NEWS
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April 2023
Upcoming Events The Longswamp Township Historical Society is working on some fun and interesting events for the spring. Along with our monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of every month, we have a few upcoming events. Check out our events page for more details. May 7: Local History & Nature Walk May 13: Basket Raffle & Live Auction Fundraiser May 27-29: Memorial Day Weekend Cemetery Tours If you have any questions, contact us at longswamphistory@gmail.com Below are just a few items that will be at our May 13 fundraiser. 
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December 2022
Lehigh Valley Passport to History Holiday Traditions Virtual Program If you missed this virtual program, you can catch it on the LVPH's Facebook page. LTHS President Marie Mary participated as one of the speakers for the Lehigh Valley Passport to History's virtual monthly series programs on Holiday Traditions. You can view it here on LVPH's Facebook page event. |
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December 2022
Longswamp New Year's Wish/Langschwammer Nei Yaahrs Winsch Excerpt from our December/January Newsletter: The custom still practiced today in the Longswamp area and known as the New Year's Wish (Nei Yaahrs Winsch), had its beginnings in Germany and seems to be pretty much an exclusive Pennsylvania phenomenon in America. The custom is yet another example of grafting a Christian holiday upon a pagan festival. Shooting in the New Year, especially popular in the 19th century, was actually a custom that entailed a two-part process: first, wishing in, and, second, shooting in, the New Year. Over time, the shooting part became less popular. The Wish is a Christian prayer for the coming year. But in earlier times, the Winscher’s (Wisher’s) entourage donned masks (to hide their identity from lurking evil spirits) and carried items that could be used to create a loud noise, such as pots and pans to bang on or rifles to shot, to scare away any evil sprits and allow the blessing of the Wish to descend upon those who had received it. Today, many continue to practice the pagan portion of this age-old custom of scaring away evil spirits at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day. Although today, we mostly use paper horns, canned air horns, spinners, clappers, and outdoor fireworks displays. Here in Longswamp Township, we can trace back as far as the last four Wishers: Herb Hoppes, John P. Fritsch, Peter V. Fritsch, and the current Wisher—Mike Hertzog. John Fritsch is credited for writing the township Wish that has been shared with area families and church congregations for many decades. But instead of capping off the Wish with the firing of rifles, the Fritsches and and their respective entourages chose instead to employ musical instruments to make the requisite, post-Wish racket. You can view a 2009 YouTube video recording of Peter and the Hertzogs performing the New Year's Wish. Mike and his wife Linda will perform the Nei Yaahrs Winsch following services at several Longswamp area churches (see dates on right). You can also find the lyrics and the translation here. All are welcome. In 2011, Peter and Mike and Luke Hertzog recorded the Nei Yaahrs Winsch in CD format. The CD includes additional bluegrass melodies plus three “Dutch” numbers sung by Peter Fritsch (Alle Deitsche Brieder, Sunndaahgs In Die Karich, Der Kaschebaam). The CD ends with the playing of Auld Lange Syne. Eighteen tracks in all! The CDs are just $5 each and can be purchased from our web store or at our Schubert Haus museum space during the December 18th PA German Christmas event AND at the Schubert Haus following the January 22nd Nei Yaahrs Winsch performance at the Longswamp UCC. (While supplies last.) Visitors to the Schubert Haus on December 18 and January 22 can enjoy complimentary refreshments and a chance to view the current museum displays and a special historic holiday display. You can park in the Longswamp UCC lots or at the “Haus” (32 Church Street), just a short way down the hill from the Longswamp UCC, and park on the front lawn. Along with these events, our Society President, Marie Mary will be speaking on this subject on the Passport to History Lehigh Valley's Virtual History presentation on December 20 via Facebook. |
“Shooting in the New Year,” by Gloria Lutz.
The Wisher (background, left) recites the Wish to the head of the household (background, right), while the Wisher’s entourage prepares to shoot in the New Year.
Peter Fritsch showcased in a fraktur art Christmas card John (playing dulcimer), with sister Peggy, Luke and Mike Hertzog.
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November 2022
This fall has been keeping the Longswamp Township Historical Society and its members busy! We've had several field trips to local sites and we're having an open house Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13. Come explore the Longswamp Cemetery and the Schubert Haus at 32 Church Street in Mertztown to view the Society's collections and displays. Come see our nostalgic displays on area businesses, tour the Schubert Haus, and learn about the Society and its Save Our Station restoration project for the Mertztown Train Station. All are welcome to this free event! We hope to see you there! |
Thank you to Leann Sacks for taking this great photo of the Smith family!
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August, 2022
We had another LTHS Night at a nearby restaurant. Supporters dined all day at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Hamilton Crossings in Allentown. Some came twice! The LTHS enjoyed partnering with BJ's on this fundraising event. We raised $267.15! Thanks to everyone who came out in support of the LTHS! 
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March, 2022
LTHS Night at the Bower's Hotel resulted in $1,800 of profit! Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support! Special thanks to Bonnie and Rich Tremmel, proprietors of the Bowers Hotel, for their generous donation of $500 and an anonymous donor's gift of $900 (more than 25 percent of total food purchases for the evening). Another $400 was raised by a raffle and on-the-spot donations from diners. On March 31, LTHS hosted Cub Scout Pack 575 at our 1875 Mertztown Train Station. The boys, who are working on a history merit badge, got the chance to tour the station and learn about its history. We look forward to continuing to work with the boys and help them to learn more about the history of the Longswamp area. |
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February, 2022
Did you know? February 8th recognizes National Boys Scouts Day; March 12th is National Girl Scout Day, and March 17th is Campfire Girls Day. What better time, then, for us to roll out a new museum exhibit that showcases uniforms, caps, sashes, printed material, and other items related to scouting. The museum is typically open to the public on Thursday mornings, 9:30 - 11:30 AM and by appointment. Our museum space in the historic Schubert Haus (32 Church Street, Mertztown). The museum is open to all; there is no fee to tour the museum. Questions? Contact us at longswamphistory@gmail.com. On Tuesday, February 15, Longswamp Twp. Historical Society was one of two guest speakers for Lehigh Valley Passport to History's Virtual Series. February's topic was Black History. The presentation shared an intriguing mystery combining physical evidence, local lore, documented history and some good, old-fashioned speculation to suggest that a line of the Underground Railroad existed in Longswamp Township. |
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December, 2021
This fall, the Berks County Commissioners through the Berks County Redevelopment Authority, awarded the LTHS with a $75,000 grant for the Save Our Station restoration project for the Mertztown Train Station. See our press release for details. We want to thank the Commissioners for this grant that will go towards a great cause. If you'd like to donate to the project, you can make a donation a variety of ways: - visit our online store and make a donation - visit our GoFundMe page, or - mail a donation to LTHS, P.O. Box 610, Mertztown, PA 19539. |
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October, 2021
On October 9, 2021, LTHS welcomed participants of the Fall ’21 Road Ramble, an event hosted by the Berks History Center, plus non-participating community members and Historical Society members, at three locations in the community. Each location logged in more than 100 visitors. Folks genuinely seemed to enjoy the visits:
We have many people to thank for this success: Patrons, our challenge donor, event-day donors, and event sponsors, obviously, but also the many volunteers who worked hard before, during and after the events. Thank you to those listed below: Volunteers: Kristi Chase*, Jan Ernst***, Troy Fairchild*, Tootie Hellwig*, Cliff Kerchner**, Morgan Larese***, Sheila Loessl**, Eloise Long*, Tim Long**, Mary Mabry*, Marie Catherine Maly**, Marie Christine Maly*, Debbie Miller*, Willie Miller*, Diane Smith**, Leon Smith*, Bonnie Solt*, John Stichter*, Kane Weller** * LTHS Board members ** LTHS members *** Community volunteers Business sponsors: Atlas Minerals & Chemicals, Inc., Christian Congregation Church, Janelle Restaurant & Catering Hall, Longswamp United Church of Christ. |
LTHS member & Open House volunteer, Cliff Kerschner (right, foreground) chats with some of the many visitors to the station.
The book launch event included a special treat: an opportunity to purchase eat-in or take-out PA Dutch specialties as only Janelle’s can prepare them.
The Schubert Haus, our interim museum location, was resplendent with fall foliage and other autumnal decorations, both inside & out.
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September, 2021
LTHS is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $50,000 donation from one of its members in support of its Save Our Station - Mertztown Train Station Restoration Project. The donation brings Project funds to 46 percent of the amount needed for construction to begin--and for a historic township structure associated with an early, pioneering railroad to be saved from collapse. To learn more about the Mertztown train station and plans for its restoration and adaptive reuse, click the "Save Our Station" link at the top of this webpage. All donations to the Restoration Project, both large and small, are very much appreciated. As an organization operating under IRS Code 501(c)(3), your donation to the Save Our Station Project is tax deductible.
LTHS is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $50,000 donation from one of its members in support of its Save Our Station - Mertztown Train Station Restoration Project. The donation brings Project funds to 46 percent of the amount needed for construction to begin--and for a historic township structure associated with an early, pioneering railroad to be saved from collapse. To learn more about the Mertztown train station and plans for its restoration and adaptive reuse, click the "Save Our Station" link at the top of this webpage. All donations to the Restoration Project, both large and small, are very much appreciated. As an organization operating under IRS Code 501(c)(3), your donation to the Save Our Station Project is tax deductible.
July, 2021
The LTHS hosted an open house on the evening of June 30 at the Schubert Haus. The building historically was the parsonage associated with the Longswamp UCC, It currently houses the Longswamp UCC's collections and the LTHS' library and museum collections. Attendees viewed the Society's museum displays and talked with board members about upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities.
We also sampled some delicious molasses cookies baked by board member Tootie Hellwig, using a local Longswamp bakery's recipe.
The LTHS hosted an open house on the evening of June 30 at the Schubert Haus. The building historically was the parsonage associated with the Longswamp UCC, It currently houses the Longswamp UCC's collections and the LTHS' library and museum collections. Attendees viewed the Society's museum displays and talked with board members about upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities.
We also sampled some delicious molasses cookies baked by board member Tootie Hellwig, using a local Longswamp bakery's recipe.
May, 2021
May was a busy month. We :
May was a busy month. We :
- received our fifth endorsement for the Save Our Station - Mertztown Train Station Project from the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. Previously, we have received endorsements from the Board of Supervisors of Longswamp Township, The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Pa. Rep. Ryan MacKenzie, and Pa. Senator Bob Mensch.
- joined the Passport to History Lehigh Valley, a partnership of historic sites and resources in and around Pennsylvania's Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
- were highlighted in the inaugural issue of "The Center Spotlight," an email publication sent earlier this month to Berks County History Center members. The item provides a brief history of our 10 years of service to the Longswamp area. (We are observing our 10th anniversary this month.) Our May, 2011, event took the form of a reenactment of the signing of a petition in 1761 to request township status for Longswamp, complete with period costumes and other props. (A photo from the reenactment is posted below.)
- hosted a Longswamp cemetery self-tour program for community members far and wide to visit the graves of the 12 veterans buried in the township that were either killed in action or died in service.
April, 2021
Following two rainouts, our hike to visit the abandoned hematite iron ore mining area in the township's village of Rittenhouse Gap finally happened, and our patience was rewarded with great weather. We welcome the seven new Historical Society members that joined us for the hike.
Iron ore was once plentiful throughout Berks County but was most abundant in Longswamp Township. A handful of township residents made their fortunes from the iron ore business, and their mansions (or what's left of them) still grace the township. Sadly, many, residents died from injuries that caused by all sorts of mining accidents.
Following two rainouts, our hike to visit the abandoned hematite iron ore mining area in the township's village of Rittenhouse Gap finally happened, and our patience was rewarded with great weather. We welcome the seven new Historical Society members that joined us for the hike.
Iron ore was once plentiful throughout Berks County but was most abundant in Longswamp Township. A handful of township residents made their fortunes from the iron ore business, and their mansions (or what's left of them) still grace the township. Sadly, many, residents died from injuries that caused by all sorts of mining accidents.
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February, 2021
Just in time for the observance of its 10th anniversary of active service to the community, and thanks to graphic artist, Steve Frederick, who graciously donated his time and talent, Longswamp Historical Society finally has an official logo and brand palette. |
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November, 2020
Topton native, Willard Dellicker, was guest speaker at our 5th Annual Salute to Military Service event, Bill shared his experiences through three tours of duty as a fighter pilot and landing signal officer in the Vietnam War. He also donated the proceeds of the sale of his book, "Tailhooker: From Pre-Flight to Vietnam," to Longswamp Township Historical Society. Thanks to the Longwamp UCC for the use of its sanctuary. |
October, 2020
On Saturday, October 10th, LTHS added a "frightening" twist to the Great Pumpkin Hunt, an event sponsored by the township's Parks and Recreation Committee. Kids and adults alike were invited to take a printed handout that summarized a lengthy poem written in the 1940s by township native John Birmelin, entitled, “The Ghost of Longswamp” (“Es Gschpuck vum Lange Swamm”). A Halloween treat was attached to each handout.
For most of his adulthood, Birmelin, who relocated with his family to Reading, Pa. as a teen, was best known for his diverse musical career. It wasn’t until he was himself a father and sat down one day to help his son write a parody of a Revolutionary War poem that John likewise took up his pen and, as he had done as a young boy, began writing poetry in his first language: Pennsylvania German. Among his contemporaries, John was considered to be the greatest poet to ever write in the dialect.
DID YOU KNOW? John got his start as a musician at age 11 when he began playing the organ at the Longswamp Church.
On Saturday, October 10th, LTHS added a "frightening" twist to the Great Pumpkin Hunt, an event sponsored by the township's Parks and Recreation Committee. Kids and adults alike were invited to take a printed handout that summarized a lengthy poem written in the 1940s by township native John Birmelin, entitled, “The Ghost of Longswamp” (“Es Gschpuck vum Lange Swamm”). A Halloween treat was attached to each handout.
For most of his adulthood, Birmelin, who relocated with his family to Reading, Pa. as a teen, was best known for his diverse musical career. It wasn’t until he was himself a father and sat down one day to help his son write a parody of a Revolutionary War poem that John likewise took up his pen and, as he had done as a young boy, began writing poetry in his first language: Pennsylvania German. Among his contemporaries, John was considered to be the greatest poet to ever write in the dialect.
DID YOU KNOW? John got his start as a musician at age 11 when he began playing the organ at the Longswamp Church.
September, 2020
Responding to circulating rumors regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to fund the Mertztown Train Station Restoration Project, Longswamp Township Historical Society (LTHS) wishes to clarify and emphasize that ALL costs associated with the project will be borne by LTHS. These include the move and restoration of the structure, hook-up of electrical service, creation of a walkway from the structure to the parking lot plus any additional hardscaping or landscaping LTHS may wish to install. A separate meter will be installed to capture electrical usage data for the repurposed train station; the associated cost of kilowatt use will also be borne entirely by Longswamp Township Historical Society.
Please see the statement on the Longswamp Township's website.
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On Sunday, September 13th, LTHS added to the festivities of Swampfest 2020 by creating and hosting its second Historic Scavenger Hunt. Participants visited 10 locations to find answers to clues printed in the official scavenger hunt booklet. Along the way, participants were able to learn about the Mertztown fire of 1903, the single building that was saved, and financial losses generated by the fire at several of the stops. Photos of some of the destroyed buildings were also printed in the booklet. Other stops included one of the three township buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the locations where some of the best hoedowns were once held, the place that was once the place for family reunions and employee picnics, and much more. Swampfest was hosted by the township Parks and Recreation Committee. Cash prizes for the winning entries were donated by Board of Supervisors, Don Hickman and Joyce Marin.
Responding to circulating rumors regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to fund the Mertztown Train Station Restoration Project, Longswamp Township Historical Society (LTHS) wishes to clarify and emphasize that ALL costs associated with the project will be borne by LTHS. These include the move and restoration of the structure, hook-up of electrical service, creation of a walkway from the structure to the parking lot plus any additional hardscaping or landscaping LTHS may wish to install. A separate meter will be installed to capture electrical usage data for the repurposed train station; the associated cost of kilowatt use will also be borne entirely by Longswamp Township Historical Society.
Please see the statement on the Longswamp Township's website.
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On Sunday, September 13th, LTHS added to the festivities of Swampfest 2020 by creating and hosting its second Historic Scavenger Hunt. Participants visited 10 locations to find answers to clues printed in the official scavenger hunt booklet. Along the way, participants were able to learn about the Mertztown fire of 1903, the single building that was saved, and financial losses generated by the fire at several of the stops. Photos of some of the destroyed buildings were also printed in the booklet. Other stops included one of the three township buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the locations where some of the best hoedowns were once held, the place that was once the place for family reunions and employee picnics, and much more. Swampfest was hosted by the township Parks and Recreation Committee. Cash prizes for the winning entries were donated by Board of Supervisors, Don Hickman and Joyce Marin.
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August, 2020
Despite the effects of Hurricane Isaias and the heat advisory, we hosted a Mertztown Train Station Open House on Sunday, August 2. Visitors were able to tour the station, ask questions, view project drawings and historic railroad blueprints, and shop for Longswamp Township Historical Society merchandise. Representatives from WFMZ, the Reading Eagle, and Railpace News magazine were there to document the event. In conjunction with this event, we launched our GoFundMe page and our first YouTube video. We wish to like to thank everyone who made the event so successful! We also thank our sponsors: Atlas Minerals & Chemicals, Christian Congregation Church, Longswamp Lion's Club, Radcliffe's Great Valu, Sons of the American Legion Post 217, Spotts Insurance Group, Topton Fish and Game Association, and Valley Hardware. |
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June, 2020
Despite of the many operational difficulties caused by COVID-19, LTHS still managed to publish its ninth Village series booklet, "The Village of Freehall."
You can purchase your copy through our online store, at one of our events, or send us a check by mail, noting the booklet(s) you wish to purchase. You can also purchase a copy(ies) at the Courtesy Desk at Radcliffe's Great Valu (953 State Street, Mertztown) or the Township Office (1112 Main Street, Mertztown).
All of our "Village" series booklets are $16 (plus $3 for shipping & handling). If you live locally, we can also arrange a pick-up or drop-off date.
Despite of the many operational difficulties caused by COVID-19, LTHS still managed to publish its ninth Village series booklet, "The Village of Freehall."
You can purchase your copy through our online store, at one of our events, or send us a check by mail, noting the booklet(s) you wish to purchase. You can also purchase a copy(ies) at the Courtesy Desk at Radcliffe's Great Valu (953 State Street, Mertztown) or the Township Office (1112 Main Street, Mertztown).
All of our "Village" series booklets are $16 (plus $3 for shipping & handling). If you live locally, we can also arrange a pick-up or drop-off date.
May, 2020
LTHS has been working on a capital campaign to raise funds for the move and restoration of the Mertztown Train Station from its original location to Longswamp Township Community Park. We were recently awarded a $2,500 grant from the Berks County Community Foundation's Conservation Equity Fund. You can read more about the project and the grant here and with the following news outlets: Berks-Mont News, News Break, Reading Eagle, and WFMZ.
If you'd like to contribute to the Save Our Station project, please visit our Support page for more information.
LTHS has been working on a capital campaign to raise funds for the move and restoration of the Mertztown Train Station from its original location to Longswamp Township Community Park. We were recently awarded a $2,500 grant from the Berks County Community Foundation's Conservation Equity Fund. You can read more about the project and the grant here and with the following news outlets: Berks-Mont News, News Break, Reading Eagle, and WFMZ.
If you'd like to contribute to the Save Our Station project, please visit our Support page for more information.
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April, 2020
Happy Easter, 2021! Yes, our 2021 calendar is hot off the press! You can order by sending a $12 check payable to Longswamp Township Historical Society. Or, you can add $3 for shipping, and we’ll send it to you now! You can also purchase them from our online store. |
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December, 2019
LTHS published its newest Village series booklet, "Henningsville," and its 2020 calendar: "Village People." Unfortunately, the Annual Meeting/Party/Book Launch was snowed out, but attendees enjoyed Board & Committee Member Ellie Long's talk about Henningsville, themed refreshments, and raffle. Our publications are available from our store. |
May, 2019
The Longswamp Township Historical Society (LTHS) acquired the Mertztown Train Station earlier this month from Atlas Minerals & Chemicals, Inc. We are in the process of planning its move, restoration, and rehabilitation. Pictured: (l-r) LTHS Board President Marie Maly, Atlas Minerals & Chemicals CEO, Frank Hanson.
The Longswamp Township Historical Society (LTHS) acquired the Mertztown Train Station earlier this month from Atlas Minerals & Chemicals, Inc. We are in the process of planning its move, restoration, and rehabilitation. Pictured: (l-r) LTHS Board President Marie Maly, Atlas Minerals & Chemicals CEO, Frank Hanson.
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