An 1890 photograph of Rabuck’s East End Restaurant, Gratz, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The restaurant was located on one of the easternmost lots (#78) of the original town plan of Gratz, along what is now East Market Street (south side of street).
Identified in the photo are (left to right): Aaron Rabuck (1845-1909), proprietor; Katie Willier, his granddaughter, on stoop; Rebecca [Ossman] Willier, Aaron’s wife; Anna Rebuck, daughter, later Mrs. Rufus Willier; and Charles Rabuck, Aaron’s son, with large-wheeled bike.
A description of this restaurant and property appeared in a 1997 history of Gratz:
Fall of 1886 was the beginning of a business that would last for years. In September, Aaron Rabuck began hauling lumber, [and] hired John Kiehner to construct an ice house. By November, John Kiehner had finished the frame work of the large building (house). In the Spring of 1887, a note in the Gratz news column of the local paper made mention that “Aaron Rebuck was furnishing his saloon, and had a nice “owl” which may be seen by passers by.” By April, Aaron started selling items in his shop such as fresh fish and oysters. By July, the newspaper reporter wrote that Rabuck had a “great residence of his own and will make it his headquarters for business. He now has any kind of eatables that may be desired, and sells Chippewa medicines in the bargain.” (A medicine show had recently been in town and Rabuck apparently purchased a supply for his customers). The 1889 assessment verifies that a two-story frame house was on the lot. In the Spring of 1905, Aaron Rabuck purchased a three and one half horse power gasoline engine to make ice cream.
“Saloon” apparently meant a little shop, around the turn of the century. Aaron’s business was called “East End Restaurant.” Carrie [Miller] Matter remembered the Rabuck’s business as a small store. She said a pavillion had been built in the back yard. A roof covered it during bad weather. But hinges on each side allowed the sides to be propped up when the weather was warm. It was always a sad day when it had to be closed for the winter. coal oil lanterns hung from the ceiling and provided light. Each weekend, the Rabuck family made homemade ice cream and sold it in the store, traditionally mentioned as the first ice cream shop in town. They sold the ice cream sundaes, sodas, and cones. Each week Billy Wentzler‘s beer wagon (from Lykens) stopped to deliver a supply of teaberrry, birch, and root beer soda. These were the ingredients for the ice cream treats. The Rabuck’s also served refreshments at the local picnics, public sales, church gatherings, etc.
As noted above, an ice house was built in the back yard. each year during the winter months, neighbors helped fill the ice house with ice from the surrounding area creeks and dams. Friends had their heavy sleighs ready, and all hands went along to cut, load and haul the ice home. a full ice house meant a good summer. These same neighbors helped to dig out the ice as it became needed during the summer. The children enjoyed playing in the cool saw dust. A small piece of refreshing ice was a special treat for those involved.
Sometimes hired entertainment came to the shop. On occasion there were banjo or harmonica players, and sometimes fiddlers.
The Rabuck’s had a “two seated” gliding swing in the front yard near the fence. It was for family use.
Aaron Rabuck served food at the Gratz Fair during fair week. In 1886, he had three stands on the Gratz Fair Grounds. In addition to these activities, Aaron was a huckster, well digger, auctioneer, and laid foundations and sidewalks. He was also an avid hunter and frequently went fishing. He was fond of children and liked to play tricks on them, talking about Indians and bears that he claimed were in the area.
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