Notes from Monument Square
Newsletter of the Mifflin County Historical Society
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Volume XXIV Number 3 JUNE 1998
(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
It’s been one year since I took over the job as editor of our newsletter and an interesting year it has been! I feel the newsletter serves a two-fold purpose for our members. First it’s a bulletin board of society information, from recent acquisitions to member queries. Secondly, it’s a way to share the wealth of Mifflin County’s rich heritage through articles of historical interest.
This editor’s job, in many ways, reminds me of the vo-tech students working on the society’s warehouse renovation project. Just like them, I get on the job experience, with the occasional setback, spend dozens of hours devoted to the project, but gain many rewards, too!
On the job experience...hmmm...that must be the concern of any editor - misspelling someone’s name or typographical errors. The queries cause me the most concern, especially getting the name variations correctly spelled. Having been dubbed with a first name like mine, Forest with one r, I know about misspelled names. Typos? I remember the missing issue...well not missing, just a misnumbering typo...two number fives for ‘97! Rewards? Certainly the very positive nature of comments by our readers is a welcome reward. Our memberships are on the up-swing, that’s very rewarding, perhaps this newsletter helps in that area, too!
Speaking of rewards, of a sort, a new feature starts with this issue: Please meet...Members of Our Board. This feature provides our membership and friends with an idea of who keeps this society operating. Just as importantly, it allows the society to show its profound appreciation for the time our board members volunteer. Look for this feature on page 5. Other volunteers, though not board members, will also be highlighted in future newsletters.
NEW MEMBERS
We wish to acknowledge and welcome these new members of the Mifflin County Historical Society:
Mr. & Mrs. John Sheaffer, Port Royal, Pa.
Fred F. Rodgers, Lewistown
Howard Knouse, Liverpool, Pa.
Gary E. Gill, Lewistown
Helen H. Zimmerman, Reedsville, Pa.
Dawn M. Fitzpatrick, Lewistown
Cindi Bullock, Hendersonville, Tenn. Darwin & Kathy Seiler, Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.
Stanley Morrison, New Orleans, La.
Cindy L. Johnston, Valparaiso, Ind. Laura D. Cleapor, Gates, N.C.
Mary G Reed, State College, Pa.
Kathy S. Addis, Lewistown
Nancy Bowman, Hollidaysburg, Pa.
Ann Singleton, Lewistown
Kerry Benninghoff, Bellefonte, Pa.
Homer D. Rager, Akron, Ohio
New Life Members
Ruth D. Ziegler, Lewistown
Wade L. Colyer, Lewistown
Michael L. Palm, Lewistown
Donald R. Walk, M.D., Carmichael, Calif.
Harvey C. Eby, Jr, Lewistown
Richard A. Erhard, Yeagertown, Pa.
Patricia D. Erhard, Yeagertown, Pa.
Freda Stade Partchey, Beaver Springs, Pa.
Reader’s Response
Comments from our readers are welcome and will be shared as space allows. Thanks for writing.
Just to alert you to an error in the date of Lewistown Republican, p. 9 in your newsletter. Instead of 1936, the date , of course, was 1836. Your paper shows a lot of work.
- Lee and Adella Kanagy, Belleville, Pa.
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I always thought you guys did a great job with the newsletter...I have to say that the current one (Jan., 1998) is really something!! It’s like reading a magazine. I particularly like the historical articles and photo- graphs that appear in the current issue.
- Michael F. Lacy, Pittsburgh, Pa.
1998 sees record life members
As of this issue of the newsletter, eleven new individual life memberships have arrived at the office! Society secretary Karen Aurand reported that a search of recent records could not turn up a greater number of life memberships during a similar period. Additionally, Aurand also noted that those who did renew, frequently upgraded from their previous membership status. This is a heartening trend.
The Mifflin County Historical Society relies heavily on memberships to conduct daily operations. Memberships are a vital source of income, allowing the society to operate the office, research library and museum as well as special programs. 
Society Approves Officers & Board
of Directors for 1998-1999
At the Mifflin County Historical Society’s
spring membership meeting, a slate of
officers and board members was approved.
Officers for 1998 - 1999 and members of
the board of directors include:
Officers
Board of Directors
Class of 1999 Class of 2000
Nancy L. Aurand Margaret I. Spahr William Check Lois E. Dunmire
Thekla M. Leeper Fran Mackneer
Daniel McClenahen Raymond Matthews
Jean A. Suloff Paul T. Fagley
Robert L. Ingram Mary C. Reed
John P. Mertz Robert M. Conrad
Class of 2001 Directors Emeritus Forest K. Fisher Dr. Eleanor M. Aurand Gerald E. Purcell John B. Hartzler
Marian C. Barr Marian R. Johns Joseph E. Deihl A. Walter Gill
Ray C. Allison
Susan Earp
Winona T. Simmons
Please meet...
Members of Our Board
Ray C. Allison
McVeytown native Ray C. Allison, now residing in Lewistown, has been a board member since 1983. He is the current board president for 1998-99, serving as first vice-president in 1996-97.
Allison is no stranger to these society offices, however. He served as first vice-president in 1986-87 and moved into the president’s chair in 1988-89.
Ray Allison has a definite philosophy concerning his enthusiasm for the historical society. He commented recently, “Mifflin County is full of history. If we do not in some way preserve the past for the future, the future generations will be missing a great amount of their heritage. It is difficult for one person to make a great change, but as a committed society, it is easier to be successful.”
Allison frequently presents the society’s slide show to school groups and community organizations, as well as guiding special tours for these groups through McCoy House and other historic sites in downtown Lewistown.
The society’s highly successful spring and fall bus tours are also the product of Allison’s efforts. Usually fully booked well in advance of departure, society members and friends have enjoyed a variety of historical destinations on these popular tours.
Allison is a member of the Finance Committee and chairs both the Nominating and Program Committees. As program chairman, Allison secures speakers for the two annual society gatherings. Previous programs included: a costumed storyteller, President Lincoln, a colonial instrument concert, President Jefferson, and most recently, an evening of patriotic music.
Ray Allison sums up his thoughts about giving his time to the society this way, “Both my wife Barbara and I believe it is important to share our past with the young individuals of our community. So with the support of my wife and being retired, I am available to volunteer my time to this end.”
Margaret I. Spahr
Lewistown resident Margaret I. Spahr of 540 Lindbergh Way, has been a board member since 1985 and served as corresponding secretary from 1985 to 1992. Spahr is a member of the Library Committee and has been a volunteer in the research library for a number of years.
Helping people explore the society’s museum, McCoy House, is an enjoyable aspect of her society work, as she spends many a Sunday afternoon there volunteering as a hostess.
Members of Our Board (continued from page 5)
“History has alway been intriguing for me, ” Spahr notes.
Another source of satisfaction for her is the library work and answering genealogical inquiries. “I enjoy meeting people from everywhere who use our services,” she remarked recently. In fact, Spahr brings to the society an extensive knowledge of the world, having served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in India.
Although Margaret Spahr often helps others with their genealogy, she has an extensive family tree of her own! Spahr is a mother of six, grandmother of sixteen and great grandmother of, soon to be, thirteen! That’s a very full Thanksgiving table!
If you drop by the research library or the McCoy House some Sunday afternoon, say hello to Margaret Spahr.
Acquisitions
The Mifflin County Historical Society wishes to acknowledge and thank the following donors for their generosity:
Mifflin County School District, Lewistown - Numerous ledgers containing minutes from early township schools
Albert K. Dole, Lewistown - WWII overcoat, jacket, shirt trousers and cap.
Elizabeth Kettyle, Lewistown - small beaded purse given to the donor by the estate of her aunt, Mary McCoy.
Lee Fisher, Lewistown - binder: Bilger’s of PA Researched by Carl E. Bilger, Dennis E. Bilger and Lee Bilger Fisher
William H. Weyandt, Olympia, Wash. - slide projector/viewer, small collection of old books, newspapers and clippings.
Willard C. Shank, Milroy - book: Salem Cemetery, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Siglerville, Pa. Contains biographical info on those buried there.
Ray O. McClenahen, Harrisburg - WWII items from the donor.
Ronald W. Potter, Snohomish, Wash. - Xerox copies from a portion of the book, The Lefferts - Haughwout Family.
Donald E. Shoemaker, Reedsville - report card - Derry Township School in Maitland - 1946
Claudette L. Satzler, Lewistown - January 19, 1998 edition of Sports Illustrated magazine with feature article on Krista Gingrich - autographed.
Occasionally, a book exchange occurs with another society. The following list of books was acquired from the Blair County Genealogical Society, Inc., in Altoona through just such an exchange. These books are now part of the research library.
* St. John’s Cemetery, Altoona
* Greenlawn, Holliday, Jackson, Union Cem.
* Lutheran Cemetery, Newry, Pa.
* St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Newry, Pa.
* St. Patrick’s Church Records, Newry, Pa.
* Carson Valley Cemetery
* Zion Lutheran Church Records, Hollidaysburg
* Trinity Methodist Church, Roaring Spring
* Vicksburg Grace Brethren Church & Cem. Rec.
* Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Records
News from McCoy House
Woodcarvers’ display
Two local woodcarvers, Ben Davis of Burnham and Lewistown resident Carl Goss, have examples of their work currently on display at McCoy House. Jane Seager loaned items from her personal collection which can be seen along with several examples owned by the historical society.
Improvements planned
What is the first thing seen upon entering the front door of the society’s museum at 17 N. Main Street, Lewistown? Could be the much worn and tattered floor covering, but not for long. Museum Chairman Fran Mackneer reports that by early summer, new carpeting will be in place for the foyer and staircase, plus the downstairs and upstairs hallways. Mackneer also reports on another planned improvement.
Ventilation in a museum is always a problem. To enhance ventilation, a whole-house fan will be installed in the attic. This will aid in the preservation of artifacts, not to mention the comfort of visitors and volunteers.
Clown exhibit changes
Clown Alley, you might say, is the new dwelling place for the Smiley Collection of clown memorabilia. Dot Aurand and Joan Conrad, society members and long-time volunteers, recently took charge of this collection. Employing their considerable creative talents, the ladies skillfully placed the collection in the under utilized back stairway on the second floor.
Third grade students from Seventh Ward Elementary on a recent field trip asked to see the clown exhibit. One student was overheard observing, “Those clowns look like they’re coming right at you!” An innovative spot for a lively collection!
Lewistown native, Bobby Kaye Smiley made a 35 year career of clowning for Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus retiring in 1983. He died later that same year. Smiley’s memorabilia comprise the collection.
Special tour guides needed
Yearning to be a tour guide? Your society could use you! This spring, at least eight groups sought a guided tour of McCoy House. Additionally, some of these groups requested a visit to the old courtroom, Monument Square and to view the society’s slide presentation. At present only two society members provide this service. There is a great need for additional help. If you would like to take up the challenge, the Museum Committee is seeking persons willing to help out on tours. Training and a script would be provided. If interested, please call the society office and volunteer.
Society Benefits From Vo-tech Project “Construction Trades Makes History”
How does a carpenter, electrician, or mason gain practical experience and training in his chosen trade?
This question has an easy answer. Just look at the renovation of the Mifflin County Historical Society’s warehouse, located behind the McCoy House in Lewistown. Construction trades instructor Lee Mackneer and his students from the Juniata - Mifflin Counties Area Vocational - Technical School did the work. Students acquired broad training while refurbishing the interior of the old building. In addition to Mackneer, instructor Charles Yetter aided in electrical aspects and trades instructor Mark Baker added his expertise to the project, as well.
Mackneer received an Educator Grant from Mifflin County 2000 Inc., to cover the cost of transportation to and from the vo-tech school. The bus contractor, realizing the nature of the project, adjusted his charges, to the extent that enough money was left over this year, to allow a return to the site next fall.
The project, appropriately dubbed Construction Trades Makes History, allowed students to design the actual renovations. Students worked from beginning to end - drawing up plans, estimating costs, purchasing materials and completing the actual construction.
On May 28, 1998, following the vo-tech graduation at Lewistown High School, the historical society hosted an open house for vo-tech students, their parents and friends. The seniors who worked on the project, as well as many proud parents and grandparents, stopped by for punch and cookies and to share in the results of the students’ efforts.
State representative Kerry Benninghoff, guest speaker at the vo-tech ceremonies earlier that evening, also stopped by for a personal inspection. During his brief tour, Benninghoff commented to students present, “You should be very proud.” We agree!
The officers, the board of directors and all members of the society are very proud indeed of this job well done and of the students and instructors who made it possible!
Queries
WEBB/MORRISON
I am looking for any descendants of Edgar M. WEBB, son of Lafayette Webb and his wife Mary McFADDEN. Edgar M. WEBB (1858-1926) married Catherine Baum MORRISON (1862-1922) on December 14, 1882 in Reedsville, Mifflin Co. Catherine MORRISON was the daughter of Ephraim MORRISON (1825-1894) and his wife Rachel SCOTT (1834-1904). Ephraim MORRISON lived in Mifflin Co. all his life and from circa 1877 to 1893 ran a hotel in Reedsville.
Edgar and Catherine had two children, Vivian Clare, born May 20, 1884 and died in 1962 and Edgar M. ,Jr. born May 28, 1892. I don’t know when he died or anything else about him.
Vivian, who always went by the name Clare married George M. RICE (1881-1937) which is all I know about them.
Most are buried in the family plot in Church Hill Cemetery, Reedsville.
I would appreciate it greatly if anyone who knows anything about them would contact me.
Contact me at the address below or email at jrmorr@agt.net or at: James R. Morrison
537-25th Street South
Lethbridge AB T1J 3P4
Canada
EHRENFELD/ERNEST
I noted with interest the article in the January newsletter about the Ehrenfeld family involvement with the Siglerville Band. A great great aunt of mine, Laura Eva ERNEST, b. June 14, 1856, married an Ehrenfeld. Beyond that I do not know anything about the Ehrenfeld she married,
Do you know if anyone has an Ehrenfeld history to whom I could address an inquiry to see if there is a relationship with Laura Eva Ernest?
David G. Ernest
9546 Broadmoor Drive
San Ramon. CA 94583
COULTER/ ERVIN/ MACKLIN/ STINE JOHNSTON/ DRAKE/ HAMILTON
Families from Long Hollow, Wayne Twp.
Seeking information about related families who lived in the Long Hollow part of Wayne Twp., Mifflin County. Revolutionary War Lt. David Coulter (c.1750 - 1812) m. Jane Beatty Ervin (1766 - 1842); James Macklin (c.1750 - 1819) m. Elizabeth Johnston; Samuel Drake (c. 1750 - 1836) m. Nancy Hamilton (c. 1762 - 1833); John Stine, Sr. (1773 -1860) m. Martha ??? (c. 1777 - 1844). Most of these family members buried in McVeytown Presbyterian Cemetery. I would like to establish parentage for all of these. It would be a pleasure to correspond with any descendants or other allied families. Contact by email: RGareyRG@aol.com or
R. Garey Hodge
2413 Raleigh Road
Springfield, IL 62704
RITTENHOUSE
FAMILY REUNION
“Our Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage”
July 17 - 19, 1998
Adam’s Mark Hotel,
Philadelphia
* Keynote speaker *
Pastor Frederick S. Weiser
Bus Tours + Extensive Genealogy
Resource Room + Banquet
Cost - $89
For more information contact
Ann Thompson
7250 Heather Road
Macungie, PA 18062
(610) 391 - 0155
email: berdine@gulftel.com
Harold Rittenhouse
2571 Maytown Road
Marietta, PA 17547
(717) 426 - 0036
email: RHNeitz@compuserve.com
Society Bus Tour to
St. Michaels, Maryland
On June 6, 1998, forty-five Mifflin County Historical Society members and friends journeyed to St. Michaels, Maryland for a day along the Chesapeake. Travelers followed their own interests and could view the harbor and waterfront or visit the maritime museum and lighthouse. One of the highlights of the day was to sample the treats of St. Michaels Strawberry Festival.
Society president Ray Allison, who arranged the tour and accompanied the group, reported that it was an ideal day!