Author: MMA

The
Station Dispatch

October - November 2025

Mechanicsburg
Museum
Association
2 West Strawberry
Alley
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6213
Passenger Station
(717) 697-6088
Email: mechanicsburg museum@gmail.com
Website:
www.mechanicsburg
museum.org Look for our hours here
Find us on Facebook

Inside this issue:

Frightful Tales 1
Halloween Parade 1
President’s Report 2
Events & Programs 3
Lifetime Talks
New Members
Yearbooks
New Website
Christmas Candlelight Tour 4 Kids Corner 5
Christmas Yard Sale 6
2026 Calendars 6
“Believe– A Polar Express Christmas” 7
Upcoming Events 8

FRIGHTFUL TALES AT THE TAVERN
Join us for some Halloween fun on Saturday, October 25 at the Frankenberger Tavern. There will be tours of the tavern and ghost stories by candlelight.
Inside, Cindy Dlugolecki will be telling stories from her book “Ghosts of Mechanicsburg”. Outside, Nate McDicken will be telling haunted ghost tales.
The evening is a ticketed event and limited to 20 people per session. Popcorn and cider will be included.
Session times are 6:00 - 7:15 pm and 7:15 - 8:30 pm.
Tickets are available for $10 - ages 13 to adult and
$5 - ages 5 - 12.
Call the museum @ (717) 697-6088 to reserve your ticket. This will be an indoor and outdoor event so dress according to the weather.
Sponsored by:

Watch for MMA in this Year’s Halloween Parade
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 14! This is the date for our town’s Halloween Parade. The museum is planning to have a float this year in celebration of our 50 years. Watch for the engine which was on display at the past exhibit. What a great opportunity to spread the word about the museum and at the same time participate in a beloved town event.

1

President
Faith Matthews
Vice President
Carol Palinkas
Recording Secretary
Rich Heinick
Treasurer
Sandy Showers
Board of Directors
Beverly Bone Jeanne Souder
Rich Heinick JJ Stewart
Frankie Hensel Art Thomas
Cheryl Hoke Linda Willis
Paula Libhart Rebecca Yearick
Faith Matthews
Carol Palinkas
Museum Director
Steven B. Zimmerman
Office Manager
Kelly Reed

The Mechanicsburg Museum Association is incorporated under Pennsylvania law as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The official registration and financial information of the Mechanicsburg Museum Association may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Believe. Lead. Learn. Rely on. Depend on. Count on. These six words come from the movie Polar Express. The train conductor punches these words into the children’s tickets as they embark on their journey to and from the North Pole.
These words are important to the story. The children’s relationships and “connections” change as they get to know one another during the train ride. It’s a magical experience. Christmas is found in their hearts as they realize all they need to do is believe.
I’ve been thinking about these words while I work on the Christmas Exhibit, “Believe-A Polar Express Christmas”, which opens Saturday, November 15.
I realized that these six words could also apply to us at the museum. We depend on and count on each other, so that all areas of the museum can be productive. We rely on our members’ skills; each member brings a different passion and expertise to the museum. Some of our members lead, whether serving on the board or chairing a committee. All of us at the museum learn from each other as we work together to prepare programs and exhibits. And of course we help the community learn when folks attend our events.
Believe is the most important word for Polar Express and the museum. When we believe in something, we have strong convictions for what is real, true and important. As we celebrate 50 years, we know those who started the museum believed. Today we continue to believe as the museum steps into the future.
See you at the Freight Station for Believe-A Polar Express Christmas.
Faith Matthews President
Connections-Let’s Build

Welcome….
To our New Members
Ted & Paula Adams
Andrea Pahowka
Timothy & Melaney Patchett
Sharon Shipman
Lenny & Mary Zook

Mechanicsburg High School Yearbooks Available
The museum has a collection of Mechanicsburg High School yearbooks, however we have a number of duplicate yearbooks that we would like to make available to the public. If you are interested in yearbooks from the following years 1933-1937, 1942, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949 & 1950-1959, we offer them to you at $5 each.
Contact our office at (717) 697-6088 and we can arrange for payment and pick-up.

Thank you to all those supporting our wish list. The donations of water and paper are greatly appreciated!!

Lifetime Enrichment
1:00 pm @ Passenger Station
Free to Members; $5 for non-members
Note Date Change
Wednesday, October 15
“History of Silver Spring Township”
Lawrence Knorr
Author & Historian
Wednesday, November 12
“Classic Toys & The Fascinating Stories Behind Them”
John Maietta
Colonel, US Army, Retired
Author & Historian

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE @
mechanicsburgmuseum.org

Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour
Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6
Our annual Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour of historic Mechanicsburg buildings will take place two nights again this year. There will be 5 tours each night with the first tour beginning at 4:30 pm. Each tour is approximately two hours. Costumed docents will give a brief history of each building and your lantern guide will give a brief history of the town as you walk.
The tour begins at the Passenger Station (1867), then on to the Stationmaster’s House (1866). Next, we will walk to the Frankenberger Tavern (1801) where a light meal will be served. The tour then continues to Union Church (1825) where carols are sung with the pump organ. The next stop is at Eckels Ice Cream Fountain (1879) where we will have hot chocolate and cookies. The tour ends at the Freight Station (1872) to see our Christmas train exhibit of the Polar Express and a 1950’s Christmas layout. All buildings will be decorated for the holidays.
Tickets are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. Children aged 3-9 are $10. Each tour is limited to 12 people due to seating at the tavern, so call early for tickets as the event sells out quickly.
Tickets will be sent after payment is received.
Payments are non- refundable.
All money must be received by December 2.
Make checks payable to Mechanicsburg Museum.
Call the museum at (717) 697-6088 for available times to book your tour.

KIDS CORNER

Believe-A Polar Express Christmas Opens November 15!!
November 15 is the opening day for this year’s Christmas exhibit based on the popular book/movie Polar Express. A new train layout as well as themed cases and trees will be waiting to greet you. This year’s scavenger hunt will include both stickers and items on the platform. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the grand opening day ready to greet everyone with a jolly “HO HO HO”. This exhibit closes Saturday, January 10.

Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elf will visit the Passenger Station
On Saturday, December 13 from 12-3 pm, Mrs. Claus and an elf from the North Pole will be reading stories to children. There will also be a craft table where children can make a Polar Express themed craft to take home. This is a perfect event to attend before or after visiting the Christmas exhibit at the Freight Station, “Believe-A Polar Express Christmas”. (Parents and grandparents, take a look that day at the elf. It may look just a little bit like Mayor Jack Ritter).

Storytime Returns for December
Simpson Library will be sharing holiday stories at the Passenger Station on Tuesdays, December 2. 9 and 16. The stories will begin at 10:15 am Following the stories, families will be invited to the Freight Station to see Believe-A Polar Express Christmas. This event is a great outreach to our community. Thank you Simpson Library for this amazing partnership.

Gingerbread House Display
WHAT: A Gingerbread House Display
WHO: All ages may participate, Children and adults.
WHEN: The display can be viewed from November 28 - January 10. The gingerbread houses will be part of the Christmas Exhibit. (Entries accepted Friday, November 28 & Saturday, November 29 from 12 - 3 pm).
Where: The Freight Station at 3 West Allen Street.
All gingerbread creations will receive a small participation prize. There will be a People’s Choice Award.
Rules:
Entries and their bases should not exceed 15 inches in width, length or height.
Children ages 12 and under may have adult help.
Entries must be made with edible materials, excluding the base.
Gingerbread house kits are allowed, not allowed are pre-assembled/ pre-decorated houses.

Streets of Treats
Stop by the Frankenberger Tavern on Saturday, October 18 for a candy treat. The museum will be participating in the town’s annual family event, Streets of Treats. We look forward to seeing everyone dressed in their Halloween best.

The Best Prices in Town
The Christmas Yard Sale is Coming
Do you have some Christmas decorations that you no longer need? If so, the museum would love to have them for the annual Christmas Yard Sale.
Items may be dropped off at the Passenger Station:
October 28, 29 and 30 from 12:00-3:00 pm
The yard sale is held at the Passenger Station and will be open for shoppers on October 31 and November 1 from 8:30 am-2:00 pm.
Spread the word!!!!

Special thank you to Deb McCreary for opening Eckels Ice Cream Fountain on the day of our 50th Celebration.
Folks loved stopping for ice cream and snacks as well as the chance to see one of our town’s historic gems.

2026 Desktop Calendars available in November
This year’s calendar, “Paint the Town” celebrates two local female artists, Eva Williams and Kas Morret. The cost will be $10. Many of the paintings included in the calendar feature town landmarks. Stop by the Freight Station gift shop to purchase the 2026 calendar “Paint the Town”. Calendars will be available the end of November.

Believe-A Polar Express Christmas
As we celebrate our 50th year, join us for an all new Christmas experience. The theme is the Polar Express with an all new train layout. Our train crew has been working since last January to bring us this fantastic exhibit. Themed cases and trees will also be part of the exhibit.
A new feature will be a 1950’s Lionel themed layout like we remember from years past.
The exhibit opens on November 15 with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Our special hours that day will be from 11 am -3 pm at the Freight Station with special sales in the gift shop. Do your Christmas shopping early!
So, come along and meet our conductor, get your special ticket and be part of the unique Polar Express experience.
All Aboard for the Polar Express
*********************************************************** Our 50 Years-Honoring our Board Members
On Sunday, September 28, a very special reception was held at the Freight Station. All those who served on the museum board sometime throughout the 50 years were honored. Those board members who have passed were also included by way of an invitation extended to their family members. All received a special commemorative pin. Special recognition was given to three folks who were at an initial meeting that became the start of the museum as we know it today: Carol Colestock, Jan Daniels and Judy Meck. We are so grateful for everyone who has served on the board during these 50 years.
A special thank you to Garden Bouquet for the donation of the corsages.
(It was difficult to obtain addresses for some folks. We apologize to anyone that didn’t receive an invitation. If we missed contacting you, and you would like a commemorative pin, please call the museum office.)

Don’t miss the next connections lunch at Eckel’s, Monday, June 9 at 11:30
Email or text/call your reservation Faith Matthews @ 717-877-9796, or fmatthews3@verizon.net. The lunch is $20 and includes parmesan crusted chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, roll, ice ream and beverage.

NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Mechanicsburg, PA
Permit No. 217

2 West Strawberry Alley, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Return Service Requested

Upcoming Events
October 4 Golden Anniversary Celebration
October 15 Lifetime Talk at the Passenger Station 1:00 pm
October 25 Frightful Tales at Frankenberger Tavern
October 31
& November 1 Christmas Yard Sale at the Passenger Station 8:30 am -2:00 pm
November 12 Lifetime Talk at the Passenger Station 1:00 pm
November 15 New Exhibit Opens “Believe—A Polar Express Christmas” runs through January 10
November 16 Volunteer Appreciation at the Freight Station 2-4 PM
December 5 & 6 Candlelight Walking Tour
December 7 Carol Sing sponsored by Church of the Brethren @ Union Church
1-3 PM
December 13 Mrs. Claus and Elf Storytime and Crafts 12-3 PM
January 18 Death of a Salesman at Mechanicsburg Little Theater

The Museum began with the 1866 Stationmaster’s House
The Mechanicsburg Museum began with the renovation of the Stationmaster’s House on Strawberry Alley, leased from the Borough of Mechanicsburg for 99 years at a rental cost of 4 Strawberries per year on November 15, 1976

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