The Conestoga Area Historical Society Museum Search Adventure

Docents Needed

As C.A.H.S. continues to expand, we are in even greater need of more docents. If you are interested in volunteering at C.A.H.S., please contact the Society at 717-812-1699 and our Docent Coordinator will be in contact with you.

Recent Acquisitions

The C.A.H.S. recently acquired via donation this large door that allegedly once swung on the hinges of the old 1737 Lancaster County prison where the Fulton Theatre now stands. It was at this site where, on December 27, 1763, a vigilante gang known as the “Paxtang Boys” massacred the last of the Conestoga Indians being held there for their protection. This was a monumental event throughout the colonies that eventually involved Benjamin Franklin. The exterior of the jail courtyard still exists as the back wall of the theatre.

While there is no paperwork to authenticate this that was the story told to the previous owner when he purchased it at auction 40 years ago. Nevertheless, this is potentially very exciting and could be the last door the Conestoga entered before being brutally murdered.

Acquisitions

• Framed “Susquehanna” cigar box paper. Gift: Ronald Ettleman (The Dream Framer).
• Oak ice box (early 20th century), pastry case from the Martin Smith Store (Conestoga), assortment of women’s vintage and reenactment clothing. Gift: (Mrs.) D. Jean Hubbs.
• Unit of post office mail boxes from the now closed West Willow Post Office. Gift: Benjamin Lefever III.
• Red glass globe from the old Holtwood Village Fire House. Gift: Jack Bleacher.
• Cigar carton branding iron. Gift: Eric Cole.
• World War II winter overcoat and duffle bag belonging to the late William Bailes. Gift: (Mrs.) Joanna Bailes.
• Ephemera from the estate of the late Penn Manor district justice, Stella Caldwell. Gift: Raymond Caldwell.
• Scrapbook of Millersville Bicentennial (1961) events, (compiler unknown). Gift: Philip Gerber, the Millersville Area Historical Society.

Thomas D Grassel’s Gallery of Early Agriculture

Back in 2012, the Conestoga Area Historical Society presented an exhibit featuring the farm models of Tom Grassel. Over the winter the property team constructed a room dedicated to these models. Tom Grassel has been ever so kind to donate the models to the CAHS. This new room is at the front of Gundel Hall and is absolutely beautifully done. In addition to the models, there are six monitors that continuously run, which show Tom Grassel and his family and friends farming the land in the same spirit as was done in years gone by, prior to the the advent of mechanized farming.

When visiting the Conestoga Area Historical Society, this gallery is a must-see exhibit!

Docents Needed

As C.A.H.S. continues to expand, we are in even greater need of more docents. If you are interested in volunteering at C.A.H.S., please contact the Society at 717-812-1699 and our Docent Coordinator will be in contact with you.

Fall 2016 Acquisitions

• Framed “Susquehanna” cigar box paper. Gift: Ronald Ettleman (The Dream Framer).
• Oak ice box (early 20th century), pastry case from the Martin Smith Store (Conestoga), assortment of women’s vintage and reenactment clothing. Gift: (Mrs.) D. Jean Hubbs.
• Unit of post office mail boxes from the now closed West Willow Post Office. Gift: Benjamin Lefever III.
• Red glass globe from the old Holtwood Village Fire House. Gift: Jack Bleacher.
• Cigar carton branding iron. Gift: Eric Cole.
• World War II winter overcoat and duffle bag belonging to the late William Bailes. Gift: (Mrs.) Joanna Bailes.
• Ephemera from the estate of the late Penn Manor district justice, Stella Caldwell. Gift: Raymond Caldwell.
• Scrapbook of Millersville Bicentennial (1961) events, (compiler unknown). Gift: Philip Gerber, the Millersville Area Historical Society.

Thomas D Grassel’s Gallery of Early Agriculture

Back in 2012, the Conestoga Area Historical Society presented an exhibit featuring the farm models of Tom Grassel. Over the winter the property team constructed a room dedicated to these models. Tom Grassel has been ever so kind to donate the models to the CAHS. This new room is at the front of Gundel Hall and is absolutely beautifully done. In addition to the models, there are six monitors that continuously run, which show Tom Grassel and his family and friends farming the land in the same spirit as was done in years gone by, prior to the the advent of mechanized farming.

When visiting the Conestoga Area Historical Society, this gallery is a must-see exhibit!

The Conestoga Area Historical Society
51 Kendig Road, Conestoga, PA 17516