Collection contains the original and typed copies of correspondence describing life in the gold fields of California in the 1850s, an account of crossing the desert on the way west, and a journal describing the sea voyage home. Also, two newspaper images relevant to the gold rush and Mr. Hackman's obituary. He sent many letters home to his family in which he related the details of his experience, hardships of finding gold, the high prices and lack of provisions, observations of life in mining towns, his health, and asked for news from home. He also wrote letters to his sweetheart, Harriet B. Miller asking her to write him back, and his uncle, regarding family financial information.
Admin/Biographical History
David Baer Hackman (1827-1896) was the second child of David Heistand Hackman and Susanna Frantz Baer. He was a third cousin, once removed, of Milton Hershey. David left Lancaster in the fall of 1849 with the hope of finding gold in California. In the spring of 1850, he went to Ohio and joined others headed west. They boarded a steamboat in Cincinnati that was bound for St. Louis and then travelled by wagon train to Sacramento City, where they arrived in September 1850. David found enough gold to buy food and supplies, and then had modest success in 1853. In 1854, he decided to return home, this time travelling by steamer and train from San Francisco to New York via Panama.
The adventure of travelling westward and his life in the gold fields of California are described in detail in David's journal and correspondence. He sent many letters home to his family in which he related the details of his experience, hardships, the prices and lack of provisions, observations of life in mining towns, and asked for news from home.
David also wrote to his sweetheart, Harriet B. Miller (1829-1870), the daughter of Adam and Rebecca Miller of Manheim. Although he did not receive any letters from her, they reunited upon his return to Lancaster in 1854 and married soon after. They had one son named Augustus, who became a minister. Harriet passed away in 1870. David later married Ella C. (1851-1907) and they had five children, Frank, Mabel, Harry, Walter, and Edith.
David's obituary shows that he was involved in the grocery, clothing, hat, and shoemaking businesses. In the 1860 Census he is listed as a hatter, and in 1880 as a saloon keeper. He was well-liked and respected in the community. David and Harriet are buried in Manheim Fairview Cemetery.
The Fivepoints Neighborhood Association Records include newsletters, meeting agendas, resident correspondence, and community program information for the Fivepoints Neighborhood Association from 1996-2000.
Admin/Biographical History
The Fivepoints Neighborhood Association in Lancaster, Pennsylvania was formed in 1990 from the existing South Lime St. Neighborhood Association. The Fivepoints Neighborhood Association was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the South Lime St. historical district, located between Duke, King, Church, and Lime Streets. The Fivepoints Neighborhood Association was active in planning community programs and resident events, as well as ordering and installing bronze plaques for the historical buildings.
Postcard of Gundaker Stable (Postcard Collection 911-022-072)
Postcard of The Garden Homes of Church Street (Postcard Collection 911-022-071)
Postcard of South Duke Street (Postcard Collection 911-005-009)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Fivepoints Neighborhood Association Records (MG0491), 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. Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-491
Other Number
MG-491
Classification
MG0491
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by RA, June 23, 2015. Added to database 26 August 2021.
The Jewish Family Service of Lancaster Papers include annual reports, correspondence, community service survey, and programs for events.
Admin/Biographical History
From the Jewish Family Service of Lancaster website: "JFS of Lancaster was established in 1989. Our vision is to be a social service agency providing a wide range of services and educational workshops in the Lancaster County community. These services and workshops will enrich and support the Lancaster Jewish community and the community at large. We strive to improve the lives of the most vulnerable residents in Lancaster. Our Jewish values of justice, compassion, and respect are the driving force behind our efforts to achieve our vision and give us a sense of obligation to the community."
Jewish Family Service of Lancaster, www.jfslancaster.org/, accessed 26 August 2021.
Preferred Citation: Jewish Family Service of Lancaster Papers (MG0492), 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. Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-492
Other Number
MG-492
Classification
MG0492
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Transferred to the archives from the Information File.
Processed and finding aid prepared by HST, 26 August 2021.
The papers in this Pennsylvania Railroad Collection are largely the documents of legal actions against the Pennsylvania Railroad. Among the items are property records, agreements, a construction contract, correspondence, and a proposal for a footbridge.
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. Persons wishing to publish any material from this collection must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-131
Other Number
MG-131
Classification
MG0131
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
This collection was cataloged prior to 1997. Added to database 7 September 2021.
