What is a bit odd about my trip to Chambersburg is that despite writing a weekly article for the Chambersburg Public Opinion for a period of approximately seven years, I never spent any significant time in the area.
Oh sure, I managed to get there for a few major annual events like Icefest, which I’ve written about many times, and the re-creation of the Burning of Chambersburg (which I highly recommend), but taking a leisurely poke around wasn’t in the cards for various reasons, that is, until recently.
For those needing a little background, the Borough of Chambersburg is located approximately 13 miles north of Maryland and is home to approximately 20,000 residents. The area is known for its rich history and more importantly its resilience after the entire town was burned down and forced to rebuild back in the 1860s.
Exploring Downtown
The walkable downtown has many shopping opportunities, but first, it may be helpful to know the parking logistics. Several lots are conveniently located around town, but most meters still take quarters, even though they appear to be modern, with kiosks and a central location for paying. You won’t find me complaining about the cost, however. It’s not often you have the opportunity to park in a downtown area for a mere 25 cents an hour.
Shops, Restaurants and More
When I pulled into the downtown area, not only did the mural located at 33 N. Main Street catch my eye, but I also learned that the adjacent lot provided parking that is convenient to nearby restaurants and shops at the aforementioned bargain of 25 cents an hour.
A Chambersburg Community Art Project led by Isaiah Zagar
Later research revealed that the mosaic was the result of a community art project led by Philadelphia-based mosaic mural artist Isaiah Zagar—the same individual who was responsible for creating Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a destination I’ve yet to visit.
While downtown, I made it a point to stop in one shop in particular. Olympia Candy Kitchen has been a mainstay in the Chambersburg area since 1903 and various musicians I’d interviewed throughout the years mentioned visiting it while performing at the nearby historic Capitol Theatre.
The business, which began as a soda fountain and candy store, has lasted through the Great Depression and World War II. They’ve modernized their production equipment over the years but have maintained the old-fashioned decor which harkens back to a simpler time and features hanging gas lights and Tiffany lamps.
The Old Jail
After exploring downtown, I headed out to the Franklin County Historical Society for a tour of “The Old Jail.” Built in 1818, the jail was one of the few structures that survived the burning of Chambersburg by Confederate forces in 1864.
Wagaman’s Pharmacy recreated in the Old Jail. The business was run by a father/son team from 1886 to 1966 and was located at 49 N. Main Street. On display are original drugs and equipment.
These vessels used to hang in the window of pharmacies. A red color warned of a disease outbreak.
Used as a prison for 150 years, the jail is enclosed by a 20-foot high limestone wall and has housed numerous prisoners throughout the years. Docents share their stories and invite guests to inspect the cellar, which contains five-domed dungeons complete with rings in the walls and floors used for shackling prisoners.
Guides also tell the tale of Louisa Brand, who wrapped herself in a flag in a successful effort to spare her house from being burned to the ground. The flag is displayed in a glass case in the jail. Another building of note that was spared the burning was the Masonic Lodge located at 74 South Second Street due to the intervention of a high-ranking Confederate Officer, who also happened to be a Freemason.
Louisa Brand wrapped herself in a flag so the Confederate troops would spare her home. She also brandished a revolver…
Dungeon area of the jail.
I found it quite humorous that one apparent recidivist inscribed this on the walls of the jail. As a matter of fact, I thought him to be quite clever. Only later did I learn that his “poetry” was borrowed from an old folk song.
Old folk song penned by prisoner.
One prisoner, who gained a bit of notoriety for his skill as an escape artist, was Merle Unger, whose crimes initially included things like car theft, breaking and entering and joyriding. It was said that he would scale the wall at night to carouse. The jig was up when he was caught playing bingo by a Deputy who, also there trying his luck, spotted him from across the room. In 1975, Unger attempted to “get gone for good.” He scaled the limestone wall and escaped to York, Pennsylvania. One wonders what old Merle was thinking when he wrote a letter to his girlfriend in jail and scrawled his return address on the front of the envelope! Needless to say, Merle was recaptured. That particular incarceration lasted a whole three hours. Several months later a cot was made up again for him when he was caught robbing a Carlisle ice cream store.
I learned more about Unger quite by accident. During my jail tour, I noticed that a staff member seemed to be making progress with a book. The bright yellow paperback, riddled with bullet hole graphics, was splayed right-side up on a desk with the front and back cover showing. Intrigued, I inspected further, The title read, “American Berserk, A Cub Reporter, a Small-Town Daily, the Schizo ’70s.” Well, that appeared to be right up my alley, so immediately after the tour, I visited Northwood Books on North Main in a quest to locate the novel. I strolled around for a bit until I stumbled into a back room where the author was reading from the very book I was seeking, so of course I nabbed an autographed copy.
The fun part about discovering the book was that the author Bill Morris worked as a staffer at the Chambersburg Public Opinion, the very same paper for which I wrote so many articles as a freelancer. Learn more about Merle Unger, the escape artist and his ultimate fate in Morris’ book, which can be found here.
A Victorian Bed and Breakfast
The Craig Victorian
This is the first floor of the Craig Victorian
A glimpse inside my boudoir. I let the family cat in, which was likely against the rules.
A sitting room inside the Craig Victorian. Note the little girl on the left. She has had quite enough of me canoodling with her cat, Jasper.
A natural “sculpture” in front of nearby Wilson College
A cheesy, delicious quiche served at the Craig Victorian Bed and Breakfast
Brewery Suggestions
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, consider visiting Roy Pitz located at 140 North Third Street for a laid-back lunch and one of their award-winning beers, all of which are crafted on site in the basement of the repurposed three-story brick warehouse, which dates back to the 1900s.
Outside of Roy Pitz Brewery
Inside Roy Pitz
The business is the culmination of a project undertaken by six Chambersburg natives whose passion is beer and it shows. Follow their Facebook page throughout the year to learn about upcoming events like beer dinners and live music.
Inside GearHouse Brewing Company
Nice piece!
As an aside, I want to congratulate Stephanie for winning second place in the Keystone Media Awards for her work in The Burg News—we heard she was competing with over 2,000+ entries! Talent, like truth, always shine through.