Freedom Run Across America - Daily Journal Blog

Day 124 - Running to the Mall

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:55:27 GMT

Running to the Mall
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History and facts of the Washington monument:

Of all the American Presidents, none has been as celebrated and revered than the very first, the father of our country, George Washington. Early in the 19th century, the country saw fit to honor the General who led the fight for American independence from Britain with a monument in the new capital, Washington, D.C. While Americans have honored the founding father through the naming of the capital, universities, colleges, states, and schools, none compares to the awe-inspiring Washington Monument. To Americans Washington has always had an grand appearance, commanding influence and simple elegance. So too would the monument.

From a distance, the monument appears larger than life, asserting a dominance over the other monuments located in the National Mall. Just as its gigantic frame stands out among the rest of the monuments, its simple architectural style reflect Washington's unadorned grace.

George Washington earned the distinction the "Father of his Country" by leading the Continental Army to victory in the War for Independence with Great Britain. In 1789, he was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States. Washington helped define the role of the presidency and the course of the fledgling democracy, the first of its kind. Through the monument, the American public says thank you to the General for helping carve a new kind of republic in which all men are created equal.

While movements to commemorate Washington in a heroic fashion had been underway even while he was president, it was only in 1833 that the Washington National Monument Society was formed by Congress. Part of the reason for this was Washington's modesty. While President, he convinced Congress to use the nation's precarious resources on more important things than paying tribute to him. Originally, Congress planned to honor Washington with an equestrian statue. In 1833, however, the focus The job of the Society was simple, to construct the largest monument in the world to the most prominent figure in American History. The Society resolved to erect a monument "Whose dimensions and magnificence shall be commensurate with the greatness and gratitude of the nation which gave [George Washington] birth [and] whose splendor will be without parallel in the world." The Society soon began a fund-raising campaign to construct the monument. Initially, it limited the amount each person could contribute to $1. By 1836, however, only $28,000 had been raised. But, it was enough to hold a competition for design.

In 1836, architect Robert Mills won the Society's competition to design the monument. His monument was to exude simplicity and grandeur at once, just as the General had. It was to be the centerpiece of the National Mall. The design was to be a simple obelisk, a much simpler version of Mill's original, ornate design. The estimated cost to build the towering structure was $1 million. The total height of the monument would be 555 feet and 5 ½ inches. The width of the monument would be 55 feet and 1 ½ inches.

Following the announcment of the estimated cost for the project, the Society removed the $1 limit contribution per person to raise additional funds. Soon enough, the Society had $88,000 in its coffers, enough to begin construction.

The actual construction of the monument began in patriotic fashion on July 4, 1848. Thousands gathered to celebrate the moment when the work would begin at the National Mall.

As the work began, the obelisk gradually began to ascend towards the sky. To aid in the process of building the monument, the Society invited civic groups, nationalities, states, and private organizations to donate commemorative stones to be placed in the interior walls surrounding the stairwell. However, due to increasing instances of vandalism and theft, the contributions eventually ceased in 1854, when the monument was only 152 feet tall.

Construction would be halted for 20 years. The onset of the Civil War also contributed to the delay. The abandoned memorial was a fitting tribute to a nation divided. The unfinished monument was even seen as an embarrassment during this time.

However, the nation's first centennial in 1876 renewed interest in the national pride, and thus, completing the monument. That year, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill for the government to fund the completion of the structure. It was the Army Corps of Engineers who took over the project, seeing it through to completion in December of 1884.

The official dedication ceremony for the memorial occurred the day before Washington's birthday in 1885 with a grand celebration. However, it was not until 1888 that the public was first allowed to step foot inside the monument because work was still being done on the interior. During this time, the stairwell, consisting of 897 steps, was completed. The final cost of the project was $1,817,710.
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Day 121 - It Is all About the Crack (Or is it?)

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:15:52 GMT

It Is all About the Crack (Or is it?)
Road Finds: No (View Details)
Tunes: Yes (View Details)
Money Found So Far: $49.25

In 1981, the Sunshine Foundation had been in existence for five years and had handled approximately 500 special dreams of seriously ill, chronically ill, and physically challenged children. It was brought to Sunshine's attention via a newspaper article that a young boy in South Africa, named Fransie, had a dream to visit Pinocchio. The inspiration for this dream came from this boy seeing himself in a mirror. Because of his wooden appearance, he felt in some way related to Pinocchio.

Having read the article, Sunshine embarked on making yet another dream come true, unaware that this particular endeavor would bring about the knowledge of a very rare illness to the world. Fransie had his dream come true in December 1981. The Sunshine Foundation flew Fransie and his family to Disneyland where he saw Pinocchio. During his visit to the United States, three other children, also suffering from Progeria, met with him.

Sunshine began receiving correspondence from other families whose children had similar characteristics. That following June, 1982, Sunshine sponsored the first gathering of all known children suffering from Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, a rare aging disease.

“…I call it a one-week utopia. They are the normal kids for this entire week.”
-Courtney’s mother, Sue

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Did you know that in 1800, not L.A., not New York, but Philadelphia was our largest city, a distinction it held until 1830.

The top five were Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Boston, and Charleston, S.C.

But we defy anyone to name the sixth largest American town in 1800. It was Northern Liberties, now part of Philadelphia.

And seventh was Southwark, now also part of the present Philadelphia. Read here about the early days of the City of Brotherly Love.

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The city of Philadelphia, as laid out by William Penn, comprised only that portion of the present city situated between South and Vine Streets and Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. In fact, the city proper was that portion between High (Market) Street and Dock Creek. Here is where the pioneers dug caves in the banks of the Delaware or built huts on the land higher up. Meanwhile, the women equally busy in their sphere, had lighted their fire on the bare earth, and having "their kettle slung between two poles upon a stick transverse," thus prepared the meal of homely and frugal fare for the repast of diligent builders.

Native Americans were more or less present, either as spectators of the improvements then progressing, or, venders of their game and venison from the neighboring wilds. The Swedes and Dutch, who were the earliest settlers, as neighbors, brought their productions to market as a matter of course.

Settlements were made, however, outside of these boundaries, and in the course of time they became separately incorporated and had separate governments, making congeries of towns and districts, the whole group being known abroad simply as Philadelphia. Several of these were situated immediately contiguous to the "city proper": Southwark and Moyamensing in the south, and Northern Liberties, Kensigton, Spring Garden and Penn District to the north, and West Philadelphia to the west — all of which were practically one town continuously built up.

Besides these, there were a number of other outlying townships, villages and settlements near the built-up town, though detached from it. Among these were Bridesburg, Frankford, Harrowgate, Holmesburg, the unincorporated Northern Liberties, Port Richmond, Nicetown, Rising Sun, Fox Chase, Germantown, Roxborough, Falls of Schuylkill, unincorporated Penn township, Francisville, Hamilton Village, Mantua, Blockley, Kingsessing and Passyunk.

Some of these also became absorbed in the extending streets of the congeries of towns of which Philadelphia was composed, and in 1854 they were all consolidated under one municipal government, the boundaries of which are coincident with those of the old county of Philadelphia. In the earlier times some of the districts mentioned had marked characteristics, but these have mostly passed away.

Southwark, immediately on the river front, was marked by great wood-yards for supplying fuel before the days of anthracite coal, also by the sheds and yards of boat-builders and mast-makers, and by ship-builders' yards down to the site of the United States Navy Yard.

A great many of the Southwark dwellings were inhabited by sea captains and seafaring men, and down to quite a recent period a considerable portion of its inhabitants were the families of seagoing people and "watermen." The wood-yards, mast and shipyards have gone to other localities, and their old sites are now occupied by commercial warehouses, extensive sugar refineries, the wharves and depots of the sugar, molasses and West Indies trade, the great grain warehouses, elevators and shipping-piers of the Pennsylvania R.R. Co., the wharves and depots of the American and Red Star lines of ocean steamships. The district was also characterized by the extensive machine-shops and iron-works of Merricks, Morris & Tasker, Savery and others, as well as by the mechanical work promoted by the navy yard, which was situated at the foot of Federal Street, previous to removing to League Island.

The Northern Liberties also had its great cord-wood wharves and yards along the river front, and extensive lumber-yards. The wood-yards have mostly disappeared, and have given place to large markets for farm-produce, commercial warehouses, railroad landings, depots and shipping wharves. Some of the lumber-yards remain, however. This district was also characterized, particularly along Second Street, by its farmers' market-yards for the wholesale trade in butter, eggs, poultry, meats, vegetables and other products of the farms of the adjacent country. Some of the fine old market-taverns and produce-yards still remain, but their marked characteristics have become obscured by the spread of the great city. Long before the consolidation of the Northern Liberties into the city Second Street was famous for its fine retail shops, and Third Street was the site of a large wholesale trade in groceries, provisions and leather. Second Street is now lined by a double row of retail stores along nearly its entire length, not only in the old Northern Liberties, but for miles below and above. Pegg's Run and Cohocksink Creek, which flowed through the Northern Liberties, were the sites of numerous extensive tan-yards. One of the pioneer mills in Philadelphia's great industries, the Old Globe Mill, was near the line of the Northern Liberties, Germantown Avenue below Girard Avenue. The Northern Liberties embraced what are now the Eleventh, Twelfth and part of the Sixteenth Wards of the city.

Kensington was a ship- and boat-building district, and another considerable portion of its old time inhabitants were fishermen engaged in supplying the Philadelphia markets. Kensington, however, soon got into the iron and steel manufacture, and the building of steam-machinery, the outcropping of which may be seen in the large works now in operation there and on the river front above. Kensington embraced part of the present Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Eighteenth Wards.

Spring Garden District, which is now characterized by extensive manufacturing establishments of nearly all descriptions — among them the great Baldwin Locomotive Works and Powers & Weightman's chemical laboratory — and for its masses of handsome dwellings, was, in the old time, one of the most pleasant suburbs of Philadelphia and the principal dwelling-place of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Butchers or Victuallers.

Port Richmond, occupying the Delaware River front to the north and northeast of Old Kensington, was brought into prominence by the establishment at that point of the tidewater terminus of the Reading R.R. Co. For its immense coal traffic by sea. This at once began to improve the unproductive land in the vicinity; for the shipping-piers, the coal-depots, the engine-houses, workshops, offices, etc., were accompanied followed by a large increase of population the erection of dwellings, great activity and rapid progress in all respects. The coal trade built it up in the first place, but the district is now the centre of a manufacturing trade that has but few superiors in the United States.

The other districts and villages now incorporated in the city have been built up so that they now in fact, as in name, the city itself.

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Consolidation of the City, 1854
The movement in favor of the consolidation of the city and districts had been agitated. A committee appointed by town meeting drafted a bill to be laid before the Legislature, fixing the details of the measure, was adopted by the General Assembly on February 2,1854.

The bill provided that the city of Philadelphia, as limited by the charter of 1789, should be enlarged by taking in all the territory comprised within the county of Philadelphia. The incorporated districts were abolished. Southwark, Northern, Liberties, Kensington, Spring Garden, Moyamensing, Penn, Richmond, West Philadelphia, and Belmont ceased to have corporate existence. The borough of Frankford, Germantown, Manayunk, Whitehall, Bridesburg and Aramingo were deprived of their franchises. The townships of Passyunk, Blockley, Kingsessing, Roxborough, Germantown, Bristol, Oxford, Lower Dublin, Moreland, Northern Liberties (unincorporated), Byberry, Delaware, and Penn were abolished, and all the franchises and property of these governments transferred to the city of Philadelphia.

The enlarged territory thrown into the city was divided into 24 wards, 23 of which lay east of the Schuylkill.

Beginning at League Island, the enumeration of the wards ran northward in tiers.

The First Ward extended from the Delaware to the Schuylkill south of Warthon Street, Passyunk Road, Little Washington Street, and below South Street, West of Broad.
The Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Wards lay adjoining the First Ward on the front as far north as Vine Street.
The Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Wards, were on the east side of the Schuylkill.
The Eleventh and Twelfth Wards (old Northern Liberties) extended as far north as Poplar Street.
The Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth, took in nearly the whole of Spring Garden.
The Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Wards were originally portions of Kensington and Richmond.
The Twentieth Ward took up the district of North Penn and ground belonging to the unincorporated Northern Liberties.
The Twenty-first Ward was above the Twentieth, on the east side of the Schuylkill, and included the township of Roxborough and the borough of Manayunk.
The Twenty-second Ward included the borough and township of Germantown and the township of Bristol.
All the rest of the country east of the Schuylkill was the Twenty-third Ward, including Frankford, Holmesburg, Bridesburg, Aramingo, Byberry, Moreland, and Lower Dublin townships.
The Twenty-fourth Ward was composed of Blockly and Kingsessing.
The passage of the bill was the cause of great rejoicing. The Governor and Legislature and the chief officers of the State were invited to participate in ceremonies arranged by a committee. The Board of Trade engaged the Robert F. Stockton for a ride on the river on March 11, 1854, with a banquet on board. In the evening the Consolidation Ball was held in the Museum building. The next day, March 12, 1854, a banquet was given the city's guests at Sansom Hall.

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HISTORY OF THE LIBERTY BELL:

Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof Lev. XXV X

By Order of the ASSEMBLY of the Province of PENSYLVANIA for the State House in Philada.

Pass and Stow
Philada
MDCCLIII
Why is Pennsylvania misspelled on the bell?
What's the story of the crack? Read on!

Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

The Pennsylvania Assembly ordered the Bell in 1751 to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, Pennsylvania's original Constitution. It speaks of the rights and freedoms valued by people the world over. Particularly forward thinking were Penn's ideas on religious freedom, his liberal stance on Native American rights, and his inclusion of citizens in enacting laws.

The Liberty Bell gained iconic importance when abolitionists in their efforts to put an end to slavery throughout America adopted it as a symbol.

As the Bell was created to commemorate the golden anniversary of Penn's Charter, the quotation "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," from Leviticus 25:10, was particularly apt. For the line in the Bible immediately preceding "proclaim liberty" is, "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year." What better way to pay homage to Penn and hallow the 50th year than with a bell proclaiming liberty?

Also inscribed on the Bell is the quotation, "By Order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada." Note that the spelling of "Pennsylvania" was not at that time universally adopted. In fact, in the original Constitution, the name of the state is also spelled "Pensylvania." If you get a chance to visit the second floor of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, take a moment to look at the original maps on the wall. They, too, have the state name spelled "Pensylvania" (and the Atlantic Ocean called by the name of that day, "The Western Ocean"). The choice of the quotation was made by Quaker Isaac Norris, speaker of the Assembly.

Centered on the front of the Bell are the words, "Pass and Stow / Philada / MDCCLIII." We'll get to Pass and Stow in a bit.

The Crack
There is widespread disagreement about when the first crack appeared on the Bell. Hair-line cracks on bells were bored out to prevent expansion. However, it is agreed that the final expansion of the crack which rendered the Bell unringable was on Washington's Birthday in 1846.

The Philadelphia Public Ledger takes up the story in its February 26, 1846 publication:

"The old Independence Bell rang its last clear note on Monday last in honor of the birthday of Washington and now hangs in the great city steeple irreparably cracked and dumb. It had been cracked before but was set in order of that day by having the edges of the fracture filed so as not to vibrate against each other ... It gave out clear notes and loud, and appeared to be in excellent condition until noon, when it received a sort of compound fracture in a zig-zag direction through one of its sides which put it completely out of tune and left it a mere wreck of what it was."
The Bell as Icon

The Liberty Bell. Boston: American Anti-Slavery Society, 1856. Click to enlargeThe Bell achieved its iconic status when abolitionists adopted the Bell as a symbol for the movement. It was first used in this association as a frontispiece to an 1837 edition of Liberty, published by the New York Anti-Slavery Society.

It was, in fact, the abolitionists who gave it the name "Liberty Bell," in reference to its inscription. It was previously called simply the "State House bell."

In retrospect, it is a remarkably apt metaphor for a country literally cracked and freedom fissured for its black inhabitants. The line following "proclaim liberty" is, "It shall shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." The Abolitionists understood this passage to mean that the Bible demanded all slaves and prisoners be freed every 50 years.

William Lloyd Garrison's anti-slavery publication The Liberator reprinted a Boston abolitionist pamphlet containing a poem about the Bell, entitled, The Liberty Bell, which represents the first documented use of the name, "Liberty Bell."

The Bell and the Declaration of Independence

In 1847, George Lippard wrote a fictional story for The Saturday Currier which told of an elderly bellman waiting in the State House steeple for the word that Congress had declared Independence. The story continues that privately he began to doubt Congress's resolve. Suddenly the bellman's grandson, who was eavesdropping on the doors of Congress, yelled to him, "Ring, Grandfather! Ring!"

This story so captured the imagination of people throughout the land that the Liberty Bell was forever associated with the Declaration of Independence.

The truth is that the steeple was in bad condition and historians today highly doubt that the Bell actually rang in 1776. However, its association with the Declaration of Independence was fixed in the collective mythology.

Bell as Symbol
After the divisive Civil War, Americans sought a symbol of unity. The flag became one such symbol, and the Liberty Bell another. To help heal the wounds of the war, the Liberty Bell would travel across the country.

Starting in the 1880s, the Bell traveled to cities throughout the land "proclaiming liberty" and inspiring the cause of freedom. We have prepared a photo essay of its 1915 journey to the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco.

A replica of the Liberty Bell, forged in 1915, was used to promote women's suffrage. It traveled the country with its clapper chained to its side, silent until women won the right to vote. On September 25, 1920, it was brought to Independence Hall and rung in ceremonies celebrating the ratification of the 19th amendment.

To this day, oppressed groups come to Philadelphia to give voice to their plight, at the Liberty Bell, proclaiming their call for liberty.

History of the Bell

On November 1, 1751, a letter was sent to Robert Charles, the Colonial Agent of the Province of Pennsylvania who was working in London. Signed by Isaac Norris, Thomas Leech, and Edward Warner, it represented the desires of the Assembly to purchase a bell for the State House (now Independence Hall) steeple. The bell was ordered from Whitechapel Foundry, with instructions to inscribe on it the passage from Leviticus.

The bell arrived in Philadelphia on September 1, 1752, but was not hung until March 10, 1753, on which day Isaac Norris wrote, "I had the mortification to hear that it was cracked by a stroke of the clapper without any other viollence [sic] as it was hung up to try the sound."

The cause of the break is thought to have been attributable either to flaws in its casting or, as they thought at the time, to its being too brittle.

Two Philadelphia foundry workers named John Pass and John Stow were given the cracked bell to be melted down and recast. They added an ounce and a half of copper to a pound of the old bell in an attempt to make the new bell less brittle. For their labors they charged slightly over 36 Pounds.

The new bell was raised in the belfry on March 29, 1753. "Upon trial, it seems that they have added too much copper. They were so teased with the witticisms of the town that they will very soon make a second essay," wrote Isaac Norris to London agent Robert Charles. Apparently nobody was now pleased with the tone of the bell.

Pass and Stow indeed tried again. They broke up the bell and recast it. On June 11, 1753, the New York Mercury reported, "Last Week was raised and fix'd in the Statehouse Steeple, the new great Bell, cast here by Pass and Stow, weighing 2080 lbs."

In November, Norris wrote to Robert Charles that he was still displeased with the bell and requested that Whitechapel cast a new one.

Upon the arrival of the new bell from England, it was agreed that it sounded no better than the Pass and Stow bell. So the "Liberty Bell" remained where it was in the steeple, and the new Whitechapel bell was placed in the cupola on the State House roof and attached to the clock to sound the hours.

The Liberty Bell was rung to call the Assembly together and to summon people together for special announcements and events. The Liberty Bell tolled frequently. Among the more historically important occasions, it tolled when Benjamin Franklin was sent to England to address Colonial grievances, it tolled when King George III ascended to the throne in 1761, and it tolled to call together the people of Philadelphia to discuss the Sugar Act in 1764 and the Stamp Act in 1765.

In 1772 a petition was sent to the Assembly stating that the people in the vicinity of the State House were "incommoded and distressed" by the constant "ringing of the great Bell in the steeple."

But, tradition holds, it continued tolling for the First Continental Congress in 1774, the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775 and its most resonant tolling was on July 8, 1776, when it summoned the citizenry for the reading of the Declaration of Independence produced by the Second Continental Congress. However, the steeple was in bad condition and historians today doubt the likelihood of the story.

In October 1777, the British occupied Philadelphia. Weeks earlier all bells, including the Liberty Bell, were removed from the city. It was well understood that, if left, they would likely be melted down and used for cannon. The Liberty Bell was removed from the city and hidden in the floorboards of the Zion Reformed Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which you can still visit today.

Throughout the period from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the nation's capital, uses of the Bell included calling the state legislature into session, summoning voters to hand in their ballots at the State House window, and tolling to commemorate Washington's birthday and celebrate the Fourth of July.
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Day 120 - Strasburg

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:14:59 GMT

Strasburg
Road Finds: No (View Details)
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Money Found So Far: $48.97

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Strasburg:
A Town of Trains & Heritage
Though not incorporated as a borough until 1816, the name Strasburg first appears on land titles in 1711, and the first dwellings can be dated to the 1730's. (Visitors should note the pronunciation is "Strazz-berg," with the "strazz" rhyming with "jazz..") While many visitors associate railroad attractions with Strasburg, there are many other fascinating people, places, and stories related to this remarkably intact village.

New Arrivals

French Huguenots, Protestants from the Alsace region of France, were the first European settlers in the area. The settlers eventually named the town Strasburg after the cathedral city of Strasbourg in Alsace, from which many had departed. (Alsace had shifted between French and German control for hundreds of years. Fleeing persecution, many refugees went to the region, and in time many sought freedom in the New World.) As early as 1693, the first to hunt in the area and trade with the Delaware Indians was French fur trader Peter (Pierre) Bezaillion. (Locally, Peters Road is named for him.)

The Swiss Mennonites, called “Swissers," followed shortly thereafter. For at least a generation before arriving here, they had lived in Germany because they spoke the German language, as did many others from the Alsace region. After making bargains with William Penn in London, they came directly to Philadelphia, from the Rhineland. Arriving September 10, 1710, on board the ship Maria Hope, the combined passenger and crew list consisted of 94 persons.

Anchor was dropped off New Castle, Delaware, and one week later they sailed into Philadelphia. Thirty-six of the leaders were granted patent deeds from Penn’s property commissioners for 14,000 acres of land surrounding Strasburg. Among the names were Martin Kendig, Hacob Miller, John (Hans) Herr, Christian Herr, Hans Graeff, Hans Funk, Martin Oberholtzer, Michael Oberholtzer, Wendel Rauman and Martin Meylin. The Kendig family built the first log cabin in 1717.

Early Roads

Fur traders opened up the first path, known as “Minqua’s Path,” through this area from Philadelphia to the Susquehanna River. At least by 1716, when the first wagon was used for hauling goods between Philadelphia and Lancaster County, it became known as the Conestoga Road, today's Route 741. The first wagoner was John Miller. By 1717 there were two more wagons, and the first to be described as a Conestoga Wagon.

During the next half century, traffic on this road increased considerably, and Main Street Strasburg was developed. The first buildings appeared in the village about 1733. A traveler, who drove through during the second half of the 18th century, described it as a village of log houses.

The Town Grows

Strasburg flourished in the 18th century primarily because of its location along the major wagon routes between Philadelphia, Lancaster, and the Susquehanna River. For this reason, the town and Main Street stretch from east to west, so businesses could maximize the "traffic" along the wagon routes, including the "Strasburg Road" between West Chester and York. At one time there were as many as eight or ten taverns or “ordinaries” here. As one of the principal stopping stations and with the heavy wagon traffic, it had its share of rough travelers. For a time it was known as "Hell's Hole." The owner of the Tipling House Tavern (27 E. Main) was indicted and later acquitted for selling rum to the Indians.

The 1769 tax returns list 19 houses --- 53 log, 29 brick and four stone. About half were 2-story, indicative of the affluence of Strasburg, which in the late 18th century, was second only to Lancaster Borough in terms of relative wealth. Generally the oldest houses were built “on the street,” with almost no setback, but deep backyards and spacious and productive flower and vegetable gardens.

Getting Religion

No doubt the religious nature of the first settlers was responsible for the village becoming a center for worship. In 1791, Bishop Francis Asbury preached in a tavern and reportedly said, “I believe we should have a house of worship and the Lord will have a people in this place.” Later that year, Bishop Asbury organized the first Methodist congregation in Strasburg, and St. Michael's Lutheran Church, still on Main Street, was built in 1806, just two years following the creation of a post office for the town.

In the early years of its development, the village was blessed with over a half dozen wealthy clergy and physicians, such as Bishop Asbury. This brought more order to the town, reflected in an 1816 odinance imposing a $3 fine on "who shall run any horse or horses through the streets, lanes, or alleys of the borough."

School Days

Because of the education and religious background of many of its citizens, Strasburg also became a cultural and educational center. Rev. Nathaniel Sample, a Presbyterian minister, was one such individual. In 1790 he founded the Strasburg Philosophical Society, and in 1791 was also active in the creation of the Strasburg Scientific Society, "said to have aroused the interest of Ben Franklin." As far as is known, Rev. Sample founded Strasburg’s first formal school in 1790, a classical academy in which he taught Greek and Latin. Sample also conducted a theological school in the east parlor of his home.

These academic enterprises near the close of the 18th century were followed during the 19th century by a flood of schools. On February 13, 1823, by an act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, an Academy was established in which “the languages, arts, and sciences will be taught.” Nathaniel Sample was listed as the first superintendent.

Rev. David McCarter, minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, also contributed significantly to establishing Strasburg as a cultural and educational center. In 1839 he founded the Strasburg Academy on 37 East Main. (The present day Limestone Inn Bed & Breakfast was the headmaster’s home and housed boarding students.) The Academy gained the reputation of being one of the best academies in the country for both boarding and day students, and between 1836 and 1856 young men came from all over the East Coast and as far away as Cuba and Puerto Rico.

In 1841, Rev. McCarter opened a classical school for girls, the “Strasburg Female Seminary” at 17 East Main. Establishing a school for girls was quite an unusual act for the time.

The Railroad

But as Strasburg flourished, so did its neighbor to the east, Philadelphia. The 1795 Lancaster Turnpike, today's Route 30, was built just to the north and cut down the traffic through town. The commercial interests of Philadelphia pressured the State Legislature to improve the transportation network into their city. As a result, an internal improvements bill passed in 1826 to construct a series of canals. The Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road was also incorporated with financing provided by the state. Built in the 1830's, it was a further blow when the railroad, too, bypassed the town.

Strasburg residents became alarmed at the possibility of losing their commercial position and saw the need to connect to the rail system. From this concern emerged the Strasburg Rail Road. In 1832 a charter was secured from the Pennsylvania Legislature to construct a line connecting Strasburg with the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road main line near Paradise. Due to economical difficulties, the project was delayed, but finally put in running order in 1852. But this shortline between Strasburg and Paradise was not financially successful for many reasons.

The year 1901 marked the opening of the trolley line between Lancaster and Strasburg, but it only lasted until 1932. Hagans Coach Works on East Main, which had opened in 1891, converted its livery stable into a showroom for Ford automobiles in 1916, reflecting the changing times.

With these and other changes over the years, the Strasburg Rail Road was not doing well commercially. All that began to change when a company was formed in 1957 to preserve and operate it for passenger rides as a visitor attraction. Now one of the area's top visitor attractions, it is also America’s oldest shortline railroad and the "oldest continually chartered public utility in Pennsylvania." It also resulted in many train related attractions locating nearby, including the building by the state of the spectacular Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Preservation

Along with preserving the railroad and its history, resident saw the importance of preserving their buildings as well. Most of the older houses along Main Street were at one time private schools and academies. In the square, where Routes 896 and 741 intersect, visitors will also note the Massasoit Hall, an imposing brick building with belfry constructed in 1856, and named for "an Indian chief who aided the early pilgrims." Reflecting both the community's power and character, it was also a place to meet and discuss current news, or to attend an event in the auditorium on the second floor.

With so many of the structures still intact, the Strasburg Borough Council enacted an ordinance in 1970 that created a Historic District, in order to maintain the charm and historical significance of the village. The ordinance prohibits the altering of the façades of structures without approval by a “Board of Architectural Review.” East Main, West Main and Miller (a continuation of West Main), plus Decatur Street constitute the Historic District, which is approximately 2 miles long, comprises 82.5 acres, and contains 193 buildings.

A significant aspect of the Historic District is the survival rate of the oldest buildings. At least 12 of the 29 oldest brick structures survive, all four of the oldest stone houses are still intact, and there are at least two dozen log houses still standing in the district, putting the survival rate of pre-1815 houses at approximately 50%. The various buildings of Swiss, German, Georgian, and Federal architecture make Strasburg a delightful locale for visitors interested in the region's rich heritage and cultural diversity.
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Day 119 - Amish Country

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:16:16 GMT

Amish Country
Road Finds: No (View Details)
Tunes: Yes (View Details)
Money Found So Far: $48.91

History of the Amish:

The Amish broke away from the Mennonites nearly 300 years ago when differences arose among Anabaptist leaders in Switzerland and Alsace. Seeking a stricter lifestyle including the Streng Meidung, or shunning, which includes the social avoidance of erring church members. Tensions ran high and eventually in 1693, a complete split occurred. Amish Buggy in the Field.

Forty years later, many Amish responded to William Penn's invitation to come to America and settle the land. No Amish now remain in Europe. Currently there are approximately 145,000 Amish men, women and children living in 22 states in the United States and in Ontario, Canada. There are 220 Amish settlements accommodating over 900 geographically determined church districts.

Persistence of tradition and slowness to modernize have characterized the Amish as they have steadily sought to carve out their lifestyle which is a culture apart from the world. Even at the dawn of the 21st century, Amish are characterized as humble folk--hard working, neighborly, otherworldly, agrarian, God-fearing, and ethnically homogenous--who live the simple life and live it well.

The Amish have maintained their simple lifestyle amidst existing within a technologically advancing culture. They have maintained a peaceful presence independent of the every changing outside world.

Characteristics of Amish Life
Simple Life
Otherworldliness, non-conformity based on Biblical teachings in Romans 12:1-2 and II Cor. 6:14. This pervades the entire lifestyle of the Amish (dress, language, work, travel and education).

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Family Life
Amish marry Amish. No intermarriage is allowed. Divorce is not permitted and separation is very rare. They are strictly monogamous and generally patriarchal. Sex roles are clearly defined. The average family size is 7-8 children. Homosexuality is not recognized as an acceptable lifestyle.

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Harmony with Soil and Nature
Manual labor is good (Amish have little regard for labor-saving devices). Hard work and thriftiness are virtues. Amish believe that God is pleased when people work in harmony with nature, the soil, the weather and care of animals and plants. Amish always live in rural community. By contrast, the city is viewed as a center of leisure, non-productive spending, and often as the stage for evil and wickedness.

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Mutual Assistance
Amish do not survive outside of community. There is much neighboring in the community, and helping each other is the most common way of socializing. They carry no life or property insurance; the church assists in cases of major loss. Large families generally give assurance of care for the elderly. Only rarely do Amish retire to places other than the dawdyhaus, a small house built next to the main farm house. Retired Amish farmers do not receive Social Security.

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Disciplined Church Community
Discipline in the Amish community can be sometimes harsh and uncompromising. Baptized members are morally committed to church rules. Erring members are generally excommunicated and shunned until there is forgiveness and restoration to full fellowship.
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A History of Lancaster, PA
Return to Index
The area now known as Lancaster was settled in the early 1700s by the Europeans, and declared a "townstead" by the governor of Pennsylvania in 1730. Most of the land at this time was owned by Andrew Hamilton. His son James was deeded 500 acres of this land in 1733, and designed the layout of the city in a plan of straight streets and rectangular property lots, that included what we all know as a "town square," known in those days as a "centre square."
Lancaster is the oldest inland city in the United States, and served as the capital city of Pennsylvania from 1799 until 1813, until it was replaced by Harrisburg. In 1709, the town was known as "Hickory Town;" Then after it was re-designed by James Hamilton, a prominent citizen named John Wright gave "Hickory Town" the name "Lancaster" after Lancaster, England where he used to live.

Lancaster is known as the "Red Rose City" because of its link to Lancaster, England. The city became a borough in 1742, a chartered city in 1818, and surrendered its ancient city charter and became a Third Class City under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanian May 27, in 1924.

During the Revolutionary War, Lancaster was an important munitions center, the National Capital of the American Colonies on September 27, 1777 when the Continental Congress was fleeing British forces after their capture of Philadelphia.

Some famous Lancaster Residents and Natives and Firsts

James Buchanan- 15th President of the United States, lived in Lancaster, and was the only president from Pennsylvania.
Thaddeus Stevens- An abolishonist congressman, Lancaster resident, and member of the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Edward Hand- Physician, Colonial Army Officer, and Congressman.
Robert Fulton- Painter, engineer, statesman, inventor, and best known for his construction of the first proficient steamboat the "Clermont."
Pennsylvania Rifle-Developed in Lancaster by Martin Meylin, a swiss gunsmith. The rifle was misnamed "the Kentucky Rifle."
Conestoga Wagon-Lancaster produced this wagon, and it was the principal inland freight transport in American trade before railroads.
Lancaster is famous for its architectural heritage, and its strong commitment to its community. It is a city nationally recognized by being awarded the All-American City Award.
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Day 118 - Harley Davidson

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:48:46 GMT

Harley Davidson
Road Finds: No (View Details)
Tunes: No (View Details)
Money Found So Far: $48.76

The history of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle began in Milwaukee in 1903. In Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. Around the turn of the century the gasoline engine was developed and the one-cylinder motor was introduced. In 1901 the Indians were the first motorcycles and in 1903 Mitschell, Merkel and Yale.
This motorcycle was initially built for racing and was powered by a one-cylinder gasoline combustion engine.

In 1903 in Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. It was a reliable and even a beautiful cycle. And ... someone bought it !! In 1905 they had made 11 motorcycles, in 1908 it were 154 and ... they had a company, in a little wooden barn, that was build by Davidson's father.
The small company extended quickly and another member of the Davidson family, William, joined them. In no time they hired about 20 employees in an especcially build stone-factory.

In 1909 Bill Harley made a project of the first 1000 CC V-Twin. It produced a modest seven horsepower. The 45-degree V-twin would become one of the more recognizable images of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This V-Twin stayed with HD for a long, long time. Maybe it's hard to believe, but Harley-Davidson didn't invent the V-twin !! When Bill Harley developed one, he just followed the tendency of the 1910 brought the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo that was placed on their motorcycle. This would become the defining symbol of Harley-Davidson to this day. Numerous first place winnings in races, endurance contests and hill climbs give Harley-Davidson more recognition.
The "F-head" engine is introduced in 1911. It will be the power workhorse until 1929, when the "Flathead" engine is introduced.

The year 1912 saw further growth of the Harley-Davidson Company. Construction began on a new 6-story factory. Harley-Davidson also became an exporter this year and their first overseas sale was made in Japan. In the states there were now over 200 dealerships.

1914 saw the addition on the sidecar to the Harley-Davidson. The Company also formally put their hand in the ring of motorcycle racing this year and would soon dominate the sport and become known as the "Wrecking Crew".

1915 saw the emergence of the three-speed sliding-gear transmission. In 1917, one-third of all Harley-Davidsons were sent overseas to the U.S. Military to fulfill their patriotic call and to aid in the war effort. The following year, roughly half of the motorcycles produced were sold to the U.S. military. In the end, about 20,000 motorcycles were used in the war, most of them Harley-Davidsons. By this time Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world with nearly 2,000 dealerships worldwide. In 1918 Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world. They even survived the depression. The V-twin was Harley's specialty, so the company tried to defeat its only remaining rival ... Indian.
But these days were the thoughest, because the motorcycles got out of date and the prices of automobiles decreased (the T-Ford was born).

Therefore, Harley Davidson tried other technical enterprises, like manufacturing parts, side cars and even airplane motor-engines, but they also improved their own products.

The 1920's saw some changes to the appearance of the motorcycle, which are more recognizable today. One such change was the identifiable teardrop shape gas tank. In 1926, single-cylinder engines were once again available, having been discontinued in 1918. In 1928, the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes were available on the Harley-Davidson. With this modification, the motorcycle could reach speeds in excess of 85 mph.

V-Twin from 1923

The 1930's and subsequent years saw more record breaking and award winning Harley-Davidson's. In 1932, the three-wheel Servi-Car was introduced and would become a familiar commercial and police vehicle. Along with appearance changes such as the "eagle" design, which was painted on all Harley-Davidson gas tanks, changes were also made to the engine.

These days the biggest Harley ever appeared , the 1340 CC. This motorcycle became Harley Davidson's trademark. 1936 also became a milestone. That year the Knucklehead was launched and this motorcycle also became the victory over the Indian. And when in 1947 the Panhead was driven out of the factory, Harley Davidson was THE American Motorcycle.

In the 1940's, the Harley-Davidson once again answered the patriotic call and sent its motorcycles overseas to aid in the war effort. In 1941, civilian production on the motorcycle was mostly suspended as the company turned out motorcycles for the war. Because of their commitment and excellence, Harley-Davidson received the Army-Navy "E" award; this wouldn't be the last time. In November of 1945, civilian production once again started. In 1947, Harley-Davidson purchased the old A.O. Smith Propeller Plant and used it as a machine shop. The parts made here were shipped back to the old factory on Juneau Avenue for final assembly. In 1949, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.

In the fifty's Harley survived another bad period. The Brittish owned 40 % of the motorcycle market with their Triumph ! In 1957 fortunately the Sportster was born, the fastest Harley ever. A great success !! Just like the English motorcycle industry, Harley stuck to its technic, style and caracter. That's why this motorcycle was so populair for many, many years.
In opposite to the English manufacturors, Harley Davidson survived this decision. Due to the enormous attack from the Japanees from the Far East, the English dissapeared without a trace and the American were almost dead. Even the Shovelhead couldn't save its ass. 1969, Time for a merger with the American Machine and Foudry Company (AMF).
However, the quality decreased ernormously and the Super Glide and the SLCR Caféracer of 1970 got a bad name. But Harley Davidson bought itself out and survived and with launching the new Evolution-motor in 1984, the company managed to create a modern motorcycle, which was still a Harley Davidson.

The beginning of the 1970's saw a revolution of the Harley-Davidson. In 1971, the cruiser was born. This machine united a sporty front end with the frame and power train of the FL series. 1973 saw the move of assembly operations to a new 400,000 square foot plant in York, Pennsylvania. The year 1975 was the first of four consecutive years that the Harley-Davidson won the AMA Grand National Championships in dirt track racing. In 1977, the FXS Low Rider and the FLHS Electra Glide Sport were introduced to the public. The FXS featured a special lower seat position (hence the distinguishing term Low Rider...). The FLHS was a low cost base line FLH Electra Glide with modifications intended to make the model sportier.

The beginning of the 1980's saw another change in the partnership of the engine and transmission. In 1980, the FLT model was born with a 5-speed transmission hard bolted to the engine. Also this year, the drive train was replaced with a Kevlar belt. In 1981 senior members of Harley-Davidson bought back Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF.

In 1982 Harley-Davidson enacted the Materials as Needed (MAN) application in their production. This would cut production costs and improve the quality of the parts. In 1983 the group H.O.G was founded and became the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle club in the world. By the year 2000, the club had over 500,000 members. In 1984 the 1340 cc V-twin engine was introduced, seven years in the making. Also this year, the Softail model became available. The Softail was most primarily distinguishable by hidden rear shock absorbers.

In 1987 Harley-Davidson began its "Buy Back Program" which offered full trade in value within two years on certain models. Also at this time, the Harley-Davidson Company obtained a place on the New York Stock Exchange for those interested in taking a financial stake in the company. In 1988 Harley-Davidson celebrated their 85th Anniversary in Milwaukee, an event that brought forth 60,000 aficionados of the Harley-Davidson. At the end of this revolutionary decade for Harley-Davidson, the FXSTS Springer Softail model was introduced into the lineup. The FXSTS Springer Softail was a modern day recreation of the 1940's Harley-Davidson. It had the classic biker look with the 1340 cc engine symbolizing the new era of Harley-Davidson.

In the early 1990's the Fat Boy design was introduced and quickly caught on. The name Fatboy was derived by combining the names of the two atomic bombs "Fat man" and "Little Boy" which were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was destined from the start to become a Collector's item among biking enthusiasts and definitely achieved that status throughout its existence. Also in 1990, Construction on a 31 million dollar state of the art paint facility began in York, Pennsylvania. It was finished the following year.

In 1991, The Dyna line of Harley-Davidson's was introduced with the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis. 1994 saw the jump of Harley-Davidson into the Superbike racing with the VR1000. The VR1000 featured a dual overhead cam and a liquid cooled engine and showed that Harley-Davidson was not fully averse to manufacturing a race inspired sport bike.

In 1996 a state of the art Parts and Accessories distribution plant was opened in Franklin, Wisconsin. The following year a new Product Development Center opened in Milwaukee. Also in 1997, a 330,000 square foot plant in Kansas City made its first Sportster. In 1998, assembly operations were taking place in another part of the world, Brazil. In the year 2001 Fuel injection was available on the Softail models.

These days, in America, Harley Davidson owns 62 % of the market of motorcycles with 850 CC or more !!

Harleys are, just like porches, funn stuff for people with money and appearance. So, "rich" customers rule the market. It could have been tempting for Harley Davidson to participate in this commercial hype, but when the hype is over, they know the company will still be there and will still sell motorcycles ... because of the loyal followers.
For these people, despite of age and appearance, a Harley is the one and only. It is an obviously arrogant, massive and cool cycle, without doing its best for it. However, Harleys aren't the fastest and manageable cycles, riding a Harley is uncomparable with riding any other bike ...

In the mean time, the die hards have to share this experience with the yuppies !!!
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YORK COUNTY HERITAGE
250 Years of History

York County has played a proud role in the long exciting drama that is the history of the United States of America. York County can justifiably be called the first proving ground for a westward flow of settlers that did not stop until checked by the waters of the Pacific. It was in the forefront of organized resistance during the American Revolution and a source of strength to the Union armies during the most critical period of the Civil War. In more modern times, its citizenry has made notable contributions to the victory effort in two world wars and numerous armed conflicts. Over the past 250 years it has utilized its resources to create a community nationally admired for its agricultural richness, industrial vigor and cultural enterprise.

The history of the County begins with the benign agreements established by William Penn with the Indians who made their homes along its streams and rivers. In 1681, Penn had accepted a grant of land in the new frontier of 16,000 pounds, a debt owed to his father; for Penn, it was primarily an opportunity to establish new homes for his persecuted fellow Quaker Brethren.

As early as 1682, Penn and his heirs negotiated with the Indians to formally purchase the lands. As settlements along the coast grew in size and number, the need for westward expansion became apparent, and in 1722 the Indians were requested and gave permission for the survey of land beyond the Susquehanna River. A tract measuring 6 miles wide and 15 miles long and including the site now occupied by the City of York was surveyed and named Springettsbury Manor, for Springett Penn, the grandson of the Founder. The Onandagoe, Seneca, Oneida and Tuscarora nations signed a treaty of peace and deeded to the Penns, "all the river Susquehanna and all land lying on the west side of said river to the setting of the sun..."

FIRST SETTLEMENTS
Meanwhile, in 1729, John and James Hendricks had made the first authorized settlement in what is now York County, on Kruetz Creek. Germans, originally lured from the Rhenish Palatinate by William Penn's agents,soon followed Englishmen into the new frontier. Pamphlets and even playing cards extolled the opportunities to be found in Pennsylvania. The first Irish and Scotch took over the land in the southeast, then known as "York Barrens." To the north, families, mostly Quakers moving on from Chester County settled Newberry Township and its surroundings called the "Redlands".
The town of York was laid in 1741, when Thomas Cookson surveyed 437 1/2 acres on the banks of the Codorus Creek. On November 23, 1741, applicants agreed to pay seven shillings a year for the use of lots measuring 230 feet long and 65 feet wide, and to erect on it,"a substantial dwelling of 16 feet square at least...within the space of one year."

On August 17, 1749 the provincial Assembly separated York County from Lancaster County and officially partitioned the new county.

The French and Indian Wars which were fought so bitterly in western Pennsylvania in the 1750's spread within a day's march of York County, and refugees from Cumberland County fled to its settlements. In 1755, Benjamin Franklin spent time in York hiring 150 wagons, 259 pack horses and buying flour for General Braddock's army. In 1758 four companies of militia from the County took part in the capture of Fort Duquesne (later renamed Pittsburgh).

Hanover, second largest town in the County, was a thickly grown grove of hickory trees until 1763, when Richard M'Alister laid out a town in a "no-man's land", claimed by Maryland as well as Pennsylvania, and accepting the jurisdiction of neither. The border between the two provinces had been hotly contested and "Maryland Intruders" roamed as far as the Susquehanna. The rivalry became so bitter that the British government arranged a survey to settle it. The line laid down by engineers Mason and Dixon on 1763-67,eventually marked the Civil War division between the Union and the Confederacy.

As early as July 4, 1774, York Countians selected a committee to protest against British taxation and other oppressive measures. When Boston was blockaded as a result of its famous tea party, York County provided financial help and military support. A local company of militia riflemen were among the first from west of the Hudson River to march to Massachusetts. In 1775 there were 3,349 "associaters" or volunteer militiamen within the County, and by 1778, a total of 4,621York Countians answered the call to arms. By contrast the total population at the time was just shy of 25,000. In 1779 Colonel Thomas Hartley observed that," the York districts has armed first in Pennsylvania and has furnished more men for the war and lost a greater number of men in it than any other district on the continent of the same number individuals."

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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Innumerable organized protests against parliamentary restrictions and sporadic fighting throughout the colonies swelled into organized revolution. In July , 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to cheering Yorkers who gathered before the two-story red brick courthouse on Centre Square. Fourteen months later the Continental Congress, having put the Susquehanna between themselves and the British who occupied Philadelphia, assembled in the same courthouse in order to administer a nation not quite fully born.
The presence of the Congress in York, from September 30,1777 to June 27, 1778, brought the first printing press to the County. The press was necessary in order that military and legislative news could be sent throughout the colonies. It was also used to print about $10,000,000 worth of currency while in York; money that was so inflated as to be almost worthless. Undoubtedly the most important business conducted here was the drafting of the Articles of Confederation, which in 1781 would be ratified by the required two-thirds of the colonies , establishing the "United States of America". Victory and independence would finally come for the new nation in 1783.

Many unforgettable figures in our national history hurried resolutely through York County in those days. Thomas Paine worked as secretary to the committee of foreign affairs, and in his spare time wrote some of the tracts which made up his literary work "The Crisis." The Marquis de Lafayette, with a toast to General Washington, disrupted the Conway Cabal, a plot to elevate General Horatio Gates to supreme commander of the Colonial army. General Anthony Wayne, Baron von Steuben, Count Pulaski were here on military errands. Less distinguished visitors were the English prisoners-of-war quartered at Camp Security. Many later remained upon release and settled in York County.

In 1800, immediately after the separation of Adams County from York County, the County boasted a population of 25,643. During the first half of the nineteenth century York remained primarily an agricultural community, but residents continued to contribute to the growing industrialization of the County. Conestoga wagons in York and Lancaster gradually disappeared as railroads, canals and waterways increased the mobility of men and goods. The Codorus was navigable from York to its mouth on the Susquehanna River. In 1825, on the Susquehanna, John Edgar tested the first iron steamboat. Phineas Davis, a well-known clock maker, perfected his revolutionary coal-burning locomotive in York County.

As the questions of slavery became a moral and political issue in this young nation, York County helped maintain a more unusual form of transportation. The phrase "underground railway" supposedly originated in the southern Pennsylvania area as runaway slaves were assisted in their flight to more tolerant states.

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THE CIVIL WAR
After the guns off Fort Sumter thundered the call to war in 1861, York County sent the first fully-equipped volunteers to march from Pennsylvania. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, Richmond and Appamatox were some of the battlegrounds on which York Countians died and distinguished themselves. Within the County, Camp Scott was established as a training post for as many as 5,500 men. In July 1862, a hospital able to care for wounded was established and operated until the end of the war, reportedly treating 14,000 soldiers..
Late in June 1863, Confederate troops made their most extensive thrust into northern territory when they spread across York County as far as the Susquehanna River. Union forces fled into Lancaster County but further Confederate advances were checked when the bridge at Wrightsville was burned. Within the City of York, a committee raised more than $28,000 and gathered supplies of food and clothing to appease Confederate commander, General Jubal A. Early. His theat to burn the railroad car shops was forestalled when he received urgent orders to withdraw to join other Confederate armies massing at Gettysburg in Adams County to the west.

The first Civil War battle on Pennsylvania soil was fought at Hanover on June 30th, 1863. Because of this engagement, General J.E.B Stuart and his much-heralded cavalry forces were unable to join General Robert E. Lee's armies at Gettysburg until after the decisive battles had been fought. This delay in Hanover played an important part in the Union victory at Gettysburg, which is considered to be the turning point in the War Between the States.

A somber close to this period was the passing of Abraham Lincoln's funeral train through York County. A large part of the local population was at the railroad station to pay tribute to the martyred president on April 21, 1865, as his funeral train passed through York..

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TWENTIETH CENTURY SERVICE RECORD
Until World War I the County concentrated on an increasing industrialization and productive agriculture. During the "Great War of 1914-1918", more than 6,000 York Countians were members of the nation's armed services. A total of 197 York Countians lost their lives as battle casualties or as victims of influenza and other diseases that swept across the land, both here and abroad.
With the advent of World War II, local industries were instrumental in formulating a program for combining community resources to increase productivity. The 14-point York plan soon proved its efficacy and was widely copied throughout the nation. The objectives of the York Plan were to: educate workers and assure them of the best available housing and health facilities; integrate work that could be done by subcontractors and primary contractors within the local area; and utilize all available machines and workers to meet the demand for war material. Before the war ended with the Japanese surrender on August 4, 1945, ten percent of York County's population of more than 178,000 served in the armed forces. Of these 371 were killed, 822 were wounded, 152 were reported missing and 192 were taken prisoner. Two outstanding heroes of World War II were York Countians. General Jacob Loucks Devers, commander of Army Ground Forces in the European Theater, and Lieutenant Alexander B. Goode, one of four chaplains who bravely went to their deaths aboard the troop transport S.S. Dorchester. Lieutenant Goode and his colleagues were recognized for giving up their life belts so others might live.

The 1950's brought another crisis to York County as once again county troops served bravely during the Korean conflict. Of the 263,721 Pennsylvanian Korean Veterans, 6,910 are from York County and of that number 63 were killed, either from wounds or from disease.

Since World War II, the nation and York County has experienced periods of prosperity and times of turmiol. York Countians have answered the call for several armed conflicts including the Korean War, Vietnam and most recently the "100 hour war" in the Persian Gulf. During these hostilities , 164 men and women gave their lives to preserve the freedoms our forefathers envisioned that winter in York so long ago in 1777 and 1778..
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Day 117 - New Truck (Mule 2) Then Time To Roll

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:48:19 GMT

New Truck (Mule 2) Then Time To Roll
Road Finds: No (View Details)
Tunes: No (View Details)
Money Found So Far: $48.51

Battle of Gettysburg

This most famous and most important Civil War Battle occurred over three hot summer days, July 1 to July 3, 1863, around the small market town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It began as a skirmish but by its end involved 160,000 Americans.
Before the battle, major cities in the North such as Philadelphia, Baltimore and even Washington were under threat of attack from General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia which had crossed the Potomac River and marched into Pennsylvania.

The Union Army of the Potomac under its very new and untried commander, General George G. Meade, marched to intercept Lee.

On Tuesday morning, June 30, an infantry brigade of Confederate soldiers searching for shoes headed toward Gettysburg (population 2,400). The Confederate commander looked through his field glasses and spotted a long column of Federal cavalry heading toward the town. He withdrew his brigade and informed his superior, Gen. Henry Heth, who in turn told his superior, A.P. Hill, he would go back the following morning and "get those shoes."

Wednesday morning, July 1, two divisions of Confederates headed back to Gettysburg. They ran into Federal cavalry west of the town at Willoughby Run and the skirmish began. Events would quickly escalate. Lee rushed 25,000 men to the scene. The Union had less than 20,000.

After much fierce fighting and heavy casualties on both sides, the Federals were pushed back through the town of Gettysburg and regrouped south of the town along the high ground near the cemetery. Lee ordered Confederate General R.S. Ewell to seize the high ground from the battle weary Federals "if practicable." Gen. Ewell hesitated to attack thereby giving the Union troops a chance to dig in along Cemetery Ridge and bring in reinforcements with artillery. By the time Lee realized Ewell had not attacked, the opportunity had vanished.

Meade arrived at the scene and thought it was an ideal place to do battle with Lee's Army. Meade anticipated reinforcements totaling up to 100,000 men to arrive and strengthen his defensive position.

Confederate General James Longstreet saw the Union position as nearly impregnable and told Lee it should be left alone. He argued that Lee's Army should instead move east between the Union Army and Washington and build a defensive position thus forcing the Federals to attack them instead.

But Lee believed his own army was invincible and he was also without his much needed cavalry which served as his eyes and ears during troop movements. Cavalry leader Jeb Stuart had gone off with his troops to harass the Federals. Stuart's expedition would turn out to be for the most part a wild goose chase which left Lee at a disadvantage until he returned.

Lee decided to attack the Union Army's defensive position at the southern end of Cemetery Ridge which he thought was less well defended.

About 10 a.m. the next morning, Thursday, July 2, Gen. Longstreet was ordered by Lee to attack. But Longstreet was quite slow in getting his troops into position and didn't attack until 4 p.m. that afternoon thus giving the Union Army even more time to strengthen its position.

When Longstreet attacked, some of the most bitter fighting of the Civil War erupted at places now part of American military folklore such as Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Wheat Field and the Peach Orchard. Longstreet took the Peach Orchard but was driven back at Little Round Top.

About 6:30 p.m. Gen. Ewell attacked the Union line from the north and east at Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill. The attack lasted into darkness but was finally unsuccessful at Cemetery Hill, although the Rebels seized some trenches on Culp's Hill.

By about 10:30 p.m., the day's fighting came to an end. The Federals had lost some ground during the Rebel onslaught but still held the strong defensive position along Cemetery Ridge.

Both sides regrouped and counted their causalities while the moaning and sobbing of thousands of wounded men on the slopes and meadows south of Gettysburg could be heard throughout the night under the blue light of a full moon.

Generals from each side gathered in war councils to plan for the coming day. Union commander Meade decided his army would remain in place and wait for Lee to attack. On the Confederate side, Longstreet once again tried to talk Lee out of attacking such a strong position. But Lee thought the battered Union soldiers were nearly beaten and would collapse under one final push.

Lee decided to gamble to win the Battle of Gettysburg and in effect win the Civil War by attacking the next day at the center of the Union line along Cemetery Ridge where it would be least expected. To do this he would send in the fresh troops of Gen. George Pickett. Along with this, Gen. Ewell would renew the assault on Culp's hill.

But as dawn broke on Friday, July 3, about 4:30 a.m., Lee's timetable was undermined as Union cannons pounded the Rebels on Culp's Hill to drive them from the trenches. The Rebels did not withdraw, but instead attacked the Federals around 8 a.m. Thus began a vicious three hour struggle with the Rebels charging time after time up the hill only to be beaten back. The Federals finally counter attacked and drove the Rebels off the hill and east across Rock Creek. Around 11 a.m. the fighting on Culp's Hill stopped. An eerie quiet settled over the whole battlefield.

Once again Lee encountered opposition to his battle plan from Longstreet. Lee estimated about 15,000 men would participate in the Rebel charge on Cemetery Ridge. Longstreet responded, "It is my opinion that no 15,000 men ever arrayed for battle can take that position." But Lee was unmoved. The plan would go on as ordered.

Throughout the morning and into the afternoon amid 90° heat and stifling humidity the Rebels moved into position in the woods opposite Cemetery Ridge for the coming charge. Interestingly, some Union troops were moved away from Cemetery Ridge on Meade's orders because he thought Lee would attack again in the south. Several hours before, Meade had correctly predicted Lee would attack the center, but now thought otherwise. He left only 5,750 infantrymen stretched out along the half-mile front to initially face the 15,000 man Rebel charge.

Lee sent Jeb Stuart's recently returned cavalry to go behind the Union position in order to divert Federal forces from the main battle area. Around noon, Union and Confederate cavalry troops clashed three miles east of Gettysburg but Stuart was eventually repulsed by punishing cannon fire and the Union cavalry led in part by 23 year old Gen. George Custer. The diversion attempt failed.

Back at the main battle site, just after 1 p.m. about 170 Confederate cannons opened fire on the Union position on Cemetery Ridge to pave the way for the Rebel charge. This was the heaviest artillery barrage of the war but many of the Rebel shells missed their targets and flew harmlessly overhead.

The Federals returned heavy cannon fire and soon big clouds of blinding smoke and dust hung over the battlefield. Around 2:30 p.m. the Federals slowed their rate of fire, then ceased, to conserve ammunition and to fool the Rebels into thinking the cannons were knocked out - exactly what the Rebels did think.

Pickett went to see Longstreet and asked, "General, shall I advance?" Longstreet, now overwhelmed with emotion, did not respond, but simply bowed his head and raised his hand. Thus the order was given.

"Charge the enemy and remember old Virginia!" yelled Pickett as 12,000 Rebels formed an orderly line that stretched a mile from flank to flank. In deliberate silence and with military pageantry from days gone by, they slowly headed toward the Union Army a mile away on Cemetery Ridge as the Federals gazed in silent wonder at this spectacular sight.

But as the Rebels got within range, Federal cannons using grapeshot (a shell containing iron balls that flew apart when fired) and deadly accurate rifle volleys ripped into the Rebels killing many and tearing holes in the advancing line. What had been, just moments before, a majestic line of Rebel infantry, quickly became a horrible mess of dismembered bodies and dying wounded accompanied by a mournful roar. But the Rebels continued on.

As they got very close, the Rebels stopped and fired their rifles once at the Federals then lowered their bayonets and commenced a running charge while screaming the Rebel yell.

A fierce battle raged for an hour with much brutal hand to hand fighting, shooting at close range and stabbing with bayonets. For a brief moment, the Rebels nearly had their chosen objective, a small clump of oak trees atop Cemetery Ridge. But Union reinforcements and regrouped infantry units swarmed in and opened fire on the Rebel ranks. The battered, outnumbered Rebels finally began to give way and this great human wave that had been Pickett's Charge began to recede as the men drifted back down the slope. The supreme effort of Lee's army had been beaten back, leaving 7,500 of his men lying on the field of battle.

Lee rode out and met the survivors, telling them, "It is all my fault." And to Pickett he said, "Upon my shoulders rests the blame." Later when he got back to headquarters Lee exclaimed, "Too bad. Too bad! Oh, too bad!" The gamble had failed. The tide of the war was now permanently turned against the South.

Confederate causalities in dead, wounded and missing were 28,000 out of 75,000. Union casualties were 23,000 out of 88,000.

That night and into the next day, Saturday, July 4, Confederate wounded were loaded aboard wagons that began the journey back toward the South. Lee was forced to abandon his dead and begin a long slow withdrawal of his army back to Virginia. Union commander Meade, out of fatigue and caution, did not immediately pursue Lee, infuriating President Lincoln who wrote a bitter letter to Meade (never delivered) saying he missed a "golden opportunity" to end the war right there.

On November 19, President Lincoln went to the battlefield to dedicate it as a military cemetery. The main orator, Edward Everett of Massachusetts, delivered a two hour formal address. The president then had his turn. He spoke in his high, penetrating voice and in a little over two minutes delivered the Gettysburg Address, surprising many in the audience by its shortness and leaving others quite unimpressed.

Over time, however, the speech and its words - government of the People, by the People, for the People - have come to symbolize the definition of democracy itself.

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Day 116 - The Mule Gets Taken Out

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:47:49 GMT

The Mule Gets Taken Out
Road Finds: No (View Details)
Tunes: No (View Details)
Money Found So Far: $48.22

War: Went for a climb this Morning, came back to the Penske and change and then go run. As I started the rig, a noise came out like a bomb, did the muffler blow up?. I turned off the engine and checked the under carriage of the truck and discovered, that some low life cut off the catalytic converter. This is where it got interesting, the lot was right off some busy roads, but the parking lot is in a state park "Great" so the office is right down the road, so I walk down to the office and tell the lady at the front desk about the incident. She tells no one will be on for another 15 minutes, then I say is the area lawless till this guy comes in. Frustrated I said send him over after he gets settled in, get that 1 bullet ready for the nights work.

After about an 1/2 hour Barney Fife showed up and looked under the truck and says it looks like someone stole your catalytic Converter (no *$#@) I said that already, then his side kick shows up with the camera. Well, there was no way I could drive it, so penske sent (Mule 2) over via tow truck. One bad thing it will take him 4 hours and I have to clean out (mule 1), can you say mega nightmare, there was 4 months of crap and most melmed with other items, I felt like an Archeologist going through levels in time. Finally the next truck shows up, time to reload and go get a steak, well the steak placed closed right when I got there "Day over."

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