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Archive

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/e4f4e8c5-3494-49ec-9562-210099148520
Collection
Willie Siple Collection
Title
The Willie Siple Collection
Object ID
MG0006
Date Range
1935-1962
stock or dishonest dealings," Willie held on to the belief in the goodness of mankind all his life. This is not to say that Willie was completely dependent on the honesty of his customers. He was able to read dollar bills with his hands, and could tell the difference between each, much to the wonder of
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Collection
Willie Siple Collection
Title
The Willie Siple Collection
Description
The Willie Siple Collection includes photographs, postcards, correspondence, and newspaper clippings about Siple and related to his business and boxing career.
Admin/Biographical History
Wilbur "Willie" Siple (1904-1966) was the operator of Siple's News Stand for many years. He was originally a professional boxer when he was younger, and he had a successful, but short, boxing career. During those six years, Willie fought in 131 exhibitions with 71 wins, 9 losses, 22 draws and 29 KO's. Willie was what was called a "flyweight," weighing only 102 pounds in his heyday. However, Willie's boxing career was cut short after a 1925 automobile accident. Although many people speculated that Willie's loss of his eyesight was because of his boxing career, Willie explained the accident to a local newspaper. According to a sports news article that can be found in the Willie Siple Collection here at LancasterHistory.org, Willie was attempting to fix a car when a car tire exploded in his face, damaging his eyesight beyond repair and blinding him.
However, despite this tragedy, Willie didn't let the accident and blindness take over his life. On September 28, 1935, during the Depression, Willie made a brave move and opened his news stand in the Lancaster City Post Office, and named it Siple's News Stand. Due to an act of Congress, the Rudolph-Sheppard Act of 1935, Willie became "one of the first blind operators to set up shop in Federal Buildings," according to an article in the Willie Siple collection. Willie's news stand featured free news and weather reports, and sold newspapers, magazines, and candy. Rare coins and stamps, a personal passion of Willie's, were also available for purchase. Willie would travel far and wide in order to acquire rare stamps to be sold to stamp collectors. Willie would travel to places like Washington, D.C. Princeton, New Jersey, and Philadelphia in order to buy what were then called "first day issues" of stamps. One newspaper article even calls him a "philatelist," or a stamp expert, much to Willie's surprise. Siple was also extremely passionate about coin collecting, and could identify and appraise coins without needing to see them. Willie also loved to travel, and had even traveled to Canada and all around Pennsylvania with the help of friends.
Willie then became a well-known public figure. He was known for his friendly, talkative personality, and his eye-catching and "loud" shirts. WDAC-FM radio, then a Christian radio station, featured an editorial on Willie, which was subtitled "the personification of good humor." In this editorial, Willie is said to have had a "flamboyant and winning personality," as well as a "belief in man's basic honesty." Despite the fact that Willie was often taken advantage of because of his blindness, and that he "was the victim of an average of $40 worth annually in pilfered stock or dishonest dealings," Willie held on to the belief in the goodness of mankind all his life. This is not to say that Willie was completely dependent on the honesty of his customers. He was able to read dollar bills with his hands, and could tell the difference between each, much to the wonder of skeptical customers, and probably to the dismay of the rare customer who would try and take advantage of him.
Willie became a well-loved figure in the community, and anyone looking through his collection will be able to see just that. Siple was a philanthropist who supported the Tuberculosis Society with the proceeds from sales of Christmas seals (or stamps) for their charity. Willie would also dress up like Santa Claus every year, and would visit infantile paralysis victims. There are also multiple thank-you notes from school classes and the local boys club for his generous gifts of candy.
Many of Willie's friends also willingly helped him with his business, helping him with bookkeeping, driving him to and from work, taking him to lunch, helping take over the stand during lunch, and much more. He called these people his "assistants," and most of them were local business men and women who would take time out of their days to help. These people were unpaid friends, just willing to give Willie a hand. Their kindness, as well as Willie's generosity, show the kinship and kindness in the community that surrounded him in Lancaster city.
written by Elizabeth McIlhenney, 2016
Date Range
1935-1962
Creation Date
1935-1962
Year Range From
1935
Year Range To
1962
Creator
Hauck, Johnny
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 01
People
Siple, Wilbur H. "Willie"
Moore, Archie
Subjects
Blind
Boxers (Sports)
Letters
Newspaper vendors
People with visual disabilities
Search Terms
Boxers (Sports)
Correspondence
Finding aids
Letters
Manuscript groups
Newspaper vendors
People with visual disabilities
Extent
1 box, 3 folders, 2 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0006
Related Item Notes
Johnny Hauck Collection, MG0063
Photograph Collection
Notes
This material was part of the Johnny Hauck Collection, MG-63. Because of the specific nature of the material, it was extracted to create a separate manuscript group.
Photographs transferred to the Photograph Collection, 3 November 2017.
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-6
Classification
MG0006
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
This material was part of the Johnny Hauck Collection, MG-63. Because of the specific nature of the material, it was extracted to create a separate manuscript group.
Cataloged prior to July 1997; added to database 8 February 2018.
Documents
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Finding Aid

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Archive

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/405ca140-5337-4d72-9d6c-850439854598
Collection
Invoice and Receipt Collection
Title
Invoice and Receipt Collection
Object ID
MG0253
Date Range
1852-1956
business, date of purchase, and date of payment. Creator: LancasterHistory (Organization) System of Arrangement: Arranged by subject. Conditions for Access: No restrictions. Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research
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  1 document  
Collection
Invoice and Receipt Collection
Title
Invoice and Receipt Collection
Description
The Invoice and Receipt Collection contains billheads for purchases from Lancaster County businesses or by residents of the county. These invoices and receipts show some or all of the following information: the name of the customer, item(s) purchased, cost, location and description of business, date of purchase, and date of payment.
System of Arrangement
Arranged by subject.
Date Range
1852-1956
Year Range From
1852
Year Range To
1956
Date of Accumulation
1852-1956
Creator
LancasterHistory (Organization)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Brinton, Susana
Brunner, A.
Crosley, T. T.
Donnelly, Mary T.
Griel, H. M.
Hale, Joseph P.
Hauck, Samuel M.
Heinekamp, William
Leib, J. C.
Miller, Bert
Miller, Edward F.
Miller, John Brubaker
Packer, Roy
Rengier, Charles F., Jr.
Renno, David
Root, Harvey Shimp
Rutter, Eugene M.
Scott, E. S.
Scott, S. H.
Shaibley, C. W.
Shaub, Percy H.
Shindle, B. S.
Shortlage, Helen
Simon, Lewis
Stuckenholz, Justus
Trout, A. S.
Trout, A. W.
Wild, James F.
Subjects
Billheads
Invoices
Receipts (Acknowledgments)
Search Terms
Billheads
Clarion Printing House
Columbia Wagon Company
E. M. Rutter and Company
Edison Electric Company
Finding aids
Freed, Ward and Freed
Heinitsh Paint Company
Hoffmeier Brothers
Invoices
J. Bowman and Sons
J. C. Budding Company
J. C. Leib and Company
Keystone Metal Weather Strip Company
Lancaster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Lancaster Gas Light and Fuel Company
Long and Davidson
Maennerchor Hotel
Manuscript groups
Mary T. Donnelly Suit Shop
Metzger Brothers and Company
Musselman Bros.
New Holland Water Department
Overly and Good
Philip Schum, Son and Company
Piersol Carpet Company
Receipts
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Stauffer Home Improvements, Inc.
Steam Cracker and Biscuit Bakery
Steinman Hardware
Sylvan View Dairy
Extent
1 box, 12 folders, .15 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0253
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Business and Industry Collection (MG0107)
Business Letterhead Collection (MG0254)
Billheads from the Commissioners' Orders for Payment Collection (MG0182)
Advertising and Promotional Collection (MG0153)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Invoice and Receipt Collection (MG0253), 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-253
Classification
MG0253
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
The Invoice and Receipt Collection was formerly called the Bills of Sale Collection. The title of the collection was changed on 25 August 2021 to reflect the items in the collection.
This collection was originally cataloged prior to 1997 and the finding aid is updated as items are added. Added to database 25 August 2021.
Documents
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Finding Aid

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Award

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/e1c4f8e4-889d-40ff-88e2-214026676200
Collection
Military Collection
Object ID
2016.005.11
Date Range
c. 1943
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Collection
Military Collection
Description
Collection of military memorabilia of Robert C. Myers including medals, bars, and crucifix.
Provenance
Inherited by donor.
Date Range
c. 1943
Year Range From
1943
Year Range To
1943
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 3
Storage Cabinet
Unit 14
Storage Shelf
Shelf 5
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Object Name
Award
Material
Metal
Height (in)
4.75
Width (in)
6.75
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-06-02
Condition Notes
Some soil evident on white chenille. Apparently never stitched to clothing.
Object ID
2016.005.11
Usage
Myers, Robert C., 1925-2006
Credit
Gift of Kenneth Flosser in memory of Robert C. Myers
Accession Number
2016.005
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Bag, Grain

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/33c9dfe4-548b-4d2f-ad82-362771637110
Collection
Science, Medicine & Technology Collection
Object ID
2003.073
Date Range
1930-1960
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Collection
Science, Medicine & Technology Collection
Description
Grain bag, "John W. Eshelman and Sons / Lancaster, PA / Est. 1842.
Date Range
1930-1960
Year Range From
1930
Year Range To
1960
Storage Location
LCHS / Willson Memorial Building
Storage Room
Museum West
Storage Wall
CC N
Storage Cabinet
Unit 02
Storage Shelf
SH3
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Object Name
Bag, Grain
Material
Cotton
Length (in)
41.5
Width (in)
34.5
Condition
Good
Object ID
2003.073
Accession Number
2003.073
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Ball, Bocce

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/646037d9-02ec-424b-99c5-344741110355
Collection
Sports, Leisure & Play Collection
Object ID
2015.016.2
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Collection
Sports, Leisure & Play Collection
Description
Bocce ball used by Earl Coble
Year Range From
1930
Year Range To
1940
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
North Wall
Storage Cabinet
Unit 01
People
Coble, Earl
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Object Name
Ball, Bocce
Object ID
2015.016.2
Credit
Gift of Roberta Spiese Frey, In Memory of her Grandparents
Accession Number
2015.016
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Box

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/345d355d-69fd-4041-889d-431150094545
Collection
General Collection
Object ID
2002.030.2
Date Range
1937-1951
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Collection
General Collection
Description
box for "Allison" type watch (see 2002.030.1)
Date Range
1937-1951
Year Range From
1937
Year Range To
1951
Made By
Hamilton Watch Company
Storage Location
LCHS / Willson Memorial Building
Storage Room
Guild Vault
Storage Wall
South Wall
Storage Cabinet
Unit 01
Storage Drawer
Drawer 15
Subcategory
Need to Classify
Object Name
Box
Length (in)
10
Width (in)
1.5
Condition
Excellent
Object ID
2002.030.2
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Accession Number
2002.030
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Card, Greeting

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/fde6c6ee-5645-4c14-b214-410482514240
Collection
Fine Arts Collection
Object ID
2001.002.7
Date Range
1946
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Collection
Fine Arts Collection
Description
Christmas card. Front features PA German design--two angels and doves on either side of a heart in which is printed "1946 An Old Fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas." Printed with had watercoloring. Inside is written "Merry Christmas from Henry and Zoe Kauffman/" Printed on front "Zoe T. Kauffman."
Date Range
1946
Year Range From
1946
Year Range To
1946
Painted By
Elizabeth (Zoe) Kauffman
Made By
Kauffman, Elizabeth Zoe Toomer
Storage Location
LCHS / Willson Memorial Building
Storage Room
Museum North
Storage Wall
East Wall
Storage Cabinet
Unit 07
Storage Shelf
Shelf 4
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Object Name
Card, Greeting
Oither Names
Christmas Card
Material
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Height (in)
6.4
Width (in)
5.5
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Some dirty edges, slight creases.
Object ID
2001.002.7
Notes
Width is card as folded.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Usage
Kauffman, Elizabeth Zoe Toomer and Henry J.
Accession Number
2001.002
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Card, Greeting

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/8b054281-3c28-4ed8-8031-737913258215
Collection
Fine Arts Collection
Object ID
2001.002.8
Date Range
1949
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Collection
Fine Arts Collection
Description
Christmas card. Green paper. On front reindeer in PA German style wreath. Printed "Anno 1949." Printed with hand watercoloring. Inside written "Merry Christmas from Zoe and Henry Kauffman." Printed on front "Z. Kauffman." Printed on back "Motif from Pennsylvania chalk figure."
Date Range
1949
Year Range From
1949
Year Range To
1949
Painted By
Elizabeth (Zoe) Kauffman
Made By
Kauffman, Elizabeth Zoe Toomer
Storage Location
LCHS / Willson Memorial Building
Storage Room
Museum North
Storage Wall
East Wall
Storage Cabinet
Unit 07
Storage Shelf
Shelf 4
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Object Name
Card, Greeting
Oither Names
Christmas Card
Material
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Height (in)
6.5
Width (in)
6.5
Condition
Good
Condition Notes
Some browning around edges.
Object ID
2001.002.8
Notes
Width is card as folded.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Usage
Kauffman, Elizabeth Zoe Toomer and Henry J.
Accession Number
2001.002
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Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/66ea1a4f-d233-4343-90b7-210020174898
Collection
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Title
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Object ID
Veterans F49 I01
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Collection
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Title
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Description
Record of applications for peddlers' licenses showing date of application, name of applicant, type of license, and dates granted and lifted. Many applications for soldiers' licenses; these are peddlers' licenses issued to honorably discharged veterans. Handwritten.
System of Arrangement
Organized by year, then alphabetically by surname.
Year
1940
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0002
People
Abel, Harry R.
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Veterans' Peddlers License
Petitions
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Good
Object ID
Veterans F49 I01
Box Number
002
Additional Notes
Petition.
Company G, 305th Regiment.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0601
Description Level
Item
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Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/8e8d7864-66d8-4561-8b9f-574966580694
Collection
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Title
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Object ID
Veterans F49 I02
More detail
Collection
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Title
Veterans' Peddlers Licenses
Description
Record of applications for peddlers' licenses showing date of application, name of applicant, type of license, and dates granted and lifted. Many applications for soldiers' licenses; these are peddlers' licenses issued to honorably discharged veterans. Handwritten.
System of Arrangement
Organized by year, then alphabetically by surname.
Year
1940
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0002
People
Aument, Walter E.
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Veterans' Peddlers License
Petitions
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Good
Object ID
Veterans F49 I02
Box Number
002
Additional Notes
Petition.
Document not completed, has signature.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0601
Description Level
Item
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10 records – page 1 of 1.