From South Williamsport to the World Trade Center On that fateful September 11 morning, as New York City’s Twin Towers were struck by terrorist flown planes, the man who was in charge of the building’s construction watched from afar in horror. What is little known is that man, Karl Koch III, is a descendent of… Continue reading Koch Family Tree
Author: South Williamsport Area Historical Collection
Stories of the South Williamsport Area Historical Collection was created in memory of Rosemary Neidig, a “Southie” who spent countless hours researching and gathering stories of her neighbors. It was Rosemary’s dream to write a book, but time wasn’t on her side. Her friends, however, remain committed to helping Rosemary’s dream continue. Her anecdotal stories and snapshots of life in South Williamsport are the “seeds” of the South Williamsport Story.
Preserving History on the Southside
As published in Webb Weekly in January 2020. By Scott N. Lowery In the years preceding her passing several years ago longtime South Williamsport resident and Webb Weekly columnist Rosemary Neidig was engaged in a literary project to write a book encompassing the history of the community she loved so well. While she was never… Continue reading Preserving History on the Southside
Billman and Burlingame
By Scott N. Lowery Mention of the names Billman and Burlingame may conjure up thoughts of a railroad or law firm, but although they are neither the respective family names are firmly imbedded in the early formation of the South Williamsport community. Samuel Billman was a descendent of Hans Bielman who first arrived in America… Continue reading Billman and Burlingame
South Williamsport Lions Club
The South Williamsport Lions Club formed in 1946 with 52 chartered members, many of whom were prominent South Williamsport business owners and leaders, well-known in the the community. The Club sponsored their first Little League team in the spring of 1948. This team played their games on the field located next to the former American… Continue reading South Williamsport Lions Club
South Williamsport Schools
Prior to the incorporation of the Boroughs of DuBoistown and South Williamsport, the area from Sylvan Dell to Nisbet encompassed the Townships of Armstrong and Susquehanna. When the Boroughs were incorporated the ownership of the schools within their boundaries was transferred to newly created school districts. The following are photos and a brief narrative on… Continue reading South Williamsport Schools
Mountain Beach
An important highlight in many “South Siders” memories is centered at Mountain Beach. An article printed in the 1928 Mummers Parade Program described the most popular sports parks in North Central Pennsylvania. “In March 1928, work was started to develop the site of the former Main Street reservoir into the largest and best equipped swimming… Continue reading Mountain Beach
South Side School Gallery
Enjoy this gallery of historic images of South Williamsport Area Schools. sw-schools_20181014_0027sw-schools_20181014_0026sw-schools_20181014_0025sw-schools_20181014_0024sw-schools_20181014_0023sw-schools_20181014_0021sw-schools_20181014_0005sw-schools_20181014_0002sw-schools_20181014_0001 Class of 1961 Class of '61 50th Reunion 1961 Classmate Kathy (Stroup) Meier worked and traveled with President Ronald Reagan; he wrote this personal letter to us and it was shared at our 25th class reunion.
Christ Haist: June Kocher Laurenson Remembers
Christ Haist: June Kocher Laurenson Remembers BY NANCY BAUMGARTNER When June Kocher was a little girl she shared lunch nearly every day with her grandfather, Christian Haist. "My grandfather always brought his lunch in a pail and he would sit in a rocking chair facing the window at my house. My grandmother, Minnie, always packed… Continue reading Christ Haist: June Kocher Laurenson Remembers
Susquehanna Canoe Club
The Susquehanna Canoe Club was organized in 1905 and located at the Maynard Street Bridge. In 1928, according to the Mummers’ Parade Program, membership included 125 females and 275 males. Facilities included room for 100 canoes and offered one of the best swimming spots in this section of the state. The article also noted that motorboating… Continue reading Susquehanna Canoe Club
Museum Devoted to Firefighting
Al Ginoble of South Williamsport was raised in a house that served as the fire house for Citizens No.2 Fire Company in South Williamsport from the late 1800s to 1909, so it seemed natural that he would develop a passion for the fire service and firemen. At age 18 he became an active firefighter for… Continue reading Museum Devoted to Firefighting
South Williamsport Area Historical Collection 