Fall.Winter 2012 Harrisburg Heritage

• HARRISBURG HERITAGE • www.HistoricHarrisburg.com

HARRISBURG HERITAGE

OUR MISSION IS TO ADVOCATE FOR THE PRESERVATION, RESTORATION AND STEWARDSHIP OF HARRISBURG’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE. HHA PROMOTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THAT RESPECTS OUR CULTURAL LEGACY

FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN, WORK IN, AND VISIT HARRISBURG

Newsletter of Historic Harrisburg Association • FALL/WINTER 2012

The 2012 Candlelight House Tour, spon-sored by Mid Penn Bank, is set for 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, December 9, 2012. This year’s tour will include 14 historic resi-dences and public properties in the Academy Manor neighborhood. In its 39th year, the Candlelight House Tour provides a beautiful walk through the best-of-the-best properties in Harrisburg, all decorated for the holiday and winter seasons. The 2012 Candlelight House Tour, enti-tled “Academy Manor: Degrees of Design,” offers an exclusive look into properties in the northern tier of Harrisburg. Tour-goers will celebrate the City’s amazing historic architecture and beauty as they explore the decades of deign throughout Academy Manor and Italian Lake. A stunning display

Academy Manor: Degrees in DesignSEE HARRISBURG’S MOST TALKED ABOUT HOMES AND HISTORIC SITES

Get an exclusive inside look at some of the area’s most admired properties during theHistoric Harrisburg’s 2012 Candlelight House Tour on Sunday, December 9.

of City residences along Second Street will be dressed for the holidays, each showcasing the homeowner’s personal style and charac-ter. Rediscover Harrisburg on the tour of the McCormick House, which today serves as the Chancellor’s Home. The Zembo Shrine will be sure to amaze attendees with its Moroccan motifs and stately architecture.

This self-guided walking tour may require individual transportation. Though

House Tour, Harris Tower, a restored 1931 Pennsylvania Railroad interlocking tower featuring the original electro-pneumatic

A Preview Into Italian Lake and Academy Manor’s Beauty

Italian Lake is one of Harrisburg’s most prized public sites. The secenic park boasts formal gardens and plantings around a man-made lake created in the 1930s as part of a swamp reclamation project. Its signature features include the decorative bridge and the striking foundation by Guiseppe Donato. Titled “Dance of the Eternal Spring,” the bronze sculpture depicts three nude bac-chantes of Spring, Summer and Autumn. It was commissioned in 1909 for chocolatier Milton S. Hershey, who subsequently do-nated it to the City of Harrisburg. On the lake’s east shore is a bandstand where free concerts are presented throughout the sum-

mer. Extensive restoration by the City of Harrisburg has returned Italian Lake to its former splendor. Crossing Division Street into Har-risburg’s legendary 2900 block, the visitor travels unmistakably into a different world. Surrounded by the waters of Italian Lake and the Susquehanna River, it seems almost an island –lush and remote – until one realizes that this is but another distinctive historic neighborhood within the City of Harrisburg. Timeless Cotswald cottages line the edge of a great English park; the home of Corky and Linda Goldstein along Parkside

(continued on page 4)



Historic HarrisburgA s s o c i a t i o n

HARRISBURG HERITAGE

Harrisburg Heritage, the newsletter for the Historic Harrisburg Association, Inc., is pub-

lished as a membership benefit.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

David J. Morrison President

Mandy Arnold Vice President

Michael Walsh Secretary

Peter Durantine Treasurer

Michael ChapaloneyDavid Cordier Thomas Darr

Ray DavisDevan DrabikDragan DodikNicole Ernst

Dr. Dorothy KingMatthew KruppJennifer Kyung

Catherine LawrenceJohn Reitz

Alan Kennedy-ShafferDr. Robert Steinmetz

The Honorable Kelly D. SummerfordRachel Jones Williams

Robert Shoaff

STAFFJohn Campbell Executive Director

Cindy Essig Archives and Programs Director

Dawn Frey Events and Administrative Coordinator

Historic Harrisburg Association P.O. Box 1843

Harrisburg, PA 17105-1843(717) 233-4646

[email protected]

Community Historic Preservation Fund Council of Trustees

Craig Peiffer Chairman

Mary Beth Stringent Treasurer

Mandy ArnoldDavid Morrison

Tom PelusoJeb Stuart

Letter from the Executive Director

FALL/WINTER 2012

Letter from the Executive DirectorFall is upon us and so is Historic Har-risburg’s busiest season of the year. The Candlelight House Tour and Elegant Pro-gressions are well underway and the orga-nization continues to focus on closing 2012 out strong and bringing in 2013 with a bang. As many of you know Historic Harrisburg has weathered numerous storms over the years, and I can now proudly report we have emerged stronger than ever. Throughout 2012, Historic Harrisburg has encountered a surge of membership, transitioned the Historic Harrisburg Re-

sustainable component of the organization that now helps to support annual program-ming, eliminated all current debts, expanded educational programs, and brought on two interns to help with archives, programs, and event planning. We are expanding the organization and proving to our members that Historic Harrisburg’s mission is alive and well, and more important than ever. It isn’t a secret that the City of Harris-

-tion focused on sustainable communities, economic development, and historic pres-ervation, Historic Harrisburg has become a beacon of community leadership. In March of this year the organization launched “Lighten Up, Harrisburg!” in conjunction with Matt Krupp a new board member and founder of the movement. The project is fo-

cused on relight-ing blighted ar-eas of the City and res tor ing light to those where it has been lost. We have become the fi-nancial leader on projects that will work to preserve the City’s vibrant park systems and relive the City Beautiful Movement. Historic Harrisburg is no longer an organization people come to just for help with preservation, but now is focused on helping preserve the community it serves through sustainably seminars, do-it-yourself programs, and so much more. Our progress and our new future wouldn’t have been possible without the great support of our members and Historic Harrisburg’s dynamic board of directors. With your help, we launched a three-year strategic plan with a clear vision of where the organization is headed and our very important role in helping the City move forward. Our members understand that the City of Harrisburg is a great haven of his-tory, architectural superiority, community dedication, and so much more. As the end of the year nears, we look back on 2012 and thank everyone who has helped Historic Harrisburg grow and strengthen. We look to 2013 as a year of great opportunity and success and with your help Historic Harrisburg will celebrate 40 years of preserving Harrisburg’s history, architecture, and culture with great success! Thank you again for a great year and we look forward to seeing you on the Candlelight House Tour and Elegant Progressions this year!

Yours in Preservation,

John R. CampbellExecutive Director


Lane provides a fanciful welcome to the neighborhood. Its surprisingly spacious interiors spill out into a private patio, se-cluded by a living boundary that retains all the enchantment of a cottage courtyard garden. The homes extending down Parkside Lane, though varied in size and architecture,

and landscaping, enabling all to enjoy the expansive views of Italian Lake. Noted among them is the grand former home of the Lehrman family. Facing the northern end of Parkside Lane, the home is fronted by lush plantings. A shaded terrace covers the former swimming pool. Parkside Lane turns away from Italian Lake, connecting to Green Street. Turning south (left) on Green, one is immediately struck by the uniform grandeur of deep yards lined with towering oak trees. An-other unifying feature is the use of informal, winding front walkways of multicolored

Along the 2900 block of Green Street is the Pennsylvania Colonial-style home of Leon and Fran Finerman, authentically built

-ysandra and river rock; the result is a low maintenance solution for shady areas that present an interesting blend of harmonizing shades and textures. The driveway provides a close view of colonial architectural details and leads to the rear yard, where a secluded patio serves as an outdoor living room. Beyond, a bamboo thicket provides interest and privacy. At mid-block, Manor Street leads west to Second Street. At the southeast corner,

crafted of stone stucco, rough-hewn timbers and a slate roof, is owned by Burton Mor-ris and Marian Frankston. Burt has been a leader of the neighborhood effort to help restore Italian Lake and obtain its resident swans. Walking north on Second, one cannot overlook the exquisite foundation plantings surrounding the former Aronson residence at the northeast corner of Second and Manor; the subtle pruning of nature’s shapes proves far more pleasing than the severe, unnatural shapes that are all too frequently perpetrated by wielders of electric shears. Along North Second Street is James

Spooner’s formal Georgian-style home, which was built in 1928 by the Caplan family, modeled after a similar mansion in Carlisle. Typical of Georgian design, the symmetrical proportions of the front facade

its spacious rooms are centered on a grand entrance hall. In the rear yard, who would know that the sunken garden, surrounded by

once a clay tennis court? Across Second Street, the diversity of architecture found in the 2900 block is highlighted by the Frank Lloyd Wright-style home at 2956 North Second Street. Built in 1955, this commission by architect Rolf Loddengard still retains authentic features and details of ‘50s design. Note the aqua entrance door! The alignment of this house

faces away from the street and into their

spaces draw the visitor deeper and deeper into this private world. A gardener’s delight, the California bungalow-style home at 2944 North Sec-ond Street is surrounded by interesting landscape details. Undaunted by the chal-lenge of cultivating a romantic collection of

garden that changes strikingly with the sea-

to outshine one another. At the picturesque home located at 2940 North Second Street, the owners have taken fullest advantage of every design op-portunity. A complete interior and exterior renovation has included replacement of all foundation plantings – long overgrown – with brilliant selections; note the graceful blue Atlas cedar which accentuates a front corner. The screen entrance porch, a rarity in Harrisburg, leads to an inviting interior, including a wonderful 1940s kitchen that remains remarkably serviceable and attrac-tive after more than half a century. Entering the rear yard, one discovers gardens that have been faithfully restored to their origi-nal beauty. A creative new addition is the ornamental grass garden. Farther south on Second Street, Euro-pean architectural styles abound. Beyond the French chateau-style home, the English manor-style home at 2926 North Second Street boasts stunning artistic features inside and out. On approaching, one cannot resist peeking over the garden gate into the sunken garden between the two homes. Interior highlights at 2925 include a graceful open

A Preview Into Italian Lake and Academy Manors Beauty continued from page 1…



2429 N. Second StreetHarrisburg, PA 17110

From Executive Director to Board President (twice), David Morrison has dedicated his life to serving his community, and more spe-

Over a 30- year period David has overseen great changes within the organization and has been a visionary leader not afraid to make tough decisions and move the orga-nization forward. On Thursday, October 11, the Historic Harrisburg Association celebrated the legacy David made by raising a glass to all the ac-complishments of his 30 year involvement with the organization. More than 200 people gathered in the newly restored Tracy Man-sion which now boasts the illustrious Char’s at Tracy Mansion. “As a faithful leader, servant, and volun-teer of Historic Harrisburg, David Morrison has been a beacon of opportunity and growth for Harrisburg’s community,” toasted John Campbell, Executive Director of Historic Harrisburg.

A Toast to David Morrison: Celebrating 30 Years of Service

Historic Harrisburg is not the only or-

dedication to community service. David is a co-founder of more than a dozen entities, including the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, the Camp Curtin Historical So-ciety, the Modern Transit Partnership, the Elegant Progressions Dinner and the Capitol Preservation Committee. He is a current

-vania Abolition Society, Susquehanna Art Museum, Theatre Harrisburg , the Capital Area Transit Authority, the Art Association of Harrisburg, the Friends of Fort Hunter, the Wednesday Club and the Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival. An avid genealogist, David helped orga-nize a gathering several years ago of 3,000 of his relatives for the 300th Anniversary Reunion of the Descendants of Edward and Eleanor Foulke, Welsh immigrants who settled in Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, in 1698.

Among Historic Harrisburg’s note-worthy milestones accomplished during David’s tenure were: the acquisition of the bank building (for one dollar) and its re-use and restoration (ongoing) as the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center; the founding of “Elegant Progressions” in 1992 in partner-ship with the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania; the forming and launching of the Broad Street Market Corporation as a new governing body following the mar-ket’s restoration by the City in 1994; the establishment of the Community Historic Preservation Fund (1997) and the David and Marie Elias Capital Fund (2010); and the reinstatement of the Executive Directorship with the engagement of John Campbell in January 2010. This year, Historic Harrisburg raises a Toast to David Morrison for his past support and the future opportunities he has provided.

levers now linked to a computer for simulated action, will be open for visitors December 9, 2012, from 1—4:00 PM. Located at 637 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA, admission to the tower is free. Harris Tower offers an excellent vantage point for viewing Amtrak and Norfolk Southern trains. A model train layout will be operating in the tower’s lower level. Harris Tower is a project of Harrisburg Chapter National Railway Historical Society. Other chapter projects include::

4859), preserving PRR N6b wood-sided caboose, and showcasing operating model train layouts to community groups. The John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion will also be an

to 4 PM. Tickets are not required to visit either property. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event at the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center located at 1230 North 3rd Street. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.histo-richarrisburg.com or at various locations throughout Harrisburg. Additional ticket and tour information may be obtained by calling 717-233-4646 or visiting www.historicharrisburg.com. Additional information, including requests for media tours and interviews, may be requested by contacting John Campbell at [email protected].

Academy Manor: Degrees of Designcontinued from page 1


Recently, Historic Harrisburg Association (HHA) sponsored a walking tour entitled, “Walking with the Ancestors: An African American Heritage Experience.” The walk was well-attended by a diverse group of Harrisburgians, ranging in age from 25 to 75 years old. The walking tour is just one in a series that promises to enlighten and engage the many people who are captivated by Harrisburg’s rich architectural and social

sets “Walking with the Ancestors” apart except that it highlighted the cultural land-scape of Harrisburg. Cultural landscape is a relatively new term for many people, but

Cultural landscape examines the people who live in a particular space and how

eliminated or built and as people leave or

eminent domain. “Walking with the Ancestors” centered on the neighborhood today known as Mid-town. And this is where cultural landscape comes into play. For many years the people who lived between Forster Street and Reily Street from 3rd to 6th Street considered this area Uptown Harrisburg. As times have changed and redevelopment has taken place, the area is now called Midtown. There is still a little debate about how far Midtown goes – is it to Reily Street or to Maclay Street? Na-tive Harrisburgians have a different opinion than those who have moved here from other regions. All that said the redevelopment of the Midtown area is a breath of fresh air. It has revived and reinvigorated not only the people, but the business community. A com-munity that has been predominantly African American since the early 1910’s, Midtown is on the move. The cultural landscape of Midtown has, in some ways, morphed many times. In the 1930’s through the 1960’s you could live in Midtown and never leave your neighbor-hood because everything you needed existed in that space. Grocery stores, seamstresses, laundries, cobblers, schools, clothiers, churches and doctors all shared a neighbor-hood and a culture. The majority of busi-nesses were owned by African Americans whose clientele were African American. This type of neighborhood also existed in Uptown and Allison Hill. The most interest-

ing part is that although each neighborhood consisted of primarily African Americans they each also had their own culture, and a deep sense of pride. The cultural landscape changed for each of these neighborhoods when buildings were shut down, torn down or claimed via eminent domain. An example of this is the Forster Street YMCA (Colored Y) which existed at 6th and Forster streets from 1933untill 1968 when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took the property through eminent domain to build the Labor and Industry Building. The “Colored Y” as it was called was a hub of activity for young African-American men and boys. It served as a lifeline for many young boys. The African-American children of Harrisburg received vaccinations at the Y, developed socially through dances, sports

of business people who thrived on mentoring young people. The men who founded and maintained the Y were pillars of the African-American community. But when the Y left what was in many ways a centrally located space and was re-established 20 blocks north on 6th and Forrest streets, it changed the cul-

and volatile economy that touched most urban areas of the United States in the 1970s

visited Harrisburg. Many businesses closed or moved further uptown. Many businesses did not survive this economic downfall. Many, however, did survive, and somehow thrived. Business like Zommit Cleaners, F & W Fish House and the Hamilton Grill were all able to make it through this downturn. As business closed and people moved we saw, and continue to see, vacant lots and dilapidated buildings. Midtown is re-evolving – returning to a neighborhood of cooperation, with busi-nesses and residents working together to beautify, utilize and enliven the space. The cultural landscape of Midtown is changing once again. The neighborhood is honoring its past and forging ahead with a promising future. Instead of tearing down building developers are advocating the reno-vation of existing buildings that maintain the feeling of ownership and denote a respect for the people who live in the apartments and houses of Midtown. You can still walk through Midtown and see the remnants of a thriving African-American community but most importantly you can walk through Mid-town and see the promise of a culturally rich and architecturally exciting neighborhood.

By Rachel Jones Williams

Walking with the Ancestors: An African American Heritage Experience.

Leave a Legacy, Support Historic Harrisburg for Future GenerationsThe Historic Harrisburg Association gratefully acknowledges the mem-bers of the Legacy Society. This group of people has generously named the Historic Harrisburg Association as a beneficiary of their estate plan or other planned gift.

John CampbellMarie Graupner Elias*

David Morrison*Deceased

If you have named the Historic Harrisburg Association as a beneficiary of your estate or planned giving, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us at 717.233.4646. If you are interested in leaving a legacy to Historic Harrisburg please contact us.


P I L L A R SHarris TowerMac and Shirley AicheleNew Fox Ridge Homeowners AssociationGavin AdvertisingSimply Stated ArchitectureFred & Terry BarnabyDonald BarnettMichael and Jane BartonBrian BereschakAshley Furniture Home StoreJanetta and Rich BrennerGloria BrissmanDavid Bronstein, D.O.City House Bed and BreakfastWCI Partners, LPJohn CampbellLittle AmpsJohn P. CarrollM. Eileen CarsonAlan Ceperich, CPAMichael ChapaloneyThe State Museum Of PennsylvaniaShawn & Meghann ConnorGovernor Tom CorbettJames Cowden, Esq.Sam DalbyThomas DarrHarrisburg Redevelopment AuthorityJ. Michael DavisBare Wall GalleryBrickbox Enterprises, LTDAlyce DerethikKazim DharsiPA Association of Community BankersDerek and Erica DilksDragan DodikCrystal & David Downing

Peter and Angela DurantineThe Milestone on the RiverDavid & Jane EnglishNicole ErnstArt Communications Systems, Inc.

Ethel FeinourCharles Fetterhoff, Jr. D.M.D.Richard Finley and David MillerM. Steven FunkGene and Carol GangwishKathy GatesAndrew & Kristen GiorgioneG.W. Wilson Inc.Raymond and Mary Lou HarrisWeb ClientsDerek & Margaret HathawayMaxine HaynesErik HeinSue HelmPennsylvania ResearchAlan Hostetler InsuranceRobert Hostetter, Jr.Nick and Ellen HughesGary and Edna HutchinsJames JonesGuy Kehler and Lindsay MillsAlan Kennedy-ShafferBrad KoplinskiHarriet KoppNorman & Pat LacasseDonald and Marney LappleyDauphin County Library SystemDavid & Gwen LehmanLois Lehrman GrassKent & Kay LeidThomas Leonard & Janet Day

Cumberland Stained GlassSteve MacDonald and Mary WarnerPenn National InsurancePeter and Shirley MarksCarl Marshall and Michael HarperTed Martin and Dwayne HeckertZembo ShrineDauphin County Historical SocietyThomas & Alice McGroryVern and Kristen McKissick, AIAMark & Jane MendlowWilliam Penn Social AssociationLuther Milspaw & Judge Jeannine TurgeonDr. Jose and Cherie MisasBrian R. MummauSpencer & Helen NaumanThomas & Deborah NifongBill O’BrienHarrisburg Area YMCA, East Shore BranchLindabeth ParkerD. George Parr and Jessie SmithMary PetersonWilliam S. Pierce, MDFrank and Barbara PintoPavone Advertising, Inc.Bernie PupoChristopher Dietz & Alexander ReberCorinne RebinskiJohn Reitz and JoAnne RossHelen L. ReplogleHenry RhoadsRyan and Kim RileyJames and Shelia RossPauline RubendallJoe and Beth SantannaCharles & Margaret SchenckAlice Anne Schwab & Bob Garrett

CAPITALS AND PILLAR MEMBERSHISTORIC HARRISBURG ASSOCIATION has an active membership of over 1000 individuals, businesses and other supporters. We gratefully acknowledge the support of all members, especially those who have contributed at the following gift levels:

IONIC CAPITALS

DORIC CAPITALS ABC27 WHTM

William & Marion AlexanderBrenda Barrett and Daniel Stern

Duryea & Pat CameronRobert ColdrenThe Civic Club

Millers Mutual GroupRay Davis

Furlow Partners, Inc.PinnacleHealth Systems

John EnosDouglas & Amy Hill

Jones Masonry Restoration CorpHon. Hannah Leavitt and

Jack KrillEric Papenfuse and Catherine Lawrence

Red Door Consignment GalleryLetum, Inc.

Craig & Cari Longyear

George M. and Carol CaseRosewein Realty, IncLouise Hepschmidt

The McInroy-Sheffer

People TrustDavid J. Morrison

Valk Manufacturing Company

Margaret MastersDan Miller

Bridget Montgomery & Michael Spangler

Charles Peguese & David HoffmanWilliam and Susannah Rothman

NRG Energy CenterHighland Gardens

Jinny SpringenPeter & Corinna Wilson

CORINTHIAN CAPITALS

Sloan & Susan AuchinclossRichard and Trina Gribble

Faye ShannonMarjorie M. ShermanElizabeth ShevitzPaul and Elizabeth ShowalterScott Siciliano and Michael ShaferF.M. Richard and Ruth SimonsDavid Skerpon and Mr. Chris BaldridgeAlyce & Morton SpectorRob SteinmetzL. Kate StevensRebecca StevensonElaine StrokoffJeb and Robin StuartKenneth J. Suter, Esq. & Rev. Dr. David A.

ZwifkaRosemary C. TatkovskiDean TouloumesKenneth UmbenhauerVictor Vail and Richard KleinGallery @ SecondMichael WalshGregg & Rita WarnerJohn & Susan WesleyKnight Security Systems, Inc.Niki WilliamsLarry WilsonArt Association Of HarrisburgChristopher WondersAnne YellottLee and Kelly YorkRobert and Eileen YoungRobert R. Zeigler R.A.Stephen A. ZeiglerDimitri and Pauline Zozos


stairway, leaded windows, sunken living room, rich woodwork and chef’s kitchen. A highlight of the rear yard is the peaceful waterfall and ornamental garden. It is a short walk through the Stine yard to Manor Street. Onward to Front Street and Riverfront Park! Several of Front Street’s best-loved mansions are found within the 2900 block. The stone Colonial-style mansion at 2917 North Front Street, built in 1927 for renowned couturier Mary Sachs, was renovated in 1991

Sacs. At 2909 North Front Street, the French Norman country-style residence designed by Clayton Lappley for Arthur Hull Esq. in 1927 is noted for its distinctive stonework of rough-hewn schist quarried in Paoli. Today, the future of these properties remains in limbo and are the focus of Historic Harrisburg ef-forts to preserve them. The Federal-style brick mansion at 2901 North Front Street, owned by Mary Knack-stedt was built in 1927 for General Henry Gross, who occupied it for half a century.

been creatively updated by Mary K, one of the East Coast’s most acclaimed interior design professionals. Mary K is a founder of the Riverfront Peoples Park movement, which spearheaded preservation of Harrisburg’s incomparable public waterfront. Today the properties are in danger of being demolished to make way for a business park. Returning east along Division Street, properties of note include the Frank and Barbara Pinto residence at 2900 North

the neighborhood after the “Academy tract” was subdivided for development in 1924, and the much-admired Spanish-style house diagonally opposite, which was built for the Gannett family. This commentary, originally composed

in 1992, is presented here as neighborhood background information. Write-ups of the properties on the Dec. 9, 2012 Candlelight House Tour (see insert for a listing) can be found in the tour ticket-booklets that are cur-rently on sale at the locations noted.

Bare Wall Gallery Owner Ronn Fink, 75, Remembered as an HHA Co-founder

Ronald “Ronn” Fink, 75, a co-founder and charter member of the Historic Harris-burg Association, passed away September 14, 2012. Ronn was best known as the proprietor of The Bare Wall Gallery card and gift shop at 712 Green Street, which he established in 1972, and where he lived for 40 years. Ronn is survived by his business and life partner of 27 years, Robert Deibler of Harrisburg, a sister Jo Ann Foor and brother Joe of Everett and his beloved godson JJ Battisti of Camp Hill. A graduate of Juniata College, he is the son of the late Carl and Margaret (Hamm) Fink of Everett, PA. Known as “the Mayor of Green Street” by friends and neighbors, Ronn played a major role in the revitalization and im-provement of the surrounding Capitol Area Neighborhood (CAN). His presence and his commitment to the neighborhood and the entire City of Harrisburg were extraordinary and perpetual.

Ronn’s role in the founding of HHA was instrumental, as fellow co-founders Duryea and Patricia Cameron recently recalled. “There were four of us who organized the

-ning in 1972: Ronn Fink, David Powell, and Duryea and me,” Pat recalled, adding: “Marianne Faust had the vision of forming an historic preservation organization.” Pat Cameron further recalled that the initial meeting of HHA occurred at the State Mu-seum in February 1973 and that the State Theater campaign and supporters were

Theater, Pat exclaimed: “We almost won!” The Bare Wall Gallery and Ronn Fink are linked to the entire 39-year history of HHA’s Candlelight House Tour. Ronn was one of the initial organizers and volunteer committee members; the property at 712 Green Street was a stop on the tour in 1973; and literally every year since, the Bare Wall has been both an outlet for purchasing

tour ticket-booklets, as well as a depend-able open house on the day of the tour. Ronn’s early career was as a journal-ist with the Bedford County Press and the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. He came to Harrisburg in 1962 to become Director of Public Relations for the Pennsylvania State Library. In addition to HHA, Ronn also was a founder of the Greater Harrisburg Arts Festival, and he was active with numerous cultural organizations in the city.

A Preview Into Italian Lake and Academy Manor’s Beauty continued from page 3…

Volunteers and Donations Needed

Volunteers are needed to serve on the following committees:

• Facilities

• Education, Preservation, and Advocacy

• Events

• Candlelight House Tour

• Elegant Progressions

• Communications and Public Relations

• Board of Directors

Items to donate:

• Office supplies, such as paper, folders, staples, etc.

• Cleaning supplies

• Architectural salvage

• Archival books, pictures, documents, etc

• Book shelves

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Archives support

• Mailing preparation

• Research

• Data entry

• Cleaning

• Landscaping

Contact John at [email protected] for more information or to volunteer!


Historic Harrisburg Sets Goal of 150 New Members In 2012

As a membership organization, Historic Har-risburg depends on the generosity of its indi-vidual and corporate members. Throughout the years, our organization’s membership

-tuations. However, in 2012 over 126 new members joined Historic Harrisburg, up from our annual average increase of 25 new members. As such, we are launching a new membership drive focused on getting 150 members by December 2012! By joining today, you will allow His-toric Harrisburg to continue to promote eco-nomic development, historic preservation, and sustainable communities. Memberships start at just $25! Are you reading this and not sure you are a member? Or have you been thinking about joining for a long time? Well, now is the opportunity to do so. We need your support more than ever. Long gone are the days where your membership went directly to administrative costs. In 2013, we have prepared a robust calendar of events, pro-grams, seminars, and workshops to help our members, neighbors and community lead-

ers understand historic preservation. With your help we can reach our goal of 150 new members by December 2012! Your Pillar membership contribution of $100 will allow Historic Harrisburg to deliver programs like homeownership dis-cussions, do it yourself seminars on façade paint colors, and architectural history les-sons to 5 individuals! As a member of Historic Harrisburg, you understand the importance of com-munity redevelopment through historic preservation. You understand what impact sustainable communities have in a City

Historic Harrisburg you will continue to receive this semi-annual newsletter, get a

properties and development projects, dis-counts at special events, and the peace of mind you contribution is going to a worthy cause in Harrisburg Invest in Harrisburg’s future, join to-day! www.historicharrisburg.com/member-ship

Welcoming Dawn Frey and

Cindy Essig to Historic Harrisburg

With Historic Harrisburg’s growth continu-ing, the organization has brought on Cindy Essig our new Archives and Programs Direc-tor to help with planning and archives man-agement. Cindy, a graduate of Millersville University with a degree in Archeology, has been one a move since day one. To see what she has been doing, check out our article “From the Intern’s Desk.” Joining Cindy is Dawn Frey, Historic Harrisburg’s new Events and Administrative Coordinator. Dawn, a student at Harrisburg Area Community College studying business, aspires to lead non-profit organizations. Having experience planning multiple Relay for Life events, Dawn brings to Historic Harrisburg a vibrancy to take our events to the next level. We are excited to have them both join us and look forward to an even better 2013!

Historic Harrisburg Continues Partnership with

Downtown Daily BreadFor the second year since its founding in 2010, Share the Harvest, a fund-raiser for Downtown Daily Bread, has been held at the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center. As civic organizations in the City, Historic Harrisburg and Downtown Daily Bread understand the importance of partnership and work-ing together to bring good to those in need throughout Harrisburg. Share the Harvest, is an opportunity for those who are able to give to those who are less fortunate. It was a great success with over 100 people in attendance and raising in excess of $20,000. These proceeds will be used to purchase meals for those that visit Downtown Daily Bread in a season where there is the most need. Historic Harrisburg is a proud partner and looks forward to continuing this and numerous other civic relationships throughout Har-risburg. Through partnership we can move Harrisburg forward!

As a member of

Historic Harrisburg,

you understand

the importance

of community

redevelopment

through historic

preservation. You

understand what

impact sustainable

communities have

in a City facing a

fiscal dilemma.


From The Intern’s DeskI am very happy to report that Historic Harrisburg Association is very much underway with the New Archive Project. As of mid August this year, I came aboard and began to re-evaluate HHA’s previous sys-tems in place. I toured the facilities with our executive director, John Campbell, and discussed many of HHA’s refreshing ideas how to revitalize and bring new energy to The Harrisburg Resource Center.

brief inventory of what kind of artifacts, antiquities, and types of documents under HHA’s guardian-ship. I also made an observation that the inside of the building was in much need of a cleaning. We have many historical photos and documents that need to be stored in a clean environment. I am very pleased to tell you, that our volun-teers did an outstanding cleanup in the beginning of September. The inside of the resource center is more attractive for the public to visit. And on my end, I have easier access to documents and artifacts that I can research. The present project I am work-ing on is the restoration and rejuve-nation of HHA’s historical photo ar-chive. I have created a spreadsheet that will provide a quick way for us to locate areas of interest. I wanted to get something tangible up and running as an effort to give imme-diate access for public display and use. Each photo I have processed

protective cover. Stop by and take a look at this month photos. Most of them were photographed in Harrisburg during the early 1900’s. They are quite amazing. My next responsibility is to begin archiving

By Cindy Clare Essig

McFarland Mansion, for Sale Community Rallies to its Rescue

Recently brought to Historic Harrisburg’s attention was the condition and state of the historic McFarland Mansion located in beau-tiful Bellevue Park. This one of kind totally unique Italianate design home with a com-manding presence is located on a .72 acre corner lot. 11ft ceilings, hexagon shaped rooms, observation tower, tin roof, servant’s suite, front and

A few features include a wine cellar, original kelvinator ice box, oversize period moldings & oak flooring throughout-see. Today it is for sa le and has

been neglected for some time. Historic Harrisburg has joined the community by ask-ing our members to write “This Old House” magazine to help save this property. The home of Horace McFarland, a na-tional hero for the City Beautiful Movement, as well as bearing its own marvelous archi-

tectural historic value, the McFarland Mansion is a much save property.

Please take a mo-ment and sug-gest they select this house to be saved! Please Send your e mail to [email protected]

Earlier this year, our community came together to Lighten Up, Harrisburg! After successfully relighting the Walnut Street Bridge, Lighten Up Harrisburg donated $1,300 worth of materials – 80 streetlight bulbs and 24 photocells – earmarked for an Allison Hill neighborhood lighting project.

-ted from these lighting projects, the return on our effort has been far greater than the $6,000 we contributed. In addition to an overall increased awareness of the lights in our City, our efforts appear to have inspired at least one similar initiative, and stimulated the City’s proactive approach to repairing our streetlights. For example, in August, Savannah’s On Hanna donated $1,300 for a lighting project, targeting six streetlights on Market Street in Allison Hill. Also, despite being short on staff and operating on a limited budget, the City and its maintenance crew made

stretches of lights out along North Front Street. Finally, a City bucket truck was spot-ted repairing the decorative box lights on the Market Street Bridge in August.

The City’s Future Has Never Looked Brighter.

The true value of the push to Lighten Up Harrisburg comes from the realization that our community can have a real and lasting impact on the City’s future. And while a

-burg, these efforts are a clear indication that we are moving forward. Let’s build on the momentum we have, and continue to work together to make Harrisburg a brighter and better place.

For more information about Lighten Up Harrisburg or to make a donation, email [email protected] or visit www.historicharrisburg.com.

We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening

our own. ~BEN SWEETLAND

“

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Tracy Mansion was built in 1917 for David E. Tracy (1867-1923) who was one of the founders in the 1890’s of the Harrisburg Pipe and Pipe Bending Company. Although the company’s initial busi-ness was the repair of refrigerated railroad cars, it expanded into producing cylinders and automotive pistons. By World War I,

U.S. Government for military parts and by 1935, changed its name to Harrisburg Steel Company, now Harsco, a major international component manufacturer still headquartered in the Harrisburg metropolitan area. Architectural drawings for the mansion were begun in 1916, but construction was slowed by the start of World War I as Tracy’s company received a contract from the fed-eral government to fabricate artillery shells for the war. The mansion was completed in 1918 by Central Construction Company and was the third of three in a row to be built in this block along Front Street. The architect, Charles Howard Lloyd,

The Tracy Mansion, Landmark of Front Street, Gets New Life as Upscale Restaurant, “Char’s”

was Harrisburg’s most prominent architect of the time, designing over 200 buildings including schools, banks, the the Zembo Mosque and many residences. The Tudor Revival style was very popu-lar at the time for residential construction, and to keep up with the fashions on the in-terior, an interior decorator from Manhattan, David Costuma, was brought in. The original mansion has been de-scribed as having 30 rooms of the high-est quality in materials and construction, featuring mural paintings, masonry walls,

bin “so big that it was later used as a dining hall.” The main entrance was on Muench Street (though Tracy lobbied for a Front

domestics including a chauffeur. The three-”car” carriage house was constructed after the house was completed and could have housed horse-drawn carriages as well as autos.

Of the three original mansions, Tracy is the only survivor. On the site of the parking lot at 1825 N. Front Street, another large stately mansion with columned facade, owned by Harrisburg newspaper publisher E.J. Stackpole and also designed by Lloyd,

Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 caused it to be demolished. Another mansion stood at 1815 N. Front Street, now the site of a 1960s commercial building, which Lloyd and his partner, Charles Foose, designed in 1897 for Charles Disbrow. Lloyd later married Disbrow’s daughter. The Tracy Mansion itself almost fell to the wrecker’s ball when it was added to the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority’s demolition list following the Agnes Flood. The Historic Harrisburg Association took steps to avert this potential loss of one of

ran a front page story in its, February, 1977, issue of “Harrisburg Heritage,” announcing the building’s potential demise. As a result

of public opposition emanating from the story and due to the community becoming more sensitive to the value of historic preservation, the mansion was saved, as long-time Historic Harrisburg member Jeb Stuart recently recalled. The Tracy Mansion earlier had been converted for use of the Osteopathic Hospital in 1951 and functioned for twenty years after which Goodwill Industries became the building’s occupant. It was then converted for use as a mental health fa-cility. The mansion was vacant when it was purchased in 2005 for historic renovation by Susquehanna Real Estate. In 2006 the white frame house facing Second Street was demolished to allow for a river view through the site, from Second Street.

Char’s at Tracy Mansion has brought the building full circle to relive and experience its original grandeur and spender.



Char Magaro was looking to expand her Bella Mundo restaurant operation when she was introduced to Susquehanna Real Estate by Joe Wagman of Wagman Construction. Susquehanna Real Estate worked with the City of Harrisburg on zoning changes that were enacted in 2007, allowing for a restau-rant to be located on the site, and for mixed use redevelopment. The Carriage House was renovated by Susquehanna Real Estate in 2008 to func-

the redevelopment plan: a residential condo-minium. The economic downturn impacted the residential market enough to postpone construction of the mid-rise tower.

-cant damage to Char’s Bella Mundo restau-rant in Shipoke and she made the decision to close that location and reopen an all new facility as Char’s at Tracy Mansion. Façade restoration and renovations on the restaurant shell began in January of 2012, and Char purchased the 6,345 square foot restaurant space by that summer, and immediately began interior construction of her new restaurant. Tracy Mansion’s elegance will be brought to life via the res-

-quisite views of the river, and a landscaped sculpture garden adorning the lawn in front of the outdoor dining patio.The remaining mansion space will be reno-

Dear Friends: I’m pleased to have this opportunity to publicly express my gratitude for the generosity and support that was shown so enthusiastically at our gala evening at the Tracy Mansion on October 11. The array of friends who honored Historic Harrisburg

support and their presence that evening was indeed overwhelming. And, the affair was even more delightful than anyone could have imagined! Thanks and bravo to Char Magaro, whom I’ve known since 1979 when she was

at the Governor’s Mansion. Since then, Char -

Front Street, making historic properties into thriving businesses that showcase our city

Thank You From The President, David Morrisonand attract people to it from far and wide. High compliments also must be paid to John Campbell, our amazing Executive Di-rector. In addition to being the mastermind of this creative, memorable and successful event, John has played a central role in restoring HHA – and the cause of historic preservation and urban revitalization – to the importance and prominence they deserve. Thank you, John! What a thrill it is to see HHA thriving once again! As Mindy Crawford, Execu-tive Director of Preservation Pennsylvania said recently, preservation groups can rise or fall rapidly, adding that HHA clearly has regained its high stature, effectiveness and esteem. This is the result of determination and hard work on the part of our outstanding Board of Directors, our well-organized vol-unteer committees, and our ever-increasing

ranks of loyal members, old and new.

to the Capital City and the Capital Region, HHA is poised to have an important impact on the future of our neighborhoods, our landmarks and our community at large. In anticipation of HHA’s 40th anniversary in 2013, I look forward to raising a celebratory “toast” to Historic Harrisburg, to our vision-ary founders, and to all who are dedicated to our cause! I hope you’ll join us!Warmest Regards,

David J. Morrison,President, HHA Board of Directors

Looking for a contractor, loan specialist, or

architect? Introducing our Recommended

Service Providers List

Ever not know who to contact to do a particular restoration or renovation project? As the area’s premier preser-vation organization Historic Harrisburg seeks to help homeowners, developers, and community members find reliable contractors who have experience and the know how to work with proper-ties of a historic nature. In June of 2012, Historic Harrisburg launched its Recommend Service Providers List. The list features qualified contractors willing and able to do the small things like fixing your 1940s bathroom sink, to the big things like redesigning your kitchen.

Historic Harrisburg understands the difficulty with finding contractors who understand what it takes to work in Harrisburg’s historic homes. We hope this list will provide homeowners the seal of approval from Harrisburg’s lead-ing preservation organization.

The list can be found at http://histo-richarrisburg.com/preservation/recom-mended-service-providers.

The Recommended Service Providers list is still being refined and continues to grow so feel free to recommend or suggest anyone you would like to see on it or have worked with in the past!

Tracy Mansion continued from page 10…

vated by Susquehanna Real Estate for lease

will share the two on-site surface parking lots adjacent to the mansion and Second Street. The full site is 1.54 acres and spans from North Front Street to Second Street, with a breathtaking view of the Susquehanna River and convenient access to Harrisburg busi-ness, education, entertainment and shopping. Residential plans for the site are still on hold, but new interest is bringing that development phase into consideration once again.

The E.J. Stackpole home, located adjacent the Tracy Mansion, was demolished after the 1972 Agnes Flood; a travesty not to be repeated next door.


Commercial Space for Lease or Purchase�From 400 to 6700 s.f. Ample off-street parking

www.tracymansion.comA SUSQUEHANNA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

ON HARRISBURG’S HISTORIC RIVERFRONT

For information, contactDaniel J. Alderman717-761-5070 Ext. 132

New Home of Char’s Restaurant

New Building at Second and State StreetsHailed as an Urban Design Success Story

One of the most important intersections in Harrisburg, if not all of Pennsylvania, has been enhanced by sensitive new construc-tion that respects its historic surroundings while adding to the economic vitality of Downtown Harrisburg. In September, 2012, at the southeast corner of Second and State Streets, one block from the entrance to the State Capitol Building, WCI Partners LP cut the ribbon on its $7-million Second & State Building, a project which Historic Harrisburg Associa-tion has praised as “an extremely positive outcome after years of uncertainty.” The five-story, 50,000-square-foot structure houses as its lead tenant the Com-monwealth’s largest state-government-relations law practice, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, as well as two additional gov-

-portant two-block section of State Street as Harrisburg’s “K Street” (Washington DC’s premiere address for government relations practices). A large portion of the ground floor

occupied by First National Bank of Pennsyl-vania. Earlier proposals for this site called

restaurant and al-fresco sidewalk dining. HHA expressed its opposition to the height and contemporary design of the

hotel plan, which ultimately was shelved following the economic downturn of 2008. This was not the right place for the transient

said at the time, adding that a high-rise building would have serious adverse impact on the historic low-rise streetscape and the still-preserved views of the State Capitol Building. The architectural design features varied facades of brick and concrete as well as a pronounced Italianate cornice, emulating many of the older, 19th-centure buildings in the immediate vicinity. The materials and fenestration are correctly presented, creating

a style that properly recognizes the neighbor-hood and the importance of the intersection. This project is clearly a success story from an architectural and urban design standpoint. Both the form and the function

-ment to the overall appearance and ambience of Harrisburg’s iconic “State Street Mall.” Other projects by WCI that reflect sensitivity and dedication to Harrisburg’s historic urban fabric include the landmark “King Mansion” on North Front Street and the “Olde Uptown” development of new and refurbished townhomes a short distance from the Governor’s Residence.

Historic Harrisburg Readies For 40th Anniversary Celebration2013 marks Historic Harrisburg’s 40th Anniversary and we are planning on a spectacular year! With programs being planned for almost every month, Historic Harrisburg offers much more than just advocacy. A full list of programs will be introduced in January and will highlight the year’s activities. In order to prepare for such an occasion we are seeking dedicated volunteers to help make this year a great success. We need people to help plan a 40th Anniversary celebra-tion in the Spring. Event planners, community leaders, and Historic Harrisburg founders, come help us make 2013 one of our best years yet! With Historic Harrisburg on the move, 2013 will surely be a year to talk about. We hope this will catapult the organization to another successful decade of preserving Harris-burg’s architectural fabric, creating and promoting sustainable communities, and advocat-ing for responsible economic development! Come join us! Contact Dawn Frey, our new Events Coordinator, at [email protected] or 717-233-4646.


Renovations continue as Historic Harrisburg

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center. His-toric Harrisburg has partnered with HACC architectural design program to conduct

Community Room and Bank Lobby. De-signs are scheduled to be complete by early spring and will allow Historic Harrisburg to begin the larger project of restoring the grand bank lobby. Exterior work has already begun, with the repair of the building’s rear door, light landscaping, and estimates to repair the front awning and sidewalk masonry restoration. The Community Room has been painted, new blinds purchased, electrical upgrades are in place, and now design work begins

the once hidden tin ceilings. More than $90,000 has been invested into the building with the majority being directed towards the completion of the

Historic Harrisburg Forges Forward on Bank Restoration

Pennsylvania Downtown Center moved into the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center and became Historic Harrisburg’s anchor tenant. In January 2012, more than 60 volunteers helped further renovations in the community room, which has recently been completed. The organization hopes to continue renovations through 2013 and has submit-ted grant applications to numerous sources

to complete projects such as restoration of the historic skylight, the creation of an ADA accessible entrance and courtyard, and the conversion of the kitchen to commercial grade. More information is available at www.historicharrisburg.com. If you would like to contribute to the renovation project please visit www.historicharrisburg.com, or con-tact 717.233.4646.

Historic Harrisburg Association and the Central Pennsylvania community lost a great friend and leading citizen with the sudden passing of PeggyJayne Pierce on June 23. Ironically, but somehow typically, Peggy had just been seen by many of us only three days earlier at the 20th “birthday party” for Elegant Progressions, where she talked enthusiastically about the forthcoming 20th-anniversary outing of “EP” on November 30 and December 1. It had been in June of 1992 that Peggy approached me in our newly-appointed

respectively, of the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania and Historic Harris-burg Association. She wondered if we might somehow collaborate on a gala fundrais-ing event, a progressive dinner in historic homes, similar to an event she and her hus-band, Dr. Bill Pierce (the world-renowned

heart at Penn State Hershey Medical Center) had attended in the Midwest. Thus we gave birth to Elegant Progres-sions

HHA Mourns Passing of Elegant Progressions Co-Founder PeggyJayne Pierce

between our two charitable organizations as well as an enduring personal friendship.

reciprocal: I lost two cousins to kidney diseases; Peggy and Bill helped their son, William Stone Pierce, restore an historic New England house featured on the iconic TV program “This Old House.” My initial meeting of Peggy, two years before the advent of EP, occurred through circumstances that exhibited many of Peggy’s admirable and endearing traits. Her business, Program Planning Associates, in addition to planning medical conferences and educational programs, sometimes in-volved giving tours of the Harrisburg-Her-shey region. In October of 1990, Peggy had

a substitute tour guide. She was referred to me. It happened that Peggy was scheduled for a kidney transplant that month, a fact viewed far more nonchalantly by her than by me. I was glad to be able to help out. When the day of the tour approached, Peggy called and said she’d be coming on the tour after all, in the rear of the bus “just

to make sure things go smoothly. You’ll recognize me, because I’ll be wearing a surgical mask.” Peggy gave the same level of attention and dedication to everything she undertook, in business, in advancing the mission and value of the Kidney Foundation and in working to make Elegant Progres-sions the premiere fundraising special event in Central Pennsylvania. While Peggy and I served as the found-ing co-chairs of Elegant Progressions, it

earlier this year by our successors, Patricia Bucek, Executive Director of KFCP, and John Campbell, Executive Director of HHA.

By David J. Morrison


Member FDIC

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P A I DPermit No. 79Harrisburg, PA

HISTORIC HARRISBURG ASSOCIATIONP.O. Box 1843Harrisburg, PA 17105-1843

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Fall.Winter 2012 Harrisburg Heritage

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