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Regina Hartman

A pageant in front of the First Presbyterian Church, in 1934, showing people dressed in colonial costumes, in celebration of the church's 200th anniverary.

During the colonial era, Cumberland County was on the western frontier of colonial settlement. Although treaties had been signed allowing legal settlement, peaceful relations with Native Americans was not achieved until the 1770s.

Babes in the Woods

Outdoor B&W photo of a men and women standing around coffins in Westminster Cemetery near Carlisle, PA. Two coffins are visible, and a third is probably hidden behind one.

In November of 1934, the bodies of three young girls were found on South Mountain along Centerville Road (Rt. 233) in Penn Township. No readily identifiable information was available to determine who they were, and the ensuing investigation of the mystery attracted nation-wide attention.

Marcia Dale Weary

For Marcia Dale, the daughter and namesake of father, Dale Weary, the developmental motor sequence from birth, to crawl, to walk, to run and dance took only three years. Dale, the father of Marcia, Sandra, and Rosemary, provided everything – a home, protection, a nurturing environment, and fun.

Enola Yard

View of Enola Yard, c. 1910 - 1915

The Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) significantly expanded its infrastructure in the early 1900s to handle growing volumes of both freight and passenger traffic.

Mechanicsburg

Photo of Mechanicsburg Street Scenes Aerial view centered on Main and Market street about 1920.

Mechanicsburg is situated about midway between Harrisburg and Carlisle. Due to this location, it was a reasonable place to build an inn and tavern which resulted in the beginning of the town.

Mifflin Township

Mifflin Township was named in honor of Thomas Mifflin, a colonial leader during the years of the American Revolution who became the first governor of Pennsylvania. His name was given to many places in the state, including Mifflin Townships in Lycoming County, Dauphin County, and Columbia County.

Willow Mill

A February 1999 photo of Houston's/Willow/Fisher's Mill

Willow Mill, the only mill building still standing in Silver Spring Township, was a substantial industrial complex in its prime. Built in approximately 1794, the mill was still grinding grain through the end of the 1800s. The site then transitioned into an outdoor retreat and amusement park.

The Peanut Cart

Image of the peanut cart in storage at the Cumberland County Historical Society.

The peanut cart was owned by Angelo "Charlie" Veto (1869 - 1949) a veteran ice cream and peanut vendor on Carlisle's Public Square. For 48 years his location on the square remained constant.[1]

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:

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