Mailbox

Mailbox features classified advertisements related to Pennsylvania history.

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.