125 Years Ago

Herald of Aug. 4, 1899

William Herr, a contractor digging the foundation for Duncansville’s new school struck a ledge of rock said to have been impregnated heavily with petroleum. The find caused considerable excitement as the presence of oil in the Duncansville area had been suspected for some time. There had been talk of drilling a test well on the possibility of discovering an oil field.

At a meeting of the school board on Monday night the following new books were adopted: Morris’ History, Natural Geography, and Vitzell’s Speller. The board also passed a resolution, recommending that all children be vaccinated before the school term opened September 4.

H.E. Ketner of Henrietta had proved himself the champion groundhog catcher, bagging five within the previous week.

David Mentzer and members of his family were severely shocked when lightning struck a large tree overhanging their Roaring Spring home and followed wires into the house.