The McCaa Collection contains the papers of and collected by the family of James McCaa in northeastern Lancaster County. Among the items are account and ledger books, a physician's visiting book, legal papers, deeds, certificates for commissions, receipts, letters, and estate papers.
Muddy Creek Lutheran and Reformed Church Collection
Description
The Muddy Creek Lutheran and Reformed Church Collection contains church records, property records, legal documents, a songbook, and a liturgy book.
Admin/Biographical History
Peace United Church of Christ was formed in the late 1960s by the joining of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Adamstown and Muddy Creek United Church of Christ. Muddy Creek UCC is one of the earliest German Reformed churches in the area, its founding marked with the first recorded baptisms in January of 1731.
Collection consists of family records of Mary Leaman Schlemm. Includes Sunday school booklets, property deeds, military booklets, invitations, telegrams, flower pictures and photographs, baptismal and marriage certificates, telegrams, and a Stehli Silk Mill booklet.
Admin/Biographical History
Debra Smith, former Executive Director of the Lancaster County Historical Society, conducted an interview with Mrs. Schlemm and compiled this biographical information:
Mary Leaman Schlemm's father, Isaac D. Leaman, Sr., came from England. He had 11 children, five died at birth including two sets of twins. Her siblings who were still living at the time of the interview were Alverta Leaman Miller, Isaac Leaman, F. Pauline Leaman, and Lester Leaman.
Mary was born in 1900. Her brother, Lester, was born in 1895 and was a member of the 42nd Rainbow Lodge. She started working at the Conestoga Cotton Mill No. 1 at the age of 13. Her father let her quit school to begin working there, under the condition that she continue her education in the evenings at Wade's Business School. She was a good friend of Wade's daughter so she was able to go to school free of charge. Young workers at the Cotton Mill were required by Pennsylvania law to take a minimum of two hours of schooling until age 16. Mary took four every evening at Wade's school in order to get her high school diploma. She met her husband, Raymond A. Schlemm, at the Cotton Mill. He later worked 33.5 years at the Stehli Silk Mill, and then at Dewalt.
Mary worked at the Cotton Mill five years and then married in 1918. She left when she became pregnant and went to work at Leinbach's Department Store after the birth of her son, James. One of the pictures in this collection is of the Leinbach employees at a company picnic at Accomac Park in 1921. Mr. Leinbach is in the center of the picture with his girlfriend at his right shoulder. His wife is down the line above the "D" in Darmstaetter, the girl wearing white nylons.
Mary's son, James, served during World War II. The orientation lecture and WW II photo are his. Several pictures are of conventions of the Golden Eagle Lodge, an auxiliary which met across from the Moose Lodge on E. King Street. The family was a member of First Reformed Church in Lancaster and the Sunday School papers in this collection were her children's.
The Hager Store Collection contains anniversary booklets, invoices, advertisements, family papers, and newsletter of the Hager Department Store which was founded in Lancaster. The collection includes a children's book that was distributed by the store and a Christmas catalog. Among the Hager family papers are deeds, land patents, and probate records.
2 boxes, 37 folders, 1 framed document, 1 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0104
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, 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--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-104
Classification
MG0104
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Recataloged by MM, Summer 2011. Added to database 7 February 2019.
Collection of Ellmaker family papers, including original papers of the first immigrant, John Leonard Ellmaker of Germany. Papers include correspondence, genealogy charts, deeds and legal papers. newspaper clippings, photographs, articles on Jacob Eichholtz, and a diploma and teachers' certificate. There is also a blank book with paper made at Ephrata Cloister in 1796.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions. Please request at 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.
Classification
MG0071
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Cataloged prior to 1997. Added to database 23 October 2018.
The Woodward Hill Cemetery Collection contains records of the cemetery from 1851-1997, such as the charter and by-laws, board minutes, lot holder records, plans, programs, financial documents, and grant proposals. The records include the names of thousands of people who were employed by, buried at, served on the cemetery board, or were otherwise associated with the cemetery.
Admin/Biographical History
For more than 150 years, Woodward Hill Cemetery has been one of Lancaster’s most significant historic sites. As the final resting place of numerous prominent citizens including President James Buchanan, with a layout reflecting Victorian ideals of landscape design and containing fine examples of funerary monuments, Woodward Hill’s national significance was recognized in 2005 when the cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Woodward Hill was the largest and most elaborate of the new rural cemeteries established in Lancaster during the mid-nineteenth century. Rural cemeteries were designed as vital open spaces or public parks for the community; they provided a place for recreation as well as veneration of the dead. As a final resting place for illustrious citizens, Woodward Hill is a “museum” of notable clergy, educators, civic leaders, and veterans. Today the cemetery occupies 32 acres and contains approximately 13,750 grave markers ranging in date from the late eighteenth century to the present day. They illustrate the 200-year evolution of funerary art, sculpture and associated symbolism. In addition to tombstones, there are numerous obelisks and mausoleums representing Victorian, neoclassical, and early modern architectural styles. Founded in 1852 by Trinity Lutheran Church, Woodward Hill Cemetery is one of Lancaster's significant historic sites. The cemetery was the largest and most elaborate of the new "rural" cemeteries established in the mid- nineteenth century. It was designed as vital open space, allowing for recreation as well as veneration of the dead. The final resting place of many notable clergy, veterans, education, civic and business leaders, Woodward Hill's best known grave site belongs to James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States http://www.woodwardhillcemetery.com/ 8/11/17
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Woodward Hill Cemetery Collection (MG0264), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Folders 11-15 contain restricted materials.
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
Yeates, Lancaster County Historical Society Collection
Description
Yeates, Lancaster County Historical Society Collection provides insight into the Yeates family, local social history, and details of legal business from 1743-1870. These documents have been collected by the Lancaster County Historical Society over many years. Collection includes letters, receipts, articles, eviction notice, advertisement, estate inventories, wills, deeds, treaty, court transcript, drawings, photographs, copy of house plan, post road distances, daybook, letter book, catalog of books in Jasper Yeates' library, and an alphabetical catalog of law books.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Yeates, Lancaster County Historical Society Collection (MG0205), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restrictions noted at the item level. The letter copybooks in Folders 31 and 36 are restricted--please use the transcriptions available in the library.
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-205
Classification
MG0205
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Folders 1-34 and Books 1-2 were processed and finding aid prepared prior to 1997. Added to PP on 26 March 2022.
This collection contains programs, session schedules, miscellaneous correspondence and other items from the Donegal Society.
Admin/Biographical History
The Donegal Society was organized in 1909 to maintain, preserve and promote the history and grounds of the Donegal Presbyterian Church near Mount Joy, Lancaster County, and the history of the Scots-Irish who settled in the area and founded the church in 1721.
The William Wright Collection contains the papers of William Wright and his descendants. The papers include wills, land drafts, inventories, releases, receipts, correspondence, genealogical information, photographs, and copies of obituaries.
(It appears there is a correlation between this Wright family and the John Wright who petitioned the Philadelphia courts for the formation of Lancaster County in 1729. Further research must be done on this link. There were several interesting envelopes containing documents in bad repair. These envelopes all had the return address of C. J. Rainear & Co., Inc, 210 N. 21st Street, Philadelphia 3, PA. One envelope has been retained with the collection. Further investigation is necessary to determine the relationship between this company, the donor and the Wright family.)
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions. 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
William Wright Collection (MG-56), Box #, Folder #, LancasterHistory.org
The Lyte Family Papers contain documents pertaining to the family of Joshua Louis Lyte and Amelia Fleetwood Lyte. Items include deeds, Masonic membership information, a mortgage, a will and other documents that together provide a few details of the family's relationships and activities from 1884 to 1930.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Lyte Family Papers (MG0727), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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.
Other Numbers
MG-727
Classification
MG0727
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Transferred from the Document Collection, June 2014. Processed and finding aid prepared by PH, August 2014. Added to database 25 May 2021.
This collection contains the family papers of Helen Buckwalter Woerner from 1798-1939 including deeds, farm inventories, public sale posters, estate papers, and contracts. Some items of interest are the deeds, public sale documents, and a Campbell's Soup Company contract for tomato growing. A map shows the site master plan for the Lancaster Airport that was built on this family's farmland.
This collection contains letters, family papers, deeds, diaries, and mill records from three generations of the Gibbons family. The collection starts with documents focused on James Gibbons, then contains papers central to Daniel Gibbons, and finally end with the third generation papers surrounding Joseph Gibbons. The letters in this collection span from 1783 until 1865. The contents within the letters describe the daily happenings within the family and on their property which was located in Lampeter Township, Lancaster County. The family deeds in the collection detail the exchanging of property to and from the Gibbons family mostly within Lampeter Township and Upper Leacock Township, Lancaster County. The deeds span from 1727 to 1879. Also included are some miscellaneous family papers that span from 1799 to 1871. The content of these family papers ranges from anonymous stories about the Gibbons family, an independent order of Good Templars of Joseph Gibbons, to a land draft of James Gibbons' Land. This collection also contains diaries from various members of the Gibbons family, spanning the three generations. These diaries detail the day to day lives of the Gibbons family and also include historical anniversaries of important events or detail the passing of members within the Gibbons family and the surrounding community. The Mill Records in the collection contain information about [ ]. Overall, the Gibbons Family collection includes the regular happenings over the family's three generations in both business and secular life.
The Groff Family Papers contain patents issued to Frederick F. Groff, deeds and related documents for the property of Fred F. Groff, Inc. Funeral Home, and a booklet about the history of cremation in Lancaster. Patents include drawings, petition and specifications, and signatures of Mr. Groff, his attorneys, and witnesses. The property records show the purchase of lots at 234, 236, 238, and 240 West Orange Street, Lancaster.
The Diffenderffer Family Papers collection contains items that have been passed down through generations of the Diffenderffer family. Deeds for tracts of land in New Holland date back to the creation of New Design, the village that preceded New Holland. Correspondence and some manuscripts pertain to J. P. McCaskey's life and accomplishments. F. R. Diffenderffer's manuscripts on Easter Day and Conrad Weiser are preserved with this collection, as well as poems, a program for the C. Elvin Haupt School, and a claim of F. R. Diffenderffer & Co. against the State of Texas.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Deeds in folders 1-18 were a gift of Fianna Diffenderffer and the Diffenderffer family, 4 November 2006.
Items in folders 19-23 were a gift from her nephew, David Diffenderffer, 14 August 2006.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restrictions are noted at the item level--please use photocopies or transcriptions for those items. Other original documents may be used by researchers--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit or request at 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 collection 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
2006.MG0410_NOV
Other Numbers
MG-410
Classification
MG0410
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Cataloged by HST, November 2008. Added to database 28 July 2021.
The Rossmere Sanatorium Records contain a 1908 membership list for the Society for Prevention of Tuberculosis of Lancaster County, a charter for the Tuberculosis Society of Lancaster County, property records and annual reports for Rossmere Sanatorium and programs for commemorative events.
Admin/Biographical History
The Rossmere Hotel, which was located in Manheim Twp., opened in 1898. The building became a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1925; the ballroom was converted into a ward for female patients. The sanatorium closed in 1957 and was eventually demolished.
American Lung Association of Lancaster County Records (Archives, not cataloged)
Banners in the Curatorial Collection
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Rossmere Sanatorium Records (MG0588), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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.
Other Numbers
MG-588
Other Number
MG-588
Classification
MG0588
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by CS, December and January 2011. Added to database 28 August 2021.
The papers in this Pennsylvania Railroad Collection are largely the documents of legal actions against the Pennsylvania Railroad. Among the items are property records, agreements, a construction contract, correspondence, and a proposal for a footbridge.
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. Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-131
Other Number
MG-131
Classification
MG0131
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
This collection was cataloged prior to 1997. Added to database 7 September 2021.
The Isaiah D. Stehman Papers contain property records, such as deeds and agreements, for the flour mill in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, as well as personal papers of Isaiah D. Stehman. The property owners included Martin Spickler, William and Margaret Kuhn, John M. Brandt's family, and Isaiah D. Stehman. Mr. Stehman's personal papers include a broadside for a public sale in Manor Twp., passport and certificates of church membership.
Admin/Biographical History
The Mount Joy Steam Mill was build in Mount Joy borough in 1854 by gabriel Bear. in 1870, Bear sold the mill to John M. Brant. When A. K. Manning joined Brandt as a business partner in 1881, they added rollers and searators for a more modern way to make flour. The company was renamed Mount Joy Roller Mill. More rollers were added in 1883 and 1886. Manning retired in 1891 and Brant & Sons continued production until they were joined by Isaiah D. Stehman in 1905. New equipment was added in 1912. By 1920, Stehman was the sole owner. he partnered with a party named Newhauser in 1937, but was again the sole owner by 1946 until his death in 1950.
Information from MillPictures.com, https://millpictures.com/mills.php?millid=506
Deeds and other records for properties in along South Queen in the vicinity of Andrew St.; the earliest note the Bethelstown lots. Many of the papers go back to Christian Haller Sr. who emigrated with his brother, John, from Germany to Lancaster County. They both established butcher shops, John at 606 North Queen St. (just north of W. Frederick) and Christian at 402 South Queen St (SW corner of S. Queen and W. Andrew). They did well and built the two homes at 1294 and 1296 Wheatland Ave in 1926 and 1927.
>Emanuel C. and Barbara Reigart to John F. Steinman for property on S. Queen St.,1822. Jacob Seibley to Christopher Franciscus, 1833 and the executor for Christopher Franciscus to Susannah Franciscus, 1838 for the same property. Bethelstown, Lot #67. (402 S. Queen Street)
>Jacob Demuth to Jacob Bowers for Bethelstown, Lot G, 1830.
>Deeds, bond, and agreements for 402 S. Queen St. and other properties along the 300 and 400 blocks of S. Queen St. 1850s-1959. Names on these records include Haller, Franciscus, Ochs, Faltine, Miller, Schmid, Mountis, Brinkman, Bair, Shertz, Moedinger, Hawkesworth, Kreider, Spindler, Johns, and Goodman.
The Alice E. Brown Family Papers contain genealogy and family records, deeds, land drafts, ads and ephemera for local businesses, bonds, estate papers, wills, and personal papers. Some of the deeds and maps are for property also owned by the Coates and Pownall families. Alice's father was a race horse breeder and the collection contains certificates from the American Trotting Register for some of his horses.
Admin/Biographical History
"Alice E. Brown, age 93, of Christiana, PA passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010 at Tel Hai Retirement Community. She was born in Salisbury Twp., daughter of the late John H. & Lizzie F. Brown. She was a member of Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church of Christiana. Alice graduated from the Millersville Normal School in 1934. She was a School Teacher for 7 years at the former Simmontown one-room schoolhouse. She also worked for Dr. Beacher of Gap. She was known as a wonderful artist. She was preceded in death by 4 siblings: Norris, Phares, Lela, and Leah Brown. She was the last of her immediate family. Funeral service will take place from the Shivery Funeral Home, 111 Elizabeth Street, Christiana, PA on Wednesday, March 17th, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jane DeFord officiating. Interment will be in the Sadsbury Friends Burial Grounds, Gap, PA."
From the obituary of Alice E. Brown, Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, 16 March 2010.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Alice E. Brown Family Papers (MG0583), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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.
Accession Number
2010.MG0583
Other Numbers
MG-583
Classification
MG0583
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed by RW, February 2010; finding aid typed by SH, July 2013. Added to database 26 December 2021.
The Coulter and Hepler Land Records contain property records for land in southeastern Lancaster County that once belonged to the Reids, Coulters, and Heplers. The records include deeds, land drafts, and articles of agreement. There is also a desk blotter for I. P. Hepler.
Admin/Biographical History
Walter R. and Esther E. Hepler (parents of donor) purchased a farm from R. M. Coulter in 1929. The farm was located in Bart Twp. and Colerain Twp. with an address of 113 Rosedale Road, Quarryville. In the early 1930s, Walter was injured in a farm accident and the family had to sell the farm in a sheriff's sale. They subsequently lived with Esther's parents and helped on their farm, earning 50¢ per week plus meals and shelter. Somehow, Walter was able to keep the family's truck through these difficult times.
He later was employed as manager at the Capital Theatre in Lancaster where he earned $14.75 per week. He moved the family into a three-story house in Lancaster with indoor plumbing and electricity, which was an exciting change for the children-James and his sister, Dorothy. As the U.S. emerged from the Depression and entered World War II, Walter used his carpentry skills to obtain a position in the shipyards and earned $2.37½ per day. James Hepler retired from Trojan Yachts as a boat-builder.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Coulter and Hepler Land Records (MG0426), Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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.