LOCAL HISTORY: Tarring S. Davis, History of Blair County, Volume I, 1931, Blair County, PA - Chapter 20 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ html file: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/1picts/davis/tdavis1.htm _______________________________________________ A HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA UNDER EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF TARRING S. DAVIS LUCILE SHENK, ASSOCIATE EDITOR VOLUME I HARRISBURG: NATIONAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC., 1931 CHAPTER XX ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS 279 CHARITABLE AND WELFARE INSTITUTIONS CITIZENS of Blair County have shown much foresight in their establishment of institutions for the poor and handicapped. No one could have prophesied the growth of the population of the county which brought with it, as large towns and cities are wont to do, proportionally increasing numbers of dependent persons. The almshouse in Allegheny Township, near Hollidaysburg, was provided within four years after the county was organized. The buildings there were first occupied in 1850. A fire in 1891 completely destroyed them, and new ones were erected in 1893. The number of mentally diseased inmates increased to such an extent that it was deemed advisable to provide separate quarters for them. This was accomplished in 1906. In 1902 the almshouse was enlarged and a contagious disease hospital was added to the institution. A farm is operated in connection with the institution which now consists of the alms-house, farm, hospital for contagious diseases, and hospital for the insane. Hiram H. Pensyl, James M. Stiffler and A. Lee Fleck were Directors of the Poor to whom much credit is due for their untiring efforts in organizing public sentiment, and providing funds for establishing the hospital for the mentally ill. The present members of the board are Samuel S. Bowen, Clair C. Fleck and Charles C. Marks. The high character of their service has been greatly responsible for the position Blair County maintains in public welfare work. A Children's Industrial Training Home was instituted in fulfillment of the state law of 1891, requiring that dependent children under sixteen years of age be placed in suitable homes for care. For a time the Children's Aid Society of Western Pennsylvania cared for the needs of local children. The court issued orders for $1.25 each week for each dependent child. In 1897, Judge Martin Bell, the county commissioners, and the directors of the poor conferred for the purpose of agreeing upon a more satisfactory and definite plan for meeting the needs of Blair County's dependent children. As a result, the building later known as the Collegiate Institute, at Martinsburg, was secured for institutional purposes. Mrs. Shaffer and Miss Grace Varner superintended the home until 1902 when the county officials provided new and commodious quarters at Williamsburg. Frederic J. Shollar, the prominent Altoona architect, who is a native of Williamsburg, planned the building. Miss Sarah Murray was superintendent of the new institution, to which the children were transferred in 1902. Miss Linda Burger succeeded Miss Murray. Harry C. Brode became steward at the Blair County Home, or almshouse, in 1927, and in April, 1928, was elected superintendent. He directs the activities of the home and farm, while Mrs. Brode is matron. 280 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Drs. Thomas F. Neil and Henry J. Sommer have been the superintendents of the hospital for the insane since it became a separate establishment. The latter is the present incumbent. Dr. Sommer has had a remarkable career since he graduated with honors in surgery from Jefferson Medical College in 1893. After that he served in the state quarantine service at the Port of Philadelphia; as a bacteriologist in the Municipal Hospital for Contagious Diseases; and on November 29, 1893, became United States Consul at Bombay, India, in order that he might pursue his studies in leprosy and cholera. Ill health made it imperative that he return to the United States. He did so in 1895, and engaged in private practice at Tremont, Schuylkill County. In a short time he became associated with the work of the Norristown State Hospital for the Insane where he was engaged as assistant surgeon for six years, and then as pathologist. In this period he made the hog cholera serum used in Pennsylvania. In 1908, he prepared an analysis of the results of post mortem examinations of 1,180 insane persons. Since its publication, Dr. Sommer's book has achieved wide recognition as the best source of information on the subject. Dr. Sommer is devoted to the best interests of the afflicted persons who come under his care, and has built up an institution that leads in its particular field. The Methodist Church maintains a home for the aged at Tyrone, and there is a Presbyterian Home at Hollidaysburg. In Altoona, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks have established homes for members. The Salvation Army conducts a home at 710 Eighth Avenue. The Blair County Detention Home is also located in Altoona. The Central Bureau of Charities in Altoona was established for the purpose of organizing charity so that there would be as little duplication as possible of services to the needy by the various charitable organizations of the city. In this manner more effective work can be accomplished, and unworthy persons have less opportunity to take advantage of sympathetic citizens. D. N. Slep is chairman of the bureau, and Mrs. S. Royer Dibert, secretary. Miss Marguerite Brown is secretary of the Children's Aid Society of Blair County. The Child Welfare League also works for the best interests of the younger citizenry. Mrs. L. E. Leopold is president and Mrs. Alton K. Mower, secretary. Eldorado supports a Welfare League, too, and Mrs. D. H. Baird is its president, while Mrs. Grace K. Ebright serves as secretary. The members of the Mothers' Assistance Fund of the county have been listed with the present county officers. The Needlework Guild of America has a branch organization here. Its purpose is to provide garments and linen for orphanages and similar institutions through women of the community. Mrs. W. W. Murray is the local president. Dr. A. S. Kech is chairman of the disaster relief committee of the American Red Cross here, while David R. Perry is general chairman of the county organization, and W. R. Wertz, secretary. The Blair County Tuberculosis & Health Society promotes disease prevention, and provides means whereby invalids can obtain proper care and treatment. C. E. Torrance serves as president, and Mrs. Mildred Hecker is the secretary. The local hospitals ORGANIZATlONS 281 dispense charity, too. M. H. Canan is the presiding officer of the Altoona Hospital, and H. M. Chenoweth is secretary. Mrs. W. W. Murray is president of the Altoona Hospital Auxiliary, and Mrs. Homer S. Biddle, secretary. The Junior Auxiliary of this hospital is under the leadership of Miss Blanche Dickson, president, and Miss Florence Vaughn, secretary. Mercy Hospital has identical organizations working in its behalf. J. A. Elder is president of the general organization, of which I. H. Isenberg is secretary. Mrs. Andrew Ford is president of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and Mrs. J. J. Burns, secretary, while Mrs. Dean B. Shaw is president of the junior auxiliary, and Miss Rose Connor, secretary. Captain William Dick leads the work of the Salvation Army in Altoona. Aside from all these organizations and institutions that promote charitable work, there are many devoted to social service that combine some of the elements of charitable organizations. Of these the Young Men's Christian Association is the oldest organization, in point of continued, effective service, in the county. It has long played an important role in the lives of Altoona's young men, and is best known for its branch organizations among Pennsylvania Railroad employees. These were outgrowths of the efforts of Lang Sheaff, an international committee-man of the organization, who visited Altoona in 1875. Early in the succeeding year, interested young railroad men decided to effect an organization. The first officers were: George F. Jones, president; Flemon Trout, Simon Hawk and John H. Carr, vice-presidents; W. A. Adams, treasurer; John L. Williams, recording secretary, and T. B. Patton, corresponding secretary. The committee chairmen were: C. M. Pimlott, rooms; Thomas W. Cole, entertainment; J. A. Rakestraw, library and lectures; E. J. Skelly, visitation of the sick; W. A. Shuster, finance; H. J. Aukerman, membership; Joseph Carl, reception; Edmund Murphy, devotional; H. D. Whitmer, churches. The present headquarters of the city organization are located at 904 Lexington Avenue. H. L. Johnston is president and James A. Wooten, secretary. The Y. M. C. A. aims to develop the best elements in men through spiritual, social, physical and intellectual guidance. The Young Women's Christian Association accomplishes for the young women of the city what the Y. M. C. A. does for the young met. An organization was affected in 1906. The first officers were: Mrs. M. W. Thomson, president; Mrs. Heaton Baker, Misses Cora Bowers, Margaret Ross and Anna McCauley, vice-presidents; Miss Henrietta Leisenring, secretary; Miss Elizabeth Bunker, treasurer. The association's center in Altoona is at 1419 Twelfth Avenue. Mrs. Homer S. Biddle is the president, and Mrs. Eleanor Ellsworth, secretary. Both the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. have centers at Hollidaysburg. The Young Women's Hebrew Association serves the Jewish women of Altoona. It also maintains high social standards and has for its presiding officer Miss Anne Strauss. Miss Sophie Katzen is the secretary. Altoona's Boy Scout Council directs the work of various troops of scouts throughout the city and county. Independence, respect for authority; respect for the rights and privileges of others; a high sense of duty and a love of nature 282 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY gained through life in the open, are only a few of the traits developed in the growing boy through this great movement. G. W. Shaffer is president of the Altoona Council, and J. L. Taylor is secretary. The Blair County organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was instituted at Tipton in 1884, with Miss Sallie Dysart as president. Four years earlier Altoona women met and formed a union here, with Mrs. Martha Dysart, president. Branches have grown up in all of the county towns. The primary aim of this union was to gain legislative measures for the prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors. No small part of the great work that resulted in the adoption of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was accomplished by these energetic women. They worked untiringly to educate the public to a realization of the ill effects, both moral and physical, that result from overindulgence in the use of intoxicating beverages. Other social and civic movements for the best interests of America's citizens are continually fostered by the W. C. T. U.. Mrs. Mary Sawtelle, of Altoona, is the county president, and Mrs. Florence Baird, of Tyrone, secretary. The Dysart Chapter in Altoona is presided over by Mrs. A. P. W. Johnston. The welfare of animals in this vicinity is looked after by C. H. Carr, Altoona representative of the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. SERVICE, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Five leading service organizations, national in scope, are represented in Altoona. They are the Rotarians, Kiwanians, Lions, Torch Club and Quota Club. Through contacts made at weekly or monthly meetings business and professional men and women seek to create good-fellowship among themselves. At the same time lecturers and artists, specialists in their own fields, are brought from many parts of the country to appear on programs. Many important civic movements have gained added impetus, and been assured of success because one of these organizations was willing to act as sponsor. The officers of these service clubs include: N. A. Stevens, president of the Rotary Club, and F. F. Hennaman, secretary; Fred Johnson, president of the Kiwanians, and P. V. Tillard, secretary; M. A. Miller, president of the Lions' Club, and J. C. Brallier, secretary; Dr. H. J. Sommer, president of the Torch Club, and F. Woods Beckman, secretary; Miss Gertrude Koch, president of the Quota Club, and Miss Ruth E. Gleichert, secretary. Membership in these organizations is not limited to citizens of Altoona. Many persons living in Hollidaysburg, as well as in other county towns, are identified with them. The Altoona Chamber of Commerce is the organized business center of the city and county. It fills an important place in the community life by encouraging new industries, cultural organizations and people to make Altoona their home. E. J. Bigley is president, and H. King McFarlane, secretary. The Altoona Booster Association serves as a sort of advertising center from which the reports ORGANIZATIONS 283 of local achievements emanate. Mr. McFarlane serves as secretary of this organization, too, and Meyer Kohn is the vice-president. Many groups of business men and women have formed associations through which high standards of service to the community are maintained. Their names indicate the character of their interests. They are: the Central Pennsylvania Coal Producers' Association of which B. M. Clark, of Indiana, is president, and Walter A. Jones, of Altoona, secretary; the Credit Association of Western Pennsylvania with Paul A. Kerin as manager; Blair County Credit Bureau of which J. E. Corn is secretary; Altoona Association of Life Insurance Underwriters of which R. S. Hersperger is president, and Harry Scholl, secretary; Altoona Real Estate Board with Charles H. McVey as president, and R. L. Thompson, secretary; American Business Club of which Dr. J. D. Mathewson is the presiding officer, and Dr. W. J. Roth, secretary; the American Institute of Banking with G. A. J. Wherley, of the First National Bank, as president, and R. K. Hofmann, of the Union Bank, as secretary; Sheet Metal Contractors' Association of which A. J. Sabathne is president, and Leon W. Fraker, secretary; the Travelers' Protective Association, Post X, with Mark I. Jewett, president, and H. M. Steckman, secretary; the United Commercial Travelers of which H. S. Lang is Senior Councillor, and B. F. Loercher, secretary. Mr. Loercher is also secretary of the Blair County Road Drivers' Association, and Edward R. Halton is the president. The Blair County Gasoline Dealers are organized with George Sigel, of Altoona, as president, and A. W. Martin, of Greenwood, secretary. Homer Hanson is president, and John Drass, Jr., secretary, of the Blair County Association of Fire & Casualty Insurance Agents. The Business & Professional Women's Club serves both groups. Miss Anne Feeney is president, and Miss Mary Kilday, secretary. Among the professions the physicians are organized under the Blair County Medical Society, of which Dr. H. C. Thomas is president, and Dr. E. F. Williams, secretary. Pharmacists meet as the Blair County Pharmaceutical Association with J. T. Meredith, president, and Carson H. Brady, secretary. The presiding officer of the Blair County Bar Association is Benjamin F. Warfel, of Hollidaysburg, and J. F. Meck, of Altoona, is secretary. Local clergymen have formed the Altoona Ministerium of which Revs. Charles D. Rockel and Ralph Harrity are president and secretary, respectively. Dr. Sarah M. Davies is president of the Blair County College Club, and Miss Angela DeBarber is secretary. Membership in this organization is made up of college women of the county who keep up their cultural and intellectual contacts in their club meetings. ART CLUBS, HISTORICAL SOCIETY, RECREATIONAL CLUBS, ETC. The development of charitable, service, business and professional organizations has been supplemented in Blair County by the accompanying development of institutions to promote culture and provide recreation. The Barker School and 284 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY the Honolulu Conservatory of Music in Altoona provide instruction, as do a number of artists who maintain studios throughout the county. In addition to the local bands and orchestras that serve at public and private functions, several singing societies and choruses have grown up in our city. Some of these societies are distinguished by the number of members who are foreign born Americans. It is interesting to observe how much this element of our population is doing to preserve and stimulate culture through art. The Concordia Singing Society, founded in 1870, is organized under the leadership of Mathias Szeyller, president, and John Stoiber, secretary. The Frohsinn Singing Society, also organized in 1870, and the Musical Society Unter Uns, are similar organizations. Mrs. Frank Caplan is president of the Altoona Music Club Chorus, and Mrs. J. Q. Replogle serves as secretary. The Altoona Works Male Choir consists of Pennsylvania Railroad Company employees. Howard W. Lindaman is president. Donald J. Howard acts as secretary of the Altoona Art Institute. This city also supports a Little Theatre Guild. F. Woods Beckman is president, and Miss Blanche E. Dickson is the secretary. The Blair County Historical Society has been instrumental in acquiring important historic sites, properly marking and preserving them. One of the most notable achievements of this society was the erection of a monument at the foot of plane No. 6 of the old Allegheny Portage Railroad. This was accomplished with the cooperation of state authorities and officials of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in 1929. A special commission was appointed by Governor John S. Fisher in 1927 when the legislature appropriated $10,000 for the erection of the monument and the construction of a scale working model of an inclined plane. The unveiling of the monument took place near Cresson on the William Penn Highway on October 1, 1929. Members of the commission appointed by Governor Fisher were: William Elmer, special engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Philadelphia; Plymouth W. Snyder, former state senator from Blair County and a past-president of the Blair County Historical Society; Tarring S. Davis, superintendent of schools of Blair County, and now the president of the Blair County Historical Society; W. I. Woodcock, past-president of the Blair County Bar Association, and former president of the Blair County Historical Society, and Thomas G. Peoples, register and recorder of deeds, Blair County. Mr. Elmer presided at the unveiling services, when addresses were made by Charles M. Schwab, steel magnate, who is a native of Williamsburg; A. J. County, vice-president in charge of finance and corporate relations of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Governor John S. Fisher. Jonathan Leet, whose paternal great-grandfather was at one time a canal supervisor, unveiled the monument. Music for the occasion was provided by the Pennsylvania Railroad Middle Division Band and the Altoona Works Choir. Tarring S. Davis is the president of the society now, and Mrs. A. P. W. Johnston is secretary. A valuable library of local history has been collected, and at present this is the only one, aside from circulating and school libraries, in the county. The Historical Society in this manner aids materially in preserving valuable source material for posterity. ORGANIZATIONS 285 The Pennsylvania Railroad Mechanics' Library was abandoned several years ago, and the books were given to the city, but no public library facilities have been provided. Civic Clubs have been instituted in the Fifth and Twelfth Wards, and at Hileman Heights, Altoona. Edward S. Price is president of the Fifth Ward organization, and Robert W. Templeton, secretary. In the Twelfth Ward, C. W. Morrow is the presiding officer, and George H. Clapper is secretary. The Hileman Heights Association has W. H. Roelofs as president, and C. A. Hauser as secretary. All of these clubs are working toward civic improvement in such matters as beautifying homes and zoning. Recreational clubs of many types have become popular for persons interested in general athletics, specific sports and hobbies. Employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad find much enjoyment in participation in the activities of the Middle Division Athletic Association of which E. P. Bouton is president, and S. A. Edelman, secretary. The General Office Athletic Association, for employees of that department of the railroad works, is headed by C. E. Jeffries. The Altoona Speedway where automobile races attract thousands of spectators is widely known throughout the country. The most important racing events take place here annually on July 4th. Paul C. Pommer is secretary of the Altoona Racing Association. F. G. Grimshaw is president of the Altoona Cricket Club, and W. E. Barclay is secretary. The Blairmont Country Club and the Tyrone Golf Club afford facilities for local golfers. Oliver S. Hewitt, of Hollidaysburg, is president of the Blairmont Club, while T. L. Jones, of Altoona, is secretary. Fishing and hunting are encouraged under proper regulations through membership in the Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club of which Charles H. Cassidy is president, and John H. Hemphill, secretary. Carl S. Taylor is president, and George Mock, secretary, of the Blair County Game, Fish & Forestry Association. The Garden Club plays a vital part in stimulating civic pride in the planting and culture of beautiful gardens. Mrs. W. L. Nicholson, of Ant Hills, Hollidaysburg, is the presiding officer of the Garden Club. Local motorists have united to form the Blair County Motor Club with S. G. Wise, president, and Miss Laura E. Beaver, secretary. This club interests itself in good roads, maintenance of proper safety devices, and careful driving. It also serves the public in dispensing all sorts of tourist information. MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS Two Grand Army Posts have been in existence in Altoona since the national organization was formed. They are the Stephen C. Potts Post, No. 62, and the Fred C. Ward Post, No. 468. James Louden, of Mill Creek, is the presiding officer of Post, No. 62, and Mrs. Joseph Tate, of Altoona, is assistant adjutant. S. C. Wilson and Harry V. Carls, both of Altoona, head Post, No. 468. Both of these G. A. R. Posts have auxiliaries. Circle, No. 8, is auxiliary to the Stephen C. Potts Post. Mrs. Ella Fornwalt and Miss Hattie N. Haines are the leading 286 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY officers. Mrs. Margaret Wray and Mrs. O. W. Kerns conduct the affairs of Circle, No. i6, auxiliary to the Fred C. Ward Post. The Sons of Union Veterans, of Potts Post, No. 62, are organized with A. H. Keirn as president, and F. L. Burns, secretary. The ranks of veterans of the Civil War are rapidly dwindling in numbers. It is a tribute to their faithfulness and character, that nearly seventy years after the conclusion of the great war they maintain a military organization. J. H. Shearer is the presiding officer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Altoona. The United Spanish War Veterans are headed by N. R. Palmer in Altoona. Colonel R. S. Westbrook is president of the Union Veteran Legion. Mrs. Minerva Lasher and Mrs. Ellen Smith are the officers of the auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. There is a Women's Auxiliary of the United Spanish War Veterans, too. Mrs. Mary Spitz and Mrs. Maud Wertz are the officers in Altoona. The Daughters of Union Veterans are organized with Miss Bess Deal, of Hollidaysburg, as president, and Mrs. Joseph Tate, of Altoona, secretary. The American Legion was organized by American Veterans of the World War. F. F. Hennaman and Daniel S. Cary are the active leaders of the Charles R. Rowan Post, No. 228, in Altoona. J. Calvin Lang, Jr., is commander of the Hollidaysburg Post. Several auxiliary organizations have been formed. Mrs. Earl Norton and Mrs. Paul Goetz are officers engaged in the work of the auxiliary to the Charles R. Rowan Post. Officers of the Bi-County Council (Blair and Bedford) of the American Legion Auxiliaries reside in Blair County. They are: Mrs. S. G. Washabaugh, of Altoona, and Mrs. Elmer Burket, of Roaring Spring. American War Mothers have become particularly outstanding within recent years since the United States Government has financed and arranged tours to the European battlefields where many American soldiers died, and to the cemeteries where they are buried. The Altoona War Mothers have as their officers Mrs. H. B. Fluke and Mrs. R. A. Wilson. The Daughters of the American Revolution have in Altoona the Colonel John Proctor Chapter, of which Miss Mary V. Turner is the regent, and Mrs. W. Frank Beck, secretary. Dr. G. C. Robb and Frank B. White are the presiding officers of the Sons of the American Revolution. All of these organizations, whether composed of veterans of America's wars or their descendants, aim to set high goals of patriotism and citizenship for the younger generations of our citizenry. The D. A. R. does much to assist the local historical organization to keep the great attainments and good deeds of our patriot ancestors before us, and aids in preserving historic sites and commemorating historic events. The American Legion is vitally interested in the welfare of World War Veterans, and has played a great part in gaining additional financial remuneration for disabled veterans through recent legislation in the Congress of the United States. Some of our young citizens are devoted to the service of the Pennsylvania National Guard of which Major A. O. King is the commanding officer in Altoona. The Logan Blues of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Troop C, 104th Cavalry, is under the command of Sergeants Frank Spallone and Corporal S. A. Crawford. Colonel Edward R. Coppock heads the Organized Reserves in Altoona. ORGANIZATIONS 287 FRATERNAL ORDERS MASONRY It has been said of Altoona that this city is pre-eminently a city of fraternal orders. Obviously this is correct, when one attempts to list the many organizations of this nature that are maintained here. In Masonry, Altoona supports three blue lodges, a chapter, council, commandery and several shrine organizations identified with Jaffa Temple. Of the blue lodges, Mountain Lodge, No. 281, was constituted in 1853. J. Earl Fox is the present worshipful master, and G. A. Askew fills another important post. On May 1, 1871, Logan Lodge, No. 490, was constituted. The present officers are: N. R. Snyder, worshipful master, and Lynn M. Moses. Hiram Lodge, No. 616, of which Warren H. Biddle is worshipful master, and Roy E. Goettman another leading officer, was constituted on June 22, 1898. The high priest of Mountain Royal Arch Chapter, No. 189, which was constituted on September 28, 1858, is M. J. Davis. Joseph M. Howe is an active leader in the chapter. Mountain Council, No. 9, Royal and Select Master Masons, was established on December 16, 1857. W. G. Powell is the thrice illustrious master, and Joseph M. Howe is also identified with the council. Mountain Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, was organized in 1855. Lynn M. Moses is the eminent commander, and Wilson A. Turner, recorder. Jaffa Temple AAONMS, of which Dr. J. I. Pollum, of DuBois, is the illustrious potentate, is responsible for the great Mosque that graces Altoona at Broad and Twenty-second Street. Wilson A. Turner has been recorder of Jaffa Temple since 1907, and maintains his offices in the Mosque. Members of the Turner family have been outstanding in Masonry, and in public life as well, for several generations. Edmund Turner, father of the recorder, was mayor of Altoona before 1890, and at one time served as commander of the Knights Templar of Pennsylvania. Wilson Turner has been connected with the Commandery as recorder since 1902, and with the Shrine, in the same capacity, since 1907. In 1910, the responsibilities of that office required so much activity on his part that he decided to devote all of his time to it. The Masonic Temple is situated at Twelfth Avenue and Eleventh Street. Recreational facilities are available here for members of the organization. David R. Perry and M. B. Williamson lead the activities of the Shrine Luncheon Club. The Jaffa Chanters are presided over by Dr. Robert P. Brupbacher and Arthur E. Caum. Auxiliaries of the various masonic bodies here are: the Eastern Star, Delphi Chapter, of which Mrs. D. M. Yarnall is worthy matron; Jobel Court presided over by Mrs. W. N. Decker; Eastern Star, Altoona Chapter, No. 290, of which Mrs. Anne McFarlane is the worthy matron; Ladies' Auxiliary to Mountain 288 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Commandery, No. 10, with Mrs. S. A. Martin the presiding officer, and Jordan White, in which Mrs. A. C. Winget, of Tyrone, is a leading official. Portage Lodge, No. 220; Juniata Lodge, No. 282, and Mount Moriah Chapter, No. 166, are the Hollidaysburg masonic bodies. Portage Lodge is the oldest in the county, for it was constituted in 1846. In 1853, Juniata Lodge, No. 282, was formed. Tyrone and Roaring Spring both have active blue lodges. Tyrone Lodge, No. 494, was constituted in 1871. Woodbury Lodge, No. 539, was organized in Woodbury in 1875 and removed to Roaring Spring in 1887. C. I. Kurtz, Fred J. Wood, H. N. Fox, John Stern, Lawrence P. Swoope and Russell B. Garver are among those actively connected with the Woodbury Lodge. JUNIOR ORDER UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS This fraternal order has five councils in Altoona. They are: Pride of Mountain City Council, No. 472, organized as Mountain City Council, No. 198, in March, 1869, of which T. O. Hickey is the present commander, and W. W. Shiplett, secretary; Juniata Council, No. 372, with W. M. Glass, secretary; Altoona Council of which A. H. Householder is secretary; Warren Harding Council with James Satterfield, secretary, and Blair County Council, No. 376, with W. M. Esper as secretary. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS Twelve organizations of Odd Fellows are represented here. The first lodge was organized in 1852. These bodies, with the present scribes, are: Alti Encampment, No. 89, F. B. Jones, scribe; Altoona Canton, No. 24, Patriarchs Militant, W. E. Rodkey, scribe; Altoona Encampment, No. 129, D. E. Brown, scribe; Altoona Bellview Lodge, No. 297, J. W. McCoy, scribe; Juniata Encampment, No. 276, J. W. McCoy, scribe; Logan Lodge, No. 1059, E. N. Pittman, scribe; George R. McFarlane Lodge, No. 279, A. C. Beaver, scribe; Archie Maxwell Lodge, No. 145, I. N. Atherton, scribe; Mountain City Lodge, No. 837, R. B. Woods, scribe; B. S. Davis Lodge, No. 1069, Walter C. Renner, scribe. Model Lodge, No. 867, was constituted in Roaring Spring on October 30, 1873. Men who have been actively connected with this lodge are: J. R. Bassler, J. E. Guyer, J. W. Curfman, James S. Williams and Elvin E. Myers. John I. Noble Encampment, No. 269, was constituted here in 1886. John R. Bassler, William C. McGee, David McGee, Charles Mock, E. E. Myers and C. W. Fox have been leaders of the encampment for many years. PATRIOTIC ORDER SONS OF AMERICA The following bodies of the P. O. S. of A. are active in Altoona: Camp, No. 31, John E. Alleman, president, and R. A. Weise, secretary; Camp, No. 54, Frank M. Anderson, secretary; Alexandria Commandery, No. 46, C. E. Ford, president, and D. L. Hoffman, secretary; Eldorado Camp, No. 759, John A. Krouse, secretary; Juniata Camp, No. 635, L. W. Charters and F. F. Brunell, ORGANIZATIONS 289 officers; Blair County Camp, No. 60, W. H. Lowe, of Altoona, and E. S. Burket, of Martinsburg, president and secretary, respectively. Washington Camp, No. 30, was constituted in Roaring Spring in 1887. John Maddocks, Elmer E. Hartman, Lawrence P. Swope and Jacob P. Martin have been actively connected with its development. OTHER ORDERS, BENEVOLENT AND FRATERNAL Four lodges of the Knights of Pythias are active in Altoona. They are: Altoona Lodge, No. 147, C. E. Sharer and G. A. McGregor, officers; Blair Lodge, No. 281, Abraham Otto and T. L. Calhoun, officers; Logan Lodge, No. 79, F. J. Gamber and F. R. Kepler, officers; and White Cross Lodge, No. 354, D. W. Mason and Max Scandelmeir, officers. The first lodge was organized here in 1862. Their temple is located on Eighth Avenue. The Improved Order of Red Men have Chickalacamoose Tribe, No. 364; Orinoco Tribe, No. 424, and Manche Look Tribe, No. 155, in Altoona. Their respective secretaries are: G. E. Musselman, Carl Grosse and J. K. Miller. The headquarters for their activities is located at 820 Twelfth Street. On March 20, 1900, the Modern Woodmen of America organized their first camp here. There are three camps in this city now. They are: Altoona Camp, No. 7852; Logan Camp, No. 8003, and East Side Camp, No. 15065. S. S. Dougherty, J. T. Hamilton, W. J. Hess and J. O. Browne are local officials of this order. The Roaring Spring Camp was constituted in 1915. John E. Guyer, George Guyer, Harry H. Miller and John E. Hall are actively identified with the last named camp. The Fraternal Order of Eagles have Aerie, No. 286, in Altoona, and Aerie, No. 1859, in Bellwood. Emile H. Schultz is president, and Charles Barnes, secretary of the Altoona organization. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks organized two lodges in Altoona, and another in Tyrone. Altoona Lodge, No. 102, was organized in 1882, and has become an important factor in local fraternal life. William E. Yates is president, and Joseph Harlow, secretary. The Elks Home is located at 1213 Twelfth Street. Negro citizens have established a lodge here, too. Their headquarters are situated at 1313 Fifteenth Street. John J. Reilly and Edward Hallinan are president and secretary, respectively, of Division, No. 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians. The Knights of Columbus maintain Council, No. 551, in Altoona. Zac Endress is grand knight, and B. V. Monahan, secretary. The Knights of Malta have been organized in this city with Donato Mollica, sir knight of Excelsior Commandery, No. 66, and Clarence Goodman, secretary. Harry Loner is secretary of Mt. Horeb Commandery, No. 141. G. Arthur Hughes is president of the Knights of Kohrassan, No. 168, and C. F. Sweitzer is secretary. The Loyal Order of Moose was instituted as Lodge, No. 74, at Altoona in 290 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY 1908. William S. Hight is the present dictator, and M. J. Maney, secretary. The headquarters are located at 1214 Eighth Avenue. Robert Sealfon and Abraham Karp are actively identified with the Kadima Club. Calvin Burket is president of the Mountain City Castle, No. 2877, of the Knights of King Arthur. The Roaring Spring Castle, No. 208, Knights of the Golden Eagle, was constituted in 1901. E. C. Yingling, L. P. Swoope, J. F. Himes, J. I. Cramer, B. Z. Baker and J. D. Stonerook are leading members. The Daughters of Rebekah, auxiliary of the I. O. O. F., have six lodges in Altoona. They include, with their respective secretaries: Eleanor, No. 21 Mrs. Daisy L. McKee; Eudora, No. 87, Mrs. Dora Roe; Isabella, No. 302, Miss Jennie M. Filler; Doreen, No. 318, Mrs. Mary Hoover; Tillie Gehrett, No. 600, Mrs. Zeralda Carn. Mrs. Jennie Black is secretary of the Mountain City Auxiliary, No. 1. In Roaring Spring, Winona Lodge, No. 174, was constituted on September 22, 1888. Local women who have been active in the work of this lodge are: Mary Stewart, Sara Thomas, Annie Samels and Pearl Adams. The Dames of Malta have organized two chapters in Altoona. They are: Olive Sisterhood, No. 2, of which Mrs. Gazella Soyke is president, and Mrs. Jennie Cartright, secretary; and Mount Alto Sisterhood, No. 178, with Mrs. Anna Mary Miller, president, and Mrs. Mary Overcash, secretary. The Patriotic Order of America is the women's auxiliary of the P. O. S. of A. There are three Altoona camps. Camp, No. 49, Mrs. Clara Frisbie, president, and Mrs. Amber Strawser, secretary. Camp, No. 206, Mrs. J. D. Striner, president, and Mrs. Nancy Mattern, secretary. Camp, No. 152, Mrs. Nellie Leathers, president, and Mrs. Lucy Chubb, secretary. Powhatan Tribe, No. 59, of which Mrs. Jennie Cartright is secretary, and Wineperket Tribe, No. 69, of which Miss May Gearhart is secretary, are the two Altoona auxiliaries of the Improved Order of Red Men. The Royal Neighbors are organized here in Camp, No. 6487, of which Mrs. Ellen Smith is president, and Mrs. Catherine Creighton, secretary; and Camp, No. 1088, with Mrs. Ethel Hirsh as the presiding officer, and Mrs. Cora Rodgers, secretary. The meetings of this organization are held in the I. O. O. F. Hall. Mrs. Rebecca Fresh and Mrs. Matilda McGinley are officers of the women's auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Pythian Sisters have Mrs. George W. McElwee and Mrs. Joseph Clarkson as officers. The Council of Jewish Women is headed by Mrs. J. E. Bechhoefer, president, and Mrs. Samuel Jubelirer, secretary. Mrs. James Breth and Miss Mary Clabaugh are president and secretary, respectively, of the Catholic Daughters of America, at Altoona. The Columbian Circle is the women's auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. Mrs. Frank Wise is the president of the local organization, and Mrs. Regina Gallagher, secretary. ORGANIZATIONS 291 POLITICAL, LABOR AND MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS The women of the county have formed several organizations to promote intelligent voting. The League of Women Voters is non-partisan, and Mrs. Ella Knode is the local president, and Mrs. Annie Kreuzpointner, recently deceased, the late secretary. Mrs. W. D. Holliday, of Bellwood, is president of the Blair County Women's Republican Club, while Mrs. J. C. Mufty, of Altoona, serves as secretary, The Blair County Council of Republican Women has for its president Mrs. W. H. Fields, and Miss Katherine Callin for secretary. John C. Barnhart and John M. Klepser are president and secretary, respectively, of the Blair County Republican Club. The Citizens' Republican Club is organized under the leadership of B. F. MacCartney and Edgar Thomas. Labor and relief organizations include: Blair County Central Labor Union with Charles E. Mayes, president, and John F. Weller, secretary; Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen of which T. J. Forbes, Sr., is president, and G. A. McGregor, secretary; M. B. A. of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, with George E. Musselman and W. H. Peterman, the president and secretary, respectively; Master Plumbers' Association of which E. M. Fleming and L. A. Bettwy are leading officers; and the Police Relief Association in which John F. Marshall is president, and A. G. Pluff, secretary. Other organizations in the city and county, with their officers are: Italian- American Citizens' Association, Carlo DeFlorentis, president, and A. G. Mangiacarne; secretary; Society of Christopher Columbus, Joseph Petrarco, president; Sons of Italy, John Caputo, president, and Antonio Fatigante, secretary; St. Donato Society, John Fusco, president, and John DeBernardis, secretary; Altoona Sunshine Society, Mrs. O. B. Earhart, president, and Mrs. L. Walter Davis, secretary; Beacon Light Club, George B. Simmonds, president, and Henry Gansman, secretary; Delphian Society, Oneida Chapter, Mrs. L. M. Nugent, president, and Mrs. J. P. Lafferty, secretary; Delphian Society, Juniata Chapter, Miss Blanche Graham, president, and Mrs. Flora Walters, secretary; Delphian Society, Alto Chapter, Mrs. C. J. Carnill, president, and Miss Sarah Olewine, secretary; East Side Sunshine Society, Mrs. Jessie Nale, of Altoona, president, and Miss Lizzie Akers, of Bellwood, secretary; Hebrew Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. A. Parish, president, and Mrs. A. Goldsmith, secretary; L. C. B. A., Mrs. Mary Cupples, president, and Mrs. Grace Beckel, secretary; Logan Township Supervisors, C. R. Corbett, of Juniata Gap, president, and M. G. Welker, of Altoona, secretary; Monday Night Club, Miss Jeannette Stevens, president, and Miss Edith R. Fleck, secretary; Otium Club, Glenn E. Clouser, president, and Malcolm Gramley, secretary; Phi Beta Psi, Mrs. Mitchell McCartney, president, and Mrs. Wayne Vaughn, secretary; Young Men's Association, A. Weigand, president, and Frank Aigner, secretary. Economic changes affect organizations materially. The liverymen were once organized in our county. So were the canal boatmen, and the bartenders. But they have disappeared with the institutions that supported them. In another generation some of our present organizations will give way to new institutions.