Mailbox
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Mailbox category and the Fall 1987 issue Topics in this article:In June 1930, a Pathe News Film crew visited Millersburg, Dauphin County, to shoot footage of the state champion Boys Navy Band. The cameraman was so enthralled that he shot several hundred feet more than he needed. The Historical Society of Millersburg and Upper Paxton Township is searching for a copy of this film, either unedited or as it was shown in theaters throughout the country that summer. Individuals able to assist in this search are asked to write: Harry S. Mayhew, Museum Director, Historical Society of Millersburg and Upper Paxton Township, P.O. Box 171, Millersburg, PA 17061.
Information regarding David Mead, the founder of Meadville in Crawford County, and his family is being sought. Of interest are the years the Mead family resided in Northumberland County, 1770-1787; particularly desired is information on Mead’s land claims in the long dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Correspondence should be directed to: Robert D. Ilisevich, Crawford County Historical Society, 848 North Main St., Meadville, PA 16335; or telephone (814) 724-6080.
Architectural drawings for three important York buildings are not included in the Historical Society of York County’s collection. Plans for the following are being sought: the Colonial Hotel, built in 1891 and enlarged between 1893 and 1908; the York County Courthouse, remodeled in 1898; and the York City Market, built in 1889 and since demolished. Individuals with information regarding the whereabouts of these drawings or any others by the versatile firm of J .A. Dempwolf, Architect are asked to write: Jim Kerr, Curator, or Roberta Hudson, Librarian, The Historical Society of York County, 250 East Market St., York, PA 17403; or telephone (717) 848-1587.
The article “Siegmund Lubin: The Forgotten Filmmaker” in the winter 1986 issue sparked an interest in finding a twelve minute Lubin film documenting the 1913 reunion of Civil War veterans in Gettysburg, entitled Fiftieth Reunion of the Battle of Gettysburg. Despite the fact that fewer than two hundred of Lubin’s films survive today, there is hope that his reunion film is among them. Any information regarding this film or a listing of the surviving Lubin films would be greatly appreciated. Please write: Robert H. Prosperi, Historian, National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Information is wanted on Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps that were located in Pennsylvania. Of particular interest are the exact locations of these camps. Correspondence should be sent to: Derso Farkas, 1904 South Fifth St., Allentown, PA 18103.
Samual Musselman, a famous coverlet weaver, lived in Milford Township in Bucks County between 1837 and 1847. Each of Musselman’s pieces is believed to be signed and dated. One coverlet is signed with: S.B. Musselman, Coverlet Weaver, Milford Bucks County, 1839, No 39. Any information about Musselman and, particularly, about where his shop was located in Milford Township would be appreciated. Please write: Dick Helm, Milford Township Historical and Preservation Society of Bucks County, P.O. Box 73, Spinnerstown, PA 18968.
Charles Burton drew a portrait of six-year-old Caroline M. Williamson of Chester County in 1837. The Chester County Historical Society, West Chester, now owns the portrait and two additional Burton portraits, but it is likely that a much larger number of likenesses were executed by the artist in and around Chester County about 1840. Burton emigrated from England and became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He traveled extensively in America, working as an artist and a “professor of perspective” until at least 1845. Information about Burton or his drawings and paintings is being collected by: Barbara Luck, Curator, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center, P.O. Box C, Williamsburg, VA 23187.