Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 56

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Plaque In Christ Chapel, Amanda C. Caligiuri Oct 2006

Plaque In Christ Chapel, Amanda C. Caligiuri

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

We see them every day and pass them as we rush to class. Painting, monuments, and even old photographs that remind us of Gettysburg’s past. They have become so commonplace that we hardly spare a second glance for them so that they start to fade into the general scenery, eventually losing their meaning and with that, the rich history that they denote. What if one could turn back the clock and return to the beginning of freshman year when every sign and monument was new, worth our attention and more importantly, our curiosity? Although Gettysburg College is well steeped in …


The Columned Building: A Gettysburg Legacy, Brett Jackson Oct 2006

The Columned Building: A Gettysburg Legacy, Brett Jackson

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

A new Eisenhower Institute for Leadership and Public Policy is currently being installed at 157 North Washington Street, the house which was home to a young Dwight Eisenhower and his family during the summer of 1918. Eisenhower became a longtime friend of Gettysburg College, and as President Katherine Haley Will states, “We claim Ike as our own.” However, a summer rental by a future national hero does not fully capture the historical value of this residence to our campus. In fact, it was owned for over forty years by Alpha Tau Omega and its story traces the birth of the …


Portrait Of Professor Breidenbaugh, Melissa A. Heckel Oct 2006

Portrait Of Professor Breidenbaugh, Melissa A. Heckel

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

People often do not see what is right in front of them; objects that are passed by everyday are often unnoticed. People are not necessarily unobservant, but are probably more absorbed with their own activities. One object that is hidden in plain sight on the Gettysburg College campus is the portrait of Professor Edward S. Breidenbaugh that hangs in the Science Center. The name Breidenbaugh is commonly known amongst the students at Gettysburg because of the building in his name, Breidenbaugh Hall. However, the history behind Breidenbaugh and his portrait is not as commonly known as the name, but is …


“Passages” Mural On College Union Building, Elizabeth A. Ryan Oct 2006

“Passages” Mural On College Union Building, Elizabeth A. Ryan

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

The mural “Passages” in the back of the Ballroom in the College Union Building may seem to be another painting on the wall to add to the décor of the room, but it can be found to be a case of “history in plain sight.” The mural depicts the history of Gettysburg College through the art work of Ellen Elmes on four separate panels. But the mural is more than a visual reminder of Gettysburg College’s past. It was donated by Luther Ritter, Class of 1933, and as such is a reminder of all the great Alumni who have passed …


Distinguished Gallantry In Action, Ashley N. Towle Oct 2006

Distinguished Gallantry In Action, Ashley N. Towle

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

Among the many paintings of Abraham Lincoln hanging in the Civil War Institute, there is one face that may not be as familiar. Peering out from a small wooden frame in the main office sits Philip Goettel, a Civil War soldier. His posture is relaxed as he sits in a chair proudly displaying his Union uniform. A caption with the mere word “Father” appears below him, along with a significant date: 1863. Truly, the year 1863 would be a pivotal year in Philip Goettel’s life. He would be wounded, scale a mountain under fire, and earn a Medal of Honor. …


Ms-082: Capt. Russell Miller And Claudia Lewis Miller Correspondence, 1916-1919, Amy Sanderson Oct 2006

Ms-082: Capt. Russell Miller And Claudia Lewis Miller Correspondence, 1916-1919, Amy Sanderson

All Finding Aids

This collection consists of 297 letters written between Russell Miller and Claudia Miller from Washington in 1916-1919 during their courtship and marriage before Russell was deployed to Europe during World War I. Almost all letters are attached to their original envelopes with stamps.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. Finding aids include historical and biographical information about each collection in addition to inventories of their content. More information about our collections can be found on our website https://www.gettysburg.edu/special-collections/collections/.


Ms-078: John B. Young, Company H, Pennsylvania 5th Heavy Artillery Regiment, Amy Sanderson Sep 2006

Ms-078: John B. Young, Company H, Pennsylvania 5th Heavy Artillery Regiment, Amy Sanderson

All Finding Aids

This collection contains the diary of John B. Young from October 30, 1864 to May 20, 1865, mainly commenting on the day to day happenings in his regiment during the winter picket post and guard duty. Entries include daily comments on the weather and the pace of work. Some entries include mention of men captured by rebels, rebel deserters/prisoners, and the progress and frustrations of building the stockades with some comments regarding the African Americans who worked with the timber train.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. …


Ms-079: Captain Benjamin F. Lee Collection Regarding 28th Pennsylvania Infantry And John W. Geary, Amy Sanderson Sep 2006

Ms-079: Captain Benjamin F. Lee Collection Regarding 28th Pennsylvania Infantry And John W. Geary, Amy Sanderson

All Finding Aids

The Benjamin F. Lee Collection consists of three series which contain documents relating to requisitions by the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry and correspondence of Lee and John W. Geary between themselves and various other individuals.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. Finding aids include historical and biographical information about each collection in addition to inventories of their content. More information about our collections can be found on our website https://www.gettysburg.edu/special-collections/collections/.


Ms-081: Leahy Family Correspondence; 1894-1901, Gibraltar, Amy Sanderson Sep 2006

Ms-081: Leahy Family Correspondence; 1894-1901, Gibraltar, Amy Sanderson

All Finding Aids

A collection of family correspondence illustrating service life and current event during the late 1800s - early 1900s. It is comprised of letters written by Captain H.G. Leahy to his wife, 1900-1901, from Gibraltar, containing an account of service life, including the commemoration of the death of Queen Victoria, accession of Edward VII and the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York en route to Australia.

It also includes letters from Alice Leahy to her mother and one to her aunt, from Gibraltar and London, 1899-1900 and letters to her husband, Captain Leahy, 1894-1899.

Special Collections and College Archives …


Ms-069: Papers Of John W. Vannorsdall, Amy Sanderson Sep 2006

Ms-069: Papers Of John W. Vannorsdall, Amy Sanderson

All Finding Aids

The Papers of John W. Vannorsdall consist correspondence and issues proposals from the late 1960’s and early 1970’s from the Office of the Chaplain at Gettysburg College. The papers also include papers pertaining to the Chapel and the Student Christian Association during the same time period.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. Finding aids include historical and biographical information about each collection in addition to inventories of their content. More information about our collections can be found on our website https://www.gettysburg.edu/special-collections/collections/.


Ms-067: Robert Bell Bradley Papers, Barbara Schuitt Sep 2006

Ms-067: Robert Bell Bradley Papers, Barbara Schuitt

All Finding Aids

This collection is composed of Robert Bell Bradley’s memoirs of his experiences as a medic during combat in France during WWII and his subsequent capture and five months’ imprisonment east of Berlin in a prisoner-of-war facility. Included are poems from that time as well as collections of his general poetry selections and philosophical reflections. There are no letters or other memorabilia from his war experiences.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. Finding aids include historical and biographical information about each collection in addition to inventories of their …


"A Contingent Somebody": Hannibal Hamlin's Claim For A First Reading Of The Emancipation Proclamation, Allen C. Guelzo Jul 2006

"A Contingent Somebody": Hannibal Hamlin's Claim For A First Reading Of The Emancipation Proclamation, Allen C. Guelzo

Civil War Era Studies Faculty Publications

On more than one occasion, the historical record has implied that Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was a hastily composed document: an impulsive reaction to military events surrounding the Civil War. In fact, it was an evolving idea that began to take shape long before Lincoln had read the initial draft of the Proclamation to his cabinet on July 22, 1862. A closer look at the role of Vice-President Hannibal Hamlin of Maine during the most divisive presidency in American history sheds new light on the consideration and deliberation that went into drafting a document that, on January 1, 1863, essentially …


Ms-072: Adin B. Thayer, Co. B, 16th Maine Volunteer Infantry, Christopher M. Gwinn Jun 2006

Ms-072: Adin B. Thayer, Co. B, 16th Maine Volunteer Infantry, Christopher M. Gwinn

All Finding Aids

This collection contains twenty-one Civil War era letters, ranging from 1862-1865, written by Adin Thayer of the 16th Maine. Most of his letters are written to family members prior to his capture and imprisonment in the Confederate prison camp in Salisbury, North Carolina. The final letter in the collection is dated April 26th, 1865 and is addressed to Thayer’s father from Sgt. William Fennelly, of the 16th Maine informing him of his son’s death.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. Finding aids include historical and biographical information …


Ms-073: Alexander C. Barr, Battery F, 3rd Independent Pa Light Artillery, Christopher M. Gwinn Jun 2006

Ms-073: Alexander C. Barr, Battery F, 3rd Independent Pa Light Artillery, Christopher M. Gwinn

All Finding Aids

The Alexander Barr collection consists of 17 letters written in between March 14, 1864 and June 3, 1865. The majority of the letters are addressed to his brother Charles in Taylorstown, PA, with the exception of at least one letter composed for his brother Jeff in April, 1864. Most of the letters in the collection date from the time Barr served on Maryland Heights and Harper’s Ferry. Included in the letters are Barr’s experiences as a new recruit in the artillery with topics ranging from the “very poor grub” at the artillery cookhouse, the oppressiveness of the summer weather and …


Ms-074: Thomas B. Mcgaffick, Co. F, 101st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Christopher M. Gwinn Jun 2006

Ms-074: Thomas B. Mcgaffick, Co. F, 101st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Christopher M. Gwinn

All Finding Aids

The letters of Thomas B. McGaffick, a corporal in Company F of the 101st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry range in date from January 19th, 1861 to February 11, 1863. The collection contains twenty two pieces of correspondence, including two fragments of letters along with a number of official documents relating to McGaffick’s discharge from the army. The letters are all addressed to members of Thomas’s family, including his sisters Belle and Mary, his brother Benjamin and his parents. The letters address a variety of subjects ranging from the rigors of army life to McGaffick’s constant battle with his own health. Thomas …


Ms-075: Henry W. Siebert, Company E, 16th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Christopher M. Gwinn Jun 2006

Ms-075: Henry W. Siebert, Company E, 16th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Christopher M. Gwinn

All Finding Aids

The Henry W. Siebert journals, of which there are two, cover the years 1863 and 1865 respectively. The journals themselves are leather bound notebooks closed with straps, the whole measuring 3 inches by 6 inches. The 1863 volume numbers 90 pages, with entries for every day. The 1865 diary numbers 150 pages and has entries for January 1, 1865 through May 24, 1865. The entries are generally short in nature, not exceeding a paragraph in length. The text is normally limited to a discussion of the morning weather, general activity of the day and the geographic location reached by nightfall. …


Ms-076: George C. Wynkoop, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Dept. Of Pennsylvania, Christopher M. Gwinn Jun 2006

Ms-076: George C. Wynkoop, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Dept. Of Pennsylvania, Christopher M. Gwinn

All Finding Aids

This collection consists of records from George Wynkoop’s service as a Brigadier General in the three month Pennsylvania Volunteers. Over three hundred pieces of correspondence, orders, forms, and daily reports make up the collection. The correspondence and reports come from a variety of locals at which the Department of Pennsylvania set up camp. Locations include Camp Scott and Camp Chambers, Pennsylvania, Hagerstown, Maryland and Harper’s Ferry, Virginia (Today West Virginia).

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. Finding aids include historical and biographical information about each collection in …


2001 National Lacrosse Finalist Plaque, Devin J. Hewitt Apr 2006

2001 National Lacrosse Finalist Plaque, Devin J. Hewitt

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

Amidst a dusty trophy case in Bream Athletic Center sits a small plaque. It has a gold lacrosse stick and simply states: “2001 National Lacrosse Finalist”. Most people would walk by and never even notice the plaque, and if they did they probably wouldn’t think twice about it. However, upon delving into the history of the plaque I found a story of intense on-and-off-the field rivalries, the emergence of a national power, players learning to come together to overcome adversity, the culmination of years of building, and eventual heartbreak. [excerpt]

Course Information:

  • Course Title: HIST 300: Historical Method …


Robert Fortenbaugh: Understanding A Man Through His Scholarship, Tracy E. Clifford Apr 2006

Robert Fortenbaugh: Understanding A Man Through His Scholarship, Tracy E. Clifford

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

On the second floor of Weidensall Hall at Gettysburg College hangs a picture of Dr. Robert Fortenbaugh. This portrait is hidden in plain sight, and countless people pass by it everyday on their way to an office, a classroom, or elsewhere. However, when one begins to notice the picture’s presence, the question begs to be asked, who was Robert Fortenbaugh? Why is his picture hanging in Weidensall Hall? What impact did he have on the history of Gettysburg College that makes him worthy of being remembered? The answer to those questions include many answers. Most formidable among these, however, was …


Eddie Plank Historical Marker, Garrett S. Gaydosh Apr 2006

Eddie Plank Historical Marker, Garrett S. Gaydosh

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

Eddie Plank (1875-1926)

Baseball great. One of the most dominant pitchers of the twentieth century. "Gettysburg Eddie" compiled a record of 326-194 in a 17-year career (1901-17), mostly with the Philadelphia Athletics. He won 20 games or more eight times and helped the A's win six pennants and three world championships. Plank was born [near this spot], attended Gettysburg Academy, and retired and died in Gettysburg. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, 1946.

Course Information:

  • Course Title: HIST 300: Historical Method
  • Academic Term: Spring 2006
  • Course Instructor: Dr. Michael J. Birkner '72

Hidden in Plain Sight is a collection …


Gargoyles On Glatfelter Hall, Katherine D. Anthony Apr 2006

Gargoyles On Glatfelter Hall, Katherine D. Anthony

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

When one walks around the campus of Gettysburg College, Glatfelter Hall towers above them, as one of the College’s most commanding edifices. One takes notice of the arched doorways, sunken windows, and the giant bell tower whose occupant chimes on the hour. What one may not notice are the eyes watching from the brownstone; faces and creatures at home in the stone, surveying your every move. Grotesques and gargoyles sit in the moldings, on the window sills and at the junction where roof and wall meet, hidden from the eye that does not have the compulsion to look. These architectural …


Parker B. Wagnild Portrait In Schmucker Hall, Stephanie M. Bonnes Apr 2006

Parker B. Wagnild Portrait In Schmucker Hall, Stephanie M. Bonnes

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

A painting of Parker B. Wagnild hangs outside of the College Choir rehearsal room in Schmucker hall. Only a plaque bearing his name is underneath the painting, even the artist remains unknown. The painting is quite small in comparison to what the man in the painting has done for Gettysburg College. Though perhaps the placement of the painting means more than its size, for it located at a central spot in the music department building, and it is right outside of the College Choir rehearsal room. This places Wagnild at the heart of both the department and the choir, both …


Silent Doorway To The Past: “Vigil” Painting In Weidensall Hall, Elizabeth A. Appenzeller Apr 2006

Silent Doorway To The Past: “Vigil” Painting In Weidensall Hall, Elizabeth A. Appenzeller

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

Every object has a story waiting to be told. There is one such artifact that hangs boldly on the mantle of the fireplace in Weidensall Hall its presence large and demanding. The plaque reads “‘The Vigil’ Presented in honor of Mrs. H.W.A. Hanson by the Altoona League.” The artist’s signature is absent from the painting. The painting acts as a window into the history of Gettysburg College. One cannot understand the history of “The Vigil” without knowing the story of the Woman’s League of Gettysburg College, or of Robert Weidensall and the Young Men’s Christian Association. “The Vigil” that hangs …


Portrait Of Philip H. Glatfelter In Glatfelter Hall, Rachel L. Burg Apr 2006

Portrait Of Philip H. Glatfelter In Glatfelter Hall, Rachel L. Burg

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

The first floor lobby of Glatfelter Hall is home to a Ned Bittinger oil painting portrait of Philip H. Glatfelter, the namesake of the building. Bittinger was commissioned in 1988 to paint the portraits of several Gettysburg College benefactors. Philip H. Glatfelter’s generosity to Gettysburg College was never ending. In a forty year period, P.H. Glatfelter, his son William L. Glatfelter, and their immediate family gave $225,000 to Gettysburg College. At the time of his death in 1907, he was considered “one of the best friends, if not the best, that Gettysburg College ever had.” [excerpt]

Course Information: …


Stargazing: Observatories At Gettysburg College, 1874-Present, Andrew A. Carlson Apr 2006

Stargazing: Observatories At Gettysburg College, 1874-Present, Andrew A. Carlson

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

Astronomy has long been a subject which has attracted the interest of man. Examples of early astronomers can be found in many ancient civilizations, including but not limited to, the Egyptians, the Chinese and the Greeks. As time passed the methods for interpreting the stars and theories that surrounded them changed concordant with the technology available. One of the largest breakthroughs in the world of astronomy was the invention of the telescope in the early seventeenth century. Often mis-attributed to Galileo (who was responsible for building the first reflecting telescope in 1688), the telescope was actually first designed by a …


Gettysburg College Fountain, Amanda M. Spillman Apr 2006

Gettysburg College Fountain, Amanda M. Spillman

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

When visiting Gettysburg most people are surprised to find a college nestled amongst the acres of battlefields and quaint tourist town. The few that find their way to the campus are taken back by its unique array of architecture, beautifully manicured lawns, and a fountain right in the middle of all of it. Prospective students often have the same reaction. On paper Gettysburg College seems like any other school, but usually once a student visits, they fall in love with the with the campus, charming in every shade of green in spring, and ablaze with vibrant oranges and reds in …


Daniel Alexander Payne Historical Marker, James Judge Apr 2006

Daniel Alexander Payne Historical Marker, James Judge

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

Racial oppression marked the nineteenth century in American history. People of color were seen as inferior and had a hard time bettering their lives through education or employment. However some men were able to rise above oppression. Daniel Alexander Payne was one such individual who was able to better his life. He served as a pioneer in the advancement of African Americans long before the NAACP or the Civil Rights Movement. Through his hard work and faith in God, he made inroads that would lead to equality for all people. Most people probably ignore or do not see Daniel Payne’s …


Portrait Of Thaddeus Stevens By Jacob Eichholtz, Axel T. Kaegler Apr 2006

Portrait Of Thaddeus Stevens By Jacob Eichholtz, Axel T. Kaegler

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

When we were approached to do a paper on the hidden history of an object in Gettysburg College, a colleague and I decided to take a weekend afternoon to walk around the campus in order to find an object to write about. After wandering for a while, we entered Penn Hall, and in the Lyceum we looked at the portraits of great contributors to Gettysburg College. One face that struck me was that of Thaddeus Stevens, who I remembered as one of the great Radical Republicans of the Civil War era. Gettysburg is very much a Civil War oriented area. …


The Remnants Of A Shard Of Hope Tainted By The Shadow Of Evil, Sergio J.A. Ragno Apr 2006

The Remnants Of A Shard Of Hope Tainted By The Shadow Of Evil, Sergio J.A. Ragno

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

A symbol is unique as a form of communication in that it holds no meaning standing alone, but rather gains meaning by people. As such a symbol can sometimes lead one astray for its meaning is liquid. A symbol that once represented something beautiful can be used by a sinister group, and through that become an icon of evil. Such a symbol can be found here at Gettysburg College: the Swastika. I found this symbol decorating the floor tiles of the second floor entrance to Breidenbaugh Hall. What the symbol represents may not be as ambiguous as it may seem, …


Eisenhower Statue, Jamie L. Kessler Apr 2006

Eisenhower Statue, Jamie L. Kessler

Hidden in Plain Sight Projects

Every day thousands of students walk across the Gettysburg College campus. They are distracted by thinking about class, or homework, or the latest happenings in their social lives. Whether or not they think about it daily the students are aware of the historical place in which they are present, the battlefields which surround the campus and the Civil War re-enactors who are reminders of the historical significance of this area. But what is much less obvious to the students is that on their walks to and from classes and to meals or to check their mail they pass what is …