Letters to the Editor
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Letters category and the Winter 1988 issue Topics in this article: Centennial ArchA Pennsylvania “First”
Linda Kowall’s article in the spring 1987 edition, “Pennsylvania’s First Television Station: ‘Loving What We Were Doing’” is, indeed, terrific. I enjoyed a fine afternoon not only reading it, but also marveling at some of the original materials in it which reflect the history of Philadelphia broadcasting as a true broadcast pioneer. Our sincere thanks to you and the author!
Catherine Heinz
Washington, D.C.
Ms. Heinz is director of the Broadcast Pioneers Library and vice president of the Broadcast Pioneers Educational Fund, Washington, D.C.
I thoroughly enjoyed Linda Kowall’s article on television in Pennsylvania. She certainly captured the excitement and drama surrounding the beginnings of one of the industry’s pioneers. Knowing Ms. Kowall’s talents in careful research and exceptional writing skills, I always look forward to reading her articles and learning about her many projects.
Sylvia Arden
San Diego, Calif.
Ms. Arden is head of the library and manuscript collections of the San Diego Historical Society.
The Unknown Scribe
Thank you very much for the article by Arthur Plotnik (“The Search for Jacob Shallus“) in the fall 1987 issue. Amidst the eloquent praise for our founding fathers emanating during the bicentennial of the Constitution, it’s heartwarming to know that an “ordinary” American citizen played such a major role in this epic moment. It’s about time for Jacob Shallus to receive the credit he richly deserves.
Rose Mountz
Philadelphia, Pa.
Mailbox
Although the query published in the “Mailbox” column of the fall 1986 edition regarding the aquatic plant life of Wildwood Lake (known as Wetzel’s Swamp until about 1905) in Harrisburg, elicited a light response, I was very pleased with the results. Thank you very much for printing my request for information.
William S. Ettinger
Douglassville, Pa.
“Mailbox” is provided to readers for the exchange and collection of information and data. The department invites queries from both scholars and students regarding any aspect of Pennsylvania’s history and culture.
The Molly Maguires
Just when I thought I had read everything I ever wanted concerning the Molly Maguires, I happened on the fall edition containing “The Molly Maguires: Fighting For Justice” by William C. Kashatus III. The author certainly offered a new perspective on the Mollies, as well as on the general labor unrest in the coal regions during the late nineteenth century. Twas also impressed by the period wood engravings; they certainly conveyed the drama of the era.
Whitney Flinchbaugh
Bethlehem, Pa.
Etcetera …
In “Fathers of Modern Photography: The Brothers Langenheim” by Ellen NicKenzie Lawson, which appeared in the fall 1987 edition, it was noted that Frederick and William Langenheim’s daguerreotypes were not shown in the Smithsonian Institution’s annual exhibition of 1859. The exhibit was conducted at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, not the Smithsonian. The editorial staff regrets this error.
