Former state Rep. Peter Zug revives father’s oral history project, publishing “Die Gluft” to preserve local stories from western Berks and eastern Lebanon counties.
History
Posted inHistory
Who Knew? Wilhelm, an intersection with Lebanon history
The story behind Wilhelm Avenue in Lebanon reveals the accomplishments of Artemas Wilhelm, a pivotal figure in developing the area’s iron industry and infrastructure.
Posted inHistory
[Photo Story] How did Lebanon County celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1976?
As we gear up for the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, LebTown looks back on how our county celebrated the nation’s 200th anniversary nearly 50 years ago.
Posted inHistory
Coleman Memorial Chapel in Brickerville marks its 150th anniversary
This past Saturday and Sunday, August 24-25, Coleman Memorial Chapel in Brickerville celebrated its 150th anniversary with events on the grounds of the chapel on Saturday and additional events and tours of Elizabeth Furnace on Sunday.
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80 years ago, there was another U.S. triumph in Paris when the 28th Infantry celebrated the end of German occupation
The US tops the Paris 2024 Olympics medal table, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the 28th Infantry Division’s role in liberating Paris in WWII.
Posted inHistory
Who Knew? Iron AND Horses? (A Coleman story)
The historic Hambletonian Stakes, a harness racing event with a million-dollar purse, is set to run for its 99th year, tracing its lineage back to “Hambletonian 10,” a famous horse from 1849 whose bloodline runs into 90% of today’s trotters and pacers. So what’s the connection to Cornwall?
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Who knew? Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man (Footnote)
A footnote to our history on Robert H. Coleman, Florida Man – “More Grief for Robert H. Coleman.”
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Annville historic group collaborates with French museum to solve mystery
The Friends of Old Annville organization is collaborating with the French WWII museum Musée de Lorris to answer questions regarding letters found in a drop ceiling in rural France.
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Rev. Harriet A. Baker: A pioneering Black female preacher with ties to Lebanon City
Born free in 1829, Harriet A. Baker, a pioneering Black female preacher, bravely fought against the slave trade, eventually establishing a church in Lebanon that still stands today.
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The rise and fall of the Union Canal: A tale of ambition, struggle, and ingenuity
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.
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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.
