Take a look back at Franklin County’s history through news and photos that appeared in local newspapers 25, 50, and 100 years ago on Dec 12th.
25 Years Ago
December 12, 1996 – Thursday
“Reindeer fawn is back home”
Chambersburg – George Kilonsky was putting up Christmas lights outside his house when little Holly, a 6-month-old missing reindeer, walked into his yard.
The fawn had been anxiously sought since Saturday, when a hunter shot her mother by mistake.
The two had escaped the day before. Kilonsky telephoned the Rosenkrans family, the owners of the reindeer.
“She was very tired more tired than hungry,” Gennine Rosenkrans said. She and her husband, Don, bought Holly and her mother, Mistletoe, last week in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Holly has been doing well so far, Gennine Rosenkrans said, but the family is worried that she will become lonely without her mother.
“They can get depressed, even die,” she said.
50 Years Ago
December 12, 1971 – Sunday
“Hanging of the Greens”
Members of Calvary United Methodist Church, R.R. 1, Fayetteville, are shown decorating the sanctuary during the fifth annual “Family Festival of the Greens,” last Sunday evening.
During the service the history and significance of the various “greens,” such as the tree, wreath, laurel, mistletoe, as well as bells and candles were explained by Joe Seaman, after which designated families placed these decorations, while the congregation sang carols.
The service concluded with the reading of the Christmas story by the Rev. Robert Zanker, pastor.
100 Years ago
December 12, 1921 – Sunday
“Porkers are now grunting their last grunt”
Chambersburg – Yesterday Samuel H. Kennedy of Cleveland Avenue killed four hogs, ten months old, which cleaned 1200 pounds. Those who assisted with the butchering were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kennedy Sr. of Plainfield, Mr. and Mrs. Reed Kennedy, Ralph and Arthur L. Scott of Dwight, Ill.
Charles High of Guilford Springs, I killed four fine porkers, weighing 403, 442, 452 and 461 pounds respectively, Grover Walck being head butcher.
