Author Archive: Marietta

Check out these old fire insurance maps of Marietta, PA in 1891. Useful to see what buildings where on your property back then.

Check out these old pages from the phone books from 1936 through 1949. Sorry these phone numbers don’t work anymore! Source: Library of Congress

1936

1942

1949

The blizzard of 1886 hit Marietta hard. Roads closed, trains stopped and cold set in. Read about it here from the Jan 16th, 1886 issue of the Marietta Register!

 Some Weather.—Since the last issue of the Register, the face of nature has been clad in white and the temperature has dropped to that of winter in real earnest. On Friday last snow began to fall, and it kept falling until not less than twelve inches of light, fine, very hard frozen crystals had decked the face of nature. A high wind prevailed during Saturday, and the snow was hurled through the air, piling into drifts that impeded travel and closed up roads throughout the county. There was no communication by road between this and adjacent towns on Saturday and Sunday, and many of the roads were not opened until Tuesday, while others will not be ready for travel until the sun melts the huge drifts which fill them up even with the tops of the fences on both sides. On Sunday only the jingle of a stray string of bells could be heard occasionally, and the vehicle, horse and driver confined their exercise to the limits of the town. Very few country persons were in town on Saturday, and those who were here came a-foot; horses couldn’t climb fences and take to the fields where necessary to get around huge snow-drifts. The railroad was badly blockaded; very few trains were running on Saturday, and those that arrived and departed were hours behind time. Stock trains were moved on Sunday over the Mount Joy branch. At the tunnel east of this place, workmen were kept busy all day keeping the track free of ice, the drippings of water from the rocky arch of the tunnel falling on the tracks continually and mixing with the drifting snow, formed an icy coating which required constant work to keep the rails free for the passage of trains through this rocky avenue. Even in town traveling on the pavements was a source of something more than ordinary exertion, and very few indulged for the pleasure of it; necessity was the usual motive. On Monday the mails from Maytown were carried down—the turnpike was impassable and blockaded with drifts. On Saturday James McClure, who carries the mail and is now running a fine sleigh, which had been standing in the freight j station waiting for the first fall of snow, for which James has been anxious, was stuck with a load on the Maytown turnpike during the morning, and when passengers arrived on the train in the evening wishing to go to Maytown, they had j to wait until Monday before they got there.

Since Wednesday the roads have been j broken somewhat, and the sleigh-bells j have been jingling merrily, although there | is complaint that the roads have either too much or not enough now on them for { good sleighing. At places the roads have been blown bare of snow, while there are j huge drifts through which roads had to be shoveled to the depth of five to eight feet to make them passable. On the Marietta & Mount Joy and j Marietta & Maytown turnpikes there were gangs of men at work opening the roads | on Tuesday, as also on the township roads under the direction of the supervisors. On the Mount Joy pike the largest drift was just on this side of the toll gate near the residence of Mr. John Hoerner, and, in fact, the worst part of the pike for drifts was between that point and town. The roads running north and south throughout the township are drifted shut beyond opening except by melting from the sun’s rays, many being filled up with snow higher than the tops of the fences. On Monday the three milkmen, who serve the lacteal fluid to the citizens, were somewhat behind time in their trips. Myers and Siylor got around during the middle of the day, while Fry never made his Monday trip till Tuesday late in the day. Taken altogether, with the snow, drifting, the high wind and keen air during the past eight days, it may be safely said that Winter has his grip upon us, and is destined to remain for several months.

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Shank’s Tavern 205 th Anniversary Celebration Party

Saturday, May 11th 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Shank’s Tavern, in Marietta, has long been considered the oldest continuously-operated tavern in Lancaster County, and we are proud to announce we are celebrating our 205 th Anniversary in
2019.

To commenorate our big event we are planning a giant outdoor celebration on Saturday, May 11th from 12 noon to 6 p.m. showcasing awesome local musical talent.

The event kicks off with a little country from The Grant Bryan Band. Grant is a PA born and raised singer/songwriter, with roots in Tennessee. The influences definitely come through in the
band’s music.

Also slated to perform is Lava Cave. Their music has been called Bohemian Invasion or Gypsy Garage Cabaret. Torch songs, retro-pop, rousing world folk, nostalgic swing and vibey psychedelia all have a home in our playlist. The duo features, Robin Chambers, a madwoman on fiddle, and the amazing Nick DiSanto, the one-man-band.

Headlining the festivities is The Maxwell Project. With a five-piece horn section, three strong lead vocalists, and a driving rhythm section, The Maxwell Project (TMP) is best known for its creative interpretations of 70s and 80s R&B, funk, and soul music and crowd-pleasing renditions
of Earth, Wind, and Fire and Tower of Power classics.

As for food, Shank’s is planning a food stand showcasing some of their most popular menu items. Plus, Heim’s Food Truck will be there. Featured on tap . . . brews from Stoudt’s Brewing in Adamstown. No cover to enter the event. Please bring ID.

For more details, please contact: Bob Shank Tina Greider
717.426.1776 717.413.1827

Shank’s Tavern
36 South Waterford Avenue
Marietta, PA 17547

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A brief history of the Oldest Continuously Operating Tavern in Lancaster County . . . Shank’s Tavern.

Originally the Compass & Square, Shank’s Tavern was built in 1814 along the Susquehanna River in
Marietta. Over the next 100 years, the building was purchased and sold several times, before finally
landing in the hands of the Shank family, three years BEFORE prohibition ended. Bob Shank, the third
generation of his family, has spent the most of his life working at the tavern in some fashion. He has
helped transform the space over the years, while making sure to maintain its historical charm.
The moment you set foot inside Shank’s Tavern you realize it’s much different from most bars. You
won’t be bombarded by HD TV’s broadcasting sports, rather Shank’s offers entertainment that spans far
beyond what television has to offer. Every wall is adorned with photos and news articles spanning the
last two plus centuries of the tavern’s operation. “If these walls could talk” isn’t just an expression at
Shank’s.
Although the look and feel of Shank’s is like a step back in time, the bar boasts the most up-to-date beer
selection and equipment. The eight rotating taps always pour beer at the perfect temperature, that’s
due to a state-of-the art glycol system. The staff does a lot of research to decide which brews to bring in,
maintaining a continuously rotating selection of quality beer.
Speaking of food, from seafood to their eclectic assortment of homemade soups, sandwiches, salads
and personal pizza’s, our kitchen offers something that suites everyone’s palate. Several years ago we
began incorporating gluten-free, low-carb and vegetarian options, always using market fresh produce.
Nightly specials include Pho’ and Spring Rolls on Tuesdays; Mexican fare on Wednesdays; Beef on Weck
(a roast beef sandwich which originated in Buffalo, NY) on Thursdays; and hand-rolled Sushi, Steamers
and fresh-made Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes on Friday’s.
In addition, to the tavern-style menu, we strive to make the service at Shank’s second to none. Our goal
is to make sure every single customer who walks through the door is greeted with a friendly “hello” and
wished well on their way out the door. You can often find Bob catching up with regulars or entertaining
new customers with stories of the tavern’s history. Shank’s Tavern is open to the public Sunday through
Friday and some Saturday’s. But, for the most part, Shank’s is available to rent on Saturday’s for private
events, which are often booked three months in advance.

Shank’s also supports live music three nights a week. 2019 marks the 19th Anniversary of what started
as Shank’s Thursday Night Blues Jam. Every week our small makeshift stage draws a diverse group of
musicians from all over the region. The Blues Jam has gradually evolved into what is now known as “The
Electric Open Mic Jam.” Participants sit in with members of our weekly house band or perform on their
own. It is a welcoming environment for both seasoned musicians and newcomers looking to get their
feet wet. There is also a long running Acoustic Open Mic on Tuesday evenings utilizing the same format.
In addition, several years ago we added live music on Friday evenings starting at 8, showcasing up and
coming local talent.
Shank’s Tavern is truly unique in so many ways. At a time when restaurant chains seem to pop up on
every corner, it’s refreshing to be able to still offer small-town hospitality. If you're getting the feeling
that Shank’s Tavern is a one-of-a-kind, warm and friendly corner bar-you would be right! With a
seasoned and dedicated staff, the third generation of Shank’s continues to maintain a friendly old-time
neighborhood establishment with simple fare and fine spirits for the comfort and convenience of its
patrons. Next time you are in town, make sure to stop by. You might even catch a glimpse of a ghost . . .
But that’s a story you’ll have to have Bob tell you.

The totals are now in for the 2018 tax assessment.

Here is how you should fair based on average increases.

For the Donegal School District, the total assessment went up 28.54%.

In Marietta Boro, the total assessment went up 23.1%.

So, if your assessment when up by only say 20%, your base taxes should be going down.

If on the other hand, it went up 30%, you’ll be looking at higher taxes in 2018.

Marietta’s Current millage is 6.5 and Donegal’s is currently 22.879

These should be lowered to approx 5.28 for Marietta and 17.8 mils for Donegal (plus any additional tax increases for 2018)

Since the school district’s assessment when up more than the boro’s, the average home owner in Marietta should see lower school taxes.

For example, if your property was assessed at $100k, and it was increased to $120k… you’re still going to see LOWER property taxes for 2018.