Born on October 3, 1908, to Guy and Ada Brandt Eberly in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Ira Shuey Eberly II grew up around the family lumber business. Ira graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1927 and attended Dickinson College, Temple University, and Beckley Business School to prepare himself to eventually take over Eberly Lumber.
Established in 1859 by Levi Eberly, Ira’s grandfather, Eberly Lumber survived several destructive fires. Under Ira’s leadership, they battled chain-store lumber businesses to create a multi-million-dollar business in Mechanicsburg. With such a successful business, Ira gave back to the community and was heavily involved local organizations.
He was director of the former First Bank & Trust Company and served as president and chairman of the board, as well as a member of the board of directors of Seidle Memorial Hospital in Mechanicsburg for 41 years. Ira was also the last surviving charter member of the Mechanicsburg Rotary Club. He was active in the Cumberland County American Cancer Society and a former member of the Mechanicsburg School Authority.
Eberly passed away in 2000 at the age of 91. His sons, I.S Eberly III and Lee Eberly owned Eberly Lumber until its closing in 2015. It was in business for 155 years.
Judge Dale F. Shughart was born on July 21, 1913 in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Boiling Springs High School before earning a degree from Dickinson College.
Interview of Tita Eberly for the Elizabeth V. and George F. Gardner Digital Library. Eberly discusses growing up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and owning a business.