The Columbia Historic Preservation Society’s extensive photographic library includes images of Columbia street scenes, houses, businesses, people and landscapes dating back to the invention of photography. These images exist as either photographic prints or 4 x 5-inch glass negatives.
Photographic prints of selected images are available for a nominal production fee.
columbiahistory.org 
i am looking for some photos of sheetz’s shoe repair shop
Hi Robert, I am personally not familiar with the shoe repair shop history. Perhaps someone in our organization may be able to assist you. You may want to visit the CHiPS building at 19-21 North Second Street. We are open on Sundays from 1-4. We have a photo archive collection. You may also contact us by phone 684-2894. Thanks for you interest. ~Janette
Hello,
I have a check from July 1876. It was payed to B.J.Metz and payed by J.H.Kauffman for $20.00. The check is through Columbia National Bank/Dime Savings Bank. I am trying to find some history to these people. Do you have any information about them? If so that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Kristina,
Please call the museum at 717 684-2894 for more information. Please leave a message. The museum is closed for the winter, but your message may be relayed in the hopes that a volunteer can offer you some insight into B.J Metz or J.H. Kauffman. You may also want to contact the bank museum. Thank you for your interest and good luck with your research. Janette
http://www.bankmuseum.org/
When will the museum be open again? Is this where the train layout is also? Thanks.
Hi Dana, The museum is re-opening from the winter break on April 22nd. We will be open on Sundays from 1-4 PM and on the fourth Friday of each month from 5-9 PM. The train layout is on the second floor of the museum. Thank you for your interest. ~Janette
I am looking for photographs of the Barber House, located on River Road. I think this is the second oldest house in Columbia, after Wright’s tavern. It is still standing, but is largely concealed by vegitation.
Thanks
Hi Chris, The museum will be re-opening April 22. We will be open on Sundays, 1-4 and fourth Fridays of each month from 5-9. We have archives that you are welcome to look through and someone may be able to answer your question. You can also contact the museum by phone at 684-2894. Thanks for your interest and good luck! ~Janette
My great-grandfather, Alonzo Brubaker, was a jeweler in Columbia, PA at the turn of the century. I know that there is still a large safe in a store with his name on it, but I am unable to find out anything further.
That is very interesting Beth! If you would like to contact CHiPS at (717) 572-7149 or (717) 684-2894 and speak with Christopher Vera or a volunteer they may be able to assist you further. Good luck, and all the best to you! ~Janette
I was wondering if you have any information on the old mental hospital, I think it was called Pickles, maybe?? I believe it was located on or near Plain St.
Hi! Please contact the museum at (717) 684-2894 or (717) 572-7149. Someone on staff may be able to answer your question via our searchable archives. Thank you for your interest!
This baseball uniform is attributed to Colubia University in the listing — but I wonder if you know if it is a local baseball uniform to Columbia, PA
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=381599942558&_sacat=0
Nice uniform, and really hard to identify due to colors worn in a black & white photo era. I found a similar uniform that the “U” in Columbia was position the same for the university. Their team color today is blue, with no red. Since the uniform was made in Kingston, NY or Pittsburgh, PA I would be inclined to say it is university, and blue pinstripes. Tough one! Thanks for the inquiry.
Hello, Darin May here,
My great grandfather owned the OK Clutch and Machinery Co and had a patent on a tight of clutch used on ships. I am trying to find pictures of the old shops that where located next to a railroad. The name was either Metlock or Drushal.
Hello Darin,
I actually have some amazing photos of the OK Clutch ad Machinery Co. in our collections.
Funny you have inquired about the OK. The was a young man in San Francisco, and found a boat lift motor built buy the OK Machine, and still in use. Their prominence in business was due to the Pennsylvania Railroad’s access to their building on Mill Street.
Though we have photos, please give me some time to dig into your inquiry. Please do not hesitate to email me at cverachps@gmail.com. Thank you!
Hi,
My husband Joseph T.Stephens grew up in Columbia, Pa and went to Cherry Street school. Do you have any photos of the school? (Across the street was Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School.) Thank You. Bren
Hello Brenda,
We should have a photo of the Cherry Street School. The only thing salvaged that we have in archives is a chair used by Ms. Welsh, daughter of General Welsh.
Did you want a copy? We charge $8 for a photo grade 8 x 10.
Please send me your personal information to cverachps@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Do you know where Columbia High School was originally located, before the current building was constructed? I’ve heard it was where Park Elementary stands today, but I don’t know where it is. Do you have a picture of the site? Or at least a map or listed address for it?
The current Park Elementary sits were the original Washington Institute was established in thew 1850’s. We do have some photos of the high school. Visit us on every Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM – 4 PM. Thank you!
I am looking to obtain a print of a photo that appeared in the Columbia News, July 16, 1987 on page 8. It is a photo of my son Nick, wearing catchers gear. How would i proceed in obtaining print? What sizes are available?
Hello,
Sorry for the late reply. We can only take a picture using a camera or phone and send it to you. I will check out the newspaper on micro phish and send it by email or phone. Please submit your email address or phone number. Thank you!
Hello Mary Jane,
We have the Columbia News on microfilm and you are more then welcome to come take a picture of the article. We are currently open every Saturday and Sunday from 1PM – 4PM. If you cannot make it in please let me know and I will personally get that picture sent to you by email. Thank you!