In October 1877, on the occasion of a street fair in Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, a Sunbury newspaper described the event which included acrobatic performances and a bloody street fight between women, and then took a look at the town itself and named some of the men who were the “moving spirits” – at least the ones they could remember their names (“others whose names we have forgotten”).
From the Sunbury Gazette & Northumberland County Republican, October 26, 1877:
MILLERSBURG, Dauphin County, was the centre of attraction last week caused by the fair held at that place. There were a number of strangers visiting that beautiful town, some to see the “elephant” and others on business. We judge it to be a lively town by notices in there [sic] local paper which the business men of that vicinity appreciate and give it life by an abundance of patronage. Among the attractions was a theatrical performance in the new Opera House, acrobatic performances in the streets, a blood scrimmage among some female pugilists, &c. which helped keep up the excitement of the fair.
Millersburg is quite a business town besides the large lumber trade from that place. There are a number of fine stores and manufactories of different kinds, among the principal moving spirits we find Dr. G. B. Weiser, an old resident, and who is very popular in that end of the county as a physician and exemplary citizen. S. S. Bowman, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law; Messrs. Gilbert & Company, in the merchant tailoring business; T. B. Freeland, proprietor of the Freeland House; John Neagley in the lumbering business; J. L. Freck, dealer in lumber and others whose names we have forgotten. With such men in one town it must prosper, and as indicated by the fine buildings and comfortable homes, there is no lack of enterprise in that place.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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