Sunbury 250th 1772-2022 by The Daily Item

SUNBURY 250 1772-2022

The Daily Item

Special Commemorative Edition celebrating Sunbury’s semiquincentennial

Congratulations

on 250 years, Sunbury!

GREAT COMMUNITIES ARE BUILT BY STRONG FAMILIES

That’s why GIANT makes sure to raise families up every day, in every way. Thank you for letting us serve you, both in store & in the community.

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

“Proudly Serving Central Pennsylvania Since 1915!”

Sunbury Motors

A historical, waterfront restaurant located on the beautiful Susquehanna River, just south of Sunbury.

t was in 1915 that an automobile business was born. J.O. Mertz started selling Model “T’ Fords in Northumberland as a sub-dealer for the Ford Motor Company. Ten years later, J.O. purchased the Ford dealership in Sunbury, establishing Sunbury Motor Company at Fifth and Arch Streets. His sons, Wilson and Charles, operated the company until their sons, Bob and Dick Mertz, became active in 1961. By 1968, they had outgrown the location and purchased property on North Fourth Street. The next expansion occurred during the early 1980s. Land was purchased behind the Fourth Street sales department and a state-of-the-art service complex was built to house both the parts and service departments. In 1989, Dick’s son Tom joined his father and second cousin Bob to continue the succession of the Mertz family as a fourth generation in the family-run business. Sunbury Motors added a KIA franchise in 1998. KIAs were sold out of the North Fourth Street showroom until 2001, when land was purchased on Routes 11/15 in Hummels Wharf. In early 2003, the Mertz family purchased the former BiLo Supermarket and parking lot. By the end of 2003, the sales department was totally renovated. After completion of the renovation, the BiLo building was renovated as well, and Hyundai, along with Western Star trucks are now sold from this location. The Mertz family is proud of their growth and family heritage. They are also grateful to all employees who have been dedicated to the company along with the continued support of the community.

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113 River Road, Route 147, Sunbury, PA 17801 943 North 4th Street, Sunbury, PA 570-286-7746 | www.sunburymotors.com THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

CONTENTS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

LETTER FROM FORMER MAYOR

LETTER FROM COMMISSIONERS

OUT OF THE DARK

What to look for during semiquincentennial celebration, from July 4-9 Northumberland County Commissioners write of city’s struggles and triumphs

COMMEMORATIVE COINS

LETTER FROM MAYOR

CITY BUSINESSES

16 18

Coins celebrating the city’s 250th birthday have been a big hit

Longtime Mayor David Persing highlights Sunbury’s success over last 50 years Thomas Edison turned on the lights in Sunbury’s City Hotel, making history in 1883

CITY’S OLDEST STRUCTURES

Some city buildings dating back to Sunbury’s founding are still in use today

BREWING UP ANNIVERSARY ALE

REMEMBER WHEN?

SUNBURY’S GROWTH

SUNBURY’S REVOLUTIONARY HERO

MASONIC LODGE

HISTORY OF FABRIDAM

Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosious writes about looking back at proud history and what lies ahead More than a dozen Sunbury businesses — from Weis Markets to Schindler’s Studios have a long history A glance at Sunbury’s population growth each decade since 1800 Sunbury’s Masons take pride in their work in the city for more than two centuries

Eclipse Brewing has 3 Sunbury-centered beers, including a new brew for the 250th birthday Key moments in Sunbury’s history, including historic floods and school mergers

The Daily Item Publisher

Fred Scheller Editor

William Bowman Advertising Director

Lori Seebold Writers

Francis Scarcella Justin Strawser Photographer

Robert Inglis

Still some debate about Timothy Murphy’s actions at the pivotal victory at Saratoga in 1777 Sunbury’s dam has led to success and failures over the years

DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTOS ABOVE: KOREAN WAR VETERAN ROGER MARTZ SALUTES DURING A VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY IN 2021 AT CAMERON PARK IN SUNBURY. LEFT: THOMAS EDISON ILLUMINATED SUNBURY’S CITY HOTEL WITH ELECTRIC LIGHTS ON JULY 4, 1883. THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS JULY 4 10 a.m.: 4th of July Parade. Starts at S 10th and Walnut; west on Walnut to S 4th; north on S 4th to Market; west on Market to S 2nd; south on S 2nd to end at S 2nd and Spruce. Parade features Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Unit, Shikellamy Marching Braves, Shriners mini cars, numerous floats, decorated cars, trucks, and firetrucks. 1 p.m.: Proclamation Ceremony, Cameron Park. Hear about Sunbury’s history and honor hometown heroes. 1-8 p.m.: Vendors in Cameron Park 3-10 p.m.: Music at Cameron Park Gazebo 4-10 p.m.: Ferris Wheel in Cameron Park

JULY 5 4 p.m.: Van Wagner in Jesse C. Woodring Amphitheater, “Hard Coal Navy”

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

followed by music until 5:30 p.m. 1-8 p.m.: Vendors on Market Street 4-10 p.m.: Music and Entertainment, Cameron Park Gazebo 6 p.m.: Fully Loaded, Bigfoot Country Stage, Riverfront Park 8 p.m.: Ultimate Garth/Simply Shania, Bigfoot Country Stage

JULY 6 9 a.m.: White Pine Tree of Peace Dedication, Merle Phillips Park 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Living History Artisans, Merle Phillips Park 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: History and entertainment, Woodring Amphitheater l 10 a.m.: Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly; By Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland l 11 a.m.: It’s Wash Day, Bob Lee l Noon: Homefront for Victory l 1 p.m.: Nasty Ned the Frontiersman 10 a.m.-8 p.m.: Vendors on Market Street

celebrate!

10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Music and Entertainment, Cameron Park Gazebo l 7 p.m: The Sunbury City Band 10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Ferris Wheel, Cameron Park 6 p.m.: Kinsey, 94KX Stage, Riverfront Park 8 p.m.: TUSK, 94KX Stage, Riverfront Park

JULY 7 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Living History Artisans, Merle Phillips Park 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: History and Edutainment, Woodring Amphitheater l 10 a.m.: Birds of Prey l 11 a.m.: Healing Waters that Heal Others, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky l Noon: Fur-bearing animals of the Susquehanna l 1 p.m: Lifeways of the Conoy, Dana and Tina Mark 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Vendors on Market Street 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Music and Entertainment, Cameron Park Gazebo 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Ferris Wheel, Cameron Park

JULY 9

Happy 250th Anniversary, Sunbury! Service 1st is proud to be part of this great community. Visit your local branch at 1185 North 4th Street, Sunbury, PA 17801.

10 a.m.: Passenger Train Excursions, 517 Raspberry Ave. 10 a.m.: Fireworks. Eister Youth/Community Center, Persing Complex

To learn more, call us at 800.562.6049 or visit us online at www.service1.org.

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THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

Story of struggle and triumph

n 2022, Northumberland County celebrates its 250th anniversary. As commissioners, we are proud and humbled to look back upon the history of our county. It has been one of struggle and of triumph; prosperity and difficulty. Our county’s history is one of community. The creation of our Northumberland County community is the foundation upon which we have built our culture, economy and government.

Northumberland County was born in 1772 upon a vast wildnerness stretching from the New York border to the Juniata River, and from the Lehigh to the Allegheny. The first commissioners, our predecessors, were William Gray, Thomas Hewitt, John Weitzel and Casper Reed. Using their collective education, experience and will, they forged thousands of square miles of woods, waters and mountains into roads, farms, boroughs and cities. Sunbury, at the confluence of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River, was chosen as the county seat and heart of our new community. Northumberland County would become the Mother of Counties as our neighbors like Snyder, Union, Montour and Columbia were born from our soil. Northumberland County’s fortunes rose on the hard work of its increasingly diverse citizens. Early settlers came to log the forests and farm the fertile land. In the mid-19th century, the canals and railroads brought even more settlers to our increasingly prosperous towns. With the discovery of coal, Northumberland County’s fortunes were bound to the industrial revolution. Shamokin Coal entered the market in

KYMBERLEY BEST

JOE KLEBON

1814, forever changing our county. As national demand for coal grew, so did our county’s need for miners and workers in factories. This sparked great waves of immigration, first from the Celtic Fringe of the British Isles. Later, families from Italy, Poland, Russia, Ukraine and many other countries would arrive. Each and every one of these new arrivals brought with them the culture, food, faith and folkways of their home country along with a deep and intense desire to be American. Each and every one was committed to building a community. We as citizens have woven all these different threads into one rich cultural tapestry that is uniquely Northumberland County. Our county’s history has certainly not always been easy. Nor has it been a fairytale of limitless prosperity. In the late-20th century, the decline of the coal industry, pressures on agriculture, and the erosion of American manufacturing have posed serious challenges for Northumberland County. We have watched the jobs that built the American Dream disappear. We have shared one another’s struggles and hardships during this time of change. Our sense of community has not disappeared. As commissioners, we are committed to reinvent the pioneering spirit of our predecessors to meet the challenges of a new era. Across our county, community groups like TIME in Milton, SABRE in Shamokin and SRI in Sunbury are working hard to make our downtowns vital centers of community.

Keepin’ the World Classy

Tony’s Custom Tailor Shop 413 Market Street, Sunbury 570-286-4150 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am - 5pm Weds 9am - 1pm • Sat open for appt only 8

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

SAM SCHICCATANO

We are attracting new businesses in a new and challenging economy. We have become more diverse as we welcomed more people of Hispanic, African-American and Asian descent to our communities. We are growing stronger. We are preserving our heritage by restoring our courthouse. We are attracting new businesses in a new and challenging economy. We have become more diverse as we welcomed more people of Hispanic, African-American and Asian descent to our communities. We are growing stronger. As commissioners, we come from and are part of the fabric of Northumberland County. We represent the county’s rich history of blending cultures. Kym’s direct ancestor, Edward Burd, served as the first district attorney of Northumberland County in 1772. Like Edward, Kym brings her legal experience to local government. Sam’s family came here from Poland and Italy. Joe’s ancestors immigrated from Ukraine. Their families left the Old World to find a better life in our Coal Region. They embody the hard work and determination of their coal mining ancestors. As your commissioners, we work together as a team that blends the skills, experience and background of each one of us. We join you in celebrating the 250th year of our county’s heritage. Let us draw our communities closer, overcome adversity as we always have, and move into a brighter future. Sam Schiccatano, Joe Klebon, Kymberley Best Northumberland County Commissioners

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DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTO THE AUGUSTA REGIMENT PERFOM A MUSKET SALUTE DURING THE DEDICATION OF THE FORT AUGUSTA MODEL AT THE NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY LOCATION ALONG FRONT STREET.

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THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

Commemorative coins a big hit

By Francis Scarcella

fscarcella@dailyitem.com

hen the ideas of fundraising began, the Sunbury Semiquincentennial Celebration committee immediately thought of ways for the public to be able to sponsor and get something that they would remember the event by forever. Coins. Co-chairs Jody Ocker and Slade Shreck began to work on the art and the deal they would be able to provide to the public. The first 100 coins were going to be reserved for people or businesses that wanted to be part of the Sunbury Centennial club, while the next 250 coins would be reserved for the Sunbury 250 club. And people ate up the idea and began to purchase the commemorative coins before they were even produced, according to committee members. Some of the names that purchased the numbered coins were Weis Markets, The Daily Item, former Mayors David Persing and Kurt Karlovich, as well as current Mayor Josh Brosious. The 250 club saw Councilman Jim Eister, the Americus Hose Co., and Purdy Insurance along with several others. “The challenge coins were made to be a token of appreciation for

donations to the Sunbury Semiquincentennial,” Ocker said. “Each coin is a limited edition. The coins are numbered and are presented with a certificate of appreciation for the donation.” One is a commemoration of the City Centennial. Sunbury was incorporated as a City of the Third Class on Dec. 29, 1921 becoming effective Jan. 1, 1922, Ocker said. “People who made a donation of $100 or more received the coin and became members of “The Sunbury Centennials,” Ocker said. “We have presented 50 of these coins representing $5,000 in donations.”

Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver wishes the City of Sunbury a Happy 250th Anniversary. Congratulations and best wishes for a bright and prosperous future! Paid for by Citizens for Lynda Schlegel Culver

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Ocker said the group presented 53 of the 250 Coins representing $13,500 in donations. “People were able to choose the coin number they wanted,” Ocker said. “Some picked the number of years in business, the year the business started, birthdates, graduation or dates. When we present the coin we take a photo that we post on our Facebook page, Sunbury Semiquincentennial Celebration, and share it to other Sunbury groups on Facebook. The posts have reached thousands of people. We are also making banners with all the names of the businesses and people who received coins that will be displayed during the celebrations.” Ocker said the coin fundraiser was a success. “We planned a lot of great events and activities that are free for people to attend. That would not be possible without our business sponsors and people making donations,” Ocker said. Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosious said he loved the coins and was a proud sponsor.

JUSTIN STRAWSER/THE DAILY ITEM COMMEMORATIVE COINS RECOGNIZING SUNBURY’S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL WILL BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS ACCORDING TO SUNBURY 250 ORGANIZERS.

“These are a collectible item for sure,” he said. “I was very honored to

be part of this whole celebration and see all the great ideas and fun events

this committee has planned. I am proud of all they have done.”

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Sunbury’s 250 Proud to Celebrate

Anniversary!

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Exciting times in Sunbury

‘I

find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it.” Was a

famous quote from Thomas Edison. This quote speaks volumes of the influence that the City of Sunbury has had locally, through the state, across the country, and throughout the world. The citizens of Sunbury have gone and done many great things that have changed the world. We have had public servants, professional athletes, musicians, MAYOR JOSH doctors, lawyers, BROSIOUS military personnel, and many other occupations that have had different impacts throughout the world. We have had many individuals high-pressure careers for the state and federal government to service the citizens of Pennsylvania and the United States. We had individuals go on to invent items that have changed the lives of individuals and changed the world. We had Thomas Edison come to Sunbury and light the first commercial three-wired building

in the world right here in Sunbury. Sunbury has the largest inflatable damn located right here along the Susquehanna River. Sunbury has truly influenced the world in many different ways. This year marks 100 years in which Sunbury has been incorporated into a city. One hundred years is a long time and even longer time for a business to exist. Sunbury has many 100-yearold business that still serve this great city and continue to make this city great. They have supported many city functions and youth programs throughout the years. The citizens of Sunbury and the businesses are the true backbone of the community. Now it’s time to celebrate all these success stories during Sunbury’s 250th birthday celebration. I am very excited for all the citizens, for all the events that will be starting on July 4. These are exciting times here in the city of Sunbury. This 250th Celebration Event could not have been possible without the co-chairs of the committee, Jody Ocker and Slade Shreck. I am very fortunate to be mayor during this event because I get to be a part of the history of this great city. Josh Brosious, Sunbury mayor

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THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

Century-old businesses fill city By Francis Scarcella

fscarcella@dailyitem.com Sixteen Sunbury businesses will be honored by the Sunbury 250th committee and Mayor Josh Brosious for their dedication to the city for keeping their establishments in the city for 100 or more years. The proclamation ceremony on July 4 at Cameron Park features Brosious presenting each of the businesses with the “keys to the city.” “These businesses and organizations were operating at the time Sunbury became a city in 1922 and are still in business and serving the community today,” Sunbury 250th Celebration co-chair Jody Ocker said. “Many of them trace back well before 1922.” The businesses are: 1. Sunbury Monumental Works (1922) 2. Kiwanis Club of Sunbury (1921) 3. American Legion Post 201 (1919) 4. Rotary Club of Sunbury (1917) 5. Tru-Bilt Lumber Company (formerly Malick & Erdman Lumber, 1915, D.R. Erdman Lumber, 1921) 6. Sunbury Motor Company (1915) 7. Zimmerman Motors (Zimmerman’s Garage, 1913) 8. Weis Markets Incorporated (Weis Pure Foods, 1912) 9. Loyal Order of the Moose No. 181 (1909) 10. Schindler’s Studio (1908) 11. Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 503 (1903) 12. The Sunbury Market House (1901) 13. Sunbury City Band (formerly Seven Cornets Band, 1895) 14. The Daily Item (formerly The Sunbury Daily, 1872, The Evening Item, 1893)

FILE PHOTO PROVIDED THE CITY HOTEL, WHICH WAS LATER RENAMED THE EDISON HOTEL, AS IT APPEARED IN THE EARLY PART OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

15. The Hotel Edison (formerly The City Hotel, 1872) 16. Lodge No. 22, Free and Accepted Masons (Provincial Charter 1772, Pennsylvania Charter, 1779) “It’s an honor and privilege to accept the key to the city on behalf of all Rotarians that have served the Sunbury community for 105 years,” Sunbury Rotarian Victoria Rosancrans said. “Service above self is our motto. We look

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forward to many more years serving the community.” Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosious said giving out the “keys to the city” is an honor. “To be able to present these businesses with this is amazing,” he said. “To be able to survive for more than 100 years is an amazing accomplishment and to be able to change with the times to stay open. It is truly an honor for me to be able to do this as mayor.”

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DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTOS ABOVE, LEFT: ZIMMERMAN MOTORS GOT ITS START CRAFTING AND SELLING BUGGIES, INCLUDING THIS HEARSE. ABOVE, RIGHT: SCHINDLER’S STUDIO HAS BEEN OPEN IN SUNBURY SINCE 1908. RIGHT: A ROW OF TRUCKS SITS AT SUNBURY MOTORS ALONG FOURTH STREET.

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Sunbury’s population increases early in 20th century YEAR 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910

POPULATION 613 790 861 1,036 1,108 1,218 1,803 3,131 4,076 5,930 9,810 13,770

YEAR 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

POPULATION 15,721 15,626 15,642 15,570 13,687 13,025 12,292 11,591 10,610 9,905 9,322

SOURCE: US CENSUS

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Sunbury’s population — By Decade

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THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

Masonic Lodge glad to be part of 250th Celebration By Francis Scarcella

fscarcella@dailyitem.com The Sunbury Masonic Lodge 22 couldn’t wait to be part of the Sunbury 250th Celebration and wanted to do what the group always does — help. Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Tom Krieger said the group is always out looking for ways to help the community. “Membership has played a role in many of Sunbury’s festivities over the years, and this one was no different,” he said. “Lodge 22 will enjoy being part of the parade with several other Masonic bodies.” Krieger said the lodge also enlisted members of the Eastern Star, a Masonic affiliate of which women can be members. “My brothers and I take great pride in being members of an organization that has been a part of the city for so long,” he said. “I’d like to thank Pete Spadotto for setting all of this up. He was asked to make all of the arrangements for us, and he has done a fantastic job. I hope everyone has a wonderful time.” The Masonic Lodge has been in Sunbury since 1772, Krieger said.

“As we prepare for the approaching 250th anniversary of Sunbury and its upcoming celebration, we are turning our attention to one of its oldest and most mysterious treasures, Masonic Lodge 22,” he said. “It was warranted on Oct. 4, 1779, by the Grand Lodge of England, only seven years after the city of Sunbury was settled in 1772.” Lodge 22 was later re-warranted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1787,” he said. “There are currently more “Free and Accepted Masons” in Pennsylvania than in any other state,” Krieger said. The structure, which was built in 1908, sits at 220 Market St., and is the third oldest lodge in Pennsylvania, Krieger said. “To put that into context, this lodge was formed during the lifetimes of two very famous freemasons, Ben Franklin and George Washington,” he said. According to the Northumberland County Historical Society the “Masonic Lodge at Sunbury” is as old as the town itself. The current building they occupy at 220 Market St. was built in 1908. No other fraternal organization of any kind in the entire area has been in existence as long.

THE MASONIC BUILDING ON MARKET STREET IN SUNBURY.

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

The originals of the lodge began with a meeting at Fort Augusta of nine officers of General Sullivan’s Army, according to the historical society. During its first 30 years, the Lodge met at the home of members. From 1809 to 1866, the meeting was then in the Grand Jury room in the old courthouse. In 1866, they bought the old courthouse and the old schoolhouse that was located on South Third Street. These were torn down and the brick was used to erect a Masonic building on Third Street. The Lodge met there until 1906. At that time, the present building was constructed and the lodge moved to 220 Market St. in 1908. Sunbury Councilman John Barnhart, who serves as an officer of the lodge, said he was excited to participate in the celebration. “We are all very happy,” he said. “We are excited to be a part of this. This is a big deal because we get to showcase who we are and a chance for people to come and meet with us and ask questions.” Barnhart said it was a pleasure for the group to be able to host an open house during the celebration for people to visit the lodge. “We are filled with history and this was a perfect way for people to come and meet with us.”

ROBERT INGLIS/THE DAILY ITEM

Long live Sunbury — 250 years and counting! When you’ve been around this long, you know the value of staying well. Living healthier means living happier. Last year, better health became easier than ever in Sunbury when our primary care clinic moved to a nearby downtown spot with a ConvenientCare right on site. Need a checkup, help with a chronic condition or treatment for an illness or injury? We offer same-day, next-day and video visits. Schedule through MyGeisinger, call 570-849-7044 or visit geisinger.org/patientcare for an appointment. Congratulations, Sunbury. Here’s to your next 250 years — we’ll help keep you healthy while you get there.

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THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

Happy 250

Anniversary Sunbury!

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We salute the Sunbury Semiquincentennial Semiq i THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

Story of struggle and triumph

ow do you put a lifetime into a few words? I don’t know that answer. I will try to highlight the years and ask forgiveness for anything I missed!

During the 200th City Celebration I was a young 21-yearold married to my wife Kathaleen and the father of our 2-year-old daughter Lisa. I remember the parades and how my DAVID PERSING mom made dresses and bonnets for our family. It was a special time. During the 225th City Celebration I was the Mayor of Sunbury (still married, LOL) father of our daughter Lisa and two sons David Jr. and

Christopher. We had such a great committee and the Celebration was a huge success. We wore clothes from that time period and we all looked pretty good! Seems like yesterday! I was recently looking through The Daily Item supplement of our 225th and all the history that is part of Sunbury. Truly incredible. For the 250th City Celebration I am now retired (still married LOL) Our children are all married and I am the Pap to nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild). Where has the time gone? Thank you to the committees working hard to make this celebration memorable. So much has happened over the years and so many changes it is hard to know where to begin. I had the great fortune to serve as a councilman for 2 years before being elected Mayor. I would then serve as the mayor for 24 years.

Four consecutive terms, off for one term and elected for two more terms, serving our community for 26 years as an elected official. I have served as a volunteer for most of my adult life and I continue to volunteer. Being a volunteer is a great way to give back to your community. Volunteers and volunteer organizations will always be an integral part of any successful community. As a civil servant and volunteer and a lifelong resident of Sunbury I have witnessed and been part of many changes in our city. I have seen the call to action during tough times. I can’t name them all but I will list a few. Not necessarily in the right chronological order! Sunbury has always had so much to offer its residents. Some of the programs and events are no longer in existence but have been a very important part of Sunbury. Some of the major City projects and calls to action:

Hurricane Agnes and other flood watches-Nor’easter’s, city crippling snow storms, devastating fires and car accidents. Elected officials and volunteers worked tireless together. Working with the police department on a daily basis Community policing with foot patrols and officers on bicycles was initiated The Cops Program (even shook hands with President Clinton in the Rose Garden announcing this program) Annual State of the City Volunteer Crime Watch Program Volunteer Fire Departments Volunteer Fire Police Enclosing the Ice-Skating Rink Market Street Project (new sidewalks-curbing and lighting-tree planting), 1992 David Persing, Former Sunbury Mayor

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Out of the dark Thomas Edison’s impact reaches well beyond city

By Justin Strawser

jstrawser@dailyitem.com

homas Edison, one of the world’s most successful inventors of the 19th century, illuminated the night by inventing the light bulb and a revolutionary electricity distribution system.

That legacy is alive in Sunbury. On July 4, 1883, the former City Hotel — now known as the Hotel Edison at Fourth and Market streets, Sunbury — became the first building in the world to be commercially wired and illuminated by incandescent electric lights through Edison’s threewire system. “Edison was probably one of the world’s most successful inventors but people around the world typically admire his contributions as a whole not individually,” said Cindy Inkrote, president of the Northumberland County Historical Society. “Edison’s accomplishments in Sunbury definitely brought people out of the dark and led the way to make their homes and businesses more functional. However, when people think of Edison and incandescent lighting today, Sunbury does not automatically come to mind.” Edison had scouted towns located close to plentiful supplies of coal to power the stations. Sunbury, Shamokin, and Mount Carmel all had Edison Electric Illuminating Company power plants, said Inkrote. After inventing the first practical incandescent electric light bulb in 1879, Edison searched for a place to build a central system that could generate, transmit and distribute electric power, according to a history of Edison on PPL’s website. “He picked a location on Pearl Street in Manhattan,” according to PPL. “There, Edison successfully illuminated 800 lamps in 1882. But he wanted to light up an entire town and realized

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO THOMAS A. EDISON PRESSES THE BUTTON IN WEST ORANGE, N.J., WHICH TURNS ON STREET LIGHTS OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, IN 1928.

“Edison’s accomplishments in Sunbury definitely brought people out of the dark and led the way to make their homes and businesses more functional. However, when people think of Edison and incandescent lighting today, Sunbury does not automatically come to mind.” — Cindy Inkrote, Northumberland County Historical Scoiety it would take hundreds of central stations to light up New York City.” In his search for a small town to illuminate, a business associate from Williamsport recommended Sunbury. The town was near coal fields, a convenient fuel source to power boilers, and gas prices in Sunbury were high, making it an attractive place to introduce an alternative energy source, according to PPL. The Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Sunbury was chartered on April 30, 1883. Enough capital was raised to complete the construction of the Central Station at Fourth and Vine streets and run wires to the City Hotel, built in 1871. His experiment was conducted at the City Hotel on July 4, 1883. He was in Sunbury for only about three weeks while the work was completed and the threewire system was tested and stayed at the City Hotel. He returned to New Jersey and continued to invent and apply for patents for his inventions, said Inkrote. “Much of what he contributed to Sunbury is no longer as important as it once was,” said Inkrote. “Technology has changed and lighting has been improved over the years. LED lighting is now leading the way. Edison’s work in Sunbury was a tiny part of what he accomplished in his lifetime. His success here eventually made an impact around the country but it is not well known that the experiment was conducted here in Sunbury.” It’s possible that Sunbury could become more of a tourist attraction because of Edison and his work here. Edison’s ingenuity could be promoted

more than it is, said Inkrote. In 1914, the City Hotel was gutted by a fire. It was rebuilt and later renamed in 1922 in honor of Edison, according to historical society material. In 2009, business partners Brad Niemiec and Meghan Beck, of 1337 Holdings LLC, took over ownership of the building. “The Edison, which was the first commercial building lit with threewire electricity, is a staple of the community from the weddings, and funerals, baby showers and family dinners, to the ghost stories of those who haunt its halls and banquet rooms,” said Beck. “We were glad to be part of a building with so much history and continue to do improvements of the building to update it and help it maintain its character.” Many people have worked or lived at the Edison, have had first dates, weddings and anniversary dinners there in its over 150-year history, said Beck. “We constantly have people stopping in to tell us the story of how The Edison played a part in the fabric of their family, and we welcome people to stop by to see the many historical treasures we have in the lobby,” she said. “The lobby is open when either 1337 Rentals or Robin’s Nest, the new restaurant, are open in the hotel so that the public can stop in to see the legacy of Thomas Edison and the hotel itself.” The owners do yearly historic tours with school and youth groups and sometimes allow paranormal groups to spend time chatting with the

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO THOMAS EDISON’S INCANDESCENT LAMP, THE FIRST PRACTICAL LIGHT BULB, WAS DEVELOPED IN 1879. EDISON USED CARBONIZED BAMBOO FOR THE FILAMENT.

ghosts. Within the lobby are a number of items patented and produced by Thomas Edison such as a mimeograph, a radio, a miner’s headlamp, and a dictaphone, along with photos and historic artifacts of the hotel’s history, including moments such as the fire in 1913. Some items are also kept in storage for special events and for expanding the historic display in the future, said Beck. “Thomas Edison’s choice of the City of Sunbury for the site of the launch of one of his greatest

experiments is a huge point of pride for the city,” said Beck. “Through the lighting of a light bulb at previous new year’s celebrations, numerous building and street names, the mural and makerspace evolving across the street from the Edison, and through the new branding of ThinkSunbury, the legacy of Thomas Edison lives on in the pride and spirit of Sunbury.” The company Edison founded in 1883 — The Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Sunbury — was acquired by PPL (then PP&L) in 1930, 10 years after the company was founded, according to PPL. THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

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INVENTOR THOMAS A. EDISON SITS OUTSIDE THE OFFICE OF HIS IRON ORE MILLING WORKS NEAR OGDENSBURG, NEW JERSEY, APRIL 22, 1890. ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

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THOMAS EDISON, AT THE AGE OF 75, RETURNED TO SUNBURY IN 1922 FOR THE CITY’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY. A SPECIAL CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE CITY HOTEL FOR THE DEDICATION OF A PLAQUE RENAMING THE BUILDING AFTER THE FAMOUS INVENTOR. DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTO/PROVIDED

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‘Built 1772’: Still standing 250 years later

By Justin Strawser

jstrawser@dailyitem.com

law office owned by attorney Thomas Boop is considered by local historians to be the first building constructed in Sunbury and one of the oldest non-residential structures still in use in Northumberland County. The light-colored building holding law offices at 106 Market St. owned by Boop has a placard on one exterior wall that reads “Built 1772.” That’s the year both the city and Northumberland County were founded 250 years ago. “It’s a nice building to have, the clients enjoy the building when they

DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTO THE LAW OFFICE ON THE LEFT, AT 106 MARKET ST., IS BELIEVED BY LOCAL HISTORIANS TO BE THE FIRST BUILDING IN SUNBURY. IT WAS BUILT IN 1772 AND THE LAW OFFICE ON THE RIGHT WAS ADDED ON IN 1795.

come here,” said Boop, who also studied history in college, of his law office. “It’s in walking distance of

the courthouse. For an attorney, it’s always important. It’s a very visible building, so if I have a client coming

in (from out of town), it’s very easy to describe to them. Those are important things.” Boop’s building was constructed by James Tilghman, the secretary of the Land Office under the later proprietors, in 1772, as the William Penn Land Office. The original section on the north side is the Tilghmam House and the section on the south side which extends east on Market Street is the Hall House, according to published articles in The Daily Item and The Williamsport Grit, as well as material published by the Northumberland County Historical Society. On May 20, 1795, the executors of Tilghman’s estate sold this lot to attorney Charles Hall. About the same time, Hall married Elizabeth Coleman, whose father Robert Coleman, of Cornwall Furnace, was one of the wealthiest men in the state. According to legend, Mr. Coleman

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LEFT: THE FORMER MACLAYWOLVERTON HOUSE ON ARCH STREET IN SUNBURY WAS FIRST BUILT IN 1773 AND IS NOW THE OFFICES FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE LYNDA SCHLEGEL-CULVER. RIGHT: THE MACLAY-WOLVERTON HOUSE AT 106 ARCH ST. THIS PHOTOGRAPH, PRINTED IN A BOOKLET FROM THE NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, WAS TAKEN IN 1885.

ordered the construction of an addition to the home on the corner in 1795 and gave it to them as a wedding present in 1796. The main building has been used continuously as a law office ever since, passing in ownership eventually to Attorney Carl Rice. Boop came to work for Rice in the summer of 1973 and came on full time in 1974. Boop and law partner Joey Stroaska purchased the property in 1992. Boop solely purchased it in 2001 after Stroaska left the firm. The building, in its early days, was used as a gathering place. Lorenzo da Pone, Mozart’s librettist who did the librettos for “Cosi Fan Tutti,” “Marriage of Figaro” and “Don Giovanni,” went there for the social atmosphere, according to reports published in The Daily Item and The Williamsport Grit. The original 1772 structure, which operated as residential for a period of time, is still a law office in 2022. The 1795 three-floor structure is the law office of Boop, as well as the O’Connor Law Firm and the headquarters of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

Inc. The second floor is residential. There’s been a lot of interior and exterior improvements, but the structure is intact — The Sunbury Historic Architectural Review Board has limitations on what can be done for renovations on historic buildings. The original fireplaces, while not operational, are still there. Much of the original molding, flooring and brickwork are still intact, as well as an open winding staircase and at least one of the glass-cut chandeliers, Boop said. “They didn’t really spare any expense when they built it,” said Boop. “You would never build a law office this way today but that’s the way it was built back in the time.” The Rice family restored the mansion and introduced period pieces and reproductions, Boop said. The law offices are not the oldest structures in the county. That distinction belongs to the powder magazine built in 1758 at Fort Augusta in Sunbury, but that specific structure stands as a historic relic untouched by outsiders and preserved as it was. Fort Augusta was erected

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DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTO

in 1756 by Col. William Clapham, according to Northumberland County Historical Society President Cindy Inkrote. “The powder magazine is not really used as a public space, but it can be seen on the property,” said Inkrote. “That’s one of the earliest structures in place.” Other historic properties The Maclay-Wolverton House, at 106 Arch St., Sunbury, was once the Sunbury office of U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta and is currently the Sunbury office of state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-108. Built in 1773 as the second home in Sunbury, 18th-century Pennsylvania Sen. William Maclay resided there in 1774. In 1865, it was sold to Simon P. Wolverton, who remodeled it extensively in 1888 and added a rear wing. The Donnel house, located at 210-214 Market St., Sunbury, was constructed in sections, the oldest of which dates to 1779 by Jacob Preisinger. This house is the oldest brick house in Sunbury. The eastern portion of the structure was built

in 1832, and served as an office. From 1865 to 1866, the prothonotary and register and recorder rented apartments in the house until the new courthouse was finished. It has served as a residence, a hotel and a tavern. It is now the law offices of Apfelbaum Kula and Extended Arms Home Care

Agency. Another law office at 62 N. Front St., Sunbury, is the former BesseBeck House, also known as the old Scott House. It was a home built in 1796 by Jeremiah Simpson, a former county register and recorder. The story is told that the stones used to

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Chief Shikellamy Cream Ale brewed for Sunbury 250th By Justin Strawser

jstrawser@dailyitem.com SUNBURY — Eclipse Craft Brewing will have a limited edition new beer launched on the first day of the Sunbury Semiquincentennial celebration. Owners Thad and Curtis Benner, of Sunbury, plan to debut the Chief Shikellamy Cream Ale on July 4 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the city. Eclipse Craft Brewing at 249 Market St., Sunbury, opened in 2018, and they have several beers that honor the city’s history. “The Chief Shikellamy symbol resonates throughout the town,” said Thad Benner. “Anytime we can incorporate the town’s heritage is good.”

In colonial times, the Iroquois Indians claimed control of this valley by right of conquest. They sent Chief Shikellamy here to serve as their territorial administrator over other tribes living in the region during the mid-1700s. His efforts helped in extending the peace that Pennsylvania founder William Penn established in the 1680s between Native Americans and European settlers. Shikellamy died in 1748. Chief Shikellamy Cream Ale is a German-style Kolsch that is “very light bodied and very drinkable,” said Curtis Benner. It’s made with ale yeast instead of lager yeast, which means it can be brewed at higher temperatures — the perfect brew to make in the summer, he said. “It’s light in color, light in taste and

Congratulations

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ECLIPSE CRAFT BREWING IN SUNBURY HAS TWO BEERS NAMED IN HONOR OF THE CITY’S HERITAGE. THEY ARE INTRODUCING A THIRD FOR THE CITY’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. JUSTIN STRAWSER/ THE DAILY ITEM

very refreshing,” said Curtis Benner. It will be the first cream ale brewed by Eclipse, they said. The brothers plan to brew four barrels, or 120 gallons, to have available for the 250th celebration and throughout the summer. They also regularly have on tap Edison’s Own, a German style pilsner, and the Sunbury Bloody Third, a blood orange pale ale. Edison’s Own, which has been their number one beer until recently brewing a watermelon sour, is named for Thomas Edison. On July 4, 1883, the former City Hotel — now known as the Hotel Edison at Fourth and Market streets, Sunbury — became the first building in the world to be commercially wired by Edison and illuminated by incandescent electric lights through Edison’s three-wire system. Sunbury Blood Third Pale Ale is named for the city’s third ward. The Benner brothers are excited to celebrate the 250th anniversary. “We want to get people in the downtown and highlight the area,” said Curtis Benner.

JUSTIN STRAWSER/THE DAILY ITEM THAD AND CURTIS BENNER, OWNERS OF ECLIPSE CRAFT BREWING IN SUNBURY, ARE DEBUTING THE CHIEF SHIKELLAMY CREAM ALE ON JULY 4 IN HONOR OF THE CITY’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

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Americus Hose. Co. provides service for more than 100 years in city By Francis Scarcella

fscarcella@dailyitem.com Americus Hose Co., General Manager Bob Hare said the Americus Hose Co., continues to support Sunbury and its events in any way. “We are all proud to provide a service to the community,” he said. “We are excited about the celebration and honored to be part of Sunbury.” The Americus Hose Co. has been serving the area for nearly 130 years and Hare said that is a tradition they plan on keeping. “I think we are all very proud of that fact,” he said. The first meeting of the Americus Hose Co. was called to order on Nov. 15, 1893, with 40 members. In 1894, the first hose truck was purchased and the company purchased

ROBERT INGLIS/THE DAILY ITEM AMERICUS AMBULANCE SERVICE EMPLOYEES NELYA BORISOV, LEFT, AND PATRICK BLACK, TAKE INVENTORY IN THE BACK OF AN AMBULANCE.

a corner lot on Linden Street, and River Avenue, where the company still sits today. In October 1895, a special meeting was called to discuss the construction of

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the addition of a kitchen in order to provide food in the banquet hall section of the building. Throughout the years to the present day, the Americus Hose Co. continues to advance in technology and has recently purchased a new ladder truck which will be operational later this year. Sunbury City Councilman Jim Eister said he has been a member of the Americus Hose Co. for more than 50 years. “They have provided ambulance service and fire protection for this city and have continued to maintain excellent service,” he said. “Having an ambulance service within a mile from your home is very important and I am very proud of them for all the work they do for the community. We are lucky to have them.”

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Key moments in Sunbury’s history 1756 Fort Augusta built to protect settlers against attacks from Native Americans.

1772 The city is laid out by surveyor John Lukens and is officially incorporated. Northumberland County, the city of Sunbury and neighboring Northumberland borough are all formed.

1811

FILE PHOTOS ABOVE: PASSENGERS RIDE AN OPEN TROLLEY CAR ON THE SUNBURY & NORTHUMBERLAND STREET RAILWAY LINE. THE TROLLEY’S LAST RUN WAS IN 1939. BELOW: JULIUS MCCOY PLAYED SEVEN SEASONS WITH THE SUNBURY MERCURIES, AVERAGING 33.6 POINTS A GAME IN 1965-66 WHEN HE WAS NAMED THE EASTERN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION MVP.

Hotel during the 150th anniversary celebration. Edison returns to the city for the dedication.

Sunbury Fire Co. purchases the city’s first engine.

1812

1936

Construction begins on a bridge connecting Northumberland to Shamokin (now Packer) Island then Sunbury. It is completed in 1818.

Susquehanna River crests at 26.85 feet and parts of the city are devastated. According to the Sunbury Municipal Authority’s flood history, on March 18, 1936, about two feet of water reached Cameron Park, which “had never done before.” That storm led to the construction of the city’s floodwall, which has saved the city millions of dollars through ensuing floods according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

1860 Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Railroad, which connected Sunbury to Scranton, opened for passenger travel.

1883 Thomas Edison installed and successfully tested his three-wire system in Sunbury, in the former City Hotel, now the Edison Hotel, on July 4. It was the first time the system had been installed and tested anywhere in the world.

1885 Sunbury and Northumberland Street Railway Company received its charter on Jan. 25. Work began on a 3.2-mile line in 1889 after charter issues were resolved.

1895 Charter issued for Sunbury

Community Hospital.

1904 Trolley service between Sunbury and Northumberland was suspended for two years while repairs were made after the March 1904 ice jam and flood tore out the bridge on the Northumberland side and heavily damaged the one on the Sunbury side. Ferries transported passengers during this time.

1922 City Hotel is named Edison

1937 Sunbury public library opens.

1939 Bus service becomes available in the city making the trolley between Sunbury and Northumberland obsolete. Trolley makes its final run on March 11.

1947 From 1947 to 1971 the Sunbury Mercuries graced the courts of the Fourth Ward School in Sunbury, Sunbury High School, and

Selinsgrove High School. Under the leadership of player/manager Stan Novak, the Mercuries won their only league championship in 1951 and Jerry Rullo was named MVP. The team reached runner-up status the next year. Officials voted Mercuries player Jack McCloskey the league MVP for two consecutive seasons, 1953 and 1954. He continued his career in basketball playing, coaching in the NBA. Former Portland Trailblazers coach and Hall of Famer, Jack Ramsay also played for the Mercuries.

1965 Sunbury and Northumberland schools merge, creating Shikellamy School District.

1972 Agnes devastates Pennsylvania and the central Susquehanna Valley in particular. The city is spared most of the damage and destruction compared to other Valley towns thanks to its flood wall. The Susquehanna River crests at 35.8 feet, but stays mostly behind the flood wall. Sunbury celebrates its bicentennial with a two-hour parade with people watching from rooftops, front porches and windows all along the parade route. Celebration is held just days before Agnes hits the region.

2015 Northumberland County’s prison, built in 1877, is heavily damaged in a January fire. More than 200 inmates are transferred to neighboring facilities. SOURCES: Northumberland County Historical Society, Daily Item archives, Northumberland Borough website; Our Town, Interesting Facts in The History of Northumberland

THE DAILY ITEM | JULY 2022

Sunbury Revolutionary War hero’s legend debated

By William Bowman

bbowman@dailyitem.com

s Sunbury prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the potential impact a man from Sunbury had in a pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War remains up for debate.

Plenty of books continue to recognize the contribution sharpshooter Timothy Murphy made in the fall of 1777 at the Battle of Saratoga, an American victory that convinced the French to offer support to the fledgling nation a little more than a year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. How much of what is written about the sharpshooter, who allegedly killed two high-ranking British officers on Oct. 7, 1777, is actually true, however, is unknown. “Here’s what we know for sure,” said local author and historian John Moore, who has written about Murphy in his most recent book “Tories, Terror and Tea,” “he was a great shot, the quintessential American soldier. But there’s very little documentation about him. There is very little known about his exploits or any individual rifleman and I’m not entirely sure why.” Murphy, who is honored with a historical marker near Sunbury’s Fort Augusta, joined Capt. John Lowden’s company of Pennsylvania Riflemen on June 28, 1775, in Sunbury. A company from the West Branch, near Lock Haven, marched into the area that day, Moore said, looking to recruit soldiers. Murphy and his brother, John, joined up, marched to Boston and began a long military career that continued through the siege at Yorktown.

“We know he was there and he was among a number of men that took to the trees. It’s possible he fired those shots. It’s also legend. There’s just no documentation.” — John Moore, historian What role Murphy played in turning Saratoga will never be known, but history — along with Franklin Roosevelt — recall Murphy as one of the Revolution’s heroes. Murphy is “credited” with climbing a tree during the battle and firing shots that killed Gen. Simon Fraser and Sir Francis Clerke, fatalities that caused confusion among the British and led to its surrender. “We know he was there and he was among a number of men that took to the trees,” said Moore. “It’s possible he fired those shots. It’s also legend. There’s just no documentation.” Moore said Murphy was among a small group of American riflemen who could have pulled off the shots. Proving it is not possible, however. “These guys were incredible shots, had lots of bravado,” he said. The New York State Military Museum’s entry on Timothy Murphy says more about Murphy’s notoriety as a sharpshooter. “In August of 1777, Murphy was one of 500 hand-picked riflemen sent north to reinforce the Continental forces opposing General Sir John Burgoyne’s invasion of Northern New York,” the museum said. The museum also credits Murphy with reportedly firing the shots that killed Fraser and Clerke two months later. Legend begins Moore said the legend of Murphy’s

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story was published in The Daily Item on July 3, 2017.

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

shot likely began decades after the battle in northern New York. One of Murphy’s sons — he had 13 children — told a writer trying to record veterans’ histories about his father’s exploits. The legend grew from there, Moore said. “Long after the war, a guy like me asked veterans and sons of veterans

to write down their stories. They were looking for good stories,” Moore said. “One of Timothy Murphy’s sons told the story and they just threw it out there as fact without attribution or supporting documentation. Because of the nature of the times, other writers

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picked up and ran with it.” One of Murphy’s commanders, Lt. Col. Adam Hubley backed up Moore’s comments about “the mythological American frontiersman.” Hubley wrote a daily journal as commander of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment. His Sept. 13, 1779, entry recorded the

following, Moore said. “This Murphy is a noted marksman and a great soldier, he having killed and scalped that morning an Indian, which makes the 3 and 30th man of the enemy he has killed, as is well known to his officers.” Murphy died in New York in 1818

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at age 67, never learning to read or write. Two monuments to his service are on the battlefield at Saratoga, including one dedicated by Roosevelt, then governor of New York, in 1929. During the dedication, Roosevelt said, “This country has been made by Timothy Murphys, the men in

the ranks. Conditions called for the qualities of the heart and head that Tim Murphy had in abundance. Our histories tell us more of the men in the ranks, for it was to them, more than to the generals, that we were indebted for our military victories,” according to the New York museum.

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Commemorative rifles popular during 250th celebration By Francis Scarcella

fscarcella@dailyitem.com Over the past two years, the Sunbury Semiquincentennial committee continued to brainstorm on ways to raise funds and give community members something they could purchase as a keepsake. After tossing around those ideas, committee co-chair Jody Ocker put together a plan to sell 50 commemorative Henry rifles and three additional guns to auction off to the public. Forty-eight of the guns were sold, and three were auctioned, including the prototype. The guns were custom built by Rocky Mountain Firearms, in Johnstown, Colorado. Rocky Mountain Firearms is a family-owned business that has done special edition firearms for nearly 20 years, according to Ocker. The rifles are manufactured by the Henry rifle company and are 100 percent

American made, Ocker said. “When I was contacted by Brian Nesby, owner of Rocky Mountain Firearms, in early January, I knew the rifles would be a fitting way to commemorate Sunbury’s Semiquincentennial and a valuable heirloom for purchasers,” Ocker said. The rifle, invented by Benjamin Tyler Henry and patented in 1860, was the first practical, lever-action repeating rifle, Ocker said. Ocker, Northumberland County Historical Society President Cindy Inkrote and Secretary John Lindermuth immediately began working with Nesby to select the historical scenes that are engraved on the rifles, Ocker said. Nesby’s engravers worked with Mary Beth Monnier of Creative Marketing Strategies on the final design of the images used. All rifles are engraved with the same images.

On the left side of the rifle, the buttstock has an image of Fort Augusta, the pistol grip has the Sunbury250 logo, and the forearm stock has the Sunbury Fire Department and Soldiers Monument. On the right side of the rifle, the buttstock has the Hotel Edison, the grip has the Pennsylvania RR Station, and the forearm stock has the Sunbury Trolley crossing the toll bridge and the courthouse clocktower. The Standard and Golden Boy models are .22 caliber. The Standard has a round barrel and blued finish. The Golden Boy has an octagon barrel and shiny brass finish. The Big Boy model is similar to the Golden Boy and were available with the customer’s choice of .357, .44, or .45 caliber octagon barrels. Only 15 rifles of each model were made for sale to the general public. Each rifle is numbered, and customers got to choose any number they wanted on a

first-come-first-served basis, Ocker said. The purchase prices were $799 for the Standard, $995 for the Golden Boy, and $1,595 for the Big Boy. “We’ve sold a number of commemorative Henry rifles in Pennsylvania, including Perry and Bedford counties,” Nesby said. “We generally create these guns for centennials, sesquicentennials and bicentennials. I try to spend a lot of time learning about the history of the community for which the guns are being produced.” Nesby said the company wanted to donate the three prototype guns to the city. “We want to leave money in Sunbury, and that’s why we are donating two guns, a Henry Standard and a Henry Golden Boy, to be raffled off, with the money benefiting the Sunbury Semiquincentennial Committee,” he said.

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Congratulations to the city of Sunbury on their 250th Anniversary 1772 - 2022

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Big business in small location By Francis Scarcella

fscarcella@dailyitem.com Squeeze-In owner Bob Snyder said being part of the Sunbury 250th Celebration is an honor. Snyder, who took over the SqueezeIn in 2009, said he still gets chills when people from all over the Valley and beyond stop in to get some dogs. “To own an establishment that has been around for nearly eight decades is amazing in itself,” he said. “Every day we get people who come in and tell us stories about how they used to come here as children.” The Squeeze-In was established in 1945, according to city officials. Snyder said when he took the business over in 2009 he kept the same atmosphere and recipes. “We wanted everything the same,” he said. With the thousands of people visiting the city during the celebration, Snyder said he looks forward to meeting as many people as he could.

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

ROBERT INGLIS/THE DAILY ITEM BOB SNYDER HAS OWNED THE SQUEEZE-IN SINCE 2009 IN SUNBURY.

“Those same people who came in as children are now bringing in their kids or grandchildren and we are just as happy to hear the stories about their old experiences,” he said. “This is truly an honor to be part of Sunbury and to be part of this celebration.”

Snyder, after a career in the newspaper business, first got into the restaurant business in 1986 when he bought the rights to a chain of six hot dog stands in Syracuse, N.Y. He returned to his hometown of Sunbury in 1992 “And I could not be happier to be

here and part of this community,” he said. Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosious said having the Squeeze-In in the city is important. “It’s great to be able to say that establishment is in our city,” he said. “As part of the 250th Celebration and the focus on some of the businesses that have been here with us for many years, the Squeeze-In is one of the many places people love to stop and visit.” City Councilmen Jim Eister and Ric Reichner said they also are thankful for Snyder staying in Sunbury. “It is iconic,” Eister said. “I used to go there when I was a kid and I am thrilled to continue to go there and bring the grandchildren.” Reichner said he used to work at the Squeeze-In. “I walked to work and went to the cellar and would bring soda up and then bring the deliveries down,” Reichner said. “The place is a staple in our community. I am thrilled to see them be part of the 250th Celebration.”

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Fabridam has history of fun, failure

By Justin Strawser

jstrawser@dailyitem.com

riginally known as just the Fabridam, the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam that creates Lake Augusta has a history of punctures and needed repairs due to the nature of the river itself, according to clippings from The Daily Item and other historical records. The 2,000-foot-long Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam is historically inflated in May, creating the 3,000-acre Lake Augusta in the Susquehanna River in time to start boating season by Memorial Day weekend. Here is a timeline of the key moments in the dam’s history: 1820: A log dam is built in the same location as the current Adam T. Bower

Memorial Dam. 1904: During the spring thaw, 22 inches of ice breaks up and destroys the dam. Remains of the dam were thought lost to time, but several logs were found embedded in the river floor while building the current dam. One of those logs is sometimes displayed at the Northumberland County Historical Society. 1958: Central Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce suggests the idea of introducing tourism to the Valley by creating a lake for boating and water recreation with the construction of a dam across the Susquehanna River between Sunbury and Shamokin Dam. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vetoed a plan to build a concrete dam. “The engineers, who designed and erected Sunbury’s flood control system, would not allow construction of a regular type dam across the river due to flooding hazard during spring high water runoff,” The Daily Item reported.

1966: Groundbreaking ceremony is held July 28. The project was bid three times, the contract was awarded to Harrison and Burrows Inc., of Jersey City, N.J., for $1.2 million. The commonwealth provided the total funds for construction, according to engineering magazine Constructioneer. 1967: Constructioneer reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers objected to a fixed dam because of its large past investment in flood control construction to protect Sunbury. The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Committee approached Secretary of State Forests and Waters Maurice K. Goddard, who recalled a collapsible dam constructed in Los Angeles in 1957 that was developed by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. 1967: Expected dedication of the dam is delayed due to high or dangerous water levels from November 1966 through April 1967, August 1967, October 1967 through June 1968 and for several long and short periods in

the winter and spring of 1968 through 1969, according to The Daily Item. 1969: Less than a month before the dam was dedicated, one of the bags ruptured in a “violent explosion” like a “jet plane breaking the sound barrier,” according to Millard DeWire, of Sunbury, as reported in The Daily Item June 13 of that year. The bag was “beyond repair,” but the dam was dedicated as scheduled over the July 4, 1969, holiday with much fanfare, including a parade, thousands of spectators and three days of festivities, two years after the initial completion date. 1970: It would be another 18 months before the state accepted the dam on Dec. 9 because more damage was inflicted upon it. According to newspaper reports, repairs began almost immediately and the bag was replaced by 1970, but during the spring, an itinerant barge floating down the river, disintegrated in ice floes, and a hunk of the debris sliced through Bag No.

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3. Two months later an unidentified boater ran over the submerged dam and opened up bag No. 5 with a propeller. Another long-term repair went into September 1970 and the lake was opened to boaters for a few days of chilly fall boating in mid-October. 1972: The deadly and destructive Hurricane Agnes flooded the river, damaging towns throughout the Susquehanna Valley and the dam. 1974: Agnes damage to the dam is repaired. The water around the dam became known as Lake Augusta, and the area was touted as “Fabridam Country” and the “Gateway to the Susquehanna Valley Vacationland.” The dam, partnered with the incoming marina at the park, was praised as a harbinger of tourism dollars, according to records. 1982: In the years that followed, The Daily Item reported more damage to the bags and more boating seasons cut short. In a July edition, the state was studying alternatives to the inflatable dam because it was concerned about its resiliency on the river. Two bags were knocked out of commission in that same year.

WATER RUSHES OVER THE ADAM T. BOWER MEMORIAL DAM.

SEDA-Council of Governments advocated for a permanent dam. Some initial estimates placed the costs of a permanent dam at $18 million and a partially permanent dam at $12

Through the Years...

DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTO

to $15 million. Other estimates of a permanent dam without floodgates would range from $7 to $7.5 million. 2001: The Fabridam is renamed in July to the Adam T. Bower Memorial

Dam, after the late Adam T. Bower who represented the area in the state House from 1938 to 1966. Bower, a Republican, served as House appropriations chairman in the 1960s and steered about $2.2 million in state funding to the project. 2019: The dam suffered damage from multiple high-water events. A thorough inspection revealed premature wear and tear. 2021: A routine bag replacement project was scheduled for fall 2021, but high water and low temperatures caused the delay of the repairs until 2022. thank: The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is expected to finish the repairs later this summer. State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-108, said she and state officials are having early discussions for construction of an “upgraded dam” that would be easier to fix and allows for faster reactions depending on weather conditions and river levels. While there are no plans set, Culver estimated it could be a $20 million or more project.

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William Rockefeller Rohrbach was secretary of the Sunbury Water Company in 1909. The company was built by his grandfather and when he passed away William and his father ran the company. William was doing well financially and decided to build his family a colonial mansion on the hill. construction was completed in 1911. When Rohrbach passed away in 1962 Jan Fabian, a well known funeral Director in Danville, bought the mansion and decided to turn it into a nursing home. Through the years different companies have bought the Mansion, Beverly Enterprises, then Golden Living Center, and currently Nursing and Rehabilitation at the Mansion, but one part has always remained the same, “Mansion.” Today the Mansion is a 70 bed skilled nursing home run by Administrator, Mark Monahan. Mark has been with the building for 20 years as well as most of the administrative staff, averaging at least 15 years or more.

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THIS IMAGE, TAKEN IN JUNE 1972 BY DAILY ITEM REPORTER JOHN MOORE, SHOWS THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER JUST INCHES BELOW THE FLOOD WALL IN SUNBURY. THE WALL WAS BUILT FOLLOWING THE 1936 FLOOD WHICH DEVASTATED PARTS OF THE CITY. DAILY ITEM FILE PHOTO

Historic Susquehanna River crests at Sunbury 1. 35.8 feet

June 24, 1972

2. 31.66 feet

Sept. 8, 2011

3. 30.62 feet

6. 27.52 feet

March 7, 1979

7. 27.0 feet

April 2, 1993

Sept. 27, 1975

8. 26.96 feet

Feb. 16, 1984

4. 30.44 feet

Sept. 19, 2004

9. 26.89 feet

June 28, 2006

5. 30.32 feet

Jan 20, 1996

10. 26.85 feet

March 19, 1936

JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM

In 1912, my grandfather Harry Weis and his brother Sigmund opened the ﬁrst Weis Markets’ store on Market Street in Sunbury where they also lived. More than 100 years later, three generations of my family have lived and worked in Sunbury. Today, we operate our store support center, ﬂeet maintenance unit, ice cream and meat plants along with our dairy in Sunbury. We are proud of our local roots and remain grateful to the generations of Weis associates, many from Sunbury, who helped make us successful and the customers who patronize our stores.

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JULY 2022 | THE DAILY ITEM