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 July 31.
25 YEARS AGO
Sunday – July 31, 1994
“U.S. 30 restaurant evacuated for leak”
CHAMBERSBURG – Kitchen floor tiles buckled and cracked, forcing 40 people to evacuate George’s and Nick’s Chicken and Seafood House early Friday evening.
Firefighters responded to what they thought was a gas line rupture at the restaurant, 1524 Lincoln Way East, but later learned there was no leak or break.
About 30 customers and 10 employees fled without injuries within minutes of the incident, said Franklin Fire Company Chief Denny Clopper. He said damage was minor.
A Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania technician tested the surrounding parking lot and restaurant, but discovered no traces of gas. “I wouldn’t even guess to speculate (the cause),” Columbia area manger James Roberts said. “This is a strange one. As far as we can tell, there is no danger and it is not an unsafe situation.”
One of the restaurant’s owners, Perry Panagos, said he would lose “a couple hundred” customers during the evening, but expected to open again Saturday.
Other fire companies responding: Fayetteville Fire Department, Mont Alto Fire Department, Marion Fire Company, West End Fire and Rescue of Shippensburg, New Franklin Fire Company, Letterkenny Army Depot Fire Department and Chambersburg Ambulance.
50 YEARS AGO
Thursday – July 31, 1969
“Festival Set”
MERCERSBURG – Directors of Montgomery Township Citizens Association met Monday evening in Community Center, Shimpstown. The festival on Saturday evening was a sellout. MTCA and Two Top Ruritans will co-sponsor a festival Aug. 23 at the community center. Entertainment date is Aug. 30.
Entertainment will be provided by the Country Wranglers.
100 YEARS AGO
Thursday – July 31. 1919
