History's Echoes
The Hometown News, Part IV
By SHARON BAUMBAUGH

The Echo Pilot's first 100 years saw many changes, both to the newspaper and to the town and township that surrounded its central location. From 1849 to 1949 the paper saw expansion and settlement of the western portion of the country, growth in population and the industrialization of manufacture, two world wars, depression that affected all walks of life and changes, locally, in business, education and transportation - reporting on all in the columns of the "local paper." The second hundred years are proving no different as changes, both good and bad, depending on the readers' points of view, fill the columns.

During the paper's existence a Civil War was fought as nine-month volunteers were recruited from the community, the town even becoming part of the path of the Confederate invasion in 1863; the First National Bank of Greencastle was established in 1864; and, the next year, the Franklin Railroad would merge with the Cumberland Valley Railroad; in 1869 the public school building would be built on South Washington Street; in 1871 Town Hall would be constructed on the corner of East Baltimore and South Washington; the next year the Town Clock would be added to the roof of the bank; in 1878 the first class would graduate from Greencastle High School; in 1888 the Borough Hall Building (Council Hall) would be added to the corner of North Washington and Madison streets; electric lights, the first telephone and the Rescue Hose Company would be added in 1896; in 1901 the town would have its first automobile on the street; in 1902 an Old Boys' Reunion would be held; in 1903 the Chambersburg, Green Castle and Waynesboro Trolley would enter the town; in 1910 the first garage would begin business when Mr. Lininger began working on those vehicles; in 1911 the residents caught a glimpse of the first airplane over the town and township; by 1922 a radio would be listened to; in 1923 the playground became part of the community; in 1945 some sportsmen combined to form an association; the next year the Grove Brothers and Wayne Nicarry began production of farm wagons; in 1948 television became part of the Snively home and the free library began in Council Hall; in 1954 a joint school system was initiated and Greencastle-Antrim started to combine efforts in education - all this and much, much more found its way to the pages of the local paper.

Members of the paper's staff in 1969 included, front, left to right: Helen Wingert, Suzanne Hartman and Jane Snyder; center, Ron Keefer, Walter Shimer, Wayne Baumbaugh and G. Fred Ziegler; back, Bob Beeler and Tony Homer.

From Nov. 6, 1925, when G. Fred Ziegler bought the Echo Pilot Newspaper from the estate of William J. Patton, until he sold to Robert Wentworth in 1972, his was the longest ownership. A native and lifelong resident of Greencastle, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Frederick Ziegler. A graduate, in 1925, of Dickinson College, he began work at the paper for Mr. Patton, and for a short time, taught school. He added to the paper with his "More or Less Personal" column, original poetry on any subject and some other features that were enjoyed by subscribers - and some that were not. He could be controversial in his stance, like his objection to the placement of the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library, but as we all know - "freedom of the press belongs to the person who owns it."

He offered a contest, Margaretta Williams winning a new car, for the highest number of subscriptions sold in 1949; a series on "Citizens of Tomorrow" with pictures taken in the community room of Citizens National Bank in 1956, of local children; and a contest to "Name That Farm" as an aerial picture was taken of a township farm, published in the paper, and the first caller winning a prize for a correct name to go with the picture, among other additions to the pages over his years as owner, editor and publisher.

In December 1984, W and I purchased the newspaper, owning the paper until August 2005. During that time computers took the place of the linotype and the other pieces of equipment designed and crafted for the printing of a newspaper. The stories became more centered on local people and happenings and, probably because someone has an interest, a bit of history found its way to the pages. We also moved the office of the paper from the northeast corner of Center Square to the building on the southwest section. For years and years after, our subscribers stopped first at what is now ELM Shoes to pay for another year, and were "forwarded" to the other side of the street.

For the past two years, owned by Gatehouse Media, the pages continue to be filled with reports on Greencastle- Antrim and its people.

Next week, Sept. 19, will mark the 158th year for this particular hometown newspaper.