Mailbox
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Mailbox category and the Summer 1985 issue Topics in this article:The State Museum of Pennsylvania is conducting research for an exhibition on the history of the various sites which have served as the state capital. Curators are seeking artifacts and information pertaining to the buildings used as capitols in Philadelphia, Lancaster and Harrisburg. The exhibition – featuring fine and decorative art and graphics – will open in 1987. Information should be directed to: Gail M. Getz, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026; telephone (717) 783-2641.
The Slifer House Museum, Lewisburg, noted for its architectural elegance, is presently undertaking a major project of landscaping the surrounding grounds and gardens, using only plants and shrubs which would have been common during the nineteenth century. Information – both textual and pictorial – regarding the restoration or re-creation of a Victorian era landscape would be greatly appreciated. Also sought are the names of commonly known varieties of nursery stock which would have been found in northcentral Pennsylvania during the second half of the nineteenth century. Information may be shared with: Dennis W. Keiser, Lewisburg United Methodist Homes, Lewisburg, PA 17837; telephone (717) 524-2271.
Records of the Mendham (Morris County, New Jersey) Monthly Meeting, Society of Friends, between 1758 and 1790 are essential for the completion of the historical record of the meeting. The whereabouts of the records spanning these thirty-two years are presently unknown. The Mendham Monthly Meeting, which was part of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, became known as the Randolph Monthly Meeting in 1811. Individuals or organizations holding these records or having knowledge of their existence are urged to write: John S. Ruch, Box 61, R.D. 1, Harmony, PA 16037; or telephone (412) 452-8834.
“Captain” Frank N. Moore, a resident of North Orwell, Bradford County, at the turn of the century, was a prominent developer of traction railways in Bradford and Scranton, as well as Joplin, Missouri, and Louisville, Kentucky. According to available records, much of his financial support was provided by Pennsylvania individuals and institutions. Persons able to share information regarding Moore’s life and career should write: Robert E. Smith, Professor of History, Missouri Southern State College, Joplin, MO 64801; or telephone (417) 624-8100.
Diaries, letters, old passports, photographs, souvenir booklets and items relating to early immigrant and ethnic experiences are needed by researchers, students and the general public. Individuals and organizations desiring to preserve their papers and memorabilia by donating them to an institution are asked to write: Pennsylvania Ethnic Heritage Stµdies Center, 4G31 Forbes Quadrangle, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; or telephone (412) 624-4963.
Information concerning Henry Kleber (1820?-1890?), Pittsburgh musician, music merchant, teacher, composer and impressario, is eagerly sought for research and study purposes. Especially needed are correspondence, family records and copies of his published music. Please address correspondence to: Jean Thomas, 6114 Callery St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206; or telephone (412) 661-0457 or 624-4100.
Copies of letters, notices, and messages, etc., sent by George Scranton and Selden T. Scranton, acting postmasters from Oxford, New Jersey, between 1840 and 1850, are sought by Dr. William P. Yeomans, 1736 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510; telephone (717) 343-5761. The Scrantons were members of the family for whom the seat of Lackawanna County was named.