This collection contains documents pertaining to the planning and preparation for the Freedom Train visit to Lancaster, as well as the corresponding Rededication Week celebration. These documents include press releases from The American Heritage Foundation describing the Freedom Train project, correspondence between The American Heritage Foundation and members of the Lancaster Freedom Train Committee discussing the Committee's plans for the celebration and their fundraising efforts. There is also correspondence between the Mayor of Lancaster, Dale E. Cary, and John W. Beyer discussing the formation of the Freedom Train Committee, the monetary contributions of the public, and the roles different organizations were taking in the Rededication Week celebration. The collection also includes a list of the Lancaster Freedom Train Committee members, materials regarding the formation of the committee, and various form letters sent to businesses thanking them for their contribution to the celebration. There are a number of publications in this collection, including information for the media and local churches, a large booklet detailing the goals and origins of The American Heritage Foundation, as well as a complete list of the cities the Freedom Train would be stopping in and the various railroads it would be using during its journey.
Admin/Biographical History
"The 1947 - 1949 Freedom Train was conceived as an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of American citizenship at a time when the nation was finding a new and central role in world affairs."1
The Lancaster Freedom Train Committee was assembled in 1948 to plan the Rededication Week celebration in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and prepare for the Freedom Train's arrival. The Committee was made up of 19 individuals who were responsible for fundraising, planning events and programs for the celebration, and working with community to make sure the visit went according to the plans of The American Heritage Foundation. John W. Beyer served as General Chairman of the committee, and the Mayor of Lancaster, Dale E. Cary, served as Honorary Chairman.
John W. Beyer was born on September 19, 1914 in Palmyra, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, to Caroline and Robert Beyer. He graduated from Upper Leacock Township High School in 1932, and then attended Franklin and Marshall College. After graduating 1936, Beyer attended the University of Pennsylvania, and received his law degree in 1939. Beyer began practicing law in 1940 as a partner in the law offices of Arnold, Beyer & Homsher. Beyer served in the Lancaster County District Attorney's office from 1943 to 1953, when he resigned from the position. Beyer served on many committees and was involved in multiple civic organizations including the Lancaster Aero Club, the Lancaster Exchange Club, and the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. He died August, 14, 1990.
Dr. Dale E. Cary was born December 26, 1880 in Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth and Marcena Cary. He attended school in the Waynesburg County public school system, and later attended Waynesburg College. Cary spent three years teaching, and two years as assistant principal in the Brownsville Public School system before deciding to attend medical school at Jefferson Medical College. In 1911 Cary came to Lancaster, where he served a one-year internship at Lancaster General Hospital. He later started a private practice, and became one of two physicians serving the Lancaster City Schools. In 1941 Cary became Lancaster General's Medical Director, a position he held until 1945. Cary served three terms as Mayor of Lancaster, holding office from 1938-1950. He died on May 19, 1958, and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery.
This collection contains published annual reports from the Lancaster County Foundation from 1984 and 1987
Admin/Biographical History
Established in 1924 as the Lancaster County Trust, the organization changed its name to Lancaster County Foundation in 1951. Local attorney Martin M. Harnish served as chairman of the Distribution Committee from 1924 until his death in 1959, and was most active in establishing the foundation as means for charitable giving in estate planning.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Lancaster County Foundation Collection (MG0933), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
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
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
This collection was given in memory of the donor's maternal grandparents, David S. Warfel and Clara Haverstick Warfel.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
This collection has not been cataloged. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
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 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
Signers of petition: John Miller, William Saylor, Philip Fitzpatrick, W. T. Amweg, John [Reidman], Jacob Leibley, Martin Harnish, M. Withers, E. Steward, E. Stehman, William Mathiot, David Libkicher, George Hitzelberger, Henry M. Reigart.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Actors in costume for the Pageant of Gratitude at Williamson Field at Franklin and Marshall College. The woman at right is identified as Mrs. H. W. Prentiss. The man at center is identified as Mr. Martin Harnish.
Provenance
From MG-14, the Pageant Collection. Photograph album donated to Lancaster County Historical Society by Mr. Edward Bender of photographs taken during the Pageant of Gratitude in Lancaster. Also includes several cartoons.
