V - it *r. t:," ' Qass hi_2_A Book— / € Aa^^/Z, ■' (J 1 CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY ORWIGSBURG PENNA. 1813-I9I3 HISTORY OF ORWIGSBURG AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF RESIDENCES AND BUSINESS HOUSES 1v9 Seiders — Printer POTTSVILLE. Pa. Pis'} ■0^0J THE ORWIGSBURG CIVIC ASSOCIATION, at whose instance this Book is presented, had its inception in a meet- ing of the public-spirited citizens of the town, including leading members of the churches and male societies, held Septem- ber 16th, 1912, to discuss "Our Civic Needs." The temporary ofificers were S. R. Kepner, President, and H. W. Smith, Secre- tary. At a subsequent meeting held October 14, 1912, at the same place, a preamble was adopted, the temporary officers made per- manent and a Vice-President, Rutherford T. Lebengood, and Treasurer. George W. Garrett, were elected. The preamble adopted follows : "We, the citizens of the Borough of Orwigsburg, Pennsyl- vania, in order to promote a healthy moral atmosphere ; to afford means to child and adult for physical and social culture ; to en- large the interests and opportunities of all the citizens ; and, in order that we may unite the forces that tend for good in the com- munity, do hereby organize this Civic Association." On February 3, 1913, it was decided to hold a Centennial Celebration from June 8-14. The following Committee of Ar- rangements was appointed : Rutherford T. Lebengood, Chairman John S. Zulick, Secretary H. S. Albright W. H. Edwards W. C. Kepner. , ', 9 yO PETER OR WIG. founder of ■* Orivigsburg, and to all those who have had a part in the "Forward" move- ment in our town, we respectfully dedicate this hook- The Civic Association. Old Court House OFFICBES OP CIVIC ASSOCIATION H. W. Smith, Butb. I.ebengood, Q. W. Qarratt. S. B. Kepner, Otaalrmam. EXECITTIVE COMDIIXTEE H. S. Albright W. H. Edwards Eev. H. A. Weller Bev. E. B. Selp Bev. James B. Mussei Lutheran Chnrcli Methodist Church Beformed Churcb Evangelical CbuTCh Old Beformed Cliurcli DEVOTIONAL AND HISTORICAL COMMITTEE Top Row — H. H. BrownmlUer, Rev. Henry Leisse, Rev. H. A. Weller, Chairman. Bottom Row — Rev. E. R. Seip, Kev. J. B. Musser. Grammar Scbool Building EDUCATIONAL DAT COMMITTEE H. W. Smitli, Cbalrman; Geo. C. Diefenderfer, Lin B. ZuUck, Jno. A. Werner, Jr. INVITATIONS COMMITTEE Top Bow — Geo. C. Diefendcrfer, GUs Samuel, diairman. Bottom Bow — C. H. Haeseler, I. B. Zulick, J. T. Sboener. ^4' ;rl FIREMEN'S DAY COMMITTEE Top How — N. H. Miller, Theo Sell, T. J. Reed, C. B. Brown, W. H. Deitzler. Bottom Row — F. L. Holzer, J. E. S. Waltman, Chairman; W. D. Scharadin, Geo. M. Iiindenmuth. EECEPTION COMMITTEE Top Eow — Jere Smitli, Emanuel Kauffman, Edward Shoener, Wesley Seltzer. Middle Eow — S. D. Deibert, H. F. J. Fegley, Jolrn A. Werner, Sr. Bottom Eow — Thomas Anthony, Chairman; L. W. Kern, John Faust. FINANCE COMMITTEE Top Row — Geo. H. Blckley, J. H. Walborn, G. E, Leininger. Bottom Row — G. W. Garrett, J. H. Long, Chairman; M. E. Campbeli. MUSIC COMMITTEE Top Bow — C. E. Greenawaia, W. H. Edwards, Chairman; Edw. H. Reed. Middle Bow — G. C. Miller, H. F. Ketner, Jno. A. Diefenderfer. Bottom Bow — F. C. Leymeister, Clarence Fidler. J. E. S. W; PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE altman, S. B. Kepner, Chairman; Burd B. Linder. DECOEATIONS AND FIRE WORKS COMMITTEE Top Row — ^A. S. Yost, Burd R. Linder, Chairman. Bottom Row — H. B. Honsberger, F. J. Fey, Ralph Delhert. CIVIC- DAT COMMITTEE TOpEow— F. C. Eeymeister, Ji H. Adams, M. E. Bagraistose. Bottom How^-Geo. Hubler, W. Alfred Dietrich, Chairman. FAEMEES' DAY COMMITTEE Top Bow — O. E. Miller, Chairman; Charles Kramer, F. A. Faust. Bottom Bow— John Shoener, Andrew Fotts, James Heine. AMUSEMENTS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE Top Row — Alliert LeTjengood, Chairman; Wm. Rohrer, Geo. T. Wagner. Bottom Row — D. E. Boyer, Claude S. Teager, S. R. Eepner. OAENIVAl DAY COMMITTEE Top Bow — Henry A. ^nitb, C. W. Edwards, Chairman; John F. Krater. Bottoin Brow^ — John D. Moyer, Herman G. Miller. SOUVENIR COMMITTF.E Top Row — Sidney B. Smith, Ralph A. Under. Bottom Row — R. W. Moyer, Chairman; S. Clyde Kepner. Guy F. Shoener. INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE O. S. Heist, Chairman Albert Reed Oscar Knipe Morris Schraer Joseph Raub F. G. Woodington. TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE F. S. Brown, Chairman H. S. Albright. PRINTING AND ADVERTISING COMMITTEE S. R. Kepner, Chairman E. Ray Linder Robert Heist Theo. Leininger. o RESIDENCES OF ORWIGSBURG Butdonca of H. 8. Albrlcht •,'•*■•■- 1\ it -5 ■..< >4. Eesidence of lUcbael Hein Besidence of Mrs. M. Leininger Residence of G. C. Dlefenderfer I a H m Besidence of Walter Eimmel Residence of KutheTford Iiebengood Lutberan Parsonage Evangelical Parsonage Besidence of Alf . Deitrieli Residence of ThOB. Antbony Besldenee of H. O. Gerhard m — ■**" ^BK«^^!^|HHp^)pmiP^ iKSS^^^^^-^^ ' " Residence of Mrs; Emma Beck Besidence of Lin B. Znllck . "■ %% , ■•''^ j^H^Hf^HHI^^^^^te^^^^ r-:-=— > \k ^^K^^^B^HIhHhB^^ ! ;■:•, i ^BI^^BIlif -u^iilll tf ^^^^^^^^^B^^ IK 1 ^ k. Hi '1 ^S^I^^I^^HIC "H'^' ^^^^^H^^^^^^l ^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H K-. M ^^^Kl^^^^^l^H W E^^^^jH ^Ml»- _■% , ! 1 '^^^^^^^^^^^H^^^^^HB 1 J lli^^^^^lr Besidence of Albert Reed u Kesidence of Jno. Faust Residence of Wm. Rudy, Sr. ^ '^tri^f^iC© it.'^l4l ^^^j^*fj^ "~- — --~i^^^^^ /^i ^^^^ x».Ai- '■- ,lsC— -' ^^^^t'^W^ ^^^^i^I^ii 1^®^^^^^"^ >»^ "'^^^^^'"''■^'^C :;^3t3^^ y^fcJ^^B Hf^S^^^^Cll' '.*»-^ ' '^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ik^^ WM' ' Ihh^^^^ -1 fi.w--'' 3 ^'^^^^^^hH fg^:^-;. ::->ff-r^HM Jl ^^^^S|H 'SF' '"' |HF ' - "' ^^^^^^^^^^^^^H f f . ^^.!* . ^iwAd^^^^^^^^^S^^E •3, •^^ ' ^' .Jt'lM**^^^^^K^--i^^'v«?MSi '^m ■l n ^ %^-m0^' ■ "'-.'■^f W:^' ;i ^^^H^^^^H ^ —5,,,,. .T-rJ^ «^«jiBa«»«tS!A*i**»*!^^ Residence of Dr. Erb Besldence of Jolm S. Znllck Sesidence of Jeie Smith ,^§mr'j^^ o ?■ jW'*'^' - '■ I 3 a 4 H B u I 4 I H 3 Residence of A. S. Tost ^ Residence of D. E. Berg n I S •a MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS Bohier Knitting Mill Uicbael Heine and Ooncretelng Orew Arcadian House Oerber & Bro. (Flour and Feed) FranUln KnltUng IlUl George Schelpe (OonfecUoneT) o a Andrew Hetm (General Store) C. W. Edwards (General Store) p r ^ ^ -< ^^ I^^H-'^^^RI ==^^^***S^^^^H ^^^^ ■1 ^^^^^^H t^^^^HH ^Pjto ^"^ IM ^^^2 Wl^^^^^vl^mms^ ^ ,1, , - ' g ■■ iBi^^^M^^MiMMi'fcli ■S^^mI ■■IK •JHM*'" _J|| J Brown & Co. (Sboe Mauufactorers) ,v::^^ '•''law . ^' 1 ^,„, - ^ « George Faxson (General Store) M o n 04 - i 1 'f* BM ! \i 1 i ^ itt.^ IHL'^'''^ '•*i Lii ■ ^ , ■] f . ■ f^^mw k flW- S" m^ ■ fitiing H.-iiii.»iiifrriif^ .. S- mm 1 PI Fted. Sboenei Belir BliM 0«. JITV^ r i - m.. ' ■*.. ■■■ «»^^^a ^ >«n>jR ^nw&imBpi HL.^ ft „^ 1 M ill U| S l| 1.. f ' --^r - ;J He H^^^H J ^il V ^ ,11 -^-^^ <»" ..,. ^^» »i||iw|||^ ' "^m ^ ~'«">W »■ '-'5-JiS^-j^;7 H. S. Albirght & Co. (Sboe Manufacturers) Orwigsburg Knitting Mill Gerber & Co. (Sboe Manufacturers) J. S. Zulick & Co. (Shoe Manufacturers) Werner Shoe Co. Beliable Sboe Co. a 13 O to » ■«1 O k I W-'^'"^ To all to whom theje Prejads:-jhall come, re , ana 'fUD ^Uk the aMcirUna-ncM. ^'^ V^--^ 7^^ '^^ ^1/7 ^ JUi^^ Mid Jl j-'f t f'' "'■''' ' " ' '. , . ,. , , ,, ■„■ ,, gttrft PREFACE THE compiler of these sketches does not claim to be an historian, nor does he claim this to be a complete his- tory of the town of Orwigsburg, but merely sketches and early annals of the borough as he found them recorded in various publications and original manuscripts and docu- ments, all of which are in his own possession. In preparing the sketches, the writer has made free use of the following works : Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Publi- cations of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County; Rupp's, Munsell's and Wiley's Histories of Schuylkill County, Old Schuylkill Tales, and a number of old Manu- scripts and Documents, some of which were never published. J. E. SPANNUTH. HISTORY OF ORWIGSBURG THE title to the site of Orwigsburg dates from the time when King Charles II of England, in 1681, for a consideration of 1,600 pounds ster- ling, granted to William Penn, by charter, the title to what is now the State of Pennsylvania. Penn divided the province into three counties, namely : Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester. The site of Orwigsburg being then in Philadelphia County. By enactment of the Provincial Council, approved on the eleventh day of March, 1752, the County of Berks was formed. This placed Orwigsburg within the limits of that county. By an Act of the As- sembly of the Commonwealth, approved March 1st, 1811, the County of Schuylkill was formed from portions of Berks and Northampton Counties and Orwigsburg was chosen as the county seat. The earliest settlers of which we have authentic records were m.ostly Germans, amongst them being Wilhelm Deibert, who settled near here in 1744. His neighbor, John H^artman, came here about one year later. George Gottfried Orwig and Glora, his wife, settled in 1747, at Sculp's Hill, a short distance south of the site of Orwigsburg. Amongst others that settled prior to the Indian Wars were Thomas Reed and a family by the name of Swartz. The first settler on the site of Orwigsburg was Francis Yarnall, a Quaker, whose grandfather, Francis Yarnall, came to America from Wor- cestershire, England, in 1683, purchasing a large tract of land from William Penn and settling in Chester County. Francis Yarnall, the younger, settled in Berks County in the Spring of 1740. In 1741 he married Mary Lincoln, a daughter of Mordecai Lincoln, who was the great-grandfather of Abraham Lincoln. About 1755 he took up a tract of land in Manheirri Township, near the Schuylkill River. His right and title, by sundry conveyances and assur- ances became vested in Peter Orwig, who obtained a deed from the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania, bearing date of 20th of February, 1795, for 309 acres, 26 perches and allowances of six per cent, for roads. (Fac-simile of above deed is reproduced elsewhere in this book.) Rupp, in his History of Schuylkill County, published in 1845, writes of many Indian massacres having been perpetrated in this vicinity. In the early part of February, 1756, the Indians committed several cruel and barbarous murders in this township. On the 14th of February, the Indians came to the house of Frederick Reichelsderfer, shot two of his children, set the house and barn on fire and burned all of his grain and cattle. They then proceeded to the house of Jacob Gerhard, where they killed one man, two women and six children. In November, 1756, the Indians again appeared and carried of? the wife and three children of Adam. Burns. In the month of June, 1757, the Indians murdered one Adam Trump and carried away his wife and son, a lad of nineteen years. The woman later escaped, though pursued by the Indians. The Hartman Tragedy, to which several counties including Union, Leba- non and Schuylkill lay claim, is generally conceded to have occurred in Schuylkill, near where Orwigsburg now stands. In 1745 John Hartman and family left their native home in Retlinsen^ Germany, and became one of the first settlers of this vicinity. In the autumn of 1755, Hartinan and his older son, George, went to the fields to sow wheat. Mrs. Hartman and Christian, the younger son, left the house to go to the mill, leaving the two daughters, Barbara, aged eleven years, and Regina, aged nine years, to care for the house and prepare dinner fOr their father and brother. While they were seated at the dinner table, their faithful dog, Wasser, rushed into the house, growling fiercely. The father, knowing that such conduct on the part of the dog meant something unusual, took down his rifle from, off its hooks above the fire-place and cautiously stepped to the door. Instantly two shots rang out and John Hartman sank to the floor dead. His son sprang to his assistance and was also shot down. The Indians then carried off the two daughters, after burning the buildings. On Mrs. Hartman's return from the mill she found the cabin in ashes and her husband and children either dead or taken captives by the Indians, whereupon she fled to the interior settlement at Tulpenhocken. At the close of the Indian Wars, through the efforts of Colonel Boquet, Mrs. Hartman and Regina were again restored to each other. Barbara, how- ever, had been killed by the Indians. George Gottfried Orwig, who with his wife settled a short distance below Orwigsburg in 1747, was born in Grosstadt, Nassau, Germany, August 24th, 1719, and died near Orwigsburg May 26th, 1804. He had the following child- ren : George, Peter, Henry and Elizabeth, vho married and with her husband went west. About 1773, George married Mary Gilbert and located on Pine Creek, where he built a house and mill. His son, Isaac married a daughter of Conard Yeager, in 1809. In 1773 Peter Orwig married a woman whose name cannot be ascer- tained. To this union two children were born : Maria Rebecca and Johann Heinrich. For a number of years Peter Orwig was a Justice of the Peace. As early as 1786 he owned 504 acres of land surrounding Orwigsburg. Henry Orwig owned considerable land in this vicinity in the later part of the eighteenth century, but resided at Hamburg. The first road that passed through this vicinity was the old Windsor Road. It was built a short time after the formation of Berks County. This road began at Reading and ran northward along the Schuylkill River through Maiden Creek and Windsor Township until it reached Port Clinton. The increasing settlements of Brunswick and Manheim Townships required a better outlet to the county seat, and this in 1754 led to the extension of this road through these townships, terminating somewhat north of Orwigsburg. In 1780 this road was extended to Fort Augusta (now Sunbury) and was known as the King's Highway, or Great Road. On the 21st of March, 1805. by an Act of the Assembly, the Centre Turnpike Company was incorporated for the purpose of building a road from Sunbury, in Northumberland County, to Reading, in Berks County, where it joined the road leading to Philadelphia. Until the beginning of navigation along the Schuylkill River, this Great Road was the thoroughfare over which all commerce between Philadelphia and Sun- bury was carried on. In 1811 a weekly stagecoach was run between Philadel- phia and Sunbury, and from then on, travel between these two cities increased until 1829, when three daily lines ran over this road. The Act which created Schuylkill Count3% approved by the Governor March 1st, 1811, also provided that, until a court house could be erected, the courts should be held in the public house of Abraham Reifsnyder, in Bruns- wick Township. In accordance with this provision, the first court was held in the east room of this house on the third Monday of December, 1811. Judge Porter, of the third Judicial District, which consisted of Wayne, Schuylkill, Berks and Northampton Counties, presided and George Rausch and Daniel Yost sat as associate judges. The contables in attendance were Christian Kaup, Bruns- wick; Jacob Emerich, Manheim ; Isaac Reed, Norwegian; Christopher Barn- hard ; Pinegrove ; Peter Rehr, Upper Mahantongb ; Joseph Keefer, Lower Mahantongo ; George dinger, Schuylkill. William Green, then High Sheriff, returned the precept duly executed and the following persons were sworn at the first grand inquest: B. Kepner, George Bodey, Jacob Houser, A. Yost, P. Fegley, Tobias Wagner, Isaac Yarnall, P. Kaup, Conrad Roeder, D. Fenstermacher, D. Bensinger, P. Albright, Joseph Hecke, Joseph Old, A. Hofifer, John Hoch, D. Graefif, George Hillegas, A. Gilbert, P. Seidell and Conrad Yeager. The following attorneys were admitted: George Wolf, Charles Evans, Fred Smith, William Witman, J. B. Hubley, M. J. Biddle, Sam Baird and John Ewing. Fred Hesser was Crier of the Court. The Act of Assembly which created Schuylkill County, made Berks and Schuylkill Counties a Legislative District and Berks, Schuylkill, Chester and Lancaster Counties a Congressional District. It also provided for the ap- pointment of three Commissioners not citizens of either Berks or North- ampton, to fix the location of the seat of justice. McKeansburg, Schuylkill (Haven) and Orwigsburg were the most favorable locations with claims about equal. It is said that Peter Frailey, Daniel Graefif, John Kolb; John Dreher, Philip Hoy and others induced the owners of saw mills on the Mohannan Creek to stop the flow of water from their mill dams and at the prearranged signal (the blowing of a horn) to hoist the flood gates, and the stream, greatly swollen in consequence, so strongly impressed the commissioners with the manufacturing prospects of Orwigsburg, that they decided in its favor. The growth of the town was slow until this time. During the five years following, however, many lawyers and their families and others came to reside here. Amongst them were J. B. Hubley and E. B. Hubley, the latter Con- gressman for the Schuylkill, Berks and Lehigh Districts in 1834. The above named were grandsons of Colonel James Burd, who distinguished himself through the French and Indian Wars, 1755-'63. Christopher Loeser, a soldier of the War of 1812, was one of the ablest attorneys of his time. Mr. Loeser and Charlemagne Tower, who also lived here, married sisters, named Louisa and Lavina Bartlett. To the Towers, while residents of Orwigsburg, a son, Charlemagne, was born. Charlemagne Tower, Jr., afterward became Ambas- sador to Germany, serving his country in that capacity for a number of years. Other prominent residents of Orwigsburg at that time were: John M. Bickel, State Treasurer; John W. Rosebury, Michael Graeff, Jacob Hammer, these being members of the Legislature ; Charles E. Frailey, State Senator ; George Rahn, John T. Werner, Reverend George Minnich and Reverend Phillip Moyer. The Linders, Schaeffers, Albrights, Folmers, Shoeners, Bodeys, Kimmels, Fegleys, Moyers, Hummels, Ridgways, Zulicks. Swalms, Hofifmans, Haeselers, Hoys, Deiberts, Hartmans, Yosts, Schollenbergers, Matzes, Krebes, Reeds, Yeagers, Kepners and others were residents of Orwigsburg and vicinity prior to 1840. In conformity to an Act of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed on the twelfth of March, 1813, Orwigsburg becam.e incorporated as a borough. From this time on the town made more rapid growth and from 1809 to 1829 the population increased to about 650 inhabitants. Orwigsburg is the oldest bor- ough in the County. The first Schuylkill Court House was erected at Orwigsburg in 1815. It was of brick, two stories high and was about 40 by 50 feet. The court room was on the first floor, the jury rooms and public offices, on the second floor. The first court was held in it in the Spring of 1816, while the building was still unfinished. In 1827 a one story brick building about thirty feet square was built about thirty feet in the rear of the court house. This was used to store public records and contained two fire-proof vaults. In 1846 an addition was built to the court house, filling the gap between the two buildings and convert- ing them into one building. This served the county until its removal to Potts- ville in 1851. The project of removing the seat of justice to Pottsville was agitated as early as 1831 at a meeting held at the Exchange Hotel in Pottsville, November 19th of that year. This end was not accomplished, however, until in 1847 when, in compliance with the prayers of many petitioners, the Legis- lature passed an act on March 13th, 1847, which provided that the question be submitted to the voters of the county. The result of the election was 3,551 for the removal and 3,092 against it. The public records were moved to the new court hou.se .at Pottsville, December 1st, 1851. Previous to the erection of a jail in Orwigsburg, prisoners were confined in the cellar of Reifsnyder's tavern. ■ The most shifty prisoners were chained to a ring at one end of this cellar. When this becam.e overcrowded, prisoners were also confined in the cellar of Judge Rausch's home. The first jail was built in 1814. It was built of field stone, about thirty-two feet square and two stories high. By a subse- quent addition its dimensions were made about 80 feet by 32 feet. It served the county until 1852, when the new jail at Pottsville was completed. In ac- cc rdance with the act of removal the old jail was converted into a school liouse for which purpose it served for many years. Since that time Orwigsburg has grown and prospered until, at this writ- ing, it has a population of about 2,000, with eleven shoe factories, four knitting mills, a large paper-box factory, a cigar factory and several other manufactur- ing businesses. Orwigsburg has long since outgrown its "C'ld Jail-School House," and two large, modern school houses, containing nine class rooms, three recitation rooms and a directors' room, have been built. There are also four churches, each one in a beautiful, practically new building. The standard for morals and intelligence of the people of Orwigsburg is far above the average for a town of its size, as may be judged from the support its people give to any cause that deals with reform, or intellectual uplift. Music is a natural talent of a large num.ber of Orwigsburg's people, there being four well organized church choirs, a high school orchestra, two uniformed bands with joint membership of about fifty men and a uniformed drum corps with a membership of fifteen. The Town Couneil at present consists of : J. H. Walborn President O. D. Petery Secretary W. A. Dietrich Jere Smith H. G. Miller A. L. Reed S. A. Reigel H. Alspach Thos. Reed is Chief Burgess and John Seifert, High Constable; Emanuel Kaufifman, Supervisor and M. H. Moyer, Solicitor. Board of Health of Orwigsburg The Board of Health of the Borough of Orwigsburg was organized July 17th, 1893, with the following members : Dr. G. K. Binkley A. E. Brown AV. C. Kepner George Wise G. C. Diefnderfer A. S. Yost, Sanitary Police Officer The members of the Board of Health at the present time are the follow- ing : M. L. Bagenstose William Mattern William Deitzler Irvin Long Emanuel Kaufifman, W. H. Edwards Health Officer Secretary Friendship Hose Co., No. 1, was organized August 21st, 1886, with seven charter members, and with the following officers : S. R. Kepner President A. S. Yost Vice President R. S. Fey Secretary C. F. Rapp Treasurer T. J. Reed Chief Directors were the following: A. S. Yost George A. Rehr F. L. Holtzer William Holtzer C. F. Rapp William Mattern W. C. Kepner The company was incorporated March 7th, 1887. At that time the old hand engine built in 1809 by Pat Lyons, and owned by the Borough of Orwigs- burg for a period of thirt}' years prexious, was still in use. Later a steamer was purchased and used until January, 1912, when a modern six cylinder gasoline engine was installed. The company is contemplating the purchase of a combination wagon, after which its equipment will equal that of larger towns. The company now has a membership of 156 and apparatus valued at $4,000. The present officers are : J. E. S. Waltman , President Theodore Sell Vice President G. M. Lindenmuth Secretary C. F. Rapp Treasurer M. H. Miller -j C. W. Deibert > Trustees Theodore Sell j F. L. Holtzer Foreman F. T. Reed ^ C. W. Deibert. . . ; > Assistant Foremen N. H. Miller I Theodore Sell Chief Engineer T. E. S. Waltman '. ^ John P. Geiger. J j^^^-^^^^^^^ Georg-e M. Lindenmuth I C. B. Brown J The company also maintains a Firemen's Relief Association. CHURCHES A PUBLIC MEETING held at Orwigsburg, November 10, 1819, was the means of instituting the first Bible Society of Schuylkill County. It was the first step toward a religious movement in this community. James B. Hubley was the chairman of this meeting and Michael Graefif, Secretary, and after several meetings were held they composed their constitu- tion and the following officers were elected : President, Rev. Geo. Minnich ; Vice President, George Rausch ; Recording Secretary, Michael Graeff; Cor- responding Secretary, James B. Hubley. The Society was prosperous only for a short time and as to just how long it existed it is not exactly known. Salem Evangelical Congregation was permanently organized Tanuary 23. 1824. This being the first Evangelical Church in the State of Pennsylvania. It was instituted by Bishop John Seybert. A few miles distant from the borough limits the Lutheran Church was established in 1755 ; first removed within the present borough limits in 1833 and into a separate building in 1844. The Reformed Church was established in the borough in 1831, and the Methodist began its career in 1901. The present population of Orwigsburg, as near "as can be ascertained, is two thousand and of these eleven hundred and eighty-five are reported to be connected with the Church, ten hundred and ninety-seven are actively con- nected with the Sunday Schools. We now have four denominations, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical and Methodist. The first pastor of each church was .as follows: Rev. A. T. Geissenheimer, D. D., of the Lutheran ; Rev. Philip Mayer, of the Reformed ; Bishop John Seybert, of the Evangelical, and Rev. J. E. Reber, of the Metho- dist. The present pastors are : Rev. H. A. Weller, Lutheran ; Rev. J- B. Musser, Reformed, and Rev. E. R. Seip, Evangelical. The organizations active in church within the churches, aside from Sun- day Schools : Lutheran — Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society, Camp Fire Girls, Women's Association, Women's Sewing Class and Small Girls' Sewing Class. Reformed — Christian Endeavor, both Senior and Junior, Women's Mis- sionary Society, Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip. Evangelical — Senior and Junior Young People's Alliance, Ladies' Aid Society and Women's Missionary. Methodist — Ladies' Auxiliary and Epworth League. The total value of the church property of Orwigsburg is about $100,000. The benevolent activities aside from current expenses the churches have participated in during the year: Missions $ 826 84 Education 178 20 Orphans Home 166 60 Church Extension 1 10 55 Synodical Fund, General 135 70 Church Debt 1,425 00 Flood Sufferers 101 00 Old Preachers' and Old People's Home 30 00 $2,973-89 The annual current charges to maintain the work of the churches in Orwigsburg are $5,000.00. H. H. BROWNMILLER. OUR SCHOOLS THE pioneer school house of Orwigsburg was built along co-operative lines ; some citizens furnished stones, some logs and hauled them, some mechanics contributed labor, so that the net cost did not exceed $20.00. These buildings usually accompanied the meeting-house with the teacher serv- ing as organist or preacher. The course of instruction in the German lan- guage consisted of reading, writing, arithmetic and catechism, interspersed with the singing of Psalms. The first school was taught by John Geisen- heimer in a log building where now stand the ruins of the old Reformed Church. Later a school was established on the land now occupied by the house of the late W. C. Kepner. About this time Mrs. Margaret Roseberry taught a private school located on West Market Street. The foundation walls of this building may be seen on the lot adjoining Paul Carnes" hom.e on the east. In 1826 a school house built of stone, one story high was erected on the southwest corner of Franklin Street, where is now located the Evangelical cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Long were the teachers, Mr. Long teaching the boys and Mrs. Long, the girls. This furnished school accommodations until the old jail was fitted up in 1864. From this time until 1889 this with the Old Academy building was used for public school purposes. One hundred years since, in 1813, through the liberality of a few of its citizens and an appropriation of $2,000.00 from the State, the Orwigsburg Academy was established, with the provision in its charter that the income from $1,000.00 should be applied to the gratuitous education of poor children. During the peiod from 1830 to 1850 it ranked in literary activity as one of the foremost academies in the State, and prepared pupils to enter the sophomore class of Yale and other leading colleges and universities ; but from., the latter date it gradually sank into oblivion and after being used for public school pur- poses for a few years, the building was demolished in 1870. On April 10th, 1854, Professor W. J. Burnside opened in the old court house a co-educational seminary under the title of the Arcadian Institute. The course of study consisted of the elementary branches of an English education, Classical and Modern Languages, and Music. At the first session there were 35 pupils enrolled. In 1855 Mr. Burnside was succeeded by Elias Schneider, A. M., who was later succeeded by Rev. Fries. Not receiving the proper en- couragement, the seminary terminated its existence in 1864. Today the build- ing is occupied by the Rehr Shoe Company. State Senator William Audenried, representing Berks and Schuylkill Counties, in the legislative session of 1825 advocated a system of common schools for the State. The first county in the State to adopt the school bill of 1834, establishing a system of Free Education, was Schuylkill, and the first districts to accept, through their delegates at the first meeting called to con- sider the provisions of the school bill of 1834, were Schuylkill, Norwegian, Pottsville and Orwigsburg. Although the voters of Schuylkill County chose Pottsville for their count}^ seat, they were not able to take with them the educational trend of mind of our citizens of German extraction. Throughout our school history most eminent men have served as educators. Former County Superintendent of Schools Jesse Newlin taught here. Among the living ex-principals of our schools are Judge Wagner, of Reading; A. E. Linder, principal and owner of a private preparator}^ school at Mohegan, N. Y. ; Charles Boyer, superinten- dent of the Atlantic Schools ; Charles E. Foose, superintendent of schools, Reading; Charles E. Sweeney, superintendent of schools. Darby ;and P. W. M. Pressel, assistant superintendent of schools, Warren. When the State Department of Public Instruction classified the schools of this county Orwigsburg with a population of 1801 was classified with Potts- ville with a population of more than 20,000, Shenandoah with 25,000, Mahanoy City with 15,000 and Tamaqua with 10,000. Today our schools are rated higher than the schools of any other town of equal population in this county and perhaps in the state. We claim it is the individual minds of the pupils and not population that establishes the school system. Our schools were conducted in the old jail from 1864 until 1869, at which time a modern six room building was erected. This building proving inade- quate, the Board of Education, of which we are proud, directed the construc- tion of our new building, two rooms of which are now occupied, one for High School purposes and one for Primary purposes. Our High School enrollment this year was 48 and our first grade enrollment, 50, total enrollment being 350. In 1907, through the efforts of Ex-Senator Charles E. Quail, of Auburn, our museum was begun by a collection received from the Philadelphia Museum; this was augmented December 9th, 1912, from the same source ■ through the persistence of Representative John Robert Jones, of Schuylkill Haven. To this collection our citizens have contributed many valuable and desirable educational additions. Mrs. Samuel Madden contributed a collec- tion of stones and the keys to the old county jail; Miss Grace Bodey, the uni- form and sword of Major Krebs and other Civil War relics ; Mrs. Geo. C. Diefenderfer, excellent specimens of coral and a leaf from a Hindu Bible, in its original form ; Mrs. Isabel Albright, beautiful specimens of seaweed ; Mrs. Thomas Yeager. a revolver used in 1830 by Bernard Kepner, the stage-coach driver between Orwigsburg and Philadelphia ; Edward Seltzer, two birds and an humming-bird's nest. Our school library consists of upwards of 500 volumes of books and two encyclopedias housed in a sectional book-case in sixteen sections. The sec- tional book-cases, the piano and roll-top desk Avere purchased by the High School pupils. We are equipped with a Crowell Physical Laboratory. Our new High School building, designed in a modern, simple manner, is the pride of our town. Those in authority tell us we are more beautifully and conveniently equipped than is any other small town of our population in the State of Pennsylvania. The walls of this building are handsomely decorated with artistic pictures, purchased by our Alumni Association. The Alumni As- sociation organized in 1892, consists of 200 members, including the class of 1913. The evidence of its activity is not onl}^ what you see on the walls of the High School building, but also a treasury of $158.00. Our Board of Education is an exceptional body of actively interested, cultured gentlemen, sacrificing valuable time without a murmur of discontent, and laboring in the interests of the boys and girls of our communit}^ The members of the present Board of Education, together with the number of years they have served are : George C. Diefenderfer President, {27 years) W. Clinton Kepner Vice President, (20 years) Wm. H. Edwards Secretary, (17 3'ears) John S. Zulick (14 years) Rutherford T. Lebengood, (2 years). John A. Werner, (succeeded W. C. Kepner, May 19th, 1913). George W. Garrett, Treasurer, (22 years) . Henry Deibert, Janitor and Truant Officer, (19 j'-ears). The Alumni Association officers are : Rutherford T. Lebengood President Bertha M. Shoener Secretary Mildred M. Kepner Treasurer Our teachers are : Harry W. Smith, A. Grace Filler, Sup. Principal , Assistant Norman L. Stein Olivia M. Ketner Elsie M. Bagenstose Lottie M. Edwards Florence M. Shoener E. Blanche Rudy Sadie V. Shoener H. W. SMITH. INDUSTRIES Shoe Manufacturing THE history of the progress and development of the shoe manufacturing industr}' in Orwigsburg, beginning' with the organization of the Orwigs- burg Shoe Manufacturing Company in 1873, is the history of Orwigs- burg's industrial awakening. Enjoying no special advantages favorable to manufacturing, handicapped by poor railroad facilities up to 1889, when the Lizard Creek branch of the Lehigh A^alley Railroad was constructed, the steady growth of the industry under adverse conditions is little short of phenomenal. At a conservative estimate there were produced in the shoe factories during the 3'ear 1912 about one million, four hundred thousand pairs of children's shoes with an approximate ^•alue of $1,250,000.00. When coal supplanted agriculture as the most important industry in the Schuylkill Valley, resulting in the removal of the county seat to Pottsville, Orwigsburg was left with scarcely an excuse for existence. Business stagna- tion followed, and the population decreased for a time. Many ambitious yotmg men and whole families removed to Pottsville and other towns that offered larger opportunity. From 1861 to 1865 the Civil AA^ar levied heavy tribute on the best young manhood of the town, postponing for a few more years the day of its industrial new-birth. It is not to be supposed that the men whose energy and optimism gave to the town its first factor}^ were not moved to some extent by the promise of reward ; but it is certain that Solomon R. Moyer, Thomas Hoy and their as- sociates were men of "faith and vision," lacking not the public spirit that was needed to invest their capital in a new, untried and unfamiliar enterprise. They were pioneers, clearing the way for those who were to follow. Today, when Orwigsburg shoes are worn and appreciated in every state in the Union, we can well afford to acknowledge our debt of gratitude to the bold spirits who made it possible. It is fitting also that we bestow a word of praise upon the men who "commencing with a shoe string," working early and late, raising themselves "by their own boot straps," established businesses that stand upon the solid foundations of honesty and integrity and have become fixtures in the industrial life of the community. It would be an incomplete history of Orwigsburg's shoe m.anufacturing industry that failed to take into account one of the most important factors that has made for its success and permanency ; we refer to the character of the men and women employed. Honest, industrious, sober and thrifty, with higher moral standards than are usually found in factory towns, their characteristics are reflected in the goods they produce. It is significant that in forty years there has been neither strike nor lock-out — surely a tribute to the intelligence and reasonableness of employees and their co-operation with employers. In 1873 Solomon R. Moyer and Thomas Hoy leased the old Court House for a period of ninety-nine years and immediately organized the Orwigsburg Shoe Manufacturing Compan}' with the following officers : Solomon R. Moyer, President ; Charles Dengler, Vice President ; Thomas Ho}^, Treasurer, and John T. Shoener, Secretary. The factory system of shoe m.aking was then in its infancy and all the machinery was run by foot-power. The business was successful from the beginning. Hand methods slowly but sureh' gave way to improved machinery and ere the end of the first decade steam power had been inti-oduced in all the factories. After several years of practical experience new firms grew out of the parent concern. Successively factories were established by Thos. B. Zulick in 1875, Bickley & Anthony in 1878, Albright & Brown in 1880, Shoener & Co. in 1881, A. E. Brown & Co. in 1883, Beck, Haeseler & Co. in 1885, The Folmer Shoe Co. in 1889, Kepner, Scott and Co. in 1890, Eisenhuth & Miller in 1891, J. S. Zulick & Co. in 1893, The Reliable Shoe Co. in 1896, The Rehr Shoe Co. in 1899, Reed & Shappell in 1905, Rohrer & Co. in 1906, F. C. Gerber & Brother in 1911, Bickley-Walborn Mfg. Co. in 1911. Established upon a sound financial basis, with the prestige of a reputation built upon forty years of honest shoe-making, who shall say that the future of the industry is not brilliant with promise. The following are the firms now engaged in shoe manufacturing : The firm of H. S. Albright & Co., established in 1880, is a partnership consisting of H. S. Albright and George C. Diefenderfer. They manufacture misses', chilren's and infants' McKay sewed and Good3'ear Turn shoes, operat- ing two factories : At East Market Street, Orwigsburg and Landingville, Pa. The employees in both factories ninrber about one hundred and thirty-five, with a daily output of fifteen hundred pairs. Bickley-Walborn Mfg. Co., established 1911, is a partnership consisting of George H. Bickley, J. H. Walborn, Daniel Emerich and Albert Drumheller. They manufacture misses', children's and infants' McKay sewed and Goodyeai Turn shoes.. Twenty-two hands are employed in this factory with a daily out- put of two hundred-fifty pairs. A. E.Brown Shoe Co., incorporated 1910 with P. W. Fegley, President: Frank S. Brown, Secretary and Treasurer, and William B. Rudy as stock- holders. This business succeeded the partnership of A. E. Brown & Co., es- tablished in 1883, consisting of A. E. Brown and P. AV. Fegley. On the death of the former in 1904, Mr. Frank S. Brown, a brother, succeeded his interest. In 1910 the business was incorporated with the officers mentioned above They manufacture misses', children's and infants' McKay sewed and Good- year Turn shoes. About sixty-five people are employed, with an output of six hundred to eight hundred pairs a day. F. C. Gerber Shoe Co., a partnership, consisting of Frank C. Gerber and A. H. Hertzel, manufacture children's and infants' Goodyear Turn shoes They employ fifteen people, with a daily output of one hundred seventy-five pairs. The Kepner-Scott Shoe Co., incorporated 1907 with Alex Scott. Presi- dent ; W. C. Kepner, Secretary and Treasurer, and F. G. Woodington, Super- intendent, succeeded the firm of Kepner, Scott & Co., established in 1890. On the death of Mr. W. C. Kepner, in March, 1913, Miss Elsie M. Hartman waf. elected Secretary and Treasurer. They manufacture the "Kesco" Shoe in misses', youths', little gents', children's and infants' McKays and Turns. They employ about fifty hands, with a daily output of seven hundred and fifty pairs. A. M. Miller & Co., established in 1891, manufacture m.edium grades of misses', children's and infants' McKay sewed and Goodyear Turn shoes. About fifty hands are employed, with a daily production of six hundred pairs. The Rehr Shoe Co., established 1899, originally consisted of H. Y. Ger- hard, Thomas Shoener and George A. Rehr. On the death of Mr. Geo. A. Rehr in 1912, his interest was taken over by Morris L. Bagenstose. They manufacture misses', children's and infants' Goodyear Turns. About fifty people are employed, with a daily output of six hundred pairs. Reliable Shoe Co., established in 1896, originally consisted of O. S. Heist A. L. Reed, and R. E. Yeager as partners. On the retirement of Mr. Yeager in 1911, Jos. L. Ege and E. H. Reed were admitted into the firm. They manu- facture misses', children's and infants' Turns, McKays and Welts, for domes- tic and export trade. About fifty people are employed, with a daly output of seven hundred pairs. Rohrer Shoe Co., established 1906, is a partnership consisting of John M. Rohrer, Newton A. Deibert and Sadie A. Rohrer. They manufacture misses', children's and infants' Goodyear Turn shoes. About fifty-five people are em- ployed, with a dail}' output of five hundred and fifty pairs. Werner Shoe Co., established 1907, is a partnership consisting of John A. Werner, Sr., John A. AA'erner, Jr., and Harry H. Werner. They took over the business of Reed & Shappell, which had been estabh'sh'ed in 1905. They occupy a new two story factory building and manufacture misses', children's and infants' Turns and McKays, with a daily output of four hundred and fifty pairs. About thirty-five people are employed. J. S. Zulick & Co., a partnership, established 1893, originally consisted of John S. and Harry M. ZuHck. On the retirement of the latter, Lin B. Zulick was admitted into the concern, 'ihcy manufacture specialties in misses', children's and infants' McKay and Turn shoes, with a daily production of nine hundred pairs. About eighty people are employed. J. S. ZULICK. Knitting Mills The Orwigsburg Knitting Mill owned, by J. A. Scharadin, was estab- lished in 1893. It has a capacity of about one thousand dozen daily and em- ploys eighty-five people, making children's and ladies' underwear. The Excelsior Knitting Co. was established in November, 1912. The members of the firm are M. Schraer, J. lieim and E. L. Klock. They manu- facture ladies' union suits, Ideal Brand, and employ about fifteen people, hav- ing a weekly output of one hundred twenty-five dozen. The Rohrer Knitting Mill was established in September, 1912. It is owned by William Rohrer. He employs about twenty-five people, having a daily output of one hunderd eighty dozen. The Franklin Knitting Mill was established in 1596. M. H. Moyer and R. W. Moyer comprising the firm. They manufacture ladies' ribbed cotton underwear. About thirty-five people are employed by this firm and have a daily output of about two hundred dozen. The cigar factory of S. R. Kepner was estal^lished 1883. He manufac- tures the following well known brands of cigars : Honest Value, Countess, Lehigh Valley, Bouquet Special. Thirty-five people are employed and eight thousand five hundred cigars are made every day. His son, S. Clyde Kepner, conducts a well supplied tobacco and cigar store. There are three broom making establishments in town, which are oper- ated by Charles Miller, Kaufliman & Shocner and Calvin Faust. First National Bank of Orwigsburg The first move toward the organization of the First National Bank of Orwigsburg, Pa., was held July 29th, 1890, with Mr. P. J. Ferguson, Tempor- ary Chairman; Mr, John R. Leisenring, Temporary Treasurer; Charles Bow- man and John Shoener, Secretaries. The following permanent organization was effected : Alonzo P. Blakslee President H. S. Albright Vice President George W. Garrett Cashier These officers were annually elected to their respective positions for twenty years when, on the death of Alonzo P. Blakslee, September 27th, 1911, Mr. H. S. Albright was elected President and Mr. George C. Diefenderfer. A'ice President, which officers hold their positions at the present time. The bank opened for business on September 23rd, 1890, in the corner room of the old William Mover property, corner Wayne and Market Streets, with a capital of $50,000. They remained here until April, 1898, when they moved to their own building on Centre Square. Total deposits April, 1913 .$367,000 00 Total dividends paid 71,500 00 Present surplus and undivided profits 52,000 00 The following are the officers at the present time : H. S. Albright President George C. Diefenderfer Vice President George W. Garrett Cashier Maurice D. Walborn Teller Mr. Thom?iS B. Zulick has been the bank's Notary Public since its incep- tion. Building and Loan Association At the first public meeting for the purpose of organizing a Building and Loan Association, on the 13th of March, 1903, George C. Diefenderfer war made Temporary President and M. H. Moyer, Temporary Secretar}^. A per- manent organization was effected March 20th, 1903, and the following officers were elected : George C. Diefenderfer President A. M. Miller Vice President H. A. Weller Secretary M. H. Moyer Solicitor A charter was granted by the State, April 22d, 1903, and the authorized capital was made $700,000.00. The first meeting- for receiving dues was held May 26th, 1903, and payment was made on 495 shares. In May of each year a new series is opened and at the present time 1,142 shares are held by the people, and $92,512.61 has been loaned out. It is worthy of especial note that in the ten years of the Orwigsburg Building and Loan Association's existence, it has not been necessary' to take any action against an}' of its borrowers. The following hold office at the present time : George C. Diefenderfer President A. M. Miller Vice President H. S. Albright Treasvu-er George W. Garrett Secretary M. H. Moyer Solicitor FRATERNAL ORDERS Faith Temple No. 131, Ladies of the Golden Eagle FAITH Temple No. 131, L. of the G. E., was instituted November 14th, 1902, by Mrs. Mary E. Schollenberger, of Hamburg, and Mrs. Olivia Anthony, of Orwigsburg, members of Charity Temple No. 88, of Ham- burg, Pa. The charter members numbered 57. The first of@cers were : Past Templar, Mrs. Annie Bossier; Noble Templar, Mrs. Emma Miller; Vice Templar, Mrs. Ella Jacobs; Marshal of Ceremonies, Mrs. Minnie Fisher; Guardian of Records, Miss Lai. E. Lebengood ; Guardian of Finance, Miss Jennie Fessler; Guardian of Exchequer, Mrs. Emm.a Yeager ; Priestess, Miss Sadie Rohrer ; Prophetess, Mrs. Lizzie C. Fidler ; Guardian of Music, Mrs^ Estella Gerber ; Guardian of Inner Portal, Miss Kate Witman ; Guardian of Outer Portal, Miss Ida Miller; Trustees, Mrs. Annie Zulick, Mrs. Annie Bossier and Mrs. Bessie Unger. The meetings are held every Friday evening in Odd Fellows" Hall. Death benefits have been paid for five companions ($100 each) and $50 each for six husbands. Four dollars per week for ten weeks and two dollars thereafter sick benefits have been paid without default in a single instance. The present membership is almost 100 and the assets more than $1,000. The future of the Temple is assured, and the motto, Faith, Hope and Charity, is goading the members on to higher aims and purposes. Daughters of Rebekah Lavender Rebekah Lodge No. 49 was organized March i9th, 1903, by Mrs. Kate Dennis, D. D., President of Mahanoy City, assisted by a number of members from Mahanoy City and New Ringgold. Seventy-two sisters and fifty-four brothers were obligated as charter members. The first officers were as follows : N. G., Tevillia Raabe ; V .G., Ida Amon ; Secretary, Maggie L. Knepper, and Treasurer, Emma A. Yeager. The Rebekah Degree was conferred upon seventy-nine sisters and fifty- eight brothers, April 16th, 1903, by the degree staff of Hester R. Lodge No. 29, of Tamqua, Pa. Meetings are held weekly (Thursday evening) in Odd Fellov/s' Hall. The weekly and death benefits have been promptly paid. Appeals from insti- tutions connected with the I. O. O. F. have been responded to most liberally and in a spirit characteristic of true womanhood. The assets of the lodge are more than $1,200, and the present member- ship, 73 sisters and 29 brothers. F. and A. M. Schuylkill Lodge No. 138, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized June 7th, 1813. It is certainly a happy coincidence that with the Borough of Orwigsburg, in which it has held its regular meetings, it celebrates the one hundredth anniversary of its institution, in the month of June, 1913. The first officers were : Theophilus Hughes, W. M. ; Robert Scott, S. W., and Wm. Nice, J. W. The first meetings were held in Graeff's Hotel, now known as the Rising Sun. The next place where meetings were held was in one of the rooms of the old Court House. Meetings were held at this place until 1873. For a time it met in Odd Fellows' Hall, then in Fegley's Hall. A few years ago the Masons purchased the Kern building, on the third floor of which they have a hall not only artistic, but complete in all its appointments. The present officers are: E. Raymond Linder, W. M. ; Edward H. D. Reed, S. W. ; Harry W. Smith, J. W. ; Treasurer, H. S. Albright ; Secretary, Oscar D. Petery. Schuylkill Lodge has a membership of more than a hundred, and consists of representative citizens in all legitimate walks of life. Improved Order of Red Men Nay-Aug Tribe No. 140, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted July 11th, 1911. The first officers were: Sachem, Wm. E. Berger ; Senior Sagamore, Roy Kamp, Junior Sagamore, A. C. Moyer ; Prophet, Geo. Jacobs ; Chief of Records, F. C. Leymeister; Keeper of Wampum, Chas. Heisler. The Tribe meets in Fegley's Hall every Tuesday evening. Nay-Aug Tribe has a membership of 125 and financially is in good condition. The present ofificers are : Sachem., John T. Shoener ; Sr. Sagamore, J. M. Strause ; Jr. Sagamore, Chas. Morgan ; Prophet,' Howard News ; Chief of Records, F. C. Leymeister ; Collector of Wampum, D. H. Heist ; Keeper of Wampum,, Charles Heisler. The motto of the order is, "Freedom, Friendship and Charity." Nay- Aug Tribe is doing a great work in the community and by inculcating the broadest charity is helping many to be better citizens. That charity "which needs not to be sought, waits not for want to plead, but seeks the duty — nay, prevents the need." P. O. S. of A. On December 4th, 1867, a charter was granted to the Patriotic Order Junior Sons of America, of Orwigsburg. The charter members were: H. G. Kramer, John T. Shoener, Jere. Sterner, S. H. Garrett, Jonathan Smith, Philip Greiner, Chas. B. Bossard, Wm. F. Beyerle, Nathan Deibert, J. W. Deibert, Thomas Hoy, Thomas H. Zulick, John C. Beck, Dan F. Miller. Camp 86 was instituted in the "old Court House," January 7th, 1868. A. G. Hammer was the first Pesident ; John T. Shoener, Past President ; Thomas H. Zulick, Recording Secretary ; S. A. Garrett, Master of Forms and Ceremonies ; C. B. Bossard, Inner Guard. John T. Shoener and C. B. Bossard (the latter the only continuous member) are still members of the Carrlp. Camp 86, Patriotic Order Sons of America, was reorganized January 17th, 1870. Meetings are held every Tuesday evening in Odd Fellows' Hall. The Camp has been honored by four District Presidents, in the last ten years. The Camp is financially strong, and its sick and death benefits are large. Thousands of dollars have been paid and the wants of many sorrow stricken families relieved. Camp 86 has assumed full responsibility for the decoration of soldiers' graves on Memorial Day. The present officers are : Herman F. Ketner, President; Samuel Neiswender, Vice President ; H. G. Miller, M. of F. and C. ; John F. Krater, Recording Secretary; W. A. Dietrich, Financial Secretary; George W. Lindenmuth, Treasurer. Camp 86 has a very creditable history and with a large membership and a treasury to correspond, will continue in its good work of instilling patriot- ism, benevolence and sustaining and promoting at an)^ and all cost our public schools. Knights of Malta Bethel Commandery No. 319, Ancient and Illustrious Order Knights of Malta, was instituted February 28th in Orwigsburg, Pa., with 62, charter mem- bers. The order dates back to A. D. 1048, when it was established as a charit- able and religious order at Jerusalem. It is neither a national, political or sec- tarian association. The most ancient knightly order in existence, and is the legitimate descendant of the illustrious, religious and military order of the middle ages ; heir to its greatness, and fully endowed with all its ancient rites and ceremonies. The order is religious, fraternal, military arid beneficial. Bethel Com- mandery is only eleven years old, but stands high in the com.munity, and its membership, in common with the entire body of the order, is filled with loyalty and enthusiasm and full of confidence in the great future that is dawning upon the Knights of Malta in America. I. O. O. F, Grace Lodge No. 157 was organized March 19th, 1846. Charter mem- bers: A. D. Baum, John C. Rahn, Wm. F. Tyson, Michael Seltzer, Christian Seltzer, Samuel Bossard, Chas. A. Rahn, Daniel K. Graefif, Geo. D. Boyer, Andrew Deibert, Henry Ege, John Ege, Seth Leymeister, Geo. A. Fey, Wm. Biehl, Jacob Reinheimer, Henry Crowmiller, Daniel P. Moyer, Isaac Orwig, Jr. The first elective officers were : A. D. Baum, N. G. ; John C. Rahn, V. G. ; Wm. F. Tyson, Secretary; Michael Seltzer, Assistant Secretary; Christian Berger, Treasurer. The lodge meets every Saturday evening in Odd Fellows' Hall. The building is owned by the lodge and the hall is commodious and admirably adapted for lodge purposes. Grace Lodge has a membership of 250 and has 52 Past Grands. The degree team is second to none in our county. The present officers are : Chas. W. Reed, N. G. ; Wm. Berkheiser, V. G. ; A. H. Hertzel, Recording Secretary; George Wise, Financial Secretary; Chas. F. Rapp, Treasurer. Grace Lodge is not only well to do financially, but as an exemplar of "Friendship, Love and Truth" has no superior. Industrial Council No. 437, Order of Independent Americans Industrial Council No. 437 was instituted April 17th, 1890, as a subordi- nate Council of Jr. O..U. A. M., with 127 charter members. The first Councilor was Dr. E. K. Steckel. The Council seceded from the Jr. O. U. A. M. and be- came affiliated with the Order of Independent Americans on December 14th, 1904. The Council meets every Thursday evening in Fegley's Hall. Present membership, 360; honorary, 1. Assets, $13,860.64. The weekly benefits are $2.00 for first week's sickness, $5.00 per week thereafter as long as sickness or disability continues ; $200 for death of a member's wife ; $500 for death of a member, and $750 for a m.ember belonging to the Extra Benefit Class. The weekly and death benefits paid have relieved the wants and proved a blessing to many grief-stricken families. The present officers are as follows : Jr. Past Councilor, Adam C. Gerber ; Councilor, Irvin F. Scharadin; Vice Councilor, Clyde R. Thorn ; Recording Secretary, Harry F. Ketner ; Assistant Recording Secretary, Ray M. Bagenstose ; Financial Secretary, Morris L. Bagenstose ; Treasurer, Harry W. Shappell ; Conductor, John F. Bachman ; Warden, Howard N. Deibert ; Inside Sentinel, James Wilson ; Outside Sentinel, P. S. B. Krater; Chaplain, Dan F. Miller; Trustees, Dan F. Miller, C. E. Gerber and P. S. B. Krater. That Industrial Council No. 437 is in good hands is best attested by the condition of its treasury. Every young man connecting himself with an order so noble in principle and so liberal in case of sickness or death can count him- self fortunate indeed. JOHN T. SHOENER. GENERAL STORES ORWIGSBURG, for a town of its size, has good stores, well supplied to meet the demands of their patrons. All of them enjoy liberal patronage from the townsfolk and the people from the surrounding agricultural districts. The following conduct up-to-date stores, all of which handle a complete line of groceries, dry goods and notions : Wagner & Linder, C. W. Edwards, Geo. W. Paxson, S. D. Deibert, Andrew Heim, F. C. Leymeister, Mrs. S. Him^ melreich, and Fred. Shoener, who lately opened his store at the corner of Wayne and Mifflin Streets. Clothing — Shoes E. Ray Linder conducts an up-to-date furnishing shoe and clothing store on Centre Square, also making clothes to order. Edward Moore has recently opened a tailoring establishment in the room adjoining the old Court House, where he is doing a merchant tailoring busi- ness. George W. Werner has a fine, modern store at the eastern end of Centre Square, where he handles a full line of shoes, dry goods and notions and conducts a millinery store supervised by his wife. S. S. Weiss, of Pottsville, has recently opened a branch dry goods store in this town, conducted by Mr. Prince. Drug Stores There are two drug stores in Orwigsburg, both capable of filling pre- scriptions and supplying the public with necessary medicinal articles. The store of Dr. G. K. Binkley is located in the middle of the Square, while Dr. H. Y. Hartman is located on West Market Street. Meat Markets Mr. Albert Seltzer and Herbert Honsberger supply Orwigsburg with the meats necessary for the up-keep of the town's many workers. Green Groceries Orwigsburg is well supplied with green groceries conducted by Morris Reed, Wm. Douglass, Wm. H. Moyer, Jr., and Elmer Boyer, besides the produce which is huckstered by the farmers. Harness Maker Francis Yeager conducts a harness and saddler shop on East Market Street, being well fitted to do all kinds of repairing. Insurance Agencies Orwigsburg has four reliable fire insurance agencies: S. R. Kepner, R. W. Moyer, O. D. Petery and H. H. Brownmiller, while Mr. Reichert is the local agent for the Prudential Life Insurance Company. Messrs. H. H. Brownmiller and O. D. Petery are also Notaries Public and Justices of the Peace. Mr. Thos. B. Zulick is also a Notary Public. Confectionery and Stationery Herman G. Miller and Geo. W. Scheipe conduct well regulated confec- tionery and stationery stores, the former handling all the latest periodicals and is the news agent for Philadelphia and Pottsville papers. Mrs. S. Himmel- rich and Elvin Boyer also handle a fine line of confections. Restaurants Elvin Boyer and Herman G. Miller have modern restaurants capable of supplying the transient trade with meals. In conjunction therewith they con- duct ice cream parlors, serving the highest quality cream. Physicians Four physicians, viz : Dr. G. K. Binkley, Dr. H. Y. Hartman, Dr. E. L. Klock, Dr. H. W. Dechert have large practices in and about Orwigsburg, keep- ing them all very busy. These men are all very able practitioners and are well equipped to care for the sick. Attorney Mr. M. H. Moyer, the guardian of the town's legal interests and Solicitor for the Board of Poor Directors of Schuylkill County, is an able and efficient lawyer in •good standing at the Schuylkill County Bar. Dairies The town has many good and sanitary dairies, among which are those of Dan Berg, Jacob Bohrman, John Mengle, Wm. Schaefifer and Mr. D. Broscius. All excepting the former have regular routes which they traverse daily, giving their patrons pure milk and efficient service. Undertaking and Embalming Mr. C. E. Greenawald has established his business in this town for many years and has the confidence of the entire community. He is without compe- tition and has a wide field for his work, which he does very efficiently. Blacksmiths Two blacksmiths, Elmer Trout and Roger Trout, located at the rear of their West Market Street properties, find plenty of business to keep them occupied the entire year. George Bohn conducts a wheelwright shop on West Market Street. Hardware Stores Mr. J. H. Long has one of the most completely furnished hardware stores in this section of the state. He has lately established show rooms in the Odd Fellows' building and in Harlem. Hall, and is well fitted to do roofing and tin- smithing. Mr. John Adams has recently opened his new hardware store on Centei Square and although his business is in its infancy, he is enjoying a very liberal patronage. Dray Lines The numerous industries and stores of Orwigsburg require the services of first class dray lines. Joseph Raub and George Heim have teams operating between the Lehigh Valley R. R. at Orwigsburg and the P. & R. at Landing- ville, and the Pennsylvania at Adamsdale. In conjunction with this line Mr. Raub conducts a first class livery stable and also serves the residents of Or- wigsburg with pure spring ice. Dentist Dr. H. L. Erb, at his home on West Market Street, conducts a well equipped and well regulated dental parlor, where he is kept very busy. Veterinary Surgeon Dr. R. H. Fessler has recently located here and has established a large practice in town and through the agricultural sections, where the need of a good veterinarian was keenly felt. Dr. Fessler is capably filling this need. Painters The people of Orwigsburg, being of an enterprising turn of mind, like to see their homes attractive and consequently the large corps of painters is kept busy. Among the town's prominent painters and paperhangers are John Zimmerman, John Miller, George W. Jacobs and Wm. U. Freed. Plumber Mr. M. E. Campbell, the town's only plumber, is busy throughout the year attending to the people's wants. He has charge of the water works and does much work in fitting out houses with steam and hot water plants. Cobblers Owing to the knowledge that many of our men have of shoes and leather, the business of cobbling has become quite prominent. We have several men who are experts in shoe repairing, among them are : Geo. Orwig, John Yeager, Robert Kauffman and Morris Deibert. Implement Dealers The agricultural community in which we live, makes the implement busi- ness a profiitable one, and the farmers find good selections of farming imple- ments at the business places of J. H. Long and A. F. Kimmel. Mr. Kimmel is also the agent for the International Harvester Truck and the Mighty Michigan Automobile. Flour and Feed The S. R. Moyer Estate and Gerber Bros, are proprietors of the two flour and feed establishments in Orwigsburg. The many poultry fanciers in our town purchase much grain and make this business quite profiitable. Plaster and Concrete Mr. Michael Heine has carefully built up a business in masonry, plaster- ing and concrete which has given him the confidence of the public. Lately he has confined Ms attentions m.ore particularly to concrete work, having recently purchased a Kent concrete mixer to help him in his work. He contemplates purchasing a powerful truck to do his hauling. Contractor W. G. Kramer, a native of Orwigsburg, having thoroughly mastered the business of carpentering, has entered the field as a contractor and has recently erected and improved many houses. Among the other carpenters in our town are Daniel Miller, Charles Miller, Fred Heiser and Reuben Kemp. Bakery William Scharadin has a modem, well equipped bakery, where he pro- duces much material for the consumption of the townsfolk and people of the surrounding country. H. G. Miller also handles bread from the bakery of Michel, at Schuylkill Haven. Tonsorial Artists We have in our town two well established tonsorial pailors located on Center Square, under the management of Edward Bachman and John Jacobs. Both are well patronized and do very satisfactory work. Coal Dealers Owing to the proximity of our town to the anthracite real regions, we have several dealers who supply our residents with coal. An-'ong these are Charles Heisler, S. N. Reed, Joseph Raub and Frank Seltzer, the latter, how- ever, gets m.ost of his coal from the washeries along the Schnyll ill River and because of their being cheaper they are veiy acceptable to the people. Poultry Dealers Many of our people have taken a fancy to chickens, and in addition to having them as a diversion from their regular work, have trken to rrising them as a business, which they find quite profitable. They all keep pure strains of the best varieties of fowls and can therefore command a pure for their product. Among those who deal quite extensively in this line are J- H Long, Walter Kimmel, Paul Carnes and Harper Daniels; the fovr-er has added to his poultry farm a very large peach orchard from which he expects an immense crop this year. Newspaper The "Orwigsburg News," southern Schuylkill's only weekly newspaper, is published by Mr. Gus Samuel, who also does a big business in job printing, etc. Hotels There are four up-to-date hostelries in Orwigsburg. The Arcadian House, Harry Kneasel, proprietor, was in the early days of Orwi?sburg's his- tory, the Reifsnyder Tavern. The S.i.sing Sun Hotel, C. A. Fisher, proprietor, is also an old land-mark, having been the Graeff Tavern. Hotel Schall, D. R, Schall, proprietor, and the Harlem House, John Knarr, proprietor, are also very old establishments that have, since the early day, undergone considerable changes. These hotels are all well conducted and cater to large permanent and transient trade. Machinists There are two very efficient machinists, Val. Heiser, \\'est Mifflin Street, and Conrad Rudlofif, South Wayne Street, who are always kept busy keeping the many wheels of Orwigsburg's industries going round. Marble Cutter Air. D. Heist is a very skilled marble cutter and inscription carver. His yards are located on West Market Street. THE firm of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart, of Pottsville, Pa., takes great pleasure in extending congratulations to the citizens of Orwigsburg, Pa., upon their One Hundredth Anniversary, and may they live long and prosper in the future as they have in the past, and may the same cordial relations continue to exist between this firm and the good people of Orwigsburg as in years gone by are wishes of the Manager, C. Geo. Miller. This is not intended as an advertisement. It is only a friendly contribution to further the interests of our neighboring borough while celebrating their One Hundredth Anniversary which will take place on June 8th and will continue during the entire week, and if anything else that we can do for our friends to assist them in this great undertaking it will be our greatest pleasure. Sincerely yours, ■ DIVES, POMEROY & STEWART, June 8, 19:3. Potts\-ille, Pa. THE LIVE STORE We ask for your patron- age on merit only. CLOTHING, HATS and FURNISHINGS DOUTRICH & CO. North Centre Street, Pottsville. Kaufman's European Hotel Noted for their Salads and Deviled Crabs. D. KAUFMAN, Prop'r. Schuylkill Haven. 'If you deal else- where, we both lose. ' ' The Britton-Hoffman Co. You can pay cash or say "charge it." IT'S always been a hobby of ours — always been our aim — always one of the things we tried to "hammer home" into the people who are with us to serve you — always done our level best to impress it upon you, to prove it to you — always by the very looks of the store, the character, quality and value of the goods we offered you — always by the treatment, the terms, the insisting on you being entirely satisfied — that we offer yoti in all that stands jor satisjactory dealing and trading "Just a Little Bit Better than Anywhere Else" Furniture for any part of the home. Carpets any grade your floors may de- mand. St oves guaran- teed to cook, bake and heat. Clothing for any one of the family. Suits and Coats that will fit right and wear right. Go-Carts, Refrigera- tors Anything for the home. We have a fine large safe building right in the heart of the town— close to all railroad sta- tions—and all trolley "cars pass the door — Make it your headquarters when in town — you are AIvWAYS weltome heie You'll always find in addition to regular stocks — a big line of lamps and domes — a nice line of toilet sets and dishes— pretty pictures — lace curtains that are tasty — besides which we are headquarters for all national advertised articles and sole selling agents for a great many of them. 7 South Centre Street to 8 and lo South Second. The Britton-Hoffman Co. Pottsviiie, Pa. HATS FURNISHINGS Duffy & Connell Clothiers (The Store with a Conscience) Y. M. B. I. D. Corner Clothes Shop Pottsville JOHN T. DUFFY JOSEPH P. CONNELL *1-! fltai Miiiii liti "li^ '»■*■ ^^' inv NUti iwi L Hummel's Sons Pottsville, Penna. Established 1874 50,000 Sq. Ft. Floor Space YOU are cordially invited to call and inspect Schuylkill County's largest and best HOME FURNISHING store where you will find on display the finest line of articles for the home ever gathered together in this section of the state. Travelers of wide experience tell us that this is a wonderful store, the immensity of its stock and the remarkable variety and exceedingly wide price range, the convenience and beauty of the display rooms, together with its competent and courteous salesmen make this store unique among furniture houses of the state. QUALITY— We use the ut- .most care to offer only such merchandise as we know to be well worth the price we ask. We buy only from reputable manufacturers, and our system of thorough inspection guards against the posibility of defective merchandise reaching our cus- tomers. PRICE — Next to Quality is the most important feature with us. We much prefer to undersell than to be undersold — and we are proud of our reputation for selling m.erchandise of real qual- ity for less than any other repu- table house in the entire state. We are the Sole Agents for "Kenyon Take Down House The portable Bungalow with one to eight rooms. »> Stop in and see the display on our main floor. T. D. BERGEN Best line of House Furnishings Undertaking a Specialty 300=310 South Centre St. Pottsville. Don't Buy a Suit with a Cotton Lining The suit might wear but what good is a suit when the lining is in rags? VVe are mighty particular about our linings, we insist on all wool materials and serviceable alpacas. In every case you'll find that they match the fabrics perfectly and they'll wear just as long as the suit does, and bear in mind we guarantee our all wool suits to last a long time. $8.00 to $15.00 DROBEL & HOFFMAN 116 North Centre St., Pottsville. DOWNS, THE DRUGGIST Rexall Store IN BUSINESS FOR YOUR HEALTH SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. We Please Others We Can Please You Have your GROCERIES and DRY GOODS delivered by our motor truck to your door. Orwigsburg delivery every Wednesday. Both Telephones. P. T. HOY & SONS CO. Schuylkill Haven. W. Q. KRAMER ORWIQSBURQ Contractor and Builder Lumber and Building: Material, Sash, Doors and Blinds. Metal Ceiling, Asbes= tos and Metal Shingles. Estimates given on short notice. E. Q. Underwood RELIABLE CLOTHIER Merchant Tailor and Furnisher ft. Schuylkill Haven Prospective Piano Buyers We have a large stock of PIANOS AND PLAYER PIANOS. Whether it is- style at $175.00, or our better styles at $500.00. Write for catalogues and prices. GRIM BROS. Some Day YOU WILL SURELY OWN A VICTROLA. Right Now We have every Victrola style in stock, whether it is a $15.00 or $200.00 Victrola. Write for catalogues and terms. Victrola XI, $(00 Grim Bros. Bell Telephone 131 J. 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