Mailbox
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Mailbox category and the Summer 1986 issue Topics in this article:Historic photographs of nineteenth century charcoal- and anthracite-fueled iron furnaces, particularly images showing work in progress, are being collected for research and study purposes. Individuals or organizations able to share such photographs are encouraged to write: Lee Boyle, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Box 345, R.D. 1, Elverson, PA 19520; or telephone (215) 582-8773.
Collateral descendants of Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868), lawyer, congressman, abolitionist and defender of free public schools, are being sought in connection with the publication of the Pennsylvania statesman’s papers. Descendants, or individuals knowing their whereabouts, are asked to write: Louis M. Waddell, Associate Historian, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, P.O. Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026; or telephone (717) 783-9870.
The work of Ferdinand Brader is the subject of a forthcoming exhibition and catalogue by the Historical Society of Berks County, Reading. Very little is known about Brader, who may have been born in 1833 in Germany and who may have returned to Europe before the turn of the century. Brader’s works, usually graphite on brown paper, depicted in great detail many farmsteads in Berks and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania, and Stark County, Ohio. Information about his life and work should be sent to: M. Theodore Mason, Curator, Historical Society of Berks County, 940 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601; telephone (215) 375-4375.
The staff of the Union County Historical Society’s Oral Traditions Project is continuing its quilt research and is interested in ,examining quilts made in Sullivan, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Juniata, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Snyder, Union, Centre, Clinton and Lycoming counties. Also of interest are quilts, comforters and patches with Civil War or Works Progress Administration (WPA) associations. Information may be sent to: Jeannette Lasansky, Oral Traditions Project, Union County Courthouse, South Second St., Lewisburg, PA 17837; telephone (717) 524-4461.
The Pennsylvania Postal History Society is actively seeking early nineteenth century mail from towns and cities throughout the Commonwealth. Stampless pieces prior to 1851 are particularly needed for study. The society has catalogued more than ten thousand post offices in Pennsylvania, which has had more than any other state. Individuals owning letters with early postal markings should write: Joseph von Hake, Editor, PPHS Historian, Box 202, Paupack, PA 18451; or telephone (717) 857-0518.
For ongoing research, single issues or collections of a Lackawanna County newspaper, The Archbald Citizen, dating between 1915 to 1924, are needed by: Donald T. Cirba, 326 Dolph St., Jessup, PA 18434; telephone (717) 489-2577.
To aid the restoration of an important Thomas Meehan-designed English “natural style” landscape, as well as mount an exhibit devoted to late nineteenth century landscaping and its history, the staff of Pennypacker Mills is seeking photographs of period gardening and tools which would have been used between 1880 and 1915. Pennypacker Mills was the Montgomery County residence of Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker. Pertinent information should be directed to: Margaretta Sander, Curator, Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville, PA 19473; telephone (215) 287-9349.
