Clarence M. Smith – Band Director, Business Owner
Born in 1882, Smith learned to play the cornet in 1896 at the age of 14.
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.
Snuff and the family of Robert Hamill Sr. of Hopewell Township
Snuff was once a luxury item among upper classes which was also prescribed by doctors before its’ less desirable potential side effects were known. As a luxury item it was taxable in the first US Federal tax of 1794. Snuff mills, were less common than fulling and other mills.
Sons of the American Revolution
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was founded in 1889. One of the first meetings of the SAR took place in the historic Long Room of Fraunces Tavern in New York City.
South Newton Township
Newton Township first appeared in Cumberland county tax records in 1773 although it was organized by 1767.[1] In 1929, Newton divided into North Newton and South Newton Townships.[2] The early settlers in the area were Scots-Irish but German families began to move in toward the end of the 18th century.[3] By the time the township had formed, most of the land had been taken up and the area had a settled population.[4]
Southampton Township
Southampton Township was formed in 1783. It rests at the south-west corner of Cumberland County and is bordered by Franklin and Adams Counties. The southern part of the township nestles against South Mountain and is currently zoned for Woodlands Conservation in order to preserve the forests.
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.
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.