Memories of G. C. Murphy's in Bangor, PA

On Thursday, September 14, 2023, Bangor experienced a great loss. The large building at 24 Broadway was on fire. Along with loss of personal belongings in apartments and two businesses, there was a loss of memories. The only glimmer of good, was no one was injured, human or animal. Bangor Fire Companies fought the fire diligently. Many nearby fire companies helped, all volunteers.

The loss of memories for me, and many others, was G. C. Murphy’s 5 & 10 store that was located on the first floor. I believe, it closed in the 1980’s, and always evoked a small-town store.  

Five and dime stores sold the best variety of inexpensive household items. From candy and toys to housewares and notions, these stores offered a little of everything. Local five & dime stores were Woolworth’s in Easton, started in 1879 at Utica, NY and J.J. Newberry, opening first in Stroudsburg, PA in the year 1911. Others were, McCrory’s, Sine’s, and W. T. Grant’s “that advertised as a 25-cent store, implying a classier degree of retail.”

I have memories of going to Murphy’s as a young teenager. My cousin and I would walk a mile to Bangor. Making stops at Bray’s for comic books, Clara May’s for penny candies and occasionally, Murphy’s. (we called it Five & Ten) There were three doors you could enter the store, with a check out between the first and middle door. I recall the floors were unfinished and creaked. Everyone remembers the creaky floors! Being young, I only paid attention to “kid related items”. I would look at 45 records and I believe I bought Red Rubber Ball by Cyrkle. That record was released in 1966, so if I did get that, it was an “oldie”. My favorite place in the store was the basement toy area. I assume it used to be a store room and at some point, became the toy section. I loved this room. There was a long ramp down to this treasure world. Think Sears Catalog with a much smaller selection. Most times I was just looking. Occasionally, I would buy a yo-yo or some inexpensive toy. One thing for sure, I always saw an employee check on us. My sister, cousin and I would never think of stealing, and even at this young age, we knew why they were watching.  

I wish I could remember the last time I went into Murphy’s, but that is not in my memory. Many decades have gone by. With the then nearby Grant’s moving out of town to a larger store with plenty of parking, that is where we would do some of our shopping. Eventually corporate closed the downtown Bangor store. In this building, apartments were always on the second and third floor, with retail on the bottom floor. The later store facades were not nearly as quaint, as the 1970’s were not kind to small towns.

Now living near this building with a view of it, I see broken windows, a collapsed roof, and debris scattered around. From what I hear, this building and the attached former Strand Theater will be taken down, destined to be a parking lot.

Fortunately, memories live on.

 

 

Before Murphy's was built

The Strand Theater and Murphy's next door

 

 

 

Before the fire

 

 

Searching for the Women Artists & Photographers

 

 Searching for the Women Artists & Photographers

By Sharon Gothard

 

Finding the women artists and photographers of Northampton County, PA has been interesting research.

I have used the Federal Census, City & County Directories, to identify women who were listed as artist or photographers and living in Northampton County, PA. All women were painters, sculptors, art teachers, porcelain painters and photographers. A few also did writing.

I also looked for the women and their images by using Google, eBay, ancestry.com and databases of women artists.

Many of these women lived and died in Northampton County. Some, it appears, were only passing through. A few of the photographers had taken over the photography studios their husband had when he died.

Porcelain painting was a popular pursuit for women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a sophisticated hobby for middle and upper class women, a respectable occupation for women who needed to work out of economic necessity, and a creative outlet for women artists, who in general did not receive the same professional status as their male counterparts. Kansas Historical Society This explained much to me, as I was curious why women in a higher class were doing this.

I am sure there are women that I missed. Art or photography, like Norma Collmar, was probably a hobby and never mentioned in any of the above. Hopefully, more will come forward in time.

 

 

Women Artists of Northampton County, PA

Margaret Ann Anstett

1856 - 1931

Artist – Easton - Margaret was born in Philadelphia, PA, August 26, 1856 and died in Easton, PA., April 12, 1931. Buried in Easton Cemetery. Her husband was Cassius Anstett (1850-1892). She was adopted by Oliver and Margaret (Sassaman) Meyers. (Margaret’s sister Elizabeth, was her biological mother)

In the 1910 Census, she is listed as Decorator of China. In the Easton 1920 Census, as a painter/artist and a sister-in-law to Isabel Meyers. In the 1906, 1910, 1912 Easton City Directory, she is listed as an artist. Her obituary does not mention she was an artist.

 

Gizella Biro and Gizella Biro

                                             1877 – 1957             1911 – 1994

Photographer - Bethlehem – Gizella was born in Hungary on August 30, 1877 and died in Bethlehem on September 25, 1957. She is buried at Fountain Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. Gizella married Frank Biro Sr. (1879 – 1928). He is buried in the Fountain Hill Cemetery also.  Gizella arrived in the United States in 1904, and by 1910 was married to Frank, a photographer & sculptor, also from Hungary. Her parents were Michael Gulyassy and Apolonia Krisco, both in Hungary. It appears after Frank’s death, Gizella took over the photography studio, as she appears in the South Bethlehem 1930 Census as a photographer. She appears in the 1937, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1945, 1947, 1949 Bethlehem City Directories as a Photographer with studio. The Bethlehem 1950 Census has her daughter, Gizella Biro, as the photographer. Gizella was born in Bethlehem February 12, 1911 and died on February 17, 1994 in Studio City, Los Angeles, CA. She is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA. Listed in the 1940 Bethlehem Census as photographer. Gizella was also a talented violinist. Believed to be single until her death.

 

 Rose and Bessie Brady

 

Artists – Easton - Bessie was born in Easton, PA @1871 and died January 12, 1934 in Smithfield Township, Bradford County, PA. She is buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Ulster, PA.

Rose was born @1874 and death unknown.  Their parents were Peter (1823 – 1913) and Mary Frances (1835 – 1913) Brady. They are both buried in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Easton, PA.

Rose is in the 1900 & 1901 Easton City Directory listed as an artist. Bessie Brady is listed as an artist in the 1903 & 1912 Easton City Directory.

Bessie remained single up to her death. An obituary for her did not mention she was an artist.

 

Carrie Branwhite

1872 - 1955

Photographer – Easton – Carrie was born in Pottstown, PA in 1872 and died in Allentown, PA on April 25, 1955. She is buried in Forks Cemetery, Forks Twp., PA. She was married to Edward F. Branwhite (1863 – 1916) who is also buried in Forks Cemetery. Her parents were Israel Jones (1835-1891) and Wilhelmina Jones (1828 – 1900). Both are buried at Pottstown Cemetery, Pottstown, PA. Carrie is listed in both the 1920 and 1930 Easton Census as a photographer in a studio. Her obituary does not mention she was a photographer.

 

Elizabeth Davis Burrows

1862 - 1943

Artist - Bethlehem – Elizabeth was born August 12, 1862 in Mount Airy, NJ. She died June 9, 1943 and is buried in Easton Cemetery. Her parents were John (1831 – 1894) and Clara D. Burrows (1835 – 1915), both buried in Easton Cemetery. She is listed in the Bethlehem 1900 as an artist. All following censuses, she is a librarian in Bethlehem, PA. Elizabeth remained single until her death.

 

 

Louise B. Butler

1927 -

 

Artist - Easton- Louise B. Butler was born November 5, 1927. Her parents were John M. Butler (1886 -1972) and Elizabeth McBean (1897 – 1988), both are buried in Old Saint David’s Cemetery, Wayne, Delaware County, PA. Louise’s father was Credit manager for Dixie Cup in Easton, PA. Louise is listed in the Easton 1950 Census as sketch artist at paper cups. (Probably Dixie Cup) She may have moved to NYC. No other information. 1945 Easton Yearbook

 

Grace Harriet Boyd

1911 - 1963

Artist - Bethlehem – Grace was born in Wisconsin on March 12, 1911 and died in Bethlehem, PA on July 13, 1963. She is buried at Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. She married Frederick Schwartz. Her parents were William (1872 – 1933) and Gertrude (1876 – 1954) Boyd. Both are buried at Nisky Hill Cemetery. In the 1937, 1939, 1941 Bethlehem City Directories, she is listed as a commercial artist. In the 1940 Bethlehem Census she is listed as a portrait artist. In Grace’s obituary, it mentions she was a well-known area artist for her work in portrait paintings and illustrations. She had been an instructor at the Baum Art School, Allentown.

 

 

Mollie Rathburn Cawthra

1902 – 1978

Artist – Easton - Mollie was born in 1902 at Ohio and died in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1978.

Her parents were George Rathburn (1871 – 1950) and Mollie St. John Taylor Rathburn (1872 -1929) The family moved back to Ohio at some point.

Mollie married Henry Cawthra in 1927.

Mollie appears in the 1923 & 1925 Easton City Directory as Rathburn.

 

Norma McFall Collmar

1863 - 1925

 

Photographer – Easton - Norma was born in Martins Creek, PA on July 23, 1863 and died February 27, 1925 in Easton, PA. She is buried in Easton Cemetery. Her husband was Dr. Charles Collmar (1860 – 1942), marrying in 1894.  She was the daughter of Isaac McFall (1838 – 1930) and Louisa (Young) McFall (1838 – 1932). All are buried in Easton Cemetery.

In a newspaper article of her marriage in 1894, it mentions she is a musical instructor.  Norma was not mentioned professionally as a photographer in any Census or City Directories, leading one to believe it was a hobby for her. Her obituary mentions her musical talents but not her photography. The Sigal Museum in Easton, PA has a collection of her glass plates. Photograph courtesy of Sigal Museum 

 

 

 Mary J. Crivellaro

1922 - 1992

Artist - Easton - Mary was born in Rochester, NY on April 5, 1922 and died in Easton, PA on August 20, 1992. She is buried in Gethsemane Cemetery, Easton, PA. Mary married Charles J. Crivellaro on August 6, 1949 in Easton. They divorced as her tombstone and obituary has her last name as Leone. Her parents were Emidio Leone (1896 – 1971) and Maria Luigia Ferretti (1892 – 1988) In the Easton 1950 Census, it has her listed as an artist at a publishing co. (She is with Charles in this census.) Her yearbook senior picture mentions her loving drawing and art. Her obituary states she was a staff artist for the Express-Times in the 1950’s.

1942 Easton Yearbook

 

 

   

 

 

 

Annie Feit Davis

1851 - 1920

Artist – Easton - Annie was born in Easton, PA. October 3, 1851 and died March 13, 1920 in Bethlehem, PA. She is buried in Easton Cemetery.

Her parents were Josiah 1798 – 1879 and Lucretia Anna Feit 1806 – 1893, both are buried in Easton Cemetery.

Annie remained single up to her death.

In the Easton 1900 and 1910 Census Annie is listed an artist. In the 1901, 1903, 1908, 1910, 1912, 1914 and 1916 Easton City Directory she is listed as artist, also the 1908 Northampton County Directory and Shrope’s 1910 City Directory.

Her obituary does not mention she was an artist.

 

 

 Mary Frances Dawes

1840 - 1917

Artist - Easton - Mary was born in Easton, PA February 10, 1840 and died October 28, 1917 and is buried in Easton Cemetery.

Her parents were Francis Yohe Dawes 1804 – 1870 and Nancy Jane Kerr 1811 – 1891. Both are buried in Easton Cemetery.

Mary remained single up to her death.

In the Easton 1900 and 1910 Census, Mary is listed as an artist. In the 1910 Easton City Directory it has her listed as teacher painting. Her obituary mentions “she was an artist of rare ability, and her work found ready sale. Many homes tell of her labor and artistic taste.”

 

Elise deSchweinitz

1866 - 1944

Artist - Bethlehem – Elise was born in Boston, MA on July 29, 1866 and died in Bethlehem, PA on December 23, 1944. She is buried in Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA.  On June 5, 1900, she married Robert E. deSchweinitz (1866 – 1954). Her parents were Henri L. Jacot (1829 -1901) and Rose Delima (1843 – 1917), all buried in Nisky Hill Cemetery. In the Bethlehem 1910 Census Elise is listed as a teacher of painting & drawing. In the Bethlehem 1920 Census it has private studio, artist. Elise’s obituary says she was an artist and taught at the Moravian seminary years ago. In the 1940 Bethlehem Census she and her husband are living next to artist Minnie M. Erdman.

 

 Frances M. Eberman

1901 - 1982

Photographer - Bethlehem – Frances was born in Bethlehem on July 1, 1901 and died August 4, 1982 in Bethlehem. She is buried at Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. She married Edward Eugene McColm (1899 -1998) on March 12, 1925 in Bethlehem, PA. Her parents, Edward A. Eberman (15 -1961) and Gertrude Weaver (1876 -1958) were all buried in Nisky Hill Cemetery. In the Bethlehem 1920 Census, she is listed as a photographer. Her obituary does not mention she was a photographer.

 

Edna Ethel Eckert

1924 - 2005

Photographer - Upper Nazareth – Edna was born in Nazareth, PA. on April 5, 1924 and died at Easton Hospital on February 20, 2005. She is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Moorestown, PA. Her parents were Peter Eckert (1894 -1964) and Katherine Koller (1893 – 1986). Both were born in Hungary and buried at Fairview Cemetery. In the Upper Nazareth 1950 Census, Edna is listed as a photographer. Her obituary says she worked as a color artist for Rembrandt Studio and later for Jack & Jill. She remained single until her death.

 

 Mary Edwards

@1859 -

Artist – Easton - Mary was born @1859 in New York.

Mary is listed in the Easton 1880 Census as an artist where she is a boarder at a home on N. 2^nd Street in Easton, PA. No other information.

 

 Minnie Mae Erdman

1868 - 1951

Artist - Bethlehem - Minnie was born May 29, 1870 in Philadelphia, died February 21, 1951 on Fountain Hill. She is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Allentown, PA. Her father was Herman (1843 – 1923) and is also buried in Fairview Cemetery. In the Bethlehem City Directory for 1923, 1927, 1929 she is listed as an artist. She is listed in the Bethlehem 1900 census as an art teacher, Bethlehem 1910 Census as an artist, Bethlehem Census 1920 as an artist with a studio, Bethlehem 1930 Census as a teacher of painting, Bethlehem 1940 Census as general artist. Her death certificate lists her as an artist. Minnie remained single until her death.

 

Elizabeth (Betty) Fella

1892 - 1974

Photographer - Bethlehem – Betty was born in Romania in 1892 and died August 14, 1974 in Bethlehem, PA. She is buried at Holy Ghost Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. She married Oscar Fella (1868 – 1931) and he too, is buried at Holy Ghost Cemetery. Oscar was a photographer and had a studio in Bethlehem, PA. After his death, Betty has taken over the studio. She is listed as a photographer in the 1937-38, 1939, 1943 Bethlehem City Directories. She is listed as a photographer in the Bethlehem 1950 Census. Four of their sons, Edward, Martin, Bernard, and Rudolph, all become photographers. Her obituary says she co-founded Fella Studio Inc along with her husband.  Photo is in Northampton, PA

 

 

Helen Kromer Fulmer

1893 - 1918

Photographer – Easton - Helen was born April 15, 1893 in Easton, PA. and died October 7, 1918 in Easton, PA. She is buried in Easton Cemetery. Her parents were Harry E. Kromer (1868 – 1936) and Mary A. (1873 – 1961), also buried in Easton Cemetery.

She married Edward Roy Fulmer (1888- 1962) on October 12, 1915.

Helen is listed in the 1910 Easton City Directory as a photographer. In the Easton 1910 Census, she is listed as a photographer. Her obituary does not mention she was a photographer.

 

Marjorie Wesley Furry

1920 - 1969

Artist - Easton – Marjorie was born in Easton March 15, 1920 and died October 21, 1969. She is buried at Buckingham Friends Cemetery, Lahaska, PA. On June 6, 1942, she married Cato Christiansen. Divorced and married Francis O’Connell on May 12, 1951 in Fairfax, Virginia. Her parents were Edgar (1889 -1975) and Marjorie (1889 – 1971) Furry. Both are buried in the Easton Cemetery, Easton, PA. In the Easton 1940 Census, Marjorie is listed as an artist (possibly at Woolworth’s). No other information

 

Jeanette Gipson

1885 - 1967

Artist -Bethlehem – Jeanette was born in Nebraska April 23, 1885 and died February 19, 1967 in Bethlehem, PA. It is assumed she was cremated and buried at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, Idaho. She married Lawrence Gipson (1880 – 1971) October 8, 1909 in Idaho. Lawrence was a professor at Lehigh University. Also buried at Canyon Hill Cemetery. Jeanette’s parents were David A. Reed (1853- 1903) and Lucy (Nellie) Ellen Dungan. Jeanette is in the Bethlehem City Directory as a commercial artist. In the Bethlehem 1940 Census, she is listed as portrait artist. In the 1925 Allentown Morning Call, Jeanette is mentioned as having paintings at an Art Exhibit for the Bach Festival. Her obituary says she went to the Art Institute of Chicago. Also, she was a landscape painter and had art studios in New York and in the Dodson Building in Bethlehem.

Eva Gitschier

1910 - 1955

Photographer -Bethlehem – Eva was born September 3, 1910 and died April 2, 1955 in Bethlehem, PA. She is buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bath, PA. On July 6, 1940, she married Joseph Shunk (1910 – 1971), buried at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Eva’s parents were Herman Gitschier (1888 -1950) and Mabel Wenner (1890 – 1960), both buried in Holy Ghost Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. In the 1930 Bethlehem Census, Eva is listed as a photographer, and the same for the Bethlehem 1940 Census. On her marriage license it states she was a photographer.

 

Anne Goodman

1904 - 2004

Artist -Bethlehem – Anne was born May 8, 1904 in Newark, NJ and died January 20, 2004 in Palm Beach, Fla. Her husband was David Goodman (1889 – 1964), buried in the Keneseth Israel Cemetery, Allentown, PA. She is in the Allentown Morning Call, July 1, 1941, as being selected to have her painting, “The Model” in the Art Institute of Chicago, among other institutes. Anne is listed in the Bethlehem City Directories in 1941, 1943, 1945, 1947, 1949 as an artist.

 

 Anna Elizabeth Ruppert Gross

1847 - 1926

Artist – Easton - Anna was born in Germany in February 17, 1847 and died in Easton on December 29, 1926. She is buried in Easton Cemetery.

Her parents were Carl Ruppert and Elizabeth Heppe. Unknown.

Anna was married to Frank Gross, born @1846 in Germany.

In the Easton 1910 Census, it has Anna listed as artist (fancy work) and the 1910 Shrope’s City Directory. Her obituary did not mention she was an artist.

 

 

Anna Haffeli

1893 - 1994

Photographer -Easton – Anna was born in Bucks County, PA on October 11, 1893 and died in Westfield, NJ, on February 23, 1994. She is buried at the Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery in Haytock Township, Bucks County. On November 3, 1923, she married Edward Haffeli at St. John the Baptist Church. Anna’s parents were Charles Kresch (1860 -1923) and Theresa Schwar (1866 – 1939). Both are buried at the Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery. In the Easton 1940 Census, Anna is listed as a photographer. Her obituary says she was a photographer, last employed by Rembrandt Studio in Easton, PA. Anna lived to be 100 years old.

 

 Lydia Marion Heisler

1869- 1945

Photographer - Bangor - Lydia was born August 13, 1869 and died in Philadelphia on June 14, 1945. She is buried in the Odd Fellow Cemetery in Tamaqua, PA. Her first husband was James A. Heisler, married October 13, 1892 in Tamaqua, PA. Her second husband was Maurice Rasener (1871 -1947). Her parents were David Burkey (1838 – 1924) and Sarah Eisenhuth (1838 – 1920), both buried in the Odd Fellow Cemetery, Tamaqua, PA.  Lydia was in the Bangor 1900 Census and 1910 Census as owning a photography studio. In no other census is she listed as a photographer.

 

 

Sarah Hertzog

1852 - 1934

Photographer -Nazareth - Sarah was born July 6, 1852 and died June 6, 1934. Sarah is buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Nazareth, PA. Her husband was Isaac Hertzog (1857 – 1940), well known photographer in Nazareth, PA. Her parents were Peter Young (1827 – 1909) and Eliza Hermer (1824 – 1917). All buried in Greenwood Cemetery. Sarah is listed in the Nazareth 1900 Census as a photographer.

 

Kate B. Higgins

1858 - 1935

 

Artist/ Photographer – Easton - Kate was born in Easton, PA. 1858 and died February 2, 1935 in Phillipsburg, NJ. She is buried in Easton Cemetery. Her parents were Samuel (1826 – 1908) and Gertrude Higgins (1827 – 1909). Both are buried in Easton Cemetery.

Kate remained single up to her death.

Listed in 1887 (classifies), 1894, 1896 (portrait studio in the Field bldg., 4^th floor), 1898, 1900, 1901, 1903, 1906, 1912, 1918 Easton City Directories as an artist. In the 1920, 1925 Easton City Directory she is listed as photographer. In her obituary, it mentions, “an artist, conducted studios in Easton and in Phillipsburg for many years.”

 

 Annie Hively

1873 - 1957

 

Artist – Easton - Annie was born in Easton, PA December 28, 1873 and died July 14, 1957. She is buried in Hay Cemetery, Easton, PA.

Her parents were John Hively 1852 – 1927 and Mary Catherine Riehl 1846 – 1914. Both are buried in Hay Cemetery, Easton, PA.

Annie remained single up to her death.

The 1908, 1910, 1916, 1920, 1923, 1927 Easton City Directory, the 1908 County Directory and Shrope’s 1910 City Directory, she is listed as an artist. The Easton 1910 Census lists her as an artist, the Easton 1920 Census lists Annie as an artist and painter of china, the Easton 1930 Census has her as a commercial artist, the Easton 1940 Census has her as a painting teacher, the Easton 1950 Census has Annie as a Proprietor artist, and her Death Certificate has her as retired art teacher. Her obituary mentions she was a retired art teacher.

 

Irene Hughes

1904 – 1997

 

Photographer - Bethlehem – Irene was born in Wales on December 19, 1904 and died September 16, 1997 in Bethlehem, PA. Her parents were William (1873 – 1967) & Charlotte (1874 – 1950) Hughes, both buried at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. In the Bethlehem 1930 Census, she is listed as a photographer, the Bethlehem 1950 Census she is a freelance photographer. Her obituary says she was a photographer at the former Anthony’s Photo in Bethlehem, and then in 1958, became owner until her retirement in 1973. Irene remained single up to her death.

 

 Marilyn O. Hunt

1930 – 2018

 

Photographer - Bangor – Marilyn was born in Bangor, PA on February 17, 1930 and died in Easton, PA on January 6, 2018. She is buried in Riverview Cemetery, Portland, PA. Her parents were Albert Hunt (1903 – 1976) and Amelia Owens (1908- 1993). Both are buried in Riverview Cemetery. She is a photographer’s assistant in the Bangor 1950 Census. In the Bangor 1948 Yearbook, it mentions she would like to be in the photography field, also her obituary states she was an artist for Apollo Photography Studio. 1948 Bangor PA High school Yearbook

 

 

 Catherine Janvier

1841 - 1922

Artist & Writer -Bethlehem – Catharine was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 1, 1841 and died in Moorestown, NJ on July 19, 1922. Burial unknown. She was married to Thomas Janvier (1849 – 1913) on September 26, 1877 in Philadelphia, PA. Her parents were Henry Drinker (1808 – 1857) and Susannah Shober (1823 – 1858). In 1875, Catherine painted James Madison (below) and the city of Philadelphia purchased it for Independence Hall. In the 1910 Manhattan NY Census she and her husband are listed as literary authors. In the Bethlehem 1920 Census, she is widowed and living with her brother and listed as artist and writer. Thomas Allibone and Catherine Ann Drinker Janvier papers are in the New York Public Library Archives.

 

                     
                       

 

  Kathryn Oxford Lachner

1912 – 1994

Artist – Bangor – Kathryn was born in Bangor on January 29, 1912 and died September 18, 1994 in Doylestown, PA. She is buried in St. John’s Cemetery, Bangor, PA. Kathryn married Egon Lachner (1908 – 1978) on July 5, 1951 in Bangor, PA. Her parents were Max Oxford (1876 – 1954) and Lottie Scheler (1886 – 1973). All are buried in St. John’s Cemetery. Kathryn received a bachelor's degree in art from Kutztown University in 1933 and earned a master's degree in art education from Penn State University. She then studied under Hobson Pittman, John J. Soble and John Chetcut in New York City and Rockport, Mass. She last taught adult painting classes in Madison, N.J. Before that, she was a teacher and the supervisor of the art department at Bangor High School for 12 years. Kathryn is in the Bangor 1940 and 1950 Census as an art teacher in a High School.

 

 Kate Elizabeth Laepple

1925 - 2005

Photographer and Writer - Bethlehem – Kate Elizabeth was born April 5, 1925 and died May 13, 2005. She may be buried at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Bethlehem, as her husband Edward Laepple (1921 -1991) is buried there. Her parents were Allen (1884 -1954) and Mary (1890 -1967) Zoll are buried at Memorial Park Cemetery. In the Bethlehem 1950 Census, Kate is listed as a photographer at a newspaper.  She was a graduate of Liberty High School and Beaver College where she earned a degree in Journalism. She worked as the editor of the Morning Call and retired after 40 years of service. Kate was an award-winning reporter for the Allentown Morning Call.

 

Lena Lenhart

1874 - 1952

Photographer - Northampton - Lena was born September 23, 1874 in Allentown, PA and died in the same city on February 15, 1952. She is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Allentown, PA. She married Thomas Lenhart (1862 – 1930), also a photographer. Her parents were Franklin (1835 – 1918) and Anna Martha (1841 – 1898) Schwentzer. All are buried at Fairview Cemetery in Allentown, PA. Lena is listed as a photographer in the Northampton Boro 1910 and 1940 Census. In the Allentown 1900 census, she is a bookkeeper for a photographer.

 

 

Rosemary MaCaa

1907 - 1993

Photographer - Bethlehem – Rose was born June 22, 1907 and died March 8, 1993. She is buried in Holy Savior Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. Her parents were William McCaa (1875 -1935) and Mary Boyle (1874 – 1945), both buried at Holy Savior Cemetery. Her father was a well-known photographer in Bethlehem, PA. Rosemary is listed as a photographer in the Bethlehem 1950 Census. Her obituary does not mention she was a photographer.

 

Valeria Markle

1881 - 1937

Photographer - Valeria was born January 17, 1881 and died in Pittsburgh, PA on July 31, 1937.

She is buried in Hay’s Cemetery, Easton, PA. Her husband was unknown Mossman. Her parents were Oliver Markle (1850 -1921) and Emma Mary (1850 -1931). Both are buried in Hay Cemetery, Easton, PA.

Valeria is listed in the 1908 & 1910 Easton City Directory and the 1908 Northampton County Directory as a photographer.

Her obituary does not mention being a photographer.

 

Helen McCartney

1851 - 1928

 

Artist - Helen was born September 18, 1851 and died at the Karlton Hotel in Easton, PA. on November 17, 1928. She was taken to Cheltan Hills Crematory in Philadelphia; PA. and her ashes were buried in Easton Cemetery.

Her parents were Washington McCartney 1812 – 1856 and Mary Maxwell 1813 – 1893, both buried in Easton Cemetery.

Her mother was local artist, Mary Maxwell McCartney. (See next)

She is listed as an artist on her Death Certificate. In her obituary, it is mentioned she was an artist, teacher, traveler, and lecturer. Before her death, she had given an exhibition of her paintings at Kahn’s. (Art store)

 

  Mary Elizabeth Maxwell McCartney

1813 - 1893

Artist – Easton - Mary born in Flemington, New Jersey– April 24, 1813 and died in Easton, PA December 25, 1893, buried in Easton Cemetery.

Daughter of William Maxwell 1785 – 1828, buried Flemington Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Flemington. NJ and Sarah Dusenbery unknown, buried in same.

Mary Elizabeth married Washington McCartney in April 18, 1839 at the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA.

Washington was born 1812 in Westmoreland County, PA. He was a math Professor at Lafayette College and Judge. He died in 1856.

Mary and Washington had four children. Isabel died young, Anna, Henry and Helen. In no Census is Mary listed as an artist. However, her daughter Helen McCartney is listed as an artist on her Death Certificate in 1928.

The Sigal Museum has many of her watercolors. Water color courtesy of Sigal Museum

 

 

 Ella McLellen

1843 - 1928

Artist – Easton - Ella was born March 23, 1843 in Hohokus, New Jersey and died in Easton, PA on April 21, 1928. She is buried in Easton Cemetery.

Charles McLellen(1840 – 1915) was her husband and also buried at Easton Cemetery.  Her parents were James (@1811- 1865) and Julia Martin (1821- 1906). Julia died in Easton, PA and was buried in Easton Cemetery.

Ella is listed in the 1894, 1896, 1898, 1900, 1901 Easton City Directory as an artist. Also, the 1897 County Directory.

Her obituary does not mention she was an artist.

 

Isabel Meyers

1861 - 1943

Artist – Easton - Isabel was born in Easton, PA on October 7, 1861 and died in Easton, PA. on December 19, 1943. She is buried in Easton Cemetery. She was Judge Oliver H. Meyers (1827 – 1907) second wife. Her parents were Edmund Heckman (1836 – 1925) and Sarah (1840 -1918) All are buried in the Easton Cemetery.

In the 1920 Census she is listed as a painter/artist and a sister-in-law to Margaret Anstett. (She is Margaret’s stepmother) She listed as an artist in the Easton 1910 Directory.

Her obituary does not mention she was an artist.

 

Margaret Mitchell

 

Artist – Easton - Margaret is listed in the 1920 & 1923 Easton City Directory. Her mother was Margaret Mitchell living at 41 South 2^nd St. in 1920 and 119 N.2^nd. St. in 1923.

No other information.

 

 

 Margaret Monahan

1884 - 1914

Artist – Easton - Margaret was born in Easton, PA. July 1884 and died July 19, 1914. She is buried in St. Bernard’s Churchyard in Easton, PA.

Her parents were Peter Bernard Monahan 1838 – 1910 and Marcella @1846 – 1927, both are buried in St. Bernard’s Churchyard in Easton, PA

Margaret remained single up to her death.

The 1910 Census, 1910, 1912 Easton City Directory, 1909 County Directory, and her Death Certificate has Margaret listed as an artist. Margaret drowned tragically, by car, in the Delaware Canal. Her obituary mentioned, “an artist of considerable ability.”

 

Hazel V. Oliver

1884- 1964

Artist – Easton - Hazel was born @1884 and died in Manhattan, NY in 1964. She is buried at Easton Cemetery. Her parents were Samuel (1859 – 1937) and Frances (1862 – 1929). Both are buried at Easton Cemetery.

Hazel married John William Stevens (1881- 1929), buried at Easton Cemetery.

Hazel is listed in 1903 and 1906 Easton City Directory as an artist.

 

 

 

Miss Corda Price

Artist – Easton - Corda is listed in the 1920 Easton City Directory as an artist. She was living at 1002 Wilkes Barre St. in South Easton. There is no other information.

 

 

Alice Purcel

Artist - Bethlehem – Alice was born between 1883 – 1891 in Pennsylvania. She is listed in the Bethlehem 1920 Census as an artist. No other information.

 

 

 

 Geraldine (Jerry) Quier

1909 - 1997

Artist - Bethlehem – Geraldine was born on May 4, 1909 in Bethlehem, PA and died March 29, 1997 in Bethlehem, PA. She is buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. Her parents were Allen (1866 – 1942) and Sarah (1870 – 1951) Quier. They are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. Geraldine is listed in the Bethlehem 1929, 1937-38, 1941 Bethlehem City Directory City as an artist. In the Bethlehem 1939 City Directory, she is listed as a portrait artist. In the Bethlehem 1940 Census she is an instructor of government art project. In the 1950 Bethlehem Census, she is teaching art in her home. Her obituary says she was an artist. She was a member of the World’s Who’s Who of American Women.

"Jerry Quier attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and specialized in landscapes and still lives, both of which garnered awards and commanded handsome prices." She also learned to paint at The Baum School and started Bethlehem Palette Club with 8 other women. Geraldine "Jerry" Quier was a true art citizen. The Bethlehem native died at 88 in 1997, and students and colleagues still remember her as a beloved teacher, a passionate founder of the Bethlehem Palette Club, a steward of Lehigh Valley landscapes. Her generous, curious spirit animates a fine solo exhibit of 104 works she bequeathed to the Baum School of Art. She started painting at age 11. After attending the Walter Emerson Baum Art School (now Baum Art School at the Allentown Art Museum), and studying with such artists as Emil Gehaar, Alexander Finta and Robert Joy, as well as attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Chester Springs, Chester County, she established her Gallery Studio. It's located to the rear of her home, where she has lived all her life. "Numerous awards both locally and in New York, Philadelphia and Florida; paintings in private collections at Woodmere Museum in Philadelphia, Vanity Fair Industries in Reading, Pennsylvania Petroleum Industries at Titusville in Crawford County and Lehigh University. "She also holds membership in several art groups including the National Association of Women Artists and The Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, both in New York; charter memberships in the Lehigh Art Alliance, the Bethlehem Palette Club and the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission, and listings in the 1970 "Who's Who of Women" and in the 1974 "World Who's Who of Women."

 

 

                   

 Elizabeth E. Roebuck

1875 - 1937

Artist - Bethlehem – Elizabeth was born in Lebanon, PA on March 28, 1875 and died in Bethlehem, PA on November 2, 1937. She was buried in Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, PA. Her husband was Wilbur L. King (1871 – 1963). Her parents were Dr. John Roebuck (1840 – 1916) and Clara Detweiler (1847 – 1910), all buried in Nisky Hill Cemetery. In the Bethlehem 1900 Census she is listed as a botanist painter. In the 1910 Bethlehem Census she is an artist of China Painting. Elizabeth’s marriage license to Wilbur on October 18, 1916, has her as China painting and teacher of painting, for her occupation.  

 

 

 

 Laura Schneider

1859 - 1932

 

Artist – Easton - Laura was born in Pottsville, PA January 22, 1859 and died in Easton, PA

June 19, 1932, buried in Easton Heights Cemetery.

Daughter of Elias Schneider @ 1821 and Eliza Wise @ 1821.

Laura remained single up to her death.

Laura is listed as an artist in the following census’s: 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930. Also, she is listed as an artist in the 1892, 1894, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910, 1916, 1920, 1927 Easton City Directory, the 1908 Northampton County Directory and the 1910 Shrope’s City Directory.

When it was discovered that Independence Hall in Philadelphia did not have a portrait of George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence, the city of Easton had one painted and then donated it to Independence Hall.  Laura was hired to do the portrait. Years later, the Easton Rotary Club commissioned her to do the same portrait and it was donated to the Easton Area Public Library. Today, it is in the Marx Historical Room. Laura also painted a portrait of Abraham Shirmer Knecht, a lawyer in Easton, PA. Her obituary mentions she is an artist.

 

              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Elizabeth Seidel

1913 - 2001

Artist – Easton - Elizabeth or Betty was born June 1, 1913 and died July 18, 2001. She is buried at Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Allentown, PA. Her companion at one time was William L. Way (1900 – 1992), buried with her. Elizabeth’s parents were Harry Seidel (1877 – 1958) and Helen Trankley (1889 – 1973). Both are buried at Cedar Hill Memorial Park. Betty is listed in the Northampton, PA 1950 Census asan artist with a studio. Her obituary says she had a gift shop and museum in Cherryville, PA.

 

Mary Elizabeth Sharpless

1856 - 1945

Artist – Easton - Mary Elizabeth (Bishop) was born 1856 in Ohio and died April 22, 1945 in Metuchen, NJ. She is buried in Stewartsville Lutheran Cemetery, Stewartsville, NJ. Mary E. was married to Sharpless and on November 5, 1912, she later married Charles T. Scott. Mary is listed as an artist in the 1912 Easton City Directory, the 1910 Shrope’s City Directory and the Easton 1910 Census. Her obituary does not mention she was an artist.

 

Mrs. Kate Sherry

@1865 -

Artist -Easton - Mrs. Kate Sherry was born @1865. In the 1920 Census she is listed as an artist and widowed, living on Sitgreaves St. She is listed in the 1887 Easton City Directory. No more information on her.

 

Anna Emily Tilton

1908 - 1989

Photographer - Easton – Anna was born in Easton, PA on December 18, 1908 and died August 13, 1989. She is buried in Hay Cemetery, Easton, PA. Anna married Stewart Seifert (1894 – 1964), who is buried in Durham Cemetery, Bucks County, PA. Anna’s parents were James Paul Tilton (1874 – 1917) and Edith Apgar (1876 – 1957), both are buried in Hay Cemetery. In the Easton 1930 Census, she is listed as assistant photographer. Her soon to be husband, Stewart is listed as a photographer in the 1930 Easton City Directory.

 

Mary Louise Weiss

1857 -

Artist -Bethlehem - Mary was born @1857 to Louisa Lentz (@1835 – 1901) Mary married William Henry Weiss in Bethlehem on April 17, 1879. She is listed in the 1910 Bethlehem Census as a Landscape artist, along with her son, William. By 1920, the family is living in Essex, MA, and only her son is listed as Landscape artist.

 

Bernice Delmar West

1906 - 1987Artist – Easton – Bernice was born in New York on April 26, 1906 and died in New York on October 14, 1987. She is buried at Ferncliff Cemetery & Mausoleum in Chester County, NY. Bernice first married Charles Gratz MD in 1930, later divorced. She then married Robert A. Beyers (1904 – 1962) in 1940. He is buried at Ferncliff Cemetery. Bernice’s parents were Erastus West (1875 – 1944) and Bessie Palmer (1880 – 1962), both buried at same cemetery. In the Easton 1930 Census, she is living with her parents and is listed as artist/sculptor. Bernice is listed in Central to Their Lives: Southern Women Artists in the Johnson Collection, of The Johnson Collection. She is listed as “Beyers, Bernice Delmar West”. Also, she is in the Smithsonian Archives of American Art; Bernice West Beyers papers, 1912-1987. Photo from Smithsonian Archives

 

 Caroline (Carrie) Louisa Bixler Wilson

1841 - 1924

 

Artist - Carrie was born in Easton, PA. October 3, 1841 and died in Easton, PA July 7, 1924, buried in Easton Cemetery.

Daughter of Daniel Lewis Bixler 1810 – 1892, buried in Easton Cemetery and Eloise Amelia Douglas 1813-1890, buried in same.

Carrie married Lorenzo Wilson in June 27, 1877 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Easton, PA.

Lorenzo was born 1846 and died 1899, buried in Easton Cemetery.

In the 1880 Census she is married to Lorenzo and Carrie is listed as an artist.

The Easton Area Public Library has a painting done by Caroline. It is a grand painting of the Paxinosa Inn, overlooking Easton, PA.