1	Christiana Historical Society The Christiana Historical Society, formed and chartered in 2000, exists to promote and preserve the historic context of our community. Currently, we're engaged in planning a sesquicentennial (150-year) recognition of the Fugitive Slave Rebellion, also known as the Christiana Riot. Events are planned for 2001. You can check out the details by clicking on the ovals on the left-side of this page. We're also looking to the future, beyond our 2001 recognition events, to the goal of having a museum housing relevant artifacts, documents, and memorabilia about our community and in particular, the Christiana Riot. We’re selling commemorative prints of the “Christiana Riot House 1851” (see picture) in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Resistance at Christiana. 250 limited edition prints personally signed and numbered by local professional artist Dennis Minch are available for $75.00 each. To order your copy, contact us at the office below. Orders will be accepted with payment on a first come, first served basis. How to contact us: The Christiana Historical Society 10 W. Slokom Ave. PO Box 135 Christiana, PA 17509 Phone: 610-593-5199
2	“Christiana Riot House 1851” by Dennis Minch
3	Our History: 1691 – 1846 The following is excerpted from the 1994 Christiana Centennial booklet. The year was 1691 when the settler, John Kemmerly, moved into the area now known as Sadsbury Township. Shortly thereafter, William Penn granted his first tract of one thousand acres which included a Shawnee Indian village. Indian villages were once located in a number of places surrounding what is now Christiana Borough. One such village was located at the end of Broad Street, near the Williams Run development. It was a large Shawnee tribe who quarried soap stone from a mine located on a hill overlooking the creek along which their homes were located. Pieces of soap stone bowls and other artifacts could be found in this area as late as 1900. Through warrants issued in 1702, 1703, and 1709, a tract of one thousand and fifty acres, on a part of which was taken up as “servants land.” Twenty-one servants came from England into Pennsylvania and were each granted fifty acres by virtue of the Proprietary’s promise in their homeland. These original settlers were Friends and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Lancaster County was formed from a portion of Chester County in 1729. Through this separation, Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County was formed from Sadsbury Township, Chester County. Christiana began as a settlement in 1775 when Calvin Cooper constructed a fulling-mill, the first of many mills along the banks of the Octorara. It has been held that the machinery used was brought to this country from England. Moore’s, Sterrett’s, and Taylor’s grist mills were erected soon after the organization of the county. Because of word in 1833 that the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad would build a line that would pass through the area, William Noble constructed a foundry, blacksmith shop, and machine shop and, using the railroad to form a dam breast, a waterwheel-house. All were put into operation in 1834. In 1844, Hugh McClarron built a warehouse near the railroad and, for some years thereafter, engaged in the grain and produce business. Mr. Noble’s foundry continued operation until 1844 when operations were suspended. At this time, the settlement was known as McClarronville. In the summer of 1846, Samuel L. Denney purchased the foundry from Mr. Noble along with twelve acres of land. He again opened the foundry and started the operation of a machine shop. This shop later became known as the Christiana Machine Company. Because of the successful operation of this business, an influx of workmen were brought to the area. Also in town, were the farm buildings of Samuel Slokom and Zercher’s Hotel.
4	Our History: 1847 - 1883 Because of the dissatisfaction of the local populace with the name McClarronville, the town name was changed in 1847 to Christiana, in honor of Christiana Noble, the first wife of William Noble. During the same year, Pownall and Dickinson erected two brick dwellings and a brick store, now part of Christiana Enterprises. During this same year, a warehouse was constructed and a lumber-yard established by the same Pownall and Dickinson. It went through several owners until 1873 when it was purchased by Brinton Walter who enlarged the buildings and increased the capacity of the business. He laid a double track from the Pennsylvania Railroad, and erected coal bins with a railroad track on trestles above them. The events of September 11, 1851, now known as the Christiana Riot, brought great excitement and national recognition to the area. Blood was shed, one person lost his life, another was severely wounded and many of the town’s residents were arrested, placed in jail and tried for treason against the United States Government. Found “Not Guilty,” many of those charged went on to be forceful spokesmen for the cause of freedom and worked for the revocation of the Fugitive Slave Act. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Denney noticed that, because of a shortage of molasses and syrups, manufacturing them from sorghum cane could be very profitable. He had invented a process and obtained a patent for a mill or machine for pressing the juice from the cane. He sold this right to Isaac Broomell and the manufacture of this machinery proved to be an important addition to the articles already produced at the machine company. All of the power for the machine company, until about 1883, had been furnished by water power from the North Branch of the Octorara Creek. But, by this time it was no longer sufficient and steam power was introduced and used almost exclusively. In 1882, the National Bank of Christiana was formed with a capital of $50,000. And by 1883, Christiana was considered one of the most active business towns in Lancaster County. The population had reached an estimate of 800. It had four general stores, one hardware store, one grocery, three millinery stores, two drug stores, two physicians, two restaurants, a bakery, three shoe shops, one merchant tailor, one barber, two tin shops, two blacksmith shops, one agricultural implement warehouse, one coal and lumber yard and three livery stables. In 1883, the town’s first newspaper, the Christiana Ledger, was published by A.J. Melcher and J.M. White. It was a weekly paper of six columns, devoted to local and general news and was printed on a steam-powered press.
5	Our History: 1884 - 1894 On August 22, 1893, a petition was approved by the Lancaster County Grand Jury stating that the right to incorporate could be placed on the ballot and a vote taken by those living in Christiana. “And now, December 4^th A.D. 1893, the Court confirm the judgment of the Grand Jury, and declare that the said town of Christiana be incorporated into a Borough in conformity with the prayer of the petitioners; that the corporate style and title thereof shall be ‘The Borough of Christiana’.” The incorporation was finalized in January, 1894. Voting took place on February 20, 1894, and the move was made to incorporate. Those elected to office were: Isaac W. Slokom Mayor Mahlon B. Kent President of Council James B. Kennedy Councilman E.G. Bromell Councilman Harry Daves Councilman John D. Harrar Councilman Brinton Walter Councilman Thompson Pennock High Constable P.E. Hannum Clerk Nathaniel Gillespie Treasurer The Council fully adopted the By-Laws on March 12, 1894 and on March 14, H.G. Book and A.W. Moore were hired to make a survey of the Borough limits. The cost for this service was $8.00. On September 3, 1894, Andrew J. Melcher was offered the sum of $450.00 per year to furnish 25 lights of 32 candlepower to be located as directed by Council and for full night service of one hour after sunset and to continue until one-half hour after sunrise. The contract was to last for five years. Full, moon-lit nights were excepted. The first electric bill presented to the Council for one month was $38.50. The Christiana Electric Light Plant lasted until 1912 when it was sold to the Electric Company of Lancaster. The local company served Christiana, Atglen, Kinzers, and Lenover.
6	Our History: 1895 - today On January 14, 1895, a lock-up was constructed in the fire hall, located on East Slokum Avenue. The lock-up was on the first floor and Council met on the second floor. This lock-up was used until 1939. Andrew J. Melcher was given permission to dig up Borough streets on September 11, 1902 in order to lay steam pipes to be used for the heating of homes. It’s not known how long his steam heating system lasted but, by 1906, there were 34 electric lights in the Borough. At the same time, Mr. Melcher established a telephone system in town, the first in the county outside the city of Lancaster. For entertainment, the local band arranged for five concerts to be held on the steps of the bank during the summer of 1913. The burgess was instructed to hire an officer to keep order during these occasions. He was to be on duty between the hours of 7:00 and 8:00pm and was paid $1.00 per night. By 1916, the high level of taxes caused much talk among the local citizens. The tax was 35 cents for each horse kept within Borough limits. Since this was the main method of transportation at that time, the people were of the opinion that they were paying too much. In checking the Borough Council minute book, the Council continued to use a horse and cart of Borough service as late as March 7, 1939. It was once stated that Christiana was as well and favorably known as any town of its size in Pennsylvania. “The name of the town is associated with antebellum events scarcely less known in political history than John Brown’s raid and the Harper’s Ferry Riot.” Christiana Borough has remained, to the present, a quiet town with a country atmosphere. The population has remained at the same level over the past twenty-five years and building construction has been limited to the one area of the Borough. Our citizens feel that they belong here and that this is where children can be raised in a proper manner in healthy surroundings. The Christiana Riot Monument, standing at the corner of Green Street and East Slokum Avenue stands as a silent reminder of the events that once put Christiana on the national map. It reminds those passing that our past residents, long gone from the scene, believed that freedom belonged to everyone and that the law should be a protector of all its citizens.
7	Centennial The year 2001 will mark the 150^th anniversary of the Fugitive Slave Rebellion of September 11^th, 1851. Known by many historians as the “Christiana Riot,” the fight by escaped slaves to remain free caused the town of Christiana to be placed under martial law with a detachment of U.S. Marines being sent from the Philadelphia Naval Yard to enforce it. The Marines were to restore peace and arrest those responsible for the death of the slave owner, Edward Gorsuch and the wounding of his son, Dickinson. Also to be arrested were those involved with the escape of the fugitives. Thirty-five of the local citizens were arrested and charged with treason against the United States. Tried in Philadelphia and defended by Thaddeus Stevens, all were found “not guilty.” The great African-American orator, Frederick Douglass, called it “the battle for liberty at Christiana.” The Christiana Resistance, along with John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry ranks as a major trigger point that lead to the Civil War.
8	Schedule of Events: May 2001 May 13^th The Christiana Historical Society presented: A benefit performance honoring our Heritage and the battle for liberty Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre’s The Civil War The Dutch Apple is the first theatre licensed to produce this remarkable work! Sunday, May 13, 2001 Dinner: 5:30pm (dinner will be served promptly) Showtime: 7:30pm $35.00 Adults $19.50 Children
9	Schedule of Events: May 2001 May 18^th 7:00pm Buffalo Soldier encampment Campfire stories, featuring VisionQuest and Captain Joe Certaine and the Buffalo Soldiers. Held at the lower Borough park. The Buffalo soldiers served with great honor in the US military and had the lowest desertion rate in the Army. African-Americans served in the United States Army since the Revolutionary War. Many former slaves served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Tours of the mobile museum will be available. Donations for the organization will be accepted. VisionQuest is an interactive alternative youth program portraying the life of the buffalo soldier. Participating youth learn first-hand the life of a buffalo soldier by assuming the role of the buffalo soldier. While serving their term in the program, members are solely responsible for the care and training of their horses. They camp and re-live the life of the buffalo soldier. The program provides at-risk youth an opportunity to learn and assume responsibility while discovering who the real heroes are.
10	Schedule of Events: May 2001 May 19^th 9:00am – 2:00pm Historic Walking Tour of Christiana Coordinated by Jim Groff and the Christiana Lions Club. Tour included first person interpretations and historical vignettes. Special exhibits were available, including a diorama of Christiana in the late 1800’s with the scene of the resistance and the riot house. A special interactive exhibit Sponsored by the Hinkletown Mennonite School and Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology. The exhibit featured several significant stations associated with the Underground Railroad from the South through Lancaster and Pennsylvania to a celebration in Buxton, Canada. 2:00pm “Heritage” parade The focus was promoting and celebrating our local heritage. Participants and patrons were invited to dress in period costume. The parade saluted and featured the rich heritage of Lancaster County including descendants of prominent local historical characters. Heritage attractions, schools and agencies (Historical Societies, etc) participated with floats depicting a historical event or focus, etc. There were numerous re-enactors representing characters such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thaddeus Stevens, etc. and period cooking and food customs.
11	Schedule of Events: May 2001 May 19^th (continued) Food Various food venues were sponsored by and supported local non-profit and community agencies. Book signings at Community Building Dr. Ella Forbes – “But We Have No Country” Harry Kendall – “Truth Crushed To Earth” Dr. Edward Steers – North and South Magazine (He has a new book in the works featuring Christiana) John Rosenburg Margaret Hope Bacon – “The Rebellion in Christiana” Frances Cloude Taylor – “The Trackless Trail”
12	Schedule of Events: May 2001 May 20^th “The Sounds of Freedom” Concert – co-sponsored by The American Music Theatre Featuring: Kim & Reggie Harris - Renowned artists who have received accolades across the nation. The magic of their music is in the quality of their voices. Their soft and healing message caresses the soul with perfect harmony, clarity and power. They have received critical acclaim for their success on releasing “Steal Away: Songs of the Underground Railroad.” Their superb vocal arrangements, warmth and genuine positive message continues to win them fans and friends at every performance. Leslie McCurdy & “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman” - A one woman play telling the story of Harriet Tubman the courageous conductor of the underground railroad. Leslie’s presentation is a unique theatrical performance profiling a unique and inspiring historical figure. Her show is a wrenching and inspiring narrative leavened by humor and the strength of the human spirit. Also featuring local favorites: The Mount Zion AME Church of Atglen Choir The McCaskey High School Gospel Chorus The American Music Theatre 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA $15.00 Adults, $8.00 Children (group pricing for 20 or more) All proceeds to benefit the Christiana Historical Society and The Zion AME Church
13	Schedule of Events: September 2001 Activities of the final phase of a year-long commemoration concluded during the weekend of September 8th & 9th, 2001. September 8th 9am – 1pm Historical Walking Tours – sponsored by the Christiana Lions Club 10am – 2pm A Living History Village – sponsored by The Christiana Historical Society and Landis Valley Museum. Including living history demonstrations of life during the antebellum period with historical vignettes, civilian re-enactors, first person interpretations, demonstrations, and exhibits. 10am – 2pm The special exhibits listed in our May activities were also featured during our September Weekend at the Freight Station. 2:30pm Rededication of the Monument 7pm “The Resistance at Christiana” a play by Harry Kendall was performed in the Octorara High School auditorium. The play is a re-enactment of the events of the Christiana Riot of September 11th, 1851. September 9th – “On Freedom and Forgiveness” 10am A Community Church Service A concert is planned for the afternoon 6pm Reunion of the Descendants – featuring descendants of individuals associated with the Christiana Riot, including descendants of Frederick Douglass, Abraham Johnson, William Parker, The Pownall family, Gorsuch family, and more! (by invitation only)
14	September 8^th – Historical Walking Tours These tours, sponsored by the Christiana Lions Club, were conducted from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Tour options include: Self-guided Tours $3.00 Guided Walking Tours $5.00 Trolley Tours $10.00
15	September 8^th – Living History Village & Special Exhibits Our event, in cooperation with Landis Valley Museum, featured civilian re-enactors, historical vignettes, first person interpretations, demonstrations and exhibits. Of special interest will be: Frederick Douglass IV and his wife, BJ, will be performing first person interpretations of Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna Murray Douglas. Noah Lewis will grace the community of Christiana as African American Revolutionary War patriot, Edward “Ned” Hector. Frederick Douglass Frederick Douglass IV and BJ appeared Saturday, Sept. 8th at the “Celebrate Christiana” activities in Christiana, PA. Evoking the past, descendant Frederick Douglass IV and his wife will be seen in Christiana, PA. Frederick and his wife BJ will perform first person interpretations of the famous abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna Murray Douglas. History conveys that William Parker was inspired to form a self-defense group after hearing a message by Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison at Smyrna. The stately bearded, gentlemen, Frederick Douglass IV, who portrays his namesake and his lovely wife BJ are a striking couple in distinct contrast to the misconception that all blacks ran around in burlap. According to Frederick Douglass IV, “people are amazed to learn that many blacks lived free before the Emancipation.” Frederick Douglass IV speaks in the first person on behalf of his famed ancestor, talking of trading slaves, and the merciless beatings that steal their pride and their dignity. B. J. Douglass in character as her husband’s great-great grandmother engages in beautiful song that both moves and inspires the audience.
16	September 8^th – Living History Village & Special Exhibits Also on September 8th during the Living History Village, Noah Lewis will grace the community of Christiana as African American Revolutionary War patriot, Edward “Ned” Hector. His brief appearance in May during the festivities of “Celebrate Christiana” in Christiana, PA was not enough for residents and patrons. According to event coordinator, Nancy Hess, “there was so much interest in his character and so many that missed his appearance during our May activities, that we decided to bring him back for our September commemoration as well.” September’s commemoration of the “150th Anniversary of the Resistance at Christiana” was planned to focus more on the antebellum period. “It is important to the Christiana Historical Society that our community recognize the significant role African Americans have played in shaping American History, for this reason event guests will have opportunity to observe other important components to preserving our heritage, such as the presence of Ned Hector,” said Nancy Hess, Event Coordinator. Noah Lewis, an Upper Darby widower of four, whose real ancestor helped establish a North Carolina town in the wake of the Revolutionary War, shares the real life story of Ned Hector in first person. He will be performing a first person interpretation of the real life character during his visit to Christiana in September. Mr. Lewis gives a dynamic dramatization of the former slave who became a volunteer in the Continental army. He carries on a lively conversation with his audience and helps them learn about the Revolution from the African American soldiers point of view.
17	September 8^th – Special Cancellation at Post Office The Christiana Post Office will have a special station set up at “Celebrate Christiana” and will be offering a special commemorative cancellation honoring the 150th Anniversary of the “Resistance at Christiana.” The cancellation will identify the 150th Anniversary, the date and includes a sketch of the riot house from an original plate. The Christiana Historical Society began to organize the effort more than a year ago and solicited the help of Christiana’s Post Master, Cindy Wertz. Additional Post Office staff will be on hand to help handle the extra volume that is expected. Postmaster Wertz is suggesting that any locals desiring special cancellations should place advance orders. After September 8^th patrons can drop off items or mail them to the post office Attn: Postmaster. The cancellation uses a special ink that needs time to dry. There will be commemorative postcards and envelopes available and patrons are invited to bring any items of their own for cancellation. Cancellations will be handled by request up to 30 days following the Anniversary Commemoration at which time the cancellation will be retired. Regular mail can be cancelled by request as long as proper postage is on the mail and a special request is made. While, it is unclear how much activity to expect, the postal service is doing their best to be prepared. Wertz reports, “I began receiving inquiries as early as March of this year from individuals and collectors interested in obtaining the cancellation from various areas.” Wertz also reports that she submitted a National Press release several months ago which will be released around the 29^th of August. She expects to receive requests from various collectors from all over the country. For more info contact: Postmaster Cindy Wertz 610-593-5050
18	September 8th - Reenactment The Christiana Historical Society will bring history to life during “Celebrate Christiana,” the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Resistance at Christiana, commonly referred to by historians as the Christiana Riot. We are presenting the play “The Resistance at Christiana” scheduled for 7:00 PM at Octorara High School. The play was written by author Harry Kendall and will be produced and directed by Gary Smith from The Theatre of The Seventh Sister. Tickets for adults are $12 and children are $8. As fog shrouded the valley surrounding the home of William Parker’s home along Valley Road in Christiana, Edward Gorsuch and the men accompanying him made their way along a nearby creek with the intent of recapturing the Maryland plantation owner’s fugitive slaves. Violence erupted resulting in the violent death of Edward Gorsuch and seriously wounding his son, Dickinson Gorsuch. The event historically referred to as “The Christiana Riot” sent shock waves throughout the South and was considered by many to be a major harbinger to the Civil War. White men called it a riot, Frederick Douglass called it “the battle for liberty,” where freedom began. The play will detail the circumstances surrounding the event, which resulted in the infamous historic conflict that polarized a nation, pitting friend against friend and brother against brother. To order tickets mail a check or money order made payable to the Christiana Historical Society at 315 Newport Road, P.O. Box 135, Christiana, PA 17509. For additional questions or concerns contact the Christiana Borough Office at 610-593-5199. To contact director Gary Smith for additional comments: GBSTSS@cs.com or 717-392-4983 To contact Harry Kendall, author: 609-835-4930.
19	September 9th – Church Service Additional activities on Sunday, September 9th include a Community Church Service, slated for 10:00am at the Christiana Lion’s Club Park. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Freedom Life Christian Center Gym on Noble Road. The community service is being coordinated by Rev. Jacabella from the Christiana United Methodist Church and the Rev. George Beachum from Mt. Zion AME Church of Atlgen. Other participating churches include Living Truth, Freedom Life, Common Clay, and the Sadsbury Friends Meeting. Members from all the churches will share in the activites. The church leadership and members will gather to worship God in the context of remembering the Christiana Resistance. Emphasizing that we are “One Nation Under God,” acknowledging that the resistance finally resulted in the abolition of slavery and remaining mindful that there is still oppression in the world and that prejudice still plagues our society. For more information contact: Rev. Gary Jacobella at 610-593-6220 Rev George Beachum 610-869-9847
20	How You Can Help There are several ways you can help provide significant support of our events: Volunteer to help us organize and run our events. We need volunteers to help with the planning and to work on the events. We’re looking for corporate and individual sponsors to help support the activities we have planned for next year. Also, looking past our recognition events of 2001, our ultimate goal is to found a museum to promote and preserve the history of our town. Please send your tax deductible contribution to: The Christiana Historical Society 10 W. Slokom Ave. PO Box 135 Christiana, PA 17509 Buy a copy of William Parker’s “A Freedman’s Story” a reprint of the January & February 1866 Atlantic Monthly. Check out the on-line version here. Copies of this collectible reprint are available at the Moores Memorial Library. Buy the print “Christiana Riot House 1851” by local artist Dennis Minch. Our first run of signed and numbered prints will be limited to 250. Order your copy by calling The Christiana Borough office at: 610-593-5199. Participate in our events and enjoy your time exploring the heritage of our community. Check out the schedules for May and September.
21	Links Christiana Borough Moores Memorial Library Lancaster County Historical Society Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Millersville University: Riot Information Related books you can order at Amazon.com: Slaughter, Thomas P. Bloody Dawn: The Christiana Riot and Racial Violence in the Antebellum North Rosenburg, John M. William Parker: Rebel Without Rights, Millbrook Press, 1996
22	Our Supporters Thanks very much to our numerous supporters: Comcast Phillips Financial Services, Inc. Frank Sears Sanitation Service Apple Auto Sales, Inc. Lancaster County Commissioners Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Middle Octorara Church Bird-in-Hand Family Inn, Restaurant, & Bakery Petersheim Fiberglass American Music Theatre Dutch Apple Theatre Glenn Banner
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24	News Articles Watch this page for news articles published about us. Lancaster New Era December 26^th, 2000