Yelland Research Library
The Yelland family has donated a substantial amount of money toward a suitable home for the Society’s library, thus, the name Yelland Research Library. Volunteers process donations, apply preservation techniques and answer research requests.
By appointment anyone can do their own research in the library. Monetary donations are accepted. Also, our researchers will research your topics for you at the following rates. Members of the Society: $15.00 for the first hour and $10.00 for each additional hour plus $.10 per page for copying. Non-members: $20.00 for the first hour and $15.00 for each additional hour plus $.10 for copying. Send e-mail requests for research to: research@hahs.us. Postal requests to HAHS, P.O. Box 105, Hanover, PA 17331. If you plan to visit our library/historical records in person, please call in advance for an appointment, 717-632-3207.
Library voluneers are Co-chairs Marvin Muhlhausen and Tim Chinn, Rosalie Brashears, Ralph Smith, and Valerie French.
Yelland Research Library: Some Significant Collections
Diller/Delone Collection. 122 ledgers, diaries, and law school course notes collected by Charles J. Delone and Charles S. Diller. Spanning 1880’s to 1920’s, they pertain to Hanover, McSherrystown, and New Oxford. Ledgers have been identified, to C.J. Delone, atty., C.S. Garman Co., Café Royal, Carroll Cigar Co., Conewago Box Co., East Berlin Railway, farm accounts, hotels, J.B. Miller, Jacobs Mill, McSherrystown & Hanover Turnpike Co., and Smith Lyraphone Co. (a music business). Many remain unidentified. Of special note are a Diller diary (1805) in German, Amy Diller’s diaries from 1907 to 1950 (some years missing), Charles Diller’s diaries 1948 to 1968 (several years missing), John L. Gubernator’s diaries and financial accounts, and C. J. Delone’s Harvard Law School notes.
Hanover Post Office Collection. Compiled and donated by Charles McManus. History of Hanover, PA post office from 1794 to recent times. Nine 2-inch notebooks, 5-inch carton, several oversize documents.
H.W. Young Letter Collection. Covers 1914 to 1946, much of it from parents to son in U.S. Army during World War II. Good home front information. Six 5-inch cartons.
Gordon Letter Collection. Extensive letter writing between Hanover family and husband/father in U.S. Navy, 1953-1945. Strong in home front information. Three 5-inch cartons.
Dr. Wirt W. Barnitz (1887-1982) Personal Writings & Papers. Early 20th Century world traveler and lecturer. World War I foreign correspondent, founder of Nomad organization, 1920’s radio commentator. One 5-inch and one 2 ½-inch cartons.