The Volunteer Bands of Hummelstown, 1869-1927

Posted by on Nov 30, 2013 in | Comments Off on The Volunteer Bands of Hummelstown, 1869-1927 Since 1980, junior and senior high school students throughout Pennsylvania have participated in the National History Day program, which was developed to stimulate student interest in history. Each year, district, state and national History Day contests are held, and students compete in either the junior or senior divisions in one of several categories: historical papers, projects, performances...
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Dauphin County: Chocolates, Coal, and a Capital

Posted by on Nov 29, 2013 in | Comments Off on Dauphin County: Chocolates, Coal, and a Capital Dauphin County celebrates its two hundredth anniver­sary this year. The events and themes that are the history of the county reflect the experience of Pennsylvania and the United States. Dauphin County has never been a homogeneous commu­nity; indeed, it is difficult to consider it as a single commu­nity. From the beginning it has comprised individuals of diverse ethnic, national and religious...
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The Revolution Affects Pennsylvania Communities

Posted by on Nov 29, 2013 in | Comments Off on The Revolution Affects Pennsylvania Communities Every county and community in the Commonwealth was in some way involved or connected with the American Revolution and Pennsylvania’s attainment of statehood. Certain places associated with famous events in the struggle for independence come to mind immedi­ately: Philadelphia, Lancaster, and York for civil affairs, and Brandywine, Germantown, Whitemarsh, Valley Forge, and Washington’s...
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Letters to the Editor

Posted by on Nov 26, 2013 in | Comments Off on Letters to the Editor Righting the Record As always, I enjoyed the latest issue of Pennsylvania Heritage. I was glad to see the article by Jennifer L. Peresie – not only was it well done, but it is excellent publicity for the National History Day program [see “Crusader with a Camera: Lewis Hine and His Battle Against Child ‘Slavery'” in the Summer 1997 edition]. However, the introduction...
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Memories of a Crisis

Posted by on Nov 25, 2013 in | Comments Off on Memories of a Crisis Living and working in Hummelstown, only five miles from Middletown, the home of Three Mile Island (TMI) and it nuclear power plant, I listened anxiously as the radio announcer warned of a radiation emission or leak from the plant (see “From Chaos to Calm: Remembering the Three Mile Island Crisis, An Interview with Harold Denton” by Kenneth C. Wolensky, Spring 2000). Windows were to...
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Hummelstown Brownstone Quarries

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Hummelstown Brownstone Quarries Two miles south of the Dauphin County community of Hummelstown remain indelible reminders of one of Pennsylvania’s most recognized contributions to nineteenth-and early twentieth-century architecture,the gaping quarries of the Hummelstown Brownstone Company. Between 1863 and 1929, the company excavated the peculiarly colored sandstone, formed millions of years ago, which is among the finest...
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Hummelstown Brownstone: A Victorian Era Treasure

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Hummelstown Brownstone: A Victorian Era Treasure Builders and contractors in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries prized brownstone as one of the best and most versatile masonry materials in the United States. Whether used for curbing, windowsills,steps, lintels, stoops, foundations, and tombstones, or to grace the finest mansions as intricately carved statues or coping, brownstone filled the bill. Eminent American architects...
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Pennsylvania Heritage Society Newsletter

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Pennsylvania Heritage Society Newsletter Topics in the Fall 2007 Newsletter: Signature Series: Dr. Guion S. Bluford Jr. at the State Museum of Pennsylvania Seats Available for Two-Day Excursion to Western Pennsylvania New PHS Board of Directors Drake Well Receives Generous Gift Calendar for October – December 2007 Gift Memberships for the Holidays Summer Professional Development for Teachers 2nd Annual Holiday Marketplace  ...
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Meet Our Readers

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Meet Our Readers Pennsylvania Heritage is a unique benefit for the members of the Pennsylvania Heritage Society (PHS). The magazine has won prestigious design and editorial awards and is widely read throughout the Keystone State in libraries, schools, historical societies, and, of course, by PHS members. Many, after enjoying each issue, pass it on to relatives, friends, and neighbors. In addition to enjoying the...
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Jeffrey B. Johnson, A Connoisseur of Color

Posted by on Nov 20, 2013 in | Comments Off on Jeffrey B. Johnson, A Connoisseur of Color One of the first things you notice about Jeffrey B. Johnson — in addition to his easy smile and dulcet voice — are his hands. As he passionately speaks about his work, he often gestures and it’s hard not to take note of his thin, elegant fingers. They belong to a master craftsman. Johnson, who lives in Harrisburg, is an exceptionally talented conservator, paint analyst, gilder, designer, artist,...
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