This collection contains ephemera related to Alice Potter Fordney, antiques dealer and rugmaker. Items in the collection include business correspondence with Armstrong, F. Schumacher & Co., and the Montclair art museum; personal correspondence with friends and family; hooked rug patterns; and antiques sale flyers from the early 20th century. Also included in the collection are newspaper clippings, including the obituary of Fordney's sister Ellen Franklin; reference material for rug making and interior design (informational sheets, books and patterns); several items related to the Yeates School, which Fordney's brother William Bush Fordney attended; several photographs of unidentified persons; and a statement related to the will of William J. Fordney, her uncle.
Admin/Biographical History
Alice Potter Fordney was born June 21, 1887 in Lancaster, the daughter of Ida Cox and Thomas Potter Fordney. A prominent antique dealer from the late 1920s to her retirement in 1965, Fordney also made and sold hooked rugs.
Fordney's family features prominently in Lancaster County history. Her maternal great-grandfather was John Michael, who owned the historic Grape Hotel from 1805-1839. Fordney's paternal great-grandfather William Jenkins built Wheatland in 1828 and later sold the property to President James Buchanan. Colonel William Bush Fordney, her paternal grandfather, was a prominent lawyer in Lancaster. He served as district attorney from 1839-1845 and negotiated for the loan that enabled Lancaster city to build the "water works" in the 1830s. Sarah Cox, her maternal grandmother, was a known philanthropist and for years helped to manage the Home for Friendless Children in Lancaster. Her sister, Ellen Fordney Franklin, was a "pioneer" in the industry of women's knit suits, opening her first shop in 1929 in Philadelphia.
Fordney never married. She kept in contact with her nieces and nephews, as evidenced by letters in the collection. According to notes provided by Wendell Zercher, Sarah Ellmaker McIlvaine Muench, her niece and the donor of the collection, recalled her as "warm and artistic," and "a character." She died April 17, 1973, at the age of 85.
Works Cited:
"Mrs. Franklin, pioneer of women's knit suits, dies." Daily Intelligencer Journal [Lancaster, PA], 10 May 1963, p. 2.
"Accident Fatal to Mrs. Sarah A. Cox." Daily Intelligencer Journal [Lancaster, PA], no date, page unknown.
"Miss Fordney, Antique Dealer, 85, Succumbs." Daily Intelligencer Journal [Lancaster, PA], 18 April 1973, p. 2.
"One of Lancaster's Most Prominent and Venerable Citizens Passes Away." Daily Intelligencer Journal [Lancaster, PA], 29 July 1889, p. 1.
3 boxes, 37 folders, 333 items, 1,015 pages to scan, 4.5 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
HC0001
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Associated Material
Sarah McIlvaine Muench Family Papers, MS 44 at Archives and Special Collections, Shadek-Fackenthal Library, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA.
Related Item Notes
See photograph collection.
See curatorial collection for examples of rugs.
Fordney Family Diaries (MG0539)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Archive of Alice P. Fordney (HC0001), Box #, Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
The kraft paper patterns in Folders 33-37 are restricted. Please make an appointment with the Director of Archival Services to view these items.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org. Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
G.04.23.52
Classification
HC0001
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
From the Heritage Center of Lancaster County collection, G04.23.52.
Processed and finding aid prepared by MJ, June 2018.
This collection contains letters, correspondence, documents, a copy book, marriage license, an issue of the Wrightsville Star newspaper and other ephemera of the family of James Fleming Smith (1807-1854) and his son, Howard Persifor Smith (1847-1872).
Admin/Biographical History
James Fleming Smith, son of Isaac Smith and Margaret Fleming, was born in 1807 in Lancaster County and died in 1854 in Wrightsville, York County. He married Elizabeth Schall, 3 September 1845, and had one child, Howard Persifor Smith, born in 1872.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), James Fleming Smith Family Papers, 1821-1924 (MG0912), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions. Please request at the Reference Desk or contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Accession Number
Unknown.MG0912
Other Numbers
MG-912
Classification
MG0912
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Transferred from Robert Smith family file 26 September 2002. Transferred from Document Collection, Box 32, Folder 3, 8 April 2022.
This collection contains the scrapbook of Mathias Zahm (1760-1844). Mathias Zahm kept this scrapbook of journal entries and clippings from Lancaster's German language newspapers from 1800 to 1833.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Zahm Family Collection, 1800-1831 (MG0914), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions. Please request at the Reference Desk or contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
This collection contains poetry written by Seth L. Kinsey (1857-1948); letters written to Olive King and her children, A. Ruth, Katherine and James; real photo postcards of the Indian Steps Museum and miscellaneous ephemera.
Admin/Biographical History
Seth Leonard Kinsey was born 11 May 1857 in Harford County, Maryland, to Elam and Mary Ann Johnson Kinsey. He was a member of Eastland Friends Meetinghouse and worked as a reporter for newspapers in York County. He married twice - first to Anna Thomas in 1884 and to Phebe Coates in 1938. He died in Little Britain Township, Lancaster County on 15 August 1948 and is buried at Eastland Friends Burial Ground.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Seth L. Kinsey Papers, 1938-1948 (MG0930), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org. Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Samuel R. Slaymaker II, White Chimneys Collection, Series 2
Description
The Samuel R. Slaymaker II, White Chimneys Collection, Series 2 was carefully curated by Mr. Slaymaker and contains papers dating from the mid-eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. This series is primarily composed of correspondence related to business, railroads, legal affairs, and personal matters. The personal letters are rich in details of social history and genealogy. Legal documents include estate papers for the Fleming, Slaymaker, Leech, and Boyd families. The remaining documents include land surveys, receipts, tickets, accounts, bonds, and wills.
System of Arrangement
The Samuel R. Slaymaker II, White Chimneys Collection is divided into six series according to the original order; Series 1, 2 and 4 have been cataloged and are available for research.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restrictions are noted at the item level.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org. Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-268, Series 2
Classification
MG0268
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Added to database 8 August 2022.
Much of this series was microfilmed by the Pennsylvania State Archives. The microfilmed items are noted within the finding aid and the microfilm is available in LancasterHistory's Research Center.
Note from E. S. Lewars, Gettysburg. Discusses enclosed story involving Thaddeus Stevens' deer hunting in the Gettysburg area, which casts Stevens in a positive light. Letterhead of Mrs. E. S. Lewars. 17 May 1944.
Transcription of newspaper article. "The Old Common
er," in The Star and Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA. Laudatory story of hunting incident involving Stevens, in which he is willing to surrender an entire deer for the sake of acquiring its tail as a customary trophy. 7 July 1874.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Thaddeus Stevens Collection (MG0115), Part 1, Folder # or Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-115
Other Number
MG-115, Part 1, Folder 18
Classification
MG0115
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Added to database 13 November 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 1 World War II Letters
Description
Series 1 of the Harold Morrin Collection contains correspondence from Harold Morrin to his mother, Mrs. Hilda M. Morrin, in Millersville, during World War II. Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and was discharge in 1946. In these letters, he writes about army life; traveling in the United States, England, and France; and his social life.
Admin/Biographical History
Harold Morrin served in the U. S. Army during World War II, from 1943-1946. "He was a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and was active in the local civic community. He was the past president of the following: Lancaster County Philatelic Society, Lancaster County Bird Club, North Museum Associates and Lancaster Chapter of Administrative Management Society, Millersville Borough Council, and vice president of Lancaster County Boroughs Association. He was Past Director of the Tanger Arboretum, the Lancaster County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Lancaster County Elementary Envirothon. He also was past board member of the National Association of Accountants. Harold was active in Boy Scouts of America with Troop 45. In 1961, he was on the steering committee and board member of the Millersville Bicentennial."
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/83211522/harold-b-morrin, accessed 22 December 2023.
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 2 Birding Records (MG0358_S02)
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 3 Family Papers (MG0358_S03)
World War II Collection (MG0067)
Photograph Collection
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Original documents may be used by appointment--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 2 Birding Records
Description
Series 2 of the Harold Morrin Collection contains personal journals, species checklists, newspaper articles, certificates, and correspondence in relation to birding in Lancaster County and all over the world.
Admin/Biographical History
Harold B. Morrin was born on 20 May 1923 in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Hugh B. and Hilda M. (Erisman) Morrin. His father, Hugh, passed away at an early age from complications associated with exposure to mustard gas during his service in World War I. In his 20s, Harold enlisted in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. During this time he sent letters to his mother Hilda M. Morrin about his life in the army, traveling, and social activities (the collection of correspondence can be found in MG0358_S01).
Harold graduated with a degree in business from Franklin and Marshall College. During his career, he served as president of the Lancaster Chapter of Administrative Management and served on the board of the National Association of Accountants. In 1985, Harold retired as secretary- treasurer of Lancaster Press and Tapsco companies. In addition to his career, Harold was also very active in the community, serving in leadership positions in many organizations. He was a member (since 1947) and past president of the Millersville Lions Club, an international service organization that provides humanitarian and volunteer services to the local community. Other involvements included the Lancaster County Philatelic Society (national stamp collection organization), North Museum Associates (local nature and science museum), the Millersville Borough Council, Lancaster County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Lancaster County Elementary Envirothon, Boy Scouts of America (Troop 45), past director of the Tanger Arboretum, member of the Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, Millersville pool committee, zone chairman, steering committee, board member of the Millersville Bicentennial celebration and the Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC) (LCBC 2012).
Harold was recognized as one of the "101 of the Most Vital People in South Central PA" in the local APPRISE magazine where he was pictured on the cover in 1988. It would seem as though Harold had no time for hobbies or travel with his career and community involvement but that was not the case. Harold was an avid baseball fan, seeing games in 45 major league ballparks throughout the United States. He even witnessed Babe Ruth play!
His other two passions, birding and traveling, went hand in hand. It was not until the age of 31 that Harold began birding. In 1954, he decided to start the journey of a life-list and in that first year he was able to add 70 species to the list. By the time he finished, Harold had over 3,800 species on his life-list. Harold enjoyed traveling and documented his trips with daily journal entries and species checklists of all the bird species seen. He birded in all 50 U.S. states and Canada and traveled to all 7 continents during his lifetime.
Harold's love for birds, nature and travel continued to grow thus, his participation in the Lancaster County Bird Club grew. Harold served as president from 1972-76 and again from 1984-85, and a member of the bird club's Board of Directors for over 20 years. He was also an editor for the LCBC newsletter for many years and editor of The Natural Attractions of Lancaster County, published by the LCBC in November 1977 as a supplement to "Call Notes" which included articles about the flora and fauna found in numerous areas of Lancaster County. Harold also edited and wrote portions of the book, A Guide to the Birds of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (1984) and assisted with the second edition in 1991. He authored Birding the 49th State: An Alaskan Saga in 1978 about his birding adventures on an Alaskan trip. In his later years, Harold led a weekly adult birding group in collaboration with the Lancaster County Parks Department. On February 9, 2001 the LCBC Board of Directors made Harold an honorary lifetime member of the club, an honor bestowed to only a few since the inception of the club. At this time they also decided to rename the Scholarship Program, "The Harold B. Morrin Scholarship Award" (LCBC 2012).
The Lancaster County Bird Club credits Harold with the development and growth of the club as one of the largest and most active bird clubs in the mid-Atlantic region. He inspired many renowned birders, ornithologists and photographers like Andrew Mack, Eric Witmer, Theodore A. Parker III, Jeffrey Lepore and Kenn Kaufman. On January 7, 2012 Harold passed away at the age of 88. His impact on the community was immeasurable and he is remembered by many as a "humble, selfless man, who devoted so much of his time and effort to others" (Crable 1999).
Works Cited:
Crable, Ad. "Harold Morrin: gently, he helps star birdwatchers spread their wings" New Era. 9 July 1999.
Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC). "In Memoriam Harold B. Morrin" Call Notes. 2012.
LancasterOnline. "Harold B. Morrin Obituary" LancasterOnline. 12 September 2013.
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 1 World War II Letters (MG0358_S01)
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 3 Family Papers (MG0358_S03)
Lancaster County Bird Club Records (MG0566)
Photograph Collection
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Original documents may be used by appointment--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-358, Series 2
Classification
MG0358
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by RM, February-April 2015. Added to database 22 December 2023.
The Mary Warfel Collection contains materials collected by or pertaining to Mary Warfel, world renowned harpist from Lancaster County. There are scrapbooks, newspaper articles, programs, reviews, event announcements, and correspondence.
Admin/Biographical History
Mary Warfel was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1888 to a family of exceptional musical talent. Both her parents were musicians and her grandfather was a Viennese baritone. From an early age Warfel is said to have shown signs of her brilliance as she displayed unusual common sense and sound judgment. As a young lady Warfel decided to follow in the footsteps of her family as she went to study music at St. Mary's College, Notre Dame in 1905. While at St. Mary's Warfel studied the harp and the piano. Warfel wrote in her diary which she kept through the duration of her time at St. Mary's that the harp was her favorite instrument to study. Finishing her studies in 1906 Warfel would go on to graduate with honors.
Upon leaving college Warfel traveled to Philadelphia where she would study under the tutelage of Constantin von Sternberg. During this period of her life Mary Warfel's studies were more focused on the piano however the harp still remained her first love and she never abandoned hope of someday becoming a prominent harpist.
After her time with von Sternberg Warfel returned to Lancaster where she began her music career. Warfel kept track of her career by saving the newspaper articles and various letters wrote to her throughout her career. The first record that Mary Warfel saved came from a concert in Philadelphia on April 11, 1909 where she played the Woodland Presbyterian Church. From this point on until her breakout season Warfel played a handful of concerts every year mostly being recognized as a auxiliary performer barely getting much recognition.
Warfel's career took off after she played a concert in New York City on Palm Sunday in 1914. This was Warfel's final performance of the 1913-14 season. The 1914-15 season would turn out to be huge for Warfel as she would play concerts in Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and New York City.
The 1916-17 season would be even bigger for Warfel as she became a well-known name in New York and played several large venues such as the Biltmore Hotel and Carnegie Hall. Despite Warfel's success on a grand stage she never divorced herself from her home town. For Mary Warfel, Lancaster City was home and she prided herself on trying to make Lancaster a premier music town by bringing in various big name artists to play concerts. Fritz Kreisler was one of the big names that Warfel brought to Lancaster, who was referred to by the local paper as the world's greatest violinist. Warfel also never stopped playing local venues herself. Throughout her career and no matter how big her name got Warfel had always played concerts at the Iris Club and the Fulton. By the end of the 1916-17 season Warfel's prestige had grown greatly and she became recognized as an elite harpist being compared to Ada Sassoli another great harpist of the era. A newspaper article that Warfel saved towards the end of the season mentioned that she was in high demand in New York.
Warfel's career would continue to grow and her reputation would as well. Her prestige grew to the point where she became recognized as the premier harpist in the United States and throughout all her success her attitude never changed. An article from a paper in Altoona in 1918 described Mary as, "Someone who distinguishes herself by not being the type of musician who will not do something because it is not in her contract." She was known to go out of her way to do things for others and such behavior gained her a great deal of followers.
During the twenties Warfel played less concerts and focused on her music series, bringing prominent names to Lancaster. Mary Warfel certainly would have been a well-known name amongst music lovers during her lifetime. Unfortunately she did not leave much of a legacy because all of her work consisted of live performances. The remaining records of Mary Warfel are newspaper articles from various cities that she saved, personal letters addressed to her, and several short excerpts from history books on Lancaster County. Regardless of what Mary Warfel did or did not leave she still stands among Lancaster's most distinguished citizens as a nationally recognized musician who played one of the most difficult instruments to master.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The items in Folders 10 and 11 were a gift of Paul Kaseman.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Folder 16 is restricted. All other items in the collection may be used--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit or request at the Reference Desk.
Copyright
Collection items may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-138
Classification
MG0138
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid by PW. Biographical information by DJ, Fall 2014. Added to database 26 December 2023.
The Dr. Martin L. Herr Family Collection contains correspondence, photographs, Civil War documents, marriage certificates, bonds and promissory notes, a patent, and estate papers. Documents pertaining to Dr. Herr's medical career and an article on midwifery are also part of this collection.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Original documents may be used--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit or request at the Reference Desk.
Copyright
Collection items may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-126
Classification
MG0126
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared in 1998-1999. Added to database 26 December 2023.