Clearfield County PA Archives History.....Aldrich History of Clearfield County - Chapter 22
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY
EDITED BY
LEWIS CASS ALDRICH
SYRACUSE, N. Y.
D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS
1887
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Page 376
CHAPTER XXII.
HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF Du BOIS.
LOCKE said : “ Things of this world are in so constant a flux that
nothing remains long in the same state. Thus: people, riches, trade, power,
change places ; flourishing, mighty cities come to ruin and prove in time
neglected, desolate corners, whilst unfrequented places grow into populous
countries, filled with trade and inhabitants.” The rise and progress of this
industrious town fully verifies the second proposition of the above quotation
from the renowned Locke.
There certainly was not a more un-” frequented” place in western
Pennsylvania than the spot where Du Bois 1 now stands, prior to the Low Grade
Division of the A. V. R. R.
It is useless to contradict the statement that railroads are
civilizers, for the start of this busy place dates its rise from the location
and opening of the Low Grade road. In earlier years this entire section of
the county was a wilder-
1 The place is generally known as Du Bois City, in contra-distinction of Du
Boistown in Lycoming county, Pa.
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portrait of John DuBois can be viewed at:
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/1picts/aldrich/images/dubois-john.jpg
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Page 377
BOROUGH OF Du BOIS.
ness, roamed by deer in numberless herds, and the big "Beaver Meadow",
between East and Central Du Bois, was their undisturbed sanctuary. Now the
shrill whistle of the locomotive awakens the echoes in the valley, dying with
the reverberations from the neighboring hills, whilst the rumble and clatter
of heavily laden freight trains is significant of the fruits of industry and
enterprise.
The “Beaver Meadows,” mentioned above, were the regular camping ground
of the Cornplanter (or Seneca) tribe of Indians, who had a trail through here
from Warren to Clinton county. (See Pioneer Incidents in the chapter on Brady
township). That Indians occupied this part of Clearfield county is still
further verified by the fact that near the Union cemetery, east of
Troutville, on the road leading from Luthersburg to Punxsutawney, certain
evidences of an old Indian town or lodging place existed, and that it had
been such for many years, and was likely on their path between their
permanent towns at Clearfield and Punxsutawney. A grove of large saplings was
located a little north of the spring where the public road now is, and the
larger trees had disappeared near that place, but near the spring on the east
were a couple of large white pines standing, and when John Smith and Rev.
John Reams cut said trees down, in 1836, numerous tomahawk marks were very
perceptible in toward the center of the tree, evidently retained during the
growth of many years. Besides the evidences just narrated, there were many
others found in different places, giving traces of numerous Indians having
been here for many years.
Topography.-Topographically, the place is located on what may be called
a “ geological breakdown, ” on the western slope of the Allegheny Mountains
at the point known as the big “Beaver Meadow,” 1,390 feet above the sea
level, said “ Beaver Meadow ” being about from five to six miles long, and
from one-half to three-fourths of a mile wide. Its entire length is divided
by Sandy Lick Creek.
The engineers who surveyed the old State canal in Governor Ritner’s
time, 1836, claimed that this meadow had only twenty-one feet of a fall, in a
distance of five miles, (from Falls Creek east via where Du Bois now stands).
The hills “walling in ” this great “ meadow ” at some points break off
abruptly, with the stratified rocks dipping towards this valley on the
mountain. This
feature with its high elevation (1,390 feet), goes far toward the conclusion
of a “ geological break-down.” The adjoining country is hilly here and there,
flattening into small “ plateaus ” and an occasional “ knob.”
Geography.-Geographically, Du Bois is located in the extreme
northwestern part of the county, only two miles east from the Jefferson
county line. The site is beautiful, on the western slope (as above indicated)
of the salubrious and romantic Alleghenies.
In point of location the finest site is not always the best for a large
business
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
town. Natural advantages and proper distances from other large business
centers constitute what may be called "natural locations." With Du Bois all,
site, natural advantages and location, are united - situated equidistant
between Williamsport on the Southeast and Pittsburgh on the southwest, 127
miles from both of these cities via the Low Grade railroad.
Lumber, coal and agriculture, the three great elements of prosperity,
which are so rarely found together, seem to have smiled on this town by
uniting so harmoniously in and around this locality. Of white pine, hemlock
and hard wood there is a super-abundance. Mr. John E. Du Bois alone has over
twenty thousand acres of choice pine timber land, underlaid with coal, lime
and other minerals. Two veins of limestone are known to exist within two
miles from Du Bois. The upper vein is a beautiful blue limestone six feet
thick, the second or lower vein is an excellent white lime five feet thick,
and beneath this is a magnificent bed of fire clay.
This entire section is blessed with vast deposits of bituminous coal,
being the “ Lower Freeport,” better known as the Reynoldsville vein ; it is
seven feet thick.
Du Bois and vicinity are located in the “ third basin,“1 which is about
ten miles wide, measured from the second to the third anticlinal axis, which
enters Clearfield county at Falls Creek (junction of four railroads), two
miles west of Du Bois, and merges into “Boon’s Mountain” in the extreme
northwestern corner of the county.
The “ third basin ” is drained by “Bennett’s Branch” to the northeast,
and Sandy Lick Creek to the southwest, and contains the coal of Luthersburg,
Du Bois, Penfield and the intervening country.
Early Settlements.-Prior to 1812 Mr. John Casper Stoeber, of Dauphin
county, Pa., grandfather (on the mother’s side) of the present generation of
Scheffers (some write it “Shaffer” now), who with their descendants still
reside in Du Bois and vicinity, pre-empted some land in this section of the
State, which in the course of time entailed to Mrs. George Scheffer (daughter
of Mr. Stoeber, and mother of George, Frederick and Michael Scheffer). George
Scheffer and his wife, with their three sons and an equal number of
daughters, left Dauphin county in the spring of 1812 to hunt up this
inherited land, with a view to improve the same. They arrived at Joab Ogden’s
on May 12 (now Carlisle station on B. R. & P. Railroad, about five miles
south of Du Bois), which, by the way, was the only family except bachelor
James Woodside, - the first settler of Clearfield county - for twenty miles
around. The next day, May 13, they went in search of their land. They went as
far as where the “ Rumbarger House ” (hotel) now stands, and put up a “ bark
shanty” beside the spring which bubbles and sparkles to-day as it did then.
The next night Frederick and Michael slept in the “shanty.” There had been no
ax put to a
1 “ Caldwell’s Atlas of Clearfield County,” 1878.
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BOROUGH OF Du BOIS.
tree in this part of the county prior to 1812. The Stoeber pre-emption
claim laid a few miles up Sandy Lick Creek, which is now known as the "Aunt
Katy Shaffer place," and "Shaffer station" on the Low Grade Railroad, but the
land on which they built the "bark shanty" belonged to a Mr. Gaskill, from
whom George, jr., bought it. After George, jr.'s death the administrator
sold it to one of George's sons, Michael Shaffer, and he (Michael S.) sold to
Jacob Heberling in 1853, and Heberling sold to his son David Heberling, and
David Heberling sold to John Rumbarger in 1865.
Of pioneer incidents it may be stated that in 1812 there was no store
nearer than “Old Town ” (as Clearfield was then called). The merchants used
to “ wagon ” their goods from Philadelphia. The nearest mill was on the
Clarion River, forty miles from this settlement. In 1814, however, a mill was
built at Curwensville, on the Susquehanna River, nineteen miles distant. In
those early days these sturdy pioneers subsisted principally on venison, bear
meat, and other game, which abounded. This noble band of settlers did not
increase in number, as settlements are now made. For ten long, lonesome, and
weary years the Scheffers, Ogdens, and James Woodside constituted the
community in this wide wilderness, after which time some Germans (from
Germany) commenced to settle in the vicinity where Troutville now stands,
with exception of James, Benjamin, and Thomas Carson, who came in 1814, and
Lebbeus Luther in 1820.
Of interesting pioneer incidents, which were numerous, we will give but
one, which was related to the writer by Michael Scheffer when he was in his
eighty-sixth year, in which he (the narrator) was a participant :
“ During the same summer (1812) we came here, we cleared about two
acres on the ridge, as we called it, about where Mr. Rumbarger’s nice
residence now (1876) stands. One evening our dogs barked ferociously on the
‘ridge,’ and my brother looked out from the ‘ shanty’ and saw a strange-
looking animal standing on a log. It was just about twilight. Father, George,
Fred, and I went up. The dogs had now treed the animal. Fred shot at it, and
then it went up higher. We concluded to watch it all night. We remained a
long while, but the night seemed long, and so we felled a hemlock against the
hemlock on which the animal was. It now came down, the ‘tug of war ’
commencing. One of the dogs caught it by the neck. Fred caught it by the
tail. I had a hatchet with which I belabored its head, and father had an ax
with which he struck effective blows in its ribs. At last we killed it, not
knowing what it was. The next day I took a paw of the dead animal, and went
to Joab Ogden to ask him what kind of an animal it was. He got much excited
when he saw the paw, and exclaimed, ‘You d--n Dutch ! It is a panther ! It
might have killed you all.’ I took the scalp and went to Squire McClure, on
the Susquehanna River, above Curwensville, to whom I made affidavit that we
killed the panther. He gave me a certificate which I was to
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Page 380
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
present to the county commissioners at Bellefonte - Clearfield county
belonged to Centre county then. The bounty was eight dollars, but I sold it
to a man who was going to Bellefonte for seven dollars.”
The developement by actual settlers was exceedingly slow, and long
after the organization of Clearfield county (1822) and Brady township (which
latter occurred in 1826) the section where Du Bois now stands was often
designated as the “Wilderness over on Sandy.” In 1865 John Rumbarger settled
here (after buying the “ old Scheffer farm ” from David Heberling), and here
he “smoked his pipe in peace ” until the opening of the Low Grade Division of
the A. V. Railroad, the connecting link between the P. and E. and the A. V.
railroads, at which time the latent spirit of his somewhat easy-going
temperament was aroused, and he conceived the idea of starting a town, and in
the summer of 1872 the town was “ laid out ” and called Rumbarger. In July of
the same year the writer of this sketch bought two town lots-the first sold.
About this time John Du Bois appeared upon the scene, and we might say: The
result is known.
Among the leading business men who early commenced operations in this
new town were : Thomas Montgomery (deceased), Glasgow & Troxell (Troxell is
now - 1887 - county treasurer), J. B. Ellis, and C. D. Evans & Brother, all
of whom were dealers in general merchandise, and settled in 1873. Dr.
Smathers, J. A. Johnston, and W. L. Johnston also came in the same year. In
the year following Dr. McHenry, William Corley (deceased), and many others
came. In 1874 the Rumbarger post-office was established, with George L.
Glasgow, postmaster, and J. B. Ellis, assistant. Passenger traffic was also
opened on the Low Grade Railroad. The name of the post-office was changed to
Du Bois in 1876, to correspond with the name of the railroad station, and was
taken to the eastern part of town (now Third ward) in that year, and kept in
the depot building, but was again removed to the central part (now, 1887,
Second ward) of town in 1877.
Manufacturing and Mining.-John Du Bois commenced his “ little ” mill in
the fall of 1872, and the large mill in 1873, completing the same in 1876,
and put in operation in May of that year, at which time the writer took up a
permanent residence here.
The large miII is two hundred and fifty feet Iong, eighty feet wide,
and fifty-five feet high, with a two hundred and fifty horse-power engine,
and had a capacity, in 1876, of 120,000 feet boards, 60,000 shingles, 40,000
lath, and about 10,000 pickets per day. This mill has underwent several
reconstructions - always in the line of improvement. During the winter of
1886-7 it was again entirely remodeled, by putting in a Sinker & Davis “band
” saw, one large circular saw, and one set Wicker’s “gang” saws. This change
did not, however, increase the capacity, but leaving it about the same as
before ; the great consideration being the saving of lumber by decreasing the
quantity
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BOROUGH OF Du BOIS.
of saw-dust, as well as decreasing the number of men employed (in this mill)
is from one hundred to seventy-five. The engines are now supplied with a
double bell crank, made of "crucible" steel by Herr Krupp, at Essen, Germany,
weighing about two tons, and costing $1,200. It is now one of the most
improved mills in the country, being fully abreast, if not ahead, in the
employment of the most approved and practical machinery known. The "bill"
mill - sometimes known as the little mill - was built in 1879, on the exact
site of the first "bill" mill, which was built in 1877, and totally destroyed
by fire in June, 1879. It is 160 by 60 feet, employs two engines, one 160
horse-power, and the other sixty-five horse-power. It manufactures bill
timber, boards, shingles, and box boards; capacity, per diem, 35,000 feet of
boards, 55,000 shingles, box boards 30,000. It employs sixty-five men and
boys, and runs the whole year round, having never stopped longer than two
weeks at a time for repairs. Daniel Gilbert is the engineer, and Frank
Patchel, foreman.
The box factory was built in 1881 ; size, 180 by 50 feet. It employs one 120
horse-power engine. It manufactures shook for oil cases, tobacco cases, fruit
cases, siding and flooring. Capacity, five to six thousand oil cases per diem
(the oil cases are used for packing refined oil-in tin cans-for shipment to
Europe), and three hundred tobacco cases per diem ; employs about fifty men
and boys, and runs the year round. In close proximity and in connection with
the box factory is a large dry-house, Kerwin & Wolf’s patent, containing four
kilns, each sixty feet long. These kilns receive the green lumber from the
saw, and dry it thoroughly in about three days. Frank W. Hetfield is its
present foreman.
The hemlock mill was built in the spring of 1884 ; size, 128 by 40
feet. It employs one 100 horse-power engine, and manufactures hemlock lumber,
all sizes; also hard wood lumber. Average capacity per day, 36,000 feet,
board measure. It employs twenty-one men. Ed. Benner, engineer ; and G. W.
Parker, foreman,
The lumber yard is an immense affair, and contains, on an average,
twenty million feet of manufactured lumber - forty men are employed all the
year round - and is equipped with all the latest labor-saving improvements ;
can ship bill timber over eighty feet long. Everything manufactured in all
the mills passes through this yard. There are four mules employed on the
trestle-tracks regularly, three extra when all the mills are running at the
same time, making seven in all. John McGinnis is the efficient shipping “
boss.” The following statement of the monthly shipment for 1886, in car
loads, will afford a better idea of the size of the lumber yard, and the
immense capacity of these mills. It is doubtful if this aggregate was
exceeded by any single lumber dealer in the State, and probably not in the
entire country :
(49)
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Page 382
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
MONTH SHOOK SHINGLES/LATH LUMBER TOTALS
January 40 1 70 111
February 47 4 10 169
March 50 20 215 285
April 55 20 205 289
May 63 21 165 249
June 40 40 207 265
July 34 16 136 186
August 28 12 136 176
September 31 20 158 210
October 77 33 205 315
November 39 17 146 202
December 40 8 96 144
Totals 545 199 1,848 2,592
The Du Bois Iron Works are the largest and most extensive in the
county. The works were originally started at Du Bois Town, near Williamsport,
and were brought to Du Bois in 1875. The works were built in 1875-6 - size
160 by 60, and employs five engines, two in the machine department, two for
fanning hot air to the new store and opera house building, and one in Edison
incandescent electric light plant, making an aggregate of one hundred and
twenty-five horse power, employs about twenty men regularly the year round,
lighted with Edison’s electric light. The pattern shop, foundry, and
blacksmith shop all belong and are connected with the works. All kinds of saw
and planing-mill machinery, steam-engines, car wheels and castings of all
descriptions are manufactured here, also the “ Du Bois Patent Lathe Tool,”
which is sold in all parts of the world, and the Cornelious Stump Machine is
made on the premises ; also the iron work for the “ Du Bois Patent Dam” is
made here, and all kinds of repairing are also done here. The electric light
connected with the works was started in 1885, and first light furnished in
January, 1886. It employs an engine of thirty horse-power. The plant
furnishes three hundred and fifty candle power light, which is used in the
iron works, the new store and opera house building, in the hotel and in many
residences in the Third ward. Hart Fulmer is foreman of the iron works, and “
Jerry” Haag engineer of the electric light engine. The hotel was built in
1879, and is 100 by 50, three stories, and Mansard roof and basement, has
fifty-eight bed rooms, all elegantly furnished, and one sample room, and bar
and barber shop in the basement of the building. Part of the building was
formerly occupied as a store-room, which (after the removal of the store to
the new building) was converted into an excellent and pleasant dining-room.
The hotel is lighted throughout with the Edison electric light, and heated by
steam; A. A. Newell, manager.
This immense business plant enjoys facilities second to none in the
county for “ stocking” the mills, first by Sandy Lick Creek with its patent
dams, then by “ Clear Run Railroad,” which is owned and controlled by this
vast enter-
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BOROUGH OF Du BOIS.
prise, is three and a half miles long, employs two engines, fifteen log cars
and three coal cars; besides there is a projected log railroad known as the
Junietta Road, to be seven miles long, thus affording supplies of logs, etc.,
through the entire year. In reverting to the lumber yards and mills, it is
not to be omitted that all are protected by an excellent system of water
works, planned by the late John Du Bois. The resevior is located on the
"Hill," Third ward, near the Episcopal Church, with mains leading through the
lumber yard and all the mills, etc. This resevior furnishes an ample supply
of water at all times, affording a most excellent fire protection, the
purpose for which it was established.
In the fall of 1875 E. M. Kuntz, proprietor of the City Hotel (corner
of Long and Courtney streets), cast his lot here, followed in 1876 by H. S.
Knarr, merchant tailor, now owner of the “ Knarr block,” a three story brick
building. Fred. Tracy and many others came the same year. There was a lull in
the increase in population during 1874 and ‘75, but in 1876 the new city
began to expand. The opening of the Sandy Lick Colliery, followed by the
Rochester Colliery of Bell, Lewis & Yates in the next year, put new life into
the town.
Bell, Lewis & Yates.- For description of Rochester Colliery see “
Mines,” in the chapter on Sandy township.
This firm has its large store and offices in Du Bois, First ward, where
the business of the “ home” office is transacted under the efficient
management of the Hon. S. B. Elliott.
The Sandy Lick Gas, Coal and Coke Company also had their office and
store in Du Bois, First ward, during the time of their existence ; also the
“Centennial” Colliery of Messrs. Jones Brothers had their store and office in
Du Bois, First ward.
In 1875 the Hon. J. E. Long, of Jefferson county, bought a large farm
of Henry Shaffer, and “laid it out” into town lots, known as Long’s Addition
to Du Bois, for the sale of which the writer was agent. The greater portion
of this farm is now occupied by what is known as the central part of the town
- Second ward. From 1876 improvements were so frequent, and increase in
population so rapid that to particularize is simply impossible at this date,
1887.
Long & Brady established a hardware store in 1876 and still continue
under the firm name of Long, Brady & Co., doing a large and satisfactory
business. They were followed in 1877 by P. S. Weber & Co.'s large dry goods
and clothing store. This firm continued in business till March, 1886, when
they closed out their business, having done a large and successful business,
but in March, 1887, the senior partner, P. S. Weber, opened a large and
exclusive dry goods and notion store in the “ Knarr block,” Courtney street.
Other parties also commenced operations about this time, or shortly
after, representing almost every line of business, among them were the
following:
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
George Schwem, groceries and provisions; Grier Bros., hardware; D. W.
Sparks, livery; W. W. Rainey, groceries, etc., came in 1879 ; H. Loeb,
clothing and furnishing goods ; D. L. Corbett, dry goods, etc.; Weber &
Heidrick, boots and shoes, in 1880. The latter were succeeded by Cannon,
Hollister & Co., who engaged in the same line of business in 1885. W. C.
Schwem & Co. succeeded George Schwem in 1884. Moulthrop & Hibner started a
general store in 1882, succeeded by Moulthrop & McClelland in 1885. L. E.
Weber, clothing and furnishing goods, came in 1882. Charles Scalen, groceries
and provisions ; A. T. Sprankle, groceries, etc.; E. Bangert, fancy dry
goods, in 1883. Dr. R. M. Boyls, drugs, etc.; Hanson Bros. & Co., furniture ;
Frank Guinzburg, guns and sporting goods, in 1884.
BOROUGH ANNALS.
There are upwards of one hundred stores and other business
establishments in town. Changes were so frequent as to preclude enumeration
or special mention, as the following statement of the increase of population
shows: Population in 1872, three families; 1876, Weber’s count, 728 ; 1877,
Egan’s count, 1,307 ; 1880, United States census, 2,719; 1882, estimated
3,700 to 4,000 ; 1887, estimated 6,000 to 6,500. 1877 shows an increase of 81
per cent in one year, and the figures for 1882 and ‘87 can be relied upon as
very nearly correct, although other good judges on matters of this kind claim
the persent [sic]
(1887) population to be no less than 7,000. When the adverse circumstances
with which this town had to contend are considered - being panic born - the
increase of population is phenomnal [sic] and unprecedented, except among
visionary and often ephemeral oil towns.
In the fall of 1877 the first attempt made to organize a borough was
dropped to secure the formation of a new township (Sandy) with its election-
poll at Du Bois.
The reasons for which movement were obvious to those who were
interested in the prosperity of the town. The final and successful effort was
made in the autumn of 1880, and the town was incorporated at the January term
of court in 1881. L. A. Brady was elected burgess, and Fred. Tracy,
constable, on a citizens’ ticket. The justices of the peace for Sandy
township-J. P. Taylor and W. N. Prothero - were to serve the balance of their
respective terms as justices in the new corporation in which they resided.
During the first attempt to secure the incorporation of the town,
considerable excitement prevailed in relation to its corporate name. Some
advocated “ Rumbarger,” others “ Sandy Valley,” and still others-including
the writer-stood for “ Du Bois,” which corresponded with the name of the post-
office and railroad station. The first proposition to divide the borough into
wards was considered by the council at its regular meeting, January 4, 1883.
The town council instructed George D. Hamor to prepare an application to
court at the
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BOROUGH OF Du BOIS.
March term of court in 1883, and the request was granted at a subsequent
term, and division was made on recommendation of viewers, following the
natural order of streams, etc. All that part of town known as "Rumbarger
side," or "West Du Bois," situate south of Sandy Lick Creek, and west of
Pentz Run, was established and designated First ward, and the "central" part,
which lies in the southeast angle, formed by Sandy Lick Creek and Pentz Run,
as Second ward, and the eastern part, lying north and east of Sandy Lick
Creek, and generally known as "East Du Bois," and "Du Bois Side," as the
Third ward. The second ward represents the mercantile or business center of
town.
During the earlier times of the town, much might be written on various
themes. Law and order were then somewhat loose, on account of distance to the
Brady township officers, who resided at or near Luthersburg. With the
erection of Sandy township (which township surrounds Du Bois), this condition
of things and affairs was materially changed. The necessary funds were raised
by private subscriptions, with which a “lock up ” was built in the summer of
1879, near where George D. Hamor’s residence now stands - Courtney street,
Second ward - after which time no trouble was experienced in preserving the
general peace. The “ lock-up ” was removed early in the spring of 1885, when
snow was yet on the ground, to the “ Cow pound,” in rear of Central Opera
House. A little incident occurred by the removal of the “lock up, ” which
caused no little commotion. In placing the “ cooler ” on the large “ runners
” or ” skids,” it overcame the control of Mr. Letchworth, the street
commissioner, and slid down the street, striking the corner of Mr. Hamor’s
residence, doing considerable damage to the house, which damage the town had
to account for, to the satisfaction of Mr. Hamor.
Up to 1885 there were no telegraphic accommodations, except at the
offices in connection with the A. V., and B. R. and P. Railroad stations, but
in January, 1885, the town council passed an ordinance granting the right of
way to W. U. Telegraph Co., establishing an office in the central part of
town, at the Nicholson House. In the month of August, same year, the council
passed
an ordinance granting right of way to Central Penna. Telephone Co.,
establishing their office on the corner of Long and Courtney streets-Dr.
Pettigrew’s drug store - now Vosburgh’s pharmacy, thus giving telephone
connection with Luthersburg, Curwensville, and the county seat, and there
with the telephone exchange, supplying a great want, the convenience of which
can scarcely be overestimated, and is highly appreciated by a progressive
public.
Fire Protection. - The town being of a rapid growth, the leading
business men early realized the great danger of fire, since at first all
buildings were wooden structures; but, as is generally the case, everybody’s
interest seemed nobody's interest, so finally in the summer of 1881 Long &
Brady, P. S. Weber & Co., and Dr. Pettigrew and a few others concluded to
purchase a double-
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
acting force pump, which they placed in a twenty feet deep well, dug for the
purpose in the rear of the First National bank, which site was at that time a
vacant lot. They also purchased two hundred feet of hose. Fortunately, it
was never needed to put out fire, but served the good purpose of sprinkling,
scrubbing, etc. This attempt of protection finally led to the organization
of a water company - not, however, until considerable agitation and
discussion took place, which again subsided until it was ascertained that a
syndicate had been formed at Harrisburg, including some citizens of Du Bois;
said syndicate endeavored to secure charters in five or six live towns in
western Pennsylvania, including Du Bois, for speculation, promising no fire
protection at a definite, future time. This brought on a storm of
indignation on the part of the citizens in general, resulting in making an
application for a charter at once, as a large Blake steam pump and sufficient
pipe to reach from Ross’s Mills (near Pentz Run) along Long street to
Courtney, and along Courtney to the Plank road. The State department at
Harrisburg, seeing the justness of the demand of the citizens as against the
syndicate, granted a charter to the former on the 18th day of May, 1883,
known as the “ Citizens’ Water Company of Du Bois.” Charter members were the
following: P. S. Weber, D. J. Crowell, Levi Heidrick, D. L. Corbett, W. T.
Ross, James Grier, Emanuel Kuntz, J. E. Dale, H. Loeb, and George D. Hamor.
As an outgrowth of the establishment of the “ Water Line,” extending as above
indicated, with its pump at Ross’s Mills, from whence it derives its power,
the Union Hose Company was organized on June 20, 1883, counting a large
number of its best citizens in its organization. The company is out of debt,
and has a small surplus in its treasury. On January 12, 1884, the “
Independent Hook and Ladder Company” was organized. Captain G. W. Woodring
was its first president, and is the present chief of both companies
constituting the fire department. The fire department controls a splended
hook and ladder truck, with the necessary equipment, also a splendid hose
carriage, which was donated to the Union Hose Company by the ladies of the
place. In connection with the hose carriage there are seven hundred feet of
good hose. The hook and ladder truck and hose were in part paid for by the
council. Both of these companies have of late kept up only a quasi
organization, but never failed to respond at any alarm of fire, which speaks
highly in favor of the manhood composing the companies, The town has went
through several serious fires,1 and, thanks to the Water Line and these
companies, thousands of dollars have been saved.
1 The first large fire occurred in November, 1880; started in the new Opera
House, which was destroyed with other valuable property to the amount of
$25,000, estimated ; fire confined to west side of Long street. Second
extensive fire occurred in December, 1883, starting in the “ American ” House
restaurant, burning over the same territory as the first, besides crossing
Long street and destroying several buildings ; estimated loss, $50,000. Third
disastrous fire occurred in February, 1886, originating in the City Hotel,
which was destroyed with considerable other valuable property on east side of
Courtney street. The site of the last fire has already been rebuilt with
excellent three story brick blocks.
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Roads and Railways. - The public roads and railways entering into Do
Bois stand second to none, especially the public roads which lead to every
point of the compass, viz: two lead to Luthersburg, etc., one known as the
"hill" road, and the other the "bottom" road; another leads to West Liberty
and Troutville, another to Reynoldsville, still another to Falls Creek, one
to Clearfield via Rockton, and finally another leading to Penfield via Sabula
("tunnel"), thus making a complete net-work of wagon roads, which are kept in
good condition the whole year around, and as a general rule much better than
the majority of public roads in other parts of the county. The great Low
Grade Division of the A. V. R. R. which was opened in the summer of 1874,
gives an eastern and northern "outlet" via the P. & E. at Driftwood, and a
western outlet to Pittsburgh, etc., via A. V. R. R. at Red Bank. The
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh R. R. was opened in August, 1883, affording
an excellent outlet to Rochester, Buffalo and the lake region, as well as a
direct line to the great Kinzua bridge, the highest railway bridge in the
world, and to the nation’s pride and admiration of the whole world-Niagara
Falls, thus affording most excellent shipping facilities as well as unrivaled
advantages to the pleasure seeker. The depot of the Low Grade is in East Du
Bois, third ward, and that of the B. R. & P. in West Du Bois, first ward, the
central part of the town, second ward, lying between the two depots at
convenient distances.
Other railroads are in contemplation which will finally enter this
town, making it still a greater railroad center than is dreamed of by many of
the citizens of to-day. The link most desired and needed is the extension of
the Pennsylvania at Curwensville, or the Beech Creek at Clearfield to Du
Bois. As it now is, Du Bois, the largest town in the county, has from twenty-
two to twenty-five miles over one of the most lonely,-over the mountains via
Rocton and “ Horn’s Shanty,” or the second choice over probably the poorest
kept road in the county, the “Cream Hill” turnpike-a toll road, and relic of
gross injustice to the people of Clearfield county.
Agriculture.-Agriculture can only be mentioned incidentally, as it
exists in the surrounding townships. The soil is of superior quality ; in
fact, the virgin soil of Brady, Sandy and Union townships is equal to that of
Lancaster county. True, it is not in such a high state of cultivation as in
the latter county, but it is yielding most excellent cereal crops and fruits
wherever properly cultivated and cared for ; besides there are thousands of
acres immediately north from Du Bois, belonging to John E. Du Bois, of
superior limestone soil, which is awaiting the advent of the plow, which it
is hoped will come to pass ere [sic] many years roll around. J. E. Du Bois
has 1,000 acres under cultivation. The stock consists of seventy-three
horses, seven mules, sixteen yokes of oxen, fifty cows, one hundred twenty-
five head of cattle, a herd of about two hundred sheep on an average, and
about sixty hogs. The productions of this
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY
farm in 1886 were as follows : 5,262 bushels oats, 3,122 bushels corn,
average yield of wheat per year, Boo to 1,000 bushels, 362 bushels rye, 48o
bushels buckwheat, 3,500 bushels potatoes, 500 tons of hay, with a large
vegetable garden supplying the hotel, store, etc. There were 200 acres
cleared in 1886. The farm was commenced in '77, clearing on an average about
100 acres a year. C. F. Fuller is superintendent of the farm.
Banking.—The town labored long under the inconvenience of no banking
facilities, being obliged to send to Brookville, Reynoldsville or Clearfield
and Curwensville, and even to other places for accommodations in that line,
until September 21, 1880, when the " Du Bois Deposit Bank" opened its door
for a general banking business. The present officers are : Dr. W. McBryer,
president ; W. C. Bovard, cashier, and L. J. Bovard, assistant cashier. This
institution is favorably and well known. This bank was followed by the "
First National Bank of Du Bois City," erecting its commodious and modern
brick bank building on Long street, having the latest improved vault and a
superior money safe (within vault), specially constructed for this bank. It
opened its door for business on August 1, 1883. This bank has a " paid up "
capital stock of $50,000, with privilege to increase to $100,000. This
institution is widely and favorably known, and enjoys the confidence of a
large and rapidly increasing business. F. K. Arnold was its first president,
J. E. Long, cashier, M. W. Wise, assistant cashier. The present officers are
: James E. Long, president ; M. W. Wise, cashier, and M. I. McCreight,
assistant cashier. Directors : L. A. Brady, E. G. Clark, P. S. Weber, M. W.
Wise, C. H. Gordon, Daniel North, M. I. McCreight and J. E. Long.
Schools, etc.—Education is to the mind what cleanliness is to the body
; the beauties of the one, as well as the other, are blemished, if not
totally lost, by neglect ; and as the richest diamond cannot shoot forth its
lustre, wanting the lapidary's skill, so will the latent virtues of the
noblest mind be buried in obscurity, if not called forth by precept and the
rules of good manners.
The people of Du Bois early believed in the great influence of an
educational training, and demanded adequate provisions and facilities at the
hands of Brady township, to which the town belonged, and " Old Mother Brady "
did not try to shirk her duty to the promising town, commenced the erection
of a suitable building in the summer of 1876, on the ground where the central
(high) school building now stands. The structure was a one-story building,
with two large and commodious rooms, reached by a neat and suitable
vestibule. The rooms were occupied during the term of 1876-77. Prior to the
erection of this school-house—known as the " Central school-house " of Du
Bois—the people had to content themselves by sending their children (no
matter in what part of the town they lived) to the " White school," so
called, which stood (and still stands as a tenement house) immediately beyond
what is known as the " camp-ground." But as this room was too small, even
prior
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois
to 1876, halls had to be rented, which, as a rule, were poorly calculated
for such a purpose. In 1879 (then the town belonged to Sandy) the growth of
the town demanded considerable more room, and the Sandy township school board
being alert to the needs and demands of the town, erected two large and
commodious two-story school buildings, one each in West and East Du Bois,
with two large rooms each ; still there was not room enough for the
accommodation of the children, and halls had to be again rented. Now, grades
were established as far as practicable. The growth of the schools still being
rapid, demanded still more rooms, and accordingly, in 1883, two years after
the incorporation of the town as a borough, the borough board saw the
pressing need for more room, concluded to remove the (frame) central school-
house to a lot opposite the old site to make room for a large brick school
building. On March 13, 1883, a contract for the erection of this building was
awarded to R. B. Taylor ; price, $12,760; with extras, and furnishing the
same was increased to $14,000, for which bonds were issued bearing five per
cent. interest, payable in not less than five years, nor more than twenty
years. The elegant building reflects great credit on the board of 1883, as
well as on the county, which is alive to educational interests. This building
furnishes eight rooms, but still the pressure for more room continued, and in
the summer of 1885 an extra two-story building in the first ward was erected,
and two additional rooms were built to the school building in the third ward.
The first ward has four " day " and two " night " schools ; the second ward
has ten " day " (no " night ") schools ; the third ward has four " day "
schools, employing eighteen teachers, two of which teach " night " schools,
making a total of twenty schools. Number of pupils enrolled in the winter of
1887—males, 562 ; females, 560 ; total, 1,122 ; male pupils attending night
schools, 70 ; grand total, 1,192. The term in 1886-7 was seven months. The
schools are graded—first ward has four grades, second ward ten, and third
ward four. Each room represents a grade, although there are two grades in
each room ; or, in other words, it requires two years to get through one room
to one next higher, except in the second ward, where the grades are closer.
Professor Frank Hutton was principal for the term of 1886-7. The grading
above given is not permanent, and is slightly changed as circumstances may
require. The present board consists of D. T. Sharp, president ; L. M. Truxal,
secretary ; James M. Bryan, D. C. Hindman, Howard Clarke, John Nihill, T. G.
Gormley, L. S. Hay, and Charles Loring, making a board of nine directors,
three from each of the three wards.
CHURCHES.
Paley, speaking on the establishment of the church, says : " The single
end we ought to propose by it is, the preservation and communication of
religious knowledge, every other idea and every other end that have been
mixed with this—as the making of the church an engine, or even an ally, of
the State ;
50
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
converting it into the means of strengthening or diffusing influence ; or
regarding it as a support of regal, in opposition to popular forms of
government— have served only to debase the institution, and to introduce into
it numerous corruptions and abuses."
The province of the church is most excellently defined, and its
influence and power indirectly admitted, by the quotation from Paley.
It is this " influence and power " which evidently lies at the base of
the establishment of churches to-day, and imbued with the spirit to wield
this "power," prompts men everywhere to build churches. Du Bois early felt
this " influence," and materialized the same in the organization and erection
of the M. E. Church, the beginning and organization of which may be dated in
1868, when Rev. T. J. Baker preached occasionally in the dwelling of John
Rumbarger, now the "Rumbarger House," and an organization was effected in the
latter part of 1870, when Rev. L. G. Merril, in charge of the Luthersburg
circuit, held a " revival " meeting in the old " white " school-house on the
West Liberty road, just beyond the old " camp-ground." At this time a class
was organized, but through the want of a place of meeting this class became
scattered, and remained so until the pastorate of Rev. J. N. Clover— from
1874 to 1875—on the Luthersburg charge. The scattered members were, as far as
possible, gathered together, the class reorganized, and services held in the
room over the present store of J. B. Ellis, which room was fitted up for the
purpose by Mr. John Rumbarger, who then owned the property. In this class
were Mrs. Fanny Ellis, J. W. Kelly and wife, Mrs. Catharine A. McClellan,
Mrs. Eliza Rumbarger, John Shaffer, Henry Shaffer, Mrs. Reisinger, James
Dixon, and others. A movement was soon begun for the erection of a church
building, which was consummated in 1876 and 1877, under the pastorate of Rev.
D. C. Plannett, in the structure now occupied by the M. E. society, located
on Booth street, first ward, near the B. R. & P. Railroad crossing. In 1879
Du Bois, which had hitherto been connected with the Luthersburg charge, was
made a station, and Rev. Cyril Wilson was appointed pastor. His successors,
up to the present time, have been as follows : 1880-81, H. M. Burns ; 1882-
84, R. C. Smith ; 1885-86, F. H. Beck, the present efficient pastor. The
present membership of the church is 325 ; Sabbath-school, over 200.
Evangelical Association.—In point of time this association came next.
The first class of this church was organized in 1873 by Rev. J. A. Dunlap.
The following year, 1874, he erected a chapel on " Cottage Hill," second
ward, being the first church building in Du Bois. Rev. Dunlap (living in
Brookville, Pa.) filled the appointment till the spring of 1876, when his
successor, Rev. William Houpt, came, during whose pastorate the parsonage was
built. He was followed by Rev. L. H. Hetrick in 1877, who labored till 1880,
succeeding in paying an indebtedness of $400, including the foundation walls
of the new church building. It was during Rev. Hetrick's pastorate that the
present
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
church edifice was commenced (1879), on Long street, second ward. Rev. A. W.
Platt came in the spring of 1880 and remained two and one-half years, when he
resigned, Rev. William Houpt supplying the balance of the conference year
(1883), followed by Rev. Garner in 1884. During the pastorate of Rev. A. W.
Platt the parsonage and " chapel " were sold, and the proceeds applied to the
" erection " fund of the new church, which was completed in 1881, as the
"Trinity Evangelical Church." The present pastor came in the spring of 1885.
The present (1887) number of members is about seventy ; Sunday-school, about
eighty scholars. This society is in a healthy, growing condition, as the
labors of the present pastor, Rev. F. M. Brickley, prove. He raised the
membership in 1886 from fifty-one to its present standing, notwithstanding
removals, etc.
Presbyterian Church.--This church was organized May 9, 1876, by a
committee of the Huntingdon Presbytery, consisting of Revs. H. S. Butler and
William M. Burchfield. The first original members were Richard and Thomas H.
Simons, W. P., Mary P., Evaline, land Elizabeth Jones, John H. Bellis, Mary
Jenkins, and Mrs. Margaret Smith. Richard and Thomas H. Simons (father and
son) were the first elders. Well does the writer remember this little band,
worshiping in the new hotel barn of the Rumbarger House (first ward); later,
in the partially finished central school-house, while their own church
building was being erected, which was done in the latter part of the summer
of 1876. It is located in the second ward, on William street, adjoining the
Central High School building. The original name of the church was " Bethany
Presbyterian Church of Du Bois," until the fall of 1885, when the
congregation dropped the word " Bethany," and it is now known as "The
Presbyterian Church of Du Bois." Rev. J. R. Henderson did some preaching
about the time of its organization, but Rev. William M. Burchfield regularly
supplied the congregation (with the exception of Rev. Henderson's) until the
spring of 1883. Owing to some technical misunderstanding Rev. Burchfield was
obliged to resign. Then the church was without regular preaching until
February 5, 1884, when the Presbytery, at the request of forty members,
organized the " Second Presbyterian Church of Du Bois," which, for a little
more than a year, was supplied by Rev. Burchfield, worshiping in Scalen's
Hall, and later in the " Reformed Church." The old organization of fifty-six
members then called Rev. J. V. Bell, of Penfield, Pa., who was installed the
first regular pastor of the church May 25, 1884. Rev. Burchfield resigned his
charge in February, 1885. A request was sent from " Bethany " (old) Church,
asking the members of the " Second " Church to return to their former home,
and the majority agreeing, the Presbytery, on April 14, 1885, dissolved, the
" Second " Church, requesting the members to go back to Bethany." In June,
1884, the ladies purchased a fine bell weighing 95o pounds, at a cost of
$286. The church building was repaired to the extent of $ 1,000 during the
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
summer of 1886. There is also a comfortable parsonage in connection with
this church. Present membership, 190 ; Sunday-school, 150 scholars. All
difficulties and misunderstandings have apparently passed away, and the
organization has a hopeful future.
Catholic Church.—The Catholic congregation of Du Bois was organized
June, 1877. There were then only seven Catholic families to start with. In
May, 1879, an effort was made to build a church, which resulted in the
erection of a brick edifice, located in the first ward, on State street,
sixty by thirty- two feet, and was dedicated in September of the same year.
In June, 1882, a house for the resident priest was built and a third lot was
purchased. In May, '84, an addition to the church with a tower was built,
placing therein a fine bell weighing 1,250 lbs., it being the first good bell
(in point of time) in the town. The congregation from the beginning has been
under the pastoral care of the Rev. James Brennan, who still occupies that
honored position. The congregation now owns a whole square on State street,
(first ward), and the church is one of the finest in town, it cost over
$10,000. A small debt is still on the property, with fair promises that it
will be satisfied soon. The membership is about 1,300 ; Sunday school about
175 scholars.
Baptist Church.—The regular Baptist Church of Du Bois was organized on
the 14th day of March, 1880, under the efficient leadership of Elder J. E.
Dean, from Reynoldsville, Pa. A house of worship was built in the third ward,
also under the management of Rev. Dean. The present pastor is Rev. H. H.
Leamy. Deacons : John Gaskin, Isaac Letchworth and H. H. Weaver ; clerk of
the church, L. R. Dressler. Membership 91, Bible school 90—average attendance.
Evangelical Lutheran Church.—In July, 1880, Rev. J. Ash, of Shanondale,
Clarion county, came here in the interest of the general council of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church, to investigate what could be done towards
establishing a mission. Nothing was done, however, until September, same
year. The Rev. J. H. Kline, from Northampton county, came to Du Bois, and
after consulting J. A. Terp, J. J. Overdorf, S. P. Nelson and others,
concluded to organize a mission, and preached in the Central school-house
for some time. Then through the kindness of the Rev. W. M. Burchfield and the
church council of the Presbyterian Church, held their services in the
Presbyterian church for about six months, then sub-rented Scalen's Hall from
the " Sons of Temperance." This was in the fall of 1883. This little
congregation continued to worship here until the 24th day of November, 1884,
when they dedicated their fine brick church, on Scribner avenue, (second
ward). The size of this edifice is seventy by forty, with spire 116 feet high
; total cost $7,500. The bell in the spire of this church weighs 1,500 lbs.
and has a sweet and clear tone. The first church council elected were :
Daniel Frack, Isaac Frantz, S. P. Nelson and J. A. Terpe. On April 20, 1884,
a Sabbath-school
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
was established by electing superintendent, Rev. J. H. Kline ; assistant
superintendent, A. J. Hetrick ; secretary, Joseph A. Terpe ; treasurer, H.
S. Knarr. The school is in prosperous condition ; about seventy-five
scholars. The Rev. J. H. Kline resigned (on account of ill health) in July,
1885. His resignation was accepted, and an invitation was extended to Rev. I.
K. Wismer, of Philadelphia, who came and preached a trial sermon on September
6. He was accepted and installed December 6, 1885. The present number of
communicant members is 124. The organization has good prospects for the
future.
Reformed Church.—In the year of 1880 a Reformed congregation,
consisting of twelve or fifteen members, was organized at Du Bois by a
committee of Clarion classis of the " Reformed Church in the United States."
For nearly two years succeeding its organization, this little congregation
had no regular pastor, but was supplied with preaching occasionally by Revs.
A. K. Kline, H. King, J. M. Evans, and others. On February 1, 1882, the
congregation was organized as a mission, and its first pastor was Rev. D. H.
Leader, who entered upon his labors as a missionary, The congregation
worshiped in the Central school building (old) up till spring of 1883 (when
the school building was removed to make room for the new brick building).
Upon an invitation of Rev. Burchfield and the council of the Presbyterian
Church, the congregation occupied the Presbyterian church till their own
house of worship was completed. Some steps looking toward the building of a
church had already been taken, and on Thanksgiving day, November 30, 1882, a
meeting of the congregation was held to move in the matter of securing ground
for the building of a church and parsonage. An excellent lot located on High
street, (second ward), was purchased from E. M. Kuntz, and Christmas
afternoon, 1882, a building committee consisting of W. E. Pifer, Joseph
Pentz, L. E. Weber and David Walburn, with the pastor as leader and chairman,
was appointed to secure plans and proceed to build the church.
On June I, 1883, the church was commenced and the corner stone was laid
July 1, 1883. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. H. Apple, D. D., of
Saegertown, Pa. On November 30, of the same year, it was completed at a cost
of $5,200, of which about $800 is unpaid but provided for. It was dedicated
December 2, 1883, at which service Rev. E. E. Higbee, D. D., State
superintendent of public instruction, preached the sermon. Good fortune
seemed to favor the enterprise, and in a short time the membership increased
to thirty-five. On July 1, 1884, Rev. D. H. Leader resigned, the charge
remaining vacant until February, 1885, when Rev. W. M. Andrews became the
pastor, but who resigned within the same year. Losses in membership have been
sustained by frequent removals, death and other causes. Notwithstanding these
losses, however, the number of communicants (January, 1887) was thirty-eight.
The present energetic and efficient pastor is R. E. Crum, who began his
labors in this church June 1, 1886.
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
A Sunday school in connection with the church was organized February
22, 1882, is in a growing condition and numbers about forty scholars.
The Protestant Episcopal Church.—At the instance and request of several
members of the Protestant Episcopal church, residing in Du Bois, the Rev. Dr.
J. H. Hopkins, of Williamsport, Pa., visited Du Bois in 1881, and held the
first services after the manner and usages of the Episcopal church. The
Presbyterian house of worship was kindly offered by the officers and minister
in charge, and was afterwards several times used by visiting clergymen of the
Episcopal Church. No regular weekly services were held until Rev. G. B. Van
Waters was sent by Bishop Whitehead of the diocese of Pittsburgh, to take
charge of the mission. Early in August, 1883, soon after his arrival, a
subscription was started for the purpose of building a church. When a
sufficient amount was pledged to justify the enterprise, work was begun and a
church building soon [completed], costing about $2,600, located on a high,
large and sightly lot, in the 3d ward, donated by the late John Du Bois. Rev.
Van Waters continued in charge until Easter, 1885. From April until
September, 1885, the church was without a regular minister, services being
occasionally conducted by Rev. Joseph Barber, of Sugar Hill, Pa., and by a
lay reader. Rev. H. Cruikshank took charge of the mission in September, '85,
and who remains to the present time (1887). The present communicant
membership is fifty-six, average attendance at Sunday-school is about fifty.
The distinctive name of the organization is " Church of Our Saviour."
Places of Amusement.—Mankind are always happier for having been happy;
so that if you make them happy now, you make them happy many years hence by
enjoyment of it. The people of Du Bois were not and are not exempt from the
natural law above indicated, that " Mirth is the spice of life." Their first
or earlier amusements were that of a Literary Society, which met over the
storeroom of J. B. Ellis as early as 1874, with an occasional magic lantern,
with Bible scenes, and comic views, or sometimes a strolling " Punch and
Judy" performer. This state of affairs in the amusement circles lasted until
1879, when Eureka Hall, on Courtney street, was opened by Sig. Bosco, with a
gift show in September of the same year. In 1880 a stock company built an
opera house on Long street, which was opened in November, 1880, by the Alice
Landon Combination, but was destroyed by fire the third night after its
opening (the first large fire in town). Barrs's Hall, on Courtney street, was
then transformed into a so-called opera house, with a stage so small and low
that a tall actor would almost touch the " flies." It was used until 1883,
when the Central Opera House was built by a stock company, of which L. A.
Brady, L. Butler. J. M. Troxell, and Andrew Smith, and others, were the
projectors and principal stockholders. Up to the opening of this large hall,
with a seating capacity of nine hundred—ground floor—the plays were rather of
an inferior order, as good troupes would not stop for want of a good house or
hall. This
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
house is located on Courtney street, near " Plank road," central Du Bois. It
was opened on January 2, 1883, by the Gertrude Elliott Company, scoring a
success from the start. Boyer & Hibner are the present (1887) managers. The
Du Bois Opera House was built by the late millionaire lumberman, John Du
Bois. The building was commenced in the spring of 1885, and completed in the
fall of 1886. The seating capacity is 1,200 on the third floor and gallery.
The stage is 32 by 58 feet, twenty-six feet opening, eight large and well
furnished dressing-rooms, sixteen complete sets of scenery, and a full stock
" set stuff " The auditorium is furnished with the Du Bois patent folding
opera chair, lighted throughout with Edison incandescent light, heated by the
Sturtevant Caloric system, which consists in fanning hot air from the Du Bois
Iron Works by a seven-foot fan. Two of the best scenic artists in the United
States were employed seven months getting up the scenery of this house. This
opera house is located in East Du Bois, Third ward, near the A. V. depot, and
is, without doubt, the finest in western Pennsylvania. It was opened on
December 4, 1886, by Lawrence Barrett in " Richelieu ;" E. B. Nettleton,
manager.
Du Bois New Store.—In this connection we will mention Mr. Du Bois's new
store rooms, as they are in the Opera House building, and complete the
original and unique plan of the late Mr. John Du Bois. The building and
furnishment stands to-day as he intended—the expression of his own idea. The
building stands on a heavy stone foundation, 61 by 140 feet in size. The
frame is made exceptionally strong, and is still further strengthened by
heavy brick walls, cement covered, and painted in rectangular blocks to
imitate stone. The store is divided into three aisles, the central one being
nine feet between the counters, while the side aisles are seven feet wide.
The main entrance is through heavy double doors on the north face of the
building, on each side of which are large plate-glass show windows, each
being 15 feet by 9 feet, and 5 feet deep. The cashier's desk is semi-circular
in form, and stands at the end of the aisles, facing the center one. At the
southwest corner is the elevator shaft, in which runs a handsome Marshall
elevator, 6 by 4a feet, the motor being water and atmospheric pressure. The
basement is a very large room used as a ware-room and meat market, etc. The
second floor is divided into fourteen rooms—seven on each side of a seven
foot hall, which runs through the entire length of the building. Four of
these rooms form the suite of offices for the general business of the firm,
the remaining rooms being devoted to store purposes. Mr. C. R. Fowler is
manager, and has been identified with the business since its inception in
1874. There are fifteen employees in connection with the store. The
establishment is lighted throughout with the Edison incandescent electric
light.
Gymnasium Association.—Pursuant to a call or notice in the public
prints, a meeting was held in the Central Opera House, August 4, 1885, to
organize a gymnasium association. P. S. Weber was the temporary chairman, who
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
tersely stated the object of the meeting, and the importance of physical
exercise, and the benefits to be derived from an organization of this kind.
The plan met with approval, and an organization effected by the election of
the following permanent officers : Frank Weiser, president ; E. F. Vosburg,
vice president ; W. S. Hollister, secretary ; J. P. Martin, assistant
secretary, and J. E. Du Bois, treasurer. The first board of directors was
composed of D. D. Delaney, D. E. Hibner, H. Landis, A. S. Moulthrop, and Hugh
McCollough. The association started with about twenty-five members, but
steadily and healthily grew to a present membership of over fifty.
McCollough's Hall (First ward) was rented and properly equipped, which was
occupied until January 1, 1887, when they moved into larger, more convenient
and comfortable quarters in Knarr's new brick block, on Courtney street
(Second ward). The association has a reading room, to which its members have
access at all times, on the tables of which can be found the best American
periodical literature, as well as foreign. The motto of the association is :
" Mental improvement through physical development."
There is also an amateur dramatic club in connection with the
association, composed of members of the gymnasium, which club rendered "Solon
Shingle" in the Central Opera House on April 20, 1886. It proved a decided
success, financially as well as otherwise, and they reproduced " Solon
Shingle " in Brookville, Pa., in May, 1886, where another success was scored,
winning the hearty good will and respect of all who favored the club with
their patronage. The dramatic club of the association also rendered " Ten
Nights in a Barroom " on March 22, 1887, to a full and well pleased house,
giving entire satisfaction. The association has a promising future, no debts,
and a " snug " surplus in the treasury.
Bands.—The elements of music are in everything around us ; they are
found in every part of creation ; in the chirpings of the feathered
choristers of nature ; in the voices or calls of various animals ; in the
melancholy sound of the waterfall, or the wild roar of the waves; in the hum
of the distant multitudes, or the dying cadence falls lightly on the ears as
it agitates the trees of the forest as when the hurricane sweeps around.
All these contain the rudiments of harmony, and may be easily supposed
to have furnished the minds of intelligent creatures with such ideas of sound
as time and the accumulated observations of succeeding ages could not fail to
improve into a system. What ages passed before the full-fledged brass band
was evolved would be hard to fix ; suffice it to say that a band is now
considered a necessity in every civilized community, and that Du Bois early
realized the fact by starting out with a martial band known as " Daddy "
Cummings's "sheep-skin " band, organized early in 1877. It kept its
organization for about three years. About the middle of July, 1877, an effort
was made to organize a brass band. The elements which were to compose it could
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
not agree, being millmen, miners, and others ; the great struggle seemed to
be about the name, some wanting one, and others another, which, however, was
amicably settled at a " meeting and social dance " on " Island No to," near
the present fair-ground, by the writer, in a speech, requesting that the new
band should be called the " Excelsior," urging the organization to try and
live up to its name, and advance higher and higher. A few seemed dissatisfied
and formed a rival band, composed almost exclusively of miners, calling it
the " Rochester " band. It prospered for several years with varied success
and finally changed its name to " Dush " band, but the long strike in 1885
disintegrated it. The " Excelsior " too had its reverses ; it also
reorganized in 1880, but retaining its old name, and in the fall of the same
year it was the successful competitor for a silver cornet at the Jefferson
county fair at Brookville, Pa. This success gave prestige and great
popularity. In June, 1881, it was made a chartered institution, known as the
" Excelsior Cornet Band Association," but in the spring of 1883 it was " down
" again, and was sold out, and disbanded for a few weeks, and again
reorganized as " Excelsior Cornet Band of Du Bois," but tenaciously holding
to " Excelsior," by which name it had gained the reputation as the best band
in the entire country around. Its musical director is H. S. McCautry ; its
leader is John Stanton ; business manager, John Murphy. The organization is
in good standing, has no debts, and a surplus in its treasury.
The " McCautry " band was organized in the spring of 1885, composed
mainly of residents of the Third ward; it seemed to be on a fair way to
success, but its life was too short to make much of a record, for it kept up
its organization only about one year.
The "Roscoe Orchestra" of the Roscoe brothers and others, deserves
favorable mention, as it often furnishes music for theatrical troupes with
honor to itself and delight to its audiences.
Manufacturing Interests.—Next in importance after the vast
manufacturing interests of J. E. Du Bois, is the large tannery of Du Bois &
Van Tassel Bros. It has been erroneously stated by some of the public prints
that the entire concern is owned by John E. Du Bois. This is a mistake. Mr.
Du Bois is simply a partner in the business, and the management is separate
from the large business affairs of Mr. Du Bois. The tannery is located in the
Third ward. It was erected in the summer of 1884, and commenced operations
September 1, the same year. It employs about seventy-five men, and has a
capacity of one thousand hides per week. The production is what is known as "
Rough " leather, and is finished ready for sale, and is principally sold to
curriers in the city of Boston. Mass., who finally finish it for the
manufacture of ladies' shoes. This tannery uses all the hides which the
surrounding country supplies, but the great bulk comes from the West and
Southwest, also occasionally from England and Germany. This firm employs all
the latest
51
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
improvements in their line, and is on a constant " look-out " for new and
practical machinery. The consumption of hemlock bark averages about seven
thousand tons per year, at five dollars per ton. It is the intention of this
firm to enlarge their tannery to double its present capacity during 1887.
Fuller's Mills.—In 1876 J. B. Shaffer (deceased, and who lost an arm in
the erection of the Du Bois " Big Mill "), who was an experienced and expert
mechanic, erected a nice and substantial saw and shingle-mill one hundred and
four by thirty-two feet, two stories high. He did successful business up to
the time of his death, which occurred several years later. This mill, known
as the " Centennial " mill, with about thirty acres of " bottom " land was
sold to Hamor & Kuntz, at Orphans' Court Sale, who in June, 1883, sold the
mill with several acres of ground to Sydney Fuller, who remodeled the mill,
putting in a circular saw, shingle, lath and picket machinery, also stave,
broom, rake and fork-handle machinery ; capacity per diem, 20,000 boards,
16,000 shingles, 5,000 lath, 3,000 pickets, and about 3,000 broom handles and
4,000 staves. In 1886 he built a planing-mill in connection with the saw-
mill, which turns out flooring, siding and all kinds of planing-mill work.
These mills run about two-thirds of the year, giving employment to a
considerable number of men and boys. J. A. Tayler is general superintendent.
Sash and Door Factory.—The sash and door factory of Messrs. Barber &
Scully was commenced in 1883, but owing to some difference with the late John
Du Bois, bearing on the supply of rough lumber, they discontinued in the
spring of 1886 and removed their machinery. The large and conveniently
located factory building is now standing empty.
City Flouring Mills.—In 1873 Barr & Co.'s planing-mill was built. A few
years later it was purchased by W. T. Ross, who remodeled it in 1879, making
it a burr-system grist-mill. In 1884 he changed it into a " new process
mill," and reconstructed it throughout by putting in a complete " gradual
reduction system " on rolls, with an average daily capacity of sixty bbls.
flour, making what is known as " straight" grade flour, also all kinds of
feed and meal. The power is furnished by a Bigler, Young & Co. fifty horse
power engine. This mill enjoys shipping facilities second to none in the
county, being provided with a private siding to its doors. Its supplies are
principally brought from Buffalo and Chicago. The mill is situated in the
first ward, near the B. R. & P. depot.
Wingert's Planing-Mill.—In the spring of 1882 there was a citizens'
stock company organized and known as the " Du Bois Wood Manufacturing Co.,"
which never succeeded beyond the erection and operation of a planing-mill. In
1884 Heberling Bros. bought up the stock and continued to operate it as a
planing-mill. In the fall of 1885 Heberling Bros. sold to William Wingert,
who remodeled and improved it to some extent, stocking it with the required
rough lumber, running it till the end of '86, when he leased it to Walter
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
Hatten, who now operates it as a planing-mill, doing all kinds of planing-
mill work. The mill is located in first ward adjoining Bell, Lewis & Yates's
coal yard.
ORDERS AND SOCIETIES.
Knights of Labor.—Eureka Assembly, No. 136, was instituted in 1875, and, as
all assemblies at that time, its sessions were held secretly.
In January, 1878, the first general assembly met in Reading, Pa., and
shortly after charters were granted to the different assemblies, and sessions
were held openly. This assembly obtained its charter in June, 1879. In a few
years the assembly had a membership of about three hundred, composed mostly
of miners and mill men. A rupture brought it down to six members in good
standing. This number held the charter by paying all the taxes to the general
assembly till the seventh member, by a transfer card, was added, now making a
legal quorum. Meetings were regularly held from that time forward, membership
again began to grow, and at the present time this assembly has enrolled sixty
members in good standing. Its membership is composed of the better class of
miners, lumbermen, laborers, school teachers, merchants, etc., making it a
very conservative assembly, owing to the diversified interests it embraces;
but on one point the members are radical and united, that is : " Arbitration
and no strikes."
The assembly is in a healthy, growing condition, with fair future
prospects. Place of meeting is in Knarr's new brick block, Courtney street,
second ward.
I. 0. 0. F.—The Du Bois City Lodge, No. 951 I. 0. 0. F., applied for a
charter in August, 1877. A charter was granted on September 5, and the lodge
was instituted October 16, 1877, with twenty-four charter members, on the
second floor, over Tracy & Barr's grocery, on Long street. June 10, 1881, it
held its first meeting in the " Schwem Block," now " Loeb's," on the third
floor. On December 10, 1886, it removed to the " Knarr " brick block, third
floor, Courtney street, being one of the finest halls in the town. Its
present membership is seventy-five. Officers when instituted (October 16,
1877), were : J. P. Taylor, N. G. ; P. B. Weaver, V. G. ; Ed. Cotter,
secretary ; A. L. Hoy, assistant secretary ; W. G. Irvin, treasurer. The
financial standing of the order on October 31, 1886, was as follows: Money
invested, $1,166.66 ; money in the treasury, $1,223.11; furniture and
regalia, $829.23. Total, $3,219.
Chivalric Lodge, No. 475 K. of P.—This order was instituted September
8, 1881. T. J. Boyer was the originator (in the town) and was elected its
first presiding officer. Forty-one members were initiated on the day of its
institution. Its present membership is 104 ; number of deaths (during its
institution to the present time) two. This order is based on ," Damon and
Pythias," and its origin dates to (immediately after) the close of the late
war. Its object then
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
was to again establish the feeling of fraternal love between the North and
the South. A worthy object indeed !
G. A. R.—Early in the fall of 1881 Captain L. M. Truxal, J. A.
Johnston, James Hines, and others, conceived the idea of organizing a " Post
" of the G. A. R. in Du Bois. In October the same year a meeting was called
for the purpose of making application, at which meeting the following names
were signed on the application, viz. : Captain L. M. Truxal, Major James
Hines, J. A. Johnston, Thomas J. Foster, Sylvester Moulthrop, A. M. Slack, D.
D. Moore, R. T. McConaughy, D. W. Thurston, John McGinnis, Calvin Dixon,
Henry Lindsay, Mortimer Farley, Isaac Hendricks, W. T. Ross, William M.
McIntosh, T. W. Thorpe, William Thompson, John Crawford, and Andrew King.
These names were engrossed on the charter. The post is called the " J. W.
Easton Post," in honor of an old worthy and intelligent soldier, who enlisted
in Company J, Pennsylvania Militia, on November 9, 1862, and was discharged
July 28, 1863. He came to Du Bois in 1872, was a carpenter by trade, and died
in 1878, respected by all. After the name had been chosen, the application
was sent to headquarters at Philadelphia. The charter was granted on the 27th
day of October, 1881. The first regular meeting was held in the " Odd Fellows
Hall," November 5, 1881, at which time Captain L. M. Truxal was elected
commander, and J. A. Johnston, adjutant. The organization grew steadily until
it increased to a membership of 124 ; but, through injudicious selection of
officers, removals from town, deaths, etc., the membership was gradually
reduced, so that, at the present time (January, 1887), it only numbers
eighty. The financial standing of the order is good—no debts, and a surplus
in the treasury.
S. of V.—This organization is of recent birth, but bids fair to become
an enduring order in the United States. In point of time, other orders should
take precedence in this narrative, but owing to its close connection with the
G. A. R. (being an out-growth of the same), we give it space immediately
after the G. A. R.
"Moulthrop" Camp No. 142, S. of V.—This camp was organized in Du Bois,
August 9, 1883, with fifteen charter members. The organization was named
"Moulthrop" Camp in honor of Sylvester Moulthrop, deceased, who was an active
and highly respected member of " Easton " Post of the G. A. R. The success of
the organization, in a great measure, is due to A. S. Moulthrop, C. C.
Simmers, G. L. Griffin, and the Kessler brothers. Like many other new
organizations, it went through a period of uncertainty as to its future
existence, but through the earnest efforts of the above named members, who
were familiar with the aim, object, and working of the order, it was carried
over this critical period, and at present stands on a firm and prosperous
basis, with a membership of fifty in good standing. All sons of deceased or
honorably discharged soldiers, sailors, or mariners, who served in the
Federal army
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
or navy during the Civil War of 1861-65, are eligible, on attaining the age
of eighteen years; also, on attaining the age of twenty-one years, all sons
of members of the order in succeeding generations. The organization is
strictly non-partisan and non-political. The introduction or discussion of
sectarian or political topics within the " Camp " are strictly prohibited,
under the penalty of a fine, of suspension or expulsion from the order.
F. & A. M.—Early in the spring of 1882 C. M. Powers conceived the idea
that a lodge of the F. & A. M. could be organized in the town, and at once
set to work to accomplish the laudable task, assisted by Rev. William M.
Burchfield and others, and to him (Powers) belongs the credit and honor of
accomplishing the undertaking. On May 4, 1882, " Garfield Lodge No. 559, F. &
A. M.," was instituted by District Deputy Grand Master E. W. Hale, of
Bellefonte, Pa., starting out with but seven members. The order has steadily
grown till now (1887) it has fifty members. It is in a prosperous and
promising condition, having no debts, and a nice surplus in the treasury.
The first officers were the following: W. M., Rev. William M. Burchfield ; J.
W., E. Whitney ; J. D., L. N. Guy ; chap., Rev. A. W. Platt ; S. W., C. M.
Powers ; S. D., W. N. Prothero ; purs., W. N. Grey. Hall at present, third
floor, Loeb's Block, on Long street.
P. 0. S. of A.—" Washington Camp No. 269, of P. 0. S. of A." was
instituted May 10, 1883, by J. D. McClintock, district president, with a
charter membership of seventeen. Notwithstanding a slight drawback,
occasioned by the selection of injudicious officers in the early days of the
order, it nevertheless prospered and grew to a membership of ninety-four ; at
the present time ('87) this camp is on a sold financial basis, has no debts,
and a surplus in its treasury.
" The order has for its objects the inculcation of pure love for the
institutions of our ' Native Land;' the opposition to foreign interference
with state interests in the United States of America ; the cultivation of
fraternal affections ; the preservation of the Constitution of the United
States; and the propagation of free education."
This order embraces also a beneficiary or insurance feature, which is
under the direct control of the National Camp.
Royal Arcanum.—The Du Bois Council No. 775, Royal Arcanum, was
organized June 11, 1883, under a charter from the Grand Council of
Pennsylvania, with twenty-two charter members, among which are the following,
who took an active part in establishing the council, viz.: I. T.
Klingensmith, Captain L. S. Hay, C. E. Bostwick, J. W. Carson, Levi
Heidrick, George Weber, and A. S. Beard (deceased). The council was
instituted by W. H. Wright, district deputy. The first officers were the
following: Regent, I. T. Klingensmith ; -secretary, W. H. H. Bell ;
treasurer, Levi Heidrick. The order is a beneficiary and social organization.
It has paid into the widow and orphan's
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
fund an amount not exceeding $800 since its organization to the present
time, and the Supreme Council has paid $3,000 benefit to the widow and
orphans of the late A. S. Beard, who was a charter member. The order has no
debts, and a surplus in its treasury, with favorable prospects for growth in
the future.
Ancient Order of United Workmen.—Du Bois City Lodge, No. 199, of A. 0.
U. W., was instituted May 19, 1883, having twenty-seven charter members. The
first officers were : P. M. W., C. E. Bostwick ; M. W., Jacob Truby ; F., L.
S. Hay ; 0., H. S. McCaughry ; R., A. B. Weed ; fin., B. Benedict ; rec., J.
W. Grier ; G., E. E. Wilson ; I. W., S. W. Brewer ; 0. W., W. McIntosh. The
growth of this lodge has been a healthy one. Its present membership is eighty-
five M. W. in good standing. Financially, the lodge is on a firm basis,
having a nice surplus in the receiver's hands. But one death has occurred
since its organization, that of Nelson T. Arms, engineer, killed at Falls
Creek, in a railroad accident, August 12, 1886.
Select Knights.—Du Bois Legion, No. 18, Select Knights of A. 0. U. W.,
was instituted October 24, 1884. The officers elected at the institution of
the order were : L. S. Hay, corn. ; G. Woodring, V. corn. ; J. W. Grier, L.
corn. ; C. E. Bostwick, rec. ; T. G. Gormley, treas. ; C. R. Fowler, rec.
treas. ; A. B. Lesher, mar. ; Ivor James, chap. ; E. G. Searls, S. B. ; L. A.
Brady, S. W. ; W. McIntosh, J. W. ; W. E. Hay, guard ; L. D. Balliet, W. A.
Means, L. A. Brady, trustees ; L. D. Balliet, M. D., W. A. Means, M. D.,
medical examiners. The legion has progressed favorably, has doubled its
membership, and is in good growing condition.
A. 0. H—A lodge of this order was instituted in Du Bois in May, 1876.
Among the charter members were the following : Thomas Flanigan, Michael Shea,
John McDermott, Terrence McDermott, James Cranny. Its present membership is
in good standing, and numbers one hundred and twenty-five. The order is a
Catholic beneficial organization, granting five dollars per week to members
in case of sickness, or disability through accident, and in case of death the
widow gets one hundred and fifty dollars, and funeral expenses paid by the
order.
Sons of St. George.—General Grant Lodge, No. 181, was instituted
September 23, 1885, under a charter granted August 29 of the same year. It
started out with thirty-two charter members, and has since—to the present
time—increased to forty-two members. The order is in a healthy, growing
condition, has no debts, and a surplus in its treasury. The officers are the
following : W. P. P., George Minns ; W. V. P., Joseph Goodyear ; W. T.,
Thomas Smale ; W. A. S., Peter Spooner ; W. P., Thomas Brown ; W. S., Richard
Stanton ; W. M., Jacob Tate ; W. I. S., William Ledger ; W. A. M., Joseph
Wilson ; W. C., William Stubbs ; W. 0. S., Joseph Baker. Thomas Brown and
Joseph Goodyear were the prime and earnest workers in establishing a lodge of
this order in Du Bois. " This order is composed of Englishmen,
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
their sons and grandsons." It has a beneficiary feature, which is based on
degree of member as to the amount of weekly benefit in case of sickness.
Women's Christian Temperance Union.—The W. C. T. U. was organized in
October, 1885. It has a present membership of over one hundred. Mrs. F. H.
Beck is president.
Cooper Temperance League.—This organization was started in June, 1886.
The membership consists of adults. Each member is required to sign the
"Murphy pledge." Its present membership is fifty. The league is officered as
follows : President, vice-president, secretary, and executive committee.
Temperance Cadets.—The Cadets organized in June, 1886, under the
supervision of Mrs. Dr. Balliet, Mrs. C. D. Gray, and Mr. A. F. Avery. The
command consists of boys from the ages of ten to twenty-one. All members are
required to sign the Murphy pledge, and drill once per week ; present
membership, seventy-five.
Band of Hope.—Organized in July, 1886, consisting of small children who
are instructed in the principles of temperance.
Good Templars.—This society had an organization, but finally disbanded.
Y. M. C. A.—This society also had an organization, and existed about
one year.
The Sons of Maccabce.—This order started with fair prospects, but fell
into improper hands and died.
Land League.—Failed to secure data.
Amalgamated Association.—Failed to secure data.
The Press.—" The liberty of the press is the true measure of the
liberty of the people. The one cannot be attacked without injury to the
other. Our thoughts ought to be perfectly free—to bridle them or stifle them
in their sanctury [sic] is the crime of humanity. What can I call my own if
my thoughts are not mine ?"—Mercier.
The initial attempt to establish a paper in Du Bois dates back to 1876,
when the writer published a small monthly called The Enterprise. It reached
four issues of two thousand copies each. It was devoted to the interests of
the town, especially in the sale of real estate. Its publisher intended in
1877 to establish a weekly paper, as will appear from the prospectus, from
the last issue of The Enterprise (September, 1876), which is here inserted :
" Prospectus of the Weekly Enterprise.—A fresh and lively local
newspaper, striving to keep up ' and abreast with the present progressive
age. Independent in politics and religion ; not ignoring these subjects, but
leaving them to journals especially devoted to the same. The Enterprise will
be devoted to the agricultural, lumbering, manufacturing, and mining
interests of this specially blessed section of the old Keystone State. The
agricultural department will not be a 'rehash' of articles from agricultural
papers, published in different latitudes than ours; but fresh observations
made by our own farmers, hence, practical.
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
" The other departments will receive the same special attention, giving
the latest and best observations on plans and improvements in their
respective fields of labor.
" Education and literature will receive due respect—in fine The
Enterprise shall ever strive to be a first-class local newspaper, giving all
the important local and legal news of both Clearfield and Jefferson counties,
and continually aiming to do honor to its motto : Truth is mighty and will
prevail.' Published weekly. Terms of subscription : $1.30 per year, strictly
in advance. Address : The Weekly Enterprise, Du Bois, Pa."
But early in the spring of 1877 the undertaking was abandoned, and the
projector dropped into the mercantile channel.
The Du Bois Courier.—In January, 1879, Butler & Horton established a a
weekly paper which they named The Du Bois City Courier, a seven column folio.
One year later they changed to Du Bois Weekly Courier. Mr. Butler, the
editor, having an innate desire to see the world at large as it is, the firm
sold the entire concern to J. A. Johnston in June, 1882, changing the name
again by dropping the word " weekly," and in March, 1884, enlarged the paper
to an eight column folio. In October, the same year, Mr. Johnston sold a one-
half interest to E. W. Gray, and the business was carried on in the firm name
of J. Johnston & Co. In October, 1886, R. L. Earl bought Mr. Johnston's
interest in the plant. It now was changed from an independent to a Republican
journal by the new firm of Earl & Gray.
Considering the early period in the history of the town when this paper
was started. Its present prosperous condition speaks well of the individuals
through whose fostering hands it passed.
The Du Bois Express was established October 12, 1883, by Hoag, Wilson &
Co. It is an independent local paper. January 1, 1887, the firm changed, Mr.
S. B. Hoag retiring ; H. C. Wilson, Frank McMichael, John P. Wilson, and C.
A. Read forming the new firm known as the Express Publishing Company. Its
circulation is over 1, 100, and is steadily increasing. It is an eight column
folio paper. This paper, too, is conducted by live and energetic men, and the
advent of the Express stimulated the Courier so that gentle rivalry promoted
the growth of both journals.
Driving Park Association.—The sketch of this association should
properly have appeared under the head of Agriculture, but wishing to present
the different organizations, etc., in a chronological order we shall insert
it here.
On June to, 1886 " The Du Bois Agricultural and Driving Park
Association " was organized, and the following officers were elected : J. E.
Du Bois, president ; John Rumbarger, vice-president ; L. M. Truxal,
secretary, and G. D. Hamor, treasurer. The capital stock was fixed at $
10,000, in shares of $10 each. The association was incorporated August 9,
1886. Article II of its constitution reads : " The objects of this
corporation are to encourage and
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BOROUGH OF Du Bois.
foster among the citizens of Clearfield and adjoining counties a spirit of
improvement in the agricultural productions of the said counties, and the
breeding, raising and training of all kinds of stock, and also to afford a
pleasure park for driving and other innocent sports and amusements."
The first annual fair was held September 7, 8, 9, and 10, 1886, scoring
an undisputed success in attendance, exhibits, etc.
The gross receipts amounted to $5,462.40. The main exhibition building
is 40 by 40 feet, with a central tower and four wings, extension of sixty
feet each. The grand stand is 309 by 32 feet, with a band cupola, all under
roof; furnishing a seating capacity of about 3,000. The dance pavilion and
department of public comfort is 40 by 80 feet, and a nice pump-house with a
never- failing well of pure, soft water. The judges stand is 12 by 12, twenty-
two feet high. The ground covers thirty acres, part of which is nicely shaded
with primitive forest. The race course, or " track " is known as the " fast "
track, in contradistinction of the " national " track. The length of the
sides is 710 feet, curve 610 feet, making (raised curve 31 feet) uniform
curves, there being only three other race courses in the United States like
it. Such superior advantages for the trial of speed are limited, hence the
association intends to inaugurate a series of races in the month of June of
each year to be known as the " June races."
The horse barn is 750 feet long, furnishing sixty-six stalls. The
cattle barn is 528 feet long, divided into eighty-eight stalls. The sheep and
pig-pen is 300 feet long, with about fifty stalls, and the poultry-house is
110 feet long.
Hotels.—The " Rumbarger " House was the first hotel in Du Bois, opened
about 1873 or 1874 by J. M. Bryan. The next was the " City Hotel " in the
Second ward, opened by E. M. Kuntz, in 1875. The " Central " Hotel, Second
ward, was built in 1878 by Laberee & Emerson, now kept by S. J. Mead. The "
Emmet " House was built by W. H. Stanly in 1879. The " Du Bois House " Third
ward, was built in 1879 by the late John Du Bois. The " National" Hotel,
Second ward, was built in 1877 by Mrs. Annie Painter, and opened as a hotel
in 1882 by W. C. Quigley, present proprietor. The "Nicholson House," Second
ward, was built in 1880. W. L. Nicholson was the first proprietor. It is now
kept by J. A. Burk. The "Terpe" House, Second ward, opened in 1881 by
Strowbridge & Holmes, now kept by J. J. Hildinger. The " Alpine House,"
Second ward, was opened by James Hines, the present proprietor and owner.
The "Baker House," "McNulty House," "Nihil House," "Miner's Home," and the "
Riddell House," all of the First ward, and the " Gorton House," Second ward,
opened all about the same time.
Du Bois Alms-House.—"The poor you have with you always." This quotation
needs no elucidation, except that the borough seemed to have more than the
humble taxpayer desired to support without an alms-house. There-
52
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
fore, Major James Hines, the leading member of the board of poor directors,
made application (signed by the citizens) to court, in the March term, 1886,
asking a grant to allow Du Bois borough to build her own alms-house. The
application was rejected, and a vote on the establishment of a county
poorhouse ordered ; at general November election the vote against a poor-
house was overwhelming. Major Hines, " nothing daunted," made a second
application for a borough alms-house. The application this time was favorably
received, and the request granted in January, 1887.
The board proceeded at once and leased a farm for five years (with
suitable house and barn) known as the " Terpe Homestead," at Salem, on the "
Pike," four miles from Du Bois, in Brady township. The borough had nineteen
charges when the alms-house was opened, at an average monthly expense of over
$300. The expense of the board for the same purpose in 1885 amounted to
$5,383; in 1886 to $3,341.
The board has granted no orders for relief since the latter part of
February, 1887, and now (August, 1887) the Du Bois alms-house has no inmates
belonging to the borough ; there are, however, eleven paupers from other
districts, from which Du Bois receives compensation. The estimated expense
for the first year, under the new regime, is within $1,000. Comment
unnecessary.
Board of Trade.—Last but not least is the recent establishment of a
board of trade in Du Bois. The local press and business men in general
frequently urged the formation of such an organizatian [sic], having the
advancement of the material and industrial interests of the infant city and
vicinity at heart. On March 21, 1887, a permanent organization was effected,
known as the Board of Trade of Du Bois. The officers at present are P. S.
Weber, president ; E. D. Van Tassel, first vice-president ; John Rumbarger,
second vice-president ; L. A. Brady, secretary ; John B. Ellis, W. W. Rainey,
John Horner, Levi Heidrick, H. S. Knarr, W. N. Prothero, G. R. Vosburg,
directors ; W. L. Johnston, J. B. Ellis, W. C. Pentz, H. Loeb, L. M. Truxall,
committe [sic] on correspondence ; John E. Du Bois, Fred. A. Bell, E. D. Van
Tassel, S. B. Elliott, E. M. Kuntz, R. L. Earl, Harry C. Wilson, executive
committee. As everybody seems interested in the objects of the " Board,"
good results may be expected.
In recapitulating the resources of the town and immediate vicinity
permit the writer to quote from the August number of the Enterprise, which he
published here in 1876:
"These elements, coal, lumber, and agriculture, are destined to bring
about the large manufactories which give a lasting stability to a city or
nation. Manufactories have given England, despite her cramped and isolated
position, a rule and sway which girts the globe. They have given the Eastern
States a prestige and power as permanent as it has been rapid.
" Manufactories added to its unparalleled advantages as an agricultural
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BECCARIA TOWNSHIP.
focus, and, coupled with timber, coal and other minerals, are building for
Du Bois (borough) a commercial supremacy, destined to endure and wax stronger
as long as the continent exists."