Old “City Directories,” which eventually covered small towns, suburbs and even rural areas are invaluable sources for researching the past. You can find out where your family members lived and worked; businesses, manufacturers, professionals, local government, churches and social organizations are classified, giving a glimpse into lifestyles. (It seems like
When researching regional history, you often come across the name of Adams Express. From the mid-nineteenth century until World War I, that is how private citizens and businesses shipped items large and small. Think of them as Parcel Post, Priority Mail, UPS and FedEx all rolled into one. See my
York County Heritage Trust photo cataloger Paul Wolfgang called this photograph to my attention, pointing out that this was a pre-ATM banking convenience. Looks a bit unwieldy now, doesn’t it? People were busy 60 years ago too, so at least you wouldn’t have to wait for a teller to make
1876 York County atlas showing ore mines east of Dillsburg Did you know about the copper mines in Carroll Township near Dillsburg? According to a Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society (NYCHAPS) display, the area had 21 iron ore mines, two clay mines, two limestone quarries and three copper
P.A.& S. Small building with horse collar window display My recent post gave an overview of the business empire built up by the Small family. P.A. & S. Small Company’s four-story building was a York landmark for many years. George Small purchased the property on the East Market Street corner
Philip A. Small examining Christian Roth’s wheat Whenever I start researching some York County history, it seems like someone from the Small family turns up. Pennsylvania German immigrant Lorentz Small settled in Windsor Township in 1743, but soon the family became involved in carpentry, building, mills, iron furnaces, retail and
Looms at Family Heirloom Weavers Two new movies are being heavily hyped this weekend. I don’t plan to see Jonah Hex–too much violence. Toy Story 3 is more my cup of tea. Since the public’s taste in entertainment covers a wide range, I’m sure both will be quite successful. Which
Witmer’s 1905, Helen H. Haller, teacher In my previous post on Witmer’s school, the brick one-room school that was recently sold, I wondered about the “Copy Shop” sign on the side of the building. Using city directories at York County Heritage Trust, I found some of the ventures the building
In a recent post I showed some of the women’s hats from the 19th and 20th centuries now on exhibit at York County Heritage Trust. Some are rather outlandishly decorated, including a couple adorned with whole stuffed birds. In the past men’s hats weren’t as ornate, but they were just
Not just feather trim. Hats seem to be making somewhat of a comeback, but I can’t imagine them ever coming close to their popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries. York County Heritage Trust has just opened an exhibit featuring original hats from the past. Photos of some of