A column entitled “Quarter Century Back,” as published in the Elizabethville Echo, June 12, 1903, refers to the predecessor of the Echo, published in 1878 at Washington Square by J. A. Ettinger, and known at the time as the Weekly Democrat. Ettinger was the owner of the Victor Printing Company located in Washington Square along the railroad tracks in what was Elizabethville’s first railroad depot building. The stop on the Lykens Valley Railroad was then known as the Cross Roads Station. In 1893, the various entities, Elizabethville, Cross Roads, and Washington Square, were all incorporated into a single borough, thereafter known as Elizabethville.
Ettinger published his newspaper under several different names between 1878 and 1882. After 1878, the paper was known as The Independent. Most of what we know about what was published in the Ettinger newspapers is from other sources which re-printed excerpts. Very few of the original copies have survived. The Library of Congress has no copies and the paper is not listed in its U. S. Newspaper Directory, 1690-present.
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QUARTER CENTURY BACK
The Weekly Democrat‘s report of the proceedings of the Washington Literary Society, twenty-five years ago:
Washington Literary Society — Society called to order by the President. Roll called. Critic H. H. Weaver, Minutes read and approved. Critic’s report of last meeting. Oration by H. H. Weaver, subject, “Friendship.” Select reading by J. Phine Schram, subject, “Somebody’s Darling.” Esssay by W. D. Wagner, “Wanted, a minister’s wife.” Referred Question, “What should be the main object of the teacher?” was satisfactorily answered by S. H. Kneiley. Appointments for next Friday evening: Orator S. H. Kneiley; select reader, Kate R. Wagner; declaimer W. D. Wagner; essayist, J. Phine Schram; referred questions, “What is the Philosophy of popping the question?” “What inducements can be offered to bring us new members?” “Who was Dr. Franklin?” to H. H. Weaver, Dr. H. F. Hackman and D. A. Wagner respectively. Library share No. 21 transferred to Dr. N. W. Stroup. Five minutes speech to H. H. Weaver, subject, “Beauty.” This was followed by a talk on the late election by W. D. Wagner. Roll call with sentiments. Adjournment.
SECRETARY
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