Bruce Franklin Beacher Ph.D. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- Born: 24 May 1919, Shenandoah, Schuylkill, PA 1 4 5
- Christened: 20 Mar 1920 1
- Marriage (1): Betty Marguerite Strayer on 27 Sep 1941 in York, York, PA 1 2
- Died: 24 Jan 2004, Biglerville, Adams, PA at age 84 5
- Buried: Allentown: Grandview Cemetery, Lehigh, PA
FamilySearch ID: L8B8-2ZV.
Noted events in his life were:
1. Moved: 31 Oct 1924, Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 8
2. Census in 1930 in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 9 10 The 1930 Census in Allentown recorded owning a $15,000 home at 224 South 16th St.: Benjamin F. Beacher, mechanical engineer, 53, living with his wife, Bertha P., 45; daughter Ruth E., 24, occupation piano teacher; and sons B. Donald, 16; John H., 13; Bruce F., 10;, and Robert L., 5. Their home had a radio. Everyone and their parents were born in Pennsylvania.
3. Newspaper: Allentown Morning Call: Piano Pupils Offer Recital, on 26 Jan 1930, in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 11 11 Miss Ruth Beacher, teacher of piano, presented students of her class of beginners and the elementary groups in recital at her home, 224 South Sixteenth street, yesterday. Takmg part were Lida Morrison, Jean Messersmith, Catherine Dierurl, Julia Odenheimer, Hattie Eileen Odenheimer, Ruth Hertz, Frances Leonard, Betty Ward, Ruth Parmet, Betty Brinker, Mary Catherine Wenck, Miriam Snyder, Sylvia Sontag, Anna Seip, Roy Hertz and Bruce Beacher.
4. Newspaper: Allentown Morning Call: Scout Program Broadcast by Troop 10, on 21 Feb 1931, in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 12 12 Radio listeners who tuned Into Station WCBA Thursday night heard an interesting Boy Scout program presented by the members of Troop 10, which meets regularly at the Asbury M. E. church. The program opened with the assembly bugle call by Troop Bugler John Beacher, after which Donald Beacher, senior patrol leader, led In the pledge of allegiance. Frederick Everett and John Beacher then recited the Scout laws and William Ruch favored with a violin solo. A quartet composed of Committeemen John Eddy, Lester Bally, Claude Horlacher and Edgar, then sang several numbers and they were accompanied at the piano by Ralph Ruch. Donald Beacher then offered a trombone solo and Robert Keck played a piano solo. A talk entitled, "Taking the Boys Measure In a Popular Way," was then given by Edgar Weaver, a member of the troop commute. In his address Mr. Weaver explained the work being done for the youth of Allentown by the Boy Scout organization. The sounding of taps by Bugler Beacher brought the program to a close. The scoutmaster of Troop 10 Is Fred Erwin. Assistant scoutmasters of the troop are Adraln Hoffman, Wilbur Hemstreet and George Hemstreet.
5. Newspaper: Allentown Morning Call: Beacher Family Entertains, on 30 Jan 1932, in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 13 13 The Men's Bible class of Grace E. C. church, Fifteenth and Turner streets. Rev. H. E. M. Snyder, pastor, sponsored an unusual supper party and program in the social rooms of the church last evening. It was called a "Family Night" and was attended by almost 100 persons, members of the class with their wives. So successful was the affair that it will be a regular event at intervals throughout the year. John I. Baker, president of the class, was a capable toastmaster during the dinner program, which featured two addresses by William Thomas and Rev. D. G. Reinhold. Mrs. H. C. Pottelger entertained with vocal solos. Following the dinner, there was an entertainment program staged by the Beacher family, which includes: Mr. and Mrs. B. Beacher, Mrs. Ruth Beacher Horn and Donald, John, Bruce and Bobby Beacher. The group formed an orchestra and offered instrumental numbers; there were also a number of songs, piano duets and solos, etc. The program concluded with a demonstration of various types of Indian war dances, performed by the Beacher boys in costume.
6. Newspaper: Morning Call: V C. E. Society Discusses Program of Denomination, on 28 Jan 1935, in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 14 14 V C. E. SOCIETY DISCUSSES PROGRAM OF DENOMINATION
Betty Bear was the leader of a meeting of the Intermediate C. E. society, Grace E. C. church, last night. The topic for discussion was "What Is the program of the denomination?" Frank Yost read the benediction, and prayers were offered by Emerson Albright, Bruce Beacher, Frank Yost, Catherine Lobst, Robert Brinker, James Potter and Betty Bear. Scriptures were read by John Henry Beacher, Claire Schuler, Ethel Fahringer, Dorothy Ward and Virginia MacLain. After the discussion the society was led in a brief song service by the president, Robert Brlnker, with Betty Brinker at the piano.
7. Newspaper: Allentown Morning Call: A. H. S. Grads Attain High College Averages, on 26 Feb 1936, in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 15 15 A. H. S. Grads Attain High College Averages
Announcement has been made that Bruce F. Beacher, who was graduated from the Allentown High school with the class of 1936 and who is now a student In the Penn State Forest school at Mount Alto, has attained the highest average of his class, 51 honor points. Bruce Is but 16 years old. which makes his record all the more remarkable. John Beacher, a brother and one year Bruce's senior, is pursuing a zoology course at Penn State college, where he is a member of the freshman class. He recently received 43 honor points and is s graduate of the Allentown High school, class of '34. John was assistant scoutmaster of Troop 10, this city, Boy Scouts of America, and Bruce a member of the same troop.
8. Newspaper: Morning Call: Two Brothers Among 9 Localites Graduated From Penn State College, on 13 Jun 1939, in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 16 16 A group of nine Allentonians, including two brothers, Bruce P. and John H. Beacher of 224 S. 16th St., yesterday received degrees as Pennsylvania State college graduated its largest class in history. John received his degree in zoology and entomology, and it is reported he has been hired by the National Geographic society to join a research expedition to Africa. John is aged 23, while Bruce is only 20, one of the youngest students in the class. He received his degree in agronomy. Both are A.H.S. graduates. Others from Allentown who received their degrees were: Kenneth H. Bunk, 239 E. Elm St., health and physical education; Frank E. Davis, Route 4, dairy husbandry; Robert S. Givler Jr., 1744 Chew St., journalism; Wilmer K. Rockmaker, 122 S. 16th St., commerce and finance; Morton Schneider, 313 N. 6th St.. commerce and finance; William N. Wrem, 1121 Linden St., commerce and finance, and Kermit F. R. Riedy, 866 Sherman St., a graduate student, advanced degree of electrical engineering.
9. Census in 1940 in Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 17 The 1940 Census recorded at 224 16th Street in Allentown Benjamin F. Beacher, 62, living with wife Bertha P., 54; and sons John H., 23; Bruce F., 20; and Robert L., 15. Benjamin owned the home valued at $10,000. Benjamin had completed 4 years of high school, his wife and Robert 2 years. John and Bruce had completed 4 years of college. Benjamin was employed as a utility man in an office. Bruce was a soil technician with the Department of the Interior. The census was recorded on 17 Apr 1940
10. Census in 1940 in Billings, Yellowstone, MT, USA. 18 The 1940 census recorded Bruce F. Beacher, junior soil technologist with U. S. Depot. of Interior, 20, single, as a lodger at 1024 North 30th Street. HIs residence in 1935 was Allentown, Lehigh, PA. The census was recorded on 15 Apr 1940.
11. Newspaper: Gazette and Daily: Beecher-Strayer Wedding, 27 Sep 1941, York, York, PA. 6 BEACHER STRAYER
Bruce Franklin Beacher, Billings, Mont., son of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Beacher, Allentown, and Miss Betty Marguerite Strayer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nevin Strayer, 1038 West Market street, will be united in marriage this morning at 11 o'clock. The ceremony will take place in St. Matthew's Lutheran church and the single ring ceremony will be performed by Rev. Dr. J. B. Baker. The bride will have Miss Evelyn Work, Uniontown, as her maid of honor, and the bridesmaids will be Mrs. Robert Wolfe and Dorcas Hoke. The groom will have as his best man, his brother, John H. Beacher, Allentown. The ushers will be another brother, Robert L. Beacher, and Alden K. Horn, both of Allentown. The bride will be attired in a gown of white slipper satin with a high neckline and long pointed sleeves. A row of buttons will run down the back to a V-waist line. She will carry a Bible and an orchid in a shower and her finger tip veil will be of a sweetheart shape. She will also wear a gold brooch which was her great grandmother's. The maid of honor will be attired in a floor-length gown of peacock blue of file material with velveteen jackets and hats to match. Her flowers will be yellow roses and mixed flowers. The bridesmaids will be attired in gowns of American Beauty rose color and will carry old fashioned bouquets of Better Times roses and white flowers. Preceding the ceremony, Mrs. Alden K. Horn, will give a short organ recital. Her numbers will be: 'Tales From Vienna Woods,( (Strauss) ; "Caprice Vennoise, (Fritz Crisler); "Song To An Evening Star," from "Tannhauser, and Pleyel's "Hymn." For the processional she will play Bridal Song," from "Lohengrin," ' and for the recessional, Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," from "Midsummer Night's Dream." .Following a short wedding trip the newly married couple will reside at Billings, Mont., where the groom is employed by the federal government in the Bureau of Reclamation. The bride graduated from the West York High school in 1936 and Penn State college in 1940. The groom graduated from Penn State in 1939.
12. Residence: on 27 Sep 1941 in Billings, Yellowstone, MT, USA. 6
13. Newspaper: Morning Call: marriage of Bruce Franklin Beecher and Betty Marguerite Strayer, 28 Sep 1941, Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 2 At 11 o'clock Saturday morning in the St. Matthew's Lutheran church of York, Betty Marguerite Strayer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nevin Warner Strayer of York, and Bruce Franklin Beacher, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Beacher of 224 S. 16th St., this city, were united in marriage.
The Rev. John Baker, D.D., read the ceremony. Mrs. Ruth Beacher Horn, the bridegroom's sister, was at the organ console.
The bride had as her maid of honor and bridesmaids sorority sisters from the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Penn State chapter.
John H. Beacher, entomologist of Newark, Del., was his brother's best man. Ushers were also brothers, B. D. Beacher of Salladasburg and Robert L. Beacher, a student at Penn State, and the third, Alden K. Horn, a brother-in-law.
Mrs. Beacher was graduated from Pennsylvania State college in 1940. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega and has been teaching French in Allentown, Pa.
Mr. Beacher, who graduated from Allentown High school with the class of 1935, played baritone in the Allentown High school band and was a member of the National Honor Society. He received his degree from the agronomy department of Penn State in 1939. While at college he played in the Blue Band and was a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Zeta fraternities.
Mr. Beacher returned East on Sept. 17 from Billings, Montana, where he Is stationed as a soil technologist for the United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Reclamation.
Following a reception in a York hotel, the couple left on an extended tour of the Western states. They are visiting in western Pennsylvania and then going to Colorado and New Mexico.
After Oct. 13, the Beachers will be at home in Billings, Montana.
14. Residence: P. O. Box 1618, Billings, MT on 27 Apr 1942 in Billings, Yellowstone, MT, USA. 7
15. Residence: 485 S. Logan St., Denver, CO on 9 Jun 1943 in Denver, Denver, CO. 4
16. Military from 9 Jun 1943 to 1 Aug 1945 in Denver, Denver, CO: World War II. 4
17. Newspaper: Allentown Morning Call: 3 Beacher Brothers in WWII, 20 Jul 1944, Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 19 Back to Texas
(photo of Bruce Beacher)
Lieutenant Bruce P. Beacher, who received his navigator's wings at San Marcos, Tex. on July 1, left for the air base there after spend ing 15 days with his parents and with relatives in Bristol and York. His wife went with him to Texas. Lieutenant Beacher entered the service on May 20, 1943 at Denver, Colo, where he had been employed as agronomist in the Department of the Interior. He was graduated from the Allentown High school with the class of 193S and from Penn State college in 1939. At the graduating exercises at San Marcos he received a gold medal for his high rating, the second highest average in a class or over 400 men. Two brothers of Lieutenant Beacher are also in service. Lieutenant John Beacher who has been in India for 15 months and Robert L. Beacher who expects to receive his pilot's wings at Blytheviiie, Ark. next month. The three brothers are members of the Alpha Zeta fraternity.
18. Residence: 182 Buttles St., Columbus, OH in 1949 in Columbus, Franklin, OH. 4
19. Residence: Student at Ohio State University on 23 Dec 1949 in Columbus, Franklin, OH. 20
20. Census in 1950 in Columbus, Franklin, OH. 21 The 1950 census recorded Bruce F. Beacher, soils scientist at Ohio State University for the government, living with wife Betty M., 31, and son Brent F., 3. The parents were born in Pennsylvania and son in Colorado.
21. Residence: 833 Northampton Dr., Silver Spring, MD on 6 May 1950 in Silver Spring, Montgomery, MD. 4
22. Newspaper: Morning Call: Bruce F. Beachers Leave for Denver, 5 Feb 1954, Allentown, Lehigh, PA. 22 Bruce F. Beachers Leave for Denver
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce F. Beacher and family left Thursday morning for Denver, Colo., after visiting Beacher's mother, Mrs. Bertha P. Beacher, 1935 Greenleaf St., widow of Benjamin F. Beacher. Beacher has been transferred from the Washington to the Denver office of the U. S. Agronomy office. He has a Ph. D. degree. While the family was in town a reunion was held which was attended by John H. Beacher and his family of Teaneck, N. J. Mrs. John Beacher is the former Miss Isabel Bury of this city. Another brother, B. Donald Beacher, and a sister, Mrs. Ruth Beacher Horn dropped in to bid goodbye to them. Enroute west they will stop at York to visit Mrs. Beacher's father, and at Fayetteville, Ark., to visit another of Bruce's brothers, Robert L., who is head of the research department at the University of Arkansas.
23. Residence: in Jul 1955 in , , CO. 23
24. Residence: on 5 Jan 1959 in Silver Spring, Montgomery, MD. 24
25. Newspaper: Gettysburg Times: Beacher Reunion, 5 Jul 1977, Gettysburg, Adams, PA. 25 Twenty-eight Beachers from five states held a family reunion on sunday at the home of Bruce and Cherie Beacher, Bieglerville. Mrs. Martha Beacher, Mayo, Md., Mrs. Anne Ettinger, Allentown, Pa., and Bruce Beacher entertained with musical selections and also led in lively group singing. Contest winners were as follows: Mrs. John Beacher, Oradell, N. J., cooking; Mrs. Jean Beacher Gibbons, Shenandoah, Pa., pinochle; Paul Beacher, Dnaville, Pa., horsehoes; Semisi Tipeni, Arlington, Va., and Western Samoa, ping pong. Brent Beacher, West Chester, Ohio, fishing 3 1/2 lb. 18 inch bass.
Alfred Beacher, Baltimore, reviewed the family military record dating from the Battle of Bunker Hill. Brian Beacher, West Chester, Ohio, one and one-half years, was the youngest participant. Dr. and Mrs. George Beacher, Gap, Pa., were guests of honor.
26. Newspaper: Daily News: Beacher-Beecher Family Newsletter, 27 Nov 1985, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. 26 ---
Our Keystone Families
by Schuyler Brossman
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Column 999
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Beacher-Beecher Family Newsletter
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The name Beacher appears in at least 21 different spellings, according to Bruce F. Beacher, of Route 2, Box 353, Biglerville, Pa. 17307, editor and publisher of "Beau-Chere" the newletter of the family, regardless of spelling.
He wrote to me about his retirement in 1974 from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and how he began his newsletter on the family, sent out once a year, in December.
He wrote, The input has been overwhelming, including many queries from Beechers, mostly unrelated. By coincidence, for example, right here in Adams County (Pa.) I am living a few miles from Beecherstown, once a bustling, but small industrial community organized by David Beecher of Pennsylvania German ancestry.
"As for the Beachers, there are only a few hundred bearing the name in die U.S. and most stem from the Lebanon area. Any related information that you, or your readers, may have on our apparent progenitor, Jacob Bicher (1758-1842) will be most appreciated.
In the meantime, I am proceeding with preparation of a publication on these Beachers which should be ready within another year and will be filed in the State Library of Pennsylvania.
The cost of the newsletter is free, but I am sure no one would object if you would enclose $1 or $2 with your request to be put on the mailing list as I know it costs a lot for mailing these newsletters and printing and paper are expensive too.
But most of all, I believe what the editor would most enjoy would be an article, or bit of information on the Beacher-Beecher etc. family to be used in the publication, or for the family files.
27. Newspaper: Gettysburg Times: AARP Meets at Apple Museum, 8 Apr 1991, Gettysburg, Adams, PA. 27 More than 100 enthusiastic members and guests of the AARP Chapter 2635 held their April meeting at the National Apple Museum in Biglerville on April 4.
The group was welcomed by Dr. Bruce Beacher, president of the Biglerville Historical and Preservation Society, which owns and operates the museum.
A guided tour of the museum followed the meeting. Unprepared for the wall-to-wall carpeting in most areas, the visitors were pleased to find the flavor of the 1857 barn enhanced by the many pictures of family and friends of the early days of the fruit industry in Adams County.
Following the meeting, the video was shown and a tour of the displays on the upper level was conducted by Dr. Beacher and Bill Bilson of Wilson's Orchards.
Marie Osborn and Grace Garretson did a brisk business in the gift shop. More than half of the limited edition commemorative plates dated 1990 have been sold. To reserve a plate call Marie at 677-8850; Grace at 677-8267; or the hostess Ms. Jean Slaybaught at 677-8278.
The musuem officially opens Saturday, April 20, at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 noon to 5 p.m. Tour guides are on hand each weekend and will continue on a regular weekend schedule until Oct. 20, when the museum will close except for special arrangements.
Bus tours and other groups can make reservations during any week by confirming the date with the chairman of the museum committee, Violet Ondek at 677-8114.
28. Newspaper: Gettysburg Times: Penns' Opposum Creek Manor cited, 6 Nov 1991, Gettysburg, Adams, PA. 28 The Biglerville Historical and Preservation Society at its October meeting received a plaque commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of Penn's Opposum Creek Manor where the National Apple Museum now stands.
President Bruce Beacher and Mrs. Beacher presented the plaque, which will be installed at the base of the flagpole. The plaque reads "National Apple Museum Memorial Park 1991 at Penns' Opposum Creek Manor 1741."
Slides shown were on areas of Adams County and development of the museum on West Hanover Street, Biglerville. It was completed in one year and has attracted thousands of visitors.
Among those recognized for their aid in the enterprise were: The Gettysburg Times, Carlisle Evening Sentinel, Harrisburg Patriot News, Lancaster New Era, Chambersburg Public Opinion, Reading Eagle, Hanover Sun, USA Today, Adam County Fruitgrowers Associatoin News Letter, The Jaycees, Pennstylvania Department of Education.
Continuing work includes a donated larger heating system, landscapting, insulation and displays on the second level.
Tom Polin on the dulcimer, guitar and accordian played music from the 18th and 19th centuries. The society received enlargements of photos taken at the flag-raising ceremony. Smaller pictures were presented to veterans who participated.
Sharon Handwork of Aspers won a quilt in a drawing.
The gift shop will be open Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 1, noon to 5 p.m.
The same hours will be in effect on the following weekend and during the Christmas shopping season. The museum will be open by appointment for tours and special events. REgular hours will begin in April.
29. Newspaper: Gettysburg Times: Diversity and dedication: The Apple Core Band, 18 Dec 1991, Gettysburg, Adams, PA. 29 A secretary and a businessman, an insurance agent and a graphic designer, an auto mechanic and a scientist, a student and a teacher, a retired principal and a future mayor.
Their backgrounds and interests are as diverse as their ages, yet they have two things in common -- a love of music and membership in one of Adams County's most unique organizations, Biglerville's Apple Core Band.
On Monday nights from May to December they practice in their "official headquarters" -- a storage room over Ditzler's Laundromat. Braving the summer heat and the winter chill, sitting on mismatched chairs and playing instruments which are, in some cases, older than even the more senior bandsmen, they talk...they laught...and then they enjoy making music.
Some are "old faithfuls" like Harold Ditzler, Jean Finfrock, Bruce Beacher, and several others who have been with the band since its origin in 1976. Some, like Debbie Wright and George Carey, are new to the band this season. And countless others have come and gone in between.
According to Beacher, "More than 150 members of this community have participated in the band at one time or another." Participation may take the form of playing an instrument, twirling a baton, or carrying a flag or banner.
The band begins its season with the Arendtsville and Biglerville Memorial Day parades. Their enthusiasm for parades is evident in the fact that they participate in both events on the same day. One parade begins at 2 o'clock and the other doesn't start until 4, so they have just enough time to rush from one parade to the other.
Between Memorial Day and Christmas, the Apple Core Band marches in Gettysburg's Fourth of July Parade, Gettysburg's and Dillsburg's Halloweed Parades, and the Biglerville Christmas Parade. They fit in as many other parades and activities as they can, closing their season with traditional benefit performances at Green Acres, Michael Manor, and The Lutheran Home and doing unannouced playing and carolling at local town squares.
30. Residence: 60 Hillside Dr., Biglerville, PA in 1992 in Biglerville, Adams, PA. 30
31. Obituary: The Gettysburg Times on 28 Jan 2004 in Gettysburg, Adams, PA. 31 Dr. Bruce F. Beacher, 84, of 60 Hillside Drive, Biglerville, died Saturday, Jan. 24 at home.
Born in Shenandoah, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Bertha Snyder Beacher. He was the husband of Betty Strayer Beacher.
Dr. Beacher was educated in Allentown public schools and earned degrees in agronomy at Penn State, Colorado State, Ohio State and Maryland universities. His career in agriculture and forestry, soil science, irrigation and reclamation, research and graduate teaching spanned nearly 40 years in the eastern and western states, culminating as research coordinator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., where he retired in 1974. Dr. Beacher was a leader of cooperative agricultural research between state and federal agencies and universities.
A life-long band and choir musician, he also served many years as a scoutmaster, Sunday school teacher and chaired numerous service, church, civic and senior organizations.
Dr. Beacher led the establishment of the National Apple Museum in Biglerville. He was a member of Alpha Zeta, Sigma Xi, Lions, Penn State University Alumni Association, Maryland University Alumni Association, American Red Cross, Friends of the Library, Gettysburg Historical Society, Biglerville Historical Society, the Apple Core Band and Dance Band, Pennsylvania German Society and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Beacher was a veteran of World War II, having served with the 315th Bomb Wing of the 20th Air Force as radar officer in Guam.
Surviving in addition to his wife are one son, Dr. Brent F. Beacher of Cincinnati, Ohio; one daughter, Deborah B. Tipeni of Reston, Va; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held today, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 25 Franklin St., Biglerville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to the National Apple Museum, 154 W. Hanover St., P.O. Box 656, Biglerville, PA 17307.
Bruce married Betty Marguerite Strayer, daughter of Nevin Warner Strayer and Margaret Sarah Wolfe, on 27 Sep 1941 in York, York, PA.1 2 (Betty Marguerite Strayer was born on 22 Aug 1918 in York, York, PA,1 died on 7 Aug 2012 in Monroe, Butler County, OH 3 and was cremated in Allentown: Grandview Cemetery, Lehigh, PA 3.)
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