Names of York: Catharine Meyer
This is a “special” insert into the ongoing series on the Names of York, because this name is not on a place, but rather an award.
What it is: The Catherine Meyer Award, given annually by Red Lion to someone in the borough who works hard for the betterment of the community there.
Who was it named after? Catharine Meyer, a Red Lion businesswoman who became one of the most respected business minds and developers in the area. Her business ventures included development of a general store and rail station, and she played a role in the incorporation of Red Lion in 1880. For her leadership, she gained the title of the “Mother of Red Lion.”
Fun fact: Oh, this IS fun. No, I don’t have typos through the beginning of this post. Catharine’s name has caused much consternation here at the York Daily Record. Her own business/calling card, which is pictured here, courtesy of the Heritage Trust, spells it Catharine (though check out how they spell Red Lion!), and her tombstone also says Catharine. The award itself, however, as well as many of the main histories written about Red Lion borough, spell it Catherine. We’re going with the second “a” in official writings here, as that’s a more German spelling and more likely for the time and place.
Sources: Research by Jim McClure, June Lloyd and Lori Badders
Do you have a suggestion of a place or thing in York County named for a person? If so, post a comment! I’m going to work my way through some likely ones, such as schools and parks, but I need other suggestions too!
