History Mailbox
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Mailbox category and the Winter 1981 issue Topics in this article:The sketchbooks of portrait and genre painter John Lewis Krimmel (1786-1821) are the subject of a forthcoming Winterthur book in preparation by Anneliese E. Harding. Many of Krimmel’s paintings are in museums and private collections; the locations of others. however. are unknown. Although they probably still exist, they have perhaps been attributed to other artists or remain unidentified. Any information about materials possibly relating to Krimmel would be appreciated and should be sent to Dr. Anneliese E. Harding. Goethe Institute Boston. German Cultural Center for New England, 170 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02116.
Ivan W. Saunders, 509 Second St., Brownsville 15417, is seeking information on two men prominent in the handling of second-hand steam locomotives from about 1885 to 1905. E. H. Wilson, with offices in Philadelphia and a shop in Chester, and David Gring, from New Bloomfield, Perry County, both worked on a large number of Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives. Records, however, cannot be located relating to either man.
Errata: Two dates appearing in the Summer 1980 issue of Heritage were misprinted. Celoron passed through the area of Warren County in 1749, not 1739 (page 4), and James Buchanan received the rust message over the Atlantic Cable in 1858, not 1853 (page 24 ).
Information on persons coming to North America from Cornwall in England in the nineteenth century is being sought by the Committee for the Study of Cornish Emigration. They are anxious to locate diaries, letters, memoirs and other records of Cornish settlements. Write to Richard K. MacMaster, 105 West College St., Bridgewater, VA 22812.
Janevar Publishing Co. will specialize in publishing original books relating to United States history, bibliography, biography, folklore, genealogy and historical fiction. Jane Elsmere is editor-in-chief of the new firm and invites writers interested in submitting manuscripts to send a chapter outline, sample chapter and return postage to Janevar Publishing Co., Box 2591, Muncie, IN 47302.
The Pennsylvania Ethnic Heritage Studies Center is planning to publish a series of occasional papers dealing with ethnicity and immigration in Pennsylvania. Those interested in submitting papers or who wish further information about the project should contact Dr. Joseph T. Makarewicz, PEHSC, 4 G 31 Forbes Quad, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh 15260. or call (411) 624-4936.
“Handweavers and Coverlet Makers” is the subject of a 1980-81 research project undertaken by textile historian Janet Gray Crosson, in conjunction with the Oral Traditions Projects of Lewisburg. The study is limited to weaving activity in eight central Pennsylvania counties – Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union – with special emphasis on Jacquard coverlet production between 1830 and 1870. The project seeks information on regional looms and accessories; draft, pattern and account books; early handwoven fabrics in clothing, toweling, tableclothes. feed and grain bags, bedding (sheets, pillow, bolster and featherbed cases and mattress tickings); blankets; and woven coverlets of all types – geometric and Jacquard. Also sought are descendants of handweavers. coverlet makers and textile mill operators. Write: OTP c/o Crosson, 2720 Fiddlers Green Rd., Lancaster 17601.
Mr. Wilfrido Talentino, 2512 Springwood Dr., Glenshaw 15116, would like to purchase a copy of the very first issue of Pennsylvania Heritage released in December 1974, featuring Armstrong County (Vol. I, No. 1). Anyone with information regarding this out-of-print edition should contact him directly.
