CenterPieceMay2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Presidential Note.........................................................3 The Legend Retires: Dennis Kunkle........................4 Preserving Your Deduction, New Tax Law.............5 Remembering Lila.......................................................7 FRONTIER JUSTICE: Four Fascinating Stories of Law & Disorder in 18th Century York Parthena Bowman Director of Education Today s image of the American frontier town is often the Wild West of movies, with false front buildings, virtuous sher- iffs, villainous gunslingers, and duels at high noon. But the area west of the Susquehanna River was a Wild West of sorts for much of the 1700 s. Though quite different than movie West- erns, the sparsely populated wilderness had its own gunfights, violent mobs, harsh punishments, and even a challenge to a duel. He Did Shoot the Deputy What is today s York County, was disput- ed territory in the 1730 s. Lord Baltimore and the Penn family both laid claim to the area. Thomas Cresap, a Marylander who settled along the Susquehanna River, began acting as a land agent for Lord Baltimore, collecting quitrents and evicting residents with the help of an armed group of men. Between 1730 and 1738, the dispute in- volved the malicious killing of livestock, calling in the Pennsylvania militia and the Maryland militia, and a fight on the Susquehanna River. Complaints lodged against Cresap led to an arrest warrant being issued. In 1734, a group came to arrest Cresap, including Deputy Knowles Daunt. Cresap shot through his door at the group and fatally injured the deputy. So another arrest warrant was issued for the murder of Daunt... Continue to Page 2... CENTER PIECE May 2019 Volume 4 Issue 2

Page 2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS May 2019 Volume 4, Issue 2 Mission: To inspire the exploration of the history, people and culture of our county, state and nation. As a non-profit organization, the History Center utilizes collections, historic sites and museums to help tell the American story. Chair: Rev. Patrick Rooney, STS Vice Chair: Richard Randall Treasurer: Richard Hogentogler Assistant Treasurer: Stephen Feldmann Secretary: Nadine Hubner Assistant Secretary : Rebecca Countess Past Chair: Robert Kinsley II, AIA At Large Members: Fran Polk, Jim May, Tim Sutherland, Jim Tanzola, Dan Waltersdorff Members Mandy Arnold, Debbie Bieber, Krista Darr, Tim Fulton, George Gard, Ron Hershner, Jeff Hines, Tom Koppman, Jeff Lobach, Glenn Miller, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, Genevieve Ray, Delma Rivera, Joanne Wilmore, David Walsh, Cal Weary, Brad Willow, Karen Wix* *Friends Representative On the Cover: On the cover are photos from last year's Colonial York Day Festival. Make sure to come out on Saturday, July 27, from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. This year, we will be highlighting actual trials that took place in York - with the audience participating as defendants and jurors. This event will be open and free to the public. See you soon! After more failed attempts at apprehending Cresap, he was successfully captured in 1736 and taken to Philadelphia for justice to be served. Though scorned in Pennsylvania, he was regarded highly and rewarded for his actions in Maryland. Despite intervention from the king, land disputes between Maryland and Pennsylvania continued. In 1752, Dudley Digges, whose family owned a large tract of land in the area of present-day Hanover and eastern Adams County, was killed in yet another Mary- land/Pennsylvania land dis- pute. In a little over a decade, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon began their survey which would define the border between the two states. I'm the Sheriff in This Town York broke away from Lan- caster and became its own county in 1749. In 1750, the election of the new county's sheriff ended in a riot. The two candidates were Hans Hamil- ton and Richard McCallister. Hamilton was mainly support- ed by the Scots-Irish. McAllis- ter was mainly supported by the Germans. Voting was peaceful in the morning. The accounts var- ied on the disruption that occurred in the afternoon. Some say that Hamilton shut down the election and posted Scots-Irish guards outside the polling station to deal with an increasingly unruly crowd. A German, who was insistent on submitting his ballot, tripped a guard, which started the riot. Another account says that Hamilton and his supporters knew he was losing, so his supporters rushed in to take the ballot box and the Germans attacked them. Saplings were cut from the banks of the Codorus Creek and used as weapons. The Germans, whose numbers were greater, chased. Hamil- ton and his supporters out of town. There were no deaths, but broken bones and wounds were reported. Once again, conflicting stories appear, but some show that the Quakers set up a second polling place after the riot ensued, and the Germans celebrated McCal- lister s victory but he never became the sheriff. The gover- nor intervened and appointed Hamilton. Both Hamilton and McCallis- ter would continue to be part of the justice system. Among other positions, both became justices in the Court of Com- mon Pleas. Hamilton was re-elected as sheriff. McCallis- ter went on to found the town of Hanover. Whipped and Pilloried When York County was found- ed, legal matters could be han- dled without making the long journey to Lancaster. The first case tried in York was against the overseers of public high- ways for neglect of duty. The overseers were fined. Within the first year, the quarter ses- sions record book documented cases of assault, selling liquor without legal authority and disputed land titles... Continued from Page 1... Continue to Page 5

As the composition and complexity in commu- nity change, so too must the work of museums, libraries and archives to more accurately reflect the past and contemporary history. Our institutions must evolve to expand past histories to reflect all populations, while also documenting stories and artifacts from today for our future. This work involves moving be- yond traditional means of collecting histories in silos, and to be more inclusive within communi- ties, particularly for organizations such as the History Center. The outcome of this changed ap- proach will be a fuller, richer and more compre- hensive understanding of our past that informs the present. By utilizing new methodologies we will provide depth and meaning to history. Keeping the audi- ence or visitor foremost in the design and in- terpretation experience will produce facilitated learning allowing them to better relate to con- tent and build on existing knowledge (increasing retention) rather than receive information. Currently, the History Center team, in partner- ship with a number of people and organizations, is embedded in a county-wide initiative to col- lect little known stories and potential artifacts from our diverse communities to bring a fuller, more accurate history forward. The result will establish a York County History Center that reflects our past and informs our future. We invite you to be a part of the story, after all, #YourHistoryStartsHere. Jeff Hewitt in 2011 during the Civil War Road Show exhibit at Penn Park. President & CEO Page 3 Jeff Hewitt spent nine years at the York Coun- ty History Center working alongside Dennis in facilities before recently returning to the con- struction field. As the Maintenance Technician, Jeff too, man- aged multiple building projects that extended well beyond traditional duties. If we needed a wall, or a new room, he utilized his construction talents to create them at both the Historical Society building and the Agricul- tural & Industrial Museum. Frequently Jeff could be seen climbing ladders, poised on a scissors lift, and leaning out win- dows to conduct major repairs and general maintenance on our buildings. We cannot under- state the valuable contributions he made to the organization over the years that help conserve our facilities and save financial resources. In addition, Jeff and his wonderful wife Megan, generously provided musical entertainment to the Oyster Festival for many years. We will miss his affable, and unflappable demeanor, his fo- cused prioritization, and his music! PRESIDENTIAL NOTE WELL WISHES TO JEFF HEWITT

Page 4 A tap on the shoulder or arm by Dennis Kunkle, coupled with a silent directional nod of the head, meant that a visitor (or employee) was at the penultimate History Center experience. One was rewarded by dutifully following him to an artifact or a curious find recently discovered in the collection. Dennis took immense pleasure in delighting and educating students of all ages about York County history. Dennis was hired in 1986 as an Exhibit Prepara- tor, a position that handled the design, logistics and building of an exhibit. It was a role he was well suited for especially given his stellar tal- ents in woodworking and artifact restoration. Eventually, through several mergers, the orga- nization grew from five buildings to ten with over 200,000 square feet to manage; Dennis was elevated to the Director of Facilities where he gamely managed deferred maintenance, exhibit construction and upkeep, cleaning, and a host of other activities. He was our History Center MacGyver , fixing everything with cunning skill and an eye for fiscal stewardship. There were no normal weeks for Dennis at the History Center. One moment he might be shov- eling snow, replacing a window sash, painting or scrubbing graffiti from a mural, and the next might find him pinch hitting for a tour of school students. Truthfully, Director of Facilities never adequate- ly described Dennis role at the History Center. His extraordinary pride in our history compelled him to perform duties far beyond his position. For that and his unflagging dedication to the or- ganization, we are deeply grateful. We will miss our daily experiences with him. While Dennis has officially retired, deservedly so, we are elat- ed that he will continue to delight and surprise students of all ages as a tour volunteer. Donations can be given in honor of Dennis for the Buildings & Grounds fund. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Terri Atland, Director of Development at 717-848-1587 ext. 216 or email her at [email protected] THE LEGEND RETIRES: DENNIS KUNKLE Pictured above is Dennis Kunkle enjoying his retirement and birthday party on the same day! SHARE YOUR HISTORY Thursday, July 18, 2019, 6-8PM York County History Center 250 E. Market St., York, PA 17403 Help the York County History Center preserve YOUR History by sharing with us documents, photographs and stories that help promote under- standing of the whole community. Information and guidance on caring for family materials at home will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity for materials to be digitally scanned and/or photographed. With your permission, these digital images will become part of the History Center's archives and copies will be provided back for owners to keep. Hosted by Ophelia Chambliss, Community Historian for Diversity & Inclusion.

Museum Educator, Dara Kane played the part of a thief to portray what it would be like being thrown in the pillory. Examples of sentences include a woman found guilty of steal- ing a silk handkerchief being sentenced to 15 lashes on the bare back at the whipping post. A case of an attempted rape included a fine, 21 lashes to the bare back and 1 hour in the pillory. Showdown at the Episcopal Church In 1777, some military leaders and members of Congress be- gan to lack confidence in Wash- ington s performance as Com- mander in Chief, with some believing General Horatio Gates would be an excellent replace- ment. General James Wilkinson revealed some unfavorable re- marks about Washington made in correspondence between General Thomas Conway and General Gates. In an attempt at damage con- trol, Gates tried to refocus on Wilkinson s betrayal. With his honor called into question, Wilkinson challenged Gates to a duel behind St. John s Epis- copal Church on Beaver Street. Arriving at the church yard on the morning of the duel, Wilkin- son reported that Gates was unarmed and greeted him in friendship. History proved that Wilkinson should not have been For more highlights and low- trusted with secrets. He signed his allegiance to Spain in 1787. Throughout his military service and work as US Envoy to Mexico, he was selling Ameri- can secrets until his death in 1825. lights of 18th Century Justice in York, check out Colonial York Day on July 27! Page 5 Continued from Page 2... PRESERVING YOUR DEDUCTION: CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE NEW TAX ACT An Excerpt from an Article by Thomas J. Moul, CPA Principal, Director of Strategic Tax Advisory at Stambaugh Ness. As April 15th came and went, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act certainly has not brought sim- plification to federal income taxes, but it does create many new and enhanced tax plan- ning strategies that can impact each taxpayer differently. While years. 2018 is in the books, all is not lost! There are some tax plan- ning strategies that taxpayers can follow to not only maxi- mize deductions but also con- tinue to support those charities at most brokerages. A taxpayer (like the History Center) that they value in 2019 and beyond. One easy method to follow is the concept of Bunching. Bunching is the strategy of po- tentially combining two years worth of contributions into one year. Instead of giving the same amount per year, a donor could delay their 2019 contri- butions until January 2020 and then make their regular contri- butions in 2020. This strategy saves significantly in taxes and can be repeated every two Additionally, a very user-friend- ly technique is to establish a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at a community foundation or can fund several years of con- tributions with one substantial gift into their DAF without any obligation to commit to future recipients or amounts of char- itable grants. Furthermore, the funding could be with appreci- ated assets (such as marketable securities) which provides for a deduction at the fair market value of the asset and no tax on the unrealized gain. Finally, Required Minimum Distributions: Taxpayers 70 ½ years of age or older receiving Required Minimum Distribu- tions (RMDs) from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) may make charitable contribu- tions directly from their IRA RMD s... Continue to Page 6

YOUR HISTORY STARTS HERE! VOLUNTEER! Make a historic move and inquire about volunteering at the History Cen- ter! We love our volunteers! Many opportunities are available, including roles in the Administra- tive, Curatorial, Education, Library & Archives, and Special Events departments. We also use college students as interns in many de- partments. Want to learn more? Visit our website at: www.yorkhistorycenter.org/about or contact David Corman at [email protected] or (717) 848-1587, ext. 232. Page 6 This provision is not new, but since many older taxpayers will not itemize with the new law s higher standard deduction, this opportunity becomes more important since it will effective- ly allow for a tax deduction for charitable giving by excluding what would be otherwise tax- able IRA RMD income. Plus, there is an additional ben- efit of lowering Adjusted Gross Income which impacts other tax return amounts such as taxable social security. These are just a few of the strategies that could lessen your tax burden while at the same time preserving your con- tributions to the History Center. information on implementing We recommend consulting with your financial advisor for more these charitable giving options. To read the entire ar- ticle from Tom (with examples) please visit: www.yorkhistory- center.org/waystogive. Continued from Page 5... THE GREAT GATSBY GARDEN PARTY

REMEMBERING LILA FOURHMAN-SHAULL Nicole Smith, Acting Director of Library & Archives Pictured above is Lila Fourhman-Shaull. Page 7 NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S AUXILIARY CLUB David Henry, Member of the Friends Friends are the best part of life, and the York County History Center has The Friends, a group of women and men ded- icated to the future health of the York County History Center. Friend s larg- The Friends are not your grand- mother s auxiliary organization, Trot sandwich sale, a longtime they are inspired by a long history of service beginning in 1964. Since the beginning, The Friends have been active in service projects supporting the needs of the History Cen- ter including raising funds and annual special events. Over the years the projects have While the hard work is truly a changed and evolved, however, going the extra mile to support the mission of the History Cen- ter has always stayed the same. time. Each Spring and Fall the The Friends still welcome the community for Fastnacht Day in February and for the Ice Cream Parlor held during the Olde York Street Fair. One of the est fundraisers is the Turkey tradition that offers a complete lunch made completely by Friends volunteers and deliv- ered to customers all over York County. A huge bake sale at History Center s annual Oyster Festival is held on a Sunday in October. hallmark of the Friends, there s no denying their devotion to having a good group hosts a luncheon to celebrate their members and activities. Members enjoy each others company and savor the moments as they support the exploration of York County History in the community they call home. Come join us. The Friends group is open to all members of the York County History Center. For more information please visit the York County History Center web site: https://www.yorkhistory- center.org/get-involved/ friends-york-county-histo- ry-center Looking back, I remember noticing how much Lila loved history and that her enthusi- asm made an impact on the staff, volunteers and the public. She took pride in making sure that everyone felt welcome in the Library and received the best possible service. When you were with Lila you knew you were going to learn some amaz- ing history and you were going to have fun doing it! In her 27 years at the History Center, Lila initiated projects that benefited researchers and contributed to local historical knowledge. She spent years visiting all the cemeteries recorded by the Historical Society of York County in the 1930s. She marked the sites on a modern road atlas which is often used by researchers. She authored or co-authored publications including Lewis Miller s People, Millers Tales: The Mills of York County, and A Walking Tour of Civil War Era Residents at Pros- pect Hill Cemetery, York, Pa. One of her biggest gifts to the History Center was the annual Book Blast, an important Histo- ry Center fundraiser which ran for 18 years. In 2018 Lila accepted the Henry J. Young award from the South Central Pennsylvania Genealogi- cal Society. Since starting in February of 2017, it was my privilege to work side by side with Lila. She taught me a lot about history and how to encourage others and preserve the history of our community and county for future generations. Her pas- sion for history inspired us all. Contributions in Lila's honor will help establish a paid library internship fund. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Terri Atland, Director of Development at 717-848-1587 ext. 216 or email her at [email protected]

250 East Market St. York, PA 17403 yorkhistorycenter.org 717-848-1587 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 34 York, PA SUMMER FAMILY MAKER SERIES This summer try a new hobby with the York County History Center s Summer Family Maker Series! From bake oven cooking to felting, we ve got a variety of experiences that give families an opportunity to try something new without purchasing new equipment or supplies. Bake Oven Class: Saturday, June 1 Colonial Complex, 10:00 AM - Noon or 1:30 - 3:30 PM Participants will be making fresh herb & garlic scones and pizzas to share. Pre-registration is required. Visit our website for more details.