USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > Lykens > Lykens-Williams Valley history - directory and pictorial review. Embracing the entire Lykens and Williams Valley, in the effort to preserve the past and perpetuate the present. > Part 5
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· In the year 1816 Simon Gratz recovered a judgement for a small amount against Isaac Ferree and kept it alive by sue- cessive writs of scire facies. In 1835 said judgement was issued . upon, and the land sold as belonging to Isaac Ferree, the court holding in legal contest, that his daughters only held the pro- perty in trust for him. Therefore Simon Gratz, purchasing at Sheriff's sale the interest of Isaac Ferree, it is presumed received a good title. After the death of Simon Gratz, the land
102
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
was conveyed to William Hawkins, who the same day sold it to Edward Gratz. He bought up a tax title to the same, held by Jacob Haldeman and Thomas Elder, July 8, 1847, which gave him an undisputed title. He then eaused it to be immediately
K. of P. Hall, Lykens.
laid out in lots the second time, as they are now, by Daniel Hoffman, in 1848. The first purehasers under Ferree sisters, all lost their lots with the exception of those whose deeds had been recorded at a certain date.
103
AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
DIRECTORY .
Since its first settlement the town has rapidly increased in wealth, influence and population. It is the center of the coal trade in the Upper End.
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, LYKENS C. S. Jones, Pastor.
Lykens borough was incorporated in the year 1871, the Chief Burgesses since that date have been.
Hon. Moses R. Young, 1871-3: L. K. Katzenburg, 1873-5: Charles Woleott, 1875-6: John E. Nace, 1876-7 ; Charles Wolcott, 1878-80; W. S. Young, 1880, (resigned Aug. 2, 1880) ; Riley Bressler, 1880-2: S. H. Barrett, 1882-3 : F. J. Douden, 1887-91 : W. S. Young, 1891-7: Jacob Trout, 1897-1900: H. F. Bueck, 1900-3 : Jacob Trout, 1903-6 : N. E. Snyder, 1906-9; Jacob Trout, 1909-14 ; J. W. Witmer, 1914-22 : George W. Troxel, 1922-4 years.
104
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
North Sec. St, LyKens P
Scene in North Second Street, Lykens.
Grace Methodist Church, Lykens
105
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
Aside from many Industrial plants and manufacturing concerns, the town also supports a weekly newspaper. This paper is published by Mr. Charles M. Coles, son of the late S. B. Coles, who has been a pioneer in that business in the Valley. The first paper published in Lykens was the Farmer's and Min- er's Journal, and the first issue appeared Aug. 16, 1856. This
"When the late train arrives"-Lykens
paper was supplanted by the Business Men's Journal until the year 1865, when the first issue of The Upper Dauphin Register and Lykens Valley Miner appeared. Jan. 1, 1872 the paper was enlarged and the name changed to the Lykens Register. From this name it became the Lykens Record and so on until today we have "The Lykens Standard" published by C. M. Coles, a son of S. B. Coles who has been identified with the paper sinee 1856.
The first house in Lykens was Ferree's house, now oeenpied by the brick building of Charles Price and building of John Koppenhaver. The second, Zerbe's opposite Squire Ferree's. Next the corner house, but lately demolished for the erection of the brick house of William. A Wallace, now property of Charles Price. Stehley's stood in the woods near the ereek. Next
-
106
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
- MAIN . ARCH. ON- · MAIN· STREET - LY KENS ·
Main and Market Streets. During the Diamond Homecoming celebration in 1913.
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
107
Main and Market Streets, Lykens, taken 1860. The present Uhler Drug Store
108
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
Bird's-Eye-View of Lykens. From drawing made in 1888
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
109
The noon train approaching Lykens ran into an Occurred during summer of 1921.
Scene of the wreck at the old water tank, Lykens, Pa. cpen switch. There were no lives lost.
The "Arches" Main and Market Streets,
Lykens, during the Soldiers Home-Coming celebration held in 1919.
FF
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
111
A Scene on the Beach, at Lykens Famous Swimming Pool. Picture taken in 1921
Bird's-Eye-View of Lykens taken years ago. Note the old Grandstand on the coal commons near Wiconisco
DIRECTORY AND
PICTORIAL REVIEW
113
(See note, page 115.)
scene taken at the Lykens Reservoir thirty-five years ago (1887). A
Courtesy of Lykens Standard
114
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
Kissley's. Next an old log house, built by the Fegley's. Next Patrick Martin's. There was a two and a half story frame house near the creek, back of the Valley house, on what is now Water Street. This was built by Edward Myers for a man by the name of Fisher. No store in Lykens at that time. Merchan- dise of every sort chiefly brought from the store of Josiah Bowman at the Forge.
The other store in all this part of the country was that of Henry Shaeffer's, at the Lykens Valley Colliery. Some few of the people worked in the mines, others employed themselves in the manufacture of shingles, spokes, posts and stays, which they traded for necessities of life. No church at that time; but a place of worship in an old school house near the Company's stable. The Company then mined coal without preparation. It was taken by horse railway to Millersburg, there flatted across the Susquehanna to Mt. Patrick, on the opposite side, and placed on the canal boats of the North Branch for shipment to Harrisburg. There was no public house at that time. The company would not tolerate any upon its own graunds, and would not sell ground for hotel purposes.
Jacob Stehely, a gentleman of large means, who died at Harrisburg, rather eccentric, yet very entertaining and full of wit and humor-in his latter days fond of hunting and fish- ing-"batched" in the woods at that time, supported by his son John, at Harrisburg. Mr. Stehely was about sixty years of age, and quite intelligent, full of information and lively when in company, which he tried to avoid, preferring the life of a hermit.
The mail was gotten at Thomas Harper's at the Forge. Isaac Ferree was quite an old man then. Had sons running a sawmill in "Greenland"-the only sawmill then about. The mill in "Greenland" was erected in 1840, by the Ferree's- Joel, Jefferson, Washington, Uriah and Jacob. Shortly after- wards the mill at Round top was erected by the same parties and the one at Greenland abandoned. The elections were held at the tavern of Michæl Shaffer. Deer were plenty-bear also- fish in abundance-wild turkeys. The men employed in the mines about twenty. The old Lykens Valley breaker was erected in 1845-7. No breaker in 1840. The mines were then a mere
.
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DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
drift. In 1853 there were about fifty houses in Lykens, about the same number in Wiconisco. The orders in 1853 were the American Mechanics and Sons of Temperance. No Odd Fellows at that time. They organized shortly after. The orders mentioned met in John Hensel's building on Main Street, second story, steps on the outside leading up. Preaching in stone church, Lykens, the only church then, by Watson, it is thought. The first railroad consisted of wrought-iron tacked on wooden rails-called by the natives the "Slabtrack" road.
Today the population of Lykens is 3000. The modern im- provements have been, Eleetrie lights, Water, Gas, Trolley ser- vice, pavements, State Road, P. R. R., P. & R. R. R., Telephone, Telegraph and all modern improvements and facilities making for a real progressive community. At the time of this writ- ing, deliberation is being held incidental to the town purchasing an $8000.00 Fire Fighting Apparatus. (Later) Apparatus pur- chased.
LYKENS RESERVOIR TAKEN IN 1887
Reading left to right-Fred Schmidt, George Irving, Thomas L. Davis, Job White, Dr. W. J. Smith, Mr. Prichard, Asley Cook, B. F. Stoner. From left to right those sitting are-Dr. W. H. Uhler, Richard Walters, G. B. Brubaker, David Gratz, Andrew Hoffman, John M. Blum, Samuel B. Coles, and Dr. A. G. Stanley. (See illustration, (Page 113).
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LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
HENSEL Clothing House LYKENS
189.1
:-: 1922
Men's and Boys' Store
LARGEST AND OLDEST
FROM POTTSVILLE TO HARRISBURG
117
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
BEEF PORK Bowman Cash Market HARRY A. BOWMAN, Proprietor
Choice Meats and Fancy Groceries
Our Home-made Bologna and Sausage a Specialty 558 Main Street Lykens, Pa.
Bell Phone VEAL LAMB
Established 1897
GEO. W. TROXELL
FIRST CLASS
Shoe Repairing S. PINE STREET, LYKENS Electric Machines Prices Reasonable Visitors Welcome
Abraham Lincoln's Advice-
Don't worry, eat three square meals a day. Keep your digestion good. Be courteous to your creditors. Take plenty of exercise and go slow and easy. And if old Abe were living today he would say-
DO YOUR BUYING AT
Parfets
LYKENS, PENNA.
1.18
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
Travelers Headquarters Established 1854
HOTEL GLEN
Steam Heat
Electric Lights All Modern Conveniences Refreshments at the Bar
C. J. WITMER, Proprietor
LYKENS, PENNA.
MINERS DEPOSIT BANK, Lykens, Penna. MEMBERS-FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
Capital,
$50,000.00
Surplus and Profits, 133,000.00
Deposits, .
734,000.00
R. J. N. BAKER, President
F. J. DOUDEN, Vice-President
SAMUEL S. FEAR, Cashier
E. Leroy Keen
Attorney and Counselor at Law
222 Market Street
J. N. Baker Building
Harrisburg, Pa. Lykens, Pa.
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DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
Forman Brothers
Clothing, Shoes, Ladies' and Gents' Furnishings, Carpets, Rugs, Oilcloth, Linoleum, Stoves and Furniture
Mayers-FORMAN-Harry
LYKENS -- WICONISCO PENNA.
FORD PARTS
OF
HYDRO TORON
TIRES
ALL KINDS
KISSINGER'S Tire and Accessory House LYKENS, PA.
IF YOU PAY LESS, YOU GET LESS
FIRST
CLASS ACCESSORIES
GASOLINE AND OIL
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LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
Louis Wentzler
BREWING BEVERAGES
and
MANUFACTURER OF ARTIFICIAL ICE
Patronize Your Home Industry
121
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
R. COBLE JOHN H. EBY
J. M. SHEIBLEY
President Vice-President Cashier
CAPITAL STOCK $50,000.00
First National Bank, Lykens, Penna.
Under direct supervision United States Government We solicit your business large or small
"KRAMER" THE BUILDER We Build Anything Large or Small Let us draw your plans and give you an Estimate Our Prices Challenge Competitors JOS. F. KRAMER
BELL PHONE 23-K LYKENS, PA.
GEORGE W. EBY WHOLESALE DEALER IN CONFECTIONERY-TOBACCO-CIGARS AND CIGARETTES Cigar Specialties El Rocco Peyton Randolph Paulo Honest Abe Bull Nose Blunt
Market Street LYKENS, PA.
Lykens Furniture and Music Store REIFF and HELT, Proprietors VICTOR VICTROLAS-WEAVER PIANOS FURNITURE FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Lykens - - Pennsylvania
122
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
Lykens Music Store
GEO. A. KOSIER, Proprietor
TRADE MANN
SONORA
CLEAR A
A BELL
Cunningham Pianos Sonora Talking Machines Vocalion Talking Machines Sheet Music
String Instruments and Accessories Singer Sewing Machines and Parts Hemstitching and Picot Edging LYKENS, PA.
G. C. KINSEY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Bell 'Phone 293 529 South Second Street Lykens, Pa. All work done to conform with Underwriters Code EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL ESTIMATES FREE Motor Troubles a Specialty
AGENTS FOR
Westinghouse Lamps.
"THE AURORA" BILLIARD PARLOR
Ice Cream
Candies
Cigars Tobacco Lunch
WM. L. WITMER, Proprietor
East Main Street
LYKENS, PA.
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DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
Steam Heat Baths Electric Light
Best Accommodations for the Traveling Public
&
------
Commercial Hotel
LYKENS, PENNA.
Chas. Spiekermann, Proprietor Refreshments and Cigars at the Bar
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LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
LYKENS MERCANTILE CO. WHOLESALE Groceries, Flour and Feed LYKENS, PENNA. W. H. Kissinger, President Elmer Romberger, Vice-President Jacob A. Bogar, Secretary Chas. E. Hoffman, Treasurer and Manager
"LYKENS' STANDARD" Established 1898 CHAS. M. COLES, Editor and Publisher PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY MORNING AT LYKENS, PA. BEST ADVERTISING MEDIUM IN UPPER DAU- PHIN COUNTY-CIRCULATION THE LARGEST Advertising rates upon application If in need of Job Printing of any description, ask us for quotation-we do Printing of every description
125
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
Established 1857
Union House
Cor. Main and Market Streets
WILLIAM HECHLER
PROPRIETOR
LYKENS, PENNSYLVANIA
"The Jewelery Store of the Valley"
"THE PRICE OF HONEST JEWELRY IS GENUINELY COM- MENSURATE WITH GENUINE QUALITY"
We Carry the Largest and Most Complete Stock of Fine Jewelry in the Valley.
All Repair Work is done by an Accomplished Expert-Eyes are Examined and Lenses Adjusted by a Registered Opto- metrist.
SUGGESTIONS
DIAMONDS RINGS
WATCHES NECKLACES
CUT GLASS and SILVERWARE
A GENERAL LINE OF JEWELRY
"Your Satisfaction is Our Success"
WALTER E. SNYDER 537 MAIN STREET
LYKENS, PA.
126
.
فسها خد
-
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
1897
COBLE'S 1922
Two floors filled with well selected seasonable merchandise, Insuring largest assortments, lowest prices Dry Goods-Notions-Shoes-Floor Covering-Groceries-Etc.
R. COBLE & SONS
LYKENS. PA.
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
127
CHYNIMI
CHI NAMEL
Nothing so beautifies the house or makes it so "homey" as nice furniture, and nothing gives you such fine furniture as that fin- ished with Chi-Namel.
Try it on that scratched buffet or rough floor.
Buy it at
BLANNING'S
Hardware Store
LYKENS AND WILLIAMSTOWN
DR. J. NEVIN BAKER DENTIST
LYKENS
:-:
:-:
PENNSYLVANIA
128
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
BOTH LEADERS
51
NEW SEDAN
+
SPEED WAGON 24-Hour Service REO Sales and Service Station 515 Market Street H. D. HELT, Proprietor
LYKENS, PENNA.
129
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
H. E. Smith
E. G. Smith
Smith's The Fashion Shop
Ladies Apparel Exclusively
Alterations Free
Main Street
Lykens, Pa.
130
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
Lykens Motor Car Company
JAS. D. HELT, President GEO. D. CAIRNS, Manager
CHEVROLET TOURING CARS
INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS
Complete line of Auto Accessories-Pneumatic Tires and Solid Tires of Standard Makes Only
Let us overhaul your car or make any necessary adjust- ments-All work under personal supervision of the Manager and fully guaranteed.
C. L. THOMAS Billiard Parlor "Smoke House"
The largest and most complete line of cigars, pipes and smokers sundries in the valley-
LUNCH ICE CREAM SODA WATER Sole Agency for-Norris Exquisite Chocolates
THE HOUSE OF QUALITY AND SERVICE
LYKENS, PA.
Watch our windows for Real Bargains
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
131
LEDRU BENDER
Whose Great Grandfather
founded
Elizabethville and after
whose Great Grandmother
Mrs. Elizabeth (John) Bender
the town is named.
HISTORY OF ELIZABETHVILLE
Elizabethville is a prosperous borough, situated on the Pennsylvania Rail Road, about nine miles from Millersburg. The western portion of the town was laid out by John Bender in the year 1817. Mr. Bender being at that time the owner of large tracts of land in this vicinity. It was for a long time called "Benderstoettle," but finally the name of Elizabethville was given it in honor of the founder's wife, (Mrs, Elizabeth Bender). Before this part of the town was laid out, a Richard Peter had built a house on the lot, which is now known as the Rickert property in the western portion of the town. After the laying out of the place, the first house was built by John Bender, and stood on the Old Road, but was later removed to the new road, and is now the old Messersmith property. It was a log structure, but later weather boarded and remodeled. The first blacksmith in the town was Martin Paul, although
132
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
John Smith had a blacksmith shop a short distance from the village while his father Adam Smith, at an earlier period had
........
Elizabethville School House.
Hotel Snyder, Elizabethville
a shop farther removed from the village. Adam Smith, moved to town during the year 1819. The first store was opened by Benjamin Buffington in 1842, at which time there were not
.
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
133
The Old Stone Church, Elizabethville. In this cemetary back of the church is buried many of the old pioneers of the Valley, among them John Bender, founder of Elizabethville
Market Strect, Elizabethville
134
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
?
Salem Lutheran Church. (E)
Salem Reformed Church (E)
135
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
over a dozen log houses in the town. John Bender, the founder of Elizabethville, kept the first hotel, which, being on the old Harrisburg road, was quite a resort for travelers and team-
ELIZABETHVILLE, PA
THE PARLOR TOWN of LYKENS VALLEY
WANTS-More, Industries and more good citizens.
Mar
C
1
' $1.000
M.J. Paul For
Industry map of Elizabethville 1910
sters. The first wagon-maker was Benjamin R. Buffington. The first Physician was Dr. John B. Stroup, who located and prae- ticed medieine in Elizabethville in the year 1852.
.
05-7
ELIZABETHIVILLE
1875
WASHINGTON
SQUARE
·treskyhy
J M iter
.
----
No Brente
· DColuiet
.
.
Mor!
JA. """"
S
B
STATION
.
14.
.
-
Ht Dec Affe
9 Brohne
y He.whent
Map of Elizabethville in 1875. Drawn by Warren J. Daniels, Dauphin Co. Surveyor
136
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
..
CROSS ROADS
...... .
137
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL
REVIEW
The Old Red Tavern, now the Hotel Snyder
Old Polm Building, Elizabethville, where the Lykens Valley Bank now stands
138
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
The Eastern section of the present borough was founded by Ephraim E. Bender, a brother of John Bender, and up until the year 1832 there was only one house in this section. This part of the town was then called Cross-Roads, later it was called Washington Square, by which latter title it is generally known. The business centre of the present town is located on the original Cross-Roads, Washington Squire site of the historieal develop- ment. The town today is a flourishing community with modern and up-to-date public service facilities, well stocked stores, Telegraph office and a number of successful manufacturing . establishments. Among the latter is the Swab Wagon Company and the Buffington Manufacturing Company. Both these con- cerns employ scores of citizens.
Elizabethville was incorporated as a borough in the year 1893
The Lutheran and Reformed churches were erected in 1833.
The United Brethern Church was erected by the Metho- dists in the year 1871, who in 1877 conveyed the same to the former denomination.
139
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
The First National Bank
OF ELIZABETHVILLE, PA. CHARTER No. 5563 ORGANIZED 1900
CAPITAL, SURPLUS AND PROFITS, 68,876.00
$ 25,000.00
RESOURCES, 553,000.00
OFFICERS
I. T. BUFFINGTON, President
A. M. ROMBERGER, Vice-President
H. H. HASSINGER, Cashier L. C. BUFFINGTON, Assistant Cashier
DIRECTORS
I. T. Buffington A. M. Romberger C. F. Eby
L. W. Bolton C. T. Romberger S. H. Knisely
H. H. Hassinger
Member of The Ameican Bankers Association and of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association
Elizabethville Planing Mill
I. T. BUFFINGTON, Proprietor Manufacturer of
LUMBER Sash, Doors, Blinds, Lath, Shingles, Etc.
ELIZABETHVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA.
Siding, Flooring, Shutters, Moulding, Store Room Fixtures Chamber Suits, Parlor Suits, Couches, Tables and Chairs
Both Phones
140
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
CAPITAL STOCK $50,000 The Silver Black Fox Co., Inc.
Exclusive Agents for Duffus Diamond Quality H. L. ROMBERGER, Manager ELIZABETHVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA.
James E. Lentz, President C. T. Romberger, Vice-President A. E. Romberger, Sec. and Treas.
DIRECTORS
J. P. Duffus, New York
D. W. Romberger, Elizabethville
M. S. Lewis, Reading
H. L. Romberger, Elizabethville
Associated with Ranches at Prince Edward Island, Ontario, New York State and Reading, Pa.
TO YOU who know the value of highest quality silver black foxes.
TO YOU who want to own one or more pair but cannot because of the high original cost.
TO YOU who could use $1000, to $5000, additional annual income. TO YOU who would like to start in the Fox business and get from $100, to $700, for every pelt you raise. (We WILL BUY ALL YOU RAISE AND PAY $500 EACH). Write or call at the ranch for free information how to get started.
Our Memorandum Service on skins is for your benefit and is utilized by the largest and most exclusive houses everywhere. Han- dled by the, Duffus Silver Fox Store, 21 West 30th Street, New York City, N. Y. Mr. Duffus is an active member of our company.
A copy of our Comments on the Silver Black Fox Industry is yours for the asking.
Visitors always welcome. Ranch however closed between January and June.
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
141
THE WEAVER APPAREL CO. Manufacturers of Men's Dress and Work Shirts A SHIRT THAT FITS For sale by all first-class Haberdashers and Department Stores ELIZABETHVILLE, PA.
The Oldest Fire Insurance Company in Central Pennsylvania Incorporated 1854
OFFICERS:
Amos Lebo, President
H. M. Miller, Sec. and Treas. Miles V. Miller, Ass't Sec'y
-
DIRECTORS: Amos Lebo, D. D. Helt, J. A. Henninger, H. M. Miller, L. W. Bolton, E. T. Jamison, Lee A. Zeigler.
Home Office Building Lykens Valley Mutual Fire Insurance Co. ELIZABETHVILLE, PA. Reliable Insurance at Reasonable Cost
142
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
THE "ELIZABETHVILLE ECHO" Issued EVERY THURSDAY MORNING
SUBSCRIPTION $1.50 A YEAR IN ADVANCE
M. A. MILLER
EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR
GEORGE BUFFINGTON
FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND EMBALMER
ELIZABETHVILLE, PA. All Calls Given Prompt and Careful Attention
Electrical Supplies
and Appliances
Lighting Fixtures
Electric Motors
Wiring and Repairing at a very reasonable cost Estimates Cheerfully Given A complete line of wiring material and specialties carried in stock at all times. H. S. MATTER, Electrical Contractor BELL TELEPHONE ELIZABETHVILLE, PA.
143
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
Washington House
CHAS. KEAFFER, PROPRIETOR ELIZABETHVILLE, PA.
ELECTRIC LIGHT GARAGE
STEAM HEAT
Elizabethville Motor Car Co. JAMES E. LENTZ, Manager
BUICK - DODGE
Reliable Cars and Service OUR MOTTO
"The Corner Store" of ElizabethVille, Penna. Offers You Excellent Shopping Facilities
Its splendid location, modern equipment and large assort- ment of seasonable merchandise make it a fascinating place for shopping.
PROMPT SERVICE MERCHANDISE OF QUALITY
COURTEOUS TREATMENT FAIR PRICES
Your patronage not only solicited but appreciated as well With best wishes, A. M. ROMBERGER Established 1900 Bell Telephone
144
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
+
ESTABLISHED 1868 SWAB WAGON CO., Inc.
T
SWAB
-
Manufacturers of Farm and Spring Wagons, Buggies, Carriages and Commercial Truck Bodies. Dealers in Pleasure and Commercial Cars-Auto Accessories ELIZABETHVILLE, PA.
145
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
DANIEL WILLIAMS A sketch from discription
of the
founder of and namesake
of Williams Valley · and
Williamstown.
HISTORY OF WILLIAMSTOWN AND WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP
On the 7th of February, 1869. the township of Williams was formed from the township of Wiconisco, the court dircet- ing the boundary lines as follows :
"Beginning at a black-oak on the Schuylkill County line east 461/2 degrees south 1380 perches; thence south 81 degrees west 1400 perches along the highlands of Berry's Mountain : thence due north 490 perches; thence north 60 degrees cast 415 perches to the place of beginning."
As thus formed the township is bounded on the North by Lykens township, on the East by the Schuylkill County line, on the south by Jackson township and on the west by Wiconisco township. Although one of the smallest townships in Dauphin County, it is by no means the least important. It is the center of the Lykens-Williams Valley coal basin. Its carly history and developement of its coal interests are part of the hitsory of the valley. The business of the township centres in the min- ing operations.
146
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
This great Coal Mart has come into existence as a town since the commencement of the Coal trade. It is located on the Williams Valley Railroad Branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. The Summit Branch of the P. R. R. also enters the town. Here is located what was in the year 1873 the most famous and largest Coal mine or Colliery in America. The coal Company began operations in the Spring of 1866.
East Market Street, Williamstown, Pa.
The town was laid out by the Coal Company, by Martin Blum and Mr. Lewis Heilner, and by Henry Workman, which three parties and Company owned all the land upon which the town now stands. What is the town proper was once offered in ex- change for five thousand shingles, and subsequently sold for a span of horses, not worth over three hundred dollars, by a. Mr. Updegrove. The first store in the place was kept by Jacob Hartman, and the next three were opened and owned by George ITaines, Daniel Batdorf and Joseph W. Durbin. The oldest house in or near the town is the old John Hartman property, built before the coal trade opened. Jacob Hartman kept the first tavern and George Haines the second, both in connection with their little stores. Joseph W. Durbin was the first regular
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
147
The late Cap't Richard Budd.
Market Street from Central Hotel, Williamstown
148
LYKENS-WILLIAMS VALLEY HISTORY
BRNOSYLVANIA.
Williamstown, 1888
149
DIRECTORY AND PICTORIAL REVIEW
merchant on a large scale, and located here in May, 1866. The town was laid out in 1869, and in 1883 was the largest mining
T
LL
Methodist Church, Williamstown
town in the Upper End. The Evangelical Association erected the first church, which was built in 1869 and 1870, and on the 29th day of December 1870 the congregation was incorporated.
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