THE CATASAUQUA DISPATCH
Thirty-one years ago, Mr. John James, now postmaster at Hazelton, left Catasauqua, and seldom visited the place until Wednesday last, the occasion of Mr. Hopkin ThomasŐ funeral. He walked our streets with an uncertainty of destination, and was searching for old landmarks to properly locate himself. The old stone house, now supplanted by Dr. YoderŐs handsome new brick dwelling, was looked for in vain, and the improvements thereabouts greatly admired. Mr. James should make more frequent visits and renew old acquaintanceships.
Many of our people took by hand this week, Mssrs. Donald and William Jones, young men who made Catasauqua their stomping grounds in days of yore. The former is now superintendent of the most extensive iron works in the country, the Cambria Iron Works at Johnstown, and the latter holds the responsible position of superintendent the Edgar Thompson Steel Works at Braddock, near Pittsburgh. Their visit here was to pay the last tribute to the man who had thoroughly instructed them in the rudiments of mechanism and instilled habits which fit them today for the responsible positions they occupy. They recall many incidents of former days, and a meeting between friends was indeed very pleasant. When they left Catasauqua, it was as workmen, but today they visit it under other circumstances, and hearty congratulations were given the young men. They are but middle-aged, and in the vigor of manhood. They were compelled to leave for home on Thursday.
Among the prominent visitors on Wednesday was Mr. Owen Liebert who holds a responsible position at the Bethlehem steel works. The incident was called to mind that Mr. Liebert was made the hero in former years, when some parties took occasion to spit spite upon the Crane Iron CompanyŐs employees. It seems Owen was called upon to repair machinery one Sunday, and was arrested. No Justice of the Peace residing here, he was taken to Allentown where he was promptly released on bail. His companions thought this an occasion for rejoicing, constructed a platform, procured a band, and when he arrived home, placed him on the platform, shouldered it and carried him through the streets, with great exultation. The procession halted in front of Father ThomasŐ residence, vociferous calls were made for that gentleman, who appeared and addressed the crowd, after which they dispersed. Mr. Liebert is still a favorite with his fellow workers and is highly esteemed.
Mr. James Thomas, Superintendent of the Oxmoor Irion Works, Alabama, came to Catasauqua on Tuesday, to attend his fatherŐs funeral. He is at the head of one of the most successful furnaces and corporations in the South, and has many other characteristics of his father. He is assisted in the mining department by his older brother, William R. Thomas, who was unable to come North at this time, owing to pressing business engagements.
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December 2010