Yes! After many, many years of hearing about it, reading about it, and finally watching it rise, floor by floor, it is open for business! Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square had it’s open house for the community today and we were there!
The facade of the old Watt and Shand department store was saved and is now part of the Marriott Hotel. It helps to retain the historical look of Penn Square and is a handsome building.
The Open House was from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and we decided to arrive early, hoping to beat the crowds. We only thought there were a lot of people in the bar when we arrived at 11:30! When we left 1 1/2 hour later, it was shoulder to shoulder! We had to wait in line approximately 20 minutes to take the elevator to the 10th floor for a tour of the rooms.
The views from the rooms are spectacular! Looking to the n/w is wonderful view of Penn Square with the Griest Building (Lancaster’s first and only skyscraper built in 1925!) Central Market to it’s left and the old 1790′s City Hall (now the Heritage Center) next to Central Market. You may remember seeing the Griest Building in the movie “Witness” as the Philadelphia Police Station.
The view to the southwest has the old Southern Market in the foreground. It was built in the late 1800′s and was designed by C. Emlen Urban, Lancaster’s premier architect. Urban also designed the Griest building, and the Watt and Shand Building where the Marriott now calls home. Since there were not windows on all four sides of the rooms we looked at, I could not take pictures of every direction ~ duh! We then went down to the 5th floor where the exercise room and beautiful indoor pool area is. What a facility. I was so impressed that I think I will look for the exercise room in the next Marriott I stay in. . . as soon as I get enough points! I don’t think my 10K worth of points will get me into any facility like this one!!
Leaving the 5th floor by the staircase because the lines for the elevator were horrendous, we got lost! Thank goodness there was a woman who asked directions! She ended up in the kitchen only to find out we should go up two more flights instead of down! We finally made it into the lobby and from that point decided to check out the ballroom and other convention rooms. Can you say gargantuan?? That is the only term I can think of that would adequately describe the size of the rooms! The exhibit hall is 45K square feet and the ballroom is 9k! The brick facade of theWilliam Montgomery Home in the picture above is the rear portion of just one of the historic buildings that was preserved in the building of this facility.
This home was built in 1804 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Plans for the interior have not been finalized, but several options have been considered. The picture shows it next to the entrance of the Convention Center, fronting on Queen Street.
Two of other buildings saved on this block were our next stop and perhaps the most exciting part of the day to me. The Kleiss Saloon and Thaddeus Stevens home are on the corner of Vine and Queen Streets and this cistern was found between the two buildings. This piece of history saved the destruction of my ancestor’s Saloon and the plans are to make the area with these two buildings and cistern into an education center.
Philip Kleiss, my 6th great grandfather, was a tavern keeper at the corner of Vine and Queen until his death in 1800. The Saloon was then willed to his sons, John and George, and in 1843 Thaddeus Stevens bought it from George’s estate for $4000. What makes this cistern special is the fact that they believe it was part of theUnderground Railroad since a tunnel was found that goes from this cistern east on Vine Street to the home of Mr. Stevens’ friend, Lydia Smith. Thaddeus Stevens, as you may know, was a Congressman and an Abolitionist.
Some of the artifacts found during excavation of this area are on display on these cement pillars. It was exciting for me to see something that may have belonged to my ancestors.
My dream used to be just to have a piece of one broken brick from the excavation of his saloon. It is still my dream, but I’m sure one that will never be realized. It still is exciting to think one of my ancestors properties played such an integral part in the history of our country!
. . . and you can see it when you come to a Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania! You’ll find we are proud of our fair city and it’s history!
Yes, this post card was mailed 100 years ago! It was sent from Lancaster to Middletown, Pennsylvania, a drive today of perhaps 45 minutes. We would never dream of sending a postcard to somebody in Middletown today ~ we’d call them, text them, e-mail them or even drive to see them ~ but send a post card? Not in a blue moon!
West James Street, just two blocks north of West Walnut Street. What’s so special about West Walnut Street? Why I live on West Walnut Street! Just blocks away from Lancaster Theological Seminary, with the Historical Society for the United Church of Christ and a great repository of various Church records and family histories ~ all within walking distance of my home! The building that appears to be a Church on the right hand side of this post card is in fact still part of the Seminary today.
This is a view of it today. The street is paved, there is a hedge separating the sidewalk from the lawn and a brick walk in a herringbone pattern that goes from the main entrance on West James Street to the front of the building. Today it has a needed parking lot, fully mature trees and plantings. It is a beautiful structure in a city full of beautiful structures.
Lancaster Theological Seminary is directly across the street from Franklin and Marshall College, North Museum of Natural History and Science and Buchanan Park. We are fortunate, living in Lancaster, to have great facilities for children up thru adults. The North Museum is the destination for many field trips from the schools throughout Lancaster County and in fact interesting for adults as well! Franklin and Marshall College sponsors many events open to the community year around, from plays, talks and concerts, and Buchanan Park is enjoyed by the entire community! The park has a dog park, a rose garden and many events are held there throughout the year, with a community carnival being just one.
Ah, but I digress, all because of a postcard of West James Street with the Seminary on one side, and the College, Museum and Park straight ahead! This street leads to just a small part of what Lancaster, Pennsylvania has to offer ~
Consider this a post card to you from me and come visit this happenin’ city ~ You’ll enjoy it, I guarantee it!
On June 18, 1913 the Senior Class of Sacramento High School held their graduation ceremony. My grandmother, Bertha Emma von Breyman was the first child in her family to walk across a stage and receive her diploma. Quite a feat considering she was the second to youngest of ten children.
Her mother was widowed when my Nana was five years old. In order to attend high school Nana had moved to her sister’s home to care for the children and do household chores. Throughout her life she was proud of the fact that she had graduated from high school and always emphasized the importance of education. Each one of her six children attended some form of higher education, from the Navel Academy to Stanford, coast to coast, and points in between.
The graduation ceremony was in the morning. Wearing the same suit she had made for her graduation, she and Henry August William Lindgren went down to City Hall and were married the same afternoon. The picture at the head of this blog was taken at the Pan Pacific Exposition in San Francisco on their honeymoon.
Fifty years later the family gathered in Sacramento to celebrate their anniversary. The group from left to right:
Jack (deceased), Pat, Catherine (my mother) Henry and Bertha, Bettie, and Henry (deceased.) Missing from the picture was Bill who lived on the east coast at the time. Henry was the oldest, followed by Jack, then my mother, Bettie and Pat. Bill is the baby of the family.
Point of the story?
If you want to remember an important event in your life, schedule your wedding on the same day!
Another of my finds! I found this 35 page booklet titled “The High School News. Commencement Number. 1898.” and it was from Lancaster, Pennsylvania! Since I found it in Franklin County, it wasn’t priced as high as it would have been in Lancaster, and I bought this treasure for $5.00!
The publishing information states that it was the “Official Organ of the Lancaster High School Alumni Association” and was published monthly.
Since I can’t share the book with it’s wonderful advertisements with everybody, I thought I’d share the Alumni Notes and Class Reunion Section via this blog. I will get around to a few other things, later.
Meanwhile, enjoy this part!
ALUMNI NOTES.
’67. Mr. A.N. Breneman, formerly of this city, has notified Secretary Spencer, of the Alumni Associateion, of his change of residence from Westminster, North Carolina, to Aldrich, Shelby county, Alabama.
’76. Mrs. Harriet Curtis Stein was in Lancaster for serveral weeks this spring, having been called East by the illness of her father, who has since died. Mrs. Stein and her husband, Mr. Henry W. Stein, ’78, live in Seattle, Washington.
’76. Mrs. William Henderson, nee Wickersham, of Harrisburg, was visiting her friends in this city during the past week.
’81. Mr. W. Scott Adler, of the firm of Chiles, Adler & Cobble, merchants of South Bend, Indiana, sent his regrets and good wishes to the secretary of the Alumni Association in response to the invitation to the annual meeting.
’85. The wedding of Mr. Charles Emory Long, ’85, and Miss Caroline Louise Metzger, ’88 was celebrated at noon on Wednesday, June 1. The ceremony was performed at the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. P.A. Metzger, No. 36 North Lime street, by the Rev. W.H. Shaffer, pastor of the First M.E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Long will make their home at No. 618 East King street, in this city.
’86. Dr. M.D. Lederman, who has become a prominent specialist of New York City, sent his regrets and best wishes to the Alumni Association in response to the invitation to the annual meeting.
’88. Miss M. Grace Hoffmeier was married on Wednesday morning, June 15, to Prof. Thaddeus G. Helm, of this city. The ceremony was performed at St. Paul’s Reformed Church by Rev. J.W. Meminger, assisted by Rev. Dr. J.S. Stahr, president of Franklin and Marshall College. A large number of invited guests were present. Prof. Helm is one of the principals of Franklin and Marshall Academy, and will reside there with Mrs. Helm.
’90 Miss Lucy Pixton, of Philadelphia, spent several days visiting among friends in this city in the early part of this month. Miss Pixton sang a solo at the First M.E. Church on Sunday, June 12, and also sang at the Iris Club during her stay in Lancaster.
’90. Miss Sarah E. Cramer was married at noon on Monday, June 6, to Mr. D.S. Horman, of Pottstown, at St. James’ Episcopal Church, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Percy J. Robottom. The wedding was followed by a reception at the home of the bride’s father, Mr. George Cramer. Mr. and Mrs. Horman will make their home in Pottstown.
’91. Rev. Howard W. Diller, who graduated at the General Theological Seminary, in the New York City, on May 25, was ordained a deacon of the Episcopal Church at Altoona, on June 15, by Bishop Talbot, of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Rev. Mr. Diller has been placed in charge of the church at Renova, Pa., and will assume his duties about the end of June.
’91. Dr. Newton E. Bitzer graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania on June 8, and received his degree of M.D. He has also passed the State Board of Examination, and has been licensed to practice int he State of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bitzer also passed an excellent hospital examination receiving first appointment. He will be resident physician at the Howard hospital, in Philadelphia during the ensuing year.
’92. Miss Lydia M. Schofield was married on Wednesday evening June 8, to Mr. Wm. F. Diller of this city. The ceremony was performed at the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Mary B. Schofield, No. 502 West James street. Mr. and Mrs. Diller will reside in this city.
’92. Mr. Samuel Albright is home on vacation from the Moravian College, at Bethlehem, where he is a student.
’92. Mr. Harry E. Edgerley was elected second lieutenant of the company which was mustered into the provisional guard from this city last week. The company contains a large number of High School alumni an ex-students.
’93. On Wednesday morning, June 1, Miss M. Grace Faesig was married at the home of her father, Mr. Frank J. Faesig, to Mr. Harry S. Gruger, of this city. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. J.M. Titzel, of the First Reformed church. The couple will make their home in this city.
’93. Dr. O.C. Campbell has graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and has also successfully passed the State Board medical examination. Dr. Campbell will be resident physician at St. Joseph’s hospital in Philadelphia during the next year.
’93. Robert C. Davis graduated this spring from the West Point Military Academy, and received his appointment as second lieutenant. Lieutenant Davis went immediately to the front with his regiment, after spending a week visiting in this city.
’93. Edgar Herr Levan graduated on Thursday, June 9, in the Senior class at Franklin and Marshall College.
’94. Mr. H.C. Bolenius and Mr. William H. Kready graduated with the Senior class at Franklin and Marshall College on Thursday, June 9. Mr. Bolenius was one of the class prophets on class-day during the Commencement exercises.
’94. Mr. Eugene A. Heim is home from the Moravian College at Bethlehem, Pa.
’96. Mr. Sigmund S. Albert has left for West Point where he will commence his work as a student in the United States Military Academy.
’97. Mr. Newton W. Buch has returned for the summer from Lehigh College where he won a prize for proficiency in chemistry.
’96. W. Lewis Haldy is home from Dickinson College.
CLASS REUNIONS.
Class of ’91
The Class of ’91 held its Seventh Annual Reunion at the Imperial Hotel, on Tuesday evening, at 9:30 o’clock. Fifteen of the twenty three members of the class were present as follows: D.B. Bartholomew, Dr. N.E. Bitzer, Wm. Dorwart, B. Frank Kready, Joseph R. Mercer, Harry W. McGinnis, J. Roland Kinzer, Walter A. Miller, Washington W. Nixdorf, Walter J. Leonard, Alden J. Pontz, Frank T. Thurlow, Fred J. Rieker, James F. Erisman and Edward L. Page, of Philadelphia. Proprietor Weingarten furnished an excellent menu, which was greatly appreciated by the banqueters. Several hours were spent in the reminiscences of school-life, singing and anecdotes. The Class of ’91 has the unusual record of having held a reunion every year since their graduation.
Class of ’93.
The Class of 1893 will hold its Annual Reunion during the week following commencement week.
Class of ’94.
The Class of ’94 will hold its Third Annual Reunion on Tuesday evening, June 28.
Class of ’96.
On Thursday evening, June 23, the Class of’96 held its annual banquet at Hotel Maennerchor. Caterer Sands spread a magnificent feast before them, and at the close toasts were responded to. Horace C. Kinzer acted as toastmaster, and C. Reah Weber as historian. A telegram of congratulation and regret at his absence was sent to their class-mate, Sigmund I. Albert, at West Point, and all there indulged in reminiscing old times. The cimmittee in charge of the affair consisted of North W. Shetter, C. Reah Weber, J. Howard Bursk and Harold D. Pyott.
Class of ’97.
The Class of’97 held its banquet on Wednesday evening, June 22. Andrew E. Biggs acted as toastmaster, and each one present responded to a toast.
