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.
Walnut Hill School, 1950. First row: Robert Woods, Donna Rice, Glenn Witmer, Louella Shenk, Saundra Lownsberry, Donald Witmer, ?, Arla Woods. Second row: Harold Shissler, Kenneth Fry, Lynn Gantz, John Woods, Marlin Fellenbaum, Charles Lownsberry, Shirley Rice, Sally Breneman. Third row: Joyce Wagner, Bernice Lindeman, Nelson Fry, Donald Lownsberry, Verna Witmer, Fay Barley, James Kauffman, Faye Lindeman. Fourth row: Ronald Woods, Ronald Shissler, Faye Groff, Arlene Fry, Karen Shultz, Barbara Jean Shenk, Harold Barley Jr., Harry Rohacek (teacher).
Provenance
Digital image only. Original owned by Conestoga Area Historical Society.
Walnut Hill School, 1952. School closed in 1952. First row: Joyce Lindeman, Marvin Burke, Mike Anne, Nancy Shenk, Jay Witmer, John Wenzel, Sharon Mays. Second row: Harold Shissler, Louella Shenk, Donald Witmer, Saundra Lownsberry, Kenny Frey, Jim Pearthree, Glenn Witmer, John Anne, Donna Rice. Third row: Marlin Fellenbaum, Faye Lindeman, Jimmy Kauffman, Jim Mays, Sally Breneman, Delores Birk, Shirley Rice, Charles Lownsberry, Lynn Gantz. Fourth row: Donald Lownsberry, Harlod Barley Jr., Arlene Fry, Karen Shultz, Joan Henry, Bernice Lindeman, Faye Barley, Verna Witmer, Nelson Fry, Harry Rohacek (teacher).
Provenance
Digital image only. Original owned by Conestoga Area Historical Society.
Lancaster Recreation Commission playground supervisors. Front row, left to right: Louis Gehr, John Frantz, Paul Shumaker, Palmer Ritchey, Russell Eroh, Gordon Landreth, Gilbert Ollme, Earl McMillen, Robert Hillard, Watson McMinn, Charles Mulhatten, Sherman Hill, Clair Frantz, Andrew Kritscher, Charles Schnerr. Second row, left to right: Emily Fralich, Gertrude Steudler, Bessie Canter, Kathryn Schaeffer, Ruth Martin, Alice Birchall, Dorothy Haar, Bertha Rodkey, Florence Rieker, Lillayn Slotkin, Kathryn Schwarz, Sylvia McElroy, Martha Cooper, Catherine LeFevre. Third row, left to right: Glenn Horst, Mrs. Ruby Bohee, Margaret Brian, Ruth LeFvre, Mrs. John Bachman, kathryn Bender, Ruth Eshleman, Donald Witmer, Elias Fritz, Russell Hershey, Abram Karlip, Grant D. Brandon, Paul C. Gast, Esther Kilheffer, Bernice Steinfeldt, Mrs. Joseph Fratantuono, Edna Mohr, Martha Stumpf, Margaret Rinehart.
