In this week’s “who knew” column, we share the story of how a railroad rivalry led to chaos and conflict during the 1887 National Guard encampment at Mt. Gretna.
Category: History
Posted inHistory
Who knew? The Pinkerton Cornwall Caper of 1888 (Episode Four)
What brought Pinkerton detective “F.B.T.” from Philadelphia to Lebanon in 1888? Read the fourth and final installment of our history serial about the Pinkerton Cornwall Caper.
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.
Posted inHistory
Between Hershey and Wilbur: A look at the chocolate industry in Lebanon County
The history of the chocolate industry in Lebanon County has often been overlooked thanks to its famous neighbors. Here’s a short and sweet peek at a few businesses and chocolatiers that set up shop inside the county borders.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? The Pinkerton Cornwall Caper of 1888 (Episode Three)
What brought Pinkerton detective “F.B.T.” from Philadelphia to Lebanon in 1888? Read part three of our history serial about the Pinkerton Cornwall Caper.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? The Pinkerton Cornwall Caper of 1888 (Episode Two)
What brought Pinkerton detective “F.B.T.” from Philadelphia to Lebanon in 1888? Read part two of our history serial about the Pinkerton Cornwall Caper.
Posted inHistory
How a railroad rivalry spurred the creation of Penryn Park, Cornwall’s answer to Mount Gretna
The story of Penryn Park is one of 19th-century industry, breezy weekend getaways, baseball, thunderstorms, and the intense rivalry between two Coleman cousins and the railroad lines they managed.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? The Pinkerton Cornwall Caper of 1888 (Episode One)
What brought Pinkerton detective “F.B.T.” from Philadelphia to Lebanon in 1888? Read episode one of our history serial about the Pinkerton Cornwall Caper.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? Profound possessions
Straight from the 1885 annals of “Robin Leach’s Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” comes this fascinating report, a surprising glimpse into the opulence of Cornwall, Pennsylvania, in the 19th century.
Posted inHistory
Jack Paar and Betty White: Two late friends who both had area connections
The famed Tonight Show host and friend Betty White were two celebrities of classic television to have some ties to the Lebanon and Lancaster area.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? The Cornwall Manor pools
A riddle presented itself one cold November day on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail: “Here in Cornwall, what is gray, disappears in spring and reappears in fall?”
Posted inCommunity Shoutouts
A short history of Lebanon’s love affair with fasnachts
Fasnachts, the sugary, fried donuts customarily prepared and eaten on Shrove Tuesday, are a Pennsylvania Dutch staple in Lebanon County.
Posted inHistory
Got ghosts? Here’s a list of Lebanon’s most haunted locales
With Halloween around the corner, here are some of Lebanon’s more spooky locations and a bit of backstory for each.
Posted inHistory
New royal frigate will be named for WW2 warship with Campbelltown connection
That ship, which exploded in a dramatic assault on a German shipyard during World War II, was honored when a second ship was named in her honor. Now, a third ship will bear the name – an unusual honor in Britain’s Royal Navy.
Posted inHistory
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.
