Area History: A Centennial History - Mahanoy City CHAPTER XII -VIGNETTES Pages 79-91 This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Shirley Ryan sryan@enter.net USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. __________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER XII - VIGNETTES PAGES 79 - 91 A CENNENTIAL HISTORY: THIS MATERIAL IS TRANSCRIBED FROM THE 1963 CENTENNIAL BOOKLET ENTITLED “MAHANOY CITY, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1863-1963, A HISTORY”. THE HISTORIANS WHO COMPILED THIS HISTORY WERE: JOSEPH H. DAVIES, CHAIRMAN CHARLES H. ENGLE ELWOOD M. YOUNG Transcribed by: Shirley E. Thomas Ryan June 22, 2002 CHAPTER XII VIGNETTES THE EXPLOSION OF THE GEM On November 16, 1879, the Gem or Witch, a small combination locomotive and car, used by the officials of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, arrived at the local station and, while there, exploded. Its visit usually attracted a number of spectators and this occasion was no exception. George Hagenbuch, son of Charles Hagenbuch, pioneer druggist, who had been sent to the depot by his father for some packages arriving on the train, was killed as were Willie Wenrich and Jacob Trout, two young friends, and Calvin Lutz, of Tamaqua, the engineer. Horace Hagenbuch, a brother to George, was injured seriously. *Photo - Shoemakersville Wreck. Caption..Four Mahanoy City Firemen Lost Their Lives in this Tragic Accident Four firemen from Mahanoy City were killed and five others injured on September 19, 1890 when a Philadelphia and Reading train was wrecked a mile above Shoemakersville. Those losing their lives were Michael Somers, Frank Hoffman, James Becker and David Anstock. A firemen’s convention had been held at Chester that week and many Mahanoy City residents were passengers on the train which was made up of two Pullman coaches, three day coaches, a mail car, a baggage car and an express car. It was traveling at a speed of forty miles an hour when, on a curve in the road, about twenty feet higher than the Schuylkill river, it collided with card derailed by the collision of a freight train and coal rain a short time before. The locomotive, tender, baggage car, mail car and first Pullman car plunged into the river. The three day coaches upset on the embankment and were badly damaged but did not fall into the water. Fire broke out in the Pullman car, part of which was in the river, but was extinguished before it gained headway of any proportions. Page 80 - The bodies of the local victims were returned to town the following day and their funerals were held on Monday, September 22. *Photo - A Second View of the Derailment BURSTING OF WATER DAM On Friday, June 17, 1892, a large section in the middle of the community was inundated as a result of a break in the walls of the No. 2 dam of the Mahanoy City Water Co. At Robinsons several houses were washed from their foundations and at Bowmans, additional families were made homeless. The tracks of the Lehigh Valley Railroad were *Photo - Debris After Dam Burst. Caption…View behind the Kaier Brewery Where Debris Piled Up after the Mahanoy City Water Dam Burst on June 17, 1892 Page 81 - *Photo - Trestle Washed Away. Caption…L.V.R.R. Tracks and Trestle Washed Away by Flood Waters washed away and a large trestle between North Mahanoy and Schuylkill collieries crashed and the material lost in the flood waters. Much of the debris was carried to town and piled up behind the Kaier brewery. This created a dam and its overflow coursed down Main Street carrying timber, old stumps and other material into the center of town. The water flowed south as far as Mahanoy Street although much poured into the Mahanoy Creek and its branches. They became so swollen that the stone walls, in the vicinity of Catawissa Street, were completely washed away. Water for household purposed was a scarcity and it became necessary for many of the residents to carry water in buckets from various pumps and hydrants throughout the community for several months thereafter. *Photo - Interior View of Dam. Caption…Interior of No. 2 Dam after its walls were breached and its waters flooded the Center of Mahanoy City Page 82 - GRAND ARMY DAY, 1892 On Labor Day, September 5, 1892, Governor Robert E. Pattison and General John P.S. Gobin were honored guests when the community staged a spectacular Grand Army Day celebration in conjunction with the dedication of the Civil War monument in the German Protestant cemetery. The monument was designed by M.H. Masters, of Shenandoah and carved by Frederick Barnicoat, who died at Qunicy Mass., July 24, 1942. The soldier was modeled from a photograph of Frank F. Reed, a Civil War veteran and well known townsman. *Photo - A Gala Occasion. Caption….Arch Erected for Grand Army Day, September 5, 1892 Addresses were delivered by Governor Pattison, General Gobin and General Daniel Hastings, who later became a governor of the state. The community was decorated elaborately and a colorful parade preceded the ceremony. Governor Pattison was entertained at the Kaier mansion where the Citizen’s Band gave an open air concert on the lawn that evening. OLD HOME WEEK The residents of Mahanoy City royally celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the borough from September 1 to 8, 1913, with a gala “Old Home Week”. An energetic committee was organized and the members worked tirelessly in promoting the most elaborate celebration, up to that time, in the town’s history. The officers were: President, George C. Heinze; Secretaries, James H. Kirchner, James Carrick, D. Hiram Morgan and William D. Boczkowski; Treasurer, Daniel F. Guinan; Chief Marshal, William F. Dochney. Committee chairman included: Executive, W.F. Dochney; Firemen, James Gallagher; Amusement and Privilege, P.V. McInerney; Decorating, P.V. McInerney; Boosting, P.J. Foley; Soliciting, Jesse Webb; Reception, John Tracey; Transportation, William F. Dochney; Tag Day, T.C. O’Connor; Souvenir Program, George J. Post. The following was the calendar of the week’s events: Monday, Labor Day; Tuesday, Industrial Day; Wednesday, Civic Day; Thursday, Firemen’s Day; Friday, Military Day, and Saturday, School Children’s Day. Page 83 - On Tuesday evening, a fantastic parade was held and on Thursday evening, an automobile parade. Parades were held on the other days also. In the Civic parade on Wednesday rode Emanuel Boyer, “the first permanent citizen of the community”. A news item in reporting the event said, “Though feeble, Mr. Boyer rode over the paved streets of a city which he, between fifty and sixty years ago, traversed as thickets after bear and deer”. At intervals during the week, band concerts were given. One of the most notable was one on the grounds of the Kaier Mansion, on the evening of Labor Day, by the Mahanoy Valley Band under the direction of Prof. Thomas Dorsey. It was a week of many visitors and much reminiscence. It spread the fame of the community’s hospitality far and wide. Its lavishness had not been equaled previously and newsmen of the day hailed it as “Mahanoy City’s real moment of glory”. LAST DUEL IN STATE On the evening of Thursday, March 26, 1931, the last duel in the state was fought on the outskirts of Mahanoy City by two Montenegran mineworkers who had been imported to the region several years before by a rock contractor to work on his contracts at area collieries. Savo Raicevich, 42, and Risto Evo Brankovich, 48, were the duelists. Brankovich was the challenger, the duel being arranged by a pact according to the custom of Montenegran hill folk. Bitter feeling arose between the men, who had been reared together in the same village in Montenegro, when Raicevich, who had returned a short time before from a visit to his native country where both had wives and children, made remarks defaming the virtue and character of the wife of Brankovich. The men, who resided in a shack, erected by the contractor on the south side of the Mahanoy City-Delano highway, below the old Primrose Colliery office on the hill which *Photo - Covering of Creek Channel. Caption…while portions of the creek had been covered under authorization of Borough Council through the years, the major part was covered as a project of the works Progress Administration, established to give work to the unemployed during the 1930’s - “the depression years”. Page 84 - rose directly behind the cabin, met on the North Eight Street dumping grounds and there engaged in a duel with revolvers, skulking behind the rocks and debris as they fired more than thirty shots at each other. Both men were wounded, Raicevich’s injuries proving fatal. He succumbed in the Locust Mountain Hospital several hours later. Brankovich was brought to trial on June 19, 1931 and two days later the jury returned a verdict of “not guilty”. On June 23, he was taken before Judge Richard Koch who fixed bail on a charge of dueling at $3,000. While in jail he made an attempt to take his life. Two years later he succumbed following an attack of appendicitis. MAHANOY CITY - PAST AND PRESENT The late James Carrick, a former associate editor of the Mahanoy City Record-American, at one time published a column in the paper to answer queries addressed to the editor. “Mahanoy City - Past and Present. But mostly Past”, contained much pertinent information in brief. The following data, with a few additions, was compiled by him: When was Babe Ruth, the home run king, at the West End Park? October 27, 1923. When was a tabernacle built for Evangelistic services? Fall of 1915 (Munhall and Lowe campaign). When did a mine cave in carry down the floor of the Smith Store? October 13, 1912. Q. When were many of the borough streets renamed? A. September 22, 1914 Q. When did a grandstand collapse and injure spectators? A. September 1, 1894. Q. When was there a riot at a circus here and what circus was involved? A. May 26, 1891 - Wallace and Anderson. *Photo PIONEER GROCERY STORE. Caption…The H.K. Smith and Son Grocery Store, located at 5-7 East Centre Street, founded in 1864 and in continuous operation until 1931 when the property was acquired for the expansion of the Union National Bank. Francis Smith, son of the founder, appears on the picture taken about 1885. Page 85 - *Photo - A Memorial Day Never to be Forgotten. Caption..Thirty business places and four homes were destroyed or extensively damaged as was a row of garages and 38 families made homeless in the million dollar fire that swept the business section of the community on May 30, 1945. Page 86 - When was the first swimming pool opened at East End Park? July 4, 1915. Second one, August 1, 1924. When was the last dance at Pleasant Hill? Last advertised dance was held June 23, 1922. When did the dynamite truck explode near Craigs? August 6, 1952. What were some of the outstanding celebrations held in town? Six- County Firemen’s Convention, 1904; Old Home Week, 1913; Red Men’s Convention, 1916; State Elks Convention, August 1912; Armistice Day (American Legion), November 13-14, 1941; Six-County Firemen, June 19-26, 1922; United Mine Workers, September 15, 1942; Fraternal Order of Police, January 10-12, 1952; Schuylkill County Volunteer Firemen, October 7-8, 1960. *Photo - Parade In Honor of 1917 Enlistees. Caption…Schools Superintendent H.A. Oday, who organized the parade, is shown in front carrying small flag as procession moved north on Main Street to the Reading Station to meet the 1:05 p.m. train. The enlistees entrained for Columbus, O., where they were assigned to Army units. When was work begun on the State Police barracks at Vulcan? July 28, 1958. When did M.C.H.S. basketball team win a state championship? April 1, 1922, defeating Harrisburg Tech 22-17 at State College. When did a soup kitchen operate locally? One was opened on December 23, 1925. When did the train wreck occur near the Kaier brewery? September 17, 1896. When did the General Cigar Company plant open here? Dedication Day was held October 31, 1956. What was the final year Chautauqua programs were held here? 1926, the week of June 26th. Page - 87 *Photo - Mahanoy City In Its Centennial Year. Caption…Reproduced from a photograph taken by Maurice Pedriani, local businessman, with a telephoto lens from a vantage point west of the borough limits. Page - 88 When was a train stopped by demonstrators? June 20, 1938 (New Boston and Morea) Train No. 6, P&R. When did the 20 Mule Borax team visit town? July 22, 1919. The wife of what Governor visited the community as a factory picket? Mrs. Gifford (Cornelia) Pinchot on June 15, 1933. When was bus service inaugurated? On January 26, 1928, to Mahanoy Plane. When did trolley service begin? August 1892 - Mahanoy City to Mahanoy Plane; 1893 - Lakeside Division (closed October 1, 1927). When was the Sixth Street playground dedicated? May 26, 1958. When was the present public library founded? May 23, 1938, under the Works Progress Administration; chartered July 23, 1945. When were the boulevard lights installed on Centre Street? They were lighted for the first time December 17, 1925. When was the Tunnel Ridge Breaker built? 1897. When was the Victory Ship, “Mahanoy City Victory” christened? February 24, 1945. It was converted to a troop transport later the same year. *Photo - Civil War Veterans in Parade. Caption…Members of Severn Post No. 110, as they appeared on May 30, 1892. Standing in front - John DiSilva; seated on wagon, left to right, Uriah Tiley, John Williams, Anthony Ferguson (?); Valentine Medlar; John Blaine, sixth man identity uncertain; standing on wagon, first man, Gus Weber; unknown; third man, Joseph Lord. Identity of other veterans uncertain. Page 89 - *Photo - View of Mahanoy City in 1896. Caption….a number of churches and other building still standing can be seen in this view of the community from the hillside north of borough limits. Page 90 - When did Barnum and Bailey Circus play in town? May 20, 1905. When was an official A.A.U. district meet held at the West End Park? October 12, 1914. When was the first telephone exchange opened here? December 14, 1880. When was the first “talking movie” shown in town? October 1, 1928. When was there a railroad wreck during a severe hail storm? September 17, 1896. When did Charles F. Kaier entertain the Philadelphia Athletics here? February 8, 1911. When did the first trolley line between Mahanoy City and Gilberton open? August 1892. When was the GAR encampment held in town; the soldiers’ monument unveiled? August 28, 1890; September 5, 1892. *Photo - Soldiers Monument in The German Protestant Cemetery When was the new Mahanoy City-Vulcan highway opened to traffic? October 28, 1953. When did the steel bridge replace the stone bridge over North Main Street? February-June 1913. P.J. Campion contractor. When was Theodore Roosevelt here? He appeared on the rear platform of a train at the Reading station October 26, 1914. When was the last miner’s union button issued? Third quarter in 1936, the checkup eliminating the buttons. When did Victor Herbert appear in town? He conducted, in person, the performance of “The Girl in The Spotlight” in the Family (Old Hersker) Theatre on February 23, 1921. When were the rails replaced in Mahanoy Tunnel? November 1944, one length being used. When were the trolley rails removed from Centre Street? Work began on December 13, 1933. Page 91 - *Photo - Veterans of The Civil War. Caption…Members of Severn Post No. 110 are sown above, the picture being taken about 1925. Left to right, seated - Theodore (Ted) Humes; Charles (Punch) Brownmiller; John (Jack) Williams; standing - Joseph Lord, John Blaine, John Holman and Levi Brownmiller, brother to Charles. Also living at the time were Anthony Ferguson and Dalla VanHorn, last surviving member of the Post. *Photo - GAR Monument Today. Caption…View with Civil War cannon replaced by a more modern artillery piece. .txt