An historian's positions on historic facts sometimes calls for speculation. Speculation is called forth with this story of Mr. John Schimmel, who was said to have built the first home in Chambersburg near today's South Clinton Avenue and Coleman Street (Beatty St.) The graphics above call for a bit of speculation to the story, The1889 article tells of building a 3 story brick house. Using a 21st century aerial "Bing" map, the 2 story home today labeled 936 is next door to a 3 story brick building which I speculate may be the home referenced in the above article. It is important to note that is speculation and not necessarily the home referred to in the article referred to in his obituary notice.
Aprilicity said...
Hi Tom:
Hi Tom:
This article is fascinating, but raises so many questions for me! First, I’m fairly certain the 1889 article was not referring to the same J. Schimmel as the 1930 article. I think he must have been the son and had the 3 story brick home built at 938 S. Clinton beside his father’s home at 936. To my point, in the 1889 article, John Schimmel is referred to as “a young druggist” while the 1930 article states the elder Schimmel was in the wire drawing trade for 53 years. The 1930 article also states that upon the time of the elder Schimmel’s death, he had only one living child even though he had fathered eight. This would explain why the directories I’ve searched have other people living in the 3 story brick at 938 S. Clinton - he must have died young. Secondly, Schimmel came to Trenton in 1869 and located onto James St (S. Clinton). It further states "...near the spot of his late home, 936 South Clinton, he erected what is believed to be the first residence...". This tells me that 896 S. Clinton is his “late home” because of his passing and that the “first residence” was located near that spot. Perhaps it’s not even still standing? Perhaps that is the spot used for his son’s 3 story home? Thank You Tom for adding another piece to my puzzle, even if it exposed how many pieces are still missing! One more interesting tid-bit...in and 1881 directory, 938 S. Clinton is listed as a Beer Saloon owned by Frederik Shcimmel...I wonder if the original house was the location of the Saloon? That might suggest that the original house was removed to make room for the new 3 story brick?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
A VERY ASTUTE OBSERVATION THAT I COMPLETELY OVERLOOKED APRIL! THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I DO BELIEVE YOU ARE CORRECT. I AM STILL SEARCHING FOR ADDITIONAL INFO ON THE ORIGINAL SCHIMMEL. STAY TUNED. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR INPUT.
TOM GLOVER
One more interesting tid-bit...in and 1881 directory, 938 S. Clinton is listed as a Beer Saloon owned by Frederik Schimmel...I wonder if the original house was the location of the Saloon? That might suggest that the original house was removed to make room for the new 3 story brick?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thanks Tom, and you are welcome! I thoroughly enjoyed researching this today! If only this pesky job of mine would stop interfering with my true passion! :)
Thursday, January 19, 2012