Mailbox
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Mailbox category and the Summer 1992 issue Topics in this article:The life and work of John Horgan, Jr. (1859-1926), of Scranton, Lackawanna County, is currently being researched by the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, Scranton. The subject’s work is known to have encompassed industrial and social photographs, lantern slides, stereo views, and post cards. Information pertaining to his background, life, work, or business associations is sought by: Chester Kulesa, Curator, Anthracite Heritage Museum, R. R. 1, Bald Mountain Rd., Scranton, PA 18504; or telephone (717) 963-3204.
The Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County is seeking products manufactured by the Indiana Foundry, glassware produced in and around Indiana, and photographs of county subjects taken by local photographers. Information about such objects should be sent to: Ivan C. McGee, President, Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, 200 South Sixth St., Indiana, PA 15701-2999; or telephone (412) 463-9600.
Joanna Furnace, a nineteenth century cold blast charcoal iron furnace at Hay Creek, Berks County, is the subject of extensive research. Built in 1792 by Samuel Potts, in whose wife’s honor it was named, and Thomas Rutter III, scion of a Pennsylvania ironmaking family, Joanna Furnace was first operated by Samuel Potts and Company. Concerns which subsequently operated the furnace were Thomas Bull and Company, Thomas B. Smith and Company, Darling and Smith Company, and Levi B. Smith and Sons. One of eleven iron furnaces in Berks County by 1830, the complex eventually developed into a community of its own, with a store/office, charcoal house, engine house, fifteen tenant houses, barns, stables, blacksmith shop, carriage shop, and ironmaster’s mansion. Joanna Furnace continued in operation until 1897. Information regarding employees, daily life on the iron plantation, products and production, technology, and the Bull, Smith, and Darling families is being collected by: Suzanne Fellman Jacob, 12 Main St., Chalfont, PA 18914; or telephone (215) 822-1029.
The Commonwealth’s sixteenth annual conference on Black history will be held in Williamsport on Friday and Saturday, May 14-15, 1993. The theme of the conference is “African Americans on the Move,” and organizers are seeking proposals for both individual papers and entire sessions dealing with the broad issue of African American migration. Proposals should address historical or contemporary issues, relate to Pennsylvania history, and be accessible to a diverse, general audience. Proposals for papers, accompanied by a brief biographical sketch, should be directed to: Robert M. Weible, Chief, Division of History, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, P. O. Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026.
Bicycle and gun clubs flourished in the Philadelphia area during the late nineteenth century; and the relationship between these organizations and photography is being explored. Sought for research are original materials pertaining to such clubs, as well as historical information about members and their use of photography before the turn of the century. Individuals and institutions able to share information are encouraged to write: Jay Ruby, The Center for Visual Communication, P. O. Box 128, 8 Fourth St., Mifflintown, PA 17059; or telephone (717) 436-9559.
