GREATER DOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

DOVER FIREMEN’S FAIR DISPLAY

September 2, 3, & 5 thru 10, 2005

The society set up its display in the basement of the fire company building on Canal St. Once again, it was a successful educational project with great community support. There was a lot of interest in all the items on display. By the end of the week, many people had a better understanding of the G. D. H. S. mission.

Bob and Kay Stitley loaned their car show back drop on which were displayed articles of old clothing which had been donated to the society. Display cases held other artifacts of interest.

Six new members joined the society and four renewed their membership during the carnival. The society’s 200^th member, Bob Stitley, as the fair was coming to a close.

Sale items during the carnival which brought in money to the society included raffle tickets; bicentennial books, medals, plates, and badges; Brookside books; and trash bags. Money was also generated through membership dues and donations and raffle items. Botterbusch Jewelry donated a Bulova watch, a Caravelle watch, and a Mickey Mouse watch which were won by Mitzi Herman, Patsy Gentzler and Connie Sterner respectively. A G.D.H.S. crock donated by Taylor’s Treasures was won by Penny Gentzler. A wall hanging replica (small version of the quilt to be raffled off at the 2006 carnival) crafted by Beverly Lee of the G.D.H.S.Quilters was won by Einsig of Dallastown. The society also sold 12 replicas for Dover Township.

The society was fortunate to receive a number of artifact donations:

Bicentennial sweatshirt, cast pass (Donald Harlacher), Gov. George M. Leader ribbon, and egg beater belonging to Augusta Harlacher – donated by Eva Eisenhart

1940’s vintage clothing - donated by Helen Weigel

O.M. Stough coupons – donated by Randy Sharp

Register of money orders issued at Dover Post Office September 1933 thru March 1936, Order book and a picture of Floyd Livingston of Shiloh–Hoover school – donated by Glenn Lefever

Copy of a 1950 picture of the Lauer Farm located on Davidsburg Rd. – donated by Lottie Berkheimer

Variety of pictures of Dover and old deeds – donated by Louella Wagner

Many other visitors indicated an interest in donating artifacts. Some will contact Dr. Drawbaugh while others promised to donate once the society has a building in which to display the memorabilia.

One of the highlights of the week was the contact the society made with Harry Latchaw and his grandfather. Mr. Harry (Pat) Latchaw is 99 years old. At the request of members of the Latchaw family, Kay Stitley and Ron and Norma Botterbusch interviewed Mr. Latchaw on Oct. 4. He was indeed a wealth of information.

The Carnival Committee of Ron and Norma Botterbusch and Kay Stitley and 16 other society members contributed 300 volunteer hours to make the fair display a success.