In 1911, with the hoped-for coming of the Midland Pennsylvania Railroad to Gratz, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, a new development was planned at the west end of town. Named “Westmont,” this development featured small, city-sized lots that were scaled for reasonably priced homes for the new labor force that would be necessary to fuel the economic boom that the railroad would bring. In addition to a shirt factory which actually materialized, the industry planned for Gratz included the service shops for the railroad. The location of those service shops was supposed to be in the present area of Gratz Community Park. The Westmont development was within walking distance of the shirt factory and the planned railroad service shops.
Fliers were sent out to area residents so that bidding could take place on the lots in Westmont.
Part of the flier included a map showing the location of the lots that were for sale. On the above map, the right of way of the Midland Pennsylvania Railroad is shown with South Third Street running parallel to the right of way. Buffington Street, which runs due south from Route 25 (West Market Street), is the western boundary of the development, and can be found on GoogleMaps of Gratz today.
On the map below, Oakdale Road is the former name of Specktown Road.
The map is marked “Plan 2.” If there was a “Plan 1,” it has not been seen as of this blog posting.The survey date on the map is 16-19 October 1911.
Positive Auction Lot Sale
Thursday, November 2nd
Of all remaining WESTMONT LOTS
Balloon Ascension, Springville Band, 3 Choice Building Lots Given Away FREE
In event of rain Sale will be held in Smith’s Hall, Gratz
C. W. MILLER, Sales Manager, Union House, Gratz
H. D. KOONS, Auctioneer
A. C. YOUNG, The Lot Sale Man, Owner and Developer, Main Office, 26 N. Third Street, HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
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Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.