Mailbox
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Mailbox category and the Spring 1988 issue Topics in this article:Folklore pertaining to the baking of bread in bake ovens and the hand churning of butter is being collected for study and eventual use in museum interpretative programs. Individuals able to share reminiscences or photographs are encouraged to write: Florence Baver, President, Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Culture Society, Lenhartsville, PA 19534; or telephone (215) 562-4803 or 682-7432.
For an ongoing research project, the locations of “Carpenter Gothic” style residences in Lackawanna County are being identified and compiled. This picturesque architectural style – derived from the English rural and semi-rural house designs of the Gothic era, but distinctively interpreted by American builders during its nineteenth century revival – flourished in the United States between 1840 and 1875. Information regarding these architectural examples should be sent to: Dorothy Allen, Lackawanna Historical Society, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton, PA 18510; or telephone (717) 344-3841.
Architectural drawings of buildings constructed before 1945 in Lancaster County are being collected by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County for a new architectural archives established at the Lancaster County Historical Society. Individuals knowing the whereabouts of such drawings or plans are asked to write: Mary Wiley Myers, Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, 123 North Prince St., Lancaster, PA V603; or telephone (717) 291-5861.
The Oral Traditions Project of the Union County Historical Society has begun researching the Pennsylvania dowry, which will culminate in a major publication and exhibition at the Heritage Center of Lancaster County. Objects, letters and diaries relating to one’s preparation for marriage, as well as dowry account books, are being sought. Also needed for study and exhibition are wedding presentation pieces made for Pennsylvanians by various ethnic groups. Direct all correspondence to: Jeannette Lasansky, Oral Traditions Project, Union County Courthouse, Second and St. Louis Sts., Lewisburg, PA 17837; or telephone (717) 524-8666.
To assist in the continuing effort to preserve existing carousels and preserve research material documenting the history of American carousels and their makers (see “The Merry-Go-Round Kings” by Linda Kowall in the spring 1988 issue), the National Carousel Association welcomes correspondence from individuals with photographs, memorabilia and memories to share. Please write: Penny Wilkes, Archivist, National Carousel Association, P. O. Box 2210, La Jolla, CA 92038. Those wishing to learn more about the art and history of the carousel and the association’s 1988 convention in Pittsburgh are invited to write: Gail Hall, P.O. Box 307, Frankfort, IN 46041.
Pittsburgh industrialist Andrew Carnegie provided more than forty million dollars to erect local libraries throughout the English-speaking world. Dozens of these more than twenty-five hundred libraries were opened in Pennsylvania. A forthcoming article in Pennsylvania Heritage will trace the origin and history of Carnegie’s libraries, but additional information and, particularly, photographs are needed to supplement research and illustrative material. Individuals with knowledge about, or vintage photographs of, Carnegie libraries in their communities are encouraged to write: R. Jay Gangewere, Editor, The Carnegie Magazine, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213; or telephone (412) 622- 3315.
