The William J. Buch Papers contains photographs, scrapbook pages, and personal letters to and from William J. Buch, also known as Joe. Several letters and items pertain to his likeness to Franklin D. Roosevelt, including correspondence with the White House and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. Other items include documents and photographs of his service in World War I, Lancaster County boxers, and his son's World War II service.
Admin/Biographical History
William "Joe" Buch served in World War I. He founded Buch's Pharmacy at the corner of Charlotte and King Streets in Lancaster, Pa. and later ventured into the sporting goods business. Mr. Buch was known as a Franklin D. Roosevelt double and wrote often to offer support to the President. Mr. Buch was very active in the local and state Democratic Party. He posed as Roosevelt's twin at many political events. More information is available in Folder 17.
Cabinet card. Sign that reads Hier ruhen die Geveine von viel Soldaten taken in a studio setting. Written on back: "Here rests the remains of many soldiers. Mt. Zion, Ephrata Twp., Lancaster, Soldiers removed from battle of Brandywine for treatment at Ephrata".
Provenance
Transferred from Document Collection, Box 25, Folder 1
Services at El Alia Cemetery, Algiers, Algeria. Photograph possibly taken during Paul Baker Witmer's military service in north Africa during World War II.
Letter with photographs regarding visiting varous cemeteries in search of family grave sites.
Oct. 26, 1984
Dear Barry & Winkie -
Enclosed are the pics from "over there". I think Pop did a terrific job.
Thanks again for a beautiful week-end, and also to Winkie for sharing you with us! - It was good talking to her Monday eve, and hope your trip to Washington turned out O.K.
Will be in touch soon, so enjoy - enjoy!
We love you both,
Mom and Pop
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Historical marker for the burial site of Thaddeus Stevens
Description
Pennsylvaia Historical and Museum Commission marker for the burial site of Thaddeus Stevens at Shreiner-Concord Cemetery at North Mulberry Street and West Chestnut Street, Lancaster.
Monument to Ulrich Shirk I at Steinmetz Cemetery near Schoeneck, West Cocalico Twp. Written on back: "Commemorative stone for Ulrich Schurch I and family and descenedants. Steinmetz Cemetery, Lancaster County, Pa. Many early Shirks are buried here. July 1990."
Weaverland Mennonite Meetinghouse. Written on back: "Weaverland Amish Church. Ulrich I's son, Peter, is buried in tiny cemetery in the middle of a nearby cornfield. Church has a metal roof, all windows hand closed shutters. Hand pump for water, open building with stalls for horses. Parking for horse and buggies. Small outdoor ladies room in parking lot. Peter Shirk was an ordained Mennonite minister in 1750. Original church was built on land purchased by Peter Shirk and Michael Witwer for this purpose (deed dated 1766). Name of cemetery - Old Mennonite Weberthal Cemetery".
Steinmetz Cemetery. Blanche Abele walks toward reunion bus after seeing early Shirk stones. Man on right is Frank Shirk, leader of the bus trip and keynote speaker at reunion banquet at Ephrata. He is a Mennonite preacher, now a bishop. His 98 year old father was the oldest Shirk at the reunion.
