Irving College
In 1856, Solomon Gorgas, a successful businessman, state legislator, and influential resident of Mechanicsburg donated land for an institution for the education of women.
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.
Robert Lee Jacobs – Lawyer, State Senator
Robert Lee Jacobs was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on December 7, 1910 to T. Ralph Jacobs and Flora Alma Lee Jacobs.
James W. Bosler throws spectacular birthday party for five-year old son.
Carlisle Herald, September 1, 1870. “MAGNIFICENT BIRTHDAY DEMONSTRATION—Splendid Pyrotechnic Display.—Mr. James W. Bosler, a citizen of this place, residing in the suburbs of the borough, gave a grand birthday party, pyrotechnic display, etc., in honor of his little son Charlie’s fifth birthday.
David Javitch – Founder of Giant Foods
David “D.J.” Javitch opened the Carlisle Meat Market, a two-man butcher shop, in 1923, and by 1937, Javitch expanded his vision to create a Giant Food Shopping Center in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.
Jesse James Killer in Carlisle for Two Nights
To-Night! To-Night!
“The Ford Brothers, exterminators of Jesse James, the noted outlaw chief and his band of desperadoes, are with the Ramblers’ Comedy company. The manager says that nothing will be done to offend the most fastidious.”
The Kansas Migration
From 1857 until the 1880s, residents of Cumberland County migrated en masse to the plains of central Kansas.
Peter Karlskind (1835-1900)
Born in France during the reign of King Louis Philippe, Peter Karlskind arrived in America in 1863, fought with the Irish Brigade during the Civil War and died in Cumberland County on or about New Year’s Day 1900.
Mary Wheeler King
Mary Wheeler King was born on December 24, 1901 in Newville.1 After graduating from Carlisle High School in the spring of 1919, King moved away to continue her education at Wilson College in Chambersburg.
Bertha G. Kitch: North Middleton Township School Teacher
A black and white photograph shows two horse-drawn wagons filled with children from the Basin Hill School and their teacher Miss Bertha Kitch. They are having their picture taken in front of Carlisle’s Market House. The ground is covered with snow.
Samuel Kitner (Butcher), George Kitner (Cattle Dealer), and George W. Strock (Grocer) of Carlisle
Our subjects were among butchers and grocers in Carlisle who largely predated or experienced a variety of innovations, including refrigerated and frozen cases.