History Archives - LebTown

The town of Water Works and its connection to the Union Canal

James Mentzer — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Water Works became an important town in the operation of the Union Canal in the 1800s.

Water Works was once a popular destination in the Lebanon Valley

James Mentzer — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Guests came from as far away as New York state to visit the dam, participate in recreational activities at Water Works Lake or stay at the hotel. (Provided photo)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/Peiffers-Hotel-west-End-1B-1.jpg?fit=300%2C211&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/Peiffers-Hotel-west-End-1B-1.jpg?fit=780%2C548&ssl=1" />Local residents and out-of-town guests from as far away as New York state came to this tiny hamlet to enjoy outdoor activities at Water Works Lake, which was created in the 1800s when a dam was built to provide water to the Union Canal.

Putting it all together: A journey from Jefferson’s estate to Lebanon’s history

Bruce D. Bomberger, Ph.D. — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Historical research suggests that the Jones family, buried in East Hanover Township's Salem Evangelical Cemetery, may have roots tracing back to a slave named Daniel from President Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest estate.

Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 5)

Bruce Chadbourne — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Part 5 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man - "Sanctuary in Saranac Lake."

Mount Gretna Tabernacle: ‘Ingenious’ structure was raised in just weeks

Margaret Hopkins — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:15:00 +0000

Despite scant records, the Mount Gretna Tabernacle, built in 1899, is attributed to John Cilley, a self-taught engineer renowned for his innovative auditorium designs.

Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 4)

Bruce Chadbourne — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Part 4 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man - "Florida, Robert H. Coleman’s Other Life."

Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 3)

Bruce Chadbourne — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Part 3 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man - "The Busy Decade."

Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 2)

Bruce Chadbourne — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Part 2 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man - "Florida Man, as a Boy."

A look back on JFK’s visit to Lebanon during his 1960 run for president

Fran Odyniec — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Current Lebanon area resident (and former London, Ohio, newspaper editor) Fran Odyniec shares a story with us connecting two campaign visits in 1960.

Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 1)

Bruce Chadbourne — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Florida Man goes bankrupt on the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West Railway – part 1.

One mystery that no longer lingers

Bruce Chadbourne — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

The mystery surrounding Robert H. Coleman’s Cornwall mansions has energized local historians for decades.

Bicycles have a long history in Lebanon [We Are Lebanon, Pa]

We Are Lebanon, Pa — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000

We Are Lebanon, Pa is a positivity project to tell stories of citizens of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Today's story just happens to be 100 years old...

Who knew? Anne of Cornwall (Part 4)

Bruce Chadbourne — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

How remarkable, the life of Anne Coleman Rogers.

From 1891 to today: The Lafayette Hotel’s enduring presence in Lebanon

Nancy Allwein Nebiker — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:15:00 +0000

The Lafayette Hotel, one of Lebanon's oldest establishments, has a rich history dating back to 1891, with various owners and transformations, and continues to operate as a rooming home today.

Bucher Meeting House celebrates 150 years two years late due to pandemic

LebTown Staff — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

The historic Bucher Meeting House in South Lebanon Township, near Cornwall, will mark its 150th anniversary with a commemorative event from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 10.

Who knew? Anne of Cornwall (Part 3)

Bruce Chadbourne — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The marriage of Anne Caroline Coleman and Archibald Rogers was the merger of two great fortunes.

Who knew? Anne of Cornwall (Part 2)

Bruce Chadbourne — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Anne Caroline Coleman and her family navigated 19th-century American high society, marked by residences, travels, and social events, culminating in Anne's marriage to Archibald Rogers.

Who knew? Anne of Cornwall (Part 1)

Bruce Chadbourne — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Lucy Maud Montgomery's fictional "Anne of Green Gables" parallels the real-life story of Anne Caroline Coleman, whose rich family history stretches from the late 18th to the 20th century in America, intersecting with prominent figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and the Habersham family of Georgia, illuminating her family's influential role in American history.

Who Knew? The Cornwall Grist Mill

Bruce Chadbourne — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:15:00 +0000

One of the features of the 18th century Cornwall Iron plantation that sustained a community of miners and furnace workers exists today only in photographs and old maps. All that remains are traces of a mill stream, yet what a story that can be told!

A brief history of Campmeetings

Margaret Hopkins — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Mount Lebanon Campmeeting, established in 1892, witnessed a decline due to societal shifts in the mid-20th century, and is now experiencing a resurgence in attendance.

Light’s Fort: Lebanon’s oldest and most mysterious building

Randy Jaye — Thu, 18 May 2023 10:45:00 +0000

Light's Fort, built in 1742 in what is now Lebanon, served multiple purposes over the centuries. The structure is still standing today, with restorations ongoing, and it is the subject of local folklore regarding the existence of subterranean tunnels.

Portrait of Anne Caroline Coleman brought back to family at auction

LebTown Staff — Tue, 16 May 2023 10:30:00 +0000

The portrait of Anne Caroline Coleman, associated with Lebanon's tragic romance involving James Buchanan, was brought back to the family through an auction, selling for $42,500, surpassing the initial estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.

What can you find in this 1860 map of Lebanon County?

LebTown Staff — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Last week, the Cornwall Iron Furnace drew our attention to an 1860 map of Lebanon County available through the Library of Congress.

Once at risk, the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad Station is a historic gem

Randy Jaye — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad Station (also known as the Cornwall & Lebanon Depot) was built in 1885 and is located at 161 N. 8th Street in Lebanon.

Over 90 sweet years: How Wertz Candies became a downtown Lebanon staple

Joshua Groh — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 10:30:00 +0000

William Jr. at the storefront, prior to his decision to cut ties with Karmelkorn in the 1970s.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/03/wertz-feat.jpg?fit=300%2C169&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/03/wertz-feat.jpg?fit=780%2C439&ssl=1" />With Wertz Candies up for sale, LebTown decided to dig into the history of the shop. In between making batches of caramel corn, Charles “Chuck” Wertz spoke to LebTown about the business, its core treats, and the family that’s operated it over three generations.

Let’s take a look at Lebanon’s historic Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Station

Randy Jaye — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:15:00 +0000

The Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Station is one of a long list of surviving historic structures in the City of Lebanon.

A peek back at Lebanon’s once-elegant Colonial Theater (1923-2000)

Randy Jaye — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:15:00 +0000

The Colonial Theater was built in 1923 and was located at the northwest corner of 9th and Cumberland streets. 100 years later, its elegance has not been equaled locally.

Who knew? Cornwall Borough’s “Cold Springs” water supply system

Bruce Chadbourne — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:15:00 +0000

In 1879, newly-married Robert H. Coleman was building an exquisite mansion in Cornwall center for his new bride. He literally went to great lengths to furnish it with running water. How did he do it?

Calling all Cornwall Miners (Part two)

Bruce Chadbourne — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:15:00 +0000

With the coming of 2023, the Cornwall Iron Furnace intends to celebrate the anniversary of the closure of the mine by recognizing Cornwall’s “greatest generation,” those few miners and iron workers who remain among us.

Calling all Cornwall Miners

Bruce Chadbourne — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

John Immel House nixed from National Register after ’90s razing confirmed

Randy Jaye — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:15:00 +0000

In a first for Lebanon County, one of its thirty-one structures on the National Register of Historic Places has been removed.

Lebanon’s historic family restaurants and diners: Then and now

Randy Jaye — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 11:15:00 +0000

Lebanon has had a long history of family restaurants and diners.

Who knew? More on restoring Millwood’s former glory

Bruce Chadbourne — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:30:00 +0000

Progress is a daily constant for Harvey Turner’s “Millwood” restoration project in Cornwall Borough. Much of the exterior work has been finished and buttoned up for the cold season now upon us in Lebanon County.

Who knew? Restoring Millwood’s former glory

Bruce Chadbourne — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Bruce Chadbourne writes about how experiencing the feel of the Millwood Mansion has connected more pieces of Cornwall's past and the people who lived it.

The restoration of Cornwall’s historic Alden Villa Mansion, aka Millwood

Randy Jaye — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:15:00 +0000

Alden Villa, also known as Millwood, is a historic Gilded Age three-story mansion spanning 11,223 square feet located in Cornwall (its official address is 1012 Alden Way, Lebanon, PA).

Lebanon’s once plentiful neighborhood bars

Randy Jaye — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

During the mid-1900s, it seemed there was a neighborhood bar on nearly every corner in Lebanon.

Lebanon County during Prohibition: Bootlegging, moonshine, & speakeasies

Randy Jaye — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

The stories of bootleggers, moonshine, and speakeasies attest that many people in Lebanon County were not supporters of Prohibition.

The Air Raid Wardens who kept Lebanon County ready for anything during WWII

Randy Jaye — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The Office of Civilian Defense was the catalyst that invited citizens to participate in their own defense, which inspired unprecedented teamwork and mutual aid around the nation.

Who knew? On being B.F. Hean (Part Two)

Bruce Chadbourne — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 10:30:00 +0000

From a broken shaving mug found in an old Cornwall privy, to a portrait of a man who lived some 100+ years ago. On being B.F. Hean, part two.

Who knew? On being B.F. Hean (Part One)

Bruce Chadbourne — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

From a broken shaving mug found in an old Cornwall privy, to a portrait of a man who lived some 100+ years ago. On being B.F. Hean, part one.