New Village of Campbelltown Signs

On Friday, December 3rd, Campbelltown Community Alliance hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new “Village of Campbelltown” signs. The signs are located on the east and west ends of Horseshoe Pike/Rt. 322. About 20 people attended the ribbon-cutting including CCA members, property owners, Mike Blose from Blose Printing, Representative Frank Ryan, Senator Christopher Gebhard, District Director Dan Bost, Deputy District Directors Tom Gerhard and Anthony Seiwiell for Congressman Dan Meuser, Lebanon County Commissioner William Ames and Jo Ellen Litz, Jen Kuzo from “Visit Lebanon Valley,” South Londonderry Township Supervisor Faith Bucks, South Londonderry Township Manager John Eberly, and long time Campbelltown resident Dottie Black.

CCA also received three certificates for their work on the town signs. Campbelltown Community Alliance designed the “Village of Campbelltown” signs and raised the funds to purchase the signs, by applying for a grant from Lebanon County and fundraising. The signs took about two years to come to life, but they were well worth the wait. They are a warm welcome into Campbelltown for residents and visitors. Hopefully, these signs will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.

Why a Trolley?

Did you know the trolley was a major means of transportation here in Campbelltown? A line to the Village of Campbelltown was completed in January 1908. Before opening to the public,  Milton S. Hershey, president of the line, gave a free excursion to all the school children of Campbelltown on January 3, 1908. Included was a trip to Hershey and a tour of the chocolate factory. The line officially opened to the citizens of Campbelltown on January 6, 1908.

 The trolley was used for many things. It would take children to school, men to work at the chocolate factory, and transport cargo, such as milk, to the chocolate factory from local dairy farmers. 

 Another line, from Campbelltown to Lebanon, was constructed in 1911. This gave Campbelltown residents access to the city and the shopping it provided.

Two of the trolleys used are still in Hershey. The “Friends of the Hershey Trolley”  plan on reconstructing them someday.

The trolley was an important part of the Village of Campbelltown’s history. Many of our residents today have memories, or stories from loved ones, that involve the trolley. This is just some of the wonderful history of Campbelltown. There is so much more. The Village of Campbelltown was, and is, a great place to live.

Thank you, Ruth Barley!

Ruth has not only donated, $500 but she also offered a match to other donations up to $500. Ruth was born and raised here in Campbelltown and has fond memories of her childhood in the village. She looks forward to having the Village of Campbelltown signs because they will show how proud residents are of the community’s history and what the community will become.