BUSINESSES
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.
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
Company.  In 1900 George W. Gerber bought the business and it's growth created a need for expansion.  In 1908
the borough sold the old lock up and ground on which it stood and an addition was made.  In August of 1909, it
was sold to F. B. Keller, G. H. Michel and Frank Brown and it became known as the Walkin Shoe Company.  Later
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.
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LAST UPDATED: DECEMBER 2
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
Huntzinger.  The store inventory was moved by canal boat to Schuylkill Haven before 1875 and relocated at 24 W.
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.
Here are two rare P.
T. Hoy items. At left
is an old washing
machine called a
"Hoy's Special" with
a patent date of
June 20, 1899. It was
manufactured by the
A. G. Christman Co.
of Reading. At right
is a flour sifter from
the counter of the
store. It is marked
Pancoast T. Hoy,
General
Merchandise,
Schuylkill Haven, PA.
All rights reserved.
On the left is
Pancoast
Thomas (P. T.)
Hoy and on the
right is his wife
Cora L. (nee
Huntzinger)
This picture is of the interior of the P. T. Hoy store on
Main Street.  The image appeared in the Industrial
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.  Recently 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 have
the privilege of occasionally visiting Harry at his home in Pine Grove where we enjoy discussing the past of
Schuylkill Haven.  Harry has provided information used on this
web site including pictures.  Widowed after losing his wife Kit several years ago, Harry remains busy doing
various woodwork projects including making beautifully fashioned wooden bowls.
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.
SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO SEE IMAGES
OF BUSINESSES FROM SCHUYLKILL HAVENS PAST
ALONG WITH VIEWS OF ADVERTISING MEMORABILIA
THEY OFFERED.
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.
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.
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
inaugurated in 1889by Bast and Fidler and they were succeeded two years ago by the present proprietor, who is
a 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,
each twenty by sixty feet in dimensions, where he carries a complete stock of general and miscellaneous
merchandise, including foreign and domestic dry goods, dress fabrics, trimmings, notions, ladies and gentle
mens furnishing goods and underwear, a special line of boots and shoes, hats, caps, carpets, clothing, staple
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.  
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 is carried a superior stock of rough and dressed lumber and millwork, embracing oak, pine and hemlock,
lumber, siding doors, shutters mouldings and cedar and cypress shingles, etc. from which orders are promptly
filled on 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
enclosures for cemetery lots are handled.  Inducements are offered and estimates furnished on all classes of
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,
dwellings, business blocks, schools, churches, halls and other public buildings and is agent for the most reliable
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.  
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 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 and headstones and the artistic design and perfect finish of the work show that this 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
store, and an adjoining building, 10 by 34 feet in dimensions utilized in the merchant tailoring department.  The
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, 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 No. 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 1870and
was previously conducted at Cressona.  The premises occupied comprise a sales room, 22 by 58 feet in
dimensions, neatly fitted up and containing a large supply of dry goods, dress fashions, notions, trimmings,
ladies' and 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
attributes well worth considering.  Large quantities of hay, and the cereals, fruits and truck for home
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
department, as well as an electric light plant of both the arc and incandescent systems for street and indoor
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 28, 1896, 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
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 with 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
accommodate his constantly growing patronage.  It became apparent to Mr. Yoder that he must increase the
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.
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.
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.
READ ABOUT D. M. BITTLE'S FINEST MORGUE IN THE
COUNTY
ONE OF THE TOWNS OLDEST BUSINESSES RAZED FOR A
MODERN NEW HOME IN 1927
(SITE OF STONEHOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST TODAY)
READING RAILROAD INSTALLS SIDING FOR MANBECK
WASHERY
AUTOS WERE SO RARE IN 1912, THE CALL LISTED
OWNERS IN THE PAPER.  SEE IF YOUR ANCESTOR WAS
MOBILE ON THE LIST BELOW
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 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
then studied dental surgery and immediately
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.
A NEW HOTEL AND CAFE IN TOWN
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 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. Ruplay 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 opening of a long forgotten swimming pool in town is announced....
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 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.
Australia.                                                                                                                
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 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.
it.                                                                                                
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
Coal from Culm Washings in the River at This Place - Big Yield Promised

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 following three articles describe efforts to retrieve coal from the
Schuylkill River in town over a hundred years ago....
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
embellished with French plate mirrors.  The kitchen is also on the main
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 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
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.
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                                                                                                                        
These three ads below were featured in the Call during 1928 and 1929.
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
successful 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 directions.  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 connected 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 a
newspaper ad from "The Call"
circa 1904 advertising his Rock
and Rye Glycerine.
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.   8/9
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 next two articles involve Killian's Dam (later Willow Lake pool).  The first
announces it's opening and the second mentions a near drowning a year later.
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 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
necessary fill to the washery which is very near the end of Canal Street or Parkway, a fill of four feet consisting of
slag  and cinder is being taken from the Rolling Mill property.  This in turn will make this piece of land more
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.                                                                                                                                                                                                10/9
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.                      10/9
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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11/28