NEWS AND COMMENT

By GAIL M. GIBSON Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES The Adams County Historical Society met on April 4 to hear Mrs. Clarence Smith give a program on the Hoffman Home. Mrs. Smith is the daughter of the Rev. J. Stewart Hartman, first super- intendent of the home. On May 2, Dr. Frederick Tilberg discussed the formation of public schools in Adams County and the in- fluence of Aaron Sheely during his time as county superintendent of schools. A number of the papers of Aaron and Judge W. C. Sheely have been donated to the society. On June 6, members held their first field trip of the season, to the home of Mr. and M\Jrs. Donald Tyson.

Representatives of four historical groups in Beaver County- the Harmonie Associates, Little Beaver Historical Society, Beaver Falls Historical Society, and Mill Creek Valley Historical Society -recently recommended the creation of a county-wide historical committee. Such a committee would include members from exist- ing organizations and would assist in coordinating projects of local groups at a county level.

The Blairsville Historical and Genealogical Society has recently been formed to establish a museum in which the town's historical artifacts may be housed. William Graff is serving as temporary chairman of the group.

The Brownsville Historical Society will again open Nemacolin s Castle this summer for visitors, from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Fayette County is planning to acquire the property as a historic landmark through funds available under Project 70.

The Cambria County Historical Society presented the deed to 182' 2 acres of land at the breast of the South Fork Dam to the

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National Park Service on May 19. The land will be used in the development of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial.

A dinner meeting of the, Centre County Historical Society was held on May 9. Highlights of Huntingdon County history werc presented, and officers were elected for the coming year.

At the March 21 meeting of the Chester County Historical Society, Charles Gilpin Dorman of the National Park Service spoke on "Refurnishing the Assembly Room of Independence Hall." On April iS, following the theme "Autornobiling in Chester County in the Good Old Days," a display of old cars was held. Hyde W. Ballard, past president of the Antique Automobile Club of America, spoke of his experiences in collecting old cars, and Kenneth Stauffer, photographer of the chub, show-ed slides of old automobiles. The annual meeting of the society on May 16 fea- tured Dr. Alfred V. Kidder, associate director of the University Museum at the University of Pennsylvania, moderating a program entitled "What in Chester County." A panel of experts examined and identified unusual or puzzling items from the society's and private collections. On May 9, the Women's Committee heard Mrs. Virginia Cordes lecture on "Chester County Artists: Paint- ings in the Chester County Historical Society," and on May 13 they toured historic homes and gardens in southern Chester County.

On June 13, members of the Clarion County Historical Society heard an illustrated talk, "A Jungle Trip in South America," by Mrs. B. M. Davis. During May, the society's secretary. Merle B. Eberlin, conducted four busloads of elementary school pupils on a tour of historical sites in Armstrong County. Under the direc- tion of Mr. Eberlin and William Gilbert, chairman of the junior Historian State Advisory Council, former members of the North Clarion chapter of Junior Historians met on May 13 to organize a Junior Historian Alumni Association. Members and guests of the Clarion County Historical Society made their annual out-of- county historical tour, to Erie County, on Tune 18.

At the annual meeting of the Clinton County Historical Society on March 13, Dr. F. C. Skelly was re-elected president. Mrs. 286 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Mark C. Ricker was elected secretary; all other officers were re- elected. A. H. Claster spoke about the history of Jewish settlers in the Clinton County area. The society is planning to visit the Sheep Rock archeological exploration for its summer pilgrimage.

A special group has been formed under the auspices of the Coatesville Historical Commission and the city of Coatesville to celebrate the centennial of the city's incorporation as a municipality in 1867. The commemorative week is planned for September 24 to September 30.

At the annual meeting of the Columbia County Historical So- ciety on May 6, members heard Dr. C. Stuart Edwards of Blooms- burg State College speak about two early Bloomsburg citizens, David Jewett Walker and David Jewett Walker, Jr. Officers elected for the coming year are: Clark E. Kirkendall, president: J. Almus Russell, vice-president; T. A. Williammee, secretary: C. -M. Hausknecht, treasurer; and Edwin M. Barton, executive secretary.

On April 11, Mrs. Maude Barnes spoke to the Corry Area Historical Society about the "History of the Early Columbus Area."

The Crawford County Historical Society heard Kenneth T. Stratton of the Warren County Historical Society discuss the Braddock Expedition of 1755 at its final meeting of the year on April 17. On March 13, members of the Historical Society of Dauphin County heard Lt. Col. Oscar H. Stroh give reviews of historical novels whose plots concern Pennsylvania. The April program featured Charles B. Simmons, curator of the I listorical Society of York County, who gave an illustrated talk on "The Functions of Historical Societies.' Evan J. Miller, former president of the Dauphin County Historical Society, presented an illustrated lec- ture on the society's bicentennial celebration in October at the May meeting. The spring meeting of the Delaware County Historical Society was held on April 29 at Cheyney State College. Dr. Charline NEWS AND COMMENT 287

.onyers gave an address on "The History of Cheyney." The nnual meeting of the society will be held at Newlin's Grist Mill on September 24. Helen M. Greenhalgh, curator of the society, was recovered from the accident she had last year and is back at the library on the campus of PMC Colleges.

At the April 4 meeting of the Donora Historical Society, Melvin \aser, president, reviewed three recent books of interest to his- torians. The annual pilgrimage to interesting and historic spots in Washington County was held June 14.

At the annual dinner meeting of the Elk County Historical So- ciety, Dr. S. K. Stevens, executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, spoke on "How to Establish a Historical Museum" and "Historic Conservation." Newly elected officers are: William Cole, president; Sam Crocco, vice-president; Mrs. William Gallagher, secretary; and Franklin Reed, treasurer. On June 19 and 20 the society sponsored a historical exhibit in the Centennial Elementary School all-purpose room.

The Ephrata Cloister Associates met on May 17 to hear David MAusselman speak on "Lane Wear." The Vorspiel will be presented at Ephrata Cloister Saturdays, July 1 through September 2, Sun- days, August 20, 27, and September 3, and Friday, September 1, at 7:30. On July 19, the associates will visit the Connel Home of the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley. Mrs. Marjorie E. Auker has recently been elected president of the associates.

The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania has recently com- pleted the microfilming of church and undertakers' records cover- ing parts of Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, and Bucks counties. Through publicity in church magazines and other media, the so- ciety hopes to inform churches of the necessity of protecting their records from fire, vandalism, and inadequate custodianship. At the recent diamond anniversary celebration of the society, Charles B. Barclay was re-elected president. Other officers include: Thomas Hart, Dr. Wallace E. Davies, and Mrs. F. Spencer Roach, vice- presidents; Robert E. Putney, secretary; and Christopher R. C. Custer, treasurer. 288 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

A successful and well attended tour of the houses in centrai Germantown was held by the Germantown Historical Society old May 20. The first Victorian Seminar, sponsored by the Maxwel' Mansion Committee of the society on May 13, featured lectures by Dr. George B. Tatum on "Victorian Architecture," Mrs. Elsie Siratz McGarvey on "Victorian Costume," and Joseph T. Butler "on "Victorian Furniture." Dr. Irwin Richman was the after- dinner speaker on "Pink Petticoats-Victorian and Otherwise." The society will complete its spring series of programs with a garden party and speaker on June 1.

The Goschenhoppen Historians held a dinner on April 15, at which Miss Irma A. Schultz spoke on "The Schwenkfelder Church in Pennsylvania." On May 18, Mrs. Mabel Lambert addressed the society on "Pennsylvania Dutch Poetry." On May 20, the so- ciety sponsored a tour of historic sites in the Goschenhoppen area of upper Montgomery County. On June 15, members of the society's historic restoration committee presented a slide program on historic architecture of the Goschenhoppen region. The first Goschenhoppen Folk Festival will be held on August 12.

On April 12, the Greenville Historical Association heard Daniel B. Riebel, curator of Old Economy Village, discuss "Methods of Instruction for a Historical Commission." On May 10, Frederick Brenner, researcher on the Erie Extension Canal, spoke to the association.

The Hanover Area Historical Society heard G. Edwin Brunv- baugh speak on Pennsylvania German architecture at its April meeting. The society held a two-hour house and garden tour on May 27, and concluded its spring season with a tour of the Shriver Homestead in June.

Richard WVetzel, a graduate student in musicology at the Uni- versity of Pittsburgh, has received a grant from the Harmonie Associates to complete the cataloguing of the Harmony Society's surviving manuscript music. The associates are sponsoring a series of dinner tours in the garden of Old Economy from June 16 through September. A German dinner and a tour of the NEWS AND COMMENT 29 miuseum will be the highlights of these twice-weekly gatherings. On June 17, the Beaver and Ohio Valley Opera Society presented pop concert at Old Economy. On August 25 and 27, a Harmonist fusic Festival, featuring the. music of the Harmony Society as sung and played by students from the University of Pittsburgh -and Carnegie Tech, will be held.

The Hatborough Historical Society recently rededicated the Crooked Billet Battle monument, which it had moved to the actual site of this Revolutionary encounter, on what are now the grounds of the Crooked Billet School. The main speaker at the ceremonies ,,vas John J. Loeper, whose subject was "A Fresh Look at the Battle of Crooked Billet."

The Haverford Township Historical Society has given a ten- lhour training course for Girl Scouts wishing to serve as museum aides this summer. On May 4, the society held a candlelight reception for members and patrons who were opening their homes for the Haverford Heritage Tour. The tour, held May 6, included the first public visitation to part of Nitre Hall, former home of the powder master of Nitre Hall Powder Mills.

At the annual meeting of the Huntingdon County Historical Society held on April 5, the following officers were announced: John W. Swigart, president; Ruth V. Stewart and John A. Kunz, vice-presidents; Peggy Gump, secretary; Paul Peoples, treasurer; Albert M. Rung, historian; and Mrs. Rachel Black, archivist. A series of addresses concerning the history of Huntingdon is planned in conjunction with the July 29-August 5 bicentennial cele- bration. On May 3, J. C. Schock spoke on "The First Thirty Years." In June a program continuing Huntingdon's history from 1800 to 1850 was held, and in July the presentation concerned history from 1851 to 1900.

On April 7, the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County viewed two travel films presented by John Fetterman of Indiana University. The society approved the organization of a new branch at its meeting on June 2. The group will be known as the "Red Brick Branch," and its purpose is to preserve the 290 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY old Liggett homestead at Centerville. The century-old house is b ;it of locally fired brick and stands only a few rods from the remail-s of the Pennsylvania Canal. There were twenty-four organizir T members. The officers are: president, Mrs. Irene L. Beard; vic. - president, Mrs. May Dick: recording secretary, Mrs. Robert Gar-- ble; and corresponding secretary-treasurer, Miss Marie Liggett The parent society will include a bus trip to the Huntingdon 1:- centennial in their summer activities.

The Juniata County Historical Society held its annual dinner meeting on April 26. Dr. Irwin Richman, curator of science, iE- dustry, and technology at the William Penn Memorial Museumll, spoke about "Pink Petticoats-Lady Radicals in American History."

Members of the recently formed Jefferson County Historical and Genealogical Society elected their first set of officers on March 28. Robert Philliber will serve as president; William Gilbert, vice-president; Miss Olive Afton, recording secretary; Mrs. Mary Durbin, corresponding secretary; and Miss Myrtle Binney, treasurer.

The Lackawanna Historical Society met on April 25 to hear Manville B. Wakefield's talk on "Coal Boats to Tidewater." Jo- seph Young discussed "Local Monuments" at the annual dinner meeting on May 23.

On April 11, Gerald Lestz and Mrs. Richard Gerstell spoke to the Lancaster County Historical Society about "Vanishing Treasures of Lancaster Architecture." On May 9 the Musical Arts Society presented a program of eighteenth-century music.

The annual meeting of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference Historical Society, with a tour of Manor Township, was held onl June 24 and 25. The library has completed its files of land grant maps of Lancaster County and of Kittochtiuny and Berks County Historical Society publications.

The Landis Valley Associates heard S. R. Slaymaker speak on the "History of Locks and Lock Manufacturing" at thei- March 21 meeting. The program on April 18 was the Colonial NEWS AND COMMENT 291

Williamsburg film "The Art of Conservation," dealing with the estoration of paintings.

The Lebanon County Historical Society recently deposited a lrge amount of manuscript material with the Pennsylvania His- orical and Museum Commission. The collection includes the bulk of the Cornwall Furnace records and other business papers of the oleman family enterprises. Since these records were available only on a limited basis at the Lebanon County Society, the trans- ier was made in an attempt to provide increased accessibility for researchers.

At the annual dinner meeting in April, Mrs. John Henry Leh, president of the Lehigh County Historical Society, announced that the George Taylor mansion in Catasauqua would be open to vis- itors by June 1. Restoration of this fine example of colonial Georgian architecture, dating back to 1768, was made possible through the generosity of the members and community businesses. Carol Busck Wickkiser gave an illustrated talk on James Allen's Trout Hall and offered suggestions for its further restoration. Samuel E. Dyke was elected secretary, and Judge James F. Hen- ninger and William A. Betz were elected vice-presideiits; the other officers were re-elected.

The Lower Merion Historical Society sponsored a luncheon and tour of the Caleb Pusey House on June 4.

The McKean County Historical Societv has merged with the McKean County Archeological Society. Officers elected at the Xpril meeting were: Griffith Herold, president; Robert Bullers, vice-president; Ralph Caverly, secretary; and Mrs. Ronabelle Mix, treasurer.

The Mercer County Historical Society has increased its mem- ;)ership by over 350 this past year. The Caldwell School, the ociety's one-room schoolhouse dedicated to the memory of more han 200 such schools once existing in Mercer County, has been )pened for the summer. The hours are Sundays and holidays from :30 to 5:30 p.m. The society and its directors are seriously onsidering building a new museum in the very near future. 292 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

At the annual dinner meeting of the Miffin County Historical Society on May 4, Frank J. Schmidt. director of the Bureau o. Historic Sites and Properties of the Pennsylvania Historical any Museum Commission, gave an illustrated talk on the properties administered by the commission. During his visit, Mr. Schmid- inspected the McCoy home, birthplace of Major General Franl. R. McCoy (1874-1954). soldier and statesman who served under eight Presidents. The commission is in the process of acquiring the homestead through Project 70, so that it may be restored and shared with the Mifflin County Historical Society as headquarters for its library-museumn.

The Mill Creek Valley Historical Association heard Kenneth T. McFarland, III, explain methods of tracing family ancestry at their April meeting. Members took a tour of Beaver County by boat in June.

The Monroe County Historical Society was host to seventy-five delegates of the Historical Association of Northeastern Pennsyl- vania, officers of the Sussex and Warren County Historical So- cieties of New Jersey, and members of the National Park Service on May 6. On June 3, a tour of "The Old Mine Road" along the Delaware River was sponsored by the society. Albert Dillahunty. historian of the United States National Park Service, presented a short historical talk at several planned stops.

The spring meeting of the Historical Society of Montgomery County was held on April 29. The Honorable William W. Vogel narrated the history of "The Mills of Lower Merion."

At the April meeting of the Montgomery Historical Society, members heard a report on the Arbor Day observance sponsored by the society. Entries in the essay contest for junior and senior high school students were read. On May 21, members participated in a historical tour of the Muncy-Pennsdale-Hall's Station area.

An April 25, the Montour County Historical Society heard Lee C. Bobb speak at their annual banquet meeting. His subject was "The Lincoln Story." An open house of the society's musetn and one-room school was held on April 30. NEWS AND COMMENT 293

On April 14, Dr. S. K. Stevens addressed the M/funcy Historical Society on "Windows on our Past."

On March 30, the Newtown Historical Association, Inc., heard ali address by Robert R. MacDonald, curator of the Mercer fIuseum in Doylestown.

The Ne"Tv lle Historical Society held an open house at its neadquarters, the Hays House, on May 5-6.

The semi-annual meeting of the Historical Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania was held on May 6 in Stroudsburg. wvith the Monroe County Historical Society serving as host. The program for the morning session consisted of a report on the progress of the historical interpretation program of the Delaware Water (Gap National Recreation Area by Peter De Gelleke. park superintendent, and Albert Dillahunty, park historian. A historic building survey has been established to measure and photograph houses for a permanent record, prior to their restoration, removal, or inundation. After the luncheon at East Stroudsburg State Col- lege, Dr. Murray H. Nelligan. resource studies adviser to the Northeast Regional Director. National Park Service, explained recent historic sites legislation passed by Congress and its impact upon local communities. Newly elected officers of the society are: Edward Schaible, president: Leo Lamb and Daniel Williams, Vice-presidents; and Ralph Hazeltine, secretary-treasurer.

The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society heard Ronald W. Wynkoop discuss "Easton at the Turn of the Ceenturyy" on April 5.

On May 10. the Northumberland County Historical Society heard William M. Schnure discuss "The Pennsylvania Railroad Passenger Station at Sunbury." John H. Carter spoke on the "Settlement of the Forks of the Susquehanna Before 1772" 01n June 14.

At the March 17 meeting of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- vania, Dr. S. K. Stevens. executive director of the Pennsylvania 294 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Historical and Museum Commission, gave an illustrated lecturt "on"Conserving Pennsylvania's Heritage." At the April meeting Edmund N. Bacon discussed "From the Centennial to the Bi- centennial." The society recently acquired the Loudoun Papers 15,000 manuscripts rich in John Dickinson materials, Logan an Norris family documents, and the business papers of the Phila delphia merchant Thomas Armatt.

The annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Federation of His- torical Societies was held in Harrisburg on May 20. Speakers a. the morning meeting were: Ernest C. Miller, president of the Warren County Historical Society, who explained his society's volunteer program; Dennis T. Lawson, executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Federation of Junior Historians, who discussed methods of expanding the Junior Historian program locally; and Raymond W. Forquer. history teacher in the Chartiers-Houston school district, who told of a historical movie made by an ele- mentary school. At the roll call of historical societies made at the luncheon, nearly forty societies were represented. Philip S. Kleill, professor of history at the Pennsylvania State University, gave an excellent luncheon address, "A Historian Looks at the Historical Societies." A short business meeting was held, at which John M. Gibson was elected president; Ralph Hazeltine, Alfred D. Sum- berg, Jesse Hartman. and Ernest Miller, vice-presidents; S. K. Stevens, executive secretary; and Merle H. Deardorff, treasurer. Three members of the staff of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission discussed recent developments in their fields at the afternoon session. Frank Schmidt spoke about the historic preservation program in Pennsylvania; Henry Glassie discussed the Ethnic Culture Survey; and Michael Ripton spoke about the mobile museum. A questionnaire is being distributed among federation members to determine what types of programs, what topics, and what meet- ing places hold the most promise for future meetings. All mew- bers are urged to complete this form immediately so that their preferences may be included in next year's planning.

The Pennsylvania Historical Junto heard Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern speak about "The Jewish Influence in Pennsylvania" or NEWS AND COMMENT 295

arch 17. On April 28, Henry Clepper delivered an address on i ifford Pinchot, Pioneer American Forester," a topic which ad been scheduled for the February meeting but which was post- 1 ned because of inclement weather. At the annual dinner meeting May 19, Dr. Irwin Richman, curator of science, industry, and technology at the William Penn Memorial Museum, discussed iNathaniel Chapman, M.D." At the state meeting of the Pennsylvania Poetry Society in Harrisburg on May 13, winners of the annual poetry contest were announced. The society approved a proposal to compile an anthol- ogy of poems dealing with Pennsylvania history. Mrs. Amelia Long was appointed chairman of the project.

At the annual business meeting of the Perry County Historical Society, Carlton Bealor gave an illustrated talk entitled "Turning Back the Pages of History." Colonel Edward L. Holman was re-elected president of the society.

The Perryopolis Area Historical Society, Inc., was organized in March in Fayette County. Mrs. George Kosisky is acting as president. David Binns reviewed the history of the old Quaker meeting house at the April meeting.

The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation has re- ceived a grant from the Edgar J. Kaufmann Charitable Founda- tion to carry out an architectural and historical study of the Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail that will lead to the publication of a book. The foundation has also received a three- year grant from the Sarah Mellon Scaife Foundation for general expenses. On May 30, the foundation presented a spring tour to Evergreen Hamlet and a reception at their new offices in the Benedum-Trees Building.

A stated meeting of the Potter County Historical Society was "2lad on April 28. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Heslep showed pictures C their trip to Iceland.

At the May 22 meeting of the Pottstown Historical Society, arl J. Heydinger, Hopewell Village National Historic Site, dis- Assed "Invisible Hopewell." On May 20, members took a spring 296G PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

pilgrimage to the Winterthur Museum and Gardens. The fifta annual June fair was held on June 17, for the benefit of the Pott.- grove Furnishings Fund. Recently elected officers are: Richai.1 Scheffey, president; Melvin Feroe, vice-president; Miriam Lut( wig, recording secretary; Helen Purnell, corresponding secretary and Raymond S. Elliott, treasurer.

At the annual dinner meeting of the Shippensburg Historicall Society on May 20. members heard Henry H. Glassie, state foil- lorist, discuss the meaning of folk culture. New officers of the society are: Michael Wargo, president; the Rev. Rea A. Warner and Charles Bellows, vice-presidents.

The Snyder County Historical Society met on A/larch 16 to hear E. L. Swartzlander's presentation of a paper on powwowing. On May 17, Ellis Ferster discussed the "Origin and Develop- ment of the Day-Old Chick Business of Snyder County."

Officers of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County are: Eber Cockley, president; Philip M. Schaff, Alexander Ogle, and Mrs. Berkely Tipton, vice-presidents; Robert M. Kleim, secretary; Ralph E. Dickey, treasurer: and Mrs. Betty L. Haupt, curator.

The Strongtown Homecoming and Historical Society held its annual Memorial Day dinner on May 30. Mrs. Opal Hagens has recently been elected president of the society; Mrs. Evelyn De Army has been elected corresponding secretary.

At the annual meeting of the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association in April, Dwight P. Hol- lister was elected first vice-president and chairman of the historical commuittee.

The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society met on May 7 2- hear a report by Mrs. Vera Wagner. president, on the conditicln of Pennsylvania's remaining covered bridges. On June 3, tlie society held its annual outing at Hickory Bridge Farm. NEWS AND COMMENT 297

The Historical Society of Trappe is celebrating the 250th anni- -ersary of the establishment of the Schrack Tavern, the earliest hostelry of the settlement, and known from the first as "The Trap." 'he week of September 10-17 will highlight the year-long celebra- :Ion, and the society will hold its annual open house on September -6. The society is working closely with the promotion of junior ,-istorian activities in the area.

At the May 18 meeting of the Union County Historical Society, George Ruhl discussed the history of the Presbyterian Church at B)uffalo Crossroads. The Western Area School Board has trans- terred the old Union County Courthouse in New Berlin to the society for use as a museum. Recently elected officers are: Murray Kline, president; Luther Yarger, vice-president; Mrs. Carl Camp- sell, secretary; and George Ruhl, treasurer.

Although the inclement weather on May 6 necessitated the cur- tailment of many of the scheduled ceremonies, the Valley Forge Historical Society staged a tribute to the French of 1778 and their assistance during the American Revolution. A luncheon for the sponsors of French Alliance Day was held at the Valley Forge Farm, quarters of Brigadier General William Maxwell, which was recently acquired by the state. Several fife and drum corps and men in Continental uniforms from several states were able to participate in the day's ceremonies.

At the March 8 meeting of the Warren County Historical So- ciety, Dr. S. K. Stevens, executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, formally presented the so- ciety with the Award of Merit given it by the American Associa- tion for State and Local History last fall. James B. Stevenson, chairman of the commission, and Donald H. Kent, director of lie Bureau of Archives and History, also participated in the eremony. Dr. Stevens later spoke about "Historic Properties in Pennsylvania." During the week of March 6, Jack Todd Ericson, assistant manuscripts curator at the State Historical Society of Nisconsin, conducted a workshop in the organization, cataloguing, and storage of historical records and manuscripts. The society also ponsored a visit of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museulll 298 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Commission's mobile museum on May 23-25. Recently elctew officers are: Ernest C. Miller, president; William F. Klinge.. jr., vice-president; Mrs. Keith E. Chase, secretary; W. Beye Africa, treasurer; Mrs. Frances Ramsey and Mrs. Richar Corcoran, archivists; Miss Catherine Henderson, librarian: an! NV. Floyd Clinger, editor. The Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania met on Marc.. 29 to hear Dr. Philip S. Klein of the Pennsylvania State Univer- sitv discuss "Bachelor Father-President James Buchanan as; Family Man." Donald H. Kent, director of the Bureau of Archives and History, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, spoke to the society on April 27 about "The Second Treaty of Fort Stainwix, 1784. and Its Consequences."

On May 2, the Westmoreland County Historical Society heard WXayne S. Whitehead discuss the importance of the battle of Bushy Run. On June 6, Jacob L. Grimm, president of the So- ciety for Pennsylvania Archeology, spoke on "Westmoreland County Archeology." The society has adopted a resolution to undertake a campaign to raise $100,000 to match anticipated state glants for the development of a historic site near Hannastown.

The Westmoreland-Fayette Historical Society held its spring meeting on March 30. Kenneth Eicher addressed the group on the history of the Braddock Road. Officers of the society are: -William R. Griffin, president; Buell B. Whitehill, Howard King, and Rodney D. Mosier, vice-presidents; and Richard W. Wester- man, secretary -treasurer. The annual Founders' Day meeting was Held on June 17; Sister M. Colette Toler of -Seton Hill College spoke on "American Myths and their Function in American Literatture." A meeting of the newly formed Wyoming County Historical Society Nvas held on May 24. Daniel R. MacGilvray, associate historian, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Of- fered advice and guidance on the activities of historical societies.

The school tour program of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society was enhanced by additional exhibits which con sist of tools used by early artisans ; period furniture; a glass co'- NEWS AND COMIMENT 299

ction including Dorflinger's pressed, handblown, and sandwich ,dass; Pennsylvania Dutch slipware; and oil paintings of early ettlers of the valley. The Hollenback Papers (1778-1863) will be italogued this summer. The Swetland Homestead will be open -om June to October, 12 noon to 6 p.m. daily except Mondays. )n April 20, Leroy E. Bugbee of the Wyoming Seminary de- sartment of history spoke on "John Franklin, Leader of the -Vild Yankees."

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Bloomsburg State College installed the Phi Mu Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta on May 25. Edson J. Drake, associate professor, has received the Ph.D. degree from Georgetown University.

The department of history at Bryn Mawr College has enlarged its offerings in American history by doubling the time devoted to early American and to Latin American history and by extend- ing the fields in the final A.B. examination to reflect this change. Dr. Mary Maples Dunn has published William Penn, Politics and Conscience (Princeton, 1967).

Recent appointments at Duquesne University include Dr. S. A. Russo, to full professor; Dr. Stephen Vardy, associate professor: and Dr. John Opie, associate professor. Dr. James G. Lydon has been awarded a Fulbright Grant to study in Spain during 1967- 1968. The history department will sponsor a History Forum on November 3-4. Historians in neighboring colleges and universities are invited to attend and participate; Dr. Samuel Astorino at Duquesne can supply further details.

Dr. Alfred D. Sumberg, East Stroudsburg State College, has Jueen granted a two-year leave of absence to join the national staff i the American Association of University Professors in Wash- igton, D. C.

At Gwynedd-Mercy College, the 1966 project of the Interna- -onal Relations Club was "A Day in India." Plans are under way or "A Day in Russia" to be held this October. Thomas Bruderle ill join the history faculty this fall, to specialize in modern Eu- 300 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY ropean history and political history. Under the direction of C. V' Treiner, students have been digging on the grounds of the colleg- in search of an early Indian site, from which relics have already been found.

King's College has divided its department of history and go- ermient into the history department, under the chairmanship of Dr. D. INT. Farmer, and the department of government and politics, under the chairmanship of Dr. R. J. Alexander. R. J. Schleich ha- been promoted to associate professor, and N. J. George was ap- pointed to assistant professor. Joining the faculty in September will be: Rabbi Earl Starr. Ph.D., assistant professor; T. O'Don- nell. assistant professor; and E. Goffin, instructor.

LaSalle College announces that Dr. Joseph R. O'Grady and Dr. Arthur Hennessy have been promoted to associate professor; and William O'Toole to assistant professor. The Rev. John E. Wrigley, Ph.D., has been appointed chairman of the department. Dr. Minna F. Weinstein has been appointed assistant professor: Theopolis Fair was appointed instructor. The Rev. John E. Wrigley received a Fulbright Travel Grant to India for the summer of 1967.

At Gettysburg College, George H. Fick will join the faculty ill September as an assistant professor teaching medieval and early European history. Robert L. Bloom will again be on the faculty of the United States History Institute at the University of Chattanooga this summer.

At Lebanon Valley College, Dr. Ralph S. Shay has been re- elected to the executive council of the American Association of Teachers of Chinese Language and Culture; he will also servy as recording secretary of the association.

As part of a thoroughly reorganized curriculum at Mercyhurst College, Professor Richard J. Kubiak, chairman of the division of social science, has announced creation of "The Mercyhurs: Institute for Undergraduate Original Research in Local History.' Through this project each senior history student will receive NEWS AND COMMENT 301 l oratory research experience in original materials concerning t e history of Erie and Erie County.

Moravian College announces the appointment of Eugene W. xiller, Jr., a doctoral candidate at the Pennsylvania State Uni- R ersity, as instructor in history.

PMC Colleges has appointed Mrs. Anne D. Sessa as instructor hilistory. Dr. Boris Rogosin has resigned to take a post at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

The department of history at the Pennsylvania State Univcr- sity served as host for a series of three lectures by visiting his- torians. "FDR. Congress, and the Second Hundred Days" was delivered on May 17 by Dr. David A. Shannon, chairman, de- partment of history, the University of Maryland. On May 24. Pulitzer-Prize winner Roy F. Nichols lectured on "The Succession of American Establishments." Professor Nichols's address fol- lowed the annual Phi Alpha Theta initiation and banquet. Pro- fessor Roderic H. Davison, department of history, George Wash- ington University, presented the final lecture in the series on Afay 31. His topic was "Ottoman Diplomacy and the Eastern Quiestion." Dr. Eugene N. Borza presented a lecture on biblio- graphical sources of the ancients entitled "In Search of Alex- ander" to the History Round Table on May 4.

New appointments at Temple University are: professors, Dr. Roderick McGrew and Dr. Joseph Rayback; visiting professor, Dr. William Neumann; associate professors, Dr. Peter Vorzimmer and Dr. Donald White; assistant professors, Philip Evanson, H.oward Moon, Dr. Andrew Hess, and Dr. Frank Weber; adjunct assistant professor, Bradford Spangenberg; instructors, Richard B3rashares, Miss Susan Estabrook, Hans-Joachim Finke, William 'soons, Robert Trennert, Miss Caroline Whaley, and Mrs. Bar- ara Zikmund. Professors Raymond G. O'Connor, chairman, and Riussell F. Weigley will be on leave during 1967-1968; Professor l rnst L. Presseisen will be acting chairman of the department ,I history.

At Villanova University, Joseph George, Jr., was named acting chairman of the history department. New staff members in Sep- 302 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY temnber will be D. W. Barthell and Michael E. Burke, both ir- structors. Faculty members on leave include Fred J. Carrier, 196;. 1968 academic year: Daniel B. Carroll and Alexander Rudhar` fall semester 1967-1968; Raymond L. Cummings and Vincent Ponko, Jr., spring semester 1968. Donald B. Kelley was appointee honors director of the university. James M. Bergquist received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for re- search this summer at the Newberry Library, Chicago, on the population development of the Old Northwest before 1860.

OF MEN AND MANY THINGS A newly formed Forest Industries Historical Museum of Shef- field, Pennsylvania, is undergoing incorporation procedures in Warren County. The Tionesta Valley Railroad station has been generously donated to the community for use as the museum's headquarters. Bruce Smith was elected president of the corpora- tion, and William Russin, forester on the staff of the Sheffield Ranger Station, was selected as curator.

The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County held elections at the May 4 annual meeting. Mrs. George J. Lerch was elected president; Charles J. Heummig, vice-president: Mrs. Lloyd Hop- kins. Jr., secretary; and Earl W. Roilman, treasurer. The DeTurk- House Council held an Oley Valley Celebration on May 13; the Mounce Jones Council sponsored a bus trip to New Castle. Delaware, on May 20.

On June 24-25, the University of Pittsburgh sponsored an in- formal weekend at the Hidden Valley Farm in the Allegheny Mountains to discuss the early history of the region southeast of Pittsburgh, its folklore, and historical interpretation. Partic- ipants included Dr. Stanton Belfour, president of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania; Dr. C. V. Starrett, retired director of the Buhl Planetarium; Mrs. C. V. Starrett, emeritus director of the University of Pittsburgh Press; and George Swet- nam, feature writer for the Pittsbitrgh Press.

Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on March 27 for the General State Authority's construction of a reception center. auditorium, and admission building at Valley Forge State Park NEWS AND COMMENT 303o

At the annual meeting of the Western Pennsylvania Con- -ervancy, Dr. Charles F. Lewis announced that total land hold- angs acquired by the organization for public use now total 29,000 acres. During 1966, attendance and participation in guided tours at the conservancy nature centers increased more than thirty pDercent over 1965. The Johnston Tavern, which has been restored by the conservancy, will eventually be transferred to the Penn- sylvania Historical and Museum Commission for administration.

Among the many Open House Tours this spring were the Open House Day on Elfreth's Alley, held June 3, and the open house tour sponsored by the Colonial Yardley Historic Association on April 29.

It is encouraging to note the passage of the nine questions of constitutional revision by Pennsylvania voters on Primary Day, and especially the passage of question nine. Not only will much- needed sewage treatment, strip mine reclamation, and recreational projects be undertaken with the $500 million bond issue, but part of the money will be allocated to the Department of Forests and \WJaters, the Fish Commission, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for additional preservation work under Project 70.

M1embers of the Amoqui Archeological Society of Beaver and Ohio Valley are excavating at Old Economy Village, Ambridge, to enable the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to rebuild the bakery of the Harmony Society. Other research Will soon begin at Old Economy, as the National Council of the Humanities has awarded a grant of $15,000 to Dr. Karl J. Arndt for "selecting, editing, and publishing the papers of the Harmony Society, 1785-1916." Dr. Arndt, chairman of the German depart- nent at Clark University, is the author of the recent book, Gcorge Rapp's Harmiony Society, 1785-1847.

As a result of increased interest in the Old Stone House near Slippery Rock, a group of local citizens have organized the Friends of the Old Stone House to assist with programs centering around the structure and to act as tour guides. Mrs. Virginia Wickersham, 304 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY

Green Street, Chicora, is acting chairman of the group and would welcome assistance from interested persons.

Veterans and spectators from throughout Pennsylvania attended annual memorial services on May 21 at the Twenty-eighth Division Shrine in Boalsburg. Lieutenant General Edward J. Stackpole of Harrisburg was the main speaker of the afternoon; Dr. S. K. Stevens also gave a brief address.

Approximately 100 persons attended the Middle States Con- ference on Folk Culture. sponsored by the Pennsylvania Folklore Society and the Ethnic Culture Survey of the Pennsylvania His- torical and Mluseum Commission on April 15. Brief announce- ments of folk culture projects currently being conducted were made by representatives of universities, societies, and foundations at the morning session. After the luncheon, Mrs. Olabelle Reed and M~lr. Beryl Kilby, traditional singers and instrumentalists from the Southern mountains via Oxford, Pennsylvania, entertained the gathering. In the afternoon, Don Yoder, University of Peunsyl- vania, spoke on "The Discovery of the Pennsylvania Germans"; Mac E. Barrick, Dickinson College, spoke on "Lewis the Robber in Life and Legend"; Richard E. Buehler, Bowling Green State University, talked on "Stacker Lee: A Partial Investigation into the Historicity of a Negro Murder Ballad"; and Eugene Wilhelm, McGill University, discussed "Folk Settlement Types in the Blue Ridge Mountains."

Mrs. Raymond P. Shafer, wife of the Governor, cut a ribbon to open the entrance to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's mobile museum at official ceremonies on April 25. The museum, housed in a fifty-foot trailer, will travel the state with exhibits designed to increase Pennsylvanians' knowledge of their historical background. Inquiries about scheduling visits of the mobile museum may be addressed to Michael Ripton at the Commission, Box 232, Harrisburg.

The Silver Anniversary Convention of the Junior Historians, held April 28-29 at Seven Springs, Somerset County, attracted more than five hundred junior and senior high school students. NIEWS AND COMME 30ENT305

On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning eight workshops were held, with John B. Brendel, Lancaster County, recounting Penn- sylvania Dutch folklore; Mrs. Olabelle Reed, Oxford, telling of mountain life and music; Mrs. Linn Reist, Lancaster County, and Miss Karen Raasch, curator of textiles at the William Penn Memorial Museum, demonstrating quilt-making; Barry Kent and Ira Smith of the archeology staff of the William Penn Memorial Museum speaking on Indian pre-history; Raymond WV. Forquer, Washington, Pennsylvania, discussing Junior Historians and films; Dr. Irwin Richman, curator of science, industry, and technology at the William Penn Memorial Museum, discussing Pennsylvania architecture Elvin Savidge of the museum teaching square dancing; and Louis Sesher and David A. Walton telling of river folklore. Officers were elected for the coming year.

The Pennsylvania Conference on Historic Preservation held in Harrisburg on May 19 brought together a large group of persons interested in and working in this field. The morning session, on local preservation movements. featured Norman Mawby of Tredyf- frin Township, Chester County; Grant White, Lehigh County Cultural Center; Mrs. Henry Patterson, Friends of the Caleb Pusey House; Joseph Kindig, III, Historical Society of York County; Arthur P. Ziegler, Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation; and Norman Larson, Historic Bethlehem, discussing unique aspects of their respective projects. The luncheon speaker was Earle W. Newton, who gave an illustrated talk about the work of the St. Augustine Historical Restoration Preservation Commission. At the afternoon session, representatives from fed- eral agencies discussed methods to be used by historical groups in seeking moneys from the federal government. Among the speakers were: Miss Lorna Zittle, Department of Housing and Urban De- velopment; Ronald Lee, National Park Service: Glenn Thompsonl, National Trust for Historic Preservation: William Hopkins, Bu- reau of Outdoor Recreation; and Charles H. Bronstein, United States Department of Agriculture.

Leonard G. Johnson has recently been appointed through the Joint State Government Commission to update the 1949 Catalogime of Historic Sites, Buildings, and Remnains. It is of vital concern 306 PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY that such a survey be completed as rapidly and efficiently as pos- sible, as applications for federal funds under the National Preserva- tion Act can be made only upon the basis of a complete survey and the formulation of a master plan for state preservation. Any- one wishing to register historic sites or buildings may obtain tht necessary instructions and forms from Mr. Johnson, whose head- quarters are the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commis- sion. Box 232, Harrisburg.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is under- taking to revise and update its Bibliography of Pennsylziania His- tory. If anyone is aware of specific omissions in the earlier edition (1957), the commission would greatly appreciate having them called to its attention. Suggestions to improve the usefulness of the Bibliography will also be welcome. Should any reader encounter articles germane to Pennsylvania history in foreign or obscure publications, the commission would be glad to learn of them. Correspondence should be addressed to Daniel R. MacGilvray, Bibliography Editor, at the commission, Box 232, Harrisburg.

judge Clinton R. Weidner of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas has dismissed the lawsuit of Miss Helen Clay Frick which sought to enjoin further publication of Dr. S. K. Stevens's Pennsylvania: Birthplace of a, Nation. Miss Frick had claimed that passages in the book which referred to her father, Henry Clay Frick, were defamatory both to her father and to her- self. Judge Weidner, in a fifty-one-page opinion, declared that the public was entitled to know all sides of Frick's life, and that it was within a scholar's constitutional freedom, to make assess- ments, based on reasonable research, of controversial figures. Miss Frick's lawyers have appealed the decision.

The Society of Architectural Historians has recently moved to new headquarters at 1700 Walnut Street, Room 716, Philadelphia. On June 11-24, the society sponsored an architectural tour of the Caribbean Islands. The 1967 annual tour will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 26-29.

The Pennsylvania Railroad's picturesque Horseshoe Curve, on the main east-west line near Altoona, was recently designated a NEWS AND COMMENT 307

ational Historic Landmark by the National Park Service of the -nited States Department of the Interior. A bronze plaque was resented to George M. Smith, general manager of the railroad's -ntral region, aboard a "Horseshoe Curve Special" train at ohnstown, May 12.

The secretary of the Pennsylvania Historical Association an- -ounces that the Association's supply of back copies of PENN- SYLVANIA HISTORY for January, 1965, and January, 1966, is niearly exhausted. The Association receives frequent requests for full sets of back copies and cannot fill in these issues. The secre- tary therefore requests that members who have these specific issues (only) and who no longer want them might send them to himn at the Pennsylvania State University. Postage is ten cents for second- class mail, which the Association will pay on request.

The annual convention of the Pennsylvania Historical Associa- tion will be held at Beaver Falls, October 20-21, 1967, with Geneva College as host. Members will receive further information Nvell in advance of those dates.