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Newville in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

The Big Spring Hotel

 
 
Big Spring Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Don Morfe, May 30, 2015
1. Big Spring Hotel Marker
Inscription. This land was first deeded to Jeremiah McKibben in 1791. It passed through several owners until 1846 when Thompson Galbraith and Thomas Paxton sold the land containing a 2-story brick tavern to Peter A. Ahl.

Because of its proximity to the railroad, the business prospered. In 1860 when Captain Samuel Speese was the hotel keeper, the 3rd floor was added and the basement was dug out. In September of 1862 Captain Speese enlisted in the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, but resigned his commission 10 ˝ months later due to the press of business.

In the meeting rooms of this hotel the Big Spring Turnpike was planned, and later the ill-fated Harrisburg and Potomac Railroad organized, and later still, the Newville High School Alumni Association organized.

With Ahl’s bankruptcy in 1893 the hotel was sold for $4000 to S.D. Mowery, who also went bankrupt then George Dock Frey purchased it in 1916 for $3,420. From 1920 until 1923 the building was leased to the Pennsylvania State Police Training School. Afterwards the building was turned into apartments, and was finally demolished in the late 1950s.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public WorkIndustry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1862.
 
Location. 40° 10.018′ N, 77° 24.104′ 
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W. Marker is in Newville, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of Walnut Street and Big Spring Ave. on Walnut Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newville PA 17241, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. State Police School (here, next to this marker); Big Spring Creek - Agriculture, Industry and Recreation (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First United Presbyterian Church and Manse (about 500 feet away); The Byers-Eckels House (about 600 feet away); Newville Trolley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alexander Spring Creek Rail Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Big Spring Adamantine Guards (approx. 0.3 miles away); Newville (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newville.
 
Big Spring Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Don Morfe, May 30, 2015
2. Big Spring Hotel Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 436 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on July 13, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 28, 2024