May 13, 1887: Townspeople Show Their Compassion and Generous Spirit Helping a Local Family in Need

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA.

May 13, 1887: Boyertown’s charitable feelings were aroused when it was learned that the family of Mrs. Thomas Liddicoat was in destitute circumstances. Her husband “took off” in August and her daughter Lizzie has been dangerously ill with typhoid fever for many weeks.

When her son Thomas took sick two weeks ago and was unable to work and the family lost its only means of support, more than 100 townspeople assembled at the North Reading Avenue home of Alfred P. Graver, superintendent of the Dunn Cigar Factory where Thomas worked.

From Graver’s home, they proceeded to the Lippicoat home on West Philadelphia Avenue, laden “with all sorts of useful things” carried on wagons, arms and shoulders, as well as $60 in cash that had been donated by the local cigar factories. The family is totally overwhelmed and so appreciative of the generosity of the good, kindhearted people in Boyertown.

More News from Boyertown

• TRADITIONS While traditions are considered unchanging, life changes constantly and new traditions must be created; what lasts is the desire to give thanks for life, mutable as it is.
• A Pictorial Tour Through the History of Boyertown: Main Street Businesses page 21 Main Street--page 21