Recently, the Troy Historical Society received another $5,000 donation for a Founder Chair. In 1920, there were twenty people who pooled their money together to build the Troy Sale Pavilion, and for the past several years, the Troy Historical Society has been seeking twenty donations of $5,000 to honor a person of the donor’s choice. |
The first Prutsmans came to America from Southern Germany, in 1738, on the ship named Bythistle and landed in Philadelphia. At that time, all males eighteen years of age or older had to swear allegiance to the King of England. The family lived in the Philadelphia area; however, they
soon spread out, becoming landowners, teachers, carpenters, etc.
The War of 1812 prompted Tom’s ancestors to move North, where they purchased land from the Bingham Land Company, settling on land along what is now known as RT. 549, at the intersection of present day Hickory Road.
Richie Prutsman (now deceased) was the last Prutsman to farm the land: however, the farm is still in the hands of relatives.
Tom’s grandfather, Jefferson Prutsman, and his wife, Nora (Hammond), left the farm near the end of the 1800’s and moved to Columbia Cross Roads, PA. Jefferson operated a livery stable, renting horses and wagons to salespeople that came to the area by train
At the time the automobile began replacing the horse, Tom’s dad, L.D. (Jack) Prutsman, who was a self-taught mechanic, opened a garage in Columbia Cross Roads (across the street from where McMurry’s store was
once located). After a new car known as the Whippet came on the market, Jack began selling the cars.
In 1939, Jack scraped enough money together to buy a poolroom business, which was located in the old bank building (now a quilt shop), in Troy.
The pool room was in business until 1950. Jack’s next venture was to go into business with George Mcabe, by buying half interest in the corner drugstore.
Tom graduated from Troy High School in 1949, with his education continuing until receiving a PHD in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University. Tom moved his family back to Troy in 1969.
The Troy Historical Society is appreciative of the Prutsman family purchasing a Founder’s Chair. If there is someone that has made a difference in your life and you would like to honor this person by making a $5,000 donation to purchase a Founder Chair, contact Bill Bower 570-297-2943. Founder Chair pictures will be posted in a place of honor in the Troy Sale Barn for future generations to see.