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 15
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
During these years of slow, industrial develop- ment, Councils had all kinds of trouble with the Water street run. No sooner had it been arched from a certain point at Orange than along came a freshet, requiring the arching to be done over, all owing to the mistake of the engineer in making the culvert too small.
Coming regularly before Councils for a decade was the market house question. In fact, from the year 1730 on down through succeeding years, it was sure to loom up in some shape or another. The Reidenbach property, extending along West King sixty-four feet, thence northward, was about to be purchased for $20,000, when, owing to the low con- dition of the treasury, the matter was indefinitely postponed.
It was along about the year 1849 that the following letter reached Mayor Carpenter, and was by him referred to the Select, and concurred in by the Common branch:
"Sir: When I removed from Wheatland to Wash- ington in 1845, I communicated to some of my friends my determination to invest $4,000 and donate the
229
BUILDING THE NEW JAIL
accruing interest on the same to the purchase of wood and coal for the use of the poor and indigent females of the city of Lancaster during the winter season. Having often witnessed, with deep sym- pathy, the suffering of this helpless class of our com- munity, for want of fuel, during periods of severe cold, I thought I could not manifest my gratitude to the benevolent citizens of Lancaster for all their kindness to myself personally in a more acceptable and christian manner than by establishing such a charity. This investment was actually made in April, 1846; and I feel myself greatly indebted to you for having cheerfully and faithfully distributed the interest which has since accrued, among the worthy objects for which it was intended. Hitherto, as you are aware, I have been prevented from placing this charity upon a legal and firm basis, and thereby giving it some degree of publicity for reasons which now no longer exist. The object of this letter is to request you to communicate to the Select and Common Councils that I am prepared to transmit to the city $4,000 of the certificates of the loan, with interest, this thirtieth June last, as soon as they shall accept the same, and agree to apply the accrued interest thereupon perpetually in the manner already specified.
"Very Respectfully, "JAMES BUCHANAN."
This request was gratefully and thankfully ac- cepted by both branches, and a suitable reply sent to Mr. Buchanan. Unless the minutes have been overlooked, this is the first bequest ever given by
230
LANCASTER: OLD AND NEW
anyone for the poor of the city. It bespeaks for the donor much for which the people of Lancaster have cause to be thankful, when we consider that in the forties, four thousand dollars was considered an ample fortune for any person to possess.
This fund has been increasing, but not propor- tionately as it should have been. The interest of this and other legacies has been carefully guarded and annually dealt out to the town's deserving in which favoritism has no place.
It used to be said in the olden days that a man who owned his one-story house with a little money in bank, was worthy of being congratulated. Only a short time ago the chronicler was shown a pamphlet compiled by the late Luther Richards, containing an estimate of the financial status of the leading men of the city during the middle fifties.
Among the number running from $1,000 upward, there was only one on the list with a fortune of over $10,000, and he was considered a millionaire, to use a more modern term. At the present day, fortunes must have a "nully" or two added to make them count for anything above the average. But in many instances, "come easy, go easy" is the rule rather than the exception. Let, then, those in making their wills not forget the deserving poor.
At a special meeting, July 12, 1850, the following preamble and resolution was passed unanimously by both branches of Councils: "Whereas, Councils have heard with deep regret the melancholy and unlooked-for intelligence of the death of Zachary Taylor, late President of the United States, There-
231
BUILDING THE NEW JAIL
fore be it resolved that, in common with the Ameri- can people, we deem that his great military training, his high integrity and purity of character have justly endeared him to the people of this Union, and that we deeply deplore his death as a National calamity."
What rendered the above tribute to the memory of General Taylor so appropriate at the time was, no doubt, for three reasons: First, that in 1846 he was known as "Old Rough and Ready," in winning the battle at Resaca la Palma in Mexico.
Second, it was while on his way to the city of Washington to assume the duties of President, that he stopped over in Lancaster for a short time, receiving a royal reception by the populace.
Thirdly, how vividly does the narrator recall how we boys hurried out the Harrisburg pike where, after he had dismounted from the train, we had the pleasure of grasping his hand. He lived but a short time after being inaugurated President. By some it was said the hospitality extended by the goodly people of Lancaster had hastened his death. We know the many good things provided by the people of Lancaster have been responsible for the demise of others, and may have had something to do with President Taylor's sudden ending.
About the year 1852 a recently published volume, entitled "Sketch Book of Pennsylvania," found wide circulation among councilmen, lawyers and others, producing a profound sensation! The part referred to is herein set forth in order to let the people of "New Lancaster" know what the writer thought of the town at the time. The portion
I
232
LANCASTER: OLD AND NEW
quoted may be found on page 48 of the "Sketch Book," thus relieving the chronicler of the charge of having written the article himself. Again, the narrative admits of every shade of opinion relating to the townstead, not to overlook the fact that some people think that only things complimentary should be written of their ancestors. With this apology, the sketch runs as follows:
"The city has made much improvement. It is now nearly fourteen thousand, whereas, only a few years ago it was but eight thousand. Like many another county-seat, Lancaster has labored under the paralyzing influence of a superfluous popula- tion-a population which, whatever its social merits, does nothing but consume without contributing to the real production or substantial wealth of a com- munity. The place is literally over-run with pro- fessional men, including hordes of smiling, friendly politicians, awaiting their 'turn' for the suffrages of the 'free and independent electors' of the 'Old Guard.' There is no county in the State-there is probably none in the Union-where more interest is manifested in political affairs; at the same time, it must be observed, there is none which has more offices to bestow.
"Lancaster has produced some of the most skilful practitioners in the political arena. Indeed, any one who has graduated from its schools may safely venture forth, relying on his 'tactics.' The learned professions, too, embrace some of the brightest orna- ments in the country. Some of its citizens are very rich and could safely invest their capital in objects
233
BUILDING THE NEW JAIL
conceived in the spirit of taste and liberality; and, with half the talent and energy wasted in political struggles, the town might readily become one of the principal workshops in Pennsylvania."
How much or how little truth the foregoing con- tains is for the Chamber of Commerce to ascertain at one of their weekly banquets. Of one sentence the chronicler cannot take issue-"That with half the talent and energy wasted in political struggles, Lancaster might readily have become one of the principal workshops in Pennsylvania." And yet, as there are two sides to every question, it is not unreasonable to assume that the city could have reached its present status without the great legal minds which, in years gone by, gave the townstead a standing the country over such as no purely industrial center of trade and commerce has ever been known to reach. For, after all, it has been through politics that the nation has achieved its greatest ends and aims-forty-eight states into one glorious union.
We are now to reach the time of the dismantling of the Center Square court house in 1852. That no action was taken by councils against its removal was on account of its being a county building, the ground upon which it stood having been set apart by James Hamilton for the use of a court house only. Like a good many other buildings which have since been removed, it was no longer adapted for the same use it had been when Burgess Hand pictured it in such glowing colors as the "future home for Senators and Representatives." It had become antiquated,
17
234
LANCASTER: OLD AND NEW
inwardly at least, although outwardly it was a mag- nificent structure of architectural design. For sixty- eight years it had stood with its clock striking out the hours of day and night. And within its narrow limits many a brilliant speech had been made by the leading attorneys gathered therein. For years it had been the voting place of the four wards of the city down almost to the time of its removal.
The question has often been asked, Why another new court house was not erected on the same site of the old one? There were many reasons, one, the space being too small, another, that the people did not want the Square encumbered. And yet, few ever imagined the time was to come when it was to be given up to street cars, automobiles and monu- mental purposes. But the Square is the hub around which the life and inspiration of all classes gather from each of the four sections of nine hundred square miles of our rich agricultural county. "Old Penn Square," as the chronicler loves to call it, owing to its many early associations of boyhood, is the great human reservoir into which the trolley cars pour their daily influx of shoppers and sight- seers. No longer as in days gone by exists the antipathy between city and country people, as during our childhood, when the cry went out, "The town for the town's people, the country for those who till the soil." The line of demarcation has been eliminated almost entirely, and people of all classes mingle together. And what has become so strikingly apparent, no longer are we able to dis- criminate between the girls from the country and
1
0309
الامن
THE OLD COURT HOUSE
235
BUILDING THE NEW JAIL
those of the city. Almost every Saturday has become a "Whitmonday" as it was known in the olden time. Fair week comes along yearly, with the circus for boys to make merry over! And who would exchange Lancaster for any other city in the union of states? If our people lack in anything, it is in sentiment. Only in certain parts where new residences have been erected have the dwellers displayed any sense of propriety in beautifying their homes with lawns and other attractions. The un- gainly board fence still stands, leading strangers to the opinion that the people of Lancaster want to be fenced in from their neighbors. These dividing obstructions ought to be removed, if for no other reason than for the high price of lumber in keeping them in repair, not to mention the quantity of lime required and the cost of whitewashing annually.
However, there is one thing for which the people of both old and new Lancaster have ever had a loving regard-trees, and the older, the more valued they become. But in their selecting, little attention has been paid to the kind planted: The speedy growing poplar or the silver maple that sends its roots as far underground as its branches are above, are planted without regard to either symmetry or length of service.
And here, another thought: What every city needs is a commission on the selection of trees for shade fronting the town's houses. In the backyards fences may be necessary, to keep bad boys from encroaching on the luscious fruit, which is not half as plentiful as when orchards abounded with every
236
LANCASTER: OLD AND NEW
variety from the Rambo and Smokehouse, to the Grindstone apple which was not to be despised after being dug up in the spring and as mellow as a peach.
Only a very few can recall "Bobby" Fultz' and "Freddy" Hensel's apple orchards! And the boy who did not pay these a frequent visit by crawling over a high fence during the "good old summer time," was not deserving the honor of being dubbed an all-round happy youngster! What matter it if caught astraddle, with one side of his anatomy hanging perched on the inside, the other on the outside of the high fence, where stood the owner with paddle in hand. But you know the rest, my boys! However, the owners of apple, peach and cherry orchards were more considerate during the good old days; they never stretched a line of barbed wire along the line of their fences, maybe for the reason that barbed wire had not come into general use !
The chronicler has just read of a twentieth- century boy who, being caught on the topmost twig of a pear tree with pear in hand, was asked by the owner what he was doing there. To this silly question he made reply, "Say, mister, as I found a pear on the ground, I am just trying to tie it on."
Another story that comes to mind: Walking along a road, a man was asked where he was going? Re- turning a short time later, and asked what had caused him to return so soon, came his witty reply, "I have been all over the farmer's farm, and findin' all the fences made of wire, I soon concluded that a wire fence was no place for a tired man to rest!"
237
BUILDING THE NEW JAIL
Speaking of boys, what in all conscience have become of the innumerable number of ginger-horses, artistically decorated by the ginger-horse artist? The best known known during later years was "Toodler," whose business was that of "ginger-horse decorator." It has been said that he died from eating too many of the broken ones!
Another query! What have become of all the "love letters" done up in tissue paper, each contain- ing a little square "goodie"? We think we know where the few lines of verse went-to the girl friends, while the goodies went the way of all delicacies!
Oh, it is a funny world, is it not? No! the world is all right. It is the many funny boys living in it that makes it so funny! We have just learned of a most indulgent father who, on taking his own Willie aside before starting for school, said most affec- tionately, "Willie, remember, you are to be home promptly this evening, otherwise you will have to go to bed without your supper in missing the picture- show"! It was well after the sun had set when poor, tired Willie entered, to be met by the enraged father, who exclaimed, "Now, my son, go your way to your room!" Turning, the obedient Willie replied, "Say, Dad, if I take a lickin', won't you take me to the picture-show?" And to the show they went to see the pictures.
But Willie is not to be blamed for being an all- round boy. It takes just such active, forceful lads to make the all-round men. Have you ever thought, my dear worrisome mothers, what an insipid world this would be without at least one Willie in the
238
LANCASTER: OLD AND NEW
family? They are necessary evils, except in time of war, when they are called upon to do service for Uncle Sam to save their daddies from going! As we all know, the war of the sixties was won largely by the boys! And who knows what is likely to happen again? And as for the girls, they are just as patriotic today as were the Daughters of the Revolution and, later, during the Civil War.
A little sentiment woven into the narrative! Well, how could it be otherwise, after meeting the cham- pions of the "Red Cross" Fund? It is the greatest charity ever given by mortal man since the beginning of the world!
With a councilmanic record book lying within reach, the chronicler's eyes take in a transcript of the first engraved bond ever issued by the city of Lancaster, bearing date, 1851:
"CITY OF LANCASTER, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA:
"Know all men by these presents that the city is indebted to bearer, in the sum of five hundred dollars lawful money of the United States of America, which sum the city does agree well and truly to pay to said or bearer on the .. . day of in the year of our
Lord eighteen hundred in the city of Lancaster, with interest at the rate of per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually on the first day of January and July in each year on de- livery of the annexed coupon at the office of the Treasurer of the city of Lancaster." -
In issuing this bond series, it was ordered that it
239
BUILDING THE NEW JAIL
be embellished with appropriate design and vignette at a cost "not exceeding $400." The bond was engraved in Philadelphia.
If, then, the few holders were kept busy in clipping off coupons at certain intervals, think of the busy time all holders of the "Liberty Bonds" will have along in June and December! It will enhance the price of scissors everywhere among the millions of bond-holders. But as we close this chapter, why, it may be asked, should not the price of scissors go up, like everything else under high heaven! There is only one thing in going up will find few objectors- the price of the "Liberty Bonds." And up they will go as reward to those who have gone to the nation's rescue in the hour of its greatest danger. All glory, then, to the champions of the "Red Cross" Fund!
CHAPTER XIX
REMOVAL OF COUNCILS AND COURT FROM THE COURT HOUSE TO FULTON HALL
IT is a well-established fact, quoted from the records of councils that, from 1818 down to 1855, this body was never known to meet in the city hall, their present place of meeting. As a rule their meeting place was in one of the upper rooms of the Center Square court house. It was there Christian Kieffer was elected for the second time, the sixth mayor in joint convention. The oath was administered by Judge Long in the presence of councilmen, officials and others. This meeting, as the records show, was held Tuesday, February 8, 1853.
As the time was fast approaching when the court house was to be removed, other quarters had to be sought, not only for councils, but for the Court as well. The following preamble and resolutions were read severally and adopted by both councils, to wit:
"Whereas, the Commissioners of Lancaster County have advertised for public sale on the eighth day of March next the building known as the Court House in the city of Lancaster at the junction of King and Queen Streets: And Whereas, the ground upon which said Court House is erected is situated in the middle of Center Square, and was given by the proprietors to certain persons in trust for the County
240
REMOVAL OF COUNCILS TO FULTON HALL 241
of Lancaster for the erection of a court house to accommodate the public service of said County and for the ease and convenience of the said inhabitants thereof and others having occasion to repair thither: And Whereas, the said County Commissioners have no right, claim or title to the ground occupied by the said court house except to use it as a court house and for no other purpose-
"Therefore be it resolved by the Select and Common Councils of the city of Lancaster that the Mayor and presidents of councils be and they are hereby instructed to attend said sale and give public notice that the councils of the city of Lancaster in behalf of the people of said city and county of Lancaster claim the ground upon which said court house is built and that any persons who may bid for the same will do so at their peril."
On examining the minutes of the County Com- missioners, we find that they did order the Court House removed "immediately after the Court of Quarter Sessions and Common Pleas have con- cluded their Sessions." And further, "That all courts be held in Fulton Hall until the new court house is completed. And that the County Com- missioners pay Mr. Hager five dollars per day for all Courts held in Fulton Hall, he to furnish sufficient light, and the County to pay for the fuel."
That this meeting of February 8 was the last ever to be held in the court house is verified by a personal note affixed to the minutes by James C. Carpenter, for a score of years the efficient clerk of Select Councils :
242
LANCASTER: OLD AND NEW
He made this record: "This is the last meeting to be held in the old court house, commencement of tearing down the fixtures on the lower floor, prepara- tory to its final removal, having already begun."
Signed, "JAMES C. CARPENTER, Clerk of Select Councils."
Singular as it may seem, this is also the last entry in the minute book closing February 8, 1853. The clerk must have been overcome with a feeling of sadness as he heard the sound of workmen engaged in desecrating this olden-time temple of justice. But these employees, he well knew, were only doing their duty under instructions of the commissioners.
There are many stories concerning the use made of the material, some of the ornaments going to the new home of Newton Lightner, with others carried off by souvenir searchers for anything old. It has been said that the four-face clock was for a time in use in the belfry of the new court house, the corner stone of which was laid August 23, 1852, and, of course, not ready for occupancy by the courts until fully a year or two later. This accounts for their going to Fulton Hall during the interval elapsing, as has been stated.
That the County Commissioners did order the building to be torn down is not to be questioned; nor was it against its removal that Councils pro- tested; it was the ground upon which it stood that the Commissioners were warned not to dispose of at public sale-that to do so would be at the pur- chaser's peril. It is evident from what has already been referred to that, after the building's removal,
243
REMOVAL OF COUNCILS TO FULTON HALL
the county had lost all right in the spot except where- on to build another court house.
Having settled the question of right and owner- ship of the soil upon which the court house stood and which could not be carried away, we are now to draw from the minutes of Councils certain data relating to the ownership of city hall, spoken of at times by councilmen as the "State House," no doubt on account of its stately appearance.
From the time it was erected down to 1854, it was occupied by county and state officials. In fact, it had become a question no longer in dispute, that, being built out of county funds, the city had no legal right to it or to any other part of the "one hundred and twenty feet square" which took in all of the space within this area including the market house over which Blue Lodge built their rooms in 1798, also the space on which the present market house stands, erected along in the eighties of the past century.
The narrator is prepared to state what occurred at a meeting of Councils, July 10, 1854, in their temporary quarters in Fulton Hall.
"Resolved by the Select and Common Councils that the Mayor be instructed to negotiate with the County Commissioners for the absolute grant, bar- gain and sale of title and interest of the said County of Lancaster, of and in the property situate on the North West angle of West King and Market Square in said city, to embrace all the ground and buildings now used for county purposes for a consideration not exceeding the sum of six hundred and fifty
244
LANCASTER: OLD AND NEW
dollars, payable on the execution and delivery of a sufficient deed of conveyance."
While the chronicler has not come into possession of the deed of conveyance, what happened at a meeting of Councils September 12 following, will make clear that the deed was signed and delivered to the mayor of the city, otherwise, "Mr. Wise of the special committee would not have been ap- pointed to prepare plans for the alteration of city hall." He reported at another meeting, "That, after examination, they recommend the removal of the large stacks and fire places in the building and heating it with a furnace in the cellar; that the third story be fitted up for the Council Chamber, and each chamber to be provided with necessary desks and chairs to accommodate the members-the east room, designed for Common Council, to have 24 seats and desks, President chair with appropriate desk and fixtures, and place for clerk and reporter in order to accommodate the meeting of both bodies in convention.
"That the second story would not be suitable for Councils, being more within the reach of noise around the building, and could be rented for other purposes-That the east room of the lower story would make an excellent and commodious post office, with little alteration. The west room could be made into a comfortable Mayor's office, and portions of the cellar-way might be converted into a lock-up, all at the expense not exceeding one thousand dollars." This was concurred in by Common Councils.
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.