Light’s Fort, built in 1742 in what is now Lebanon, served multiple purposes over the centuries. The structure is still standing today, with restorations ongoing, and it is the subject of local folklore regarding the existence of subterranean tunnels.
Randy Jaye
Randy Jaye is an historian and Lebanon, PA native. He has recently researched and nominated four properties that have been successfully added onto the National Register of Historic Places. He is the author of three recent history books, and writes articles for historical journals, local newspapers, magazines, and online publications, and has also appeared on several radio shows and PBS documentaries. He earned both a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree from California State University. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Ormond Beach Historical Society.
Once at risk, the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad Station is a historic gem
The Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad Station (also known as the Cornwall & Lebanon Depot) was built in 1885 and is located at 161 N. 8th Street in Lebanon.
Let’s take a look at Lebanon’s historic Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Station
The Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Station is one of a long list of surviving historic structures in the City of Lebanon.
A peek back at Lebanon’s once-elegant Colonial Theater (1923-2000)
The Colonial Theater was built in 1923 and was located at the northwest corner of 9th and Cumberland streets. 100 years later, its elegance has not been equaled locally.
John Immel House nixed from National Register after ’90s razing confirmed
In a first for Lebanon County, one of its thirty-one structures on the National Register of Historic Places has been removed.
Lebanon’s historic family restaurants and diners: Then and now
Lebanon has had a long history of family restaurants and diners.
The restoration of Cornwall’s historic Alden Villa Mansion, aka Millwood
Alden Villa, also known as Millwood, is a historic Gilded Age three-story mansion spanning 11,223 square feet located in Cornwall (its official address is 1012 Alden Way, Lebanon, PA).
Lebanon’s once plentiful neighborhood bars
During the mid-1900s, it seemed there was a neighborhood bar on nearly every corner in Lebanon.
Lebanon County during Prohibition: Bootlegging, moonshine, & speakeasies
The stories of bootleggers, moonshine, and speakeasies attest that many people in Lebanon County were not supporters of Prohibition.
The Air Raid Wardens who kept Lebanon County ready for anything during WWII
The Office of Civilian Defense was the catalyst that invited citizens to participate in their own defense, which inspired unprecedented teamwork and mutual aid around the nation.
Fort Swatara: Lebanon County’s garrison during the French and Indian War
There were no major battles near Fort Swatara; however, several soldiers and many settlers were killed, and several women and children were kidnapped by marauding Indians.
The former Eagle Hotel/Hotel Weimer was once a symbol of luxury in Lebanon
In 1957, the Hotel Weimer was sold for about $250,000 to one of the world’s largest hotel chains, Milner Hotels Management Inc., “in what was termed the greatest property transfer in local history.”
The Heinrich Zeller House (Fort Zeller): Lebanon County’s secluded historical treasure
The historic one-and-a-half-story structure is located west of Newmanstown, off of Pennsylvania Rte. 419 in Millcreek Twp.
Remembering Lebanon County’s once-prominent cigar industry
From 1916 to 1933, Lebanon ranked 12th in Pennsylvania in cigar production. In 1927, Lebanon produced $1,230,600 worth of tobacco products.
Lebanon County’s sweet, delicious, and cool ice cream history
In the history of Lebanon County, manufacturers of the frozen treat range from mom-and-pop shops to fairly large businesses.