“Stephen Smith grew up as an indentured servant in Pennsylvania. From a young age, he was assigned to work in the lumberyards by Thomas Boude, whose wealth stemmed from his extensive lumber business. After buying his freedom for $50 at the age of 21, he continued to work in the lumberyards until establishing his own lumber business in 1822, as well as dealing coal.
By the 1850s, Smith was grossing $100,000 in annual sales. By 1857, Smith was worth $500,000 (approximately $13.5 million today). On top of being a businessman, Smith was a minister and served as chairman of the black abolitionist organization in Columbia, Pennsylvania.”
MORE:
http://www.naplesnews.com/columnists/opinion/cal-thomas-snoop-dogg-is-right-34393faf-967f-2f32-e053-0100007f42f8-381563701.html?d=mobile
MORE:
http://www.naplesnews.com/columnists/opinion/cal-thomas-snoop-dogg-is-right-34393faf-967f-2f32-e053-0100007f42f8-381563701.html?d=mobile
Columbia Spy 
Another great historical fact about Columbia. This town is so rich in history.
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So many stories and history in this town. We need to save the remnants of history that still survive! Again, we need to save the Carriage Way known as Ave J between South Second and Bank Ave.Boro Council???
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Come visit the Columbia Historic Preservation Society's “Columbia Rail to Freedom” exhibit and explore original documents from Stephen Smith, William Whipper, Thaddeus Stevens and William Wright in 2016. Open Saturday & Sunday 1 PM – 4 PM. Donations appreciated.
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will Snoop dog be there ?
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what good is a “top 20 town ” , that can't get a “top 20 performer” to play at the park ??
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THEY TOLD YOU AVENUE J IS NOTHING. THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING WITH IT. GET OVER IT
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No one should give up trying to save our history.God Bob!
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Avenue J SHOULD remain undriveable. It IS history. The hospital was right across the street. The underground rr was right there. LEAVE IT ALONE.
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It's 1:40 pm Saturday as I documented, Ave J is blocked by a park car.Now it does seem only a few ever wanted it to be used by vehicles.And they are the ones blocking it for their own agenda.The off street parking is not listed anywhere on any deeds.Council should have and still needs to close this historic carriage way. It's suffered enough and so have the supporters who wanted this closed and preserved.Mr Murphy?
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Thank You!
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no we will not supporters this. you dont know what is going on this block.its just trouble
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I GUESS THE BOUROUGH BETTER CLOSE ALL THE ALLEY IN COLUMBIA SEEN THIS TOWN IS A HISTORIC
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IF THEY CLOSE AVE J LET THE VEINS AND THE WEEDS GROW
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???? English please?
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Keep up your good work Bob, we see what your capable of, your property shows this.Your battle has been a long one, but ironic how the negatives are scattering about to make over their property.KUDOS
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i agree. Close Ave J. It' in itself is Historic. Has many stories to tell! The underground railroad operated on this very historic area. A hospital was right across the street. THIS IS HISTORY. CLOSE IT. TELL THE REDNECKS TO GO AWAY. They can find somewhere else to park. (They probably aren't even Columbians!)
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YOU KNOW JUST COME DOWN ON SOUTH 2ND ST AND YOU SEE.
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Rednecks really. Bob already took the issue to council and got it got shot down. All the signuratures that he had not one was from a person that lives on the block. And to say that we are probably not even Columbians last time I checked I was born, raised and still live in this town. It is a lost cause, stop trying to close avenue j when you already got shot down by council on the idea. You are the only one on this block that wants the alley to be closed and also the only one that has a vendetta against everyone on this block. People actually got along with each other and still do, and was actually able to spend time out in front of their properties without being harassed and having pictures taken of them.
LikeLike
Another great historical fact about Columbia. This town is so rich in history.
LikeLike
So many stories and history in this town. We need to save the remnants of history that still survive! Again, we need to save the Carriage Way known as Ave J between South Second and Bank Ave.Boro Council???
LikeLike
Come visit the Columbia Historic Preservation Society's “Columbia Rail to Freedom” exhibit and explore original documents from Stephen Smith, William Whipper, Thaddeus Stevens and William Wright in 2016. Open Saturday & Sunday 1 PM – 4 PM. Donations appreciated.
LikeLike
will Snoop dog be there ?
LikeLike
what good is a “top 20 town ” , that can't get a “top 20 performer” to play at the park ??
LikeLike
THEY TOLD YOU AVENUE J IS NOTHING. THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING WITH IT. GET OVER IT
LikeLike
No one should give up trying to save our history.God Bob!
LikeLike
Avenue J SHOULD remain undriveable. It IS history. The hospital was right across the street. The underground rr was right there. LEAVE IT ALONE.
LikeLike
It's 1:40 pm Saturday as I documented, Ave J is blocked by a park car.Now it does seem only a few ever wanted it to be used by vehicles.And they are the ones blocking it for their own agenda.The off street parking is not listed anywhere on any deeds.Council should have and still needs to close this historic carriage way. It's suffered enough and so have the supporters who wanted this closed and preserved.Mr Murphy?
LikeLike
Thank You!
LikeLike
no we will not supporters this. you dont know what is going on this block.its just trouble
LikeLike
I GUESS THE BOUROUGH BETTER CLOSE ALL THE ALLEY IN COLUMBIA SEEN THIS TOWN IS A HISTORIC
LikeLike
IF THEY CLOSE AVE J LET THE VEINS AND THE WEEDS GROW
LikeLike
???? English please?
LikeLike
Keep up your good work Bob, we see what your capable of, your property shows this.Your battle has been a long one, but ironic how the negatives are scattering about to make over their property.KUDOS
LikeLike
i agree. Close Ave J. It' in itself is Historic. Has many stories to tell! The underground railroad operated on this very historic area. A hospital was right across the street. THIS IS HISTORY. CLOSE IT. TELL THE REDNECKS TO GO AWAY. They can find somewhere else to park. (They probably aren't even Columbians!)
LikeLike
YOU KNOW JUST COME DOWN ON SOUTH 2ND ST AND YOU SEE.
LikeLike
Rednecks really. Bob already took the issue to council and got it got shot down. All the signuratures that he had not one was from a person that lives on the block. And to say that we are probably not even Columbians last time I checked I was born, raised and still live in this town. It is a lost cause, stop trying to close avenue j when you already got shot down by council on the idea. You are the only one on this block that wants the alley to be closed and also the only one that has a vendetta against everyone on this block. People actually got along with each other and still do, and was actually able to spend time out in front of their properties without being harassed and having pictures taken of them.
LikeLike