Introducing our latest publication

An Illustrated History of Paper Advertising in the Cocalico Valley: 1795 through 1950,

by Clarence E. Spohn, 2012. 

A beautiful volume containing over 600 full color illustrations of local advertising from around the Cocalico Valley.  Included in the book is the history of the various newspapers that were published in the Cocalico Valley, a selection of 19th and early 20th century public auction broadsides, and an outstanding  sampling of advertising ephemera of area businesses.  Accompanying each advertising item is a detailed history of the business which it prompted.   Businesses include: general merchandise and dry goods stores, drug stores, clothing and shoe stores, grocery stores, hardware stores and lumber yards, hotels, etc.  Clothbound, 240 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#111 - $40.00 (No Discount to Members.)

Volume XIV, 1989 – The Konigmacher Family of the Cocalico Valley by Clarence E. Spohn.  This issue of the Society’s journal features the genealogical and historical record of the members of the Cocalico Valley’s Konigmacher family associated with the Ephrata Cloister during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.  Paperback, 50 pages, illustrated, includes family tree, 6" x 8-7/8". BK#1 – $4.75       

 

Volume XVI, 1991 – A History of Ephrata, 1591 - 1891, A Chronological Account of Ephrata Village by Milton F. Jacoby.  This issue features an illustrated history of the land east of the Cocalico Creek that in the early nineteenth century developed into the village of Ephrata.  The history continues up until the village’s incorporation as a borough in 1891.  Paperback, 40 pages, illustrated, 8-3/8 x 11". BK#3 – $4.75

Volume XVII, 1992 – The Kimmel Family of the Cocalico Valley by Clarence E. Spohn.  The journal features the genealogical and historical record of the Cocalico Valley’s Kimmel family beginning with the family’s German ancestor Johann Michael Kimmel (1662-1734), father of immigrant Johann Jacob Kimmel who settled in Ephrata in the mid-eighteenth century.  The history follows the Ephrata Kimmel family through the mid-to-late nineteenth century.  Paperback, 50 pages, illustrated, 6" x 8-7/8". BK#4 – $4.75

Volume XVIII, 1993 – The Kelp / Kölb Family of the Cocalico Valley by Clarence E. Spohn.  This issue of the journal records the genealogical and historical account of the Kelp / Kölb family who arrived at the Ephrata Cloister in 1764 from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.  The article also includes the accounts of the collateral families of Martin, Luther and Heitler who lived in-and-around the Cocalico Valley.  Paperback, 54 pages, illustrated, includes family tree, 6" x 8-7/8". BK#5 – $4.75

Volume XIX, 1994 – The Bauman / Bowman Family of the Cocalico Valley: Printers, Papermakers and Tavernkeepers by Clarence E. Spohn.  This issue features the historical and genealogical record of Ephrata’s Bauman/Bowman family beginning with John Bauman (1703-1771) and continuing through the mid-to-late nineteenth century.  Also included is an illustrated bibliography of the imprints produced on the printing presses of Ephrata printers John, Samuel and Joseph Bauman, along with an illustrated study of the printer’s ornaments used by the Baumans.  The journal also includes an account of the Ephrata paper mill operated by Christian Bauman and his sons.  Paperback, 100 pages, illustrated, includes family tree, 8 ½" x 11". BK#6 – $4.75

Volume XX, 1995 – Michael Müller / Miller of Cocalico Township, Lancaster County and His “Debit Book” (1748-1786), translation by Alan G. Keyser, research and index by Clarence E. Spohn.  The journal features the fascinating translation of the eighteenth century “Debit Book” of Ephrata Cloister householder Michael Müller / Miller.  The book, which spans the years 1748-1786, is filled with the names of early Cocalico Valley residents.  Miller, a “jack-of-all-trades,” was a farmer and window-maker, he repaired farm equipment, tools and spinning wheels, he sharpened scissors and plow shares, and distilled liquor.  His family spun and wove flax and wool and produced articles of clothing which were sold to their neighbors.  Paperback, 86 pages, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#7 – $15.00

Volume XXII, 1997 – The 1869 Diary of Samuel R. Hess of Clay Township, Lancaster County, Mennonite, Farmer & Nurseryman, transcribed and indexed by Clarence E. Spohn.   This issue contains the transcription  of the 1869 diary of Clay Township resident Samuel R. Hess, and provides a day-to-day look at the life of a typical Mennonite farmer and businessman.  The diary has been indexed by name and provides a list of local residents with whom Hess had contact with.  Paperback, 54 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11". BK#8 – $15.00

Volume XXIV, 1999 – Joseph Long Lehn’s Day Book(1856-1876) and His Painted Woodenware, by Clarence E. Spohn and Alan G. Keyser.  This Journal contains the translation of the 1856-1876 day book of Lancaster County folk artist Joseph Lehn.  The translation is preceded by a 38-page illustrated monograph devoted to Lehn and his paint decorated woodenware.  The book is illustrated with black and white images of his saffron cups, salts, sugar and water buckets, spice cabinets, sewing boxes and miniature chests.  Paperback, 95 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#8A – $15.00

Volume XXV, 2000 – Reprint of “History of Bucher Thal and Denver.” Compiled and Elaborated by J. R. Johns, M. D., Denver, Pa., indexed by Clarence E. Spohn.  Reprint of Dr. J. R. Johns’ 1896 history of Bucher Thal or Denver, Lancaster County, Pa., with name index, and patent map of present day Denver by John A. Parmer.  Issued on the occasion of the centennial of Denver Borough.  Paperback, 56 pages, 8 ½" x 11". BK#9 – $15.00

Volume XXVI, 2001 – The Diary of Ida Stohler Trostle, Adamstown, Pennsylvania, 1901 - 1907,  transcribed and indexed by Clarence E. Spohn.  This issue contains the transcription of the fascinating diary of Adamstown resident Ida Stohler Trostle (1874-1967).  The diary was written during the years that Ida’s husband Lewis Trostle was the proprietor of Adamstown’s “Lancaster County House”; it illustrates the day-to-day interaction of Ida with her family, friends and church community.  The diary is footnoted and indexed.  Paperback, 118 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#10 – $15.00

Volume XXVII, 2002 – Contains 4 articles: A Brief History of the Ephrata Cloister Lower Mill, by Cynthia Marquet; Notes on the Geography of the Cloister Lower Mill Tract, by John A. Parmer; The Myths Surrounding the Ephrata Cloister and the Revolutionary War, by Clarence E. Spohn; and The Establishment of the Ephrata-Eberbach Sister City Relationship, by Clarence E. Spohn.  Paperback, 74 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11". BK#11 – $15.00

Volume XXVIII, 2003 – The Burial Records of Rev. A. W. Leibensperger, 1896-1903 and 1921-1928, transcribed by Clarence E. Spohn.  This issue features the burial records of Rev. Ambrose W. Leibensperger from 1896 through 1903 when he served the Brickerville Lutheran Parish which included Emanuel Lutheran Church at Brickerville, Jerusalem Lutheran at Rothsville, Zion’s Lutheran at Akron, and White Oak Lutheran at Penryn.  Also included are his burial records from 1921 to 1928 when he served the Reamstown Lutheran Parish and later the Muddy Creek Lutheran Parish.  The two parishes included the following congregations: Bergstrasse Lutheran Church at Ephrata, Salem Lutheran at Reamstown, Muddy Creek Lutheran in East Cocalico Township, St. John’s (Center) in East Earl Township, St. Paul’s at Bowmansville, and St. Paul’s at Adamstown.  Paperback, 68 pages, indexed, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#12 – $15.00

Volume XXIX, 2004 – The Burial Records of Rev. A. W. Leibensperger, 1929-1947, transcribed by Clarence E. Spohn.  This journal features the burial records of Rev. Ambrose W. Leibensperger from 1929 through 1947 when he served the Muddy Creek Lutheran Parish which included Bergstrasse Lutheran Church at Ephrata, Muddy Creek Lutheran in East Cocalico Township, St. John’s (Center) in East Earl Township, and St. Paul’s at Adamstown.  Paperback, 72 pages, indexed, 8 ½" x 11". BK#13 – $15.00

Volume XXX, 2005 – The Northern Mutual Insurance Company of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Index to Policies, Volume 1, 1844 through 1867, by Clarence E. Spohn.  Invaluable research tool which provides an alphabetical listing by name of insurance policies issued by the company between the years 1844 through 1867.  The index provides the location of the insured’s property, the date the policy was issues, and the policy number which cross references to the original insurance books in the Historical Society’s collection; the company issued policies issued for property in Lancaster, Berks, Dauphin, and Lebanon Counties.  The original records, copies of which can be obtained from the Society for a nominal fee, provide detailed descriptions of the insured’s property. Paperback, 102 pages, 8 ½" x 11". BK#14 – $15.00

Volume XXXI, 2006 – 125 Years of History, Ephrata National Bank, 1881 - 2006, by Paul W. Brubaker.  This issue of the journal commemorates the 125 year history of the Ephrata National Bank, and includes brief biographical sketches of the bank’s seven presidents and a list of the bank’s directors since 1881.  Paperback, 102 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#15 – $15.00

Volume XXXII, 2007 – Carved In Stone On Paper: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Printed Family Registers Made for Pennsylvania German, by Corinne and Russell Earnest.  This issue features an illustrated sampling of Pennsylvania German printed family registers, many of which relate to families who resided in the Cocalico Valley.  Paperback, 82 pages, illustrated and indexed, 8 ½" x 11". BK#16 – $15.00

Volume XXXIII, 2008 – The Möllingers / Mellingers of the Cocalico Valley, by Scott A. and Philip T. Mellinger.  This issue of the Society’s journal features the genealogical and historical record of the members of the Cocalico Valley’s Möllinger / Mellinger family.  The journal presents the family’s ancestral origins in Switzerland and Germany followed by the story of the family’s arrival in the Cocalico Valley.  The article also touches on the family’s expertise as clockmakers and  coverlet weavers.  Paperback, 76 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11". BK#17 – $15.00

Volume XXXIV, 2009 – “Selections From the Collections,” The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley, by Clarence E. Spohn.  This issue features an interesting illustrated sampling of items from the Society’s collections; included are examples of folk art, artwork, furniture, manuscripts, printed material, signs, textiles and assorted miscellany.  All of the items included were either made of owned by residents of the Cocalico Valley.  Paperback, 70 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11". BK#18 – $4.75

Volume XXXV, 2010 – Lancaster County Privy Bags, by Clarke Hess.  This journal served as the exhibit catalogue for the Historical Society’s 2009-2010 special exhibition of Pennsylvania German pieced and appliqued privy bags curated by Clarke Hess.  Filled with colored illustrations of examples of privy bags, all loaned to the Society from private collections, the catalog outlines their little-known history in Pennsylvania German culture.  This was the first exhibit ever mounted devoted solely to the privy bag.  Paperback. 32 pages, colored illustrations, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#19 – $12.95

Volume XXXVI, 2011 – A Historical Narrative of 18th and 19th Century Local and National Events, by Joel Westerhoff. This Journal traces the history of the Cocalico Valley incorporating national events that either directly or indirectly impacted its history. Included are brief historical sketches of many of the Valley’s communities. Paperback, 80 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11". BK#20 – $15.00

Volume XXXVII, 2012 – Harry Franklin Stauffer, Printer and Tinker of Farmersville, West Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa.  Part I – Biography and Printing Career, by Clarence E. Spohn.  In addition to offering a biography of Harry Franklin Stauffer [1896-1982] the journal traces his printing career which began in 1915 when he was employed with Silas Bard’s Denver Press.  In later years Stauffer operated the print shop of Weaver’s Book Store, Lancaster.  Following his retirement from Weaver’s he established a private press—the “Conestoga Press”— for the purpose of demonstrating the art of printing at the Kutztown Folk Festival. The journal also records the restoration of the historic Ephrata press at the historic Ephrata Cloister.  Paperback, 132 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#21 – $15.00

Other Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley Publications

Portraits of the Past From the Cocalico Valley, 1986.  An illustrated picture book containing over 125 captioned “portraits” of late eighteenth and early nineteenth century residents of the Cocalico Valley arranged by municipality.  Pictures include sports teams, school classes, bands and orchestras, fraternal organizations, people at work and leisure, children, and individual portraits.  Paperback, 132 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#100 – $10.00

... And The Improvements Upon The Land, 1988.  An illustrated picture book containing over 130 captioned late eighteenth and early nineteenth century photographs of buildings and structures from around the Cocalico Valley.  The photographs are arranged by subject and include the Ephrata Cloister, farms and homes, churches, businesses, schools, and bridges.  Paperback, 136 pages, illustrated, 8 ½" x 11".  BK#101 – $12.00

Sights, Scenes, Visions and Dreams, Looking Back at Ephrata, by Cynthia Marquet, 1993.  An illustrated picture book containing over 130 late eighteenth and early nineteenth photographs and illustrations documenting a wide variety of subjects in Ephrata’s history.  Each illustration is accompanied by detailed historical text and arranged by categories, including: homes, businesses and public works; churches and schools; and events and activities.  Hardbound, 208 pages, illustrated, 10-5/8" x 9 ½".  BK#102 – $25.00

A Postcard Tour of the Cocalico Valley, Volume Two: Surrounding Areas, by James W. Brodt, 2007.  Another fascinating book which documents over 248 nineteenth century postcard views of  Adamstown, Akron, Brownstown, Clay Township, Denver, Earl and West Earl Townships, East and West Cocalico Townships, Ephrata Township, and Reamstown.  Views include buildings, businesses, events, churches, schools, street scenes, bands, sports teams, etc.  Hardbound, 96 pages, illustrated, 9-5/8" x 12-3/4".  BK#104 – $25.00

The Ephrata Mountain Springs, Volume II: The Later Years, 1882-2004, Including The Von Nieda Years, Camp Silver Belle and the Temple of Truth, and Ephrata’s First Hospitals, by Clarence E. Spohn, 2010.  Detailed illustrated history of the Ephrata Mountain Springs Hotel from 1882 until its demolition in 2004.  The volume includes over 450 photographs and illustrations relating to the historic resort, included are photographs from the public auction of the hotel’s contents in 1989 and its demolition in 2004.  Clothbound, 528 pages, illustrated, endnotes, 8-3/4" x 11-1/4".  BK#106 – $40.00

Through The Years” Photographic Views of the Cocalico Valley, by Cynthia Marquet, 2011. Fascinating book containing over 175 previously unpublished photographs from around the Cocalico Valley. The photographs are arranged by municipality, span the years 1870 through the 1960's, and represent local events, buildings, and even a few personalities from bygone days. Each photograph is accompanied by text that records the history of the image. Clothbound, 240 pages, illustrated, 8 ½” x 11". BK#109 – $35.00

James “Jim” Keller... The Remarkable Talent of Spruce Street, And Two Chicks, One Named “Junior,” by Dr. James A. Tshudy, 2011. Full color illustrated exhibit catalogue of the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley’s 2011-2012 exhibition devoted to the life of Ephrata artist James L. Keller (1917-2003).  Included in the catalogue are over forty-five illustrations of Jim’s artwork, many of which are from private collections. Paperback, 20 pages, illustrated, 8 ½” x 11". BK#110 – $11.00

1887 View of Lincoln by Thaddeus M. Fowler.  Reprint of Fowler’s 1887 illustrated map of Lincoln (now part of Ephrata), Pa., 24" x 18".  ART#200 – $15.00

1983 The Denver School, Denver, Pa., Built 1901 Print by Marilyn Fichthorn, limited edition of 1,000 copies, 22 3/8" x 17 ½".  ART#203 – $15.00