Notes from Monument Square
Newsletter of the Mifflin County Historical Society
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Volume XX111 Number 5 NOVEMBER 1997
(Text version of Society News & Notes)
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Office & Research Library,
1 W. Market St., Suite 1
Lewistown, PA 17044-2128
Phone (717) 242-1022
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McCoy House Museum
17 N. Main St., Lewistown
Sunday afternoon
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
(May thru December)
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Newsletter Editor : Forest K. Fisher
MCHS e-mail: mchistory@acsworld.net
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Society News & Notes
The Editor’s Desk
Are you missing 1997’s volume XXIII, number 4 from your collection of Mifflin County Historical Society newsletters? Skipped right from number three to number five? Called our office to find out what happened?
Not to worry. Your spouse didn’t toss it in the trash with the junk mail and the U. S. Postal Service is not to blame. In your editor’s drive to cross every t and dot each i, he neglected to check the volume number for August!!! So you’ll have two number fives, just remember, the first one’s really a four. I guess that makes it a real collector’s item.
If you have email and would like to send your comments directly to the computer upon which your newsletter is composed, please feel free. Contact me at: forestfisher@acsworld.net. Hope to hear from you. Enjoy November, Number 5! Forest K. Fisher
NEW MEMBERS
Memberships are a vital source of income, allowing the historical society to operate the office, research library and museum as well as special programs.
We wish to acknowledge and welcome these new members of the Mifflin County Historical Society:
Peggy Criswell, Marion, OH
Patricia M. Smith, Middleburg, PA
These new members will be credited with a 1998 membership since they were received after Sept. 1, 1997:
Edward C. Stumpff, Belleville
Mr. and Mrs. David Lauder, Lewistown
Mr. and Mrs. A. Franklin
Gibboney IV, Lewistown
Kathleen C. Waters, Juliustown, NJ
Ted Horrell, Cortland, OH
Roger W. Caputo, Ste. Genevieve, MO
Dorothy J. Bumbaugh, Guin, AL
Thomas E. Finsterbush, Middleburg
Mr. and Mrs. H. Scott Fisher, Reedsville
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew H. Fisher, Reedsville
Peggy A. Goss, Lewistown
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lacombe, Milroy
Andrew W. Machamer, Lewisburg
Jeannette L. Molson, Davis, CA
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sieber, Lewistown
Virginia S. Venable, Salisbury, MD
Betty Ann Maxwell, McVeytown
Patricia Metz, Mill Creek
New Life Member
Mrs. Richard F. Earp, Yeagertown
Memberships in the
Mifflin County Historical Society
make excellent Christmas gifts.
-Individual membership $10
-Family membership $15
-Supporting membership $35
-Civic club membership $50
-Life membership $150
Jefferson at Fall Gathering
Members and friends of the Mifflin County Historical Society gathered on September 18, 1997 at the McVeytown Fire Hall to hear William D. Barker present both an entertaining and illuminating dialogue on the life and times of his alter-ego, Thomas Jefferson. From his early years at William and Mary through his terms as third U. S. President to his retirement as a country squire, Barker carefully traced Jefferson’s extraordinary life.
Drawing upon over twenty years of research and investigation into the Virginian’s life and times, the well-spoken Barker articulated a colonial Southern dialect and transported the capacity audience, as if in a time machine, to Jefferson’s world. He lead the listeners through the turbulence of the Continental Congress and writing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to Jefferson’s own ascendancy to the office of President in the brutal campaign of 1800.
Barker’s discourse was full of history, honed through years of presentations at Colonial Williamsburg. To cite a few historical examples:
Thomas Jefferson on national office...“The Presidency is like being tossed on a great sea without ever a sight of land.” While...“The Vice-Presidency is the most useless office ever conceived!” Imagine a U. S. President’s administration with only 93 employees, total. Or consider Jefferson on imbibing...“Wine taken in proper quantities is conducive to good conversation.”
Over an hour into the program, Barker allowed questions from the audience, coaxing that first reluctant questioner with “If you are too shy...we will take the second question first.” A wide range of inquiries followed encompassing slavery, Jefferson’s personal life, thoughts on living in the President’s House and reflections on his children. A final comment from Barker related a favorite Jefferson treat, French Custard. It consisted of hot pastry injected with iced custard, iced cream, which Dolly Madison served at the White House after Jefferson left office.
On that note, Program Chairman Ray C. Allison thanked Barker and presented him with a set of Mifflin County Bicentennial Cookbooks! The society extends a grateful “Thank you!” to Ray Allison for another superb presentation in the continuing series of historical programs.
Genealogist Workshop a Success
The Mifflin County Historical Society October board of directors meeting heard a report from Mary Reed, member of the genealogical committee, that the society’s recently sponsored classes for the beginning genealogist were very successful, with good attendance. Beginners and experienced researchers there for a refresher, attended the sessions, How do I organize? and Where do I get more facts? Attendees agreed that much useful and valuable information was presented.
Classes were held Monday October 13 and Tuesday October 14 in the Community Room of the Mifflin County Library at 23 North Wayne Street Lewistown. Classes were taught by Susan Metz McCartney and Molly Metz Bourg of Kishacoquillas Genealogical Research. Any future workshops will be announced through this newsletter.
Fall Plantation Tour
In baseball jargon, it’s going...going...gone! That ball’s outa’ here, a grand slam, right out of the park! For those travelers on the society’s Fall bus trip, Program Committee Chairman Ray C. Allison was the power hitter, planning and organizing another homerun-of-a-tour!
On October 10, 11, and 12, forty-four society members and friends traveled to Virginia to visit plantations on the James River. Four plantations were visited which included Shirley, Sherwood Forest, Berkeley and Evelynton.
A short tour of Richmond and Virginia’s State Capitol Building was very informative and interesting.
A special treat on the Annabelle Lee dinner cruise was local son, and entertainer for the evening, Mark Bush of Burnham.
The bus tours offered through the Mifflin County Historical Society’s tour program allow members and friends to experience history first-hand. If you have never been on a society tour, consider taking advantage of a future trip. Watch this newsletter and the media for future travel announcements.
Look for that Mifflin County Connection
No matter how far and wide you roam, there often seems to be a Mifflin County connection in some very unexpected places. Take for example the recent Fall bus tour of the Mifflin
County Historical Society.
While touring the stately homes of Virginia, the hardy band of Mifflin County historians came to Berkeley Plantation, the ancestral home of two U.S. Presidents, William Henry Harrison (1773 - 1841) and his grandson, Benjamin Harrison (1833 - 1901).
During the walk through Berkeley, Dan McClenahen, tour member and the society’s resident specialist on all things Mifflin County, revealed the county connection to
the first President Harrison.
For the benefit of those not in attendance on the tour, the excerpt below is from the Historic Souvenir of Lewistown, Penna., published by The Sentinel Company in 1925 and available for use in the society’s research library.
Publication News
Who Dun It? For the SHOCKING answer read...
Juniata Justice by Marian S. Mertz
STARRING
GOODLING - Killed by a shotgun blast from a range of 12 feet
BARNER - Accused and tried for the murder of Goodling
MRS. BARNER - Femme Fatale?
GEO. N. HOWER - Prosecuting Attorney
OPERATIVES, NOS. 255 & 256 - Private Eyes of the Law
J. N. KELLER - Defense Attorney
An intriguing inside look at a 1900 murder from contemporary sources, newspaper accounts, transcripts of evidence, reports of Operatives, Nos. 255 & 256, court records and other official documents. 162 pages, 18 illustration, 4 maps. PRICE: $15:00, Including tax, + $3.00 s&h
Order from:
Juniata County Historical Society
498 B Jefferson Street
Mifflintown, PA 17059-1424
Queries
Stewart, Stayner, Lowder, Criswell
Seeking information on these families:
Ellis Stayner Stewart Born July 30, 1832, Spruce Hill, Juniata Co., PA. Died May 5, 1916, McVeytown, PA. Married April 9, 1857, Perryville, Juniata Co., PA. Spouse - Anna Elyza Lowder.
I am also seeking information on his father and mother, John and Elizabeth (Stayner) Stewart. Elizabeth Stayner was the daughter of Roger Stayner, a Revolutionary War soldier. John Stewart died Feb. 8, 1839 in Turbett Township, PA. Elizabeth was born March 18, 1804 and died in 1876(?). No more is known about this pair. Any information would be appreciated.
Roger Stayner, born Jan. 15, 1753 in Boston, MA. Died May 17, 1839 in Mifflin County, PA. Married Sarah Hough on August 17, 1789.
Any information would be appreciated and would love to talk or correspond with anyone working on or related to these families.
Peggy Criswell
2437 Smeltzer Rd.
Marion, OH 43302
(614) 389-3925
Acquisitions
The Mifflin County Historical Society wishes to acknowledge and thank the following donors for their generosity:
James J. Miller, York, PA - Large bell used on the McCoy House.
Mrs. Jean M. Metzger, Oak Ridge Rd., South Hills, Lewistown, PA - Framed citation to Mildred Babcock Olskey by the Mifflin County Garden Club in 1976. Variety of news clippings relating to the large murals painted by Yar Chomicky.
John W. Rodgers, P.O. Box 277, Reedsville, PA - WW II Purple Heart, photo of ship and citation, given in memory of the donor’s brother, Joseph William Rogers.
Dr. and Mrs. Harry Berlin, 646 Electric Ave., Lewistown, PA - 33 paintings done by Edith Davis Rubin; five other paintings/prints.
Charles Wm. Morgan, 29 Mount Rock Rd., Shippensburg, PA - Book: The Stonebrakers In America, by Dr. Charles L. Eater, Mabel B. Eater and Charles Wm. Morgan c1992.
Thomas Shontz, 615 Bellwood Ave., Monroeville, PA 15146 - Book: Shontz Family:
Roots and Branches compiled by the donor in 1997. Donated in memory of Ralph and Edna Shontz and John and Laura Shontz.
Helen E. Hogue, donor, with acknowledgement to Mahala Hogue Elkin, 18626 Spanish Garden Dr., Apt. 239, Sun City West, AZ 85375 - Book: Some Descendants of Robert and Letitia Hogg, Hoge, Hogue.
Peter Byers, P.O. Box 218, Aaronsburg, PA 16820 - Photos: [1] Exterior view of the Thompson Hardware Store, Reedsville, [2] Interior view of the store.
Thomas W. Metzger, 13 Grand Parkway, Lewistown, PA - Ledger: Contains certificates for shares of stock in the Pennwire Television Company.
Ruth Shontz Notestine, 2 Winding Way, Lewistown, PA - Wedding dress of the donor and black satin jacket, 3 original manuscripts.
Marguerite Gregory, 14 Fairview Pl., Lewistown, PA - 2 postcard photos [1] LHS Warriors 1925 [2] Scott Nien, Capt. LHS 1926 Football Team.
Ethel M. Fike, 2980 Back Maitland Rd., Lewistown, PA and Bridgie C. Schmidt, 50 Taylor Dr., Reedsville, PA - Book: Mifflin County Marriage Licenses 1885 - 1887 compiled by the donors, 1997.
Richard Miller, 1002 Alfarata Rd., Lewistown, PA - Round puzzle hand carved by Frank Lee while awaiting execution, six pieces.
Carole Sunderland Smith, P.O. Box 101, Roaring Spring, PA 16673 - 0101 - Book: Blair Co., PA Cemeteries - Fairview Altoona given in memory of her parents J. Wm. and Marjorie Burchfield Sunderland.
Barbara C. Walter, 1143 N. Fawn Lane, Boise, IA 83704 - Book: James Jacobs, Sr. and Descendants 1997.
Joan Kennedy Baker, 76 Luther Dr., Lewistown, PA - Medal: embossed with Division Encampment N. G. P. Lewistown, Pennsylvania July 18-25, 1896 was in the collection of the donor’s father, Walter Swartz Kennedy.
Juniata County Historical Society, Marian S. Mertz, 498 B Jefferson St., Mifflintown, PA 17059 Book: Juniata Justice by Marian Mertz.
Mifflin County Commissioners, 20 N. Grand St., Lewistown, PA - Shovel used for the Ground Breaking at the Malta Home for construction of cottages, Sept. 11, 1997.
John E. Groniger, Mexico, PA - Book: Sharing My Blessings compiled and published by the donor.
Warehouse Project Moving
to Interior Phase
The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. has been described as the Nation’s Attic. The Mifflin County Historical Society might well be termed the county’s attic, a repository for the artifacts and heirlooms that span generations of local history. With the attic filling rapidly, a building located directly behind the McCoy House, fronting the alley that connects N. Main and N. Brown Streets in Lewistown, was acquired a few years ago to handle some of the overflow. Today this building is simply referred to as the warehouse.
With a new one-piece rubber roof in place plus new electric service, the Warehouse Committee is moving on to the next phase of renovation.
On October 28, 1997, members of the society board of directors met with local educators to discuss the interior phase of the warehouse project. Robert L. Ingram and Forest K. Fisher, Co-chairmen of the Warehouse Committee and Fran Mackneer, Museum Committee Chairman met with Juniata-Mifflin Vocational Technical School Building Trades instructors Lee Mackneer and Mark Baker and the Vo-Tech’s Director Jeff Zimmerman.
Mackneer’s trades students will be participating in a field experience, where on-the-job training is a crucial element. With the society providing the materials and with a MC - 2000 grant secured by Mackneer to cover the cost of transporting students to and from the Vo-Tech School, the students will provide the labor. Work will begin this month.
RememberingMifflin County’s
Medal of Honor Recipients
Lewistown’s Rec Park was the site of the Mifflin County Medal of Honor Recipients Ceremony Saturday, September 27, 1997. Daniel M. McClenahen, representing the Mifflin County Historical Society, gave a brief history of the units the local recipients were in and explored why capturing a battle flag was considered such an act of heroism. The following excerpts are from his address.
We are here today to honor four Mifflin Countians who have won the nation’s highest honors. Three of these men won the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. One was honored for his actions during the Indian Wars although he too was a veteran of the Civil War. John A. Davidsizer and James P. Landis were both members of Company C of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry.
That organization started locally as the Mifflin County Dragoons. Dragoons were men who rode to battle on horses but fought more as infantry once they got there. This role was to change greatly for these men as the Civil War developed.
The organization of the Mifflin County Dragoons happened before the Civil War. There were many of these types of clubs all over the United States. They were quasi military and social clubs. They probably grew out of the old militia days that were held monthly from the time of the Revolution. During these monthly meetings all men were required to drill. Eventually these meetings became male social events during which much beer and rum were consumed. The days gradually died out until the time of the Mexican War when all things military took on renewed interest for young men. When war seemed almost a certainty the Mifflin County Dragoons were the first organization of any type to offer their service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Their offer even predated the Logan Guards. They could have gone right away into the service of the state but as an infantry unit. Thus they declined.
The Dragoons did go very early in 1861 and became Company C of the 44th Pennsylvania Volunteers. This unit became better known as the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. John P. Taylor from Reedsville/Milroy area eventually became the Col. of the regiment. Later of course he became a general and lies buried in a Civil War cannon in Church Hill Cemetery. The 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry played an important part in most Civil War battles and in numerous skirmishes. They were involved from Manassas to Appomattox. In battles like Cedar Mountain, Front Royal, second Bull Run, Fredricksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg, and Richmond, they played very important roles. In 1864 when its original enlistment was up enough men reenlisted for the unit to retain its name and organization. So on April 5th of 1865 it was a very battle hardened group of men who were clashing with the rear guards of Robert E. Lee’s troops as they retreated from around Petersburg. It was during this time that Davidsizer and Landis won their medals. And they were not alone in their personal triumphs. By this time the First Pennsylvania Cavalry was much reduced in size. But Seven members of the regiment became medal of honor winners! This unit by far was responsible for the most Medals of Honor of any military organization in Pennsylvania and perhaps the whole of the Union. Out of 225 medals awarded to Pennsylvanians during the war the First Pennsylvania Cavalry was responsible for seven.
Exact details of what Davidsizer and Landis did on April 5, 1865 seemed to not have been recorded. We only know that they captured battle flags. John Davidsizer was a sergeant in Company A when he captured his flag at Paines Crossing, Virginia on April 5, 1865. He captured a state flag. Records do not record to which state this flag belonged.
Landis was the chief bugler of the regiment. He also captured his flag at Paines Crossing, Virginia on April 5, 1865. Perhaps he captured his flag at the same time as Davidsizer but records are sparse.
More is known of the details of John Lilley’s flag capture. He was a member of the 205th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Companies F and K were from Mifflin County. Lilley was a private in Company F. On April 2, 1865 the regiment was ordered to charge the works of the enemy. This was exactly what Lilley was looking for according to a book called “Deeds of Valor.” This book describes Lilley as a daredevil, always ready for action. However he was known in the regiment for his ability to swear. In the words of the book “when a cuss word more expressive than choice passed around the members of the regiment it could always be traced to Lilley as the original source.
During the charge Lilley and a few men found they had gone beyond the officers and most of the other soldiers. His comrades advised that they go back. According to the book Lilley responded “Go Back! Not by an expletive deleted! See that flag? I’m going to have that or croak.” Lilley ran to the Rebel line and coming out of the smoke shouted, “you expletive deleted rebel, surrender of I’ll blow you to Hell!” The confederate who was so surprised by this onslaught reportedly yelled back “Yank, for God’s sake don’t shoot.” He was completely unnerved as were several of his comrade standing nearby. Lilley yelled give me that blank blank flag and put down your blank, blank guns or I’ll make you think all Hell has broken loose.”
This made them comply and Lilley ushered them back towards the Union lines. Part of the way there they noticed that Lilley was alone and stopped. He reportedly yelled, “Keep moving or I’ll blow you away with Union lead.” He followed this with some of his best
swearing. The men, perhaps thinking they were dealing with a mad man, complied.
Upon reaching the lines an officer rode forward and demanded the flag from Lilley. “Like blank I’ll give it to you,” yelled Lilley. “I captured this blank, blank flag and you’ll not get the blank credit.” He marched the flag and prisoners past the lieutenant and took all to the colonel. The colonel not wishing to hear a stream of swearing waved Lilley away saying, “That’s okay Lilley, you’re brave fellow and you are relieved of these men and you shall be rewarded for your bravery.” Official records confirm much of the story.
William Rankin won his medal during the Indian campaigns. Records again do not give details of
what exactly Rankin did to earn the medal. We know that the medal was awarded after a battle with Indians on the north fork of the Red River on the Texas Panhandle on September 29, 1872. We know further that he was left for dead after the battle. He somehow made it back to the fort and resumed his duties shortly thereafter. His obituary mentions that he had experiences too numerous to mention in the service. Oh if only they had taken the space.
Three of these men won medals for capturing an enemy flag. So what was the big deal about capturing a flag anyway? There were really two categories of reasons - practical and emotional.
A flag during the Civil War era was important for a unit to maintain its cohesion. During time before smokeless powder a battle flag was often blanketed by smoke. It was impossible to keep formation during battle with out each man keying on the flag. Of course the style of fighting in compact groups of formations was critical. Officers could also look over the field and more readily identify and move units if they could see their flag. The flag then was vital to troop movement.
But perhaps even more significance can be given to the battle flag as an emotional symbol. Military units in the Civil War, especially early in the war, tended to enter the service in large groups all coming from the same town or county. It was not uncommon for several brothers and numerous cousins to be in the same company. Often the flag for that company was made by the women of the town. Of course the women who made this flag with their own hands were the mothers, wives, grandmothers and sweethearts of then soldiers. That flag then became a physical symbol of and connection to home and hearth.
Also as the war progressed men had fought and died under that flag. These men were close friends and relatives of the survivors. It was a symbol of their memory that the fighting men were not about to leaver down by surrendering the flag.
The flag itself often had a symbol on it of local significance. For example the Logan Guards had a picture of Chief Logan. This too strengthened identity with home.
Sometimes men of certain occupations, political club or labor union joined together as a unit. The flag then was also a symbol of that occupation or political belief. Therefore a man’s whole being could be represented by that flag.
The flag was considered so important that the bravest, strongest and most respected man in the unit was chosen by the men to have the honor of carrying the flag. To capture another unit’s flag during battle then was vital. So much importance was attached to it that troops were often demoralized and confused when their flag was captured.
It is recorded over and over again about the men who died trying to capture or defend a flag. For example at one location at the railroad cut at Gettysburg not less than ten men on the two sides were killed or wounded in a matter of a few minutes while battling over a flag.
So capturing a battle flag was a very brave and dangerous thing to do even if it was during the end of the war. These men deserve the honor and thanks that we give them here today.
They Sent Their Regrets
The Mifflin County Veterans Association hosted The Medal of Honor Recipients Ceremony and extended invitations to many individuals. The proceedings honoring, posthumously, four county veterans included Nils Hagen-Frederiksen, master of ceremonies, David Brown, invocation, Pvt. Richard Wessel, biographies of the medal winners, Dan McClenahen, historical speaker, guest speaker LTC Chris Cleaver, Office of the State Adjutant General, and J. Copenhaver as Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address.
Invitations were extended to area legislators, but due to conflicts in their schedules, none were able to attend. However, in one letter of regret, the Veterans Association was to “...please extend our congratulations to the medal recipients.” Interesting concept.
Thanks, Volunteers!
With the approach of the holiday season it is appropriate to reflect upon what keeps the Mifflin County Historical Society operating smoothly. That ingredient is volunteerism.
“Preserving the Past for the Future,” a banner with these words hangs in society headquarters at the Old Court House on Monument Square. Certainly a laudable goal, but without the help and untold hours of volunteered time contributed by Mifflin County Historical Society members and friends that goal would wither and die.
Volunteered time is the life’s blood of the society, every facet of the its operation needs those donated hours. From special events to daily operations to the McCoy House Museum to the Research Library to the officers and members of the board of directors...Thanks to all, for giving your time and talents to keep the Mifflin County Historical Society moving forward!
Beginning Genealogist
Workshop a Success
At the October meeting of the board of directors of the Mifflin County Historical Society Chairman of the Genealogy Committee, Mary Reed, reported that the society’s recently sponsored classes for the beginning genealogist were very successful, with good attendance. Beginners and experienced researchers there for a refresher, attended the sessions, How do I organize? and Where do I get more facts? Attendees agreed that much useful and valuable information was presented.
Classes were held Monday October 13th and Tuesday October 14 in the Community Room of the Mifflin County Library at 23 North Wayne Street Lewistown. Classes were taught by Susan Metz McCartney and Molly Metz Bourg of Kishacoquillas Genealogical Research. Any future workshops will be announced through this newsletter.
McCoy House Hosted Fisher Art
During the month of October, the Mifflin County Historical Society hosted an exhibit of original Anne Fisher works of art at the McCoy House Museum, 17 N. Main St., Lewistown. The exhibit began September 27, 1997 and continued each of the next four Sundays through October.
Museum Committee Chairman Fran Mackneer noted that this was an extremely successful exhibit with attendance exceeding 225 registered guests. Estimating attendees not registered, brings the final total 250 and 300 visitors!
The Mifflin County Historical Society wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to those who willing shared their treasured Fisher works, some forty items of art! Several dozen additional items, personal effects of the artist including sketch books, photographs, memorabilia, paintings and early art were on loan from the children of Anne Fisher. Chairman Mackneer acknowledged and thanked Forest K. Fisher, Matthew H. Fisher and H. Scott Fisher for contributing to the exhibit’s success..
DIVERSITY OF WORK AT MCCOY HOUSE EXHIBIT
The variety of Fisher’s work was evident at the McCoy House exhibit and included decorated items, such as tinware, wooden furniture, a wooden pot stick, a milk can and wooden plaques, as well as pencil and charcoal sketches, and paintings in both oil and acrylic.
Known locally for her portrayal of the Old Order Amish of Big Valley, Anne Fisher (1925 - 1977) completed many commissioned works. She would paint or draw just about anything requested. The list is varied: Western movie stars, pirates, antique autos, drawings of a favorite pet, signs for home or business, wedding announcements, Spanish dancers, clowns, even the Christmas card one year for the wife of. Dr. Eric Walker, then President of Penn State!
FISHER’S LEGACY ENDURES
How would an artist wish to be remembered? It’s an interesting question, yet a simple project Anne Fisher began in the early 1970’s endures locally to this day.
The now traditional Goose Day place mat seen in many Mifflin County restaurants was designed and first produced by Fisher about 1974. Her inspiration in no small measure came from her close friend Robert L. Wilson of WKVA Radio. It was Wilson who distributed the popular pamphlet, The Legend of Goose Day, in the early 1970’s. Wilson’s pamphlet and articles in The Sentinel by the late Jim Canfield, formed the historical basis for the Goose Day place mat. After Fisher’s death in 1977, WKVA Radio kept her design in the public eye with a special printing honoring the artist.
The following books have been purchased and added to the society’s Research Library:
Biographical Record of Lauver’s United Methodist Church Cemetery,
by Charles Wm. Morgan c 1992
St. John’s Black Oak Ridge Biographical Cemetery Record
by Charles Wm. Morgan c 1987
1870 Pennsylvania Census Index
for Central Pennsylvania