Stewartstown History

Stewartstown:
from the 20's to the 50's

At the close of the First World War, Stewartstown entered upon a period of growth as an industrial and commercial center in southern York County. A key factor in the importance of the Borough was the improvement of transportation facilities, chiefly the road and highway systems. The Federal Government had initiated a road building program immediately after the war and the state of Pennsylvania also began support for state and local roads. The 1926 Rand McNally road map of Pennsylvania designates the highway from York to Baltimore as U.S. 111, "The Susquehanna Trail". What is now route 24 from Stewartstown to Red Lion and York is shown as a paved state road with no route number. The road from Shrewsbury to Stewartstown was unpaved. Driving along route 851 today, the close observer can catch glimpses of the old road in the woods opposite the intersection of Ziegler Road. The railroad was still the major means of transportation. The peak years had passed by 1932 and in 1934 the New Park and Fawn Grove line was abandoned and the tracks removed due to lack of car loadings.

By the mid 1930's, there were five manufacturing companies in the Borough, all of which were served by the railroad. Two were lumber mills, the others included a cannery, clothing factory and the Stewartstown Furniture Company. At various times, a cigar factory had operated in the large green building on West Pennsylvania Ave. The Feed and Grain Mill occupied the intersection of West Pennsylvania opposite the Railroad Station. A large wooden structure on the northeast corner was a factory making mattresses from processed corn husks. The importance of agriculture in the region was evident in the three farm implement dealerships located in the Borough. The growth of automobile and truck usage resulted in four service stations and five auto dealers by the 1940's.

Stewartstown had also become a retail trade and services center between the wars. The Peoples National Bank and the First National Bank occupied landmark buildings that still stand today. The Norris Restaurant was a popular place as was Gladys Restaurant, located next to the swimming pool which was also operated by the Gladfelters. Two plumbing companies, an electrical company that retailed appliances, medical offices and a beauty shop were parts of the commercial mix of the town's business core. The Ramsey Theatre operated six nights a week with matinees on Saturday. Malles 5 & 10 offered variety merchandise and Mulls Drug store was famous for their own brand of ice cream. Halls Dairy operated on North Main Street at Hall Street, and two hotels, Trouts and Saylors offered lodging to travelers. Saturdays were busy shopping times in the Borough. Fultons Department Store, Harris Brothers Department Store and Kunkle's Furniture, Gifts, Toys and Sporting Goods Store were part of the retail trade group that made Stewartstown the Shopping Center of Southern York County.

At the time Stewartstown celebrated it's Centennial in 1951, the future economic base of the town seemed secure. However, the Borough was about to undergo change. In 1951, the railroad lost the mail contract to a trucking firm and the Tollinger Bus Lines were operating to Red Lion. You could have purchased a Kaiser or Fraser from Sweeneys Auto dealership or a Hudson from Gibbs and Orr. Orville McCleary and Clarence Hulshart operated trucking and hauling services. Clearly, the automobile age had arrived in the Borough and many changes would follow as the state improved the highways and the Susquehanna Expressway, which is now known as I-83. The second half of the 20th Century would bring continuing change to the Borough and the lands of Hopewell Township that surround it.

Article by Charles W. Boas
Stewartstown Historical Society

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