The Mayor James H. Ross Collection documents Ross's political career from 1933-1937. James Ross, a businessman and civic leader, served as mayor of Lancaster from 1934-1938. The collection consists primarily of correspondence and a scrapbook. The letters are related to his mayoral election and responsibilities, the James H. Ross Ready to Wear Department Store, and personal matters. The scrapbook, compiled by his wife, contains information about his political career, the department store, and other local merchants, and provides a good background on the housing issues that threatened Lancaster City. The collection gives a fragmented picture of life in Lancaster in the 1930s, including commercial transactions, the Depression, religious charitable organizations, politics, and the Democratic Party.
Admin/Biographical History
James H. Ross was born in Green County, Ohio. When he was six, Ross's family moved to Monroe County, West Virginia where he attended school until he was seventeen. His family moved back to Ohio where he finished his schooling at Bowersville High School. After graduating, Ross moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania and began working for M. T. Garvin & Co. Ross left M. T. Garvin & Co. in 1928 and established his own store, James H. Ross Ready to Wear Department Store, in December of that same year. James H. Ross was elected Mayor of Lancaster as a Democrat in 1934.
Please make an appointment with the Research Center staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org to view the scrapbook.
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-58
Classification
MG0058
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Scrapbook, Career of James Ross, Former Merchant and Mayor, was previously housed in the Scrapbook Collection, Book 121. Scrapbook, Career of James Ross, Former Merchant and Mayor, was cataloged and preserved with funding from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, ME60112, 2007-2008.
Scrapbook of Grace Anna Brosius Biddle, 1911-1926. This scrapbook chronicles the social life of Grace and the political, service, and religious life of her husband, Clement M. Biddle. The volume contains newspaper and magazine clippings, church bulletins, event programs, photographs, and correspondence. The newspaper clippings, from French and American publications, pertain to YMCA/YWCA campaigns, World War I volunteer and post-war relief efforts, travel overseas, and local and national events. The ephemera includes announcements of Swarthmore College alumni events in Mount Vernon, New York.
Admin/Biographical History
Grace Anna Brosius was the daughter of Hon. Marriott Henry Brosius and Elizabeth Jackson Coates Brosius of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She attended Swarthmore College from 1895-1897. She married Clement Miller Biddle (1876-1959) on 28 November 1900 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Swarthmore College Photograph Albums (SFHL-PA-010)
Biddle Family Papers (SFHL-RG5-177)
Related Item Notes
Scrapbooks:
1898-1900 (MG0434_Box096)
1926-1937 (MG0434_Box097_It02)
1935-1959 (MG0434_Box098)
Photograph albums and loose photographs (Grace Anna Brosius Biddle Collection)
Album 1, 1900s-1940s (GB-01-01-001 to GB-01-01-111)
Album 2, 1900-1907 (GB-01-02-01 to GB-01-02-41)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Scrapbook Collection (MG0434), Box #, Object ID, 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 for permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The Bucher-Ortmann Pharmacy Collection contains memorabilia from the Bucher Pharmacy and Ortmann Pharmacy in Columbia, including an account book and prescription formula books.
Admin/Biographical History
The pharmacy began with the Bucher family in 1895 and continued when Werner Ortmann purchased the business in 1953.
This collection contains records of the Wheatland Diner, including correspondence, advertising, menu, recipe cards, blueprints and documents for the sale of the property. Newspaper articles report the plan for and delivery of the diner ,fires, 1956 fatal accident, problems with teenage customers and the sale of the property.
Ladies' Auxiliary of St. Joseph Hospital (Lancaster, Pa.) Records
Description
This collection contains records for the Ladies' Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary of St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster, PA from 1881-2002. One volume contains the names of volunteers and the hours they logged from 1967-1992. Newsletters, programs, and newspaper articles provide information about the many community activities and fundraising events of the organization.
Admin/Biographical History
St. Joseph Hospital (1883-2000) started in a moderate-sized building on College Avenue that was purchased by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, Philadelphia Foundation. The Ladies' Auxiliary began in 1903 to promote the community's health and welfare, engage in fundraising activities, and promote good relations between the hospital and community. The Junior Auxiliary was made up of volunteers who had limited time available, participated in fundraising activities, and met in the evening at five general meetings per year.
Preferred Citation: Ladies' Auxiliary of St. Joseph Hospital (Lancaster) Records (MG0473), Box #, 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. 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-473
Other Number
MG-473
Classification
MG0473
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by DC, 2009. Added to database 7 September 2021.
Letters and articles from John Edmund Rutherford to W. W. Griest
Description
Letter. John Edmund Rutherford, Harrisburg, to W. W. Griest, Lancaster. Discusses enclosed newspaper clipping as well as E. L. Moore's career, contacts with Thaddeus Stevens, and connections to Rutherford. 26 December 1913.
Letter. John Edmund Rutherford to W. W. Griest. Thanks Griest for letter of 5 January and its enclosed newspaper clipping, as well as invitation to visit Griest's office and see Stevens' cane. 6 January 1914.
Sheet of newspaper clippings. Descriptions of E. L. Moore, reproducing and summarizing contents of Rutherford's 26 December 1913 letter to Griest. (photocopy) 1914.
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 19, Insert 2
Classification
MG0115
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Added to database 10 July 2023.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Letters between Rev. C. H. Forney and W. W. Griest
Description
Letter from Rev. C. H. Forney, Harrisburg, to W. W. Griest. Discusses E. L. Moore's career Forney's relationship with him. Makes note of a cane presented to Forney by Moore, which Forney carried at Stevens' funeral. With photocopy of transcription. 30 December 1913.
Letter. W. W. Griest to Rev. C. H. Forney. Thanks Forney for letter, possible similarities between canes, and enclosed newspaper clipping. 3 January 1914.
Newspaper article and transcription. "Give Stevens' Cane to Griest," discusses Stevens' cane and Griest's receipt of it. Photocopy. 25 December 1913.
Date Range
1913-1914
Creation Date
30 December 1913, 3 January 1914, 25 December 1913
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 19, Insert 3
Classification
MG0115
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Added to database 10 July 2023.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
The Bicentennial of the First Settlement in Lancaster County, 1710-1910
Description
The scrapbook is composed of William Uhler Hensel's correspondence from 1910. These letters are responses to Hensel's invitation to the celebration of the 200th birthday of the first settlement in Lancaster County, near present-day Willow Street. The majority of the letters are handwritten. The book also contains programs describing the events of the celebration and an historical description of the first settlement in 1710.
Admin/Biographical History
William Uhler Hensel
William Uhler Hensel was born in Quarryville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on 3 December 1851. Hensel attended the local public school and a series of private academies before entering Franklin and Marshall College in 1866. Hensel was very active in the school including fraternities and clubs. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1870.
After graduation, Hensel pursued a career in law and studied under Judge Isaac Hiester and David G. Eshleman. In 1873, Hensel was admitted to the Lancaster Bar and established his own practice in Lancaster. While studying law, he became interest in journalism and later maintained a dual career in journalism and law. After opening his law firm, Hensel became the co-owner of the Lancaster Intelligencer and also became editor of the newspaper.
Hensel was active in politics and helped in the efforts of the Democratic Party in Lancaster County. He compiled many writings that aided campaigns such as biographies of the Democratic candidates. In 1891, he became the attorney general of Pennsylvania.
As one of the founding members of the Lancaster County Historical Society, he wrote many articles for the historical society's journal that depict the county's history. Hensel was active in the community by giving lectures and presenting information to societies and clubs throughout Lancaster County. He was also president of the Pennsylvania-German Society.
Hensel married Emily Flinn; they had one daughter named Elizabeth. He practiced law throughout his life and received honorary doctorates from Dickinson College in 1909 and Franklin and Marshall in 1912. Hensel died on 27 February 1915 from cirrhosis of the liver while on vacation in Georgia.
First Settlement in Lancaster County
Lancaster County was officially established in 1729 out of Chester County. The first settlement began in 1709 and was established by Swiss Mennonites in 1710 around the area of present-day Willow Street. Hans Herr was the bishop of the founding group. The Hans Herr House is now the oldest building in Lancaster County dating back to 1719. The original inhabitants of the area included the Susquehannocks (also known as the Conestogas), Shawnee, Gawanese, Delaware, and Nanticoke. Huguenots, Scots-Irish, English, Welsh, and Rhineland Germans settled in Lancaster County after the Swiss Mennonites.
Ferree, Barr. William Uhler Hensel: An Appreciation. New York, New York: The Society, 1915.
Hensel, William Uhler. The Christiana Riot and the Treason Trials of 1851: An Historical Sketch. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: The New Era Printing Company, 1911.
The William Uhler Hensel Collection, 1870- 1915 (MG0076)
Musser, Wilma I. Village of West Willow, 1710- 1974, Lancaster County Pennsylvania: A History. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Schaff Library, Lancaster Theological Seminary, 1974.
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
No restrictions. Please request this item by contacting Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to your visit.
Copyright
This item 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.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-434
Other Number
MG-434, Box 26
Classification
MG0434
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by CRB, October 2007. Added to database, 26 September 2023.
Previously housed in the Scrapbook Collection, Book 175.
This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, ME60112, 2007-2008.
Catharine B. Spitler Scrapbook, Book 2, 24 December 1971- 15 April 1987
Description
Catharine B. Spitler, a resident of Landisville, Pennsylvania, compiled these scrapbooks. Book one contains information primarily about World War II. The newspaper clippings include information about Lancaster natives, both men and women that were involved in World War II, including ranks and location of service. There are also articles about the United States involvement in World War II. Interesting local articles and programs discuss the World War II Memorial in West Hempfield Township. Columbia's Sesquicentennial was documented through a series of newspaper clippings located in this scrapbook.
Book two is a compilation of newspaper clippings, engagement announcements, wedding announcements and obituaries pertaining to Lancastrians. Locations around Lancaster County that were mentioned are as follows: Lancaster, Hempfield, Ephrata, Maytown and Mount Joy. An interesting subject within the second scrapbook is the1972 Flood of Lancaster (Hurricane Agnes).
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 these items by contacting Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to your visit.
Copyright
These 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.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-434
Other Number
MG-434, Boxes 79 and 80
Classification
MG0434
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by CRB, October 2007. Added to database, 28 September 2023.
Previously housed in the Scrapbook Collection, Books 128 and 130.
This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, ME60112, 2007-2008.
The Church of Our Father (Unitarian), Book 1, January 1915
The Church of Our Father (Unitarian), Book 2, 1925-1926
Description
These scrapbooks commemorate the centennial celebration of the founding of The Church of Our Father, a Unitarian church located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They illustrate the beliefs within the religion and the stance on evolution and science. The volumes contain newspaper clippings, church bulletins, event invitations, and congregation letters, both typed and handwritten. The church was involved in community efforts as well education, lectures and clubs. Some of the Unitarian organizations are also mentioned such as the American Unitarian Association, National League of Unitarian Laymen, Unitarian Laymen's League, and Men's Liberal Club. Prominent people within the church and religion that were mentioned were John B. Day, Rush and Zoë Shippen, Samuel Elliot, and Earl C. Davis. Others mentioned throughout the books were Milton T. Garvin, Nicholas Jozan, Arthur Coxon, Robert Sheridan Miller, Woodrow Wilson, Joseph Priestley, Henry Shippen, Edward Howard Griggs, Earnest Adams, Edward Reeman, Charles Riedel, Charles Henry Tucker, and Earl C. Davis. Some of the articles give historical context with subjects such as woman's suffrage and Woodrow Wilson.
Note: Loose newspaper articles have been photocopied. Both the photocopies and loose ephemera have been removed from the books and placed into separate folders to prevent further damage to the items.
Church of Our Father, Unitarian Church Records (Lancaster, Pa.) (MG0597), not cataloged
M. T. Garvin Papers (MG0034)
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
No restrictions. Please request these items by contacting Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to your visit.
Copyright
These 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.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-434
Other Number
MG-434, Boxes 28 and 29
Classification
MG0434
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Cataloged by CRB, October 2007. Added to database, 28 September 2023.
Previously housed in the Scrapbook Collection, Books 26 and 27.
This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, ME60112, 2007-2008.
