The 2012 issue of Cumberland County History is an eclectic mix of articles spanning from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. It has been a pleasure to review the numerous articles submitted over the past year. They have included a wide variety of topics and have been extremely well written and researched. Sufficient articles were submitted to warrant two issues. A number of submissions are being held for publication in 2013. I am certain that the eight articles published in this issue will be of interest to our readers.
The first article by Jessica Sheets provides an analysis of the life and career of James A. Wilson, the soldier (not the Declaration signer). Daniel Heisey presents an interesting analysis on the use of tea and arsenic in the late 18th century and examines the criminal use of the two items together through the eyes of Charles Nisbet, Presbyterian minister and first president of Dickinson College.
Derek Weis' article takes us to the early 19th century with his analysis of the political ramifications of wearing the wrong colored cockade in the local militia. With the current observation of the zoo- anniversary of the beginning of the War of 1812, Steven Hatton explores county records to determine the effects of this war on local families.
Andre Weltman explores the effects of forest fires on South Mountain during the 19th and 20th centuries and solves a long-term mystery regarding the Iron Master's Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace. His article is particularly timely given the current Pine Grove area museum exhibit. Randy Watts, a frequent contributor to the Journal, has provided a detailed analysis of the Indian School Fire Brigade during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The 2014 edition of Cumberland County History includes articles on a wide variety of topics stretching from the eighteenth century to the twentieth century. The articles focus on individuals, caves, tugboats, schools, and flags — quite an unusual collection.