(Courtesy of Fred Lerch)

Shown above is a paper bag recently offered for sale on eBay by a party from Pittsburgh. It is a 5 pound bag of corn meal made by George “Stuff” Spaid here in Beavertown about 1914-20. George bought the old Engle Planing Mill (where the fire hall now is) and put in a coal, feed and grain business in July, 1914.

(Who donated the land where Possum Hollow Park now stands? Answer next month.)

Answer to Last Month

The other raw material mixed in with the brick shale was iron ore.

Since the shale used to make bricks was red in color, it is not surprising that mixed in with the shale was lots of iron ore, the most being of a low grade. However, some large chunks were of a higher grade, but not in sufficient quantity to exploit commercially.

Some chunks are still there to be seen.

(Courtesy of Darwin Aurand)

The dinkey ran from the plant to he quarry (shale pit) just north of town (near the present day Beaver Springs reservoir) along the stream. It had a bell which it rang when crossing the bridge over Kern Run (the “Coon Hooven”). Alf Freed was the engineer, but Bobby Hartman remembers when shale was needed on Saturdays, his dad Lee, would take the dinkey up for some loads. It had two small cars then. Then Glen-Gary of Watsontown took over the plant, a second quarry to the west was opened up. Most if not all of this shale was taken by truck to Watsontown.

(What other raw material was later prevalently mixed with the shale at the pits? Answer next month.)

Answer to Last Month

While there are only a few stock companies that originate and come out of Beavertown, the brick plant was one. Two others are Kearns Motors and the original old Beavertown Electric Company.

(Courtesy of Darwin Aurand)

Shown is a certificate for three shares of $100.00 each, issued to I. D. “Irvy” Aurand, on August 2, 1926. The certificate was signed by L. E. Specht, Treasurer and Guy Oldt, President. This plant was very important to the economy of Beavertown during its entire existence. Many vestiges of it still exist both in and out of town.

(Name at least two other Beavertown stock companies. Answer next month.)

Answer to Last Month

Several buildings in Beavertown were moved. A couple are the Arthur B. Specht Foundry, the Isabella Steam Tannery, and the building now located at 218 West Walnut Street was once on Market Street.

The front of the foundry is still at 127 S. Center Street. The rear was moved to 241 Sassafras Avenue.

The tannery office was moved across Center Street and is now the house located at 220 S. Center Street.