PHOTOALBUM

Photo Album

These photos portray the interior of the First National Bank (currently M & T Bank) on Main Street.
On the left is the receiving window with it's impressive woodwork and barred teller stations. On the
right an employee conducts business on a candlestick telephone at his roll top desk.

Bressler's Band, conducted by Hen Bressler, was well known throughout the area.
Here they parade to a lined street. It appears to be Centre Street in Pottsville at
the intersection of Mahantongo Street.

The view is a little hazy but this is a rarely seen view
of the reception desk at the Grand Hotel which once
stood at the corner of Main Street and St. John Street.

...check back for new pictures
to be added regularly....

This picture features Schwartz's Money Back
Store on St. John Street just south of the
intersection of Main Street taken August 15,
1934. Above is the ad for their Grand Opening
in January 1932.

Here are a pair of pictures taken at the intersection of
Columbia Street and Berne Street. The ice house is
evident to the rear of both photos. On the photo above,
the warehouse for Bittle's store is in the foreground
and a delivery truck across the street. The autos in the
photos may help someone date them.

Harry Naffin, former owner of Messner and Hess, used to take pictures of buildings in town before
they were torn down. Here are two he took. On the left is the American Legion hut in September of
1968, located on the current site of the High Rise on Parkway. The George Butz home is seen on the
right on the corner of Garfield Avenue and Center Avenue. It was removed around 1970.

NEWEST PICTURES ADDED ARE:
SIX PICTURES SHOWING THE RESULT OF A RAID OF A
SPEAKEASY ON GARFIELD AVENUE

CLARENCE HEFFNER WITH CHAMPION STEERS IN 1956
AND D. D. COLDREN WITH HIS DOG CZAR AT THE POST
OFFICE

As a side note: My uncle related to me that when he was a boy, the town would close off St.
John Street between the bank and Stine's Pharmacy to allow Bressler's band to give concerts.
He stated that prior to beginning, Hen Bressler would announce, "Kinder, ruhig weil der band
spielt", Pennsylvania Dutch for, "Children, quiet while the band plays".

The Schuylkill Haven Police Department on May 30, 1962:
Row 1: Gloria Shirey,Boyd Hale,Lorin Honicker,Mayor Bast,Sterling
Moyer, Edna(Sis) Bittler
Row 2:Nick Lascala,Murray,Clyde Manbeck
Row 3: Clayton Bashore,Earl Dietrich,Bill Goetz,Cliff Mengle
(Picture compliments of Sharon Freeman)

This shows a view of the Willow Lake swimming pool. Note
the slides and the rafts in the middle of the pool.
(Photo courtesy of Jim and Shirley Gilbert)

One of my favorite pictures, shows the Spring Garden Hotel at the corner of Dock Street and center
Avenue taken in either 1894 or 1895. The hotel is bedecked with patriotic bunting for some event.

Alpha Mills employees gather on Margaretta Street in front of the factory. From personal Alpha
Mills employees gather on Margaretta Street in front of the factory. From personal Betty
Zimmerman. Back row: the men in order from left, Titus Miller,Barton Biever Sr.,Dick Biever,Jim
Harner,Dick Miller,unknown,Bart Biever,Glenn Sattizahn. Zooming in can help you Biever,Jim
Harner,Dick Miller,unknown,Bart Biever,Glenn Sattizahn. Zooming in can help you identify others.

Here is a progress photo of the Post Office as it was
being built on February 1, 1936.

The ice house on Bittle's Dam (Stoyer's Dam) is reflected in the water in this early photo. I have recently confirmed a story of a long
forgotten place at Bubeck Park. Circa 1930, the "Sugar Bowl" was located at the upper end of the present day park. It was a swimming
pool located on the creek flowing into the dam. Access was gained by crossing a bridge over the "moat". The pool had a bath house, diving
boards and a shallow end for children. Water from the creek was filtered through a large sand filled tank before entering the pool. It was
later abandoned and mostly forgotten. My uncle related the story that the Feeser family had some interest in the business. I recently spoke
to Tom Feeser Jr. who talked with his father, who recalled the pool but could not remember his father Paul's exact involvement as he was
only a child. According to "Bright Spots", Dr. G. H. Moore of town was also involved in having the pool constructed.

This view looks west at the railroad crossing at Main
Street. River Front Center (formerly Troutman's
Hardware) now occupies the site. Note the crossing
shanty at the right with crossing gate.

Photo courtesy of Jim and Shirley Gilbert)

Here are two images of Bast Mill on Berne Street located
where the Berne Street playground now exists. Above is a
picture from 1898. At right, the picture was taken from the
Columbia Street bridge about fifty years later.

This picture from taken form the lot at the former Earl Stoyer car dealership
(now the Losch Wash) looking south toward Columbia Heights. The area is
much less developed with homes then today.

This view is looking in the general direction of the picture above but from an earlier time.
The ice house is seen on what was then known as Bittle's Dam (Stoyer's Dam).

Here are two views of the Irish Flat in September 1968 in the midst of redevelopment of the Island. On the left
is a view of Jacques Street and on the right is Broadway.

Losch Plumbing and Heating now occupies the building. I am unsure of the date
but perhaps a visitor can date it from the cars on the lot.

The four pictures surrounding this text were taken in September of 1968. Buechley's Lumber
Yard on the Irish Flat is seen here before redevelopment began.

This picture taken in August 1900 shows a bridge that crossed the
canal on Parkway. By this point, the canal was no longer in use and
was being filled in allowing the bridges to be replaced with streets.

NOTE: MOST OTHER PAGES WITHIN THE SITE CONTAIN
MANY MORE DIFFERENT PICTURES

This picture shows a piece of fire fighting apparatus belonging to the Rainbow
Hose Company. The picture is taken under the old railroad arch on Dock Street
above Haven Street and looks north toward Center Avenue. Zooming in on this
image enhances a great deal of detail down to the name "Rainbow" on the frame.

Photo courtesy of Carol Campbell

In 1908, local entrepreneurs established the "Fairmount Addition" which today is
known as the Avenues. Above is a map printed from a brochure printed to lure
potential home builders. Zooming in on this image greatly enhances the detail.

This aerial view of downtown Schuylkill Haven was taken in March 1973. Note
buildings no longer around: the Reading Company freight station (now a parking lot),
the Yoder building (parking lot next to post office), the former state police barracks
(now the site of the car wash) and homes on Saint Peter Street that burned down in a
fire and now the site of a parking lot.

This image captures the destruction of the March 8, 1932 fire
that destroyed the Hotel Grand at Main and St. John Streets.

The local contingent of the Ku Klux Klan march their way down Parkway in a
parade. Note the KKK pennant on the mule in the front and the hooded
horseman behind him.

This 1912 picture of Meck's Mill at the corner of West Main Street and Parkway
shows little difference from its current appearance.

This is a view of the I. B. Heim General Store on the corner of
St. John and Union Streets. Harry Naffin related that visitors to
the store would be greeted by the owner with, " I. B. Heim who
be you." The building is today an apartment building.

These two images show the aftermath of the blaze at the Faust apartments.
On March 31, 1965, a fire destroyed the Faust apartments at Union Street and Tennis Avenue. The
building was once the Sharadin Mill. The fire started about 7:15 and all three fire companies responded.
Five families lost everything in the blaze. While cars in the adjacent garages were safely removed, two
school buses were burned. Several explosions occurred including one that sent a cake pan out a
window, striking Borough Manager Bob Gehrig on his hard hat though not injuring him.
In conversation with Harry Naffin, he related his involvement in the story. He responded as a volunteer
and while standing with Chief Carl Feger noticed that the fire was not venting. Feger told Harry to get two
axes stating they would then climb a ladder to the roof to cut vent holes. Harry said just as he returned
with the axes to begin the task, an explosion hit that blew the roof up into the air before settling back on
the walls. If Harry had been quicker, they may have been up there when the blast hit.

The former Borough Hall on Dock Street looks much the same today as it did here in this early 1950's view.

This photo shows the intersection of Union and Saint John
Streets after a snowfall in 1920. Heim's store is on the left, the
steeple of the Methodist Church that once stood on St. John
Street is seen up the street. The home behind the trees on the
right is the location of the library today.

The new State Highway Garage (PennDot)in Schuylkill Haven was dedicated on October 1,
1938. This picture was taken that day. One of the distinguished guests at the ceremony was
Governor George H. Earle. At left is the cover of official program for the ceremony.

This view is on Union Street looking west from St. Peter
Street at the current location of the Schuylkill Hose
Company.

This picture taken in 1908 shows North Garfield Avenue looking north from the area of
Center Avenue. The angle suggests it may have been taken from the railroad tracks of
the Lehigh Valley Railroad as it passed through town.

Theses two images are taken at the intersection of Union Street
and Saint Peter Street. The picture below looks down Saint Peter
Street from Jackson Street with the still remaining steps on the
left, the now gone street in the middle at the bottom and the old
Grace Evangelical Church where the Schuylkill Hose Company
now stands. The former Meck mansion is seen on the right, much
as it looks today. Both pictures are from 1905.

This photo depicts homes and the roller skating rink on West Main Street.
The rink is on the right and is the current location of Boyer's Market. The
homes and the rink were built by noted Schuylkill Haven carpenter and
entrepreneur, Paul Naffin.

Here are two more pictures from the Irish Flat before redevelopment caused
their removal. At left is Yenosky's Café and on the right are family homes.

This set of four pictures witnesses the end of the P. T. Hoy building and the adjacent Abe's
Workingman's Store at the corner of Main and Saint John Streets in August of 1964.

The two photos above show the current municipal
parking lot on Wilson Street when buildings still
occupied the site. The third picture shows a home
that was torn down behind the Messner and Hess
building to allow for the expansion of the store.
The scenes are from May of 1966.

On June 12, 1960, members of the Schuylkill Hose
Company received their new fire engine which
meant this old Seagraves would be sold to MaryD.

On Easter morning in April of 1960, fire destroyed all
the buildings between the Pennsylvania Bank and the
railroad tracks. This set of pictures details the event.

At left is the building that once
Gordon Reed Insurance Agency and
Gordon Reed Insurance Agency and
Home. It housed a dress shop
owned by Rosalia Fleming. Below,
the building is being torn down.

Two 1973 era aerial photos of Schuylkill Haven
show the Stoyer's Dam area on the left and the
Parkway with the Hi-Rise on the right.

This is the building owned by Elias
Ziegenfuse, furniture dealer and
undertaker. It was located where the
Geshwindt Stabingas Funeral Home on
Main Street is now. This picture is from
1898.

This panoramic view of Schuylkill Haven appeared as the cover of a trifold brochure
printed sometime around the Second World War as far as I can determine. It was filled
with various information and statistics meant to draw potential businesses and residents.

The five photos below are aerial views
taken over Schuylkill Haven in 2004.
Detail in each picture is enhanced by
clicking on the individual pictures.

Above is the down town
area with the center point
near the intersection of
Main and Saint John Streets.

Above is the area near High,
Market and Margaretta
Streets with the Alpha Mills
near the center and the old
Argo Mills in the upper left.

Below is the center of
town looking east
from Berne Street at
the bottom toward the
Avenues near the top.

Below can be seen the
Haven Casket Company and
the Liberty Street area.

Below is Stoyers Dam and
Bubeck Park looking down
from the Schuylkill
Mountain area

PARKWAY

Parkway, located off of the western end of Main Street is considered an
eye pleasing part of town. Below are five images of the area from the
past. Note as written on one view, it was previously called Canal Street.

The two views above show homes on Parkway, some of them recognizable today.

These two images look on Parkway southward from Main Street. Several sources tell me the cannons were
collected during a scrap drive for World War Two but were never destroyed and may yet be stored somewhere.

Looking south from the intersection with Columbia
Street, the Walkin Shoe Company is on the right.

TRAVELING DOWN MAIN STREET

The following set of post cards shows Main Street in various time periods from
east of Green Street to Parkway. Each view is described and dated when
possible below the image.

Main street looking east from Green Street in
1906. Note the dirt street and deep gutters.

**Note - Clicking on images to zoom greatly enhances details.

Looking west from Haven Street in 1913. The
home on the corner is still there.

Looking east from Dock Street in 1910. The
church and parsonage on the left remain today.

Looking west from the vicinity of Dock Street in
1910. Buggies are transportation of the day.

This view looks west down Main Street from
Saint Peter Street toward the railroad.

A similar view later in time. Some of these
buildings are there today.

In 1907,these stores lined the north side of
Main Street between Saint John Street and
the current funeral home.

Years later, more change is evident in this
view looking west from Saint Peter Street.

This 1907 view shows buildings on the south
side of Main Street nearing Saint John Street.

Another 1907 view looks east from the Reading
Railroad crossing below Saint John Street.

In 1917, the view east on Main Street is similar
to ten years earlier with trolley tracks visible.

The view again from the Reading Railroad
crossing but in 1929.

The intersection of Main and Saint John
Streets with the Hoy building on the corner.

Automobiles now line the Main Street in this
view of the business district.

Two Schuylkill Haven landmarks, the Hoy
building at left and the Hotel Grand at right.

The beautiful Hotel Grand in 1906.

Trees line Main Street just below the railroad
tracks looking toward Parkway.

This 1909 view shows an unpaved Main Street
from just below the railroad looking west.

Here is yet another view looking west below
the Reading Railroad crossing on Main Street.

Our final Main Street view shows the home at
the corner of Parkway and Main Street in 1903
much as it looks today.

Here are two pictures of the Columbia Street bridge. On the left it is seen during its days
as a covered bridge. Note the Columbia Hotel, later the VFW to the left. The 1929 view on
the right shows the current bridge, much the same as then but with light posts on each end.

Schuylkill Haven was once the home to the Rio movie theatre which was
located on Saint Peter Street near Union Street. This program is from
1940. The cash prize is $200 since according to the back cover, Abner
Miller was not present to win $150 the previous time.

The picture above shows the Parkway Restaurant. It is taken from the cover of a
menu which causes a less then perfect image.

As you leave Schuylkill Haven traveling south on Berne Street, you
travel up what is known as the Schuylkill Mountain. A nice overview
of the town is visible from the top. It is said that at one time, when
the mountain was less wooded, burning crosses were occasionally
observed compliments of the local Ku Klux Klan. The top left image
shows the road up the mountain under construction. At top right, the
view shows the road going down into town. To the left we again see
the road descending into town. Below is the road going up the
mountain with the side road on the left leading into the storage yards.

BIRD'S EYE VIEWS

Many early postcards featured "bird's eye views" of towns. These
pre airplane aerial views gave viewers an overall perspective of
an area. Below are various views of this type of Schuylkill Haven.

This 1925 angle is looking from the Market Street/Saint
Peter Street intersection west toward Long Run. The
Walkin Shoe factory is seen in the middle left of the card.

This 1910 image shows Stoyer's Dam and West Columbia
Street looking north from Columbia Heights. Note the
barns in town and the undeveloped orchard area.

This is a 1911 view looking north from the far end of
South Berne Street. Zooming in allows one to see the
covered bridge on Columbia street, the Bast mill on North
Berne Street and the outdoor toilets behind the homes.

A young man in 1908 points toward Schuylkill Haven from
somewhere above Garfield Avenue. Note the railroad
tracks and overpass. St. Ambrose church on Dock
Street is in the very center.

Looking down from the Schuylkill Mountain over Schuylkill Haven,
the covered bridge at Columbia Street is visible on the left.

Another view from near South Berne Street
looking toward town.

This early photo looks towards Cressona. The Reading car
shops are visible on the right middle section of the card.

This view from North Berne Street gives a nice overview of
Schuylkill Haven.

A BANK OF CHANGING
FACE AND NAME

The bank at the corner of Main and Saint John Streets was established there in 1904 as the First National
Bank of Schuylkill Haven. It later became the Pennsylvania Bank and later underwent more name changes
until becoming the M and T Bank today. At upper left is the bank as seen in 1909 and above right, the same
bank in 1917. The picture at below left shows a new structure in 1937 and below right, the bank resembles
its current state.

The two pictures below show the arch of the Pennsylvania Railroad where it crossed Dock
Street at the intersection of Haven Street. At left, a horse drawn buggy is seen in this early
1900's view while at right early autos are seen in this 1930's view.

At one time, Schuylkill Haven generated its own electricity.
The current borough warehouse on Haven Street was the plant
where this took place. At left is a picture of the building when
it was the generating plant. Above is the Post Office on Main
Street, a few years after construction.

At left Is Columbia Street when it was a tree lined street, looking west from Parkway. At right is the Broadway
Bridge, leading to the Island or the "Irish Flat" as it was known at one time.

This is the original building of the Schuylkill Haven
Trust Company which later housed Stramara's Sub
Shop and now the Uptown Tavern.

This photo shows the business of William J. Saylor
Jr., plumber, supposedly on Main Street in town. A
note on the card says, "still doing business at old
store, Bill". The location is at 214 East Main Street.

The following seven photographs are all related to the P. T. Hoy building at the corner of Main and Saint John
Streets, where Brok-Sel now is located. These pictures were kindly provided by Lewis Hoy, descendant of P. T.
Hoy, as were the following two. They were taken by his father, Lewis H. Hoy, except where noted.

This view of the Hoy building shows it looking from saint John Street. The barn and
stables are behind the store. The young boy walking along the sidewalk near the
barn is Rudy F. Hoy, Lewis H. Hoy’s brother, the man who ran the store from 1920
until its closing. The Hoy property consisted of the entire block with the exception of
a small parcel between the Hoy Building and the Hoy barn and stables. In the 1930’s
the Dr. Lessig home was built on that parcel. P.T. Hoy acquired an existing building
on this site. The front portion was demolished to permit construction of the new
store and above, 2 ½ stories of living quarters, which were constructed shortly
before 1900. The older rear portion was retained from the earlier structure which
contained a “lodge hall” used for many years by the GAR post. This older portion had
a unique feature of having a first floor below street level, the result of the filling and
The Hoy property in 1902 looking north along Saint John Street from the barn and
stables toward the store. The young boy walking along the sidewalk near the barn is
Rudy F. Hoy, Lewis H. Hoy’s brother, the man who ran the store from 1920 until its
closing. The Hoy property consisted of the entire block with the exception of a small
parcel between the Hoy Building and the Hoy barn and stables. In the 1930’s the Dr.
Lessig home was built on that parcel. P.T. Hoy acquired an existing building on this
site. The front portion was demolished to permit construction of the new store and
above, 2 ½ stories of living quarters, which were constructed shortly before 1900.
The older rear portion was retained from the earlier structure which contained a
“lodge hall” used for many years by the GAR post. This older portion had a unique
feature of having a first floor below street level, the result of the filling and raising of
Main and St. John Streets. to the level of the P&R Railroad tracks at the crossing.
The framing of older store fronts could be seen in the basement. A portion of the
west end of the old building was also incorporated into the Hoy living quarters. This
area is identified by the porch along the sidewalk, the location of the front door and
the downstairs parlor window. There was a grand parlor on the second floor fronting
on Main St .

Also from 1902 is this image of
Pottsville Union Traction’s Pullman
built car in front of the store on
the Saint John Street side. Note
the beer wagon unloading at the
Hotel Grand. The arc light hanging
over the street is significant. This
was the first electric light in the
town when the power plant in
Schuylkill Haven went into
service. Lewis H. Hoy as a boy was
present at the inaugural “throwing
of the switch” at the power plant.

This is the window exhibit of the Hoy store, Saint
new products that were being introduced at the
turn the century. The salesmen would spend a
week living at the Hotel Grand and samples of
food items would be made available at the counter
behind this window. In this window among several
items appears to be a Pinocchio figure. To the
right there is a woman in the background smiling.
Lew believes this to be his Aunt Helen, his father’s
sister. Lew never met his aunt, as she died giving
birth about 1924.

The interior view of the store, which handled all products such as dry goods,
lamps, and any necessities. The woman in the photo is Christine Hoy, Lewis
Hoy's father's older sister. The store sold flowers at Easter and always had
barrel molasses available. The molasses barrel with the crank pump was
located immediately to the right upon entry from the Saint John Street door
as was the counter. Note the gas lighting fixture. This was the first store in
Schuylkill Haven to have complete electric lighting, installed by Lew’s father
when he was General Manager of the store, perhaps around 1908. Because
the building was wired, the store also had one of the first electrically
operated cash registers with an internal accounting system and printed tape
receipt. This device lasted until the store's closing.

The Hoy parlor (in the “older” first floor section of the building),
date uncertain, but after the store and home were wired for
electricity. These electric trains were well known to residents of
Schuylkill Haven just prior to WW I. They were displayed in the
store for several years at Christmas time (the first electric toy
trains in the town). They were an exceptionally appealing
attraction to mean to draw people into the store. When first
displayed they were tended by a young man whose father was the
engineer on the Reading’s “Flyer”, Trains #92 (southbound) and
#97 (northbound), the fastest trains to and from Philadelphia. The
engineer’s name was Moyer. His son later started Moyer Electric
in Pottsville . He was then a school student and manned the train
exhibit after school.

At left, a view taken from the Hoy property looking toward Main St. and the Hotel Grand during a snowy
day. Note the Hoy hitching post. The Hoy store had the first motor truck to operate 12 months of the
year in Schuylkill County . For this reason it had the first public gasoline pump in town. At right, a
scene of the Hotel Grand corner during a snowstorm in 1920 taken by the East Penn’s claim agent John
A. Mower of Sch. Haven, when a major effort was involved in getting the line open.

At left, another Mower photo shows the cleared trolley tracks
near the Saint John and Liberty Streets intersection circa
1920. Above is Dock Street looking north between Main
Street and Paxson Avenue.

ARGO MILLS

This set of five photos is from the Library of Congress
archives. They show the Argo Knitting Mill on Margaretta
Street near Market Street. The pictures are from 1953. The
building is now part of Alpha Knitting Mills.

Churches of Schuylkill Haven

Here is the Methodist Church when it was
located on Saint John Street. It was
relocated to Saylor Street after burning
down in the early 1980s.

This 1911 picture shows Saint James
Episcopal Church at the corner of Dock
Street and Paxson Avenue looking much as
it does today.

This 1937 image shows Saint Ambrose
Catholic Church and rectory on Dock Street.
The new church is located on Randal Street
near the eastern end of town.

Originally called Strunck Memorial Hall and
looking much the same today, it remains the
home of Saint John's UCC Church at the
corner of Dock and Main Streets.

This 1910 postcard shows the United Brethren
Church on Main Street near Margaretta Street
along with views of the old parsonage and the
new parsonage which remains today.

Here is Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church as
seen in 1910 looking down Dock Street from
Lutheran after the latter burned down
creating Jerusalem Lutheran Church.

In 1906, Grace Evangelical
Church was located at the corner
of Saint Peter and Union Streets,
the present location of the
Schuylkill Hose Company.

Christ Lutheran Church was
located on the ground
occupied by Jerusalem
Lutheran Church on Dock
Street until fire destroyed it.

This 1913 view of Saint
Matthew's on Dock Street
also shows the adjoining
parsonage looking much
as it does today.

Saint John's Reformed Church

This nice 1907 image looks south on Saint
Peter Street from Main Street. Dr. Roberts
now occupies the building on the left. Note
the homes on the right side of the street now
occupies the building on the left. Note now
occupies the building on the left. Note where
the Sovereign Bank is now.where the
Sovereign Bank is now.

The Gerber Shoe Factory occupied the corner
of Parkway and Columbia Street in this 1909
picture. Note the bridge over the canal on the
left.

REST HAVEN

Today Rest Haven exists as a retirement home for the aged. Over the years it has been known as the Insane
Asylum, the Poor House, the Almshouse and other monikers. While not within the proper boundaries of town, it
has always been linked with Schuylkill Haven. Below is a series of images of the area.

These two early views show the complex from what is currently Route 61 looking north.

These are two more overall views at a later date.

This set of four pictures show various buildings at the Rest Haven complex.

Below are two more panoramic scenes of the buildings as they existed.

Both of these undated photos show businesses in Schuylkill Haven. On the left is Ehly's Bakery on Dock Street
located where the Jerusalem Church now stands. At right, are two unidentified persons surrounding the sign for
Heister Klahr's Restaurant, believed to be on Dock Street also. The man on the right may be Heister Klahr.
BOTH PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN SHOMPER DOYLE

This circa 1918 photo
shows a young man by
the name of Frank Fox
of Schuylkill Haven.
The back of the photo
states he was a
champion skater at the
Roller Rink in town
which was located
where Boyer's Market is
today. The rink was
built by the prolific
Schuylkill Haven
builder, Paul Naffin.

The cutting room at Meck's Mill is shown here. The man on the left is
identified as Warren Leeser.
THESE PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN SHOMPER DOYLE

The exact location of this home on Main
Street is unknown. It housed a business
owned by the Luckenbill family.

The set of seven photos below show the Esso gas station on Dock Street where the Chinese restaurant is now
located. The images were taken by Freeman Shomper as he prepared to take over the business that was formerly
Moyer's Service Station.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN SHOMPER DOYLE

These two pictures show employees of Meck's Mill in a
parade. The date and event are unknown.

A parade of unknown date and event passes the intersection of
Union and Saint John Streets.

THE DEMISE OF GRACE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
This set of six photos records the razing of Grace Evangelical Church at the corner of Saint Peter and
Union Streets, current location of the Schuylkill Hose Company. The slides were printed in April 1974,
which should be an accurate date of about when this occurred.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S 225 TH
ANNIVERSARY PARADE IN 1975
In 1975, Schuylkill Haven celebrated it's 225 th anniversary. Below are
scenes from the long parade that was held.

At left, the parade begins with the official banner leading the way. On the right the Schuylkill Haven High
School Band marches up Main Street. These photos were taken, as all the following were, from in front of
Messner and Hess, looking west down Main Street. All photos were taken by Harry Naffin.

At left is a fire company group marching and at right is the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club. Looking at
these pictures, you can identify businesses no longer here. The building with the Dr. M. M. Maurer,
Chiropractor sign was torn down many years ago and once housed Raudenbush's bakery in the lower floor.
Stine's Pharmacy has since been sold and the Pennsylvania National Bank has been renamed several times.

The gentleman in the rear of this dune buggy appears to be the mayor of the day, Nick Lascala. On the right is
Paul Donmoyer, who was later mayor of town, in front of the Bonnie Jean shop which no longer exists and
riding in a car emblazoned with the now defunct Earl Stoyer car dealership advertising.

The caron the left carries Marion Singer, the queen from the town's 175th anniversary held in 1925. On the
right is the queen for 1975, Micki (Emerich) Casey. Note Jack's Shoes and Things in the background.

The float on the left carries the contestants for princess. Do you recognize any of them? On the right is Main
Street prior to the start of the parade. The reviewing stand is set up on Saint John Street next to the bank.

On the left, Messner and Hess is decorated for the celebration as is Charlie's Sports Center, both long gone.
The pharmacy on the right was owned by Dave Schimpf, who was very active in the event.

The old A and P store before it went out of business now is the home of Boyer's
Food Market on West Main Street.

MYSTERY PHOTOS

The following five photographs are from the collection of Harry Naffin. None are identified as to exact
location nor are the individuals known. Most certainly they are from Schuylkill Haven. If anyone can identify
the locations of these photos, it would be of interest to many.

The four images below are taken on Center Avenue. One shows the Montgomery Ward store, now the
home of a dress shop. The others show homes and the Schuylkill Haven Body and Fender Shop
which were all removed redevelopment in the early 1970s. The last photo was taken on Berger Street
in 1974 before the homes were razed for redevelopment also.

This image shows the interior of Doutrich's Store which was located on Main
Street near the railroad tracks.

The three photos above depict the Ebling Garage on Dock Street. The building was
demolished in 2010 and was located directly behind the North Ward Social Club. The date of
the photos is unknown but is believed to be in the late 1930's into the 1940's.

This 1906 image shows a delivery wagon in front of
the Spring Garden Hotel at the corner of Dock Street
and Centre Avenue.

This 1906 image depicts North Berne Street. Many
of the homes are still recognizable today.

1906 was also the year of this image showing the
hotel at the east end of the Columbia Street bridge,
which was a covered bridge at the time.

The rolling mill located along the Reading Railroad west of Union Knitting Mills is shown from the west at left and the east at
right.

LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 22

This is the store front for Hartman's Liquor Store and Underwood's as seen in about 1910. The location is
currently the parking lot for the post office and borough hall. The four adults are from left to right: David
Detweiler, Christine Raudenbush, Ike Huy and E. G. Underwood, the owner and proprietor.

This is a copy of the original photograph taken by H. S. Deibert, August 7, 1894.
Washburn's Circus was exhibiting on the mule yard, the square in Schuylkill
Haven now (1931) bounded by Canal Street, Union Street, tennis Avenue and
west Main Street. The man on the ladder dove into the net beneath.

CAPTION TAKEN FROM PHOTO BACK

This photo is undated but it is
believed to be from the 1920 era.
It is taken in Mount Gretna, Pa
but shows the National Guard
Newspapers from the time
period show a large and active
contingent from town.

A hunting we will go.......

Schuylkill Haven has long been the home to many hunters. The following five
images provided by Sue George depict some hunters from the early 1900s.

Both pictures here depict the same fallen buck in 1914. The picture was taken at the corner of Dock Street and Centre
Avenue at the building now housing the North Ward Social Club. It was at one time the Spring Garden Hotel. The man in the
apron was a butcher whose shop was next door. The burly man with the mustache in the photos is Clayton Bubeck and the
man with the rifle and wearing a tie is Clyde Bubeck. Joel Stump is the man second from right in both photos. Samuel Ruch is
on the right in the left photo and holding the deer on the right photo. John Ebling is the man in the derby in both photos.

This fine looking group of
gentlemen are shown in front of
and were known as "The Schuylkill
Rangers".

This photo was taken in front of
the cabin in 1922. Identified from
left are Ebling, Charles Burns,
William Dietrich, Samuel Ruch,
unknown, Joel Stump, Quinter,
Clyde Bubeck, Heim, Clayton
Bubeck, unknown.

John Bubeck, on the right, joins
another hunter with the results of the
hunt. Note the sign for the Spring
Garden Rifle Club near the roof line.
Below is a token from that club in
Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven pirates

Like many towns, Schuylkill Haven had its own baseball team. They were known as the Pirates. As with many pictures on this
site, zooming in on them brings out incredible detail.

This shows the team in 1906. Back row:
Clyde Bubeck (P), Joseph Kaufman (OF),
Edward Berger (P), Lewis Emerich, Robert
Fitzpatrick (RF), Albert Weist (C), Robert
Sausser Front Row: Raymond Shappell
middle. Other three are unknown.

The team in 1913. Back Row: Row:
Hoffman, ?, Miller, ?, Row:
Hoffman, ?, Miller, ?, Zimmerman, ?.

Painter Clyde Bubeck balances on a ladder at Saint
Matthew's Lutheran Church on Dock Street in 1918.

The Van Buren Chorus, 1940s era
group from Schuylkill Haven seen
in the current middle school
building. Minstrel shows were one
part of their repertoire.

BACK IN THE SEVENTIES

The following four photographs were kindly provided by George Lord. At top left is Garfield Avenue looking from
Knitting Mill is on the left. Both are now gone. At top right is a picture of the defunct Schuylkill Haven Trust
Company in December 1971. The homes behind it on Saint Peter Street burned in the early 1980s. At bottom left is
Jean Lord, Miss Schuylkill Haven in 1968, in a parade in Wellsboro, Pa. At bottom right is Dock Street looking from
Haven Street toward Centre Avenue in December, 1971. The home directly ahead with the awning is now gone. Note
the old Christmas lights on the telephone pole.

The Schuylkill River had apparently spilled out of its banks in this photo
taken on September 24, 1924. The location is the corner of West Main and
Saint Charles Streets, with the Reider Shoe Factory in the background.

The images below are from the parade for the 175th Anniversary celebration held in town in 1925. The top two are taken on
Main Street. The people in the left photo are dressed in rather formal attire while those in the right photo appear to be
dressed as pilgrims. In row two, the left photo is on Main Street and the right photo is the IOOF float on Saint John Street. In
row three the left photo shows a float at the Reading Railroad tracks on Main Street and on the right the children marching
may be wearing white hoods as the KKK had a large presence in the parade. In row four. a marching band appears on the left
and a float with a pretty girl aboard is on the right.

Below on the left is an image of the Bast Knitting Mill on Berne Street as seen from across the river on Main Street (current
location of the Berne Street playground) and on the right is Saint John's Reformed Church on Main Street.
Both photos are from the mid 1920s.

Both of these photos come from a Schuylkill Haven album from the mid 1920's. Can anyone identify either location?

Below are three aerial photos of Schuylkill Haven which are great for comparing changes over the
years. The pictures were taken by the Pennsylvania Geological Survey. The years the photos were
taken are from left to right: 1938, 1958 and 1971.
I have purposely left the photos in a smaller size as they are better viewed by clicking on the photo to
accentuate the detail.

The following images were taken from a brochure from the D. M. Bittle
Funeral Home located on Main Street. It was printed in the late 1930's.

David Bittle, at upper left was the owner of the
funeral home at the time, his picture and that of
founder Eli Ziegenfus, at upper right, flank a
picture of the business in the late 1930's. The
three pictures in the lower row are interior scenes
from the funeral home.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE
The 1912 building at what is currently called Rest Haven, was dedicated October 30, 1913 as part of the
Schuylkill County Hospital for the Insane. Below is a series of images taken from the program given to each
attendee that day. The images have been left in thumbnail so that clicking on them enhances the detail.

At right is a photo of the
Citizen's Band of Schuylkill
Haven, circa 1909.

NOTE: NEW PHOTOS GENERALLY ADDED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

This photo shows the original
building on Haven Street which
housed the electric light plant. The
newer building located there now
houses the borough warehouse.

This old photo shows the interior of the former Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church on Dock
Street, obviously decorated for a Children's Day. This is the church in which I was raised
and the beautiful painting of Christ above the altar was still there when the church merged
with Christ Lutheran to form the Jerusalem Lutheran Church.

BRESSLER'S BAND

Below are pictures related to Bressler's band of Schuylkill Haven, led by Henry Bressler. The first
is a view of the band in an advertisement for their services. Below that is a picture of the band
posing outdoors.

At left is the Independent Cornet Band of Black Horse, located in Wayne Township, led by Henry Washington Bressler
whose picture is on the right.

This image depicts Merlie Fisher's Barber Shop when it was located
on Main Street. Identified from left to right are: Merlie Fisher, Carl
Fisher and George Moyer. In 1937 the shop was moved to Parkway.

The family of Lewis and Elizabeth Bitzer pose at
their home on Berne Street where it turns sharply
to the left onto Schuylkill Street, current home of
Joe and Arlene Quesada.

This 1900 era image shows the children's ward at the
Almshouse at Schuylkill Haven.

This picture shows Clarence W. Heffner, owner of Heffner's Meat Market, which was located
on the side street off of North Berne Street just north of the traffic light. He is shown here
with champion steers bought at the Pennsylvania Farm show in either 1956 or 1957.

This picture taken inside the Schuylkill Haven Post Office shows D. D. Coldren at the counter
with his dog, Czar. The date of the photo and the woman behind the counter are unknown.
This is the dog which Mr. Coldren had immortalized in concrete on the front of his mill.

THE RAID ON GESCHWINDT'S

The series of pictures below were taken after the raid on the home of Charles Geschwindt on Garfield Avenue on April 1, 1934.
Seized were 225 gallons of wine, 13 cases of home brewed beer, two bottle cappers, a syphon hose and 24 empty cases. The
story is on the Crime Page of this site.

Illegal booze and equipment
with police officers in front of
the old Town Hall on Dock
Street.

Another view of the goods with
the police on Dock Street
looking toward Main Street.

The booze was loaded into a
Schuylkill Haven Highway
Department truck to be
destroyed.

Police and unknown persons
pose with the alcohol and
equipment before its disposal.
The background suggests
this may have taken place at
the town dump.

The goods go
up in a mass of
flames.

Photos
compliments of
Ellen Laurent.