USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > The story of Lancaster, old and new : being a narrative history of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, form 1730 to the centennial year 1918 > Part 12
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unwise to put it out of the power to possess them- selves of the stock when they could raise the means, the mode now suggested would secure the certain means of accomplishing this valuable public im- provement, with necessary security of making it a city stock in course of time-
"Wherefore, Resolved, that a committee, to con- sist of two members from each branch, be appointed to prepare a paper to the Legislature, asking the incorporation of a 'stock' company for the purpose of introducing running water into the city of Lan- caster.
"Resolved, That it be recommended to the Mayor to call a town meeting some evening next week, that the citizens may take such measures as they may deem necessary."
The town meeting was held authorizing Councils to employ a competent engineer. But again the matter was postponed on account of the cost of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad.
However, with the coming of the year 1836, a resolution was offered in both branches of Councils, "That a committee be appointed to ascertain the most practical place and the probable cost, with power to employ an engineer if they deem it neces- sary, and report at the next meeting." On the assembling of Councils, great satisfaction was manifested as the result of another public meeting by the citizens held on the Friday evening previous.
Among the leading advocates were George W. Barton, J. R. Montgomery, John F. Steinman, William Coleman, Jacob Rathfon, Amos Ellmaker
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and Reah Frazer, embued with the spirit of ad- vancement. They constituted the committee.
It was forthwith resolved by both Councils, "That it shall be the committees' duty when they shall have completed this task to call a meeting of citizens and submit a written report."
At a meeting February 18, 1836, the committee's report was read in Councils as follows: "The under- signed committee of Councils and citizens respect- fully report that the accompanying communication from General Mitchell contains all the information they have been able to obtain in relation to the subject with which they were charged."
Here follows the engineer's report:
"Gentlemen:
"Having been employed by your committee to make the necessary examination, I immediately proceeded to the execution of that duty. The surveys have been confined exclusively to the waters of the Conestoga River, and the result en- ables me to say that an abundant supply of good water may be obtained from that source at a com- paratively small expense; the only difficulty which presents itself is the price which may be demanded for water power. Five points have been examined, from all of which an abundant supply may be ob- tained by the agency of water power to be derived from the Conestoga. If, however, the Corporate Authorities of the city of Lancaster should not be able to make an equitable arrangement for any one of those water powers, recourse is still left, and that is to erect a stationary steam engine on the
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'Poor House' farm, which would not interfere with the Mill powers on the river except so far as the quantity of water subtracted from the stream might affect the interests of individuals immediately below the place from whence it would be taken out.
"It has been found that the high ground on the eastern part of the city near Ross's corner is suf- ficiently elevated as to supply the whole city by constructing a reservoir at that place; and from that point all the surveys diverged. As this report is only to communicate facts and not opinions, it is only necessary to furnish the committee with a brief review of those surveys.
"First: From Swartz's mill, the difference of levels between the reservoir and surface of the dam is 161-8 feet and 265 chains; of this distance 74 chains might be made an open race at a cost of $1,900. The elevation of the hill is 99-2 feet in a distance of 660 feet, being 62-6 feet below the reservoir; and the whole length of pipe would be 13,266 feet, which at 1.87 per foot would amount, including the race, to $26,773.75.
"Second: From Demuth's mill-Difference be- tween the level of reservoir and surface of dam 170-3 feet, and length of pipe, 6,000 feet, at 1.87 per foot, would amount to $11,261.25.
"Third: From Swarr's mill-Difference of levels between reservoir and surface of dam, 1.75-2 feet, and length of pipe required, 5,444 feet, at same per foot would cost $10,395.00.
"Fourth: From Rock below Humes' factory- Difference of level, 182-2; length of pipe required,
OLD BUILDINGS IN LANCASTER CITY
OLD WATER WORKS, BUILT 1836-7
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at same cost $13,612.50. This 'Rock' is elevated above the pool of the dam, 153.8 feet, or 28 feet below the reservoir.
"Fifth: From Coleman's saw mill-Difference of levels between reservoir and surface of dam, 188-2 feet; and length of pipe required, 11,814 feet, at same price would be, $22,151.25. As the different modes which may be employed will vary the cost considerably, no calculation has been made of the mere cost of laying pipe from which the committee will be enabled to make a relative estimate of the most economical point, after which a more careful examination should be made. No doubt exists, however, of the entire practicability of introducing an abundant supply of water from any one of the points herein described :
"Respectfully Submitted: "W. B. MITCHELL."
The query for the interested to determine is, Where stood Swartz's, Demuth's and Swarr's mills, Humes' factory, Coleman's saw mill and Ross's corner? All has changed so completely on both sides of the Conestoga since the year 1836, as to make it almost impossible for the descendants of the then owners to locate these industries.
As we glance back to the year 1825 when this project was being discussed in councils, it can scarcely be imagined that a dozen years were to elapse before the dwellers were to see the water flowing through the pipes and out of the plugs in the city. But when, on the 22d of February, Washington's birthday, 1837, the open plugs be gan
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to pour out either clear or muddy water, praise took the place of censure which from time to time had been heaped upon the heads of the committee. Nor was the ever faithful mayor, John Mathiot, to escape until the time came, rendering the project a success.
As to the first cost of this enterprise, the amount varies, running as high as $106,000. Again it would be an endless task to determine how much more it has since taken for change and repairs down to the present day. But with all the outlay who would think of parting with this legacy handed down by the wise men of nearly a century ago? If the first cost was over one hundred thousand when the city's population was not over six thousand, surely the people of "New Lancaster," have not cause to complain of a few additional hundred thousands provided there be no more bursted reservoirs. Of one thing, we have clear drinking water, which in itself is a godsend to young and old, rich and poor. And so say we all.
One matter should not be overlooked, although it may have been by the engineer, namely, that the town had not covered the highest points. But with him and Councils, "sufficient unto the day was the evil thereof."
It will be recalled that in 1836 it was a question whether the city undertake the work or through a company. Acting as these wise men did, it was no doubt their opinion that water should not be sub- ject to controversy as between a corporation and consumers. Only once since, and that about a
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quarter of a century ago, was the Water Committee met with a proposition to purchase the water works. But the promoter of the private company was soon to learn through the press that, under no circum- stances, would the "plant" be allowed to pass from the city's control.
But how with the gas company, which came a few years later? With this people had their alter- native, either to use it or continue the use of candles. What they could not manufacture they could buy in the shape of oil. Even the city could continue to light the streets without the use of gas, if an extortion should follow.
It is well then for the citizens of Lancaster to be occasionally reminded of the many blessings they possess, and that they came only by degrees, and at a time when the town was not supplied with large industrial plants able to manufacture their own pumping machinery. Again, before the National Government began to pour out its greenbacks, with state bank currency there was much uncertainty as to which notes were genuine, which either counter- feit or at a discount. Again, along in the middle thirties, hard times had struck the country, owing to what had led to the panic of 1837.
If, then, the contents of this chapter will start people to thinking "straight," the time consumed in setting it forth from musty records is not by any means time wasted by the chronicler.
CHAPTER XIV
THE AMBITION OF LANCASTER TO BECOME THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE
IT is worthy of mention that all cities, and wher- ever located, have striven to become the center of trade and commerce; some succeeding, owing to their having greater natural advantages than others. Nature's products have gone further in the building up of a city than man's efforts. In many instances, what lies beneath the soil has been more conducive to the influx of population than the products raised from the upper soil. The discovery of coal, oil and gas in its natural state, have gone further in the erection of a city than all of mankind's efforts com- bined. Without that which for centuries had been hidden concealed, the ground upon which the city stands might have remained a desert to all intent and purposes.
Our town, as far back as 1787, actually aspired to become the home of the national government. The goodly burgesses never for a moment considered that their inland town was lacking in water-com- munication in connecting it with such other cities as have since sprung into existence. However, during the Revolution the borough of Lancaster had the distinguished honor of housing the Congress of the United States in its precipitate flight from
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Philadelphia. But it was only for one short day when, with bag and baggage, the senators and representatives hurried themselves off to the town of York, after settling up their bills with the tavern- keepers, who no doubt were greatly grieved over their sudden departure.
As has already been stated, from 1799 to 1812, Lancaster prided itself on being the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. How it came to be outvoted by senators and representatives for the city of Harrisburg, the minutes of the bur- gesses fail to state. What history makes perfectly clear is that, along in the fifties of the past century, councils did make a determined effort to win back the coveted prize. And all in the face of the fact that at the close of 1812, the legislature stole itself away without first having paid the burgesses the five pounds for the use of a ten-plate stove. By whom or where it was manufactured, no mention is made on the "Corporation Book." The chances are it was cast by Baron Stiegel before he went into hopeless bankruptcy. But more of the stove later.
Ever since the borough was founded by James Hamilton, down even to the present day, good local government has been the ambition of all progressive citizens. Legislatures have overthrown one charter after another, with the same discouraging results. This failure is country-wide, not to overlook the fact that the people rule or at least are supposed to in their individual or corporate capacity. How many charters Lancaster has labored under since 1742, only to pray to be relieved for that of another, the Legislative Digest is supposed to show.
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The present charter under which Lancaster of today is working must surely be a model of perfec- tion, otherwise our city would not be singled out as among the very few that have not become third class cities! But to refer once more to the starting of the townstead. We are not so sure that all might not have turned out better if James Hamilton, in handing over his plot of two miles square to the burgesses in 1742, had settled himself down as one of the leading citizens, instead of entrusting its future to paid agents in selling out town lots on the ground-rent plan. As for the poor burgesses, they did not have the money; this was forwarded to founder Hamilton at his home in Philadelphia. And so like "Topsy," the town grew largely of its own momentum, and so it has been growing ever since! But at the time the village was converted into a borough, James Hamilton did what he thought best for his own interests. And for this gratuity the burgesses were gratefully thankful, as their acceptance of the charter shows.
Of course, at the time the twenty-five hundred acres were not an "Eden" flowing with milk and honey, such as it has since become in this twentieth century, affording its fifty thousand dwellers all the comforts of home life. The greater portion was still covered with virgin forest. Nor can it be said at the time the town was laid out that it was an ideal spot on which to build a city. Could its former status be contrasted with what it is today, how entirely different would it seem!
The chronicler can only regret there is not any
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picture to be thrown out on the moving-picture screen, conveying to the sightseer an adequate con- ception of how the village looked at the time the first court house stood in Center Square. The only etching by a local artist was made years before the camera came to do what the delineator could not do with pencil or quill.
However, in nearly every other line of trade, with the exception of the building up of a city, men of experience in their own particular line, with a thorough knowledge of what business requires, are employed. If, at the close of the year there is a loss instead of a profit, the cause is determined and the remedy applied. But how altogether different with the management of a city? Were there danger of this or that town going into bankruptcy, things might be different. But in few instances the country over has this been the case, and for the reason that the taxpayer is always to be counted on to foot the bills. But where under our system of local government is the remedy to be found? Only in the voters themselves! However, it is the old, old story-what is everybody's business is nobody's, except those who make the running of a city a business. And yet, up to the present time, no better system of local government has been divised than that "of the people, by the people and for the people."
Has it ever occurred to you to consider how many hundreds of untrained local legislators have taken a hand in the building up of our city since 1742? Merchants, ministers, doctors, tradesmen, editors,
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teachers, some with means, others without, all, how- ever, ready to serve their constituents as "town- builders" in their humble capacity! Every young man with political ambition or "pull" to be grati- fied, thinks himself capable of becoming a council- man, no doubt with the prospect of earning a salaried position by faithful service at times as a ward worker. We have known men who have never read the town's "Digest" to feel themselves amply qualified to help govern a city of fifty thousand. The chronicler knows all about it, having served as one of the "city fathers"-at times considering himself the whole "push." What every city needs is a school in which local city government is taught as a science. And as attendants, it might be well for some of the younger members of the Chamber of Commerce to become students. But why enlarge on what everybody knows? What is common to one city has its counterpart in others, each trying to work out its destiny according to certain established rules, customs and regulations.
It would be folly to say that all self government has been a failure, and that all councilmen and chief magistrates were unfitted for the office. There was one mayor deserving of special mention. Dur- ing the darkest days of the city's financial distress, Mayor Mathiot never wavered in well-doing, ex- tending all through the eleven years of his incum- bency in office. Elected in 1831, he was chosen annually until 1842, the longest of any of the twenty- five mayors down to the present day.
To show the love and respect Councils had for this
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plain, unobtrusive defender of the city's rights, it was at a meeting, January 23, 1843, that the follow- ing resolution of respect was unanimously passed by both the Select and Common branches:
"Whereby, By the death of John Mathiot, Es- quire, which melancholy event took place last evening, it becomes the mournful duty to take such action as the circumstance may require in order to evidence their desires to give expression to this interposition of Divine Providence,
"Therefore, be it resolved that, in the decease of John Mathiot, late Mayor, we lament the loss of one, whether a public-spirited citizen, or a faithful, indefatigable officer, or an upright man who will long be remembered by his fellow citizens-
"Resolved, that each member wear a crepe on his left arm for thirty days as a testimonial of our sincere regret at the loss of an honest public officer, a valuable citizen, a good man!"
Referring to the minutes of the School Board, of which he was president, similar resolutions were passed in his honor.
And why, it may be asked, was Mayor Mathiot held in such high esteem? Because for the trying times through which he had passed during the eleven years of his administration. For, at no time before or since, were difficulties of greater moment to be encountered. The city at the time was struggling to become something more than an inland town known as the largest in the United States.
The Conestoga navigation project had started under the brightest prospects to prove only a
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financial loss both to the city and private investors from start to its final wind-up. After this came the railroad with its multiplicity of worries, running through five long years with debt piling up with no means of providing for its liquidation. Following came the water works, with its endless disappoint- ments and sleepless nights for Mayor Mathiot and councilmen, coworkers. But during all these trying times, as the minutes have shown, these faithful city officials never dropped by the wayside dis- couraged.
While the chronicler at times may have given expression to what might seem like fault-finding, it has not been so much against the individual as against a system common to all cities where the people rule. They may go wrong at times, but usually they get what is coming to them, according to their deserts.
Many things occurred between the thirties and forties which thus far have been passed over for matters of greater importance. As pages of the records are reviewed, it is amusing to note how fre- quently the humorous will find expression by some member who has a personal grievance. Here fol- lows a few; the first, a resolution placing a tax of twenty dollars on the venders of lottery tickets, the proceeds of which, as explained by the author of the resolution, was to go for a councilmanic "spread." Except then for the humor displayed, it might have become a law. Another to meet with defeat was a tax on tollgates within the city. This measure also went down to defeat, owing to
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the fact that certain pike stock was owned by councilmen. But of all the many vexatious ques- tions sure to crop out at times was an ordinance prohibiting the running of cows, goats, geese, ducks, and, last though not least, dogs on the public streets. However, as many of the canines were owned by this or that member, self preservation came in for first consideration. Of how many escaped being consigned to the dog-pound, no record was kept. It is really surprising how readily a fight will occur over a dog! One might kick the owner, but never his dog! And as it not infrequently happened, the poorer a family, the greater the number of dogs. Nor have conditions greatly changed!
It used to be a common saying among the super- stitious that the whining of a dog along in the mid- night was a sure sign that something was to happen, and happen something did; for, on reading the paper the next morning, the reader's eyes fell upon an item that a certain man had actually died somewhere in the city!
Cats, as many can yet recall, of all colors, shapes and sizes, were held sacred on account of their tones so closely resembling those of the human. At the present day their musical midnight refrains are highly appreciated, on account of their resemblance to the tingle and jingle of the phonograph. No doubt it is for this reason that all well-to-do families have either a phonograph or a victrola. In our boyhood girls were content to own an accordeon; the boys, a jewsharp or a fiddle; this is why the chronicler at quite an early age became a fiddler, if you must know!
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As for bats, swallows and owls making church steeples their daily haunts, at times it was a question among boys whether steeples were made for these nightly tormentors, or owls, bats and swallows for the steeples! We remember how, before the stone church of the "First Reformed" was dismantled in 1851, millions of these pestiferous bats would go their way in paying their respects to certain of the town families. And, as it happened, with what delight they were received by some of the gentler sex! But as people want to be entertained, why deny them the pleasure?
In drawing comparison between conditions of past times and the present, the chronicler, it is to be hoped, will not be considered a plagiarist by quoting from the author of "The Good Old Days" a few of his conclusions :
"There was a time when farmers' wants were few and simple. Now he gets up with the lark, works fourteen hours a day to support an extrava- gant family in sending them to the cities to be making out of them gentlemen of leisure. As for the city official, he reaches his office at ten in the morning, takes two hours for luncheon, closes his day's work at three-thirty, takes advantage of all holidays by going a-fishing; jumps into his 'daddy's' automobile once a week to overlook the 'old man's' farm. Their usual place of meeting during the winter is at the 'club,' where they talk over how many acres should be planted in this, that or the other. If the season prove favorable the credit is claimed for themselves. If, however, a long con-
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tinuous draught occur, the blame is laid on the tenant-farmers.
"Back in my boyhood," continues the author, "a man had to be pretty sick to remain away from church. Now, a headache is sufficient of an excuse to satisfy his conscience, while nothing short of a well-developed case of appendicitis, or tubercular meningitis will deter him from attending a game of golf on the 'Country Club' grounds during each
Sabbath afternoon. He will take his children to the Sunday-school door, and then go his way to sit for hours in the boiling sun viewing a ball game, without the slightest fatigue. When a person got sick in the olden days, he did not have to be carried to a hospital; now, a fellow with an aching tooth will spend a month there to be entertained by the single nurses. If a confirmed bachelor-invalid, he usually comes out a new-made man.
"However, if the 'old man' happened to die in his own home, his wife did not 'go broke' in ordering a hot-house of flowers, a long string of carriages and a hundred honorary pall-bearers to give dignity to the occasion. He was lowered into the tomb by loving, tender hands, and not by paid policemen. And his friends did not hurry away, leaving the sexton do the planting."
The foregoing somewhat personal "flings" recalls to the chronicler a familiar saying of the once-upon- a-time Harry Stiff, who never buried people, always planted them, and so deep down as to prevent their being exhumed. He was given to saying that
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more marriages were made among widowers and widows in a graveyard than in the parlors of the best-regulated families.
One story that comes vividly to mind was told by "Harry." "For a month after his wife's demise, regularly twice a day, morning and evening, the half-broken-hearted widower could be seen leaning over his departed's mound, weeping bitter tears, as he placed a bouquet of geraniums thereon. As it so happened, along about the same time would come a lone widow, equally bent on the same mission, in paying tribute to her once loving partner in deep, earnest affection.
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