Otterbein United Methodist at 75: Linked in with neat York County, Pa., history stuff – April 3, 2010
Ray Oberdick III never lived in York, Pa. But his parents are from here and his grandfather and namesake was longtime director of Camp Minqua, among many other YMCA duties. The Oklahoman has fond memories of his visits to York as a youngster: “One of the highlights of my visits was going to market with my Grandma & Grandpa. Almost half a century later those images and smells are still lingering. I also remember going to visit my Grandfather at the YMCA which is where he worked. I actually learned to swim there during one of my summer visits. I also remember going to church across the street from the Y at the First United Brethren Church ( I believe it is now Otterbein United Methodist Church).” He passed along a First United Brethren (West Philadelphia and North Newberry streets) 75th anniversary booklet, from which the photos, above and below, are taken. Also of interest: Going to market a longtime York County pastime and Mining a rich vein of York County’s religious history and People of varying religious groups founded York County .
A mixed bag of neat stuff … .
One story can spark so many memories.
Springettsbury Township’s Turk Pierce e-mailed about stories on the Elmwood Mansion, which he knew as a youngster as “Smallwood… .”
Ann Small Niess, one of the Smalls who grew up there, is a relative.
Her grandmother, Margaret “Maggie” McKinnon Small was his grandmother’s first cousin.
Her brother, Turk’s great-grandfather, Matthew James McKinnon, was born in Collinsville in southeastern York County and went to medical school. He set up practice in his home, 49 N. Queen St. and helped founded York Hospital.
Thanks for Maggie McKinnon Small, Turk can give that line of his family’s genealogy back to Scotland. His listed Sam Meisenhelder, former York County solicitor, as the only McKinnon descendant still living in the York area.
Upcoming event: See you at story night in Emigsville Tuesday, April 6?
Blog post of the day: Yorkblogger June Lloyd, on the hunt for old-time York potato chip makers, has uncovered another one: Top Hat–Another Potato Chip Made in York
Forum of the day, the Exchange: Whistlemaster Don Ryan recently called for funds to continue the Christmas Eve New York Wire steam whistle concert. Should the concert continue?
First United Brethren, now Otterbein United Methodist, in York celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1915.
