The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley recently announced the publication of “Then and Now, A View of Ephrata Borough Through the Decades, 1891-2016,” by Ephrata, Pa., historian and former mayor Clarence E. Spohn. The book was published to commemorate the quasquicentennial, or 125th anniversary, of the incorporation of the Borough of Ephrata in 1891.
This hardbound picture book will be printed in a limited edition of 800 copies and will contain 224 pages and 447 photographs. The book’s laminated cover features a sepia toned photo image of a rare stereopticon view of East Main Street looking east from the roof of the Mt. Vernon Inn located on the southeast corner of the square. The view, which dates from 1867, is the oldest known photographic image of the town and features the Ephrata Mt. Springs Hotel perched on the hillside overlooking the town in the background.
In the historical society’s earlier publications, is has been its practice to publish early photographs of the town accompanied by the street address and a brief description of the site. Realizing a change in demographics within the Ephrata community, the format of this book has deviated from those previously published. In most instances, multiple photographs are included, that show the building or location during the late 19th or early 20th centuries accompanied by a view of the same building or location during the last half of the 20th century or the 21st century. This comparison concept enables the reader to see the building or site as it once appeared along with its more recent or current appearance. A detailed history of each building or site is included which will provide insight into its ownership and occupants through the decades. For example, a 124-128 E. Main St. photograph of the Mohler/Herchelroth home built in 1883 appears along with a photograph of the Main Theatre built in 1938 and a 1999 photograph of the Brossman Building, which now occupies the site. The book is designed to stir old memories for longtime residents and at the same time provide insight into the history of the borough’s buildings and sites for the younger generation, as well as those residents who have moved to the town in more recent years.
The focus of the book’s contents is primarily confined to buildings and sites located within the boundaries of the Borough at the time of its incorporation. The tour through the town begins at Trinity Lutheran Church, continues down the south side of Main Street to the Cocalico Creek, continues up the north side of Main Street, and ends at the site of the former Mt. Springs Hotel. Along the way, side trips address buildings that stand or stood along Lake, Gross, State, Franklin, Oak, Pine, and Locust streets and Washington Avenue, etc. Included at the back of the book is a collection of views of the Ephrata Community Hospital, Grater Memorial Park, the Ephrata Fair, and Christmas in the Downtown event, through the years.
For regional history buffs and those who enjoy to reminisce, this volume is guaranteed to bring back many fond memories of days gone by - a bustling downtown filled with shoppers, the many factories that employed the town’s residents, the community Christmas tree, Santa’s house at the railroad station, and the pony rides and the iconic twin Ferris wheels at the Ephrata Fair. The days of the Roxy and Main Theaters, Sears Roebuck, J. J. Newberry’s, Harris’ Department Store, E. L. Snyder’s appliance store, Givler’s Grocery, and the Acme on East Main Street, as well as Carter’s, Cox’s and Royer’s Drug Stores, are all included. The town’s early hotels, its school buildings, and the Clare Point Race Track also make the list.
The book is available for $25. They will be available for pickup in mid- to late November at the Historical Society’s library, located at 237 W. Main St., Ephrata.
To learn more, call 717-733-1616 or visit www.cocalicovalleyhs.org.