05/18/2026
Another Archive Adventure - Tuesday is Primary election day in Pennsylvania. As we all head out to the polls lets ponder the adventures of voters in the last century.
At the beginning of the 1900’s there was a variety of polling places including public buildings, private homes and even businesses. But eventually most townships established a building dedicated primarily as places to hold elections. These small buildings consisted of one room containing a private voting booth, often constructed of a canvas draped wooden frame that could be easily moved, a pot belly stove, a table, and several chairs.
On Election Days, this little building was a lively and active place, not only for voting but for socializing as well. Men would sit on the chairs around the stove and discuss various topics as well as would watch to make sure that people they knew who were eligible to vote did so. As the time for the polls to close neared, if the men had not seen someone that they knew was eligible to vote, they would find them to bring them to vote.
Growing populations forced voting into larger spaces by the 1950’S election houses were abandoned for larger polling places.
At one time, the Biglerville Historical and Preservation Society owned three of these buildings. In May 1991, Adams County sold the Butler, Menallan and Hamilton township election houses to BHPS for $1.
In 1992, BHPS sold the Hamilton township house to the East Berlin Historical Preservation Society. It is located at the intersection of Old Mill and Pine Run roads across from the Pine Run School. At the present time it is under private ownership and in good condition.
In the mid 1990’s BHPS leased the Menallan election house to the Bear Mountain Owners Association to use a community room and the land was used by residents to park during bad weather. In October of 2006 it was destroyed when a vehicle ran off the road and demolished it.
Also in 2006, BHPS determined. the Buter Township election house, located just East of Biglerville on Rt. 234, had no feasible use for the society other than pure preservation and they tried to divest themselves of the building. It was offered to the township, the American Legion, and Adams County Historical. They all declined. It was suggested that the building be moved to Oakside Park, but the Jaycees also declined the offer. The BPHS board of directors also explored moving it the National Apple Museum property, but the cost of the move and the repairs it needed was prohibitive in face of the major work that was needed on the Sillik Barn that houses the museum. It was only last year that BPHS parted with the Butler election house, finding it a good home with its next-door neighbor.
Tell us about your memories of election days and don’t forget to vote!
