With Wertz Candies up for sale, LebTown decided to dig into the history of the shop. In between making batches of caramel corn, Charles “Chuck” Wertz spoke to LebTown about the business, its core treats, and the family that’s operated it over three generations.
Joshua Groh
Josh Groh is a Cornwall native and writer who began reporting for LebTown in 2019. He continued to regularly contribute to LebTown while earning a degree in environmental science at Lebanon Valley College, graduating in 2021. Since then, he has lead conservation crews in Colorado and taken on additional freelance writing opportunities. His focuses at LebTown include local history topics, outdoor recreation, and aspects of the membership program. You can find him biking out on the Rail Trail in his free time.
Posted inNews
Lebanon Valley Rail Trail breaks ground on Phase 6; city trail and park underway
The completion of Phases 6A and 6B will include the John E. Wengert Memorial Park and a trail extension from Chestnut Street to South 22nd Street through Lebanon.
Posted inNews
Thousands of migrating geese return to Middle Creek in yearly natural spectacle
It’s that time of year: tens of thousands of snow geese migrating north for the warm months are once again stopping over at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeast Lebanon County.
Posted inCommunity Shoutouts
Belated spotlight shone on the Lebanon High School Band’s 100th anniversary
Among the celebrations deferred when COVID-19 struck in 2020 was the 100th anniversary of the founding of Lebanon High School’s band program. Now, in 2023, the LHS Band is getting the attention it deserves with a special public display.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Domestic Violence Intervention announces new 2023 support group
A new support group for adult victims and survivors of domestic violence has opened for Lebanon County residents.
Posted inUpcoming Events
Pennsylvania Gourd Society to host Gourd Festival at the Expo Center
Gourd aficionados, take note – the Pennsylvania Gourd Society is visiting the Lebanon Valley to hold an annual celebration of all things gourd at the 2023 Pennsylvania Gourd Festival.
Posted inUpcoming Events
Mt. Lebanon Cemetery walking tour will highlight history, monuments and more
A popular historical tour of one of Lebanon’s best-known cemeteries is returning on Sunday, June 26.
Posted inHistory
Local author’s new book covers over 150 years of Coleman family history
James Polczynski’s new book “Souls of Iron” examines the multi-generational Coleman iron dynasty, Lebanon County’s most famous industrial family.
Posted inHistory
The real story of Robert H. Coleman, his Cornwall mansions, and St. Luke’s
It’s long been said that the wealthy industrialist Robert H. Coleman ordered the demolition of an unfinished mansion in Cornwall and sent the remaining stones to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, but there’s more to this local legend than is commonly known.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Salamander Books & Music plans relocation to downtown Lebanon
Previously located in Palmyra, Salamander Books & Music will move into downtown Lebanon at 701 Cumberland Street.
Posted inCommunity Shoutouts
Chautauqua seeks to restore wood carvings in honor of two late residents
The Pennsylvania Chautauqua plans to raise money to restore two wood carvings owned by Gretna music lovers Peter Hewitt and Walter McAnney.
Posted inCommunity Shoutouts
Neptune Fire Co. of Richland will host 100th Firefighters Convention in June
The parade is planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, and will celebrate the community fire companies that serve the Lebanon Valley. Almost $35,000 in prize money will be awarded to participants.
Posted inCommunity Shoutouts
The backstory behind the new Norman Rockwell-inspired mural on 8th Street
The new mural completed by BKFoxx in downtown Lebanon is a reimagination of a classic Norman Rockwell illustration.
Posted inEducation
Northwest Elementary develops laundry program, with help from local business
Lebanon’s Northwest Elementary hopes to promote student and family engagement with a new laundry program. Its organizers are currently looking for supply donations after being given a headstart thanks to Majik Rent-To-Own.
Posted inHistory
In memory of Lebanon’s officers who gave their life in the line of duty
As we celebrate the life of Lt. William Lebo, so too we recall the lives of Chief of Police Aaron McCord and Patrolman Cyrus Shaeffer, whose names will all long endure in Lebanon County.
