(Courtesy of The Beavertown Historical Society)

Shown here is an old photograph regenerated on a computer of William H. Specht’s Furniture Factory about 1900. This plant manufactured sinks, cupboards, and tables. His bill advised purchasers “to examine goods at the depot, and if damaged to refuse them. Goods are delivered to R.R. Co. in good condition when our responsibility ceases. We will allow no deductions and will not pay freight for their return.” Small amounts of a high quality line brand named ‘Linnie’ was also made here.

(What other business used this same building in later years? Answer next month.)

Answer to Last Month

After Specht’s closed the furniture store, the building was vacant for some time. Jim Seebold, of New Berlin, then opened a butcher shop in one part of the building.

The principal business later became the Charles Bobb General Store, Restaurant, Ice Cream Parlor and Boarding Home. Some of the best homemade ice cream in the area was always available in different flavors, like Grapenut.

The boarding home was used by many teachers when they came to the area. Marlan Shearer and Bob Yerger were just some. It was also the first home in Beavertown for Erik Kaiser, the German Jewish refugee who got out of Nazi Germany about 1940. When Mr. Bobb spoke PA Dutch, Erik was very happy, for he spoke no English when he first arrived. After Erik got his girlfriend out of Germany, they got married and moved to a silk mill house. Erik had been given a job in the office of the silk mill by “Pappy” Wise. Later, Erik and his wife moved to New Jersey.