Millville - The First 200 Years
Chapter XII
Organizations Today
Any community has a number of
civic groups that are actively helping to improve the area. Millville has
proportionately more of these organizations than do most towns its size. They
are vigorously active and provide invaluable service to the area. A brief
review of their activities is presented here as a tribute to their efforts.
GRANGE
The oldest
organization in the community of Millville today is the Grange. The first
effort to organize Valley Grange No. 52 was made on December 27, 1873, in an
application to the National Grange. The Dispensation was granted and the
following were charter members: Brothers A. P. Young, George W. Utt, Clark
Merrill, J. B Ikeler, William P. Ikeler, J. W. Reece, Henry E. Mather, B. F.
Battin, David DeMott, R. L. Reich, A. J. Albertson, Francis Eves, Lloyd P.
Yeager, F. P. Masters, Sisters Rachel W. Young, Hattie Merrill, Sarah A. Bangs,
Maria Ikeler, Lizzie M. Rich, Mehetible Albertson, A. Emma Masters, and Lizzie
Ikeler.
This Grange first met on the third floor of the Ellis Eves
and Brother Store, the present Ridall's Store, with A. P. Young as Master. From
here it moved to the V. P. Eves building on March 4, 1888. (District
Magistrate's Office).
The desire
for a grange home was early manifested, however, and was a topic of
intermittent discussion during the more than thirty‑ four years it occupied
quarters in the V. P. Eves building. On February 29, 1921 negotiations were
begun for the purchase of the present property under the direction of Master
Thomas S. Gordner. Through the efforts of a soliciting committee, a nice sum of
money was realized and in a short time, this had grown to a sum that
enabled the final purchase to be made. The Grange was officially installed in
its own hall on October 11, 1922. In 1935 the building became completely free
of debt.
The
organization was enlarged in 1936 when it was decided to consolidate the
Bloomsburg Grange into Millville's. Twenty‑eight members were added to the
list through this transfer.
Since
Valley Grange has been meeting within its own hall, the following have served
as Master:
Thomas
Gordner
1921‑ 57‑ 59‑ 62
Leo Miller 1941‑
42
William Eves 1922
Elizabeth
Ruckle 1944
C. H. Henrie 1945
K. E.
Dieffenbacker 1948‑
49 64‑ 71
R. L. Hexing 1950
Loren Eves 1951‑
53
Jay
Weatherill 1952
Raymond
Thomas 1954
Franklin
Readler 1955‑ 63‑ 64
Alva Potts 1923‑
24
B. W. Derr 1925‑
29‑ 32
Herman Rote 1926‑
27‑ 28
A. G.
Everett 1930
J. T. Lawton 1931
P. K. Girton 1933‑
34‑ 45
D. E.
Bennett 1936‑
37‑ 46
Clifford
Johnson 1938
Ralph
Gordner 1939‑
40‑ 47
The present Master, Luther Bitler is a
grandson of a loyal Granger known by many as Honorable William T. Creasy
"Farmer Creasy" who was a master of Pennsylvania State Grange 1908‑1914, and was at one time a member of the Legislature.
During
the life of Valley Grange, there has been a total of 56 worthy Masters.
During
the ninety-eight yea life of Valley Grange many children of the original
Charter Members have been active in the affairs of the organization. Sister
Sarah E. Reece served as secretary for a period of sixteen years. Sister S.
Ella Young, secretary for eight years, is the daughter of the first Master.
They
recognized their Silver Star members in 1931. These were Brothers William Eves,
Alfred Reece, and J. B. M. Bardo and Sisters Emma Young, S. Ella Young, Helen
Reece, Sarah E. Reece, Rose A. Eves, and Rettie Eves.
Brother
A. G. Everett presented the Grange with a gavel in 1932, which was sent as a
goodwill token to other granges for the purpose of creating goodwill and
friendliness. This gavel was used by fourteen granges before being returned to
Millville, where it is now being used, the constant reminder of the fellowship
existing with the organization.
It
is interesting to review some of the early records of Valley Grange. The early
reports of the Business Agent for March 1895 states that during that week a
barrel of syrup, a box of raisins, and some
dandelion coffee had been received. In June 1895 the question, "Is the
Annexation of Canada to the United States Desirable?", was the topic of
considerable discussion. At another time considerable talk was created by the
question. "Will it pay to send our boys and girls to State Agricultural
College?". Yet the topic, "An inquiry into the causes of agricultural
depression", and a discussion of a bill, "For the protection of
agricultural staples by an export bounty", have a timeliness that exists
even today.
In
the meeting of September 12, 1885, it is recorded that one member complained
that there was too much form and not enough practical discussion. Considerable
differences of opinion arose over this and the topic was discussed pro and con but in a spirit of good feeling.
A
library was started early in the life of the Grange. Leading the list of books
purchased in March 1879 was "American Ornithology" for which $7.50
was paid. In 1906 the Grange began to get libraries from Harrisburg.
The
appeals for assistance made to Valley Grange have been many. In 1895 aid was
given to the people of Nebraska, famine-stricken by drought. A sum of $5.11 was
collected. A fair sum in that year.
As
early as 1889 the Grange went on record as favoring a prohibition amendment.
This resolution was again repeated in 1915.
The
Valley Grange was awarded a Banner by State Grange on December 30, 1936, for
having the largest percentage of gain in membership in the county during that
year. In addition to this banner was received in 1937 for again having the
largest gain in membership.
On
June 26, 1940, the Grange had the pleasure of honoring three members who had
completed fifty years of continuous service. These were Sister Emma A. Young
and Brothers William Eves and Robert Van Horn. In 1941 Mrs. Robert Van Horn
received the fifty-year certificate and pin. They again had the privilege of
honoring Sister S. Ella Young on July 8, 1942, when a Gold Sheaf certificate and
pin were presented to her.
In
1944 there were three Golden Sheaf members and twenty-one Silver Star members.
The total membership was 108.
During
the years from 1944 to the present time, many Granges have fallen by the
wayside, but the Valley Grange has been able to survive, gaining membership
from time to time.
Cooperative service to the valley,
fellowship, and dedication to the aims and ideals of Grange have made this
organization the oldest continuing group in the history of Millville.
WOMEN'S
CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
The Millville Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) has
had eighty‑five years of continuous existence, having been organized in 1887 in
the Union Church under the leadership of Mrs. E. T. Scott. That day she secured
the following names: Rebecca Thomas, S. Jennie Kester, Martha Eves, Quet
Kester, Sallie E. Eves, Tacy
Vanderslice, Bell Christian, and Alice Kester. In organizing S. Jennie Kester
became President; Allie Kester, Vice President; Annie Potts, secretary; and
Tacy Vanderslice, treasurer.
The following day a children's
meeting was held and Della German,
Laure Heacock, Sue Kisner, Anna and Mary Rich, Ella and Emma Young, and Florence
Eves were added.
The first meeting was held at the home of Harriet Eck and
it was decided to take a penny collection at each meeting. Ella Young became acting secretary and remained a
most active member along with Allie
Kester in both local and county organizations.
Membership was acquired by
paying annual dues of sixty-five cents and signing the pledge: "I hereby
solemnly promise, God helping me, to abstain from all distilled, fermented, and
malt liquors including wine, beer and cider, and employ all proper means to
discourage the use of and traffic in the same".
Gentlemen could become honorary
members by the same method.
Attendance rolls were called
and marked each meeting. Soon the membership reached fifty with twelve men:
Amos Heacock, Aaron Kester, Thomas Wilson, Jacob Kester, C. R. Eves, W. B.
German, John Bruner, Boyd Trescott, G. H. Potter, Dr. Patton, Joseph Eves, and
Edward Buck.
Suppers were held to earn
money, the first one in John Shaffer's workshop, when $21 was realized.
The first meetings were held in
the homes twice a month. The first effort was directed toward means of closing the
still at Pine Summit.
Literature was placed in the
railroad station and constant effort was put forth to acquire recruits.
Speeches were made in the schools and Sunday Schools. Much literature was made
available and public meetings were held with prominent speakers, which were well
attended. Schools were visited to make sure the ravages of strong drink and
smoking were emphasized in the hygiene classes.
In 1888 the Loyal Temperance
League (LTL) was organized, being a very active group under the leadership of
Annie Potter.
Besides social activities, they
took study courses in which diplomas ` were given for successfully passing
examinations. Each year a seal could be earned. Ten took the exam for
"Columbia Course" adding the seventh seal and were the first in the
United States to belong to the "Home Guard Circle".
The first LTL State convention
was held in Millville in 1892. The hotel manager offered the delegates meals
for twenty-five cents.
Many posters were made relating
to the many evils of intemperance, and annual speaking contests were held. Mrs.
Marie Reece was active in this project in later years.
In 1890 a meeting of young ladies
met at Rueben Wilson's to organize a Y WCTU. This group included literary
entertainment and social hour in their meetings. They joined with the parent
organization in providing lecture courses and distributing literature and
books. The religious aspect was always stressed by Bible reading and prayer at
each meeting. A tent at the county fair was maintained for many years for
dispensing propaganda. The members engaged in many activities related to the
well-being and protection of childhood and youth through Christian living and
Temperance. Their concern is five-fold ‑
Alcohol education, character building, Christian citizenship, peace, and
evangelism.
Another early interest was the
enrollment of babies in the "White Ribboners" whose parents were pledged
to instruct the child in Christian and Temperate living.
During the early years, Allie
Kester was elected a delegate to the convention held at Bucknell and saw and
heard Frances Willard, the founder, speak on
"Social Purity" to 2500 attentive delegates. Each year her birthday
was remembered in the schools by programs and many schools had her picture on
the wall.
After forty years, Allie Kester
reported more than 200 persons had signed the pledge and had become workers for
the cause. Through the years there was no let up in efforts to acquaint young
people of the evils of smoking and strong drink.
There was great rejoicing when
the eighteenth amendment came into being. After repeal, two licenses were
acquired in Millville, but they were short-lived, being voted out by referendum
after an intensive crusade.
The badge of the organization
is the WHITE BOW; the motto:
"For God and Home and Everyland"; the voice,
the Union Signal.
Today there is a membership of
twenty‑four with Mrs. Zoe Shultz, president, and Mrs. Dorothy Stair, secretary.
At their monthly meetings, they follow the program in Union Signal. They assist
in the booth at the county fair, distribute plates of goodies to shut-ins at
Christmas, present a book to members of the high school graduating class, send
young people to camp, contributed $100 to the drug abuse program at the high
school and keep informed of the problems of alcoholism and smoking and what is
being done to improve the situation by lobbyists and educators.
AMERICAN
LEGION
The
Arthur Bardo Post 564 American Legion, Millville., Pennsylvania, was granted
a temporary charter on August 6, 1920. They then organized with Eugene E.
Cadman being the first commander. The permanent charter was issued on April 27,
1921. George Russell, Jay C. Watts, and Lawrence Rider were officers of the Post
in 1921. It was decided to name it the Arthur Bardo Post in memory of Arthur
Bardo, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bardo (Eyers Grove) who was the first man
killed in action from this area in World War I.
The first
meeting of the Post was held on the fourth floor of the Millville Hotel which
was a dance hall and was used as the band room. Later the second floor of the
Ben Cadman building on the corner of State and Main was rented and furnished to
hold the Post meetings.
In 1922
the first carnival was held by the Legion on the vacant lot next to the W. W.
Masters home (approximately where the Mrs. Donald Bennett and Franklin Snyder
homes now stand). Around 1327 interest in the post declined and meetings were
held only once a year for organization purposes, with some members paying dues
of others in order to keep the charter. Sometime during this era flag poles and
flags were placed at the Millville, Jerseytown and Greenwood Schools.
From
approximately 1925 to 1929 the basement room of the Millville Community Hall
was used by the Post to hold meetings. During this time the Millville Fire
Company was reorganized and the Fire Company members used this room also for
their meetings. The Legion donated $150 to the Fire Company to get them
started. This room was later turned over to the Boy Scouts, and the Post held
their meetings in the Fire Hall.
From this
time, very little was recorded concerning the Post until 1945 when the men and
women from the Second World War started to return home. At this time the Post
became very active again (sponsoring baseball teams, Christmas parties for
children. various charities, etc.) and has remained active.
In 1953, Frank Bartlow donated a parcel of land in
Pine Township to the Post to build a home. George Russell loaned the post the
money to erect a building. These Post members erected a building with donated
labor and by the fall of 1953, the Post facility was open for business, also at
this time the Home Association was
formed to conduct the business of the home. LaRue Fetzer was instrumental in
forming the Home Association.
Several
additions have been added to the original building, making it a roomy and comfortable place to enjoy yourself. Jesse Sones, an Air Force retiree, is the Stewart
and Marlene, his wife, manages the kitchen and dining area.
The Post
at this time has 262 members, 175 social members, and 58 associate members.
The
present Post officers are: Commander, Howard Engler; Vice Commander, John Eifert;
Adjulant, R. A. Kyttle; Finance Officer, Arnold Eves; Chaplain, William Fetzer;
Historian, Leonard Leighow; Sargeants at Arms, Robert Albertson, and Robert
Fisher.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
The
American Legion Auxiliary of the Arthur Bardo Post No. 564, Millville,
Pennsylvania was founded in June 1951 in the I.O.O.F. Hall.
Mrs.
Frank (Luella) Tranor was named as the first President; Francis Kisner, First
Vice‑ President; Madelyn Phares, Second Vice President; Lucille Long,
Secretary; Mary Lou Eves, Treasurer; Pearl Tranor, Historian; Catherine
Douglas, Sergeant of Arms; Flossie Kisner, Chaplain.
Mrs. Anna
E. Buchart of Camp Hill, Central Director, assisted by Mrs. Margaret Hoyt and
Mrs. Myrtle B. Seasholt, initiated the new members and installed the officers.
There being fourteen members.
The Erma
Beadle trophy for membership quota was received in December 1952 and the group
voted to give $100 to child welfare. Also, Christmas gift boxes were sent to the
Erie Soldiers and Sailors Home.
During
the following years, the auxiliary has been very active in contributing to needy
families in the area over the holiday season. They also have donated money to:
The Veterans Hospitals at Wilkes‑ Barre and Coatesville, United Fund, Cancer
fund, Little League baseball, town park, swimming pool, and town Christmas
lights. They support a Veteran's child at Scotland school and send a girl to
Keystone Girls State at Shippensburg. In 1971 Ruth Martenas, a Millville High
School junior, represented the Legion Auxiliary at "Girls State". She
was one of fifteen nominated from the 214 girls attending the conference and as
a result of an election, she was chosen to be one of the two Pennsylvania
representatives at "Girls Nation" held in Washington, D. C.
The Auxiliary was instrumental
in remodeling and equipping the present building.
The following members have
received ten-year continuous membership pins. Nora Greenly, Bertha Watts,
Thelma Kindt, Dorothy Potter, Norma Nickles, Virginia Woodsides, Anna Fetzer,
Mirabelle Wintersteen, Mary Litterer, Nancy Rider, Joyce Stere, Edith Minier,
Mary Thomas, Betty Robbins, Emma Kindt, Cleatus Farr, Betty Fetzer, Bessie
Smith, Mary Bostic, Delores Hartman.
The present officers are: Mae
Albertson, President; Beatrice Roberts, First Vice‑ President; Betty Fetzer,
Second Vice‑ President; Judy Rough, Secretary; Shirley Engler, Treasurer;
Catherine Buck, Chaplain. Present membership totals fifty‑eight.
GARDEN CLUB
Founded in 1929, the Millville
Garden Club, the first in the County, has remained active ever since.
The first meeting was held at
the home of Miss Myra Eves, with Miss Helen Eves, instigator of the movement,
made president, and Mrs. Herbert Henrie, secretary.
For two years the club
affiliated with "Better Homes of America", and slides and literature
were provided to create interest. A course in landscape gardening was studied,
and many trips were made to outstanding gardens in the area. About twenty
ladies joined the club. All participated in planting perennial flower gardens.
Annually, beginning in 1931,
for seven consecutive years, a Flower Show was held, with gladioli especially
featured. Later small antiques became a feature.
The Community Hall was the
seat, and entertainment, followed by a social Tea was attended by several
hundred people from far and near. Ribbon prizes were awarded by competent
judges for the most outstanding specimens and arrangements. The competition was keen.
Proceeds were used to beautify
the approaches to the Borough. Especially effective and ambitious was the
planting along the approach from Rohrsburg. Dozens of Wisteria vines covered
the high bank with various kinds of shrubs and flowering plants on the other
side of the road.
Another undertaking was the
landscaping in front of the school during an Arbor Day program directed by Mrs.
Clifford Johnson. Schoolboys did the work under the supervision of Mr. Leo Miller,
the Agriculture teacher.
Many other projects were
pursued over the years, including books purchased for the school Library, the
organization of a club choral group, outstanding floats in the Fourth of July
parades, often receiving the top prize, redecorating the Community Hall, planting
memorial trees, furnishing clothing and gifts to the County Institution, and
contributing to the Park Commission when the picnic ground, tennis courts, and
playground were built.
During the War, the club
concentrated its efforts on relief work and studying the countries involved.
Postage was paid for sending many one hundred pound packages of clothing,
quilts, and material to American Friends Service for use overseas. After the
war, clothing and sewing needs were sent directly to a German woman who
conducted a sewing center for fitting the clothing to individual needs.
The Club then became affiliated
with the Federation of Women's Clubs, and used its programs in the meetings.
When a contest was promoted for a poem or short story, one of the most active
members, Mrs. J. M. Reece, won first prize from a field of seventy for her
story entitled, "Seed". When `movies' were held each Saturday night in the
Community Hall, Mrs. J. R. Gemmill represented the club in choosing the
pictures for showing.
Over
the years the Club was able to attract several outstanding personalities as
speakers at various functions. Among them, Dr. William Eyster, head of Botony
Department at Bucknell who lectured on, "Propagating New Plants". Mr.
Rasmusson conducted a class in Landscape Gardening and advised in landscaping
several home grounds and the school.
Many local and distant people
entertained the group with presentations of their particular hobbies. One fascinated the
members with her "Apple Dolls" and their settings; another with
beautifully mounted rare buttons. Mrs. Ruth Webb showed her collections of
several hundred bells with stories of their origin. Later the art of making
beautiful and intricately designed quilts and ingenious bead jewelry took the group's attention.
Always interested in furthering
knowledge, many study programs were instituted. Members researched, prepared,
and read papers on many and varied subjects.
During the Pan‑ American and
"Good Neighbor" meetings, the subject of many programs was enhanced
by the artifacts collected by Dr. Warren Kelchner, who accompanied President
Roosevelt in an official capacity.
The
Department of Literature filled many delightful hours with skits and short
plays. Two local poets, Eleanor Sands Smith and Janet Englehart delighted with
readings of their works. There were many book reviews and Miss Rebecca Ikeler
recited current plays.
All was not
serious, as the Club indulged themselves in many parties, outings, trips, and
picnics where amusing entertainment prevailed.
At one time
the Club became interested in the Industrial Home for Women, and was invited to
a Tea there, which resulted in a Flower Show by the inmates, judged by members
of the Club. A large framed picture painted by Bruce Bloom, a local artist, was
presented to the Home.
As members
grew older and grasses supplanted flowers, interests became more civic-oriented, but they retained their interest in flowers as manifested in the two
recent endeavors when Ralph Dillon, a Bloomsburg florist, presented a flower
arranging program to a hundred guests and Mrs. Bird of Elysburg discussed the
drying of flowers and delighted with many arrangements of dried flowers and
foliage. Both programs were accompanied by Tea, and the proceeds contributed
to the Park and Swimming Pool Commissions.
Many
members have been traveling and sharing their pictures and stories for
enjoyment and enlightenment.
Flower
Shows were replaced by exhibits at the County Fair, winning both the Cup and
Tray at times.
Over the
years, 106 ladies have lent their presence and influence. Of that number, just
two of the charter members remain and only four have been members for twenty
years. Fortunately, many new faces have come to join the group assuring it of an
ongoing organization.
They meet
on the third Wednesday of every month except July and August.
LOS AMIGOS
Men have
banded together for comradeship and service for centuries. Thus, an
organizational meeting called January 27, 1931, attracted a large group of local
men.
The
organizers had invited a representative from the Blooms burg Rotary and
Kiwanis Club to speak on their clubs' programs. The consensus of the group was
for an unaffiliated unit.
A statement
of purpose envisioned the development of a club for benefit of worthy causes
and boosting the town. Twenty‑
nine men signed up as members supporting these goals.
The group
elected officers as follows: George Derr, President; Dr. J. W. Biddle, Vice
President; Ben Cadman, Jay Derr, Charles W. Voris and Rev. Newman, the Board of
Directors; J. W. Bowman, Treasurer; N. M. Welliver, Secretary. One meeting each
week was agreed upon.
At a
special meeting of the Board held on February 8, the name "Los Amigos"
as suggested by Charles Biddle was approved for presentation to the members. At
the next meeting, it was formalized by the club.
Meetings
were originally held at the Hotel and included the evening meal available in
1931 for fifty cents per person. Members were charged even if they could not
attend.
The `Los
Amigos' has certainly succeeded in accomplishing the original purpose of the
founders. Early, they helped with the Garden Club's project to plant trees and
shrubs as a beautification project, and support of the resurfacing to the Millville‑
Beach Glen Road and the Bloomsburg to Millville Road along with financial
support to the community park. Their part in the Fourth of July celebration
produced $286 in 1935.
Many
periods of success followed by others of coasting have come to this group. But
always a few are present to see that the good work continues. A long‑term
project organized by Millard Ludwig and backed by the club is the Athletic
Banquet held each year for the high school boys and girls participating in the
inter scholastic sports. Recognition of these young people has been a valuable
service to the school.
The club
has supported the community park from its first days but two projects crown
their efforts. An outdoor basketball court costing the club more than $750 was completed
in 1969 to provide additional off-hours practice when the gymnasium was not available.
The finest
accomplishment the Los Amigos Club has yet recorded is the climax of a ten-year
struggle to provide the area with a swimming pool. In the early sixties the
club had just completed a membership drive and were looking for a worthwhile
cause. The creek with its pollution from further north had lost its attraction
for the kids. A safe place for swimming was needed.
A committee
was appointed to view some area pools and prepare a plan for implementation.
When the cost was determined, the project died, but not the interest.
Repetitively they reviewed the idea for possible solutions and in 1969 the
solution finally presented itself in the form of state aid. The requirement
that a governmental body make the application prevented the club from receiving
the total recognition it deserved, but its interest had made the pool possible.
Present officers of the organization
are: President, Boyd Laycock; Vice President, George Myers; Secretary, Charles
Laver; Treasurer, Millard Ludwig.
THE UTOPIAN CLUB
November 12, 1953, a group
of women interested in retaining a federated club in Millville met at the
Quakerette Restaurant to formulate plans for a study club. They were: Marie C.
Reece, Patty S. Wellinghoff, Ethel Henrie, and Margaret LaRue Eves.
The first meeting was an all‑day meeting held on December 2, 1953, at which time garments were made for
overseas relief. All women of the area interested in a club formed for the
purpose of studying and carrying out the projects of the Pennsylvania
Federation of Women's Clubs and the National Federation were invited to attend.
The programs were to be concerned with the various departments and their
concerns of the Pennsylvania Federation of Women's Clubs.
Twelve members joined the club
at this time. Officers elected were: President, Mrs. Mary L. Hopkins; Vice
President, Mrs. Gerald Woolcock; Secretary, Mrs. S. Lee Ritchie; Treasurer,
Mrs. Harold Millington.
Several names were suggested
for the new Federated Club. The name
"Utopian Club" was selected after Mrs.Margaret LaRue Eves reminded
members that there had been a reading or study club in Millville many years
before named the "Utopian Club". As one of the aims of this new club
was to work with and encourage a visionary outlook towards the development of
the club and community, the name "The Utopian Club" was unanimously
selected at the January 27, 1954 meeting.
The club was admitted to
membership in General Federation of Women's Clubs on April 13, 1954.
In August the first Utopian
Club picnic was held at Lake Jean. Mrs. Frances Williammee presented the
program "Godey's Lady's Books", while members and guests "huddled"
in the sun and shelter from the cold mountain winds. They were the only
picnickers, except for carpenters who were just beginning to construct
restrooms and a beach house at the park.
Some of the programs presented
during the first year included: Sacred Music, Bird Watching, Modern Art, Kenya,
Flowers and Flower Gardens, Story of Candles, Robert Frost, Interesting TV
Information, and National Parks. Current programs of The Utopian Club have
included: "Swimming as Therapy for the Handicapped", "Progress
in Mental Health", "Drug Abuse", "Highway Safety",
"A Better Environment", "Our High School Library", "A
Teacher in West Africa", representing some of the current concerns of
Federation.
The projects for our schools,
community and Federation include: Presentation each year of a book to the High
School Library in honor of the Senior Class; presentation each year of a book
to each Elementary School for use in the room library of the selected grade;
and presentation of a book to the High School Library as a memorial to a
deceased member.
Another community project for
some years was to sponsor the Girl‑ of‑ the Month. A senior girl was chosen
each month by the faculty and would attend the club meeting with her mother
where she reported on her activities, accomplishments, and aims for the future.
Several of these girls have now become interested in Federated Club work.
In June 1958, Miss Hazel Kester
was chairman of a committee to honor the teaching staff of our schools in
appreciation of their work with the students. Corsages and boutonnieres were
presented to each teacher while in their school room. In September 1959 and
1960 a luncheon was served to the faculty at the beginning of the new school
year. Mr. Seymore Stere, Supervising Principal, and Mr. Wallace E. Derr,
Principal, expressed their appreciation to the club for their interest in the
young people and their teachers. Our membership was small, thus each one had
many tasks to do.
The Community Hall and tennis
courts of the 1950's and 1960's received aid from club members and husbands.
The posts and fencing of the courts were repaired and painted, window panes
replaced and grounds were cleaned. Recent contributions include a picnic table
and benches, as well as two trash cans to the park; donations to the Christmas
lights, and $100 to the Swimming Pool.
Legislation, Mental Health, and
Welfare have received much support over the years. An early club effort was to
secure a piano for a student at the Fernville School. The teacher told of the
child's talent, and through the gift of a piano by Mrs. Edith Biddle (not a
member), the Utopian Club had it tuned and delivered to the child's home.
An interest in Mental Health
since its beginning in this area has been a vital concern of the club, current
efforts include visits to residents of Kirkbride house at Danville State
Hospital and a contribution each year to their Christmas Party.
Mrs. Wallace Derr presented a
program "Modern Trends in Penology". The other members became
interested and for several years visits were made to residents of the Muncy
Industrial Home. A variety program was presented for the residents and most
kindly received by them. We received and accepted invitations to the beautiful
cantatas the Muncy Industrial Home presented at Easter and Christmas time.
The Utopian Club was hostess to
all Millville Civic and Service clubs to hear Dr. Samuel P. Bayard of
Pennsylvania State University present his program of "Folk Music of
Pennsylvania".
Special recognition has been
given to The Utopian Club for their contributions to some of the Federation
projects. These include A wing at Women's Medical College, Penn's Acres,
William Penn Museum, Community Improvement Program, Care, Care Literacy
Program, and Meals for Millions.
The welfare projects have often
been financed by personal contributions or collection at the time of the need
being presented. Money-making projects have been few.
The aims and purpose of this
club; to encourage, develop and work toward a better community and country, have
been achieved with the leadership of these presidents: Mrs. Mary L. Hopkins,
Mrs. J. M. Reece, Mrs. E. F. Wellinghoff, Mrs. S. Lee Ritchie, Mrs. Arthur P.
Britten, Mrs. Donald Kaler, Mrs. Edna Brooks, Mrs. Glen Farr, Mrs. Kenneth
Fodness, and Mrs. Roger Burtner (1970‑ 72).
BOY SCOUTS
OF AMERICA
The program of the Boy Scouts
of America has been used in Millville almost as long as the organization has
existed in this country. This first troop headed by Montgomery Boyd and Herbert
Henrie as Scoutmasters held the unit together even though no official
organization provided assistance. The troop predated any county council
offices. No formal record remains of this troop but some of its members
remember the experience. The unit included Eugene and Harold Cadman, Joseph
Christian, Wallace Eves, Marion Reece, Paul Trescott, and Raymond Kester as
members.
After this troop disbanded
several local boys were interested enough in the movement to join the
organization as Lone Scouts, a position permitted if no troop was available.
Wilbur Musselman and Paul Girton were Lone Scouts. Soon the county
received its first formal scouting program.
Earl Blake was assigned as the
first professional servicing the area. The Millville businessmen were among the
early ones to recognize the value of the Boy Scout program and as early as 1924
organized a troop now known as No. 58. More than 700 boys in the Millville Area
have enjoyed the Boy Scout program through this fine troop.
The first Scoutmaster of this
troop was Amory Skerry. There were eight or ten boys registered. Jesse
Pennington was the next Scoutmaster and records show that eight boys attended
Camp Lavigne at a cost of $5 per week. They also camped at Beaver Dam. They
hiked in and spent two weeks before their food ran out. Jack Ruckle, now the
Neighborhood Commissioner, was one of the early Scoutmasters. A highlight at
that time was camping at Zehners Bridge. Other Scoutmasters were Roland Fague,
G. E. Walborn, Glen Farr, Millard Ludwig, Monroe Smith, George Fought, Allen
Trump, Charles Michael, Eugene Mercer, Jr., Francis Wysocki, Ralph Titman,
Jacob Beagle, Aaron Wildenmouth, Delbert Pennypacker, and at this writing, Dean
Girton.
No attempt is being made to
list the boys who have been in the Scout Troop, nor the Committee members or
Assistant Scoutmasters or other volunteers who have helped. The list is so long
that a complete list is not possible in the short account. Records do indicate
Stanley Watts has served as a committeeman for more than twenty‑ three years.
For some years the troop met in
the basement of the Methodist Church, then for years in the Community Hall.
Until 1948 the troop was sponsored by the Los Amigos Club. In 1949 Girton
Manufacturing Company took over the sponsorship of the unit. This company has
sponsored it since that time.
Girton Manufacturing Company
built a building for use of the Troop in 1951. It was dedicated as a Scout
Hall in 1953.
The troop could be proud of
forty‑eight years of service if it were not for the fact that it lapsed around
1930 and had to be re-registered as a new troop at that time. It has been
continuously registered for more than forty years.
Glen Farr was the first boy to
obtain the Eagle Rank. Since that time many boys have shared this achievement.
Dale Ruckle earned the first God and Country award.
The troop has provided many
community services during its history. The recycling of waste paper was a
project in the 1940's before this now-popular pastime was conceived. Also,
presently the unit serves during the carnival period with a first aid facility
at the carnival grounds.
Another project this year was
the marking of the local Indian trails of the area in conjunction with the
bicentennial celebration.
GIRL SCOUTS
There was a Girl Scout Troop in
Millville in the twenties according to Mrs. Martha Rider Watts. She recalls
having fifteen girls in the troop and buying bolts of material to make
uniforms. The troop used the old Millville Park often with hikes to the
swinging bridge and swimming at the `horse hole'. Meetings were first held in
the leader's home and later in the Methodist Church basement. Sewing, knitting,
crocheting, cooking and baking were main interests of the girls and weekend
camping trips were held at Camp Creasy located along Big Fishing Creek north of
Bloomsburg.
The program of the thirties and
forties was similar to that of the twenties.
Some of the early leaders
included: Mrs. Margaret Kyle, Mrs. LaRue Eves, Miss Mary Sands, Miss Helen
Eves, Miss Mae Eves and Mrs. Ralph Gordner.
Mrs. Watts' daughter, Mrs.
Wayne Wright, started the first Brownie Troop in 1946. Mrs. Gail Gordner and
Mrs. Raymond Treon were active in the Brownie and Intermediate Troops in the
fifties and Mrs. Dean Evans and Mrs. Andrew Sapochak were involved in the early
sixties.
During the sixties, there was a
complete change of age levels throughout the nation ‑ Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors. New
handbooks were provided and Scouts worked on badge requirements geared to their
age level. Another change occurred when Columbia County merged with the Penn's
Woods Girl Scout Council. The office in Bloomsburg no longer exists.
Today the Millville Troop
consists of girls not only from town, but also girls from Pine and Greenwood
Townships. The troops have been very active in worthwhile projects for the
community, for older citizens and for handicapped and less fortunate persons.
A fishpond at the Firemen's
Carnival was undertaken twelve years ago by an Intermediate Troop and has been
operated each year since then by Junior Scouts in the nine to twelve age level,
with half of the proceeds going to the firemen for their use.
There are seventy-three girls
and eighteen adults in Millville registered in the Girl Scout Movement. Mrs.
Stanley Matylewicz acts as Neighborhood Director of the Rolling Hills
Neighborhood consisting of Millville, Jerseytown, Benton and Orangeville.
Adults working with Mrs. Matylewicz in Millville at the present time are Mrs.
Robert Greenly-Brownie Leader, Miss Julie Matylewicz, Miss Sharon Fought‑ Junior
Leader, Mrs. J. J. Gregorowicz, Mrs., Charles Albertson, Mrs. Jack Ball, Miss
Susan Smith, Mrs. Walter Mitton, Mrs. Ronald Welliver-Cadette Leader, and Mrs.
Curtis Whittington-Senior Advisor. Sponsoring groups are the Junior Women's
Club and the Los Amigos Club.
Letha Miracle and Marian
Derrick started the first Girl Scout Troop in Jerseytown in the thirties.
Today the Jerseytown girls in
the Senior age level are a part of Millville's Troop. Mrs. Shirley Weisenberger
and her daughter, Christy, have the Brownie Troop; Mrs. Faith Bardo and Mrs.
Jean Laubach are leaders in the Junior Troop; Mrs. Donna Holdren has the
Cadette Troop.
Mrs. Rose Kramer has been
active in the scouting program since 1958 holding various positions locally and
on the Council level. Today she acts as program consultant to the leaders and
forty‑ five girls registered in Jerseytown.
Both Millville and Jerseytown
Scouts go winter and summer troop camping at Camp Louise. Last year the Rolling
Hills Neighborhood established a week-long day camp at Zehner's Bridge in which
both leaders and Scouts from the two towns take an active part.
Girl Scouts have taken part in
council-wide events such as Pow-Wow, Scout-A-Rama, Jamboree and have taken
trips to various places which has all helped to widen their horizons, increase
their knowledge and broaden their views, but most of all to extend their friendships.
Girl Scouting has provided a
well-rounded program for girls in the Millville Area between the ages of seven
and eighteen.
CIVIC CLUB
Early in March 1937 Mrs. Heim,
of Milton, came to a meeting of interested young women, held
at the home of Mrs. Carl Flack. Elizabeth Feinour was named chairman to conduct
an organization meeting to be held at Mrs. Robert Parker's on March 29, 1937‑ the
official beginning of the first Junior Women's Club.
Miss Feinour was named first
President and meetings were conducted in the members' homes.
The club continued under the
name `Junior Women's Club' until December 1943 when the club adopted the name 'Millville
Civic Club'. From the first meeting in 1937, until the present time, the club has had one yearly
project to be carried out in the community; thus, Civic Club has been a very
appropriate name.
In the thirty‑five years of
its existence, this fine women's organization has contributed money
toward the purchase of a new ambulance, dental chair, band uniforms, and
library books for the high school, new wing on Bloomsburg Hospital which serves
the Millville Area, bleachers at the athletic field, equipment and maintenance
of the playground, outdoor basketball court, the swimming pool.
The
club has sponsored many worthwhile projects over the years. In 1942 and 1943 a
speech clinic in the high school, a youth center at the Grange Hall in 1945,
well‑baby clinic, and a Girl Scout Troop are only a few such endeavors.
The
present membership is sixty‑ six and the officers include: Mrs. Luther Bitler,
President; Mrs. Richard Wood, Vice President; Mrs. Leonard Leighow, Recording
Secretary; Mrs. Harold Shaw, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Arnold Eves,
Treasurer.
MILLVILLE
JUNIOR WOMEN'S CLUB
Several
young women of the community interested in bettering themselves, their homes,
and their community met in March 1959 and organized a club for women between
the ages of eighteen and forty. With the help and advice of the late Mrs. J.
Marion (Marie) Reece, the members of the Millville Junior Women's Club became a
part of the Pennsylvania and General Federation of Women's Clubs from whom the
club receives a varied and vast amount of information and program and project
resources. Mrs. Reece served as the first advisor to the club, a capacity
filled since by various members of the Millville Utopian Club, the senior
Federated club.
The
club has grown to a present active membership of thirty women and through the
years has steadily increased the projects and services in which it is involved.
Some of these services include supplying volunteers twice monthly at the area well‑baby Clinic, eye screening of pre-school children by trained club
members, door-to‑door solicitation for various health and other fund raising
agencies, the organization of several local pre‑school play groups and the sponsorship of Brownie, Junior and
Cadette Girl Scout Troops.
The
club has undertaken many worthwhile projects, which have demanded a great deal
of time, effort and the full cooperation
of the entire membership of the club to meet the monetary demands of these
projects. Some of these projects are: an annual $150 Scholarship to a deserving
graduating senior girl, an annual $10 contribution to each of the four local
school libraries, sponsoring a local Christmas lighting and decorating contest,
and sponsoring the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The $1500 pledge to the Little
Fishing Creek Area Swimming Pool, of which $1000 has been paid to date, is the largest undertaking of the club thus far.
The
meetings of the Millville Junior Women's Club take place the fourth Tuesday of
each month, September through June, at 8:00 P.M. (unless otherwise specified),
and the members take turns hosting the meetings in their homes and also
providing refreshments. The annual dues are $3.00 per member.
Officers
installed in the June meeting this year will serve for two years and include:
Mrs. Eugene Minnick, President; Mrs. Karl Girton, Vice President; Mrs. Robert
Book, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Harold Fisk, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs.
William VanHorn, Treasurer.
BASEBALL IN
MILLVILLE
Baseball
has played an important part in the recreation of the Millville area. Under the
late William "Bill" Feinour, Millville was a real threat to all
opponents during the period of 1914 through the middle twenties.
Feinour
had mostly local talent, but he would occasionally go outside to procure a
pitcher. Foremost among his local players were: Henry (Jake) Fought, catcher;
Rev. Burely (Pete) Peters, pitcher; Wallace (Pete) Eves, pitcher; Ray (Butch)
Kester, 1b; Horace (Frisco) Eves, 2b; Harold (Hap) Eves, 3b; Leon Cole, ss, If;
Raymond (Babe) Fought, ss, rf; Leroy Eves, 3b; Mike Stackhouse, 3b; Jay Watts,
If; Jess Pennington, If; Roy (Ditty) Ikeler, cf; Clay Watts, rf; and Frank
Fought, 3b.
The
old ball diamond, where the Little League field now is located, was a mecca for
Saturday afternoon crowds. A box score, carried in the now defunct
Philadelphia "North American", issue of Sunday July 1, shows that
Millville lost to West Berwick in thirteen innings, 4‑ 3.
Playing
in that game were Babe Fought, Roy Ikeler, Leon Cole, Butch Kester, Leroy Eves,
Clay Watts, Horace Eves, Jake Fought, and Rev. Peters. Ikeler had three hits
while Leroy Eves, Peters, Jake Fought, and Watts showed two each. There were
only five errors in the entire game.
For awhile in the late twenties there was no baseball, but the early thirties saw a
revival of independent baseball, and in 1934 the old Twin‑ County League came
into existence.
It
wasn't until 1946, however, that Millville showed a championship team in the
league. Composed of World War II vets, this club was the darling of the
Millville area. Players participating on that club: Jim Garman, catcher Raymond
Zarr, pitcher; Vince Myers, first base; Millard Ludwig, second; Bob Stere,
short; BobAndy,
third; Carter Eves, left field; Honey Robbins, center; Dick Kisner, right
field; Bill Albertson, pitcher and right field.
The team continued in the Twin‑ County until 1950 when it joined the Tri‑ County,
playing there for six years before the American Legion, which had supported the
club since 1946, removed its
support.
For
one year (1956) there was no baseball, but a group of young players then formed
a team and joined the North Branch Baseball League. This club was successful,
and the core of it continued until 1966 when there began a success story that
is remembered by few except those most closely associated with the game. Due to
the many other attractions, most fans followed the doings through the
newspapers.
From
1966 through 1969 Millville posted records of 20‑ 1; 15‑ 4; 18‑ 3; and 17‑ 5 to
win four consecutive regular season North Branch crowns plus playoff
championships in 1966 and 1967. The Quakers were also regular season winners in
1960 and 1964. This was a fine club.
The
following played on the 1966 through 1969 clubs with year of graduation at
Millville High School listed where appropriate: Roy (Skip) Bower, catcher
('61); Burel Gum, pitcher ('56); Bill Whitmoyer, pitcher ('68); Walt Stanek,
1b; Royce Robbins ('63), 2b; Ron Magargle, ss, ('65) ; Darwin Frey, 3b, ('53)
Frank
Fisk, If; Ron Welliver, cf, ('56) ; Charles Stout, rf, ('53) ; Kenny Mills,
outfield and infield ('61) ; Paul Hilner, cf and 2b, ('50) ; Marty Bowman,
('70) and Don Eyer ('67) also were active with this group. Stout, Mills, Fisk,
Magargle, Bowman, Eyer, Gum, and Whitmoyer are still playing, while most of the
others have retired. Burel Gum is present manager.
Additions and corrections made for this Second Edition. DBG
Second Edition- Copyright Dean B.Girton Dec. 30, 2022
