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 5th.
25 Years Ago
December 5, 1996 – Friday
“Digging Out – Snow Exceeded Expectations”
Chambersburg — About 6 inches of snow blanketed most of Franklin County Thursday night, causing power outages and minor vehicle accidents.
Only Fannett-Metal School District closed today. The elementary and high school buildings are without electricity.
The wet snow clung to power lines and caused spotty outages in the county, according to Allegheny Power Co. First outages were reported between 10 p.m. and midnight.
Power was restored to 255 customers by 8 a.m. today. John Pentz, lines leader, said 834 customers were still without electricity this morning.
The snow came down hard between 8 and 10 p.m., said Dr. William Rense, earth science-geography professor at Shippensburg University and a National Weather Service observer.
“We weren’t expecting this much, but it’s difficult to predict the outcome of a storm moving along the coast,” Rense said.
With temperatures climbing into the 40s today, most of the snow will melt, Rense said.
Chambersburg Borough Police reported two accidents due to icy roads.
Another storm is moving toward the county, which could bring an additional 1 to 2 inches of snow this weekend, Rense said.
Temperatures Saturday and Sunday are expected to be in the low 30s to mid-40s.
50 Years Ago
December 5, 1971 – Monday
“Wilson Planning Yule Chorals”
Chambersburg – Two separate choral performances in observance of the Christmas season were announced today by Wilson College organizations.
First of these is a presentation of Christmas music by the Freshman Chorus on Thursday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. The choral group, composed of 35 members, will sing under the direction of Charles J. Farris, assistant professor of music at the college. The performance is open to the public.
Second event is scheduled for Friday evening, December 10, when students and members of the faculty and staff will gather on the steps of the Franklin County Court House to extend season’s greetings to the community of Chambersburg.
The Wilson group, expected to number several hundred, will assemble on the campus at 6:30 p.m. and move in a candlelit procession to Memorial Square. The carolers will arrive at the Court House about a half-hour later and then sing Christmas carols for 30 to 45 minutes.
The caroling program is sponsored by the Candle Club, an honorary society on the Wilson Campus
100 Years ago
Why not use part of Christmas Fund to make present?
“To Doughboy Fund and Endorses It”
Chambersburg – The following appreciated letter was received from C.A. Mayers, recording secretary of the Oriole Council, No. 8 7 7. Jr. O. U. A. M.:
“Enclosed please find check for $5 for the Doughboy monument to our boys, who gave their lives ‘over there.’ We heartily endorse this movement and wish you success. We have three gold stars on our order’s service flag.”
Thus, the Junior, American Mechanic become the second organization to make a contribution to the Doughboy monument fund, the Franklin Ore company having done so last week. Other organizations are likely to fall into line, as nearly everyone in town had on or more members, who went forth in the uniform of his country and either fell in Flanders Field or gave his life to his country while in training at camp.
“If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow.
In Flanders Fields.
Many citizens are now calling at the various bank and receiving their Christmas saving funds. Why not take a part of this fund to us in making a contribution so that a sufficient amount can be raised to secure a monument to the men and women, who gave their live for us? That is surely a good way of making a Christmas present.
