JED REINERT | Digital Staff
Excerpts and summaries of news stories from the former Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era and Sunday News that focus on the events in the county’s past that are noteworthy, newsworthy or just strange.
25 years ago
After three years and $40,000 in legal fees, East Lampeter Township in December 1998 finally gave up the fight against the opening of an off-track betting parlor in the township.
The state Horse Racing Commission ruled in 1995 that the Penn National OTB parlor could open in East Towne Mall, at which point the legal battle began.
Penn National did indeed open in 1996, but the township continued the fight, hoping to oust the business.
However, on Dec. 14, 1998, the state Supreme Court issued a ruling siding with Penn National, and bringing the battle to an end.
In the headlines:
U.S. strikes Iraq
Serbs protest Kosovo killings
South Korean scientists claim step toward human cloning
Check out the Dec. 17, 1998, Intelligencer Journal here.
50 years ago
The first major snowstorm in nearly two years hit Lancaster County on Dec. 16 and 17, 1973.
The storm, which started on a Sunday night and lasted into Monday morning, was a source of joy for children and other snow-lovers, according to one Harrisburg weatherman, who said kids had been sending him Christmas wishes for plenty of snow.
"We've worked real hard to bring people this snow," he joked - though motorists likely didn't share the happy sentiment. Traffic was snarled, cars were stranded and icy rural roads led to treacherous conditions and numerous crashes.
The storm dumped about seven inches of snow on the county, closing most schools and giving those snow-minded kids a three-day weekend.
In the headlines:
Skylab mission in jeopardy
Graham preaches at White House
Eight killed as plane plows into row of Miami homes
Check out the Dec. 17, 1973, Intelligencer Journal here.
75 years ago
Doris Weber, 6, receives her school-mandated vaccinations in this photo from December 1948.
Twenty-seven Lancaster County children were especially relieved to learn on Dec. 16, 1948, that their vaccines were finally successful - after numerous tries.
At that time, children were required to get their state-required vaccinations from their family doctor before entering school. The efficacy of the vaccinations were then tested, and if the vaccine didn't provide immunity, the child returned to their doctor for a second attempt.
If the second attempt wasn't successful, they reported to Dr. N.E. Snyder, chief medical inspector of Lancaster County schools. Snyder attempted vaccination a third time, and if that one was unsuccessful, he would issue a temporary certificate allowing the student to attend school for one year.
Then, the whole process would be repeated the next year.
Most students eventually achieved immunity, but some took many attempts. Those 27 students who received their lifetime immunity certifications on Dec. 16 told a reporter they were relieved, but none more so than Albert Warren.
Albert, 15, was an eighth-grade student at Reynolds Junior High School who had been through a whopping 17 rounds of attempted vaccinations before finally finding success.
In the headlines:
Truman will ask for spy laws to be tightened
Israel's bid to U.N. rejected
Pa. income tax proposed again
Check out the Dec. 17, 1948, Lancaster New Era here.
100 years ago
Newspapers a century ago were seemingly quite fond of a good publicity gimmick, and it was in that spirit that the Lancaster Intelligencer of Dec. 17, 1923, announced that it's newest salesperson would be Marion Green, better known as "Miss Philadelphia of Atlantic City pageant fame."
Green, who would be accompanied by Miss Lancaster Cora Frey, would set up shop in Penn Square for two afternoons, selling the "Night Extra" edition of the Intelligencer.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale would be donated to charity, "probably the Salvation Army."
The publicity stunt would be part of a five-day visit by Miss Philadelphia to Lancaster, during which she would visit various charities and service clubs, speak at luncheons and tour the Lancaster Newspapers building.
In the headlines:
Rebels are nearing Mexico City
France and Germany will discuss the Ruhr occupation
