Have you seen our "Pieces of the Past: What is it?" display at the Southern Lehigh Public Library for May and June 2026?
The following items are currently on display, and you'll find the "answers" below.
Rabbet Plane (19th Century)
his wooden hand plane was used to cut rabbets—step-shaped grooves along the edge of a board that allowed wood pieces to fit together securely.
The blade, held in place by a wooden wedge, extends to the edge so it can cut clean corners. Without modern adjustments or guides, craftsmen relied on skill and careful measurement to shape each joint by hand.
Tools like this were essential in furniture making, cabinetry, and frame construction throughout the 1800s.
Marking Gauge (c. 1900)
This tool was used by woodworkers to scribe straight, parallel lines along a board, guiding precise cuts for joints and edges. The adjustable head allowed craftsmen to set consistent measurements, while a small pin scratched a fine line into the wood surface.
The hand-carved date, “Jan. 1, 1909,” likely marks a moment of ownership, connecting this everyday tool to an individual craftsman of the past.
Lard Pail (Early 1900s)
This container was used to store and sell lard, a cooking fat made from pork that was widely used before modern oils.
The label shows it was produced by Shaffer Bros. in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, highlighting the role of local businesses in supplying everyday household goods. Many containers like this were reused in the home after their original contents were gone.
Photo donated to the Coopersburg Historical Society by the Huber family.
12 members of the Cooper family on the front steps of the Cooper Mansion.
Top step, left to right:
Dr. Laros and Milton Cooper
2nd step:
Warren Church
3rd step:
Mrs. Sally George, Manie Church, Nellie Openlander
4th step:
Mrs. Dr. Laros and granddaughter
Lower step:
Mrs. C.H. Huber, Fred Pascoe, C.L. Huber, Cooper Laros
Do you know what role these people played in the history of Coopersburg?
Stop by the museum and learn more about the families in the photo.
The Roddey Abacus (Counting Frame) 1880
This is a wooden counting device known as an abacus, specifically labeled “The Roddey Abacus.” It was used as a tool for performing arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
By sliding the beads along the rods, users could keep track of numbers and carry out calculations efficiently. Devices like this were especially useful in schools, stores, and offices before electronic calculators became widely available.
Abacuses have been used in various forms for thousands of years across many cultures, making them one of the oldest calculating tools in human history.
This particular example is marked with a patent date of April 14, 1880, reflecting a period when improved teaching tools were being developed for classrooms in the United States.
Advertising Work Apron – T. Bachman & Son Lumber (1930-1950)
This is a cloth work apron printed with advertising for T. Bachman & Son, a lumber business serving the local area.
Aprons like this were commonly worn by workers to protect their clothing while performing tasks such as carpentry, construction, or shop work. Businesses often printed their names, services, and phone numbers on everyday items like aprons, turning them into practical advertisements. The wording “We Carry a Full Stock of Lumber” highlights the importance of local lumberyards in supplying materials for homes, barns, and businesses throughout the region.
T. Bachman & Son was part of the network of local businesses that supported Coopersburg’s growth. Lumber companies were essential to the community, providing the materials needed for building and maintaining homes, farms, and commercial structures.
The inclusion of a simple phone number “Coopersburg 800”reflects an earlier time in telecommunications, when phone systems were smaller and numbers were shorter.
Cast Iron Coin bank (late 19th century)
The bank honors Coopersburg’s rich agricultural heritage and the important role that cattle once played in the life of the community. Objects like this were often made as coin banks, with a slot for saving money, combining both decoration and practical use. Cast iron banks were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were frequently shaped like animals.
“Tille” is the proud name of the statue that stands today in the center of Coopersburg’s Public Square Park on Main Street.
Matilda “Tillie” Cooper, was the wife of Tilghman S. Cooper Sr., and an important figure in the town’s agricultural history. Tillie played a key role in Coopersburg’s cattle trade during a time when livestock auctions were a major part of the local economy. Each year, she graciously hosted the many visitors who came to Linden Grove Farm for the annual Memorial Day cattle sale—an event that drew people from near and far.
Her involvement extended beyond hosting. Tillie frequently traveled with her husband to England and the Isle of Jersey, where she helped select and purchase high-quality cattle for their farm. These prized animals contributed to the reputation and success of the local cattle business.
Spats, also known as gaiters (early 1900s)
These are spats, worn over the tops of shoes and around the ankle in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fastened with buttons along the side and secured with a strap under the foot, they helped protect footwear and clothing from dirt, mud, and harsh weather. Spats were both practical and stylish, commonly worn by civilians as part of everyday dress and by soldiers as part of military uniforms. Over time, they faded from use as modern footwear became more durable and easier to maintain.
Wooden Baton (late 19th and early 20th centuries)
24” long, this wooden baton, also known as a nightstick or billy club, was carried by police officers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Marked “Coopersburg,” it was likely issued to a local officer, connecting it directly to the community’s early law enforcement. Made from durable hardwood, usually hickory, ash or another tough wood, it was used for both self-defense and maintaining public order. A small hole in the shaft allowed for a wrist strap, helping prevent it from being dropped during use.
It served as a symbol of authority and was very recognizable at the time.
There are indentations in the wood – how did they get there?
Lantern (early 20th century)
This kerosene lantern was used for lighting and signaling in the early 20th century. Fueled by oil and protected by a metal frame, it could remain lit even in windy conditions.
The red glass globe was often used for signaling, particularly on railroads, where it indicated caution or danger. Marked “USA,” this lantern reflects a time before widespread electricity, when portable light was essential for work on farms, railways, and in daily life.
The wear and paint loss show it was actually used, not just decorative.
Advertising pitcher and plate from Moyer's General Store or W. S. Moyer's Store
(early 1900s)
This pitcher is from the general store of W. S. Moyer. Calendar plates or pitchers like this were given to customers, with popularity at the beginning of the 20th century.
According to The Town of Possibilities, Wilson S. Moyer conducted a general store in the “triple house” located at 202, 204 and 208 N. Main St. He opened his store in the center of the building (204 N. Main St.) around 1895 and the family lived in the larger section at 208 N. Main St. He also ran a tinsmith shop and stove store, during which time his wife Fietta Moyer ran the general store. Wilson Moyer conducted the store until his passing in 1931, at which time Fietta and their two sons, Harvey and Clarence, conducted the store for another year before closing it. In total, it served Coopersburg for over 35 years.
Apart from his business ventures, Mr. Moyer helped to organize the Coopersburg Telephone Company, served on the Coopersburg School Board, was Vice President of the Merchant’s National Bank of Coopersburg,
and President of the Coopersburg Cigar Factory.
Who was Joel Ritter (1830 to 1902)
The following was taken from "The History of Lehigh County." as found by Barbara Ann (Ritter) Morgenstern: In his youth Joel was a farmer, then engaged in cabinet making and undertaking business at Vera Cruz; then took up house painting at Emaus. He later moved to Coopersburg where he conducted a furniture and undertaking business.
Joel was instrumental in starting the Moravian Church in Coopersburg. The following quote was taken from the old records of the Coopersburg Moravian Church (1883-1949): On a Thursday evening in 1883 (October 25, 1883), 12 brothers and sisters (Joel and Rebecca included) an after fervently calling upon the Lord Jesus to guide them in the deliberations of the evening, determined to organize themselves into a Brethren’s Congregation.
Joel Ritter born in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, PA, April 24, 1830, baptized June 20, 1830 by the Reverend Mr. Seller; married twice; the first union in holy wedlock with Rebecca M. Giering was blessed with 9 children, 7 boys and 2 girls. Irwin D. who died in infancy, Richard William, Maria Louise, who died September 12, 1899, Robert Joel, Rebecca Lydianne, Milton Daniel, Morris George, John Martin and Henry Alfred. After the death of his first wife, he was again united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Ann Sieves (nee Giering), a cousin of his first wife on October 11, 1875 which union was without issue. After this marriage he became a communicant member of the Moravian Church at Emmaus, moving to Coopersburg some years later, where he spent the rest of his years and died on a Thursday, July 3, 1902.