I was recently reading some of the history of Montgomery from an 1892 book called “History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania”. According to the book, one of the earliest businesses in Montgomery was a confectionary and a shoe making shop on Houston Avenue that was originally operated by Samuel Hartzell. The store began in 1853, more than two decades before the town was officially founded. It burned in 1857 and was rebuilt.

By the time of the book’s 1892 publication the shoe store had been sold twice. In the January 20, 1893 edition of the Montgomery Mirror, a small paragraph appeared for Artman’s shoe store on Houston Avenue. I can’t say for sure it’s the same one, but the following paragraph appeared in the paper on that date: “I say, Samantha, the next trip I take to Saratoga, you just bet your glass eye that I am going to have a pair of Artman’s good all-around comfortable fitting shoes, they are simply immense, combining all the essential points in foot wear, and none of your cheap, trashy, half made, no shape shoes, but simply perfection. Why of course, go to Artman’s on Houston Avenue.”

Personally, I found this ad so funny that I read it to some family members and friends, all of which found it as amusing as I did. And to think that some people find history boring!

Sadly Artman’s and the Montgomery Mirror are long gone, but thanks to the Montgomery Area Public Library for having the Montgomery Mirror on microfiche so that these priceless gems of town history can remain preserved.

But with all of the extravagances of the modern age (like spending hundreds of dollars on a tee-shirt), it’s a wonder that custom-made shoes don’t make a comeback. There would certainly be a market for them out there somewhere.

THOT: “The only people you should try to get even with are those who have helped you.” Robert C. Savage

Many Happy Birthday wishes to Donna Yocum, who will be celebrating on July 12th. May your day be as sweet as you, Donna!

A big thank you to all involved for a wonderful fireworks display on July 3rd! I think it’s safe to assume that it’s one of the best nights of the year in our town. The event is always an enjoyable one, but it seems like in the past few years they just keep getter better and better.

If you are interested in joining the Montgomery Lions Club, please call Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

Hometown Hero Banner orders can be placed until August 31st. Orders forms can be found at Montgomery Borough Building, The Clinton Township Building, the Brady Township Building, and Montgomery Weis Market.

The Summer Alive program is going strong at Montgomery Park and will continue until next month. The free program offers music and fine art lessons to children ages 8 to 18. Breakfast and lunch, as well as many opportunities for crafts, gardening projects, cooking lessons, and play activities are offered. Summer Alive runs from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Montgomery events

Wed. July 12 The Montgomery Area Public Library Summer Reading program will give children the opportunity to make a zoo-themed craft. Summer Reading is for kids ages pre-school to eighth grade. Meetings are held at the library at 2 on Wednesday afternoons.

Sun. July 16 As part of their 200th anniversary celebration, St. John’s Lutheran, “Brick” Church will be recognizing their current and former staff members at the 8:30 a.m. service.

Wed. July 19 The library’s Summer Reading program will feature a fun building project for children at 2 p.m.

Sat. July 22 The Oak Grove Community Center will host Shot 4 Scott from 10 to 3 to help with costs from Scott Bieber’s recent lung transplant. The event includes a silent auction and food sales, with the auction beginning at 3:15. Donations for auction items and help with kitchen expenses can be made at the Oak Grove Community Center during Monday night Bingo or by contacting Reba Crawford at 570-547-2316 or Sharon Brownsberger at 570-547-6013.

Mon. July 24 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

Tues. July 25 The Montgomery Area Alumni Association will be holding a fundraiser at Muncy Wendy’s. Simply order food from 5-8 p.m. and a portion of your order will go to the Alumni Association.