John Spahr: Constable (1807-1876)
George Shrom, who grew up on East Street in Carlisle, wrote about John Spahr in an 1898 article in the American Volunteer newspaper.
Browse Encyclopedia
The Cumberland County Historical Encyclopedia is an expanding publication on the history of the Cumberland County. Covering a wide range of topics and the entire Cumberland County geographic region, the Encyclopedia seeks to be an initial entry point to those interested in the County's history. Entries seek to provide a list of resources available as well as showcasing some of the Cumberland County Historical Society's own collections.
Thompson Spottswood: Teacher, Dentist and Civil War Soldier
F. A. Harris, remembering his Carlisle school teacher Thompson Spottswood, wrote: “I could stand over his grave today and weep tears of friendship. He was one of the kindest men, and for one year disciplined that bad, bad school
St. John’s Episcopal Church
In 1751 Carlisle was selected as the county-seat for Cumberland County. The town’s square was eventually divided into four quadrants: south-east (stone quarry /Market House), south-west (Court House), north-west (Presbyterian Church), north-east (Church of England).
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
This institution is unique in the fact that it has two physical structures in two different locations with the same name. The East Pomfret Street site, the Shrine Church is the original location for the catholic faith’s presence in Cumberland County.
St. Patrick’s Day in Carlisle and Cumberland County
On Saturday evening, February 27, 1836, a number of Irishmen and their descendants living in Carlisle and the surrounding area met at the Mansion House on West High Street to plan a St. Patrick’s Day celebration to honor the birth of the patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated at a Carlisle tavern in 1807
The old Eagle and Harp tavern, built in 1803 for Charles McManus, is still standing in Carlisle at 131 North East Street. It was there on Tuesday, March 17, 1807, that “a few of the sons of St. Patrick” met to celebrate the patron of Ireland.
Fife Major Richard Stack of the 7th Battalion of the Pennsylvania Foot
On the evening of December 11, 1777, Carlisle tailor George Wright, gunsmith Abraham Morrow, shoemaker Edmund Kean, John Gibson, John O’Neal, Fife Major Richard Stack and several others were at the dwelling house and unlicensed tavern of barber Joseph Sabolle of Carlisle.
Robert H. Stake of Newburg and the Klondike Gold Rush
“A Klondiker’s Return. R. H. Stake, of Newburg, Brings Several Thousand Dollars Home,” headlined an item in the August 29, 1898 edition of the Carlisle Evening News.1 The newspaper reported that Mr. Stake went to the Klondike gold fields with M.
State Historical Markers in Cumberland County
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has overseen a program to recognize important historical sites throughout the Commonwealth since 1946. Prior to that, a program existed that identified historical sites with a plaque.
Ephraim Steel: Clock and Watch Maker (1795-1868)
Ephraim Steel, the youngest child of Ephraim and Esther Steel,1 was born in Carlisle on November 13, 1795. His father was a merchant and an Associate Judge of Cumberland County who died in 1814. 2 Ephraim, Jr., likely apprenticed with one of the many silversmiths working in Carlisle in the early decades of the nineteenth century.