitation of Mrs. William Muth to help celebrate her birthday which occurred in August. This was surely a pleas- ure trip and was enjoyed each summer to the time of Mrs. Muth's illness.
On May 12, 1955 The Delphian Society celebrated their 35th anniversary at a dinner meeting at the General Sutter Hotel. Thirty- five members and guests were present.
Present active members of the Delphian Society are the following: Mrs. Norman Badorf, Miss Magdelina Bricker, Mrs. David Bricker, Mrs. Valentine Brobst, Mrs. Edward Buch, Mrs. Carl Dreppert, Miss Myrtle Eckert, Mrs. Florence Gibbel, Mrs. Clarence Grosh, Mrs. Carl Helmich, Miss Mary Huebener, Miss Anna K. Miller, Miss Mary Reidenbach, Miss Bessie Searle, Mrs. Phares Snyder, Mrs. Avis Stengel and Mrs. Carl Workman.
LITITZ V. F. W.
Lititz Springs Post No. 1463 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, was or- ganized July 23, 1932, by a group of World War I and Spanish American War veterans. It was the third post to be organized in the county. Total membership at that time was 17 members, but later grew to a high of 362 members, during and after World War II. The post purchased the former Meiskey to- bacco warehouse and cigar factory at 14 North Spruce Street and remodeled it for their pre- sent home. Later, they purchased other prop- erty joining their present property and donat- ed it to the Lititz Farm Show Committee and Recreation Center, for their activities.
The post has always taken an active part
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
1956
in all community affairs. During World War II its building served as a distribution center for the Lititz Service Association. The post has a registered service officer who has helped over 500 veterans and their dependents file their claims before the Veterans Administra- tion.
On July 11, 1946, the Ladies Auxiliary to the Post was organized with 13 members. This group of ladies consists of the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of overseas veterans. They have not only been an asset to the post, but their untiring work giving en- tertainment and providing social affairs for the men in the various hospitals has been most gratifying to the connnunity, the state, the uation, and to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S.
AMERICAN LEGION
The American Legion was conceived and organized in 1919 by those who served in World War I. Its purpose was to perpetuate the friendships formed during the war.
A charter was granted the American Legion by the Congress of the United States, on September 16, 1919. Since that time the Char- ter has been amended to include the veterans of World War II, and the Korean War.
Through the efforts of veterans in Lititz and vicinity, a meeting was held in Lititz on August 1, 1919, at which time officers were elected for the remaining months of 1919, and a new American Legion Post was organ- ized. Garden Spot Post No. 56 was chartered on August 1, 1920,
The first meeting of the proposed Ladies Auxiliary to be attached to Garden Spot Post No. 56 was held March 17, 1921, at which time officers were elected. The Ladies Aux- iliary of Garden Spot Post, No. 56, was char- tered January 21, 1925,
Activities have included Junior baseball and basket ball, school awards in Lititz and Rothsville High Schools, essay contests, an- nual entertainment at the veterans hospitals at Lebanon and Coatesville, and collection of used magazines for hospitalized veterans.
Orphans of deceased veterans are supported at the Scotland Orphans Home, in Scotland, Pennsylvania. Many community welfare or- ganizations are also supported, and at Christ- nias, baskets are distributed to the needy.
When the occasion arises, the American Legion arranges for presentation of the Amer- ican flag, and the Ladies Auxiliary directs the annual Poppy Day. After the post was organized it took over the duty long perform- ed by members of The Grand Army of the Republic, that of decorating the graves of
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deceased veterans of all Americans wars on Memorial Day.
Garden Spot Post No. 56, Lititz, Pennsyl- vania, will continue to serve the public wel- fare of Lititz and vicinity, and uphold the tradition of the American Legion.
Present Officers
Post Commander Jack Pontz
1st Vice Commander John Linton
2nd Vice Commander Earl Walters
Adjutant Daniel W. Miller
Finance Officer Harry Ruley
Historian
Jonas Risser
Chaplain. Harry W. Lowe
Service Officer Norman L. Habecker
Sgt-at-Arms
Ray Burkholder
Auxiliary Officers
President Mrs. Robert Martin
Ist Vice Commander Mrs. Nevin Bowman
2nd Vice Commander Mrs. Wm. McCulloch
Recording Secretary Mrs. Harry W. Lowe
Corresponding Sec'y Miss Ruth Dewald
Treasurer Mrs. Betty McKonly
Chaplain Mrs. Ardell Dewald
Sgt-at-Arms Mrs. Joseph Remley
Historian
Mrs. Marguerite Keath
I.O.O.F.
Lititz Lodge No. 1050 I. O. O. F. was insti- tuted July 11, 1892 at 2:30 p.m. in the then Boniberger Hall, now the Withers apartments on South Broad Street. A few of the charter members were at that time members of Clay Lodge I. O. O. F. and they felt that Lititz should have their own lodge. This was the beginning of a Fraternal organization which now is 64 years old.
The Deputy Grand Master Maunch of Read- nig, was the presiding officer. The petition was signed by 23 Odd Fellows, and of this group, 20 were initiated. The following offi- cers were elected. A. Y. Litich, Noble Grand; H. S. Kauffman, Vice Grand; Secretary, H. B. Workman; Assistant Secretary, W. H. Enck; Treasurer, A. R. Bomberger. These officers were installed by the Grand Lodge Officers.
The night of July 11, 1892, another group of 18 members were given the degree work. The total members who were actually on the charter amounted to approximately 40.
In 1900 the Rudy building, now the Spacht Furniture store, was renovated and through the efforts of Mr. Rudy, a third floor constructed purposely for Lodgers. The Odd Fellows occupied this building as well as other lodges until Ralph Spacht bought it. They then transferred their meeting place to the Malta building, now the Herman Reedy apartments. Here the lodge grew in member-
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LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA 19563
ship and finances, and the fraternal practices for which Odd Fellowship stands for were ex- emplified through the efforts of the well-train- ed degree team. The Friendship, Love, and Truth, which the lodge stands for, has been promoted not only with its membership, but through efforts of sending youths to camps, financing boys and girls to a trip to the U. N., sponsoring baseball outings, etc.
The Lititz Lodge in its 64 years of organiza- tion has helped support five I. O. O. F. homes including the Orphan and Aged home. It has helped the sick and infirmed of its own mem- bership. About $50,000 has been given by the local lodge for this purpose since its organi- zation. The membership at present is 200.
The year 1955 was a banner year for Odd Fellows as well as Rebekahs in Lititz, as they purchased the former Enck building at 114 N. Broad Street. The entire building was renova- ted, so that now the work can be carried on with more enthusiasm. The present officers are: Herbert Clausen, Noble Grand; Theodore Stauffer, Vice Grand; Carl V. Reedy, Record- ing Secretary; Earl Blank, Financial Secretary; and John Singer, Treasurer. There are three charter members who are enjoying fairly good health, namely Past Grand, Charles Dussinger; Past Grand, 'Levi Rudy, and Past Grand, J. C. Biemesderfer.
LADY SUTTER REBEKAH LODGE NO. 435
Lady Sutter Rebekah Lodge No. 435 was instituted October 30, 1943, by Ephrata lodge with fifty charter members.
The name Lady Sutter Rebekah Lodge was adopted to honor the wife of General John Sutter, whose name was Rebekah and who at one time resided in Lititz.
The first officers were: Mrs. Elizabeth Hess, Noble Grand; Mrs. Helen Reedy, Vice Grand; Mrs. Maybelle Steinman, Secretary; and Mrs. Margaret Wagaman, Treasurer.
Charity is the motto of the fraternal organi- zation, whose objects and purposes are to visit and care for the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and in every way to assist its members in kindly ministrations when in trouble, sickness, or want.
To aid in the establishment and mainten- ance of homes for the aged, and indigent Odd Fellows and their wives and for the wives of deceased Odd Fellws, and homes for the care, Education, and support of orphans of deceased Odd Fellows and deceased sisters of the Rebek- ah Degree.
To cultivate and extend social and frater- nal relations of life among lodges and the families of Odd Fellows.
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200th ANNIVERSARY
Today, the active membership numbers seventy, fifteen of whom have been received since September 1955. The Degree Staff com- posed of thirty members has been reactivated during the past year.
The following have served as Noble Grands since the institution of the lodge: .
Mrs. Elizabeth Hess Mrs. Stella Keath
Mrs. Helen Reedy Mrs. Anna Wagner
Mrs. I. Seigel Mrs. Edith Reedy
Mrs. Edna Bushong
Mrs. Mary Worley
Mrs. Mary Yerger
Mrs. Carrie Gochenaur
Mrs. Mabelle Sharp
Mrs. Emma Frey
Mrs. Margie Kline
Mrs. Dorothy Worth
Mrs. Mae McCreary
Mrs. Betty Reigle
Mrs. Alice Reedy
Mrs. Ruth Lebo
Mrs. Eva Steffy
Mrs. Betty Ludwig
Mrs. Hazel Gochenaur
The elective officers at the present are: Noble Grand, Anna Mary Franck; Vice Grand, Arlene Reed; Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Hess; Financial Secretary, Alice Reedy; and Treasurer, Mary Yerger.
VILLAGE ART ASSOCIATION
The Village Art Association of Lititz was organized May 11, 1949, by Mr. Floyd F. Hackman and Mr. Charles X. Carlson, of Kirks Mills, Pa. It had an original member- ship of forty one.
LITITZ, PENNSYLVANIA
1956
Mr. Hackman's primary motive in forming the Association was to give young people a better chance to learn to paint, to express themselves and to develop their artistic abil- ities. He has been a leader in its growth and activities.
Meetings are held in Mr. Hackman's home, with a present active membership of twenty- five. During the warmer months, painting is done outdoors at various locations in the county.
Past presidents have been Mr. Floyd Hack- man, August Fleckenstein, John Heistand, Richard Hess, John Smith, and Mrs. Russell Templeton.
Exhibits are hung monthly in Weaver's Restaurant. There have been group and in- dividual shows of members. Guest shows have included the works of several famous artists.
The Village Art Association has had work accepted by the Reading Museum and Art. Gallery every year. Work has also been hung at Gettysburg, Octoraro, York, Mt. Joy, Eph- rata, and Franklin and Marshall College.
The present officers are:
President Mrs. Russell Templeton
Treasurer Mrs. Leon Himmelberger
Secretary
Mrs. Rodney Welch
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THE CAMERA
LOOKS
AT LITITZ
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E
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4th OF JULY PARADE, ABOUT 1920
EUGENE LONGENECKER
JOHN LONGENECKER
THE SQUARE
WORLD WAR I
FOURTH OF JULY, 1905
55
LITITI DADE
.
SINIZ SPRINGS HOTEL
RIEKER'S BEER.
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ABOUT 1912
LITIZ SPRINGS HOTEL, IN THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF LITIZ LANCASTER COUNTY, PA.
TERMS, DURING THE SUMMER SEASON :
Boarding and Lodging for the seasoll. . $0.00 per week Do. do. Children under 12 years of age, 3.00 ..
Servants attending to families.
2.50 66
Persons staying less than two months. 7.00
Transient Boarders. 1.25 per day. 66
Persons visiting their families. 1.00
Horses well attended, at $3.50 per week. or
621%
Washing,
75 per dozen. 1- No extra charges except where persons take more or larger rooms than their numbers necessarily require.
Bowling Saloon, Cold Water Baths, &c., Free. S. LICHTENTHALER, Proprietor. @WE AIM TO PLEASE.
HOTEL RATE CARD FROM CIVIL WAR TIMES
The Wabank House was moved to Lititz in 1863-64. It was run by the Lititz Springs (General Sutter) Hotel management, and adjoined that hotel just to the south-where the fire house now is. It burned in 1873.
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LIT
INGS NATIONAL BANK
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1956
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BEER
MUSIC IN LITITZ
8 1.6020
BAND,
C
ABOUT 1898
BAND
YGER
1914
LITITZ HIGH
SPEROL
1955
TROMBONE CHOIR ABOUT 1900
TROMBONE CHOIR 1956
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ONE MAY
THEN AND NOW
OLD MIKSCH TINSMITH SHOP, CORNER MAIN AND CEDAR STREETS
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H. P. FRY'S DRUG AND DEPARTMENT STORE, SAME CORNER
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YUEDOUTOS ICF CREAR
ESCRIPTIONS R
COSMETICS PRESCRIP
2
DRUG STORE Coca Cola
WEELROY PHARMACY SUNDAES - COSMETICE
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