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.

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Flitting Day

Scan of the American Volunteer editorial from April 5, 1866

April 1 was known as “flitting day” in Pennsylvania. It was the day when yearly leases expired, and tenant farmers, businessmen, mechanics and private citizens either renewed their leases for another year and “stayed put,” or they moved. Local newspapers usually ran a column or two about the “flittings,” noting the changes in location of hotel keepers and businessmen, and musing on the day in general. The editor of Carlisle’s American Volunteer waxed emotional about “flitting day” in his column on April 5, 1866.

Lenore E. Flower

Lenore E. Flower, notable genealogist and suffragette, was born on November 8th, 1883. The daughter of Mary Elizabeth Dunbar and Milton Embick, Lenore grew up in Boiling Springs. She studied writing and history at Irving College, an all-girls college located in Mechanicsburg.

Frankford Township

While not one of the earliest municipal components of Cumberland County, Frankford Township dates back to the 18th century. It was created from West Pennsboro Township in April of 1795, by the County Court. The court records tell us:

Benjamin Franklin

Intellectually, Benjamin Franklin was a very gifted person, with only a few years of academic schooling, he was a self-taught individual. Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, one of ten children of a soap and candle maker.

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