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| This page will feature businesses from the past located in Schuylkill Haven. Businesses and their stories will be added regularly. Where possible, pictures will be provided along with advertising memorabilia from each business. |
| LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 15 |
| DEPRESSION ERA ARTICLES JUST ADDED : COLDREN KNITTING MILL MOVES INTO ITS NEW BUILDING, AIR-O-MATIC STOKERS ARE MADE ON LIBERTY STREET, FELIX DEPARTMENT STORE GOES OUT OF BUSINESS WITH AN INTERESTING HISTORY INCLUDED, BRICK PLANT IS SOLD WITH ITS HISTORY INCLUDED, A LIST OF HOMES BUILT BY THE PROLIFIC PAUL NAFFIN AND ONE OF THE TOWN'S OLDEST BUSINESSES IS RAZED TO MAKE ROOM FOR A MODERN NEW GROCERY STORE |
| This listing appeared in the Pottsville Republican on May 19, 1888 offering a roster of businesses paying mercantile taxes in Schuylkill Haven. Below the chart are examples of advertising pieces from some of those businesses. |
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| Pottsville Republican of October 6, 1887 NEWSPAPER SUSPENSION It was with feelings of regret that we read the announcement in that paper this morning of the suspension of the Schuylkill Haven "Enterprise", a newspaper venture in which our esteemed young friend, George F. Dengler embarked about two years ago. Mr. Dengler and his partner, Mr. Boyer, have labored in season and out of season during this lapse of time to give our neighboring borough a credible representative weekly local paper and they succeeded well in their part, but the business community failed in doing their share, hence the failure. The plant will remain in Schuylkill Haven and the job printing business continued. We sincerely hope the people of that handsome little borough will wake up to a realization of their loss and the publication of the "Enterprise" will soon be resumed. |
| The demise of Schuylkill Haven's only newspaper of the day...and then a new venture... |
| Pottsville Republican of June 9, 1888 PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY RENOVATED The photograph gallery of Harry S. Deibert has been renovated and placed in order so as to compare with any in the county. All modern instruments and appliances are used so as to be at the front of his art. It is a picture of neatness being on the ground floor, with a large lawn in back of it which is arranged in a miniature park with trees, flowers, rustic benches and lattice work where he makes a specialty of taking groups and those who desire pictures of a romantic nature. The lightning flash photograph is a new addition whereby he can take pictures at night. A visit to his gallery is a study in this beautiful art. |
| Pottsville Republican of November 20, 1885 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S POPULAR HOTEL Two attempts have been made to sell the Washington Hall property here, but it has again been adjourned by the trustee for causes to the public unknown. Attorney Gerber represents the trustee and Attorney Weidman, the heirs of the estate of the late Philip Koons. The present landlord of the property is Colonel Charles D. Gold, who came to this place from Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, and made this hotel what it now is, one of the best and most reliable hotel stands in this section of the state and whoever succeeds him will find a fine trade and with equal ability the same can be held. Colonel Gold leaves this place for Phoenixville in April next, where he has secured a permanent stand and judging from his success here, where he made a first class stand out of one that had been almost abandoned and gone to wreck. He will surely succeed anywhere. Our Phoenixville neighbors will find in Colonel Gold a good citizen, a man devoted to the cause of education and one who can give satisfaction to any reasonable sojourner, traveler or local customer. Schuylkill Haven will only feel their loss when he is once away. |
| Pottsville Republican of January 2, 1886 SALE OF WASHINGTON HALL The old and well known hotel, "The Washington Hall", at Schuylkill Haven, was put up for the fourth time at public sale this week and was finally struck off to Mr. Henry Zimmerman of that place, at the low figure of six thousand dollars. The property has been in the hands of the Koons family for more than twenty five years. It is the best located and most commodious hotel building in our neighboring borough and with proper repairs and a good landlord will do a large business. |
| Pottsville Republican of September 25, 1886 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BANK On the subject of a new bank in that town, the Schuylkill haven Enterprise of this morning says: the Enterprise has been persistent in its efforts to awaken an interest among our businessmen and citizens of the need and convenience of a bank located in our midst. The suggestions as to the wants of our town in this particular, were widely copied by exchanges and today we point with pride to the fact that a movement has been inaugurated towards the establishment of a banking institution. A preliminary meeting of the businessmen was held at the Washington Hotel, at which five of the Directors of the Bank of America, Philadelphia, were present. They were Louis E. Pfeifer, President, R. W. Cline, Cashier, J. B. Wiswell, C. L. Work and J. J. McFarlane, Directors. They fully explained the branch bank system which is made a special feature of this well managed and prosperous bank. Those present were favorably impressed and at once resolved themselves into a meeting, electing Dr. H. N. Coxe as Chairman and George F. Dengler as Secretary. It was then suggested that the chairman appoint a committee of nine, whose business shall consist of gathering subscriptions for stock, select a banking building and suggest the names of suitable officers for the branch bank. The following committee were announced: C. A. Meck, Chairman, Charles Wiltrout, F. J. Simon, William D. Kline, Robert Jones, George E Hoffman, H. Berger and dr. D. Dechert. The next meeting is called for Tuesday, October 5th, when all persons interested in banking facilities in our town, whether it be that you desire stock or merely deposit accommodations, are asked to be present and hear more of the system of the proposed branch bank. |
| Pottsville Republican of October 16,1886 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S BANK The prospect for starting a bank at Schuylkill Haven has taken on quite a boom the past week. A meeting of the citizens was called for Tuesday evening last and a large number were present and ready for business. A committee consisting of Messrs. Charles A. Meck, Robert Jones, F. J. Simon and Charles Wiltrout was appointed to receive subscriptions for stock and to report Tuesday next at Metamora Hall at 8:00 p. m. when the foundation of the institution will be determined upon. |
| Following are two articles regarding the sale of Washington Hall, the premier hotel in town at the time. |
| A new bank is planned and established in Schuylkill Haven...... |
| Pottsville Republican of December 9, 1889 A NEW DAILY PAPER The "Schuylkill Haven Gazette" makes the following announcement, "Commencing with Monday next we will begin the publication of an afternoon edition which will be circulated in Schuylkill Haven, Cressona, Orwigsburg and throughout the whole lower section of Schuylkill County. The increasing popularity of our town demands it and the accommodation of advertisers must be taken into consideration. The daily issue will be a five column folio and will contain a summary of all telegraphic matters, reported for this paper by the Associated Press and also all local events of interest. The management of the Gazette have made all necessary arrangements to give its readers a good spicy daily paper. |
| Pottsville Republican of March 7, 1895 BUSINESS REPORT Schuylkill Haven industries are well worthy a note. The shoe factory and knitting mills give employment to several hundred men, women and boys and all are extraordinarily prosperous. We have already referred to Berger, Brown and Company's shoe factory. Here women's misses and children's shoes are turned out in excellent style and pattern and in great quantities. There are five knitting mills. That of Harrison Berger and Son is located at the old flour mill on Dock Street. J. F. Bast's establishment in on Berne Street and starts up Monday and works until Saturday night without shutting down steam as they work two shifts. Daniel Sharadin's mill is near Columbia Street near Canal. J. F. Thompson and Company's works are on Margaretta Street and E. H. Baker is running a big plant on a small street off of Saint John Street. The latest acquisition is Keller Shoemaker and Company whose new mill just started up this week. It is located on Prospect Hill and is fitted up with all the latest machinery. All the factories make underwear and one makes fast black hose. The capacity of these five mills is nearly five thousand shirts a day. The shoe factory and the knitting mills use immense quantities of paper boxes and this gives prosperity to W. F. Doherty's big box factory. Yes, Schuylkill Haven is forging ahead and that too without much brass band business. |
| The Call of February 12, 1898 A PORTABLE WASHERY Hiester C. Boyer and John H. Phillips of Pottsville put men to work this week at the lower end of the town to reclaim coal washed into the Schuylkill River from the collieries situated along its tributaries. The scheme they are about to adopt is an original one. It is proposed to build a large scow upon which they will erect screens and shutes to separate the coal from the silt and the assort it into different sizes and then deposit it on the river's bank. The screens will be run by an engine propelled by steam supplied by a boiler, all of which will be erected upon the scow. A soon as the coal is removed from the river bed in the vicinity, the scow will be transported to a point farther south and operations will be again resumed and so on until the coal in the entire length of the river, a distance of one mile, is removed in this way. This firm has secured a lease for all the land owned along the river from the Graver Hotel to a point about one mile south. The culm is deposited from six to eight feet in the river bed and it is estimated that millions of tons of coal will be reclaimed by this method, every pound which will find ready sale to local consumers, which will bring handsome returns for the investment. This novel washery can be operated at little expense. |
| The Call of October 5, 1900 NEW WASHERY IN OPERATION - Improved Apparatus Now in Use to Abstract The new coal washery now in operation in the Schuylkill River at Quarlie Point, the foot of Canal Street, this place, is attracting large numbers of spectators daily. The apparatus was built and is owned by Mr. James Ammon, a retired coal merchant of Reading. Mr. Ammon's purpose is to abstract the coal from the dirt and culm now forming the bed of the river. The deposit of culm is from thee to six feet in depth and is known to contain a large percentage of the very best free burning coal. To accomplish this purpose, a scow fourteen by twenty five feet in size has been constructed and on this is placed the machinery, which consists of a powerful and latest improved suction pump, operated by an eighteen horsepower engine. A twenty four horsepower boiler furnishes the steam. Sieves and other necessary fixtures are also placed aboard the scow. A six inch hose attached to the pump extends down into the mass of water, dirt and culm and all substances less than six inches in size in close proximity to the opening are drawn up through the hose and deposited in a revolving screen or sieve, with meshes of four different sizes, which separates the buckwheat, pea, nut, and stove coal. From the screen the coal drops into bins below, from which it is removed by workmen and carried to the shore in boats specially built for that purpose. The water, sand and other fine dirt separated from the coal is caught up by a trough at a point under the screens and run off the rear of the scow into that part of the river already gone over by the hose. The scow, which is moved by means of ropes on shore, seesaws across the stream, making its own course and each time advancing about ten feet. It is Mr. Ammon's intention to traverse the river up to the Columbia Street covered bridge. The pump has a daily capacity of one thousand tons and it is expected that that amount of material handled will give a daily yield of about 125 tons of coal, nearly all of which he expects to ship to other points. He will do some retailing. The first trial of the apparatus was made on Wednesday morning and proved entirely successful. |
| The Call of October 19, 1900 THE SCOW SANK An unfortunate occurrence put a temporary halt to the operations of the new coal washery in the Schuylkill River at the foot of Canal Street, this place. Last Friday evening, shortly before the suspension of he day's work, the scow suddenly sank, but fortunately the water at that point was only about two feet deep and the valuable machinery aboard was not submerged. It was supposed that the scow had been built sufficiently large to carry the weight of the heavy machinery. Instead of floating, as had been supposed, the scow had been simply resting on the deposit of culm covering the bottom of the river. Large quantities of the culm surrounding the scow had been removed by the pump and the scow, losing its support, went down. Mr. Ammon, the proprietor, is having another scow constructed, twenty by thirty three feet in size, which is calculated large enough to sustain the enormous weight. The operations up to the time of the accident had been very successful. |
| The Call of February 13, 1903 CAFE KAUFMAN Douglas Kaufman has given Schuylkill Haven something for which there has been a crying need for several years - a first class restaurant, where meals can be obtained at all hours and where the finest beers, wines and liquors obtainable can be had. Café Kauffman opened on Saturday last and has been enjoying a trade that is very gratifying to its proprietor. The café is located in the Kaufman building on Main Street, between Saint John and Saint Peter Streets. The bar and lunch rooms are on the ground floor. They are painted and papered in green and white, while the handsome fixtures are of antique quartered oak floor and is fitted with a coal range and a gas range both of the latest and most approved patterns. On the second floor are two public dining rooms and a private dining room, all beautifully carpeted and handsomely furnished with pretty pictures on the walls and lace curtains on the windows. The café is lighted throughout by electric light. It contains every modern requisite for the comfort and speedy service of its guests. It is understood that the formal opening will take place on the seventeenth and that a chicken and waffle supper will be served. |
| The article at right denotes the opening of "Cafe Kaufman in Schuylkill Haven. The ad above appeared on the front page of "The Call" regularly after the grand opening. The article below relates the eventful grand opening |
| The Call of May 8, 1903 IT WAS A PUT UP JOB - The Street Fight Precipitated by a Gang of Toughs The unfortunate street fight on Main Street on Tuesday night of last week has been he subject of a thorough investigation upon the part of Douglass Kaufman, the proprietor of Kaufman's Café. Mr. Kaufman was holding his opening, and his restaurant was crowded with patrons, most of them personal friends, many of whom had come from a distance to aid in the making the affair a success. The Schuylkill Haven Drum Corps,engaged for the occasion, were playing in front of the café, when suddenly there was an attack upon the assembled crowd in the street, which was ended in a few moments by prompt and decisive action upon the part of those standing by. Mr. Kaufman was busy in his cellar getting out supplies and knew nothing of the disturbance until it was over and at no time was there any disturbance in the café. Mr. Kaufman is reliably informed that a crowd of young fellows came down from Pottsville with the avowed purpose of creating a row. They were not intoxicated but were bent upon mischief and kept up their tactics until the disturbance resulted. No one deplores the affair more than Mr. Kaufman, although he realizes he is not open to censure in the matter as it was something for which he is not responsible and could not control. Mr. Kaufman's sole idea in locating here has been to give this town the benefit of a restaurant that is first class in all of its appointments and where an appetizing meal may be had at any hour and he believes the community will support him in the maintaining of such a model establishment. |
| The Call of May 27, 1904 DRUG STORE CHANGES HANDS Wellington Hartman last week sold the Gem Pharmacy to G. I. Bensinger, who has been his clerk for a number of years. Mr. Bensinger graduated with honors from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1886 and has been practicing his profession ever since. He is one of the most popular young men in the town and his success is assured. Mr. Hartman has for some time been manufacturing specialties for the drug and liquor trades and has recently established a wholesale liquor house and he retires from the retail drug business in order to more fully devote his time to the manufacture and sale of his specialties, which have already won a statewide reputation and by merit alone are pushing their way into all the surrounding commonwealths. |
| The building at 104 East Main Street has been home to a pharmacy since 1891. Below is the first of varying information about the tenants of that building. |
| The Call of September 11, 1914 WILL CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY Tonight there will be celebrated an interesting event in the town's business section. It will be the tenth anniversary of one of our most enterprising young businessmen, namely, E. G. Underwood. Today it is just ten years since this businessman, as manager for the Doutrich and Company store, opened for business in Schuylkill Haven. In that time he has not only developed a most uptodate gent's furnishing store but has set a standard for suc- cessful businessmen in our town. Ten years ago, this burg was, so far as its businessmen were concerned, at a standstill. Shortly after the arrival of Mr. Underwood in the town, his uptodate business ideas and public spiritedness began to make itself felt in many direc- tions. Other businessmen began to see their opportunities which they were leaving slip by for making this a livelier and busier town. They began to pursue different tactics and to the credit of this one man, it must be said the town took on a new life. In the ten years he has been in Schuylkill Haven he and his work has been an incentive for bigger and better things which have done much to advance the town. The steady and vigorous growth of the clothing store with which for two years he was con- nected as manager, and for six and one half years as a member of the firm Doutrich and Company, and for the last year and a half as proprietor, is due to the splendid service, sound business judgement and honest and straight forward business methods employed. This store, as it stands today in appearance and the ready response of the people, the large increase in volume of business, fully attest that Mr. Underwood has proven himself a most thorough and efficient businessman. A man capable of knowing just what the people need and should have and a man who has not hesitated in beginning at the very first stage, i. e. creating the desire to be clothed in stylish and well fitting and up to the minute clothes and then supplying the demand. The store has become the most popular among the men and boys of this town ans the surrounding community. Mr. Underwood came to Schuylkill Haven from Gettysburg where he was employed in the store of Weaver and Son. As manager for Doutrich and Company the store had a depth of seventy five feet. This later was increased by forty feet. After a few years the merchant tailoring feature was added to the line of gents clothing and furnishings. Later almost two complete floors were occupied instead of one. Only last year the store was further enlarged for the accommodation of a Ladies Department of coats, suits and furs. It is in celebration of the ten years Mr. Underwood has been in business in Schuylkill Haven that he has arranged for an anniversary. Mr. Underwood fully is cognizant of the fact that it is to the public to whom is due the greater portion of credit for his success, as it was by their patronage that the present business has prospered and grown to such an extent. In view of this fact he extends a cordial invitation to everyone to attend the anniversary ceremonies which will be held tonight, Friday, September 11th. |
| At left is a bottle of "Old Virginia Bitters" supplied by Wellington Hartman of Schuylkill Haven. This rare bottle commands a premium price. At right is an ad from the Call newspaper for one of his concoctions. |
E. G. UNDERWOOD
The insatiable demand for houses and the prospects of Schuylkill Haven's prosperity for some time to come have created somewhat of a real estate boom and the new addition to the town opened by Messrs. Saul and Stanton appears to be the favored location. Within the past week three of the finest building sites have been sold and the purchasers expect to build in the spring. This is one of the most desirable locations in the town, being high and dry, with pure air and a splendid natural drainage and is within easy reach of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the trolley, while it is only a five minutes walk from the center of town. |
| Schuylkill Haven was considered a prosperous town in the county and area one hundred years ago and the real estate business flourished. The article at the left from the Call of November 3, 1905 made a regular appearance in the paper along with the plot plan at right as seen in the August 4, 1905 edition. The plot plan shows available lots on what is now Centre Avenue, Stanton Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. |
FINE BUILDING SITES
| Owning an automobile in 1912 was considered quite different then it is today. Below is an article listing all auto owners in Schuylkill Haven. This type of listing appeared at various times throughout the year. The Call of July 19, 1912 LIST OF LOCAL AUTO OWNERS The following is a list of automobile owners in Schuylkill Haven and the name of the car. There are forty nine automobiles, six of this number are trucks. Last year there were twenty eight machines in town or an increase in one year of twenty one machines. It is quite likely before the season is over this number will be increased to a still larger number as there are quite a few persons who expect to purchase a machine this year. The Ford and Cadillac machines seem to be the favorites with the local drivers, there being an equal number of each make in the town, eleven Cadillacs and eleven Fords. H. R. Heim Cutting Joseph Michel Cadillac Samuel Rowland Cadillac Frank Heim Inter-State Carl Bitzer Buick George H. Michel National O. O. Bast Ford Charles Michel Cadillac Howard Stager Maxwell George A. Berger Cadillac George Saul Cadillac W. Hartman Ford Jacob Reed Cadillac Mrs. Charles Sheaf Buick Dr. L. D. Heim Overland Charles Faust Cadillac D. D. Coldren Ford Dr. J. A. Lessig Ford Dr. A. H. Detweiler Ford F. B. Keller Inter-State John Ebling Ford Rev. E. H. Smoll Buick Edward Borda Maxwell T. J. Davis Ford Daniel Greenwald Ford Thomas Berger Cadillac John Berger Cadillac William Kramer Cadillac Blaine Sharadin Maxwell William Stitzer Ford Irwin Becker Ford Herbert Baker Buick William Killian Studebaker Daniel Kramer Rambler Frank Runkle Buick Saul and Zang Modern Truck George Long Buick Sam Sausser Rambler Walter Meck Everett W. H. Moyer Overland Harry Dohner Flanders John Dohner Ford Jacob Berger E. M. F. Mrs. D. Dechert Buick J. Harry Filbert Cadillac P. T. Hoy and Sons Chase Truck Michel Brothers 1 Mack truck, 2 Modern Trucks |
| The Call of August 6, 1920 TEARING DOWN ONE OF TOWN'S OLDEST FACTORY BUILDINGS During the week, the frame rear portion of the Hoffman Knitting Mill was being torn down by the contractor preparatory to the construction of a brick addition to this plant. The frame portion to be demolished is probably one of the town's oldest factory buildings, having been built and used by Francis Warner as a shoe factory. It has for years been used as a factory building, both as a shoe factory and underwear mill by different firms. The excavating adjoining the present Hoffman Mill continues, a sufficient depth not having been reached yet. On this site will be constructed a three story brick factory building. The present mill will have another brick story placed on it. When completed, the Hoffman Mill will be entirely of brick of a size 110 feet in depth and 50 feet frontage, three stories in height and a basement. For some time three buildings have been used by Mr. Hoffman for his knitting mill, namely the Margaretta Street mill, the mill across the street, formerly the candy factory and the building formerly occupied by A. H. Kline as a factory. It is proposed to have all the operations conducted in the new building when completed. |
| The Call of December 12, 1919 TOWN HAS LARGEST GARAGE IN COUNTY The automobile garage on West Main Street of Berger and son is about completed and ready for occupancy by ninety autos. This is the number of machines that can be accommodated in this building. Already some thirty machines have had reservations made for them by their owners. The garage as was stated in these columns some time ago is the largest one floor garage in Schuylkill County. It is 68 feet wide with a depth of 148 feet. The placing of iron girders made it possible to erect the building without the use of supports or posts at different parts of the floor. This affords an unobstructed floor space of unusual size and will greatly facilitate the handling of cars and make it possible for auto owners to take out and put back again their car with greater ease. The garage is fireproof in its entirety. In addition to the same being a garage, the owners will carry a complete line of auto tires and all kinds of accessories. A gasoline and air tank will also be installed. It is planned to have a formal opening of the garage in the very near future at which time a band is to be present to furnish music for those who may wish to dance. A demonstration will also be given of the Overland and Cole Eight autos which this firm is agent for. |
| The following two articles herald the big news of a new auto garage in Schuylkill Haven.... |
| The Call of March 5, 1920 TO HAVE COMPLETELY EQUIPPED MACHINE SHOP In addition to the George A. Berger and Son building on west Main Street being one of the roomiest garages in the county, it will also be a modern and first class equipped machine shop, where it will be possible to procure prompt auto repairs of the cost complicated nature and all kinds of general repairs. The motors, lathes and other machinery has arrived and will be set up the coming week. There will be several machinists employed. One of the machinists will begin work the coming week. He is George Blew, formerly foreman of the Serfas Motor Car Company of Pottsville. There are some sixty five automobiles stored in this garage at present. There remains but a small part of the floor space to be concreted. Work on this will begin the coming week. |
| The Call of July 11, 1919 SECOND BATHING BEACH OPENED Schuylkill Haven now has two bathing beaches, in addition to the "Dock" and several other swimming places. The second bathing beach to be officially opened was that at Bittle's Dam which took place on Monday evening. The Bressler Band was present and rendered a concert the early part of the evening. Many bathers were present and enjoyed the cooling off and quite a large number of onlookers were also on the job. Mr. Spotts, the owner of the beach has had the dam cleaned out and the dam breast raised so that a good depth of cool fresh spring water is obtainable. A large bath house has been erected and ten dozen bathing suits purchased so that all persons wishing to bathe can be accommodated. |
| The Call of July 16, 1920 GIRL CAME NEAR DROWNING Mildred, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Meck, narrowly escaped drowning at Killian's on Wednesday evening. She with her brother Charles were enjoying themselves when suddenly she went under. Charles promptly called for help. There were no adult persons in the vicinity and Miss Mary Lessig, daughter of Dr. J. A. and Mrs. Lessig, who was nearby and had been enjoying the bathing came to the rescue. Nothing but a bubble on the water's surface could be seen. She dove at the point where the bubbles were noticed and struck the body. Upon coming to the surface she quickly made known her finding. By this time there was considerable commotion and excitement. Mr. Harry Sterner of Centre Avenue, who happened to be walking along the dam, as soon as he learned of the facts, threw off his hat and fully dressed dove in under and brought the girl to the surface. As soon as the air was reached the child sort of regained consciousness and with a little effort was soon out of danger although her face was very blue when rescued and it was feared her rescuer came too late. She was taken to the home of her parents on Saint Peter Street in an automobile and put to bed. Outside from suffering from shock she appears none the worse for her narrow escape from drowning. |
| The Call of September 16, 1927 NEW BUILDING ON OLD LANDMARK One of the oldest buildings in Schuylkill Haven is soon to be razed and on its site will be erected two pretty and very modern dwelling houses. The building that will be razed is the Voute-Filbert-Keller-Call Building. It is known by any one of these names by reason of it having at one time been owned by the first three and for twenty five or more years, and up until several years ago occupied by The Call. The building will be razed by Contractor Canfield. Work of demolition was begun in a small way this week. The steam shovel will be put on the job shortly and although strongly constructed and in the good old manner of building, it is expected it will be down in a very short time. With the building will also be removed a number of trees, one in particular, a horse chestnut tree, on the premises is over a hundred years of age. Messrs. F. B. Keller and H. E. Snayberger will have built upon the site a very modern double two and one half story dwelling house. It will be of the Foxcraft stone. This is the same stone as the Strunck Memorial Hall is built. The building will be several feet above the grade of the street and will face on Dock. At each side of the building will be a large porch, one to face on Main Street and the other toward Spring Garden. There will be one main entrance to the building which will be off of Dock Street. There will also be driveways. The style of architecture will be on the Colonial style. The contract for the construction of this building was recently let to Burton E. Cooper of Port Carbon. The architect is Harry Maurer of Reading. When the new building is completed it will be occupied by Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Keller and Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Snayberger. Its completion will probably mark the beginning of building alterations and operations on a large scale at the First National Bank of which Mr. Keller is president. The space used as living quarters now occupied by Mr. Keller in the bank building is to be used for the banking space and the new banking building is to be of the most modern in style and design. |
| The Call of August 1, 1919 BATHING BEACH TO BE ENLARGED There are big things booked for Schuylkill Haven in the way of a bathing beach and amusement park by next summer. The same will be the outcome of the extension of Willow Lake on Garfield Avenue which has already become a most popular resort, not only for local persons but for many people from other towns. The proprietor, Joseph Killian, has decided to enlarge the present bathing beach and provide the public with a regular New Jersey seashore resort. The only thing that will be lacking is the salt water. The dams are to be increased in size and work on this will be commenced early in September. The entire length of the dams will be 585 feet. The width at the lower breast or widest point will be 240 feet and at the upper end 130 feet. It will be made twelve and one half feet in depth at and near the dam breast. Although making the beach large in size to accommodate many persons and deeper to please some of the more daring ones, Mr. Killian is cognizant of the youngsters pleasure as well, and for their special pleasure is going to provide and set apart a space of 140 feet by 52 feet which will be concreted and will be from two and a half to three and a half feet in depth. A stem shovel will be used for the purpose of deepening the dam. Not only is the bathing feature to be given attention but the pleasure and recreation features outside of bathing are to be provided for. These in the form of a park. Below the dam breast there is to be made a park 500 feet in length and 150 to 250 feet in width. On this space will be planted shade trees in large numbers. A pavilion to be used for dances and band concerts is to be erected. A pavilion or building that will house a merry go round and other indoor amusements is to be erected. Several slides and swings for the children will also be built as well as other outdoor park amusements. Tables and benches will be placed for the convenience of picnic parties and private persons wishing to take their meals in the park. All these things are provided for in the plans and blueprints that have been drawn up for the improvement of this place and the work is to be commenced early in September. Marlin Scott of Pottsville, who for years was one of the managers at the Tumbling Run resort is affiliated with Mr. Killian in this latter feature. Building plots have also been laid out at the dam, there being twenty two on the north side of the dam and twelve on the south side. Eight of these lots have already been sold and the owners intend on erecting bungalows thereon. Several will begin erection of the buildings this year. |
| The articles below all relate to the swimming pool at Willow Lake, originally owned by the Killian family. |
| This truck and two teams of horses were used by Joseph Killian who operated the ice business at Killian's Dam in the Willow Lake area of town. He also operated the swimming pool that was located there. |
| The Call of October 7, 1927 PUTTING IN SIDE TRACK TO WASHERY A side track or siding to the Manbeck Washery is being placed by the Reading Company. In order to provide a A side track or siding to the Manbeck Washery is being placed by the Reading Company. In order to provide a slag and cinder is being taken from the Rolling Mill property. This in turn will make this piece of land more necessary fill to the washery which is very near the end of Canal Street or Parkway, a fill of four feet consisting of desirable as building lots. The placing of the side track to the washery will make it possible to load the coal for shipment at the washery instead of trucking it to the coal chute near the Union Knitting Mill. It will in turn also eliminate the condition at this point sometime complained of by pedestrians, namely, that of the pavement over which the trucks passed of being covered with mud. |
| The Call of June 14, 1929 D. M. BITTLE'S MORGUE FINEST IN THIS LOCALITY The morgue and embalming parlors of Undertaker D. M. Bittle of Schuylkill Haven are without a doubt the most modern and up to date in this section of Pennsylvania. One usually thinks or possibly speaks of a morgue as a place only to be visited by the undertaker and the dead and the mention of the word results in chills creeping up and down one's back. However, modern methods used in caring for and preparing the dead for burial have relieved this phase of the work of its so called horrors. A visit to the morgue of Mr. Bittle can be made without the slightest fear of being unnerved. This because he has provided a large space for modern equipment and furnishings and everything possible is done in order that the lifeless body can be tenderly cared for in a most sanitary and clean manner. One finds the morgue is a large room resembling the operating room of a modern hospital. It is enameled in white, is well lighted and all the equipment is of white porcelain. One finds a large white porcelain operating table, white instrument cabinets, wash stands with hot and cold water available and shelves and closets wherein are arranged in an orderly way, carefully labeled bottles containing the necessary fluids for the work at hand. Adjoining the operating room, one finds the slumber room to which room the body is taken after being embalmed. It is placed on a day bed. There are chairs and a table in the room and it is to this room relatives of the deceased can come and silently commune with the spirit of their loved ones. Another room is fitted up as a display room and here are on display quite a number of caskets of different designs and types. Here also may be found samples of the garment or clothing obtainable for the dead. The selection of all the necessities for the burial may be chosen with ease under these conditions. The general public can feel that in the event of an accident, etc., which sometimes necessitates the removal of a body to the undertaking establishment before removal to the home, it is being cared for and prepared in a clean operating room and under the most desirable all around conditions. |
| These three ads below were featured in the Call during 1928 and 1929. |
| When First Lieutenant Joseph S. Kaufman was about to be discharged from the Army in 1919, he read an article stating milk should be sterilized via pasteurization for the safety of the consumer. After discussing this with his fellow Schuylkill Haven resident and Army buddy, Charles (Bags) Graeff, they decided to become partners in the milk pasteurization business. In 1920, Kaufman and Graeff started in a basement in a home on Naffin Avenue in Schuylkill Haven. Most dairy farmers in the area sold their raw milk to local residents and they tried talking Kaufman out of his new venture. They were unsuccessful and in 1921, Kaufman hired prolific Schuylkill Haven builder and entrepreneur Paul Naffin, to build a milk processing plant on Naffin Avenue. At the height of the business, an eight hundred quart pasteurization vat was filled three times a day, and four times the next, so that 2,800 quarts per day were delivered to local customers. The price of a quart at that time was ten cents. The raw milk was supplied to Kaufman by forty farmers throughout Schuylkill and Berks Counties. An early employee of the dairy was Paul Boger, who began there at the age of eleven. He would arise at three o'clock in the morning and work until school began. In 1928, he became a full time employee and remained at the dairy for twenty four years. At that time the milk from Berks County arrived by train and it was known the trainmen would get to the milk and skim the cream off the top of the forty quart containers. Kaufman bought out his partner in 1921 and operated the dairy with his father, Daniel. The process would begin at three o'clock in the morning. He and employee Chock Fey would deliver it to their customers. Bob Frey and Harry Kerschner were also long time deliverymen for the operation. When Kaufman's son Joseph got out of the service in 1946, he started to work at the dairy as a milk processor. Joe took a course at Penn State University and became a licensed milk tester, testing the butter fat content of the milk. Milk was delivered every day including Sundays. In 1947, Kaufman purchased a machine to homogenize milk which keeps the cream distributed throughout the container. Customers were given the choice between homogenized or nonhomogenized which was bottled in what was known in cream top bottles, which allowed the cream to collect at the top. Surplus milk was run through a separator machine, separating the cream from the milk. The cream was containerized and sold to Yuengling Dairy for ice cream and the remaining milk, skim milk due to the absence of cream, was drained into the creek behind the dairy. The creek would turn white with hundreds of gallons of the considered worthless skim milk running into it. Kaufman's Dairy was sold in 1951 to Hiram Fisher, who worked for Rothermel's Dairy. He in turn went out of business in 1959. The dairy was demolished in 1970, a home now occupying the lot. This article is composed of information by the dairy founder's son Joseph and grandson Joerd. The accompanying pictures were kindly provided by Joerd Kaufman. |
| KAUFMAN'S DAIRY |
| Kaufman's Dairy founder Joseph S. Kaufman |
| This July 1950 photo shows Harry Kerschner and Joe Kaufman in front of their delivery truck on Saint John Street on the northeast corner of the intersection of Union Street. |
| This photo at left shows the Kaufman Dairy float being readied for a Schuylkill Haven Fourth of July parade. Below are two pyroglazed Kaufman Dairy bottles. |
| At right employees of the dairy from left to right: Chock Fey, Daniel K. Kaufman, Daniel K. Kaufman Jr. and owner Joseph S. Kaufman. Below are two embossed bottles from the dairy. |
| At left are two pyroglazed Kaufman Dairy bottles with the old 227 phone number. In the center is an advertising fan with Kaufman Dairy on the front and three dairies on the reverse. At right are two highly collectible "baby face" bottles from the dairy. Note the bottles are of the cream top variety to separate the cream from the milk, in this case in the form of a baby's face. |
| WALKIN SHOE COMPANY |
| Located at the corner of Parkway and Columbia Streets, the Walkin Shoe Company was founded in 1887. It was organized in a 60' by 40' frame building along the banks of the old Schuylkill Canal. It began as Berger, Brown and the borough sold the old lock up and ground on which it stood and an addition was made. In August of 1909, it the latter two men left the business and H. E. Snayberger partnered with Mr. Keller. For many years the company specialized in children's corrective footwear and were sold nationwide. The 1968 anniversary booklet about the company stated that at the time 2000 pairs of shoes were made daily by a work force of 250 employees. The Walkin later succumbed to a changing economy and foreign imports. |
| Invoice from company from August 1909 when Gerber sold his interests in the business. |
| The Gerber Shoe factory in the original building. Note the old canal in front. |
| The Industrial review published in 1898 shows the pictures of the owners of the company that later became the Walkin Shoe Co. |
| P. T. HOY & SONS CO. GENERAL STORE |
| Many residents can recall the beautiful Victorian brick structure at the corner of East Main Street and St. John Street that housed the P. T. Hoy General Store. The business had it's origin during Civil War times located in Landingville. The original store was operated by the father in law of Pancoast Thomas (P. T.) Hoy, Lewis Main Street. In 1875, P. T. Hoy entered the business and assumed ownership. In 1894, he moved the business to a building at Main and St. John Streets expanding it to the well known three and a half story turreted structure that was a centerpiece of the business district. The store sold a wide variety of dry goods and groceries. This building became the largest completely electrically lit building in town between 1905 and 1910. Part of the original building on the site predated the Civil War. A portion of that retained in the basement evidence of old store fronts. This was a remnant of the era when the level of that intersection was a full story below present street level. Hoy, ever the entrepreneur, sought out special contracts. He supplied troops in Shenandoah during the 1902 coal strike and also obtained contracts to serve traveling circuses. Delivery teams delivered groceries to outlying areas and also purchased goods from farmers for resale. Hoy was one of the first commercial enterprises in the county to utilize motorized trucks, sometime around 1910. The business also offered gasoline for sale in the early days of automobiles. Hoy discontinued his delivery business during World War One, maintaining the fixed site operation only. It is said that P. T. Hoy was the first business in the area to offer Shredded Wheat and Quick Mother's Oats during the advent of those staples. It was reported that confectionery pioneer, Milton Hershey, was an occasional visitor of the Hoy business as he began operations. A Lionel train display filled the front windows of the Hoy store at Christmas time. According to my uncle and others, at times, the store cat also shared this space with fresh sausage and other goods. The store operated into the 1960's with Rudy Hoy as proprietor until his retirement. The grand structure was demolished around 1966 and is now the site of Brok-Sel Markets. P. T. Hoy was apparently a man who recognized the value of advertising. Many items bearing his store name still exist. Below you will find pictures of some of those surviving items. In addition, is a picture of two unique items. A flour sifter from the counter of the store bears the P. T. Hoy name but is hard to read especially in a photograph. The other item is a wooden washing machine from over one hundred years ago. |
| These three images depict P. T. Hoys beautiful edifice before it's demise. Upper left is from September 1959, upper right is from January 1963 and below is April 1966. |
| Here are some items related to the P. T. Hoy General Store. Clockwise from upper left: coupon book and money saving punch card, Deer Note stationery designed for his store, ruler, medicine bottle and receipt pad and lastly below is a button hook. |
| T. Hoy items. At left is an old washing "Hoy's Special" with a patent date of June 20, 1899. It was manufactured by the T. Hoy items. At left A. G. Christman Co. is an old washing of Reading. At right is a flour sifter from is a flour sifter from the counter of the store. It is marked General Merchandise, Schuylkill Haven, PA. |
| On the left is Pancoast T. Hoy and on the right is his wife, Cora nee' Huntzinger |
| This picture is of the interior of the P. T. Hoy store on Review of Schuylkill Haven in 1898. |
| The grave stones of P. T. Hoy on the left, his wife Cora on the right and their son Rudy, below, on the family plot in Union Cemetery. |
| MESSNER AND HESS |
| Anyone growing up in Schuylkill Haven in the 1950s through the 1970s would certainly remember the Messner and Hess five and ten cent store on Main Street. I spoke to the last owner of the establishment, Harry Naffin. He related the following information about the business. The original company was started by Clarence Messner and Daniel Hess, both hailing from Lancaster County. They had two other stores in Girardville and Minersville in addition to the store in Schuylkill Haven. The partnership became a sole proprietor when Messner bought out Hess's half but retained the original store name. Harry Naffin began his career with the business in 1939 when he was offered a job washing Messner's Packard while still a high school student. He worked part time at the store until graduating from Schuylkill Haven High School in 1940. Harry then accepted a full time position working sixty hours per week for a salary of thirteen dollars. He said he was the only graduate to obtain a job right from school that year. Harry worked at the Minersville store while his future wife, Kit managed the Schuylkill Haven store from 1942 until 1948. When Harry returned from his Army stint in 1948, he became manager of the Schuylkill Haven store. In 1969, Messner died and by 1970 Harry Naffin had purchased the business. He says that at most times they employed eight to nine girls to work on the floor. The store was always well stocked with goods including toys, trains, hardware, school supplies, sewing notions and candy. Entrance could be gained from Wilson Street which was noted as a "shortcut to Main Street". As I recall, when entering from the back door, train supplies and model kits were what one first encountered along with glassware and knick knacks. One would then go down a few steps to the main floor. Toys and games were in the two aisles to the left and hardware to the right. School supplies were located near the front of the store. At the Main Street entrance was a large candy counter where bulk candy could be purchased. Harry states that the cases were quite special and the company who made them used the display in Messner and Hess in their catalog. With the advent of large chain stores and malls, Naffin was forced to close the store after Easter in 1982. I had the privilege of occasionally visiting Harry at his home in Pine Grove where we enjoyed discussing the past of Schuylkill Haven. Harry has provided information used on this web site including pictures. Widowed after losing his wife Kit, Harry remained busy doing various woodwork projects including making beautifully fashioned wooden bowls. He passed away in 2009. |
| Harry Naffin, owner of Messner and Hess on Main Street, peddles his wares at the first sidewalk sale in Schuylkill Haven in the early 1960s. |
| Two views of Messner and Hess include the photo above with the front windows apparently decorated for the Christmas season. The color photo at right shows the store located between Cleland's Furniture store on the left and Atkin's Five and Ten on the right. |
| The Call of November 18, 1910 To the P. T. Hoy and Sons Company belongs the honor of putting into service the first motor truck in Schuylkill Haven. The truck has a capacity of a ton and a half, is of twenty horsepower, air cooled gasoline three cylinder motor and was manufactured by the Chase Motor Truck Company of Syracuse New York. The car was purchased through the Commercial Motor Car Company of Pottsville, of which Thomas J. Charlton is the manager. Other merchants will doubtless install motor delivery wagons within the coming year. |
| The Call of July 15, 1910 P. T. Hoy and Sons Company last week put in operation at their big store a mammoth cash register that can do almost everything in the business line except talk and collect bad debts. The machine automatically registers the amount of every purchase no matter how small or large and it delivers a check with a memorandum of the transaction stamped thereon showing settlement, charge account, cash sale, etc. The entire day’s business, both cash and credit, together with amounts paid out goes through the machine and when the store closes in the evening a record sheet is taken from the machine showing every transaction and by which clerk or members of the firm the transaction was made. The cahs register is one of the most useful and necessary adjuncts to the transaction of a modern retail business. |
| These two articles from 1910 show P. T. Hoy and Sons to be in the forefront of modernizing their business with what was state of the art improvements at the time. |
| The photo below is from the fifth annual banquet of the Schuylkill Haven / Cressona Barbers Association. From left the barbers are: Guy Lehman, Ernie Rizzuto, Homer Zimmerman, Monroe Miller, Dutch Coover, Merlin Fisher and John Cake |
| BUSINESS IMAGES OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN FROM THE PAST |
| The Schuylkill Haven Paper Box Manufacturing Plant was located on Penn Street below Parkway. The building remains today, used by a door and window company. |
The Union Knitting Mill was located on Williams
Street below the railroad tracks. Owned by the
Reed family, it remains today but not as a factory.
Street below the railroad tracks. Owned by the
Reed family, it remains today but not as a factory.
| The Haven Casket Factory was and still is located on Liberty Street. The building looks very much the same today as it did when this was taken. |
| The Manbeck Ice Manufacturing Plant was located on Liberty Street. The building remains today, used as a storage building |
| At left is the Reider Shoe Factory located on West Main Street. The building is an apartment building today. At right is an unissued stock certificate for the business. |
| These two images are from a pamphlet promoting Schuylkill Haven in the first half of the last century. At left is Hoffman Knitting Mill, located on Margaretta Street, today the home of Alpha Mills. At right is Meck Knitting Mill on West Main Street looking much the same today. |
| The Call of March 21, 1930 AUTO COMPANY PRESIDENT VISITS SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Earl Stoyer was host last week to the head of a prominent automobile concern in the person of Joseph Graham, president of the Graham-Paige Corporation, of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Stoyer has won honor medals, service medals, and most anything he tried for, which was offered as an inducement by the corporation and though in competition with cities of great population, he has succeeded in winning the prize. Mr. Graham started out in a Graham sedan from his home in Detroit some time ago and since that time has covered ten thousand miles, first going to the Pacific Coast, thence south, primarily to visit Florida, and came north enroute to still further northern points, before returning to his home. Being a mechanical engineer of note, he was particularly interested in the machinery Mr. Stoyer has installed in his Schuylkill Haven works and highly complimented him on the same, likewise expressing gratification at the beautiful display parlors at Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven. He also complimented Mr. Stoyer on the extraordinary good looking condition of his used car department, saying he never saw a better prepared line of cars than those now on the big bargain list. They look like new cars and are fitted out splendidly. Mr. Graham was accompanied by Guy A. Willey of Philadelphia, the distributor for the Graham-Paige in this territory, and both were loud in their praise of the Stoyer establishments in this territory, and left feeling he can now understand how Mr. Stoyer manages to capture the prizes in a limited territory such as he is located in. It is service to the last degree. He was delighted with the conditions of business as he found it in our section of the country and as he traveled all over the country, knows what he is talking about. |
| The Call of July 25, 1930 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEASES BUILDING FOR TOWN'S NEW INDUSTRY Negotiations have now been completed whereby the Losch Automatic Heater Company of Schuylkill Haven will move into much larger quarters in Schuylkill Haven. This will enable this firm to manufacture and assemble on a larger scale their automatic furnace, which is conceded to have many superior features over other automatic furnaces. The company will shortly occupy the new factory building of Berger Brothers on Garfield Avenue. Some interior changes must be made in order to accommodate the new concern but they will be of such a nature that they can be made very quickly and Mr. Losch expects to have all machinery and equipment moved from his plant on Columbia Street and in operation in the new building by the latter part of next week. Some of the machinery was moved on Thursday and the men are now at work hanging the shafting, etc. Mr. Losch is very well pleased with the new quarters. As a result of larger quarters, Mr. Losch expects to be able to greatly increase his output and to meet the demand for the automatic furnaces which is growing heavier right along. All heating concerns and companies who have seen the plant in operation express the opinion that it is destined to meet with a ready sale on the market. The company had inducements to bring their plant to other towns, but Mr. Losch was loyal to his home town, Schuylkill Haven and made inquiry whether the Chamber of Commerce of Schuylkill Haven could not supply a larger building. Negotiations have been underway for the past several months by the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce to obtain building sites for the erection of a building. In this the public would have been asked to cooperate. The demands for increased quarters became so heavy that increased facilities were necessary immediately. The Chamber of Commerce therefore leased the said Berger Brothers new factory building for a period of years with the privilege of purchase and from its funds obtained by membership dues, will provide this latest Schuylkill Haven industry with a building rent free. |
| The Call of August 29, 1930 HEAVY DEMAND FOR FURNACES OF LOSCH FIRM The Losch Automatic Furnace company of Schuylkill Haven is now in full operation in the new quarters in the Berger Brothers new mill building on Berger Street. The plant was moved into this new building several weeks ago. Some little time, of course, was required to get the machinery set up and things moving along smoothly on the increased scale. Fifteen men are now employed and on an average of three to four furnaces are being completed weekly. In order to take care of the orders on hand and the demand for the furnaces, a working force of at least fifty men would be required. Considerable space is required to assemble the furnaces. The second floor of this building is now being fitted up and will be made use of very shortly. An adjoining building can be readily adapted to the needs of the plant when this becomes necessary. The Losch Automatic Furnace is being made in five different sizes to accommodate different sizes of homes and buildings. Two of the largest size furnaces are being built at this time for the Nurse's Home at the Pottsville Hospital and one for the home of Clinton Confehr. Last week a large one was placed in the home of Mr. Couch, owner of the Troy Laundry at Pottsville. Representatives for the company were given notice three weeks ago to discontinue taking orders for the furnaces because of it being impossible to make them fast enough to supply the demand. Ordinarily one would think the proper procedure would be to immediately increase the working force. While men might be available for this purpose, the manufacture of the furnaces is of such a nature that it requires some time before a new employee can be made thoroughly acquainted with the procedure, the requirements and the assembling. |
| The Call of October 2, 1931 CANDY KITCHEN REMODELS - NEW SERVICE ADDED The opening of the newly equipped luncheon parlor of the Schuylkill Haven Candy Kitchen will be held on Saturday of this week. Workmen have been busy the past several weeks transforming the interior of this confectionery into a modern wonderland. An artistic open work archway of walnut and white glass composition, separates the store from the serving parlor. Beyond the archway, you will see a beautiful candy display case which backs up the entire aisle of booths. In all, there are twenty individual or private booths as follows: six double ones on both the east and west sides of the room which will accommodate four persons each and eight single booths to accommodate two persons each, in the center of the room. The booths are constructed of walnut and the table tops are of vitrolite. Beautifully designed panel mirrors grace booth has a unique hat and cloak rack. Bernheim and Sons Incorporated of Philadelphia installed the new fixtures. A new luncheonette service, in connection with the regular fountain service was opened on Wednesday and is in personal charge of Mrs. Joe Reber. The luncheon display of a large baked ham, salads, sandwiches, soup and pies is most inviting. Fried oysters will be served as an extra special on Saturday evening. A new Frigidaire cooler has been added for the convenience of the culinary department. Proprietor Parris Lazos is to be congratulated upon his new improvements. Eleven years ago he opened his first business establishment in Schuylkill Haven, in the The booths are constructed of walnut and the table tops are of vitrolite. Beautifully designed panel mirrors grace store room now occupied by the Sausser firm. His efforts have been successful. He now reciprocates by giving the public a metropolitan luncheonette and ice cream parlor at a considerable outlay of money. The adding of this each booth. The wall booths have individual side lights harmonizing with the modernistic ceiling lights. Each luncheonette service will fill a long felt need in Schuylkill Haven and is sure to be given the patronage of the community. |
| The Call of December 11, 1931 OPEN PAINT AND PAPER STORE Today, Friday and tomorrow, Saturday, will be the opening days for a new place of business in Schuylkill Haven. It is the Harry Feger Jr. Paint and wallpaper Store. It is at 27 East Main Street in the Moser Building. By reason of the fact that folks nowadays are doing more of their own painting in and about the home and redressing and toning up furniture, doing their own paperhanging and decorating in their home, this character of store throughout the country has become very popular. Mr. Feger has had eighteen years of experience in decorating and painting homes and is therefore in a position to determine just what will appeal as well as what will be proper and desirable for the home. Accordingly, he has placed in stock an unusually large line of paints, varnishes and stains that can be purchased either in large or small can sizes. Wallpaper can also be chosen from samples and stock and obtained in any quantity. Mr. Feger Jr. will not accept any painting or paper hanging jobs, his desire being merely to supply the requisites for work of this character. In charge of this store will be a well known Schuylkill Haven resident, namely Clayton Bubeck. Mr. Bubeck has had many years of experience in painting and will therefore, be enabled to make helpful suggestions and to give advice on painting problems. Mr. Feger, who now resides in Port Carbon, expects to move his family to Schuylkill Haven in the near future. |
| The Call of December 25, 1931 NEW MILL TO BEGIN EARLY IN YEAR The Alberta Underwear Factory in Schuylkill Haven will begin operations between January 1st and January 15th of 1932. This will be a branch of the Miller Factory of Port Carbon. It was intended to begin operations in the Schuylkill Haven branch on Hess Street a month ago but delay in the arrival of machinery made this impossible. Mr. Harry Welker who will be the superintendent of the new mill, has been on the job for the past several weeks, directing the placing of the machinery and getting the plant ready for operation. Thus far between 125 and 150 persons have made application for employment. The applicants have not only been from Schuylkill Haven but from the district and towns for miles about Schuylkill Haven. Mr. Welker will require about twenty five employees when the mill is first put into operation and the number will be increased from time to time. |
| The Call of January 15, 1932 LOCAL MILL WORKING DAY AND NIGHT SHIFT Dame Fashion in milady's underthings is responsible at this time for at least one of the Schuylkill Haven underwear mills working to full capacity, on a full schedule of fifty four hours per week for the female employees and a full twenty four hour day shift for some of the male employees, from Sunday midnight to Saturday at midnight. Others of the Schuylkill haven underwear mills, it is likely, will also be kept quite busy for some time by reason of heavy demand for their product. All this is quite heartening and encouraging news for the year ahead and it is hoped indicates a return of the unusual era of prosperity and good business that had been enjoyed by all of Schuylkill Haven's industries. The one particular plant that has now in its employ every employee for which any possible space can be found in the plant is the Hoffman Knitting Mill, operated by Julius Kayser and Company. This company, with its main plant in Brooklyn, also owns and operates large mills in seven or eight other towns and cities, as well as operating a plant in Canada, one in Australia and one in Switzerland. The new garment which is meeting with such popular approval by the women folks is a two piece ladies shaped vest and tights and is called Kayserettes. It is manufactured by the local plant in cotton and also in pure silk. This plant has been rushed since October and orders are in hand sufficient to keep it steadily employed until April or May. One hundred and seventy five persons are given employment the full schedule of hours for the week. The knitting machines are operated continuously from Sunday at midnight until Saturday at midnight. An unusual feature in connection with applications received by H. A. Goas, Superintendent of the Schuylkill Haven plant, is that nine out of every ten are married women. It is understood several of the other Schuylkill Haven mills are about to begin work shortly on some new styles of underwear for women which it is hoped will meet with equal approval and provide heavy orders for full capacity plants for some time to come. |
| Below are a series of articles about business in Schuylkill Haven during the Great Depression. The details reveal the ingenuity, the drive and the struggles of the time. |
| At left are postcards Stoyer sent out in 1940 and 1941 advertising Oldsmobiles. Next to the pictures are the car's features and price. At right, top, is a raffle ticket for the Grange Fair with a car from Stoyer's as the prize. Below that are advertising pieces from the dealership over the years. Clicking on image enhances detail. |
| At left is a fan given away by the Schuylkill Haven Candy Kitchen, mentioned above and at right are can openers from Feger's Paint Store mentioned below. Clicking images enhances detail. |
| .....more business stories from the Depression era will be added regularly.... |
| At one time banks issued their own currency. Below are two fine examples issued by the First National Bank of Schuylkill Haven. At left is a $10 note from 1902 and at right a $20 note from 1882. |
| The Call of March 21, 1930 PREPARING FOR "TALKIES" HERE Schuylkill Haven is soon to have talking motion pictures. They are to be of the very best type and character and will add greatly to this class of entertainment. During the week the Refowich Theatre has been closed for the purpose of making the installation of two new Simplex machines from the Radio Corporation of America, for producing Vitaphone and Photophone pictures. Messrs. Refowich are going to a heavy expense for the installation of this latest feature in motion pictures. Not alone are the machines expensive but in order to successfully operate, a number of expensive alterations have been made necessary in the theatre. In speaking with the men in charge of the placing of the new mechanism, it was learned that the Refowich Theatre is most ideally suited both in size and arrangement of stage and balcony and height of ceiling for excellent results from the talking pictures. It is expected that the best of results will be obtainable and that the general public will be most delightfully impressed with the entertainment which it will now be possible to offer at unusually low prices. It is expected that the installation will have been completed by the middle of next week in order to permit the holding of a grand reopening of the theatre by the latter part of next week. Due announcement of the reopening, together with the program, and details of the new sound producing mechanism will appear in next week's issue of The Call. |
| The Call of March 28, 1930 "TALKIES" TO MAKE DEBUT HERE SATURDAY Saturday, the Refowich Theatre, of Schuylkill Haven, will offer to the general public of Schuylkill haven and surrounding towns, its first sound pictures or "talkies". The early part of the week, the installation of first class sound reproducing picture mechanism was completed and the necessary changes made in the projecting mechanism to enable the showing of the very best of pictures. The first test of the mechanism proved entirely satisfactory in every way and the management was indeed highly elated over the first showing and tests. It is felt that the general public too, will be at first surprised and then greatly pleased with the results that have been obtained in this theatre in the matter of sound production of movies with the synchronization of action with sound. At first there was some uncertainty as to whether it would be possible to procure first class results in the sound reproduction in all parts of the theatre. The mechanism installed is of such type that no trouble of any kind was experienced in this regard. With the placing of this sound producing mechanism, it will be possible for the Refowich Theatre to offer to its patrons the very highest class of talking pictures at prices considerably lower than what is charged elsewhere. |
| The Call of January 22, 1932 PRIZES AT SCHUMACHER STORE REOPENING Next Thursday evening the reopening of the H. Schumacher and Brother store on Columbia street will take place. This reopening is being held because of the fact that so very many changes have been made at this place of business that it is only proper that special and official public consideration be given. Probably the most noteworthy change is that of a thirty foot addition which has been added to the store room, making the total floor space seventy by thirty feet. The entire interior has been done over in white enamel. Fixtures, counters, shelving, etc., are all white, thereby providing a most unusual, inviting and clean effect. The store on the outside is being given a repainting, green and white being the color combination. The large display windows have been somewhat enlarged and new ground ceiling glass provided. They now have a paneled background while heretofore they were open. New shelving, new counters and new equipment has been provided. The floor has been covered with a composition floor covering. A new heating plant has been installed. A large skylight will provide considerable natural light and twenty four white bowl electric fixtures will, at night, provide almost daylight illumination. One of the very important and attractive new features added to this store is a twelve foot two temperature electric refrigerator case of steel, porcelain and glass. In this case will be displayed meats, cheese, fruit, vegetables and more. There are two distinctive compartments in this particular case. One is styled the frosted meat side, where the temperature will always be maintained at 33 to 36 degrees. The temperature, however, in both compartments, can be changed at will or will automatically change to meet all climactic conditions. Both cases are of the display type with electric light illumination and the front being of four thicknesses of glass. The cases stand thirteen inches in height. They were made by the Fleetwood Corporation of Fleetwood. The electric refrigeration was installed by the Ryan Sales Company of Mahanoy City and was designed by Harold Leisawitz, refrigeration engineer, who, by the way, is a son of Levi Leisawitz, a former resident of Schuylkill Haven. The reopening of the store, next Thursday evening, will be marked with very special ceremonies. There will be a short street parade in the evening headed by the Legion Bugle Corps. There will be a hundred or more prizes. The list of prize winners will be announced in this publication next week so that it will not be necessary for one to remain in the store until the drawing takes place to be eligible for the door prize. Refreshments will be served and there will be many samples of different foodstuffs given away free. For entertainment there will be a vocal quartet present from York, who will broadcast from a regular broadcasting studio into amplifiers so that everyone may hear distinctly. Grocerymen from all parts of eastern Pennsylvania will be in attendance. |
| The Call of July 15, 1932 RABBIT BREEDING FOR MARKETING BEGUN IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN A new and interesting business has come to Schuylkill Haven. It is that of breeding rabbits for marketing purposes. Mr. Edward Geary of Columbia Street has forty eight pens or hutches and twelve breeders, while Mr. William Nye of the same street has the same number of breeders. A visit to the rabbitry of William Nye of Columbia Street proves quite interesting and enjoyable. One can get a close up view as well as touch the very finest of rabbits and watch their antics without any discomfort whatsoever. The rabbitry is housed in a two story building, twelve by thirty feet. Mr. Nye has twelve breeders, two bucks and ten does. They are New Zealand whites, registered and pedigreed. The rabbits breed every three months and there are from eight to fourteen rabbits to a litter. It is always necessary to take a number from the litter as the mother can only give the proper attention to but six to eight. By removing several from the litter the development of the others is speeded up considerably. The purpose of breeding rabbits is to sell them. Mr. Nye will dispose of the young rabbits when they reach five pounds in weight, to the Blue Mountain rabbitry at Bethel. Here the rabbits are killed and dressed in a large packing department and shipped to either the Hotel Lincoln, reading or the Hamburg Sanitarium, Hamburg. This particular rabbitry is under contract to furnish between four and five thousand rabbits per week to these two concerns. One of the first questions that arises when it is announced this number of rabbits are killed each week is that of, "What is done with them?" They are eaten of course and in most cases too, eaten for chicken. This is explained in this way, white meat of chicken is preferred by most folks, especially for sandwiches and salads. There is only a small or limited amount of white meat on a chicken, but with a rabbit, all its flesh or meat is white, has a most savory taste and thus rabbits take the place of chickens. In the last several months or since Mr. Nye started this rabbitry, 102 rabbits were born in it. Of this number only 67 are being raised, the balance having been killed for the reason above stated. The rabbits now weigh in the neighborhood of four and one half pounds. They will not be shipped to market until they reach a weight of five pounds. For food, pellets of compressed and complete food is given. The pellets look like large sized pills which physicians frequently hand out to humans. They contain fourteen different ingredients. The particular rabbits used for breeding purposes are all year round eating rabbits and breed every three months. The breeders cost between thirty and fifty dollars. They are snow white. On the underside of the ears can be plainly seen the registration number stamped thereon. The rabbits are given quantities of food twice a day. The daylight hours are called the sleeping time for this particular rabbit, particularly so from ten in the morning until about six or seven in the evening. During the night however, the rabbits are very active, romping about and having a fine time in their respective pens or hutches. There are thirty six hutches in the rabbitry at present. Additional hutches are being added right along and Mr. Nye hopes to have at least one hundred and ten by the end of the year. The hutches are of good size. They need not be very high but are of good size in width and length. They are of the sanitary, self cleaning type. The floor of the hutch is hardware cloth or wire netting of special quality. Underneath this flooring is a sloped metal floor or pan, thereby making the hutch readily accessible for cleaning purposes. |
| The Call of May 5, 1933 CAPACITY OF ICE PLANT INCREASED Recently the Manbeck Ice Plant at Schuylkill Haven underwent improvements and installation of new equipment which has resulted in an additional daily capacity of ten tons of ice. The changes were made in the condensing system, the change being made from an atmospheric type condenser to a shell and tooth system. To the average reader this may mean nothing. An explanation, however, is to the effect that with the atmospheric type condensing system, same is operated by having water drop on the outside stands. With the new system, water is distributed through spirals in tubes in a boiler like compartment. This water drops through the inside of the tubes, giving about ninety percent efficiency on cooling ammonia gases. The roof of the ice plant was changed in pitch to enable the erection of a spray pond on top of the building for the purpose of precooling the water and enabling its being used over and over again. By the new system, pressure on the machines is reduced with the resultant power and water consumption and providing about ten tons additional refrigeration, because the ammonia is cooled to a lower temperature and this in turn means lowering the brine temperature more readily and easier thus providing for quicker freezing of the water in the ice cans. The new installation was completed at a cost of close to nine thousand dollars. In line with President Roosevelt's much heralded "New Deal" for the country, along various lines, the Manbeck Ice Company of Schuylkill Haven is cooperating in providing an entirely new deal in providing ice distribution service to consumers. At the present time, the company is erecting a large gas, oil and ice station on the southern end of the state highway in Hamburg. Twenty four hour ice service will be given. The station will be completely refrigerated with a temperature at all times of ten to twenty degrees above zero. It will have a capacity of one hundred three hundred pound blocks of ice. Cash and carry service in the way of ice will be possible from this station. In addition, ice service to residents of hamburg and vicinity will be provided by a local dealer. This particular station will be known as the Coolerator Service Station. In addition to the hamburg Ice Station, Mr. Manbeck is also providing for similar cash and carry ice service stations at Strausstown, New Ringgold, Suedberg and at the Mirror Swimming Pool in Summit Station. These stations will all be provided with a large supply of ice from the local plant and customers can with little convenience, purchase any quantity of ice they desire or need at the time. It is something entirely new in ice service for this section of the state. |
| The Call of June 23, 1933 BUILDING HOME ON HIGHEST POINT IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Good progress is being made by Contractors Meck and Dewald in the building of the colonial house for Melvin Bamford on Fairmount, at a point, the highest in town. The building is under roof and the Bamfords expect to eat their Thanksgiving Day dinner in their new home. Of a colonial type, the home will have twelve rooms and four bathrooms. It is two and one half stories in height and has been designed by the firm of Muehlenberg, Yerkes and Muehlenberg of Reading. The general contractors are Meck and Dewald. The bricks used are of the Glen Gery kiln and of a three toned kind. The bricks have been laid in irregular rows, giving an unusual effect. The painting will be done by Leroy Edling, the electrical work by William Morris, and the plumbing and heating by Howard Fritz of Reading. A Losch automatic heating plant will be placed with a vapor heating system. A thousand gallon water tank has been placed in the ground near the home, thus assuring a good supply of water as well as a fresh and cool supply at all times. The home, as stated above, is being built on the very highest point in Schuylkill Haven. A splendid view of the surrounding territory is possible, including the very near and distant mountain scenery on all sides. The towns of Adamsdale, Cressona and Orwigsburg can also be seen from this point and the valleys to the southeast and southwest and the towering blue mountains in the distance provide a most gorgeous panoramic view. |
| The Call of July 7, 1933 HAS MODEL PASTEURIZING PLANT It is quite a treat as well as interesting to visit the dairy of Wilson Minnick on the Hill Farm which overlooks Schuylkill Haven. One finds it very clean and equipped with the very latest of milk pasteurizing equipment. First of all, Mr. Minnick has the only dairy in this locality owning cows and operating a pasteurizing plant. The stock consists of twenty three Jersey, Holstein and Guernsey cows. The amount of milk obtained daily is about 250 quarts. Automatic milking machines have been in use in this dairy for a number of years. The pasteurizing plant, installed in May, has a capacity of one hundred gallons of milk. After the milk is obtained, it is cooled by pouring it over a series of coils in which there is running water. The milk is then placed in the refrigerator overnight and in the morning the pasteurizing process begins by having the milk heated to 150 to 180 degrees. It is then cooled gradually, placed in bottles and ready for the consumers. Since the installation of the pasteurizing plant, the business or number of customers of the Hill Farm Dairy has considerably increased, indicating that the general public is beginning to realize the importance of using milk that carries a guarantee of being free of all impurities. |
| The Call of July 14, 1933 TOWN NOW HAS TWELVE BEER SALOONS Schuylkill Haven now has an even dozen licensed places where the legalized beer can be purchased. There are five more places licensed at this time in Schuylkill Haven than operated for the past several years and sold near beer. Three of them are termed beer gardens and two hotels or saloons. On the beer garden list we find the Menas Beer Garden on West Main Street, conducted in connection with a pool room, where James Mellon formerly operated a saloon and restaurant. Then there is the William Hyde Beer Garden at the corner of Dock and Broadway, formerly a grocery store operated by Mr. Hyde. And then we find another groceryman embarked in the beer business, namely John Freeman, who after selling sugar, soap, butter and a full line of groceries and operating a small sized department store for twenty six continuous years at the corner of Centre and Garfield Avenues, has had his place of business changed around and is now operating a beer garden. The two additional saloons over those in operation for the past several years are the Columbia House, now operated by W. G. Yost and the saloon on West Main Street, now operated by Robert Riffert. William Sharpe now and has been for some time operating the old Rudolph Saloon on West Main Street. Gabe Luongo is back on the job again on Saint John Street with beer and lunch. During the past week, the interior of this property has been changed considerably in order to comply with the space provisions required by law. Joe Matonis is continuing the operation of the Hotel Central on Main Street. Joe Dallago and Frank Yenosky are doing business at their same stands in the West Ward. Benjamin Luckenbill is operating in the same location on Dock Street as for the past several years while Francis Brinich is operating the saloon conducted by Earl Witman, now deceased. |
| The Call of August 11, 1933 MEN AT CASKET FACTORY WENT ON STRIKE THURSDAY Thursday morning, employees of the Schuylkill Haven Casket Factory went on strike and up until Friday morning at nine o'clock, had not returned to work and were uncertain as to the outcome of the situation. A representative of the men stated to The Call man that for a week or more the question of rate of wage per hour had been under discussion and in controversy. Men, individually and in small groups, discussed the matter with the superintendent, F. D. Starr. Thursday morning, all of the men went ot the office and demanded a definite statement as to intentions. This being given and being contrary to the wishes of the men, the strike was called. A statement made by the representatives of the employees, was to the effect that while the casket factory had signed the NRA, and hours have been reduced from fifty to forty hours per week, as per the blanket code of the NRA, nevertheless the men were told they would be paid for forty hours at the same rate as on the fifty hour basis. This the men claim is entirely contrary to the agreement signed with the president. Mr. F. D. Starr, Superintendent of the Casket Factory, was requested to make a statement Thursday and again on Friday morning. "The men simply walked out on us. We do not have any statement to make. We did not throw anybody out of work." Mr. Starr further added the directors had not authorized him to make any statement. The casket factory, for some time, has been enjoying a healthy growth with orders being received from all sections. At the present time there are twenty nine persons employed at the factory, most of them skilled mechanics, eight on the machine floor, seven in the cabinet room, three in the paint shop, five in miscellaneous departments and six women on linings and trimmings. |
| The Call of January 2, 1892 STITZER'S NEW HOTEL AND CAFÉ One of the most attractive improvements of the past year in our neighboring borough of Schuylkill Haven was the erection by that old, tried, and well known constable and tax collector, William F. Stitzer, of a handsome three story hotel and restaurant on the main street opposite the Reading depot. From a couple of old time story and a half frame houses in this prominent locality, Mr. Stitzer has built up a double building which is imposing in exterior proportions and is fitted up within a style that denotes not only comfort but luxuriousness which strangers and hotel patrons delight to indulge in when from home. It is within these new home precincts that the captain today celebrated his fifty seventh birthday surrounded by an interesting family and his friends. A few weeks since he opened a temperance restaurant and hotel from which he had been dispensing the finest oysters we have met with this season, in every style and everything else in the eating line. The rooms in the new hostelry are large, airy, convenient and accessible by both elevators and stairs. Captain Stitzer has applied for a hotel license and as his new house is as the law requires and the owner so well known for his uprightness as a citizen and his official connection with the court and finances of the county for more then a quarter of a century there will be but little question as to its granting. The house is furnished throughout in the finest style, thoroughly heated and lighted by gas and electricity. In short it is one of the coziest hotels in this section of its kind. |
| The two ads below appeared in the 1895-1896 Boyd's Directory for Schuylkill County. |
| Below are some ads as they appeared in the Call newspaper in 1892 |
| The August 13, 1892 Call newspaper printed the following information on local dentists, Peter and Samuel Detweiler. The ad above is for their practice. |
He was born in Kutztown, Pa, July 23rd, 1833. He is the son of Charles and Catherine Detweiler, and spent his boyhood years in his native borough and attended the public schools of that town. At the age of fifteen he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it from the age of sixteen to twenty one. He thereafter established in this business in our town, locating here in October 1856. He has followed the same calling ever since, with but a year's interruption in 1873, when he preached the Gospel at Shamokin, having been previously ordained by the United Brethren Conference. He was twice married, the first time to Miss Rebecca Bowen, who at her death left him with a few children. His present wife and mother of his younger children was Miss Lucetta Horne. Dr. Detweiler has served for several terms in our Borough Council as well as in our School Board and has always favored progress. |
He is a son of Peter and Rebecca Detweiler and was born in our town on September 22nd, 1861. He was educated in our town schools, being one of the first class that graduated from our High School in 1879. Like his father, he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it for two years, working for Sterner and Brother. After a short absence from town he returned and at once began preparations for his present calling by studying at the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery at Philadelphia, from which he graduated in February 1885. He has ever since been associated with his father in the practice of a successful business. He was married on October 27th, 1887 to Miss Gussie Saylor of town and is the happy father of two children. |
| DR. PETER C. DETWEILER |
| SAMUEL B. DETWEILER D.D.S. |
| Below are examples of advertising pieces given by some of the merchants in the ads shown above. On the left is a china plate from I. B. Heim, in the center is a biking cap, ruler and pencil holder from Michel's and at right is a wooden hanger from Charles Keller. Clicking on the images will enhance the view of each item. |
| SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BUSINESSMEN IN 1894 |
| Various businessmen from Schuylkill Haven were featured in the July 7, 1894 issue of the "Journal of Commerce" published in Philadelphia. The individual narratives give insight into the businesses of the day. |
| J. F. Bast - Manufacturer of Knit Goods on Berne Street. The manufacture of knit goods is a most important industry here and one of the most extensive concerns is that of this gentleman, whose factory occupies a two story main building, thirty by forty feet in size, with a two story annex of the same dimensions, fitted up with modern facilities, including electric lights, steam power and a complete equipment of the latest improved knitting frames, etc. for successfully conducting the fine and medium grades of ladies and children's cotton, worsted and wool vests and undergarments. From fifty to sixty operatives are employed when running full force and the factory has a capacity for the production of 325 dozen finished garments per day. This important enterprise was native of Berks, but has been a resident of Schuylkill since he was eleven years of age. The steady demand for is products taxes his capacity to the utmost and he is now enlarging the plant and increasing his facilities. |
| Robert Sterner - Contractor and Builder, Union Square near Margaretta Street. Building interests here are most ably represented by this gentleman. The business was established 27 years ago by J. H. and R. Sterner, and the present proprietor assumed sole control a little over seven years since, having conducted the same with increasing success. The premises utilized comprise a two story shop, 24 by 24 feet in dimensions, equipped with all appliances and during the busy season, a number of assistants are employed. Mr. Sterner contracts for the erection of buildings and does job and repair carpenter work. This gentleman is straightforward and reliable in all his dealings, a native of Schuylkill County and has executed many important building contracts here and is well regarded generally. |
| George L. Burton - Dealer in Coal and Wood, Main Street and Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. This stand is popularly regarded as a leading depot for the supply of anthracite and bituminous coal, kindling wood and foundation stone, brick, sand, cement, etc. The business was established about four years ago and has attracted an influential patronage. The yard has a large storage capacity and every requisite including a siding from the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad is at hand. Mr. Burton makes a specialty of the Reading Company's hard and free burning white ash coal, and is prepared to fill orders promptly at rates uniformly low. All coal is carefully screened and free from dirt and slate, and prompt service and honest weight is guaranteed. Three wagons are kept in service and he also contracts for hauling of all kind at short notice in the most careful manner. Mr. Burton, who is a native of Schuylkill County, is a gentleman of enterprise and sound business principles, highly esteemed. |
| Pancoast T. Hoy - Dealer in General Merchandise, Main Street. This representative mercantile house was established by the present proprietor in 1884, and his honorable business methods and liberal policy have gained for him the substantial; patronage of an appreciative public. He occupies the first floor and basement, merchandise, including foreign and domestic dry goods, dress fabrics, trimmings, notions, ladies and gentle and fancy groceries, provisions and food products, china, crockery and glassware, tin, wood, and willow ware, lamps and lamp goods. Mr. Hoy, who is a native of Orwigsburg and has been for many years engaged in commercial pursuits, has recently purchased the store previously occupied by the late W. D. Kline on the corner of Main and Saint John Streets, which he will shortly proceed to remodel and improve, putting in a new brick front, thirty feet in width and making other important improvements. He will take possession of this property August 1, but will not occupy it for business purposes until April 1, 1895., when he will open with one of the largest and finest stocks in this section. Mr. Hoy commenced his commercial career in this building nineteen years ago as a clerk in the employ of his uncle, Mr. W. D. Kline. |
| H. Berger and Son - Manufacturers of Hosiery, Dock Street. This concern was established four years ago and in 1893 removed to its present quarters, where a well arranged two story structure, forty by sixty feet in dimensions, is utilized for manufacturing purposes. The works are thoroughly equipped and an average force of seventy operatives is employed in the manufacture of various products. The factory has a capacity for turning out 200 dozen hosiery and undergarments per day, the demand for which is steadily increasing. Mr. Berger is a native of Berks County, but has resided in Schuylkill Haven since childhood. His son and partner, John D. Berger, is a native and lifelong resident of this county and both members of the firm devote their attention to the general management of the business. |
| C. A. Meck - Lumber Dealer, Columbia Street below Schuylkill Canal. This gentleman entered upon his business career forty years ago. He was formerly engaged in mercantile pursuits, embarked in the lumber business twenty years ago, and almost thirteen years since, gave his entire attention to this line. He has two large sawmills in Schuylkill County, well equipped, propelled by steam, and turns out all kinds of lumber. He also has a large mill in Center County, which has twelve miles of railroad connecting it with the Pennsylvania Railroad, and two engines are used for hauling. At this mill he turns out wheelwright timber, telegraph poles, railroad ties, white pine, hemlock etc and in all employs a large force of men. His premises in Schuylkill Haven contain a large shed, where favorable terms. He is also prepared to contract for the erection of all kinds of buildings, drawing up plans and specifications for the same and furnishing estimates. Mr. Meck, a native of Schuylkill County is highly regarded. |
| D. A. KRAMMES - Meat Market, Main Street, below Saint John Street. The premises occupied by this house comprise a sales room of ample dimensions, equipped with all appliances, including a large refrigerator, holding a thousand pounds of ice. The stock embraces choice beef, veal, mutton, lamb and pork, a part of which is killed and dressed by the proprietor, salt, smoked and cured meats, sausage, bologna and scrapple manufactured in season and fresh butter and eggs. The stock is the best to be had and the prices are reasonable, while competent assistants are employed and a team kept for the collection of orders and the delivery of goods. This business was established by the present proprietor one year ago, but he has for the past four years followed this branch of trade. He is a native of Schuylkill County, well known as a reliable dealer. |
| Luke Fisher - Marble and Granite Works, Corner of Dock and Berger Streets. Established by the proprietor seven years ago, this enterprise has occupied the present site since the fall of '93. The premises are of ample dimensions and are well equipped, while attention is given to the manufacture of fine cemetery work in foreign and domestic marble and granite including monuments, columns, tablets and headstones. The capabilities of the proprietor in this line are clearly evidenced by the artistically designed and perfectly finished work shown in the numerous beautiful monuments to be seen in the various cemeteries in this vicinity, executed either by his own hand or under his closest personal supervision. He also executes all kinds of builders work and railings and work in this line. Mr. Fisher is a native of Schuylkill County and stands high in public confidence. |
| Star Knitting Mill - E. H. Baker, proprietor, Saint John Street. These mills were established two years ago by the present proprietor, who occupies for manufacturing purposes a two story building 32 by 42 feet in dimensions equipped with improved machinery, propelled by steam power, furnishing employment to from 15 to 25 operatives according to the exigencies of demand. A leading specialty is made of fine and medium grades of ladies knit underwear and the works have a capacity for turning out from 100 to 200 dozens per day according to the number of hands employed. The trademark of this mill is recognized in commercial circles as a guarantee of excellence and its products are distributed to all sections of the Union through Philadelphia and New York jobbers. Mr. Baker, who is practically conversant with the business, is a native of Berks County, but has been a resident of Schuylkill Haven for the past twenty years. |
| Z. T. Hendricks - Steam Heating and Machine Works, Main Street. This gentleman established here in 1870 and conducts the leading house in his line. He is prepared to execute steam and hot water heating for hotels, boilers and engines and handles pumps, wood and iron tanks, pulleys, belting, iron and brass goods, and in fact all fixtures for steam and water. Sanitary plumbing is also executed in all its branches. A prominent specialty of the house is all kinds of electrical work, such as wiring for lights, fans, call bells, burglar alarms, telephones, etc. and he is prepared to fill contracts with promptness. Estimates are furnished for all classes of work. The premises are equipped with every convenience and a force of skilled assistants employed. A native of Schuylkill County, this gentleman during his business career has won the the esteem of trade circles through honorable methods. |
| David Commings - General Merchandise, Main and Dock Streets. The present proprietor succeeded to this business nineteen years ago. The premises utilized comprise a sales room, fifteen by fifty feet in dimensions, well fitted up and containing an admirably selected stock of dry goods, trimmings white goods, as well as teas, coffees, spices, sugars, table delicacies, canned and bottled goods,dried and evaporated fruits, culinary requisites and laundry supplies, butter, eggs, cheese, lard, smoked, dried and cured meats. His stock is first class in every respect and the prices low. Mr. Commings, who is a native of Schuylkill County, is thoroughly conversant with this business and highly esteemed by all. |
| T. D. Brownmiller - Marble and Granite Works, Corner of Dock Street and Broadway. No house in the Schuylkill Valley is better able to meet the demands of patrons in its line then this one, which was established eight years ago by the present proprietor. The premises are of ample dimensions and are well equipped. Both building and cemetery work are executed, but the specialty is in the latter branch, which includes monuments, columns, tablets, headstones, etc. and the artistic design and perfect finish of the work show that the gentleman is not excelled in the art of marble cutting and designing. He has devoted many years to the business and enjoys an enviable reputation, many of the finest monuments in the cemeteries of this section having come from his shop. All work receives prompt attention and estimates are furnished upon application, while the prices are low. The house is also prepared to offer inducements in the way of railings, enclosures and other cemetery supplies. Mr. Brownmiller is a native of Lebanon County, and since taking up his residence here has won the confidence of the community. |
| Sausser Brothers - Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, etc. Main Street. This firm established here six years ago and occupies a prominent position in this line of trade. The premises occupied comprise two floors and a basement of a building 25 by 100 feet in dimensions, containing a large stock shelf, builders and heavy hardware, stoves, heaters, ranges, oil and gasoline stoves, tin, enameled and sheet iron ware, and kitchen furnishing goods in variety. They are prepared to furnish estimates and contract for hot air heating, range setting, roofing, spouting and guttering, and sheet metal work of every description. William and Jacob Sausser, the personnel of the firm, are natives of Berks County, thoroughly identified with all that concerns the welfare of their adopted county and enjoy the esteem of the community. |
| Samuel H. Butz - Groceries and Provisions, Dock and Centre Streets. This store was established by the present proprietor a year and a half ago. The premises occupied comprise a sales room 16 by 24 feet in dimensions, conveniently arranged and the stock embraces teas, coffees, spices, canned and bottled goods, vegetables, fruits and green truck in season as well as a choice line of confectionery and notions, stationery, etc. guaranteed to be of superior quality and sold at low prices. Competent assistants are employed. The proprietor, who is a native of Lehigh County, is conversant with the trade and one of Schuylkill Haven's honorable business men. |
| Charles Keller - Merchant Clothier and Tailor, Main Street. This leading concern was established by the present proprietor fifteen years ago as a ready made clothing house, the merchant tailoring feature being added six years since. The premises occupied comprise a two story building, 18 by 34 feet in dimensions, used as a clothing stock embraces a fine line of suitings, of both European and domestic manufacture, of fashionable pattern and design. This gentleman's son, Robert M. Keller, is a practical tailor and expert cutter, a graduate of John J. Mitchell School of Cutting of New York City, and in this department six assistants are employed. The stock of ready made clothing comprises fashionable cuts in materials in dress and business suits, for men, youth and boys. Here is also a varied assortment of hats, caps and gentlemens furnishing goods, hosiery, underwear and gloves, trunks, valises and umbrellas. Mr. Keller is a native of Berks County, and his son of Schuylkill County and both are esteemed in the community. |
| J. H. Sterner - Contractor and Builder and Dealer in Lumber, Corner of Union and Saint Peter Streets. This gentleman embarked in business in 1868 as the head of the firm J. H. and R. Sterner, which partnership was dissolved seven years ago. His facilities are such that he can promptly execute the most extensive building contracts and a number of the finest residences and business blocks in Schuylkill Haven and neighboring places have been erected and remodeled by him. He also carries a large stock of rough and dressed lumber and mill work including siding, flooring, doors, sashes, blinds, shutters, mouldings, brackets and casings. The premises occupied comprise a lumber yard 56 by 110 feet in dimensions, fully provided with shedding for storage, and a two story carpentry shop, 18 by 36 feet in dimensions. He also carries in stock a large quantity of hemlock lumber which he stores at the railroad. A native of Schuylkill County, Mr. Sterner enjoys the highest esteem of the community. |
| H. S. Deibert - Photographer, Number 4, Main Street. A representative exponent of this important art in Schuylkill Haven is this gentleman, whose premises on the ground floor comprise a space 26 by 30 feet in dimensions, and equipped with improved accessories and all conveniences. He uses the instantaneous process and is prepared to execute every description of fine photographic portraiture, outdoor and interior work in the highest style of the art at popular prices. Orders are also received for crayon work, which is done by the best artists in that line. Mr. Deibert, who was born four miles from here, is thoroughly conversant with the business, having established here thirty four years ago. His grandparents were among the pioneer settlers of Schuylkill County, and his father before the advent of railroads hauled coal by the wagon load to Philadelphia. |
| Robert Jones - Groceries and Provisions, Dock Street near Coal Street. This house was founded by the present proprietor twenty four years ago. The premises occupied comprise a sales room of ample dimensions, well fitted up, and the stock embraces choice teas, coffees, spices, canned and bottled goods, sugar, syrups, butter, eggs, lard, cheeses, flour and feed, fruits and vegetables as well as salted and smoked meats, crockery and glassware, and a full line of dry goods and notions. The stock is of the best and sold at low prices: while competent assistants are employed and goods delivered free. Mr. Jones has for nearly all his life been identified with mercantile pursuits and is enabled to give his customers many advantages in goods and prices. He is a native of Schuylkill County, well regarded. |
| John D. Coldren - Jeweler, Main Street. This attractive establishment was founded in December last and has been accorded a large patronage. The premises occupied comprise a sales room, 18 by 26 feet in dimensions, attractively fitted up and containing a large stock of English, Swiss and American watches in gold and silver , plain and decorated casings, clocks, fine jewelry, silver plated tableware suitable for wedding presents or holiday gifts. Mr. Coldren is also a specialist in optics, testing the eyes free and fitting them with glasses, of which he carries a full assortment. Repairing of watches, clocks and jewelry is also executed. This gentleman is a native of Schuylkill County and has been prominently identified with the jewelry business for six years. |
| Mrs. George McWilliams - General Merchandise, corner of Dock Street and Broadway. This stand was founded by the husband of the present proprietor in 1872 and has since been under her control for the last seven years. The premises utilized comprise a store of two floors, each twenty by sixty feet in dimensions, attractively fitted up and containing a large stock of fashionable dress fabrics, white goods, notions, linings, trimmings, tapestry and ingrain carpets, oilcloths, window shades, crockery and glassware and lamps, all manner of groceries and mens, ladies and children's' footwear. The stock is first class and sold at reasonable prices, while several assistants are employed, and a team used for delivery purposes. Mrs. McWilliams, who is a native of Schuylkill County, is a reliable business woman, well regarded. |
| H. Berger - General Merchandise, Dock Street. This business was started by its present proprietor in 1870 and was previously conducted at Cressona. The premises occupied comprise a sales room, 22 by 58 feet in dimensions, gentleman's furnishing goods, and underwear, tinware, crockery and glassware as well as teas, coffees, sugar, spices, bread stuffs, canned and bottled goods, fruits and vegetables, butter, cheese eggs, lard, etc. Mr. Berger is also senior partner in the firm of H. Berger and Son Knitting Mill, and is a thoroughly reliable and progressive businessman. |
| Charles W. Sausser - Stoves and Tinware, Saint Peter Street. This gentleman is located two doors above the Schuylkill Hose House, where he occupies premises twenty by thirty feet in dimensions, containing all tools and appliances. All kinds of stoves and ranges including oil and gasoline stoves, tin enameled and sheet iron and hollow ware, and a general line of kitchen furnishing goods is in stock. Contracts are taken for hot air heating, range setting, roofing and spouting, painting and repairing of tin roofs, and a leading specialty is in the manufacture of galvanized gutters and conductors, and the repairing of all kinds of tinware, which is called for and delivered free, a team being kept in the business. Mr. Sausser is a native of Schuylkill Haven and a young man of enterprise and business ability. |
| George M. Ehly - Fine Bread and Cakes, Dock and Berger Streets. This well conducted bakery was established by the present proprietor a year ago. The premises occupied contain a well supplied sales room and there is baked fresh daily all kinds of wheat, rye, and graham bread, rolls, buns, biscuits, pretzels, plain and fancy cakes and pies, only the best flour and other ingredients entering into their composition. Ice cream of all pure fruit flavors is also manufactured and sold to customers during the summer months, while competent assistants are employed and a wagon kept busy serving a route throughout town and suburbs. Mr. Ehly personally attends to all details of the business. He is a native of Schuylkill County and is well known for his honorable dealing. |
| Charles Schumacher - Dealer in Groceries and Shoes, Columbia Street. This stand was established by the present proprietor a little over five years ago. The premises occupied which are fifteen by fifty feet in dimensions, are conveniently fitted up and stocked with a choice line of the best teas, coffees, sugars, spices, culinary and laundry supplies, pickles, bottled and canned goods, preserves, butter, eggs, lard, fruits and tobacco. About two months ago, a line of fashionable footwear for men , women and children was added. His stock is all noted for its purity and the prices are uniformly low. Competent assistance is employed and a team is kept for delivery. Mr. Schumacher is a native of Schuylkill County, and previously conducted a barber shop here for ten years. |
| D. A. Croll - Groceries and Provisions, 164 Dock Street. This leading house in its line was established two years ago by the present proprietor. The sales room occupied is 16 by 25 feet in dimensions, attractively fitted up and the stock embraces choice teas, coffees, spices, sugars, butter, eggs, lard, flour and feed, fruits and vegetables, salt, smoked and cured meats, confectionery, tobaccos, and all kinds of shelf and farmers hardware, as well as house furnishing goods of every description, everything guaranteed to be of superior quality and sold at low prices, while competent assistants are employed. Mr. Croll has long been identified with the grocery trade, is a native of Schuylkill Haven and one of its prominent businessmen. |
| Located in one of the most fertile parts of Schuylkill County, is Schuylkill Haven, a place of about 2,700 inhabitants. It is an active town, possessing modern improvements and advantageously situated for manufacturing enterprises of almost any kind. From the hill sections of the town a most beautiful view of the Schuylkill Valley is to be had and the environment is most healthful, while pure mountain air and water are consumption, as well as poultry and dairy products are produced in the surrounding country, while fish abound in the streams and game in the mountains. There is an excellent system of water works and a well equipped fire lighting. The streets are in good repair and the sidewalks well kept, and a number of pretty residences with pretty lawns, present a handsome appearance. The business concerns, the more important of which we mention, are well equipped and transact a large annual business. Located in the immediate proximity of the anthracite coal region, the generating of steam power can be done at a small cost and there is ample water power that might be utilized. Shipping facilities are afforded by the Philadelphia and Reading, Pennsylvania, and Pottsville Division of the Lehigh Valley railroads, thus giving all the advantages of competing rates. The principal manufacturing enterprises in operation here now, consist of a shoe factory and seven knitting mills, although every reasonable encouragement will be extended by the people to deserving concerns in other lines that desire to locate here. Pottsville, the county seat, is but six miles distant and taken altogether, this may be considered one of the best places of its class in the county. |
| Hotel grand |
| Perhaps the best known hotel in Schuylkill Haven history was the Hotel Grand located at the corner of Main and Saint John Streets. Below is an article from the Pottsville Republican of February 26, 1898, noting the quality of the establishment. |
| WHAT A MODEL HOTEL IS Such as is the Grand Hotel at Schuylkill Haven COMFORT; CONVENIENCE! |
| A Luxurious Home for the Traveling Public- An Ornament to the Place and a Credit to the Owner - A Monument of Enterprise |
| Pottsville Republican of February 26, 1898 Staid old Schuylkill Haven, as many are accustomed to think and speak of her, is not making much boast or bluster, but is keeping pace with the growth and progress of her other sister towns. In fact she is setting the other boroughs, in this vicinity, an example by the establishment of her many industries, which include a diversity of manufactories, all of which are successful; giving profit to the owners and employment to the people of the town. The capitalists of Schuylkill Haven when they found by reason of the canal being abandoned that her residents would be compelled to look elsewhere for a means of support, set about to circumvent this and kept her people there by establishing factories by which now about a dozen or upwards give employment to hundreds of men, women and children. The church edifices and school buildings of that town are all models as are also many of her business places and residences. For her first class hotels, Schuylkill Haven is noted and consequently many of the commercial men and those who travel for pleasure seek that town and make one or the other of her public houses their temporary place of abode. Its principal public house is the Hotel Grand, owned and run by the prince of landlords, Daniel D. Yoder. Ten years ago, Mr. Yoder occupied the old Washington Hotel and finally purchased the stand. After but a few years under his proprietorship, Mr. Yoder found the building too antiquated and too small to suit the tastes and capacity of his house, and he resolved to raze the front building to the ground and erect upon its site a modern, commodious hotel. The owner set about immediately to procure plans and after due care and deliberation, decided upon the plans and specifications, by Rudy and Richards, the Lebanon architects, and awarded the contract for its erection to Jere Sterner, the well known builder and contractor of Schuylkill Haven. The Grand Hotel stands forth as a monument to the enterprise and thrift of the owner and to the skill of the architects and builder. It is a model of hotels and is an ornament to the town. Built of Philadelphia pressed brick, it is a substantial as well as a magnificent building. Its windows are of the very finest French plate glass. Its exterior has been by no means been slighted nor was any minor detail overlooked and the Grand Hotel is truly a thing of beauty. But it is of the interior that this article will more fully speak of. For after all it is comfort and rest that the weary traveller seeks. This, the hospitable landlord, D. D. Yoder, knows and to this end did he plan and build and it may be said without contradiction that there is not anywhere a more cheerful and homelike hotel in this broad land with the many model hostelries. The two lower stories of the main building are furnished in oak and the two upper stories in cypress. The floors, excepting the large public parlor on the first floor, are of tile, and there are exactly 12,000 pieces of tile in the floor of the vestibule. The ceilings are high and of metal. The halls are wide and airy and all the rooms cheerfully lighted and well ventilated. Its fifty four bed chambers are furnished with the most modern and magnificent furniture and with cozy, comfortable beds. On each floor are water closets and bathrooms for the use of the guests. Both gas and electricity are supplied for lighting and in every room and in all the halls are erected radiators, and every room from basement to roof is comfortably heated by the steam plant of the hotel. The fourth story of the main building is occupied by Page Lodge Number 270, F. and A. M. as a lodge room. The basement will be devoted to billiard and pool rooms and to bath and sample rooms. The barroom and office furniture and fixtures are the handiwork of DeLong's factory at Topton. In this department that urbane and genial gentleman, J. T. Griffiths, presides as clerk. A warm handshake from Clerk Griffiths makes you feel at home at once. The same care and thoughtfulness wee exercised in the furnishing of the interior that were displayed upon the exterior of the building. The exterior views of landscape, to be seen from many portions of the building, are magnificent, and as one of the guests of the Grand recently said, "it is a scene to inspire the poetic muse". Not only were the comfort and health of the guests considered by landlord Yoder in the construction of this model public home, but likewise their safety in the erection of fire escapes of easy access should other means of egress be shut off. The building is also provided with Babcock Fire Extinguishers for prompt application should occasion require it. Landlord Yoder does not miss an opportunity to keep up the excellent standard of this grand hotel. His dining tables are always supplied with the very best the market affords which is prepared in the best style and manner of the cuisine art, and served neatly and carefully by the most obliging and considerate waitresses. Here too, Mr. Yoder may be found during meal hours studying even the whims and fancies of the most critical guest, so that nothing may be overlooked to disarm any such from an opportunity to become cynical. One of the most wonderful things in connection with all this luxury to be enjoyed at the Grand Hotel is the fact that the rates are no higher than the ordinary commonplace hotel. The traveling public, quick witted to know a good thing, therefore travel from afar and pass other towns that they may find food and shelter under Landlord Yoder's roof. |
| Above left is a letterhead from the 1890's from the Washington Hotel which was razed to make room for the new Hotel Grand. Above right is an envelope for mailing featuring advertising and a picture of the Hotel Grand from 1898. |
| In 1898, the Industrial Review of Schuylkill Haven had this to say about the Hotel Grand.... HOTEL GRAND - Daniel D. Yoder, Proprietor The cordial and cheery reception extended by Host Yoder, of the Hotel Grand, to all who favor him with a sojourn beneath his roof, is one of the charms which combine to render the house popular with wayfarers from all parts of the country. The Hotel Grand is without exception, the largest, most handsome and finest equipped building in Schuylkill Haven. It is a four story structure and basement built of Philadelphia pressed brick, the windows being of the very finest French plate while the architectural design is magnificent. The two lower stories of the building are finished in oak and the two upper stories in cypress. The floors excepting the large public parlor on the first floor are of tile, and there are exactly 12,000 pieces of tile in the floor of the vestibule. The ceilings are of metal. The hotel is conveniently located, comfortably arranged, elegantly furnished, warmed in cold weather with modern steam apparatus, lighted by both gas and electricity, provided with toilet and bath rooms, hot and cold water throughout and contains fifty four airy and cozy sleeping compartments. The table is first class, lavishly supplied with the best and choicest food obtainable, prepared by an experienced chef, and politely served by attentive and unobtrusive waitresses. In connection with the hotel, and by far the finest in the village, is the bar. The fittings throughout are of oak, polished to the highest degree. Behind the counter in its elegantly and artistically arranged framework, a large French plate mirror reflects the brilliancy of the glassware and lends a grand and imposing effect to the general surroundings, which are of the most costly and appropriate description. Here the choicest and rarest of wines and liquors of imported and domestic product are dispensed. Mr. Yoder handles the very best and purest brands of lager, ale and porter while his whiskies are well and favorably known to the trade for their superior and extraordinary quality. From the start of his present business, Mr. Yoder has succeeded in securing an enduring hold on public favor which has resulted in the development of a very large and influential trade, owing to the fact that only the best brands of wet goods are carried and the wisdom of this policy is evidenced by the very large business done. Mr. Yoder is too well and favorably known this throughout this entire section to need any special comment. He is a courteous and pleasant gentleman and one who thoroughly understands his business and by honesty, integrity and perseverance, has succeeded in placing himself among our representative business men. |
| The successful completion of the paving of Main Street in 1909 was cause for celebration as can be seen by this announcement below of a banquet at the Hotel Grand. At right is the article in the Pottsville Republican noting the event. |
| In 1910, the Municipal League held their banquet at the renowned Hotel Grand. At left is shown the front and rear covers of the program with the officers of the league noted on the back. At right is the inside of the program with the menu and agenda. Below that is the Pottsville Republican article noting the event. |
| Pottsville Republican of December 10, 1909 BANQUETTED HIS FRIENDS Contractor John A. Rauen, of reading, who constructed Schuylkill Haven's street pavement, tendered a banquet to the members of town council and a few other friends at Hotel Grand on Thursday evening. Covers were laid for thirty and when Landlord Souder's efficient corps of waiters began to serve the following were around the board: President J. C. Lautenbacher, George A. Berger, Charles Bubeck, Robert Keller, Milton Meck, James Umbenhower, Lawrence McKeone, Dr. G. H. Moore of town council, Borough Solicitor J. A. Noecker, Borough Engineer George W. Butz, Supervisor Charles A. Becker, Clerk George E. Runkle, Water Supt W. H. Werner, William Courtney, Claude Bittle, Charles Keller, W. J. Saylor, Floyd Minnig, I. L. Lautenbacher, James Schucker, Charles Schucker, John Brown, William Brobst, Carl Bitzer,Frank Starr, Earl Witman and James A. Rauen and his wife and daughter. President Lautenbacher of town council acted as toastmaster. Mr. Rauen welcomed his guests in a neat little speech and after a few remarks by the toastmaster, brief speeches were made by Solicitor Noecker, Engineer Butz, Dr. Moore, Supt Werner and others |
| Pottsville Republican of April 9, 1910 SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE BANQUETS The second annual banquet of the Municipal League of Schuylkill Haven was held at Hotel Grand in that town and was attended by about fifty of the members. The members met in the parlors of the hotel at 6:30 o'clock and marched in a body to the dining room. During the serving of the banquet and at intervals during the speech making, Bensinger's orchestra rendered several renditions. President of the League, acted as toastmaster. The following toasts were responded to: "Sanitation" by Frank Brown, "Schools" by Professor E. P. Heckert, principal of the Schuylkill Haven High School, and "Commission Government in Municipal Government" by J. A. Noecker. |
| The Call of August 25, 1911 PURE ICE BEING MADE HERE Schuylkill Haven’s infant industry, the ice plant, opened operations on Monday morning last, under the most auspicious circumstances and with the brightest prospects of being more than able to dispose of every pound of ice that is manufactured. When the pull was made on Monday morning, approximately forty five tons of pure sparkling ice was placed in the ice house adjoining the plant. It only remained here for a short time as it was readily disposed of. A car containing twenty three tons was loaded and shipped to Tower City while the remainder was purchased by residents living in close proximity and by ice men of the town. It is a fact that the majority of the local ice dealers supply is near exhausted. They are reaching toward the bottom of their ice houses and this ice is being supplied to the hotels and butchers, while the manufactured ice, clean and pure as human ingenuity can make it, is being delivered to the house wife and consumer of small quantities. The plant is being run under the name of the Baker Coal and Ice Company. On Wednesday afternoon a representative of the Call was given the privilege of inspecting the plant and incidentally learned a few points on making ice. Providing the time should come when Dame Fortune should smile upon him and he should desire to turn his attention from the field of journalism to that of ice making, The pointer given by the owner of the ice plant, Mr. Harry Baker, will serve him to excellent advantage. Of course there are a few twists and bends that must be eliminated before the plant is running in what is commonly known as “apple pie order.” This will be only a matter of a few weeks at the most and in the meantime will not materially interfere with the output of the plant. To use the expression of one of the employees, Mr. Stripe, who has been on the ground since the erection of the plant was started, “It is one of the most modern of its capacity in the state of Pennsylvania”. Its capacity is about twenty five tons. One of the most important factors in connection with the manufacturing of ice is the water supply. Adjoining the plant is a well more than two hundred feet in depth. A suction pump draws the water from this well and deposits it in a large covered wooden tank. From this tank it is distributed to the three hundred tanks. When frozen each of these tanks contains a cake of ice weighing more or less to 250 pounds. The water is first filtered before entering the tanks and as it comes from the well, registers fifty degrees. Should the well for any reason fail to furnish a sufficient supply of water, connection has been made with the borough water line. Following the placing of the water in the tanks or receptacles, a small quarter inch pipe is placed in the center of the tanks. Through this pipe air is pumped. This is known as agitating the water. This agitation continues until the water starts to freeze and has attained a thickness of two or three inches around all four sides of the tank. The agitation has a tendency to cause all impurities to rise to the top. The remaining unfrozen water is then taken out by means of a suction and other water forced in. It is this process that causes what appears as a column of frost in the center of the ice. Mr. Baker calculated that it required about forty hours to freeze a tank of water. These tanks are encased in a pit through which is driven a solution of ammonia and salt brine. It is this solution which causes the freezing. At no time does the water in the tanks come in either direct or indirect contact with the solution and hence the taste of the ammonia is eliminated. It is only in worn out plants where the taste of ammonia is noticed. After the ice is solidly frozen, the tank is lifted out and placed on an incline chute. Here warm water is run over the tank until the cake inside becomes loose and runs down the chute to the ice house, through a door that works mechanically and closes after each and every cake has passed. This ice house is kept at a freezing temperature by means of pipes through which runs the solution. Ice several inches thick was noticed on the outside of the pipes. At the present time there are two shifts of four men each employed. Mr. Baker states that after the plant is running smoothly, two men on a shift can handle the plant to perfection and without the least bit of difficulty. While The Call representative was at the plant, a car was placed on a siding to be loaded for the Merchants Ice Company of Reading. Mr. Baker expects to be able to supply not only the wants of Schuylkill haven and the immediate towns, but to be able to ship the same to all sections of the state and outside if necessary. Mr. Baker is charging a small price per ton for the ice at his plant. He believes that the ice dealers can purchase the manufactured ice, haul it around the town and dispose of the same, making a neat profit, for less money then they can harvest it in the winter and keep it stored until the spring or summer months. He further believes that no resident should be compelled to pay forty or fifty cents a hundred for this summer necessity. Mr. Baker invites an inspection of the plant so far as cleanliness and sanitation is concerned. He is ready any hour of there day or night to supply ice in any quantity from a five cent piece to that of a wagon load. The town can well feel proud of its infant industry and should encourage the proprietor by demanding of their ice men, ice that is not exposed to the weather during freezing process, but ice that is pure and clean. Tuesday afternoon a cake of ice containing a cantaloupe and several peaches was placed on exhibition at the First National Bank. It drew large crowds and caused favorable comment and at places was clear enough to read a newspaper through it. |
| Below are two newspaper ads from The Call advertising the roller skating rink in Schuylkill Haven. It was located where the current Boyer's Market is today and was built and operated by renowned Schuylkill Haven builder, Paul Naffin. The ad on the left is from January 19, 1912 touting a race between skaters and bicyclists. The ad on the right from May 31, 1912 teases about a special attraction. |
| The Call of February 19, 1915 OPEN JEWELRY STORE HERE On or about April 1, Schuylkill Haven will have a real jewelry store. During the week arrangements were made by a practical and experienced jeweler to open a store in the town and in the course of several weeks the stock will commence to arrive here. The store will be opened and conducted by Mr. S. M. Rupley who at present conducts a large jewelry and optical store in Monaca Pennsylvania. The lower portion of the S. L. Pflueger store has been rented and will be occupied by Mr. Rupley. Mr. Rupley has had several years practical experience in the jewelry business and intends to give this town an up to date and first class store. He has already rented a house and will move his family and household goods here as soon as possible. While in town the past week, Mr. Rupley and his father S. G. Rupley, of Mercersburg, made many friends. They have been acquainted for years with several prominent families now residing in Schuylkill Haven. |
| The news article at left announces a new jewelry store in town. Below is a sign from that long gone business. |
| The Call of October 19, 1917 NEW HOSPITAL OPENED HERE A visit to the Dr. G. H. Moore Private Hospital on Main Street, which has recently been opened, will prove interesting and surprising indeed. The hospital located on the third floor of the Moore residence contains in all eleven rooms. All of them at this time have not been quite completely furnished as the mechanics still have some of their work to finish. Entrance is gained either through the doctor’s office entrance or around the side of the house and over the second story porch. By the use of the latter entrance, the Moore family need not be disturbed or interfered with. A sun parlor will be constructed on the second floor for the use of the patients later. On the third floor there is a cheerful comfortable and roomy living or reading room. Here also is a dumb waiter from the kitchen on the first floor. A large south side sun room permits a fine view of the rolling hills of Long Run Valley and the Schuylkill Mountain. Then there is an emergency room of good size and a chapel for the use of persons who wish to be alone for a period. On the walls are three beautiful pictures, “Returning from Jerusalem”, Suffer the Little Children”, and “The Last Supper”. Then comes a large sized bedroom with which to connect a signal system from all the other departments of the hospital. It contains a novel idea of a three in one built in chiffonier, wardrobe and dressing table. From this room is obtained a view of Main Street, the P and R railroad to the Mine Hill crossing, the mountains and the hills. Then comes a laboratory with equipment for examining blood, disease germs, etc, microscopes, electric sterilizers and numerous other appliances necessary for a hospital. A stationary hot and cold water stand is also found here together with wall closets for the storing of additional equipment, chemicals and appliances. The bathroom is next door containing the usual bathroom features with three large medicine chests. Here is also a large gas heating boiler to be used in summer time when there is no fire in the living quarters. The gas is lighted and in a short time hot water is furnished for the bathroom, the sterilizing room and the operating room. The eighth room is a bedroom containing two beds, where “The Call” man found two young patients asleep, who underwent operations for the removal of adenoids the day previous. The next room is another bedroom with two single beds, dresser, etc. This room faces on Main Street and plenty of light is obtainable. The room is large and finished in white with a special hardwood floor. It will be very pleasant. In the sterilizing room is found a large metal stand whereon is a sterilizing tank for dressings, a hot water tank, a cold water tank and an instrument sterilizer. Here also is a wash stand for the use of the surgeons or nurses in order that it will not be necessary to touch the usual spigots to turn on the water; the water pressure is operated by foot pedals at the floor. One presses one of the pedals and the water flows from the pipe. Communicating with the operating room is a large closet. The instruments and bandages, etc are placed in the closet from the sterilizing room. They can be procured from the other side of the closet in the operating room. The operating room is a large well lighted room facing on Main and High Streets. Here is the usual operating table, an operating chair for nose work. McKenzie light for special eye work, electric appliances for suction making tonsil operations almost bloodless, and various other operating room equipment. Most of the rooms are in white with sanitary mineral flooring. The operating room, sterilizing room and the bathroom are in white enamel. Direct and indirect lighting system is in use. The entire building will be heated with steam heat. As high as eight to ten patients can be accommodated at one and the same time. The institution will be known as the G. H. Moore Private Hospital and will be used exclusively for eye, ear, nose and throat work. |
| The Call of August 26, 1921 OPERA HOUSE TO OPEN SEPTEMBER 12 The remodeling and refurnishment of the Opera House on Saint Peter Street is being rushed with every bit of speed possible. It is planned to have the formal reopening of this theater either on September 10th or 12th. Motion pictures will be the program and a nightly schedule will be in order. Vaudeville performances will be given occasionally and the theater will be open for local theatricals and various events. Mr. White the owner promises to give the community high class pictures at a reasonable admission and to bring to town occasional high class vaudeville acts. The exterior walls of the theater have been stuccoed and the front wall and woodwork will be painted gray and trimmed in white. The walls and ceiling of the auditorium have been painted dark cream. The woodwork and trimmings have been painted brown and trimmed in dark cream. The walls are to be stenciled and further decorated. A new system of lighting and new electric fixtures are being installed by electrician William Morris. The floor beneath the balcony has been pitched toward the stage. A Wurlitzer electric organ with orchestral effects has been purchased. A new mirror screen will be put in position and all new stage properties and scenery will be procured. Tuesday Mr. White was in Philadelphia and placed an order for a new boiler for the heating plant. New apparatus and the system will be changed. The Schaffner-Maberry firm recently completed the plumbing conveniences. New seats have been ordered and if they do not arrive in time for the opening date the seats formerly in use will be placed. Judging from the present appearance of the auditorium, it when finished will be unusually pretty and comfortable. The ceilings and walls in the hallway have been repainted and the woodwork all revarnished. At this time Mr. White has not decided what use he will make of the third and first floors. He is considering alterations to the third floor so that it could be used for Lodge rooms or as apartments. The first floor will be arranged for living quarters. |
| The Call of February 19, 1926 TOWN UNDERWEAR MILL GOES OUT OF BUSINESS One of the first of Schuylkill Haven’s industries is to be discontinued. In fact operations have been recently discontinued and some of the machinery already has been disposed of. The plant to be discontinued is that of the Spring Garden Knitting Mills, operated by Berger Brothers. The bleachery, a very large unit of this plant, will however be continued as heretofore. The other large brick buildings will be used for storage purposes. The reason given for the retirement of this well known firm from the cotton underwear manufacturing business is that the market for this class of goods is heavily overloaded and that the demand for this product grows less every season. The firm is one of the oldest of the local industrial concerns. It was established on March 4, 1889 in a small frame building on the site now occupied by the Harry Butz and Mrs. Sallie Butz properties on Dock Street. The building had first been used as a warehouse. The manufacture of hosiery was first begun. It was operated by Mr. Harrison Berger, father of the present owners of the plant, Daniel Berger and Elwin Deibert. A year later Daniel Berger sold his interest to his nephew, John D. Berger, the present senior member of the firm of Berger Brothers. The elder Berger a year later purchased the interest of Elwin Deibert and the firm name was changed to H. Berger and Son and the name of the mill, Spring Garden Knitting Mill, retained. In 1893, the Seifert Grist Mill on Dock Street was purchased from Mrs. George McWilliams and converted into a mill and the manufacture of ladies cotton underwear was begun. In the year 1902, a large additional building was erected which housed the machinery for the bleachery. In 1905 another new two story brick building was built and the mill proper transferred to it. In 1907, Harrison Berger sold his interest in the firm to his two sons, Harry and Thomas, and the firm name was changed to Berger Brothers. The Berger firm up until recently employed during the busy season as high as one hundred persons. When hosiery was the product of the mill as high as 144 persons were employed. Many of the employees of this industry have already procured employment in other local industries. Miss Ella Kipp, of Cressona, holds the distinction of being in the employ of the Berger firm for the greatest period of time, namely thirty seven years. Miss Lizzie Shadel has been employed for a period of thirty one years. The Berger firm from the date of beginning the manufacture of underwear continued this line, always manufacturing ladies cotton underwear. Goods were shipped to all parts of the United States, England and Australia. |
| The Call of August 5, 1927 TO OPEN NEW BATHING POOL For some months operations have been underway a short distance above the Columbia Heights Lake, formerly Bittle's Pond, under the direction of Dr. G. H. Moore. They have now so far progressed that there has been evolved a concrete swimming pool of no mean size which is to be thrown open to the public shortly. It is 125 feet by 140 feet. In depth it will be from one to nine feet. It will be within ready and easy access from Columbia Street and promises to become one of the most popular outdoor swimming pools in this section. One of the special features of this pool will be that it will contain filtered chlorinated water. For this purpose a large filtering tank has been completed and will be filled with eight different sizes of stone pebbles and sand. The pool will be drained daily and for this purpose a five and one half horsepower electric motor was installed this week in a pump house near the pool by electrician Dewey Graeff. A system of pipes has been placed which will make it possible to drain the pool in a short time. Around the pool is being built a six foot rustic boardwalk upon concrete supports. A large slide is to be built at a later date. There has been erected a large bath house at the west end of the pool with separate compartments for men and women and each provided with lockers and will be provided with showers. As a means of safety a steel rope will be placed about the pool at its deepest point. The water which will be used in the pool will be that of several good sized fresh springs that are in the vicinity. This water will also be filtered and chlorinated. Dr. Moore intends to provide every convenience to bathers and to offer to the general public this healthful recreation under every first class and clean condition. Operations will also be continued tending the development of the vicinity of the pool into an inviting park. There will be a caretaker in charge of the pool at all times and also an instructor in swimming will be present. The pool will be thrown open to the general public shortly. |
| The opening of a long forgotten swimming pool in town is announced.... |
| The Call of September 1, 1933 GUS MENAS CLOSES PLACE OF BUSINESS During the week, the pool room and cigar store of Gus Menas was discontinued by the former owner. The license to operate a saloon in connection with this place of business had been held by Sonny McCord. Mr. McCord will continue to operate as a saloon. The closing of the business of Menas was the result of a series of happenings that followed rapidly upon one another, beginning last week. It appears a Mrs. Grace Jacobs was taken ill in the Menas place last Thursday evening. She was given a room upstairs for the night and in the morning could not be awakened. Mrs. Jacobs was a waitress at The Maples, opposite the Half Way House on the Orwigsburg Pike. Instructions were received from The Maples at 1:30 Friday afternoon, that a doctor should be called to administer to her. Dr. Mengel was called at 4:30 that afternoon and ordered her immediate removal to the hospital. She was taken to the hospital and dies at 4:30 Saturday afternoon. Monday morning a government official arrived in town and questioned Menas regarding his citizenship in the United States. It was learned he had only taken out first papers. In the meantime, some of the equipment in the Menas place of business was removed by the owners. Menas had been mixed up with the local authorities on thirteen different charges since 1926, three of which have been maintenance of gambling devices. |
| The call of November 10, 1933 NEW BASKETBALL HERE Added interest on the part of the general public has been aroused in the construction of a gas filling station and garage by Elmer Ketner on Columbia Street by reason of the fact that the building will contain a hall suitable for basketball purposes, for dances and private or public similar events. The hall referred to will be on the second floor of the building and will be sixty by sixty feet. This will provide ample space for the basketball cage and considerable space on both sides for bleacher seats. It is figured that seats to accommodate from seven to eight hundred persons will be possible. The entire space will be free of upright steel girders, thus making possible a hall ideally suited for many purposes. The building will be a two story structure. There will be a showroom on the Columbia Street side, about thirty five by sixty feet. The service station space will be about sixty feet square. On the second floor front will be a seven room apartment as well as the large hall above referred to. The building will be of brick and tile. The brick will be of Clearfield manufacture and of a golden buff. The architecture is not to be elaborate but of a most neat and very attractive design. Mr. Ketner will continue to operate the service station at the present location just across the street from the new plant. In the new service station and garage he will be associated with his cousin, John D. Ketner. The Chrysler agency will be retained by Mr. Ketner. Fourteen men are being given employment at this time at the building operations now underway. The contractor is Mr. George Moyer. |
| The Call of January 26, 1934 BASKETBALL HALL SOON READY Schuylkill Haven's honest to goodness basketball hall will be ready for occupancy in the next four to six weeks, depending to a great extent upon weather conditions. This will be welcome news to basketball fans. It had been hoped to have the hall ready for the beginning of the second half period of the South Anthracite League schedule. This however, will be impossible. With the opening of the basketball hall, the first in Schuylkill Haven since the Naffin Skating Rink had been used for this purpose, additional teams are already being formed in town. Other social events planned for the next several months are being arranged with the new hall in mind. The hall itself will be most properly and modernly appointed and finished in attractive form. There will be two dressing rooms with showers, two toilets and the floor will be of concrete with marble chip finish. Seats will be of the removable kind with the seating capacity for basketball events up to at least eight hundred. The roof on the building was completed by contractor George Moyer last week and the interior work for the entire building is now going forward very rapidly. This building was started on November 2nd and on the average, Mr. Ketner has employed about twenty five men. The building is of neat design. It is two stories of brick, tile, concrete and steel construction. Its size is sixty two by one hundred feet, the first figure being the Columbia Street dimension. The new building has improved appearances in that particular section of the town one hundred percent. On the Columbia Street side, Mr. Ketner will have an auto showroom. On the Saint Charles Street side there will be a service station and storage room. The building on all sides and on both floors is well lighted, there being extra large sections of windows, each section having fifteen panes. The building is to be heated with a Losch Automatic Furnace. The Unit heating and ventilating system is to be used. A. R. Saylor is the contractor for the heating. Harold Ney will be the contractor for the electrical work. Sam Bernard has the contract for the plumbing. |
| The Call of February 9, 1934 NEW HALL FOR BASKETBALL READY FOR SATURDAY EVENING'S GAME This week, men have been working day and night on order to have Schuylkill Haven's basketball hall and cage in readiness for the opening game this Saturday evening. The new hall is located at the corner of Columbia and Saint Charles Streets and is part of a three story brick and steel building, constructed by Elmer and John Ketner for the housing of an automobile display room, apartments and filling station. The hall is located on the second floor of the building and the entrance to the basketball hall is on Columbia street. One finds here a four foot wide stairway of terraza composition upon a steel frame. On entering the hall proper one is impressed with the large amount of natural light. This is obtained with the eight sections of windows, four being on the east side of the building or on Charles Street and four on the west side of the building. In each one of the sections there are forty five window glasses, for a total of 180 panes on each side. The roof is of the monitor type construction, being twenty feet high in the center and above the playing floor and the space from the floor to the roof above the bleacher seats being twelve feet. The floor, not only for basketball, will be found to be a splendid one and to meet every requirement. Its construction is that of a four inch foundation upon which have been built three inch sleepers and on top of this is a yellow pine sub base with a topping of hardwood maple. The baskets will be on the north and south end of the hall with nine rows of seats on the east and west sides of the space, with a capacity of about eight hundred. Heat is furnished by a Losch Automatic furnace through a combined heating and ventilation system. With this system there are no radiators but warm air is blown into the building from several different ventilating machines located at different parts of the hall and close to the ceiling. They are operated with electric motors with the cold air being drawn in from the rear. The lighting system will be of the very best. Above the bleachers will be located ten one hundred watt globes and above the playing floor will be located three three hundred watt globes and four two hundred watt globes enclosed in steel reflectors. The shower rooms and rest rooms will be located on the north end of the building. This portion of the hall will hardly be completed by Saturday evening but will not interfere with the playing of the opening game as bathroom facilities for the players will be provided nearby. |
| The Call of April 27, 1934 H. SCHUMACHER AND BROTHER OPEN NEW FOOD STORE Last evening hundreds and hundreds of persons visited the new store of Harry Schumacher and Brother in the Moser Building on Main Street. It was the formal opening of the store and was observed in as auspicious and pleasing a manner as could possibly be arranged for. Everybody was afforded an excellent opportunity to examine this new store, its equipment and stock. Everybody was made to feel at home and everybody was given a souvenir and prizes of a worthwhile and useful character were given to a hundred or more persons. The new store, painted white on the exterior, is the second one to be operated by Mr. Schumacher in Schuylkill Haven. He will continue to operate his first store on Columbia Street as heretofore. This particular Columbia Street store is one of the largest most inviting and finest equipped stores in Schuylkill haven. His new store, just opened last evening on Main Street, is also equipped in an up to date method in that customers have a full view of the foodstuffs on the shelves on both sides of the storeroom. In the center front of the store is a large steel display case. It is a Dayton Mystic Sprayer, a case three feet in height with numerous compartments for vegetables and green truck. Through an ingenious arrangement, a light spray of water will constantly fall on the merchandise, thus keeping it crisp, fresh and sanitary at all times. While the case occupies a comparatively small amount of floor space, it is so constructed that an unusually large amount of merchandise can be displayed. It is the first case of its kind to be installed in any store in the county. |
| The Call of May 18, 1934 E. S. KETNER AND COMPANY HAVE HANDSOME LARGE NEW GARAGE One of the finest and most modern auto display rooms and most completely equipped service departments in this locality is that of E. S. Ketner and Company on Columbia Street in Schuylkill Haven. Today, Friday and tomorrow, Saturday, the public is invited to attend the grand opening. That all attending will be more than surprised an elated goes without saying. Located on the ground floor of the large fireproof two story building, the main entrance to the display room is on Columbia Street. The display room has a thirteen foot ceiling and one is at once impressed with the entire front, with the exception of a few feet, is entirely in glass. On Columbia Street there are two nineteen foot display windows in three sections with the glass set in narrow steel frames. On the Saint Charles Street side, there is one nineteen foot section and one ten foot section. The windows are eight feet high and above all of them is additional window lighting by means of three foot English obscure glass. Illumination at night is provided by six suspended electroliers of a neat design. The gas pumps, outside the building, are close to the building line with a sloped curb which permits the driving of an auto onto the ten foot wide pavement with ease. Shrubbery will be planted along a space provided close to the building line and add to the effectiveness of the Gothic design of architecture of the building. On entering one is also impressed with the floor, it being of terraza composition or seventy eight percent marble. The square large sized slabs of gray and dark maroon are laid in a herring bone pattern with brass dividers between. It required more than a month to put this floor down. It surely is a beauty. The walls and ceiling are of California stucco finish in buff. The woodwork is finished in walnut and the counters and desk match. Girders in the ceiling are of grained walnut. An inside telephone system is part of the office equipment and will permit additional service to customers. Two neon signs on the display windows seem to be of just the proper size and add to the brilliance and attractiveness to the scene at night. From the display room, one enters the service department in the rear. This is quite large and the floor is concrete. The sides are of pearl gray for more than one half the height and ivory for the other portion. The ceiling is also finished in ivory. The steel work and window frames are finished in aluminum. This department like the display room is unusually well lighted with large windows on three sides. Over one hundred lights light the area. There are only two upright girders in the service department, the second floor or basketball hall being supported by means of a special system of girder construction. This then gives an unusual amount of floor space free of upright supports. The service department will be equipped with all the latest kind of equipment for repair and servicing of cars. Already there has been installed an air and hydraulic lift, latest greasing outfit and motor tuneup apparatus. Another feature in servicing equipment is the individual work benches. One might term these work benches on the order of small wagons containing several shelves with all tools and equipment. Instead of wasting much time going to the usual stationary work bench and tool kit and returning to the car, the work bench is wheeled to the machine to be repaired and with the work bench containing tools and equipment, repairs can be made in less time. An air vent system provides heat and ventilation and this system is controlled by thermostats. The heating apparatus is a Losch coal furnace of the largest size made by Mr. Losch. Coal is hoisted by means of a conveyor to the coal bin on the second floor and falls into the top of the furnace as needed. An emergency automatic lighting system provides thirty six different lights for the stairway and hall on the second floor. The Ketner firm can certainly feel mighty proud of its new home, and the public, too, will be quick to appraise the same as most inviting and modern in every way. The Ketner Building, it must surely be said, by reason of its having been built on the site of two small frame dwellings which for years had not been kept in any too good repair, has enhanced Columbia Street and this particular section of the South ward one hundred percent. |
| The Call of July 13, 1934 UNVEIL TRADEMARK STONE OF NEW COLDREN $100,000 MILL Sharply at ten o'clock Thursday morning, the gong in the Coldren Knitting Mill sounded and the employees gathered to walk in a procession over to the new mill building to participate in the unveiling ceremonies. The Bressler Band started the program with some well rendered selections after which Mayor Scott took over the task of Master of Ceremonies. The Chief Burgess announced the singing of America by those assembled with the result that the voices of the nearly one thousand people present was inspiring. The Chief Burgess called upon the Reverend Mr. Jeffery, pastor of the First M. E. Church to lead in prayer. The prayer was followed by the address by the Chief Burgess, in which he, among other things, expressed the community's pride in the new $100,000 mill being erected, just what its progressive leadership meant to the town in its payrolls, the large group of citizens effected thereby. He also referred to that large unseen nationwide Coldren organization and who enjoy a part in the monthly payroll of very nearly $300,000. A very fitting and touching tribute was paid to Mr. D. D. Coldren, the owner, who founded the industry many, many years ago and who is enjoying the rather unique distinction of, during his lifetime, building a mill which will long stand as an example of the most efficient and modern mill probably in the entire state of Pennsylvania, if not in the entire East. Few men, Mr. Scott said, enjoy the pleasure of founding an enterprise and then, after many years of operation, erecting a new building such as that in construction now. Mr. Scott voiced his personal appreciation in being given the task to preside at the unveiling service and complimented the employees upon the fine new building they soon would labor in, a building in which no less than $10,000 will have been spent in comforts, rest rooms and other conveniences for employees alone. Mr. Scott then introduced Miss Lizzie Werner, the oldest employee in actual time of service, who pulled the cord that unveiled the stone which is a replica of Czar, the Russian wolfhound that has become the Coldren trademark. An interesting feature of the ceremony was the presence of the living dog, Czar, who in life paid a tribute to the carver of the stone, Mr. Wert. The likeness was so realistic that an audible murmur of surprised enjoyment was decidedly evident. Mr. Scott then called upon Mr. Jensen who for the employees, voiced appreciation to Mr. Coldren for the fine and thoughtful planning and construction of the new mill. He pledged that as in the past, so in the future there would be the same degree of loyalty and satisfaction which has resulted in such pleasant and happy relationships between employer and employee. He thanked Mr. Coldren for the many fine things that indicated his generous consideration of the comfort of every employee in the installation of so much that only could be justified because of the pride and pleasure a real employer takes in the happiness and working conditions of his employees. Mr. Jensen closed his remarks with a solemn pledge that the employees pray that there might be evidenced one fault only with this new magnificent building to wit: that business might so grow that in a few years an addition would be necessary. With the playing of the national anthem, the services were brought to a close. It was the largest gathering of its kind ever spontaneously assembled in the town of Schuylkill Haven. 1/15 |
| The Call of August 14, 1934 BRICK PLANT STARTED HERE IN 1906 TO BE SOLD One of Schuylkill Haven's industries, which for a number of years was a scene of great activity and employed a large number of men, is now on the market for sale, either in part or parcel. It is that of the Schuylkill Pressed Brick Company. The plant has not been in operation since March 17, 1932 but only on Thursday of last week did the board of directors definitely determine to offer the plant for sale. From this Schuylkill Haven industry came the brick for the erection of many homes and buildings in Schuylkill Haven. Buildings in nearby towns are also constructed of the Schuylkill Haven brick. At one and the same time, the local plant was busy making the brick for the Capitol Theatre building, Necho Allen Hotel, Lefkowitz building, the Doutrich and Company building and the Troy Laundry of Pottsville. The Schuylkill Haven High School and the Borough Electric Light Plant are built of this brick. All of the school houses in Pottsville are built of this brick, including the recently constructed and beautiful high school building in Pottsville. The product of the plant was sent to many towns and cities in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. The plant was the only one in the state still making dry pressed brick. The plant was put in operation in 1906. It occupies a plot of one hundred acres along the Schuylkill Haven - Orwigsburg Pike, a short distance outside of Schuylkill Haven. Included in this one hundred acre tract is at least ninety acres of what is termed the finest of shale for the manufacture of brick. The plant originally had several kilns but now there are only five. They are of the down draft beehive type. When the plant was in full operation, fifty two men were given employment and the payroll of this company amounted to thousands of dollars each and every month. Most of the men employed at the plant were from Schuylkill Haven and nearby surrounding localities. From twenty eight to thirty four thousand bricks per day were baked during the plant's busiest season. While the plant has not been operated since March of 1932, the machinery and all equipment has been kept intact and given careful attention and therefore is in good condition. For the past two years a heavy stock of brick has been used to fill orders that have been constantly coming into the plant. A stock of at least 60,000 brick is still available. For the past eleven years, the plant has been under the superintendency of Mr. Warren Brown of Schuylkill Haven, who has been with the company for fifteen years. The largest order of brick which the local plant furnished was the two million order for the construction of the P. P. and L. plant at Pine Grove. The second largest order, something over a million, was for the Pottsville High School building. Officers and directors for the Pressed Brick Company are: President G. G. Reichley of Saint Clair; Secretary S. H. Daddow of Saint Clair; Treasurer G. H. Michel of Schuylkill Haven and directors F. B. Keller of Schuylkill Haven, W. J. Evans of Saint Clair, Howard Glick of Frackville and J. P. Ryon of Pottsville. |
| The Call of September 14, 1934 MACHINERY BEING PLACED IN NEW COLDREN MILL Wednesday of this week the removal of machinery from the present plant of D. D. Coldren to the large and handsome recently completed factory building on Columbia Street, was begun. This work will require some time. It is planned to have the mill in operation in the new quarters within the next week or two. The new factory has a frontage of sixty feet on Columbia Street and on Railroad Street has a depth of 258 feet. It occupies the site of the former Becker Planing Mill and its completed cost will be in the neighborhood of $155,000. The basement will be equipped as a modern cafeteria for the employees. A suite of twelve offices on the ground floor will surround a handsome showroom, forty by sixty feet, where the numerous models produced by the Coldren Mill will be exhibited. The offices and showroom will have a fine rubber tile flooring. Fine tiled restrooms with lavatories for the men and women employees are featured in the building which embodies the most modern features in factory construction. Tiled baths will also be provided for the workers. The building will be heated, air conditioned and cooled. The heating system is operated with a Coxe traveling automatic grate. The boilers will be 125 horsepower. A Frigidaire cooling system will furnish iced drinking water at all times. The steel construction of the building has been protected throughout by aluminum paint. An interesting feature of the building's exterior is a life sized reproduction in stone of Mr. Coldren's pet dog, Czar, a beautiful Russian wolfhound, which has been placed in the center of the building over the entrance. A huge truckload of choice shrubbery has been planted around the new building. Fifteen thousand invitations for the opening will be sent out to representatives of the Coldren organization and the numerous personal friends and business associates of the family. It is expected that five thousand representatives of the Coldren Mill will attend and elaborate plans are under way to make the affair one of the largest and finest things of its kind ever seen in Schuylkill County. |
| The Call of January 25, 1935 OLD LANDMARK ON MAIN STREET TO COME DOWN Within the course of the next several weeks, the appearance to the Main Street and central business section of Schuylkill Haven will undergo a considerable number of changes. Not only will the front of the Bittle and Confehr building be changed but directly across the street, Joseph Matonis, proprietor of Hotel Central, will make very marked changes to the property adjoining the hotel building. On the site of the two small buildings, now occupied by E. A. Schaeffer as a shoe repair shop and A. J. Moore as a fruit store, will be erected a brick structure which when completed, will be occupied by the American Stores Company, which store now occupies the property of Parris Lazos. Work on the razing of the buildings was in part begun during the week by the contractor, Harry Becker. A week's notice has been given to the tenants. Mr. Moore will move his fruit store into the Burket property, on the corner of Main and Haven Streets and will be open for business in the new location on Wednesday of next week. Mr. Schaeffer, when interviewed, Wednesday, had not as yet determined where he could open the shoe repairing shop. He had several places in mind but had not determined on any one in particular. The building occupied by the Moore Fruit Store is perhaps on e of the oldest buildings on the Main Street and with the exception of some paint and some minor changes made from time to time, and the removal of the wooden awning, is today in almost the identical size and form as when built many years ago. For more than a half century, fifty four years to be exact, this building was occupied by a hardware store. It was first rented from Mrs. Bryant by J. F. Thompson, who embarked in the hardware business. In a few years time it was purchased by Mr. Thompson and when he retired from business, was purchased by Sausser Brothers, who conducted a hardware store in it for many years. |
| The Call of February 1, 1935 135 YEAR OLD BUILDING TORN DOWN During the week the two small one story frame buildings adjoining Hotel Central were razed. On their site will be built a modern brick structure that will be occupied by the American Stores. The razing of one of the two buildings, that occupied by Moore Grocery, for a number of years, and in the earlier days by Sausser Hardware Store, also the Thompson Hardware Store, eliminates from the building line of the business section, perhaps one of the oldest and only remaining small buildings of the town's business of many years ago. ON the side of the building after some of the boards had been removed, could be seen evidences of the fact that the building had been used to display large advertising posters. One or two theatrical attractions and advertisements of national products could be deciphered. Some very old account books were also brought to light. Many names of former residents, who long ago have passed on, were found to have been patrons of the store. One item listed the sale of a range for forty dollars. There are various conflicting reports as to the age of the building but without doubt, it is conceded to have been one of the oldest of its type in Schuylkill Haven. There is one report of a local man's father who came to Schuylkill Haven in 1850, remarking that the building had evidently been standing fifty years before he came to Schuylkill Haven. This would make the building 135 years old. It was heavily constructed of timbers that were mitered together with wooden pegs rather than spikes or nails. Age, however, had greatly reduced its strength and many of the timbers had rotted completely where they had been joined together. The strength of the building had been very materially reduced and that it did not tumble down in parts before being razed was mere good fortune. It was long a fire trap. Old timers report the building being occupied in days gone by, at one time, by a flour mill conducted by Benjamin Ketner and later by Schuylkill Haven's first casket factory, Emanuel Pflueger and William Achenbach, skilled cabinet makers, putting together caskets on special order. Later the building was occupied by a Mr. Thompson as a hardware store and after him by the Sausser Brothers hardware store for many years. On the site of this building, the contractor Harry Becker, will build a one story thirty by eighty foot brick veneer building. Thursday the steam shovel of Harry F. Loy was on the job, excavating for the foundation work. |
| The Call of June 21, 1935 BUILT 108 HOUSES HERE IN TWENTY ONE YEARS We believe there are few building contractors in small towns who have equalled or can come anywhere near the record of Contractor Paul R. Naffin, for the number of homes built within a specified period. The Schuylkill Haven general public well knows that this one individual in the past number of years has been responsible for the erection of an unusually large number of homes in the town. Hardly anyone, except Mr. Naffin himself, had any idea of the actual number he constructed. It can be said for this contractor, that most all of the homes he built were of and along modern lines and types. He has been responsible for the development of at least a half dozen different sections of the town, having first purchased the ground, graded streets, put down curbs and pavements, and then built houses thereon, either on contract or for himself and later disposed of them when completed. Mr. Naffin, in addition to the building of homes, has done considerable construction work on other buildings such as stores, garages and public buildings but confining his work to the actual building of homes, we find the total number since 1914, or twenty one years ago, has been 108. Of this number, twenty three houses were built on contract or to specifications determined by the owner before hand. Here is a list of streets and number of homes built on each by Mr. Naffin: West Main Street - 17, Saint Charles Street - 5, Hoover Street - 10, Penn Street - 8, Schumacher Avenue - 8, Willow Lake - 1, Stanton Street - 10, Hess Street - 29, Margaretta Street - 4, Naffin Avenue - 7, and one each on Wilson Street, saint Peter Street, Union Street, Avenue C, East Main Street, Garfield Avenue, Centre Avenue, Haven Street and Columbia Heights. |
| The Call of November 1, 1935 COAL STOKER BEING MADE IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN Among the variety of products being manufactured in Schuylkill Haven, such as underwear, burial caskets, and shoes, has been added an item equally as useful and important, namely, an automatic furnace stoker. It is called the Air-O-Matic Rice Coal Stoker and is manufactured by the Valentine Machine Works of Liberty Street in Schuylkill Haven. The Air-O-Matic stoker is not a new product entirely, for Mr. Valentine has been manufacturing these stokers for the past three years and already has a large number of them in use and service and what is more, they are proving quite satisfactory. The price for the stoker installed is one of the lowest on the market today. It has a minimum number of working parts, can be and is made to fit any size of boiler. It is very quiet in operation and entirely dust proof. In this stoker, Mr. Valentine has eliminated the usual worm gears that cause endless trouble in a number of similar devices. The Air-O-Matic is an ingenious device which provides for the feeding of the coal to the fire by air feeders. The stoker requires but an eighth horsepower motor to operate, therefore this cost of operation is cut to the very minimum. In addition to the manufacture of the stoker, an automatic clock is provided which automatically regulates the stoker, and the burning flame, and therefore cuts down the cost to at least one third of the cost of a continuously running stoker, by means of both coal and electricity being saved. The manufacture right in Schuylkill Haven of a coal stoker, the device which has proved its worth many times over, provides for the people of this section an unusual opportunity of procuring, in a direct manner, from the manufacturer, these stokers and in doing so, effecting a saving of the agent's or middleman's commission or profit. Mr. Valentine has in operation a number of his stokers in Schuylkill Haven and adjoining towns and is placing additional stokers right along. Owners of these stokers are enthused over the results and willingly permit inspection of the same by interested persons in their homes. At the plant of Mr. Valentine on Liberty Street can also be seen one of these stokers in operation. |
| The Call of January 24, 1936 FELIX DEPARTMENT STORE TO DISCONTINUE BUSINESS One of the oldest retail business firms in Schuylkill Haven will, in a short time, close its doors. It will be the Felix Department Store on Saint John Street. A mammoth liquidating sale is now in progress. On March 1st, Mr. H. D. Felix will begin the duties of Executive Vice President and Trust Officer of the First National Bank and Trust Company of Schuylkill Haven. He has been a director of this banking institution for the past ten years and for the past three years has devoted part time each day to the duties of Vice President. Last week he was made Trust Officer of the institution. The Felix Department Store in its sixty years in Schuylkill Haven established for itself an enviable reputation throughout the county for honest and square dealing and merchandise of a quality always better than could be found in most stores. At this date, nothing definite could be stated as to whether the store room will be occupied and for what purpose. Sixty years ago, or back in 1876, Mr. Albert W. Felix moved from Minersville, where he had conducted a grocery business for ten years. He opened his store in Schuylkill Haven in the Eli Mengle property, now the Bolton store, on Parkway. He sold groceries and oilcloth. Next he moved into the William Huntzinger property next door to the Edwin Becker property on West Main Street. From that location, as the business increased and more space was require, he moved into the storeroom at the corner of saint John and Union Streets. Later he moved back into the Huntzinger property for a short time and then moved into the heart of the business section, the Moser property on East Main Street. The day after excavations had been started for the building of a storeroom on Saint John Street, operations on the Schuylkill Canal ceased. His friends and fellow businessmen foresaw for him failure and urged that he discontinue the building of a new store. Undaunted, he continued and when the building was completed, moved into it. Mr. A. W. Felix passed away in 1910 but the business was continued by his wife until her death in 1923, when it was continued to the present time by the son, H. D. Felix and his two sisters, Misses Mattie and Sue Felix. Twenty four years ago the line of groceries and carpets was discontinued and in their place was added ready to wear merchandise. For a great many years, the store has been known as the Felix Department Store and has enjoyed a very generous share of the patronage of this community and surrounding districts. |