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 25th.
25 Years Ago
December 25, 1996 – Wednesday
Snack food workers will have to reapply with pastry maker
“Martin’s buys Gibble’s plants”
A Chambersburg potato roll baker has purchased Nibble with Gibble’s.
The sale of Gibble’s two snack food plants to Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe Inc. is expected to be completed Dec. 31.
The future of Gibble’s 165 employees is uncertain. During negotiations, employees were told that a new owner would keep only 25% of the work force.
A spokesman for Martin’s would not discuss employment at the potato chip and pretzel plants. Although operating plans are incomplete, the plants will produce a “narrow product line” to be sold through most of Martin’s distribution network. Gibble’s now makes several varieties of potato chips, popcorn and pretzels at its Chambersburg plants on Molly Pitcher Highway and Industrial Drive.
Former Gibble’s employees who want to be considered for employment with Martin’s snack food, operations should file an application in the human resources department at Martin’s headquarters, 1000 Potato Roll Lane, according to the spokesman.
The potential loss of 125 jobs at the plants prompted Gibble’s managers to make an 11th-hour offer to take over Nibble with Gibble’s. The bid was rejected.
Financial details of the offers were unavailable.
Consolidated Biscuit Co. purchased financially troubled Gibble’s in early 1994 for $8.4 million. The Ohio-based baker has since abandoned the attempt to enter the snack food market.
Martin’s employs about 350 people at its bakery in Guilford Township. Founded in 1957, Martin’s acquired Valley Baking Co.
Financial details of the offers were unavailable.
Consolidated Biscuit Co. purchased financially troubled Gibble’s in early 1994 for $8.4 million. The Ohio-based baker has since abandoned the attempt to enter the snack food market.
Martin’s employs about 350 people at its bakery in Guilford Township. Founded in 1957, Martin’s acquired Valley Baking Co.
50 Years Ago
December 24, 1971 – Friday
“Occupy Statute of Liberty”
Antiwar veterans, who seized control of the Statue of Liberty Sunday night, look out from behind the beams used to barricade the entrance. The demonstrators said they would stay there until New Year’s Eve in protest against the continuation of the war in Vietnam. The National Park Service, which has jurisdiction over the 12-acre land in Upper New York Bay made no attempt to evict the demonstrators Sunday night.
100 Years Ago
December 25, 1921 – Monday
“Merry Christmas, Franklin County!!”
Editorial Cartoon from Newspaper on December 25, 1921
