York Safe at Stauffer exhibit links two industries
A photo, from the York County Heritage Trust archives, challenges the myth that women entered the workforce for the first time because of necessities of World War II.
The photo shows Stauffer Biscuit Company workers in 1910.
The photo comes to mind because of a former exhibit at York County Heritage Trust.
A highlight of the D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Co. exhibit was the York Safe & Lock strongbox formerly used by the venerable York County bakery.
Those viewing the exhibit at the York County Heritage Trust’s Agricultural and Industrial Museum get a close up look at what put Forry Laucks’ York Safe & Lock on the map.
It appears similar to the safe restored by York County government last year… . (See safe restored.)
The safe’s presence only adds to the experience of viewing the trust’s rendition of Stauffer’s long-time York County food processor.
The exhibit tells the story of David Franklin Stauffer’s purchase of a steamed cracker bakery at 128 S. George St. The bakery remained in the family’s hands from 1871 to 1990. A Japanese firm now owns it. For years, Stauffer’s operated its plant where the South George Street McDonald’s now sits.
Food processing firms such as Stauffer’s cropped up around York County, drawing on the grains growing from county soil. That helps explain the county’s big snack food industries, as well.
The presence of the safe in this exhibit marries agricultural-based industries that have been the hallmark of York County for decades with the newer heavy industrial factories that have also marked the county.
Selected York Safe & Lock links:
– New Freedom station houses alien safe
– York Safe & Lock worker recalls chat with Hedy Lamarr
– Hedy Lamarr’s visit to York long remembered
– From Bofors to Bikes, Harley plant top hog
– Forry Laucks, Lauxmont sparked debates
– York-made safes spotted in post-war Tokyo
– York Safe restoration ‘once in a lifetime’ project.
– York Safe faltered after owner’s death.
Edited, 3/28/13
