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 ephemera related to Julius J. "Jule" Ritchey of Lancaster and his career as a middleweight boxer.
Admin/Biographical History
Julius J. "Jule" Ritchey was born in 1895 in Lancaster's Cabbage Hill neighborhood. During his career as a middleweight boxer, he fought 75 bouts, won 65 of them and had 4 KOs. He fought alongside local contemporaries Leo Houck, Rosey Stoy, and Tim Droney. He trained in various places around the world, including Havana, Cuba. Ritchey later worked from Armstrong until he retired in 1960. He died 9 January 1983 in Lancaster.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Jule Ritchey Collection (MG0913), 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.MG0913
Other Numbers
MG-913
Classification
MG0913
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Transferred from Boxing Information File, 13 May 2003. Transferred from Document Collection, Box 32, Folder 9, Items 1-7, 13 April 2022.
Ressler Family and Mascot Roller Mill Collection, 1942-1990
Description
The Ressler Family and Mascot Roller Mill Collection contains Christmas cards sent by the Ressler Family, owners of the Mascot Roller Mill in Upper Leacock Township, and information about the mill, the family home and the Ressler Mill Foundation.
Admin/Biographical History
The Mascot Roller Mill was built in 1760 by Jacob Becker. William Ressler acquired the mill in 1864 and his family continued to operate the mill until 1977. With the mill no longer in production, the Ressler Mill Foundation was established to preserve the mill and its waterways.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Ressler Family and Mascot Roller Mill Collection, 1942-1990 (MG0887), 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
This collection contains correspondence, schedules of events, and membership information from the Pirates Club of Lancaster.
Admin/Biographical History
The Pirates Club began as the Shad Choir Club in Lancaster around 1910. This fraternal organization had regular shad dinners and field trips called "cruises". The organization is still active in Lancaster.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Pirates Club Collection (MG0945), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restrictions noted at 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
This collection contains items relating to the service of Lancastrians in the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1975 and the war's impact on Lancaster County's history.
General Collection photographs 2-31-01-04 to 2-31-01-17
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Vietnam War Collection (MG0949), 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
Letter to Deborah T. Simmons Coates from [a sibling], 1837
Letter to Elizabeth Coates from Alice, 1862 (Elizabeth Jackson Coates, future wife of Marriott Brosius)
Civil War diary of Marriott Brosius, 1863-1865, with damage from bullet that shattered his arm (original, digital copy of images of each page and transcription)
Note from Gertrude (donor's g-g-grandmother) to her daughters Gertrude and Helen regarding the diary
Framed certificate: Commission to 2nd Lt., 97th Infantry
Pass for leave, Marriott Brosius, 1863
Digital and hardcopy of "Marriott Brosius story"
Digital and hardcopy of "Marriott Brosius military regiment history"
This collection has not been cataloged, but may be used by appointment. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Property Records for Shank's Tavern (Marietta, Pa.)
Description
Deeds and property records regarding present day Shank's Tavern at 36 South Waterford Avenue, Marietta, PA 17547. 1807-1995:
Deed #1 (James Anderson to Jacob Bitner) 1807 [original]
Deed #2 (James & Mary Anderson to Henry James Corey) 1813 [original]
Deed #3 (James Corey to Jacob Nicholas & Henry Long) 1813 [original]
Deed #4 (Jacob Nicholas to Benjamin Long) 1813 [original]
Deed #5 (Sheriff Frederick Hambright to David Rinehard) 1822 [original]
Deed #6 (John Beidler to John Heistand) 1828 [original]
Deed #7 (Benjamin Long to David Riehard) 1842 [original]
Typed document excerpt from Ellis & Evans History of Lancaster County re: David Rinehart
Deed #8 (Russel Child to Jane Hogan) 1865 [original]
Sheet of Confederate currency 18?? [original]
Deed #9 (Charlotte & George Mehaffey to John Waller) 1894 [original]
Mortgage (John Waller) 1894 [original]
Deed #9 (John Waller to Catherine Waller) 1897 [original]
Fire Insurance Policy (John Waller) 1898 [original]
Deed #10 Mortgage (John & Catherine Waller to Amos Bowman Executor of James Duffy Estate) 1899 [original]
Judgment Bond (John Waller to Catherine Waller) 1899 [original]
Catherine Waller will (1928) [photocopy]
Catherine Waller will (1932) [photocopy]
Catherine Waller to Ruth Rothrock envelope re: Bernard V. Santaniello Office of the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans Court Division [original]
Stock Certificate Providers Benefit Company (Kathleen D. Shank) 1970 [original]
Deed #11 (Ruth Rothrock Frey to Jack S. Frey) 1972 [original]
John P. Hohendal to Jack S. Frey legal correspondence (1972) [original]
Nikolaus & Hohenadel invoice for deed preparation (1972) [original]
Deed #12 (Jack & Janet S. Frey to Frey Heirs) 1991 [original]
Deed #12 (Jack & Janet S. Frey to Frey Heirs) 1991 [photocopy]
David T. Mountz to Jack S. Frey legal correspondence (1991) [original]
David T. Mountz invoice for deed preparation (1991) [original]
Deed #13 (Jeffrey Shank to J. Robert Shank, Jr.) 1995 [photocopy]
Receipt Sign for Shank's Tavern (1991) [photocopy]
Handwritten inventory of antique furniture in Shank's Tavern (private residence)
This collection has not been cataloged, but may be used by appointment. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
2022.014
Other Numbers
MG-953
Classification
MG0953
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Given by owner Bob Shank to one of Jean-Paul's students who was researching Shank's Tavern for a class project. Bob confirmed that he did not want the documents back.
Newspaper clipping with pictures, "Scenes taken at the Kiwanis Kite Carnival held on Saturday"
Newspaper article: "Kites sail high in big carnival", August 1927. Picture of Jerry Bowman with his box kite.
Newspaper article: "First Kiwanis Club Kite Carnival a success," Richard Bowman and Robert Bowman
Hobby Show items:
Exhibitor and complimentary tickets for 8th Annual Hobby Show, 1958
Program for the 9th Annual Hobby Show, sponsored by The Optimist Club of Lancaster and The Lancaster Recreation Association. 1959. List of exhibitors, officers and committee members, judges, sponsors, classifications, and ads from local businesses.
Program for the 13th Annual Hobby Show. 1963. Information and classifications. Printed by Feldser, Lancaster.
Newspaper article: "Boy, 10, has marked ability in sketching,"
Newspaper ad for "Richard Bowman Designs Show: There's more to making kites than tying two sticks together," 1976 (2 copies)
Program for a model railroad show at Lancaster Lincoln Mercury Co., N. Prince Street and McGovern Avenue, Lancaster. December 1952 - January 1953.
9 boxes of slides: 2 of downtown Lancaster, 1 of the demolition of the Lancaster County Almshouse, 6 of North Queen Street demolition and reconstruction during late 1960s Urban Renewal. All slides are either Ektachrome or Kodachrome, and in great condition.
1 box of slides of the Flag Day parade in Lancaster in 1947. All Kodakchrome and in great condition.
9 envelopes of photographs of North Queen Street during Urban Renewal phase in the late 1960s, showing demolition of theaters, construction of the New Brunswick Hotel and post-demolition empty lots being prepared for Hess's Department Store or the Prince Street Parking Garage.
1 envelope of color and black and white negatives that may go with some of the photographs in the 9 envelopes mentioned above.
1 photograph of the Lancaster County Prison with old highway mile marker in front, c. 1975-1980
Access Conditions / Restrictions
This collection has not been cataloged, but may be used by appointment. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Documents related to the 100 year history (1909-2009) of the Lancaster Recreation Commission.
Admin/Biographical History
The Lancaster Recreation Commission (Lancaster Rec) is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency formed by a partnership agreement between the City of Lancaster, School District of Lancaster and Lancaster Township. Our administrative offices are located at the Lancaster Recreation Center.
Operating since 1909, we provide neighborhood-based recreation and learning opportunities for all ages – with an emphasis on affordable programs for children – at schools, parks, playgrounds, and other indoor and outdoor facilities. https://www.lancasterrec.org/about-lancaster-rec/ Date accessed 1 September 2022.
System of Arrangement
Series 1 Minutes (Boxes 1-4)
Series 2 General Administrative Records and History (Boxes 5-6)
Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
This collection is not fully cataloged. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
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
2010.LancRec
Other Numbers
MG-567
Classification
MG0567
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Collection arranged and finding aid started by AN, 2010. Added to database 1 September 2022.
Letter from Dr. Fredric S. Klein, to Miss. Moss about the Lebkicher Letters
Description
Letter from Dr. Frederic S. Klein, Civil War Times, Illustrated to Jane Wilson Moss, concerning the Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and his interest in publishing a few of the letters in Civil War Times, Illustrated mostly because of the spelling and content; needs Moss’s permission to publish. Suggests they could also be edited and published in the Papers of the Lancaster County Historical Society. 26 August 1972.
Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers (MG0258) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/4b929d84-1c6a-4e1f-8bc2-523672636170
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Lebkicher Family Civil War Letters and Discharge Papers (MG0258), Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--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.
Accession Number
1998.MG0258
Other Numbers
MG-258
Other Number
MG-258, Folder 12, Insert 1
Classification
MG0258
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by JM. Added to database 10 September 2022.
