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 1st.
25 Years Ago
December 1, 1996 – Sunday
“Tiny Tim dies while singing”
Tiny Tim’s one hit became his swan song.
Nearly three decades after he first crooned “Tiptoe Thru’ the Tulips” in his trademark falsetto voice, the ukulele-strumming singer fell ill while performing his signature tune and died. Tiny Tim had recently said that he was born April 12, 1932, making him 64, although over the years he had sometimes fibbed about his age.
His widow, Susan Khaury, said he cut short Tiptoe during a benefit for the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis and told her he was not well. She was trying to help him back to their table when he collapsed.
“That wasn’t his style to die in bed. He went out with a big bang. Very theatrical. That was his way, to collapse in front of hundreds of people,” Khaury said Sunday. Tiny Tim died at a Minneapolis hospital late Saturday.
Born Herbert Khaury, Tiny Tim built his career on his single hit song in 1968, his stratospheric falsetto, an asexual and childlike stage persona and a flair for self-promotion.
The 6-foot-1 entertainer with long, frizzy hair was given his stage name in 1960 by an agent who had been working with midget acts. He made his first national television appearance on Rowan and Martin’s ‘Laugh-in.’
50 Years Ago
December 1, 1971 – Wednesday
“Strasburg Couple Married 50 Years”
Mr. and Mrs. George Eyer, Upper Strasburg, are observing their 50th wedding anniversary today.
The Eyers were married in Hutchinson, Kans., by Probate Judge Seward Baker. They are the parents of a son, George B., Ottawa, III., a sales representative for Kraftco Corp.
There are three grandchildren, Julie Ann, 21; Janice Lynn. 13, and Lyndy Lee, 11. Julie Ann Goedeke is a senior at Western University, Macomb, Ill.
Mr. Eyer is a retired postmaster, having been in charge of the Upper Strasburg Post Office. He had been employed by the Postal Service for 33 years.
Mrs. Eyer was a clerk in the same post office. They also operated Eyers General Merchandise Store, Upper Strasburg.\ prior to their postal service.
The Eyers had been engaged in farming.
100 Years Ago
December 1, 1921 – Thursday
“D.N. Minick’s will gives $3,000 to Loysville Home”
An endowment fund of $3,000, to be known as the D. N. Minick and wife endowment, is created by the will of D. N. Minick, probated at the offices of the Franklin County register and recorder Saturday afternoon. The endowment is made to the Lloysville Orphans Home at the death of Mrs. Catharine J. Minick, mother of Mr. Minick.
The estate was valued at $75,000; $30,000 in personal property and $15,000 in real estate. Mr. Minick’s widow is given her legal share under the laws of Pennsylvania and the trust fund of $3,000 is made to his mother. The real estate in Adams and Lycoming counties. Interests held in partnership with W. L. Minick, is disposed of by articles of agreement between Mr. Minick and his brother. The remainder of the estate is divided equally among his brothers and sisters.
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EDITOR’S NOTES: The following was his obituary in the Public Opinion:
D. N. MINICK was born in Lurgan township on October 4, 1867, a son of David and Catharine J. Minick. He moved to Chambersburg on January 1, 1891 where he taught school at Center schoolhouse, Hamilton township, for the term, ending April of the same year. For a time he followed the carpenter trade under George A. Minick and later was engaged as a salesman for the W. A. King Bakery Company of Columbia, Pa. After several years of efficient work as salesman, he entered the retail grocery business in Chambersburg in the vicinity of the present S. A. Huber and Sons stand in South Main street. He sold out the business after several years and went into the wholesale grocery business, which he conducted until 1908 or 1909, disposing of the business to E. E. Swartz of Marion.
Mr. Minicks initial step into the business as a grower and distributor was taken, in 1904 when he purchased a farm near Trout Run, Lycoming county, and planted it in fruit. In 1909 with his brother, W. L. Minick of Waynesboro, he purchased a farm in Adams county, near Biglersvllle, and in 1911 the same partnership purchased a farm in Lycoming county. All the ground was planted in fruit. Mr. Minick built the Biglersvllle cold storage plant and was continuously its secretary and general manager until his death. In 1912 he formed a partnership with his brother, W.L. Minick, continuing in business under the name of D. N. Minick and Bro. Apples were the chief commodity of the firm. In 1915, Mr. Minick organized the Adams County Fruit Packing and Distributing Company and was general manager at the time of his death.
Mr. Minicks interest in Chambersburg were varied. He was a director of the Chambersburg Trust Company and a member of the council of the First Lutheran Church. He also was assistant superintendent of the Sunday school of the church and taught a Bible class. He was an untiring and effective worker in every line of endeavor to which he gave his time and ability. His business ability, engaging personality and Christian character elevated him to a high position in the community life of Chambersburg and won for him the esteem and admiration of friends and associates. In appreciation of his abilities, he was elected a councilman for a four-year term in Chambersburg borough council. He brought to the office his business acumen and an extraordinary dignity of administration. He was a member of George Washington Lodge F. and A. M. and the Franklin Fire Company.
Surviving are his widow, Bessie F. Minick, his mother, Catherine J. Minick of Lincoln Way West, and these brothers and sisters: Daniel P. Minick of East Queen street, W. L. Minick of Waynesboro, Mrs. John A. Washinger of Lincoln Way East, Mrs. J. Llndlay Doan of Ambler, Pa Mrs. Harry B. Brindle of Lincoln Way West.
The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from his late home. Services were in charge of the Rev. Dr. Henry Anstadt. Interment will be made at Cedar Grove cemetery.
