News and Comment

NEWS AND COMMENT

BY HAmRY E. WHIPEY Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

A program entitled 'The Pattern of Things to Come to Get- tysburg: Commercial Development Versus Conservation" was directed by Dr. Frederick Tilberg at a September meeting of the Adams County Historical Society. Stated meetings in Oc- tober and November featured: Howard Kitziniller, "The His- tory of the Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg;" and Dr. Charles H. Glatfelter, "Adams County Votes for President, 1788-1968." Thomas W. Bollinger, microfilm area coordinator, the Genea- logical Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, informed the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Historical Society on "The Use of Records and the Value of Microfilming," November 15. Scheduled speakers are: Miss Helen Steubgen, "Saxonburg," January 24; Norman Jacobs, Sr,, "History of the Brackenridge Family," February 28; Joseph Smith, director, Western Penn- sylvania Historical Society, "Renregades, Robbers, Ruffians, Rogues, and other Colorful Characters," March 28 (annual ban- quet); Lloyd Norris, "Colonial Firearms," April 25 (annual meeting); and Thomas Emery, "Whiskey Rebellion," May 23. The American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia is planning a conference on Church History to be held April 6-7 on the campus of Villanova University, in conjunction with the Catholic Historical Association. The program will include the following papers of interest to students of Pennsylvania history: "Church Records as Social Data: The Italians of Philadelphia in the Nineteenth Century," by Richard Juliani; and "Ethnic Protest in Matters Religious in Eastern Pennsylvania," by John P. Gallagher. The December, 1972, issue of the Society's quarterly journal, Records of the American Catholic Historical Society, 73 74 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY contained an article dealing with Bishop John N. Neumann of Philadelphia, 1852-1860.

The Berwick Historical Society recently heard Ralph W. Sell, Jr., of Lehigh County Community College deliver a paper on "The Popular Stage in Berwick and Columbia County, 1890- 1908." Through an analysis of plays, lectures, musicals, and varieties, Sell not only depicted the pleasures of the popular stage but also documented changing tastes in the period. At the annual meeting in January, Dr. William W. Hummel, Al- bright College, will speak on "Charles M. Buckalew in Berwick."

Forty-five members and friends of the Blair County Historical Society visited the William Penn Memorial Museum, Harris- burg, November 4.

An October meeting of the Centre County Historical Society was favored with a program on "The Silent Movies," led by Leo Toner, Bellefonte. In November "The Romance of Fire Fight- ing" was explained by Mrs. George Anne Daly, Insurance Com- pany of North America.

Under the auspices of the Chester County Historical Society Volume 2 of the Records of the Courts of Chester County, Penn- sylvania, 1697-1710 has been published by Richard T. and Mildred C. Williams, Danboro, Pennsylvania. Volume 1 was published in 1910 by the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania. The recent publication is priced at $15.00, plus 6% sales tax, and may be ordered from the society, 225 N. High Street, West Chester 19380. The society has also published Index of Wills and Intestate Records, 1712-1850 and Futhey and Cope's Index of Families and Persons in the History of Chester County. These books are still available.

New officers of the Chester County Historical Society are: Clement R. Hoopes, president; Mrs. A. William Ball, vice-presi- dent; Mrs. Vernon R. Dunlap, secretary; Charles S. Avenick, treasurer; John L. Hall, assistant treasurer; Mrs. W. Henry Brinton, membership secretary; and Travis Coxe, executive director. NEWS AND COMMENT 75

The Chestnut Hill Historical Society, Philadelphia, recently sponsored "New Homes From Old," a tour of renovated historic houses in the Chestnut Hill area. Among the sites visited was the 18th century Wigard Jacoby House. The society has elected Mrs. William S. Tasman president and Mrs. Robert M. Hanson president emeritus. The October meeting of the Clarion County Historical Society featured Charles S. King, New Castle history teacher, who de- livered a talk on "The Boys in Blue and Gray and Divers Other Colors." "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow in Medicine" was the theme of the annual dinner meeting, November 2. C. Conrad Monroe, vice-president of the Marine Bank of Corry and presi- dent of the Comprehensive Health Planning Council of North- west Pennsylvania, spoke on "Medicine in Transition." Honored for their long and dedicated service to the community were Frederick P. Purdum, M.D., East Brady, and Gail W. Kahle, M.D., Leeper. Dr. Philip S. Klein, professor emeritus, Pennsylvania State University, gave "Some Thoughts for 1976" at the annual fall banquet of the Clinton County Historical Society. The Jersey Shore Historical Society participated in the event. Programs sponsored by the Colonial Philadelphia Historical Society have included an audio-visual show by Mrs. Drury Hinton entitled "What's Happening in Society Hill and Old St. Paurs Church," October 22; an illustrated lecture by Miss Bar- bara Liggett labeled "All About the Big Historic Philadelphia Digl" November 12; and a Colonial Philadelphia Bicycle Tour, November 26. On January 21 Mrs. Wilhelm Knauer will dis- cuss "Chinese Export and Delft." Members of the Columbia County Historical Society traveled to Wilfiamsport, October 28, to visit the Lycoming County His- torical Society Museum. Serving as host, guide, and speaker was Andrew Grugan, museum director. Grugan gave an illlustrated talk on "Lumbering in the Area in the 19th Century." Dr. Janice Egeland of the Hershey Medical School reported on "Amish Health Standards" at a meeting of the Community Historians of Lancaster County, November 21. 76 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Meeting on November 16, the Cumberland County Historical Society heard Willis R. Kocher's paper on "General Marcus A. Reno." These programs are planned: "Peter Chartier," William A. Hunter, February 16; "The Natural Springs of the Cumber- land Valley," James A. Dickson, M.D., March 30; and "The Fascination of the Kentucky Rifle," Stephen D. Hench, May 3. Priced at $2.00 each, copies of A Cumberland County Album, a photo-history by Roger K. Todd and Mrs. Gail M. Gibson, are available at the society, P. 0. Box 626, Carlisle 17013. A discourse on "Gus Steinmetz, Newspaper Reporter" was of- fered by Richard H. Steinmetz, Sr., at the October meeting of the Historical Society of Dauphin County. The following officers were elected at the annual meeting of the Delaware County Historical Society, September 24: Samuel H. Newsome, president; Lee C. Brown, first vice-president; Dr. E. Bruce Thomas, second vice-president; Marie A. Hogan, re- cording secretary; Elizabeth N. Kennedy, corresponding secre- tary; John F. Hawkins, treasurer; and Helen M. Greenhalgh, librarian. December 2 was the date of the society's annual Christmas Tea, held this year at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Smedley, Jr., Twin Ash Farms, Delchester Road, New- town Square. The event, directed by Mrs. Sarah Pratt Brock was held for the benefit of the society's historical museum, which will be opened shortly in the Arts Center of Widener College (formerly PMC College). The museum's director will be Hamil- ton Cochran. The annual dinner meeting for members and friends of French Azilum, Inc., was conducted on October 21 at the United Methodist Church, Standing Stone. The guest speaker was Wil- ham Sword, Princeton, New Jersey, who has done considerable research on the history of French Azilum. The program of events of the Genealogical Society of Penn- sylvania lists the annual meeting, March 27, when the guest speaker will be Dr. Gilbert H. Doane, editor emeritus of the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, who will deal with the topic -Mr. John Done, Progenitor of the Doane Outlaws." On April 24 Mrs. F. Spencer Roach, editor of The NEWS AND COMMENT 77

Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine, will describe "Do-It-Your- self Genealogy." On May 22, Willard Heiss, chairman of the Genealogy Section of the Indiana Historical Society and editor of Abstracts of the Records of the Society of Friends in Indiana, will lecture on the subject "Quaker Migrations in the Colonies Prior to the Revolution." All meetings are held at 2:30 P.M., in the hall of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia.

The annual tour of the Germantown Historical Society, Oc- tober 14, was highlighted by visits to "Wheatland," the home of James Buchanan, and historic "Rock Ford," the home of Revolutionary War General, Edward Hand. Speaking on the subject, "Independence National Park and the Upcoming Bi- centennial Celebration, " Dr. Hobart Cawood, superintendent, Independence National Park, delivered the major address at the annual meeting, November 16.

The speaker for the October meeting of the Goschenhoppen Historians was Elmer Erb, amateur archaeologist and student of Indian folklore, who spoke on "Local Pennsylvania Archae- ology-The Byram Site." In November Dr. Elwood L. Folst lectured on "The Pennsylvania Germans in Old Chester County."

"The Two Worlds of the Pennsylvania Dutch," an introduction to the varied cultures of the Pennsylvania Dutch country, illus- trated with slides, was presented by Dr. Don Yoder at the annual meeting of the Hanover Area Historical Society, Oc- tober 5. The society's new address is 22 Carlisle Street, Hanover 17331.

An illustrated booklet, The Live-In at Old Economy, prepared by Patricia F. Black and published by the Harmonie Associates, describes the Harmoniest Live-In. This annual program gives fifth grade students the opportunity to spend one day living at Old Economy, acting as children acted in the Harmony Society in the early 19th century and doing such "chores" as churning butter, baking bread, working in the cabinet shop, and making cider. The booklet, made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, gives suggestions on how similar 78 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY and alternative programs can be conducted in museums and schools. More than fifty expert craftsmen took part in the Harmonist Historic and Memorial Association's 2nd annual "Dankfest," craft festival, August 26-27. A tour through Independence Hall, including the newly opened second floor, was one of the highlights of the Haverford Township Historical Society's fall field trip, October 29. On No- vember 9 members were informed by Robert L. DeSilets, noted architect, on the progress being made in the restoration of his- toric Nitre Hall. DeSilets is overseeing the project. With Eric dejonge, staff member of the Pennsylvania His- torical and Museum Commission, the principal speaker, Historic Delaware County, Inc., staged its annual dinner meeting on October 19 at the Old Mill, Concordville. Receiving awards for their outstanding service to the society were William Archbold and Mrs. D. Richard Reynolds. A lecture on "The History of the Pennsylvania Coal Company Railroad" was sponsored by the Lackawanna Historical Society, October 24. An illustrated report on "The Eating Customs of Our Amer- ican Ancestors" was presented at an October meeting of the Landis Valley Associates of the Pennsylvania Farm Museum. Officers elected for 1972-1973 are: Eugene C. Ballinger, presi- dent; Harold W. Budding, vice-president; Phyllis T. Ballinger, secretary; and George A. King, Jr., treasurer. On September 17 the Lehigh County Historical Society cele- brated the unveiling of a plaque designating the George Taylor House, Catasauqua, as a National Historic Landmark. Repre- senting the Department of Interior was John C. W. Riddle, superintendent of Hopewell Village National Park Site. Realizing a substantial sum for its restoration fund, the Ligonier Valley Historical Society participated in the annual Fort Ligonier Days, October 13-15, with a prize winning window display, "An Attic of Memories," and a block long flea market. NEWS AND COMMENT

The 7th Annual Banquet of the Little Beaver Historical So- ciety, November 2, heard Dr. Joseph Makarawicz discuss "New Approaches to Local History." An oral history program, aimed at collecting data pertaining to Lycoming County, has been initiated by the Lycoming County Historical Society and the Junior League of Williams- port. The society is also cooperating with Lycoming College in the development of independent study programs for students interested in history and art. Ida Grace Sands's Hans Herr House captured best of show honors and first prize of $20.00 in the oils and acrylics division of the Mennonite Historical Associates' art and photography con- test, November 10-24. This project will probably become an an- nual affair. Profits are being used to help support the restoration of the 1719 Hans Herr House, currently being restored by the Lancaster Mennonite Conference Historical Society. "The Natural Ice Industry of Monroe County" was the sub- ject treated at the annual dinner meeting of the Monroe County Historical Society, East Stroudsburg State College, January 20. The Historical Society of Montgomery County conducted its 1972 historical outing on October 7. Visited were these New Jersey sites: "Rockingham," the 1734 structure which served as the headquarters for George Washington while the Continental Congress met in Princeton from late August until mid-November 1783, Rocky Hill; the Monmouth County Historical Association headquarters, Freehold; the 1717 Holmes-Hendrickson House, Holmdel; and Marlpit Hall, a Dutch colonial farmhouse dating to 1684, Middletown. The society's fall meeting, November 18, heard G. Gedney Godwin describe "The Soldiers in the Amer- ican War for Independence." Godwin of Valley Forge is com- mander of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line and of the British 43rd Regiment of Foot, two regiments that are dedicated in recreating as accurately as possible the uniforms, weapons, accoutrements, drill and tactics used during the colonial period. The officers for the New Hope Historical Society for 1972- 1973 are: Arthur J. Ricker, M.D., president; Robert C. Bodine, 80 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Jr., vice-president; Albert E. Pickett, vice-president; Mrs. R. B. Williamson, III, vice-president; Mrs. Frederick Williamson, IV, vice-president; Mrs. Frank H. Cosner, secretary; Mrs. Howard E. Uible, treasurer; and Robert C. Bodine, Sr., trust officer. The fall meeting of the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, November 2, was favored with an address by Clayton P. Yoder on "Canals-The First Great Transportation System of the United States." Lehigh Valley the Unsuspected, written by Dr. Richmond E. Myers and published by the society, can now be purchased for $7.00, including sales tax and postage. Direct orders to Northampton County Historical Society, 101 South 4th Street, Easton 18042. A meeting of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, November 17, featured a talk by Dr. George W. Corner on "Elisha Kent Kane, Arctic Explorer and Author." Dr. Corner, executive offi- cer of the American Philosophical Society and former historian of the Rockefeller Institute, is a former president of the Amer- ican Association for Medical History and is the author of numerous books and articles on medical and scientific subjects. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania has joined the recently constituted Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, a noncom- mercial group which has joined forces to make preparations for the Bicentennial. It has also joined the newly formed Independ- ent Research Libraries Association whose purpose it is to obtain favorable legislation and to influence national foundations to take an interest in independent libraries. The Association has fourteen members, including the American Antiquarian, Amer- ican Philosophical, Folger, Huntington, Library Company of Philadelphia, Pierpont Morgan, Newberry and New York Public. The Association's three historical society members are those of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia. A third cooperative effort, recently established, one that held its first meeting at the society's headquarters, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, has been a series of meetings of the executive directors of the Penn- sylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts historical societies. A discussion of mutual problems on these occasions has helped formulate policies affect- ing the society's operations. NEWS AND COMMENT 81

The Delaware and Raritan Canal, one of the few historic canals in the eastern part of the United States still preserved in fully watered condition for most of its original length, was toured by the Pennsylvania Canal Society, October 6-7. The Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies will hold its 21st annual convention at the Penn Harris Motor Inn, Camp Hill, April 27-28, 1973. The theme of the conference will be "The Global Community." The Pennsylvania German Society's 1972 volume, The Penn- sylvania German Family Farm, by Amos Long, Jr., appeared in October. It is a 500-page compilation of details about the basic economic institution of the Pennsylvania German sub-culture in America. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Federation of Junior Historians, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, special ceremonies were conducted at the William Penn Memorial Museum, Harrisburg, October 28, to mark the 328th anniversary of William Penn's birth, October 24, 1644. Speakers included Mrs. Ferne S. Hetrick, chairman of the com- mission; Nathaniel W. Ritch, vice-president of the Junior His- torians' senior division, from Penncrest High School, Media; and Priscilla St. Jacques, state president of the Federation's junior division, from Lemoyne Junior High School. The 30th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Historical Junto was marked at a special dinner meeting at the Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D. C., September 15. The speaker was Dr. Homer T. Rosenberger, founding member and first president of the Junto, who spoke on "Thirty Years of the Junto and of History." Colonel Edward L. Holman, New Bloomfield, has been re- elected president of the Historical Society of Perry County. Vice- presidents are Walter D. Byers, the Reverend LeRoy Deitrich and Fred Noye. The Perryopolis Area Historical Society reports a successful Pioneer Day Celebration, September 29-30 and October 1. En- joyed were crafts demonstrations, a colonial shoot, and a colonial 82 8PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY dress contest. Proceeds from this event are being used to meet some of the expenses in restoring the Searights Fulling Mill. The stone exterior as well as the roof, doors and windows of this historic Perryopolis structure have already been authentically restored under the direction of Charles Stotz, restoration architect. The Polish Historical Commission of the Central Council of Polish Organizations of Pittsburgh is in the process of compiling historical data on Polish fraternities in Allegheny County. It is also interested in obtaining information pertaining to those Polish workers who participated in the Steel Strike of 1919-1920. Anyone having such information is asked to contact Joseph A. Borkowski, 4291 Stanton Avenue, Pittsburgh 15201. A paper on "The Boon Road" was read by Robert Lyman at a special meeting of the Potter County Historical Society, Oc- tober 27. The beautifully restored Chapel of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, the old Douglassville chapel, was the site of the 14th Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Pottstown Historical So- ciety, November 19. The chapel is the oldest structure of its kind in Berks County. Speakers at recent meetings of the Historical Society of Schuylldll County have been: Joseph Holt and Thomas Brennan, a slide program portraying the history of Schuyllcill County; Wayne Kaufman, "The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902," and Mrs. Hilda Lucas, "Historic and Scenic Pennsylvania." Old Fort Mifflin, administered by the Shackamaxon Society, Inc., for Philadelphia's Department of Recreation, is now open to the public every Sunday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. As part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the construction of this "Alamo of the Revolution," the society's annual Colonial Field Day, complete with prizes for children who best performed the games and feats which were popular two centuries ago, was staged at the Old Fort, September 4. Dr. Don Yoder, University of Pennsylvania, defined "The Two Worlds of the Pennsylvania Dutch" at a banquet meeting of the Snyder County Historical Society, October 20. NEWS AND COMMENT 83

Sponsored by the Somerset County Historical and Genealogical Society and held at the new Somerset Historical Center, a two- day Arts and Crafts Festival, September 16-17, drew crowds estimated at over 10,000. Among the numerous activities enjoyed were demonstrations on blacksmithing, the making of maple sugar and spotza, coopering, gunsmithing, chair caning, butter churning, apple butter boiling, candle dipping, glass blowing, corn husking, soap making, and flax spinning. The Somerset His- torical Center, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is located about four miles north of Somerset on old Route 219. Over 200 persons attended the annual anniversary dinner of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County, September 22. The keynote speaker was James M. Driscoll, editor and publisher of the Connellsville Courier and chairman of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Bi-Centennial Planning Com- mission. In cooperation with Penn Alps, Inc., the Springs Historical Society sponsored the 15th Annual Springs Folk Festival, known to many as the Dutch Mountain Festival, October 6-7. The pro- gram included displays at the Springs Museum, numerous "pioneer demonstrations," shows by many artists and craftsmen at the new crafts building, and historic-scenic tours. The tiny village of Springs is on Route 669 in southern Somerset County. The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society met on Novem- ber 5 to enjoy " A European Safari of Covered Bridges," a pro- gram conducted by Tom McNamara. "A Mini Tour Down Memory Lane" by Martin Rudy was featured on January 7. Since the last quarter of 1971, the Tulpehocken Settlement Historical Society has been making arrangements for appropriate ways to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Tulpehocken community, settled by some thirty-three families from the Palatinate in 1723. In cooperation with the Historical Society of Berks County, members and friends took part in an open house tour, September 30, visiting historic homes, mills, and churches in the region, in eastern Lebanon County and western Berks County. Sponsored by the society and led by 84 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Mrs. Luther Brossman, Wernersville, a tour to the Palatinate area of Germany was scheduled from December 28 to January 24. The trip included stops in Liechtenstein, Austria, France, and Switzerland. Among numerous other activities and events being planned, the actual date the Palatines arrived in the Tulpehocken region will be observed on May 12. Speakers at recent meetings of the Historical Commemoration Society of Waynesboro have been: W. G. Adams, Jr., 'The Activity of the 17th Pennsylvania Regiment, Troop G, During the Civil War;" C. E. Adams, "The History of Banking in Waynesboro;" and Charles Treher, "The History of the Snow Hill Cloister." The society's address is 323 East Main Street, Waynesboro. Members of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania met on October 4 to hear George Swetnam, staff writer for The PittsburghPress, "hold forth both learnedly and lightly' on "Folk Songs of Western Pennsylvania." An informal discourse on "Matt Quay: Pennsylvania's Own Machiavelli" was offered by Dr. James A. Kehl, University of Pittsburgh, November 1. Dr. Kehl is the author of Ill Feeling in the Era of Good Feeling: Western Pennsylvania Political Battles, 1815-1825. The society has elected Joseph G. Smith as its director. An illustrated account of "The Old Pennsylvania Canal" was presented by Donald J. Seese at the October 3 meeting of the Westmoreland County Historical Society. On November 7 "His- toric Preservation Today" was explained by Dr. Lawrence Thurman, curator of the Daniel Boone Homestead. Although hard hit by the disastrous June flood, the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, Wilkes-Barre, with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Com- mission, other agencies, and many individuals, is recovering rapidly, attempting to restore its library losses and repairing damage to its buildings. The removal of the library collections to the second building purchased only weeks before the flood is being planned. The new building will house the library and manuscript division while the old building will be used entirely for museum purposes. Normal conditions should be restored by NEWS AND COMMENT 85 early 1973. The society has received an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History for its significant documentary publication, The Susquehannah Com- pany Papers. William H. Toner, Jr., a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Frankdin and Marshall College and the College of William and Mary, has joined the staff of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society as assistant director under Ralph L. Hazel- tine. Toner took over his new responsibilities on July 1, imme- diately after Hurricane Agnes victimized the society and the rest of Wilkes-Barre. Honoring the publication of The Kentucky Rifle, the Historical Society of York County staged a 'Gala Celebration," November 3. The book, based on the society's 1971 exhibit, "The Kentucky Rifle," which received national recognition by being awarded one of a limited number of cash grants from the- National En- dowment for the Arts and Humanities, was written by Merrill Lindsay, author of books, articles and monographs on American weaponry, and illustrated with color photographs by Bruce Pendleton, noted photographer of more than 20,000 firearms in more than fifty museums and private collections. Prepared for publication by the society and Arma Press of New York City, The Kentucky Rifle is offered in limited quantity at $15.00 per copy.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION A generous grant to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy by Thomas H. Walker of Sewickley has enabled that organiza- tion to work with the Commonwealth's Bureau of State Parks to restore historic Frankfort Springs. Located in Beaver County, this favorite resort of the 1800s and early 1900s is now part of Raccoon State Park. The grant was used to improve the sur- rounding area of the springs and to convert a spring house into the Frankfort Mineral Springs Museum. Nineteen hundred seventy-two witnessed the opening of sizable sections of the Laurel Highlands Trail, equipped with shelters, campfire circles, and tent areas, by the Department of Environ- 86 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY mental Resources. The 60-mile nature path, stretching from the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown to Ohiopyle, had its origins in the mid-1960s, when the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy began acquiring parcels of land along the Laurel Ridge. In 1968 the land-approximately 11,230 acres-was conveyed to the Com- monwealth. According to the Conservancy, hikers and back- packers have already discovered that "the trail is not only there -but it's good." Recently acquired by the Mercer County Historical Society, the Warriner or Nickum House, presently located on North Erie Street, Mercer, is to be moved to a lot next to the society's museum, South Pitt Street, where extensive renovation and restoration will be made. Dating from the 1840s, the whited brick structure was apparently a station on the underground railroad. The society has also obtained the old St. Edmund Episcopal Church, which will be moved from its current location on Ven- ango Street, Mercer, to the South Pitt Street property. It will be preserved because of its beauty and distinctive style and will serve as an additional museum for the society. Located at the intersection of Trindle Road and St John's Road in Hampden Township, Cumberland County, historic Peace Church has been acquired by the Commonwealth and is now under the administration of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The 1798 limestone structure is being re- stored as an interpretive historic site. One of the several items stolen from the restored 1765 birth- place of Robert Fulton in early 1972, a 211-year-old property deed, carrying the signatures of Robert and Mary Fulton, par- ents of Robert Fulton, has been recovered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Packed with considerable care, with no clue as to the identity of the sender, the document was received by mail at the headquarters of the Lancaster County Historical Society, Lancaster, August 10. Jack W. W. Loose, secretary of the society, immediately recognized it and promptly turned it over to the State Police, who notified the commission of its recovery and arranged for its return to Harris- burg. It is now safely located in the state archives. Administered by the commission, the Robert Fulton Birthplace is located NEWS AND COMMENT 87 along Route 222, eight miles south of Quarryville, southern Lan- caster County. It is open to the public daily, except Mondays and certain state holidays. There is no admission charge. The following have been added to the National Register of Historic Sites: the 1744 Grumblethorpe Tenant House, 5269 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia; the 1846-1848 Chester County Courthouse, 10 North High Street, West Chester; the 1836 Na- tional Bank of Chester County, 17 North High Street, West Chester; the 1816 Tuscarora Academy, Academia, Juniata County; the 1783 Hottenstein Mansion, R. D. 2, Kutztown; the Tripp Family Homestead, 1011 North Main Street, Scranton; the 1762 Old Water Works, Main Street and Monacacy Creek, Bethlehem; the 1865 Erie Railroad Station, Susquehanna, Susquehanna County; the 1891 Reading Terminal, 1115-1141 Market Street, Philadelphia; the 1797 Old City Hall, Penn Square, Lancaster; the 1889 Central Market, William Henry Place (Penn Square), Lancaster; and the 1889 Walnut Street Bridge, Harrisburg. Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Tri-State Preservation Conference for Junior Historians from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania was held at Tarry- town, New York, November 17-18. Approximately one-hundred Pennsylvanians participated in the conference which included workshop tours of Lyndhurst, Sunnyside, Van Cortlandt Manor and Philipsburg Manor as well as panel discussions by experts in the field on ways Junior Historians can become personally involved in preservation projects. The program closed with summary reports and suggestions by student registrants. David R. Robinson, associate in education, New York State Historical Association, was conference director. H. Dickson McKenna's A House in the City: A Guide to Buy- ing and Renovating Old Row Houses will obviously be of interest to urban preservationists. Published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, the illustrated volume is priced at $12.95. OF MEN AND MANY THINGS Dr. Herman Blum, Philadelphia, for nine years a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, has been 88 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY honored with a special resolution of appreciation for his dedica- tion to Pennsylvania history and for his long-time generosity to the archival and artifactual collections of the historical and museum commission. The presentation was made at the commis- sion's December meeting. Maxwell Whiteman's Copper for America: The Hendricks Family and a National Industry, 1755-1939 has received a certif- icate of commendation from the American Association for State and Local History. The volume, tracing the development of the American copper industry through a study of the activities of the Hendricks family, a dominating force in the field for more than a century, is well designed to interest students of economic history, American Jewish history, and genealogy. Published by Rutgers University Press, illustrated, with index, the 353-page Copper for America is priced at $12.50. Whiteman, a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is consulting librarian and archivist for the Union League, Phila- delphia. On May 11 the Eleutherian Mills Historical Library will spon- sor a conference entitled "Early Development of Anthracite Coal in Pennsylvania." Papers will be delivered by Dr. H. Benjamin Powell, Bloomsburg State College, on "Entrepreneurs and the Evolution of the Pennsylvania Anthracite Industry, 1769-1830," Dr. Simeon J. Crowther, Harvard University, on "Anthracite and the Development of Pennsylvania Industry to 1850," and Dr. John Hoffman, Smithsonian Institution, on "The Technology of the Early Anthracite Industry." W. David Lewis, Auburn Uni- versity, will act as discussant. Anyone desiring further informa- tion or an invitation please contact Richard L. Ehrlich, Eleu- therian Mills Historical Library, Greenville, Wilmington, Dela- ware 19807. Recently published, the fourth volume of Essays and Reports of the Lutheran Historical Conference covers the four major essays presented to the fifth biennial meeting of the conference at Gettysburg on October 15-17, 1970. The essays include a major treatment of the "Concept of Baptism Among Colonial Pennsyl- vanian German Lutheran and Reformed Church People" by the Reverend Frederick S. Weiser. Using relatively unknown sources NEWS AND COMMENT 89 and examining hundreds of hand lettered colonial German bap- tismal certificates, Weiser traces. the baptismal practices and beliefs commonly held among the people of this ethnic group. The information and illustrations in the essay will serve those interested in Fraktur, genealogy, primitive art and the theology of baptism. Also included is an essay by Dr. E. Theodore Bach- man on "The American General Synod and World Lutheranism." The author analyzes the overseas contacts which the infant Lutheran Church in America in the 19th century had with its European counterparts. In the third essay, Dr. John W. Con- stable discusses "The Conciliar Spirit in Lutheranism." The final essay offers a profile of the work of Lutheran historian Henry Eyster Jacobs (1844-1932) by the current dean of American Lutheran church historians, Dr. Abdel Ross Wentz. Copies of Volume IV of Essays and Reports are available from Concordia Historical Institute, 801 DeMun Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. They are priced at $3.50 each. Previous volumes in the series are also available. The Maryland Historical Society has announced the 6th print- ing of My Maryland, the textbook of Maryland history by Kaess- mann, Manakee and Wheeler. This edition contains a new chapter, one covering the various ethnic groups which have settled in the state, and, in general, has been brought up to date. Priced at $4.50, plus postage and tax where applicable, copies of this volume are available at the society, 201 W. Monument Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. The New Jersey Historical Commission conducts a grant-in-aid program in support of research projects pertaining to the history of New Jersey. The purpose of the program is to stimulate original research and writing in this field by both academic and amateur historians. Application for a grant under this pro- gram may be submitted by any person currently engaged in an original research project pertaining to any aspect of the history of New Jersey, its counties, or local communities. Applications must be accompanied by three references and descriptions of the project and must be submitted to the commission by March 1, 1973. For additional information, contact the New Jersey Historical Commission, State Library, 185 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625. 90 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Research Publications, Inc., has announced that the County and Regional Histories of Pennsylvania will be next in its micro- film series of county histories of the United States. Final arrange- ments have been made in cooperation with the Pennsylvania State Library to film this important collection. This publication represents a significant step in the continuing series of county and regional histories which began with the publication of California County and Regional Histories and continued with the County Histories and Biographical Compilations of the Old Northwest, including the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The collection of Pennsylvania local his- tory, most of which was published in the 19th century, covers the years from Pennsylvania's beginnings and contains much valuable material for genealogical and historical research. For further information, contact Research Publications, Inc., P. 0. Box 3903, New Haven, Connecticut 06525.

The Balch Institute of Philadelphia, founded in 1971 to pro- mote research in the fields of American immigration, ethnic, racial and minority group history and to stimulate public aware- ness of the diverse cultures that have shaped American society, would appreciate hearing from Pennsylvania libraries with hold- ings of ethnic newspapers and periodicals they are unable to preserve. The institute would welcome the opportunity to pre- serve such materials and to make them available for scholarly research. The institute will assume the transportation charges connected with the transfer of such materials to the library. All arrangements will be made at the convenience of the donor. In a related area, the institute would also appreciate hearing from public libraries that maintain collections of ethnic newspapers and periodicals either in the original or on micro- film. If possible, it would like to receive a list of these ethnic publications together with their inclusive dates. All inquiries on these matters should be addressed to Philip F. Mooney, Gifts Librarian, The Balch Institute, 1627 Fidelity Building, 123 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia 19109.

The initial meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Con- ference, membered by archivists from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, NEWS AND COMMENT 91 was held in Wilmington, Delaware, October 13-14. Chosen as chairman for 1972-1973 was Peter Silverman, Urban Archives Center, Temple University. Also selected was one person from each state to assist the chairman in developing membership and planning future meetings. For information on the conference's objectives and plans, contact Peter Silverman, Urban Archives Center, Paley Library, Temple University, Philadelphia 19122.

Acquisitions of the Urban Archives of Temple University over the past several months have included the records of the Friends Neighborhood Guild, 1945-1967; Volunteers Service for the Blind, 1945-1964; Houston Community Center of United Communities (formerly St. Martha's House), 1900-1968; Germantown Com- munity Council, 1940-1962; Chester Home Improvement Project, Chester, 1954-1969; United States Rent Advisory Control Board, Chester, 1947-1953; Young Men's Christian Association, Christian Street Branch, 1940-1964; Philadelphia Board of Realtors, 1924- 1970. The papers of the following have been acquired: Francis Bosworth, executive director of the Friends Neighborhood Guild, 1945-1967; and Mary Foley Grossman, educator and teachers' union activist

Important additions to the Eleutherian Mills Historical Li- brary's Sun Oil Company Collection are the presidential files of J. Howard Pew, covering the years 1920-1946. The records shed considerable light on the petroleum industry's relations with the federal government during the depression years and during World War II. The library reports the discovery at an old Du Pont Company powder magazine in Jermyn, Pennsylvania, of many items relating to Lammot du Pont (1831-1884); records of the Enterprise Powder Manufacturing Company, 1892-1904, and its successor, the Du Pont Company of Pennsylvania, 1904- 1932; and estate records of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Belin, Jr., 1911-1930.

Recent accessions of the Pennsylvania State Archives include Mine Disaster Records, 1903-1963, and Mine Inspection Regis- tries, 1899-1920, of the old Department of Mines; Abortion Law Commission Records, including public hearing transcripts, posi- tion papers, and reference materials; Civil Service Commission 92 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY files, including minute books, 1943-1956, 1959-1966, and appeals folders, 1958-1965; minutes of the Drug, Device and Cosmetic Board, Department of Health; annual reports of utility com- panies, 1945; Senate Oath Books, 1823-1845, 1921, 1947-1970; thirty-two Original (Engrossed) Laws, 1810; and a small but interesting file of correspondence relating to the Pennsylvania War History Commission, 1918-1920.

Scheduled to appear in mid-1973, "A Compendium of Amer- ican Historical Sources" is being prepared by the Genealogical Copy Service. The work, edited by Ronald A. Bremer, will de- scribe such sources as denominational archives, fraternal and patriotic archives, federal records, ethnic archives, court records, state censuses, and maps. Included will be a large bibliography and special chapters on each state and all the counties in the United States. The pre-publication price is $50.00. For more details, contact Genealogical Copy Service, 1010 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, Utah 84087.

The William L. Clements Library of the University of Mich- igan announces the forthcoming publication of "Research Catalog of Maps of America to 1860." The four-volume work, providing a reference to over 15,000 early maps and sea charts, will be of value to students of historical cartography, discovery and ex- ploration, settlement and trade, the American colonial period, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the development of American transportation, and the opening of the West. For addi- tional information, write the William L. Clements Library, Uni- versity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

The Committee on College and University Archives of the Society of American Archivists has compiled a directory entitled College and University Archives in the U. S. and Canada. Priced at $2.00, it may be ordered from the SAA Secretary, Rackham Building, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

Over 4,000 books and pamphlets from the personal library of the late Hans Kohn have been presented to the Library of Saint Joseph's College. Dr. Kohn served as professor of history at the college in 1965-1966. NEWS AND COMMENT 93

On October 7 the department of history of Immaculata Col- lege, in cooperation with the American Historical Association, held a one-day conference on "History: Its New Place in the College Curriculum." Sessions were scheduled on "History: The Core of Inter-Disciplinary Studies," "Experimental Approaches to the Initial Course in History," "Community Resources in Col- lege History," and "Media as Tools in the Teaching of History." The key address, "History: Past or Future in the Undergraduate Program," was offered by Dr. Henry S. Bausum, professor of history, Virginia Military Institute.

The 11th Annual Robert Fortenbaugh Memorial Lecture was held at Gettysburg College, November 19. The lecturer was Dr. Richard N. Current, widely recognized historian, teacher, author, and Lincoln scholar, who spoke on "Abraham Lincoln and Thaddeus Stevens." Dr. Current, presently professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is the author or co-author of fourteen books on American history, including Old Thad Stevens: A Story of Ambition and The Lincoln Nobody Knows.

The Chester County Day Committee, Box 1, West Chester 19380, conducted the 32nd Annual Chester County Day, Oc- tober 7. Featured were open house tours of more than sixty historic private homes, gardens, and cultural and educational institutions in the Chester County area, a region boasting one of the richest concentrations of 18th and early 19th century structures in the Commonwealth. As a preview of the annual event, a special newspaper, listing and describing the various stops on the scheduled tours, is issued each year by the committee.

Professor David H. Burton has returned to the faculty of Saint Joseph's College after spending six months in Great Britain as a 1972 Winston Churchill Traveling Fellow. Dr. Bur- ton investigated American history studies at British universities.

The Kutztown State College History Department will hold its biennial conference on March 2, 1973. The theme is "Amer- ican and World Cultures." The featured speaker will be Edwin Fenton of Carnegie-Mellon University. In addition, papers will 94 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY be read by historians from Cheyney State College, Immaculata College, Kutztown State College, Lehigh University, Lincoln University, Mercyhurst College, Moravian College, Muhlenberg College and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commis- sion. Program information can be obtained from Gordon J. Gold- berg, Department of History, Kutztown State College, Kutztown, Pennsylvania 19530.