Notes from Monument Square
Newsletter of the Mifflin County Historical Society
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Volume XXIV Number 5 NOVEMBER 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
Some memories from Friday, November 22, 1963.
I was an eighth grader at Kishacoquillas High School, which comprised grades seven through twelve. The day began like most days in junior high — a bus ride that commenced at 7:10 a. m.
I caught the bus at the bottom of our Honey Creek Road lane, on its run from New Lancaster Valley and we rode with the senior high kids. It was a well known fact among former sixth graders, that high school juniors and seniors could remove an unwanted seventh grader from a bus seat with the simple flick of an eyeball.
By grade eight, however, the abject fear of those nameless upper classmen felt by this novice seventh grader had vanished, replaced by the oblivious nature of carefree adolescence of eighth grade.
From Lindsey Snider’s homeroom to William Fleisher’s science class and Buck Riden’s health class, it was a normal Friday morning. The annual talent show preview for the student body was scheduled for afternoon We heard some rumors around lunch time.
In Coach Hockenbrock’s P. E. class, the rumors became reality. Principal Fred Carstetter got on the intercom and announced that the President had been shot, while on a visit to Dallas. No other information was available. We rationalized — he’d get the best medical care available, afterall, he’s the president.
We went to the assembly, the talent show began. Several acts into the program, Principal Carstetter appeared on the spotlighted stage. To the hushed gathering he announced gravely, “President Kennedy is dead.” Stunned and silent, save for a few audible sobs, we sat there, heads bowed. Then we were dismissed. I remember thinking, “How could this happen?” Life became suddenly less carefree and I remember...like it was only yesterday.
NEW MEMBERS
We wish to acknowledge and welcome these new members of the Mifflin County Historical Society:
Myron J. Cowan, Lewistown
Amy Wileman, Lewistown
Elaine H. Cardenas, Manassas, Va.
Mr. & Mrs. Norman R. Harpster, Lewistown
Dorothy Yoder, Lewistown
Karl W. Owens, Jr., Winchester, Va.
Mr. & Mrs. James G. Willard, Lewistown Darwin & Kathy Seiler, Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.
Effie Havice, Summit Hill, Pa.
Jack & Janet Larson, Mt Union, Pa. Randall T. Markley, Jr., Lakeland, Tenn.
Sharon K. Grassmyer, Lewistown
Mrs. Wm. M. Slee, Lady Lake, Fla.
Tom & Anne Searer, Hershey, Pa.
Frances J. Goss, Lewistown
Mr. & Mrs. Blair Hess, Jr., Hershey, Pa
Karen Harper Ermutlu, Alpharetta, Ga.
Steven E. James, Harrisburg, Pa.
Reader’s Response
Comments from our readers are welcome and will be shared as space allows. Thanks for writing.
I just wanted to thank you for taking over the position of editor of the Historical Society Newsletter. I have never enjoyed them so much and read every single word. I especially enjoy the continuity between your quizzes and articles. In this speedy world where hard jobs like yours seem thankless, I just wanted you to know that you are appreciated.
- Ruth Notestine, Lewistown
Editors reply: Thanks, Ruth, for your very kind words! I thought the format might be of interest to our readers, tying the trivia with the articles, although this issue doesn’t do that as closely as others, I am glad to hear you enjoy the style and content. Keep reading!
Society News
& Notes
Historical trivia
on WCHX radio
If you’re at home or traveling to work or school on a Friday morning, tune to WCHX radio 105.5 FM, and you’ll hear Mifflin County Historical Society trivia.
WCHX Sports Director Roger Herto and morning DJ Larry Wise ask a different question from Mifflin County’s lively history around 7:20 and 8:20 a.m. Friday mornings. Listeners call in their answers and can win a variety of food items from local advertisers. On a recent Friday, callers were playing for a Mifflin County tradition, Guss’s Pizza.
Questions are supplied to the station by newsletter editor Forest Fisher. Much to his dismay, Fisher’s not allowed to call in, even if he does know the answers!
The historical society wishes to thank WCHX, for helping to spread the knowledge of Mifflin County’s colorful heritage.
If you listen often you may hear a familiar question from a previous issue, but you may hear one from a future edition of the newsletter, too.
Society involved with WPSX production
Our Town - Lewistown
Lights. Camera. Action! Twenty-five or more local videographers fanned out over the Lewistown area on Saturday, October 24, 1998 in search of the perfect video for Our Town - Lewistown. WPSX Channel 3 asked area residents to help out, with this upcoming program, scheduled for broadcast December 7, 1998.
Videoed entirely by local volunteers, each participant was charged with depicting some aspect of a day in the life of Lewistown. Everything from an area fly-over to Hartley’s Potato Chip factory, to the old Hoopes School came in front of the lens. Tapes will be edited by WPSX for the finished production.
The historical society was represented by Dan and Cathy McClenahen and Forest Fisher. Their video illustrated the preservation of our heritage through local museums, monuments, restored buildings and student related activities.
Some locations taped included: The Alamo Monument in St. Marks Cemetery, Monument Square, McCoy House, Mennonite Heritage Center, Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society, the railroad museum at Lewistown Junction, the renovated Hoopes School and Logan Springs.
Watch for Our Town, on WPSX. See your community and you may even see yourself!
Please meet...
Members of Our Board
Joseph E. Deihl
Burnham resident Joseph E. Deihl, of 503 South Walnut Street has been a member of the board of directors since April, 1989. During those almost ten years, he has helped keep track of the income and the outlays, plus lining up new nominees for offices, as Deihl serves on two board committees — Finance and Nominating.
He is no stranger to society offices either, serving as assistant treasurer, 1990–1994, and later as treasurer, 1994–1998. Today, Deihl serves as the society’s first vice-president.
Members of our board give of their time for many reasons, but Deihl noted recently that he likes working with people. He has a keen interest in history and genealogy as well.
Deihl has extensively studied his own family’s history and uses the Internet for genealogical searches. At his Burnham home with wife Darlene, Deihl also enjoys woodworking and gardening.
Grandchildren are part of Joe Deihl’s life, too. His daughter, Suzanne, and her husband Dan Firth have two boys, Zachary and Kyle.
Marian C. Barr
The beautiful Big Valley of central Mifflin County is home to Marian C. Barr of Reedsville. With over ten years of board experience, Barr began her service on the board of directors in April, 1988.
Her committee work for the historical society includes the genealogy committee, of which she is the chair, and also serves on the library and museum committees.
In addition to these committees, Barr held several society offices, as first vice-president, 1992–1994 and as second vice-president, 1996–1998. In the interim, she served as board president, 1994–1996.
“I enjoy genealogy. I learn something new almost every day I work,” Barr recently commented, regarding her volunteer service in the research library.
Marian and husband Glenn R. Barr have been married for fifty-two years. They have one son, Rex and a daughter, Marilyn, as well as four grandchildren and one great grandson.
Joseph E. Deihl and Marian C. Barr — two members of our board. The many, many hours of dedicated and volunteered service by these, and all of our board members, keep the Mifflin County Historical Society moving forward.,
Historical society receives
Anne Fisher painting
It is a canvas of monumental size, over six feet on each side. Titled Kishacoquillas, the painting was displayed in Kishacoquillas High School near the school auditorium, since 1966. Even though the school’s name changed in the interim to Indian Valley Middle School, Kishacoquillas kept a silent vigil on the same wall for thirty-two years.
Through the generosity of the Mifflin County School District, Kishacoquillas now graces the main hall of the Old Mifflin County Court House, near the society’s office. In action taken this past summer, the school board decided to donate the painting to the historical society, rather than place it in storage.
In July, historical society president Ray C Allison and board member Forest K. Fisher, son of the artist, were on hand at the presentation of the painting to the society. Bill Chain, Principal of Indian Valley Middle School, represented the school district.
Mifflin County native Anne Fisher, (1925 – 1977), created Kishacoquillas in 1966 for the Kishacoquillas High School Student Council. It was presented that same year as a gift from the council to the high school.
The colossal Indian figure of Kishacoquillas was suggested to Anne Fisher by a children’s book illustration painted by American illustrator, N. C. Wyeth, and titled “The Giant.”
“She admired Wyeth and occasionally consulted his collected works for perspectives or views,” noted Forest Fisher, about his artist-mother. Fisher also indicated that he was a member of the Kish student council at the time the idea for the painting was formulated and acted as liaison between the council and the artist.
Fisher also remembered that his family had to borrow the neighbor’s truck to transport the finished painting to the school.
The approximately six by six foot canvas was originally a photographic background from the Kepler Studio, which operated in Lewistown from 1923 – 1984. That business was conducted by Anne Fisher’s father, Luther F. Kepler Sr. and uncle, James A. Kepler.
Acquisitions
The Mifflin County Historical Society wishes to acknowledge and thank the following donors for their generosity:
Eleanor M. Aurand, M.D., Lewistown - Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing student uniform and cap, which belonged to the donor who graduated in 1944.
J. Garwood Holsinger, Lewistown - WWII rifle recovered during the Battle of Normandy, France, when the 418th Ambulance Co. moved into an area evacuated by the Germans.
Dr., Robert Karn, Lewistown - Adjustable dress form used by Jane Karn; black medical bag owned and used by Dr. J. R. W. Hunter
Jack Hobaugh, Tucson, Az. - booklet, Hobaughs of Mifflin County PA. comp. by the donor, 1998.
Bridgie C. Schmidt, Reedsville and Ethel M. Fike, Lewistown - books, Marriage Licenses of Mifflin County 1887 –1889 Vol. II and Marriage Licenses of Mifflin County 1889 –1890 Vol. III
David E. Conner, Lewistown - book, Webster’s Practical Dictionary, 1942
Ron & Ruth Notestine, Lewistown - The photo negative collection of Stanley Shontz, from the 1930s, 40s and 50s.; 1911 Yeagertown High School Commencement Program
Amos Shatzer, formerly Lewistown - Lewistown High School Diploma, 1916, 1919 & 1924; three Lewistown attendance certificates; L.H.S. banner, 1924; Miniature Fireman’s axe which belonged to the Order of the Red Men.
Homer D. Rager, Akron, Ohio - photo, L. B. Christman in front of the American War Vets home in Lingle Valley and three pages of Mr. Rager’s recollections of this site, ca. 1932
Lenny and Marilyn Erb, Troxelville - 2 black and white photos: John L. McKnight & Charles Pringle with large black bear; three Standard Steel Employees with a small engine.
Nikola Dupuis, Milroy - WWII uniform, dog tags & medals which belonged to Robert Hershberger
Myra K. Eichberger, Livingston, Texas - Genealogical data: The Descendants of Duncan McGlaughlin (before 1754 – 1802), prepared by the donor.
A. Walter Gill, Lewistown - Small ashtray with McMeens’ on the bottom.
Mrs. Blanche (Penny) Rittenhouse, Lewistown - book: The Genealogy of Kishacoquillas Chapter of the D.A.R. comp. by the donor.
Joseph Shirk, Lewistown - Book, The Smithsonian Institution’s Study of Natural Resources Applied to Pennsylvania’s Resources published in 1924.
News from McCoy House
Children’s Tea Sets on display
Children’s tea sets, kitchen utensils and handcrafted furniture, made by the late Stanley Shontz of Lewistown, are now on exhibit at the McCoy House Museum, 17 North Main Street, Lewistown.
The kitchen items and the children’s dishes are on loan from the following members of the Mifflin County Historical Society: Ruth and Ron Notestine, Audrey Check, Cindy Berrier, Mary Reed, Marilyn Miller and Nancy Aurand. Ruth Notestine’s father made the furniture.
Museum hours are 1:30 to 4:00 p. m. every Sunday through the end of the season. Additional hours will be available during Hometown Christmas.
Hometown Christmas
December 3, 4, 5, 6 and 13
Deck the halls! Hang the evergreens and break out the holly! It’s Christmas time again! Hometown Christmas is on its way to the McCoy House Museum in December.
A perennial holiday favorite, the Mifflin County Garden Club will once again decorate the rooms of McCoy House for the Yuletide season.
Special hours for the museum are listed on page 13.
Wedding items to be Spring feature
The McCoy House will close at the end of hours on December 13, opening in the Spring of 1999. At that time, a display of wedding items will be on exhibit. In addition to wedding dresses that are part of the museum’s collection, additional items are being sought for this wedding display.
The museum committee would like members or other interested individuals with wedding items – dresses, bouquets, invitations, etc. – that they would be willing to place on loan, to contact Karen Aurand at the society’s office. The phone number is 242-1022 during regular hours.
Fall banquet featured
Civil War letters
The Mifflin County Historical Society’s 1998 Fall banquet was held at the McVeytown Fire Hall on Thursday, September 17, 1998. The family style turkey dinner began at 6:30 p.m. and was followed by the featured speakers, Carolyn M. Arndt and Lee E. Knepp of the Snyder County Historical Society.
The audience of one hundred members and friends of the Mifflin County Historical Society heard Arndt and Knepp read from the Civil War letters of Jacob and Harriet Hendricks – husband and wife – separated by his enlistment in the Union Army. The program was titled “The Hendricks’ Civil War Letters.”
The letters, dated between August 16, 1862 to May 8, 1863, focused on the hardships and strife caused by the separation, both on the home front and on the battlefield, rather than on any military or historical events of the war.
In one excerpt read by Knepp, Jacob Hendricks expressed the boredom of the soldier’s diet. “We had crackers for breakfast, more crackers for lunch. Then we had supper – crackers.”
Other letters revealed the soldier’s lament of illness and the hardship of no money. He was lonesome for home and family, and depressed at having contracted an illness. Jacob eventually had to borrow paper and even stamps, just to write to the family.
The wife’s letters told of the desperate situation that developed at home. As Arndt read Harriet Hendricks’ anguished words, a truly sorrowful story evolved, as the audience learned that two of the three Hendricks’ children died during the months when the father was at war.
One was the father’s pride and joy, their only son. Harriet desperately begged her husband to just “run away” and come home to be with them.
Finally, as his enlistment was ending, in one of the closing letters of the program, Harriet wrote of a simple request from the sole surviving child, a little girl. She asked her father to “fetch her something.” She had “a kiss for dad” when he got home, which he eventually did.
“The Hendricks’ Civil War Letters.” presented the human cost of the Civil War, a cost that historical text often cannot convey. The program was an enlightening evening and was very well received by the gathering.
Watch future newsletters for details of the Spring dinner meeting to be held in April, 1999.
Thanks to AAL for donation
The Aid Association for Lutherans recently donated a work grant to the Mifflin County Historical Society. This $800 grant will be used to help preserve several old and deteriorating letters, envelopes and documents, presently in the society’s archives.
Members of the AAL Branch 9168 of Alfarata will volunteer their time to put the artifacts in clear plastic sleeves and fasten the sleeves in binders. This will allow researchers to handle the historic documents without damaging them.
Ray C. Allison, Mifflin County Historical Society president, met recently with AAL personnel, including: Richard L. Wasson, district representatives of the AAL; Helen Rossman. historical society member and of AAL; Willis Goss, AAL branch president; and Loretta Pursel, AAL secretary/treasurer.
Publication News
These recent publications may be of interest to members and friends of the historical society.
In 1910... in 1982...and
Now, in 1998
We offer you reprint copies of
The History of
Mount Union,
Shirleysburg, &
Shirley Township
(of Huntingdon County, Penna.)
Originally printed by
Mount Union Times Office
A. S. & C. H. Welch, Editors
Mount Union, Pennsylvania
Now offered by
Mount Union Area Historical Society
This second printing of the 1910 History of Mount Union, Shirleysburg, & Shirley Township (of Huntingdon County, Penna.) includes a surname and place name indexes not available in the original. Over
1700 names are listed in the surname index.
$34.95
(PA sales tax included)
$38.69
(Mailed direct, PA sales tax included)
Send check or money order to:
Mount Union Area Historical Society
P. O. Box 1776, Mount Union , PA 17066
1998 Society Fall Bus Tour visited
Historic Hudson River Valley
On September 25, 26 and 27, 1998 forty-four Historical Society members and friends enjoyed the Fall Bus Tour to the Hudson River Valley.
The group visited Hyde Park, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Museum, the Vanderbilt Mansion, Montgomery Place and Van Courtlandt Manor. The difference in these homes made for an enjoyable variation in style of home and living, covering a period from the late 1600s through the middle 1900s.
A visit was also made to West Point Military Academy.
The tour ended with a two hour boat cruise down the Hudson River.