Waynesboro’s Industrial Museum hosted its first 2024 presentation on Tuesday May 28 at their Philadelphia Avenue location. The evening’s focus was to posthumously honor Bill Helfrick, a founding partner of the organization and long-time board member. Helfrick passed away in January, 2024.
The presentation opened with a screening of “The Little Town That Could”, a film Helfrick helped produce. The short documentary highlighted the history of Waynesboro’s founding industrial entrepreneurs, including Geiser, Frick, and the Landis Brothers, and explained their impact on the community.
After the film, Industrial Museum President Brian Shook shared personal recollections of Helfrick’s dedication and contributions. “This museum wouldn’t exist as it does today without Bill’s help,” Shook said. He detailed the countless hours Helfrick spent at the museum over two decades, designing and installing displays and managing the organization’s artifact collection. Shook praised Bill’s wealth of local industry knowledge and also noted his pleasant demeanor and diligence.
But Bill Helfrick didn’t only research Waynesboro’s industrial past, he lived it. Over five different decades at Landis Machine, Helfrick managed the company’s advertising department, which included editing the firm’s newsletter ‘Landis Line’ and organizing national trade shows. Helfrick managed a dedicated staff who helped promote the Landis brand to customers all over the world. After he retired, Bill was later called back to Landis Machine to help re-organize his old department, which suffered a void after his departure.
Helfrick didn’t slow down after retirement. In addition to his prominent work at the Industrial Museum, he was active in numerous efforts to better his community. He helped restore the cupola from the old high school (where he graduated in 1948) and convert it into a park’s centerpiece at the school complex. He co-authored a book on Geiser Company, one of Waynesboro’s early industry titans. Bill also served meals to people in need, manned the polls on election day, organized class reunions, and volunteered for other various charities.
Shook said Bill Helfrick would be greatly missed by the staff and volunteers at the museum. Many of Bill’s family members were also in attendance for the presentation, including daughters, sons, nephews, and one great-grandchild, Gregory, aged seven. Stories were shared of Bill’s life, both his tireless public deeds and his personal accomplishments as Peg’s husband of 71 years, father of seven, loving grandfather, proud great-grandfather, and loyal friend to many.
Bill’s tremendous vitality and energy were recalled- he built his family’s home on Reservoir Avenue- and later- Bill constructed a one-of-a-kind full-size vehicle- in his basement. Up until his late 80s, Bill owned a schedule and activity level of a man half his age. He was 93 when he died- and respected the museum’s mission to such a high degree- that he requested any donations in his memory be given to Waynesboro’s Industrial Museum.
President Brian Shook said over $2000 was received in Bill’s name, helping to pay for a new computer system, and to partially replace an air-conditioning unit. Both Shook and Bill’s family members thanked the many individuals who generously made contributions, and noted it wasn’t too late for others who want to honor Bill’s legacy and help the Industrial Museum thrive in the future.
Also at this spring meeting, the museum unanimously re-elected their Board of Directors, which includes President Brian Shook, Jim Fleagle, Lloyd Hamberger, Jon Fleagle, Ken Wright, Patrick Fleagle, Rick Mouer, Wally Thompson, and Terry Flegel. All these men excelled in careers at prominent local industrial companies, with hundreds of years of combined experience and knowledge represented.
In other news, the museum announced a handsome roll-top desk, that once belonged to industry titan Peter Geiser, was recently donated by Harry Myers in Greencastle. The group also scheduled their premier summer event, (similar to ‘Antiques Roadshow’), will be held on Tuesday, July 30th. In-house artifacts, and visiting collectibles brought by attendees, will be analyzed and discussed. At the autumn meeting in November, Jeff Mace, a regular contributor to the museum’s presentations, will highlight downtown Waynesboro businesses.
The museum’s mission statement says it strives to create awareness and insight into the area’s rich industrial heritage. This goal is pursued through a selective collection of significant artifacts, photographs, drawings, and documents. Through research, education, and thoughtful programs, the museum seeks to enrich the public’s appreciation for its local legacy, and also encourage future generations to explore careers in the challenging and rewarding world of industry.
The Waynesboro Industrial Museum, which is housed in an historic red-brick church at 235 Philadelphia Avenue, is currently undertaking their membership drive. Individuals can join for only $25, and families for $50. Corporate sponsorships are also available and appreciated.
The museum is open Tuesday mornings from 9 am to noon, select holiday weekends, and by appointment. Call 717-762-4460 for more information.
