The Union Canal, once a vital water-based interstate highway system, is now recognized for its historic tunnel, an engineering feat that stands as the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the U.S., despite the canal’s overall failure and short lifespan.
History
Posted inHistory
World champion wrestler, war reporter, and Harvard coach: The life of Jack Azar
Jack Ozar, a star wrestler in the early 20th century and local hero from Lebanon County, who held the world middleweight championship title, was not only a sports icon but also served as a physical instructor, novelist, and international news correspondent.
Posted inNews
Restored Bible’s ties to President D.D. Eisenhower make it a county treasure
The 1717 Eisenhauer family Bible, linked to President Eisenhower, has been meticulously restored by Gettysburg-based conservator Maria Pukownik and returned to the Lebanon County Historical Society.
Posted inHistory
‘Work, Fight, or Play Ball’: Steel League’s impact on Babe Ruth and baseball greats
Bill Ecenbarger’s book details the history of the Steel League, formed by Charles Schwab, and its role in helping baseball stars like Babe Ruth avoid military service during WWI.
Posted inHistory
The town of Water Works and its connection to the Union Canal
Water Works became an important town in the operation of the Union Canal in the 1800s.
Posted inHistory
Water Works was once a popular destination in the Lebanon Valley
Local residents and out-of-town guests from as far away as New York state came to this tiny hamlet to enjoy outdoor activities at Water Works Lake, which was created in the 1800s when a dam was built to provide water to the Union Canal.
Posted inHistory
Putting it all together: A journey from Jefferson’s estate to Lebanon’s history
Historical research suggests that the Jones family, buried in East Hanover Township’s Salem Evangelical Cemetery, may have roots tracing back to a slave named Daniel from President Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest estate.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 5)
Part 5 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man – “Sanctuary in Saranac Lake.”
Posted inHistory
Mount Gretna Tabernacle: ‘Ingenious’ structure was raised in just weeks
Despite scant records, the Mount Gretna Tabernacle, built in 1899, is attributed to John Cilley, a self-taught engineer renowned for his innovative auditorium designs.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 4)
Part 4 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man – “Florida, Robert H. Coleman’s Other Life.”
Posted inHistory
Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 3)
Part 3 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man – “The Busy Decade.”
Posted inHistory
Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 2)
Part 2 of our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man – “Florida Man, as a Boy.”
Posted inHistory
A look back on JFK’s visit to Lebanon during his 1960 run for president
Current Lebanon area resident (and former London, Ohio, newspaper editor) Fran Odyniec shares a story with us connecting two campaign visits in 1960.
Posted inHistory
Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Part 1)
Florida Man goes bankrupt on the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West Railway – part 1.
Posted inHistory
One mystery that no longer lingers
The mystery surrounding Robert H. Coleman’s Cornwall mansions has energized local historians for decades.
