Horse-drawn trolleys were first used in Lancaster in 1874, but were soon replaced by electric models. The trolley ran from Penn Square out to the furthest reaches of the county. Open-car trolleys with a bench but no sides would be used during the summer and closed-car trolleys would be used during the winter. Trolley service ended in Lancaster in 1947
A "Galena 'Catwhisker' Wireless Detector" used in early crystal radio. Precision crystal detector with iron pyrite crystal, used in commercial wireless stations.
Mounted on a 3/5-inch square, .5-inch high with beveled edge. 2.5-inch glass tube secured between metal pieces. Screw on side of metal bracket can be removed to uncover the glass tube.
Small teacup (A) and saucer (B), white-bodied china. (A) Round teacup has scalloped base including four projecting feet. Rises with an inward curve before curving outward at lip.decorated with applied dark blue petals flanking a circle of applied light blue-painted flowers centering in gold-stampled lettering: " Souvener/ of/ Lancaster/ Pa." Body has molded flowers embossed around top and branch-like handle applied at side. Gold painted trim on one side of handle, the lip, and applied flowers as well as three stamped flowers at each side.
(B) Saucer (4 3/4" dia.) has embossed foliate design on top; small foot ring. Gold painted line on outer edge and inner line circle at central depression. Does not match teacup and may be a later addition.
(A) Teacup stamped on bottom with a crown over a shield with the monogram of "TGC"(?). Impressed nearby is a number, possible "1912" or "1917". (B) Saucer is stamped "MADE IN GERMANY" within a circle. The number "50" is stamped in gold.
Provenance
Donor believes this set was purchased at Woolworth's store in Lancaster.
Chippendale style miniature blanket chest form. Mahogany-stained softwood, dovetail contruction, Lid with brass butt hinges, four ogee bracket feet. Edge molding on lid; chest bottom extends beyond sides to create look of molding. Interior till at left. All surfaces stained and glossy-varnished. Large brass batwing lock escutcheon; silvered key. Top of lid has central relief-carved cartouche incorporating the monogram of Frances Mayer Hershey "FMH" according to Clarke E. Hess. He believes chest was commissioned by Frances' grandparents Henry M. and Frances Mayer. Pencilled in cursive on bottom is "M. Mayer Rohrerstown." Frances' parents were Harry E. Hershey and Dora E. Mayer.
Attributed to Henry Slough, Sr. workshop.
Provenance
Descent from Frances Mayer Hershey to son Henry R. Outin. Purchased by Heritage Center at estate sale of Henry Outin of 2107 Wood St., Rohrerstown, held by Shaub at Willow Street Fire Hall. According to Clarke E. Hess, Outin died just a few months before the Sept.sale. He was the only child of Frances Mayer Hershey and her French husband, (?) Outin. Clarke recalls this couple lived in Algiers and perhaps other places abroad. Frances M. H. Outin left America with her husband in 1928, putting all her belongings in storage until she returned as a widow in 1967, at wich time Hess Builders built a home for her behind the Rohrerstown Mennonite Church. Mrs. Outin died later at age 92.
Lid is strongly abraded, notably a large oblong outline. Minor wear and abrasions overall. Several small cracks at left front at dovetails and a 2 3/4" long crack at midline. Interior abraded and scarred with accretions.
Object ID
P.00.38.1
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
In memory of Anne Bausman Woodcock by Sally Slaymaker & Caroline S. Nunan
A: Homemade awl or piercing tool with hand-shaped shank with turned up tip set into a crude wooden handle with no finish. L: 5.25"
B: Awl or bodkin with decoratively turned walnut or rosewood handle fitted with a foresection of bone set into handle that tapers to a sharp point. L: 5"
C: Section of cow's horn (thumb protector?) L: 3.25"
D. Section of cow's horn (thumb protector?) L: 3"
Provenance
These four items were designated as basketweaving tools by donor. Unknown origin.
Pen nib of gold. Marked on top is "MABIE / TODD & CO / NEW YORK / 4". This company had roots in the 1840s, but established as Mabie, Todd & Co. in New York around 1907. They were known for their gold nibs, pencils and pens.
Taped to card with "See Minutes" in pencil. Accompanying cut envelope is addressed to LCHS with postmark from Seattle, Washington 26 Sep 1976. In pen is written "Gold Pen Point Box 23." Crossed-out name below is "Ann Hoeck(?)".
Provenance
A present from Thaddeus Steven to Eli Lybe--with memorandum "Thaddeus Stevens pen. Presented to Eli Lybe by young Thad."
World War I medal consists a cast bronze pentagonal medallion suspended from a silk ribbon of green and white, pinned to an oblong buff colored card printed with "WELCOME HOME / BOYS!" at the top and "LANCASTER, PA. / MADE BY J.F.A.Co." at the bottom.
Medallion hangs from ribbon via two brass rings. Raised detail on face is "WELCOME HOME" written in a banner at top. At center is the Lancaster seal flanked by the date "1919". Banner at bottom reads "LANCASTER PA." Ribbon has a safety pin stitched to upper back side, and is mounted by pin onto printed card.
Inscribed in ink on card to right of medallion is "$6.50". Struck on reverse of medallion is "JFACo."
Bronze is very dark with tarnish and soil. Ribbon is in poor condition with losses of green threads at left and broken and separating threads at right side. Card is worn and darkened with bottom right corner missing.
Glove stretcher is cast, nickel-plated brass (?). Made of two opposing lengths of tapered, rounded metal, spring operated. Dog's leg shape tool has handle cast with raised, scrolled decoration. Opposite end is tapered so it fits into glove fingers for stretching after being heated. The larger end of the taper is inset with lead for holding heat.
Inscriptions: "THE / FOSTER GLOVE STRETCHER" is on one handle and the other has "PATENTED JULY 27, 1888."
Provenance
Collected by Lillian Hollings Kiker, born to Scottish Americans who lived in New Jersey. Born (1912) and lived in New Jersey, last of Egg Harbor, she was active with quilting, sewing, knitting & crocheting. Collection inherited by donor when her mother passed away.
Flat shaped tool is constructed of two sheet brass sides riveted together at the handle end, allowing a flat triangular iron blade that is sandwiched between to slide out at the other end for cutting. Blade slides via a small riveted guide that slides along a slot in the brass sides. Cutter's brass sides have a fleur-de-lis-shaped handle and scalloped sides and each slot has a measuriing scale numbered from one to ten.
Inscription: The sliding guide on both sides of the slot reads "D.M.CO. / PAT SEPT. 3, 72 / BPT.CONN."
Provenance
Collected by Lillian Hollings Kiker, born to Scottish Americans who lived in New Jersey. Born (1912) and lived in New Jersey, last of Egg Harbor, she was active with quilting, sewing, knitting & crocheting. Collection inherited by donor when her mother passed away.
