This man brought plumbing, heating systems to Chambersburg 100 years ago

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This man brought plumbing, heating systems to Chambersburg 100 years ago

A very important occupation in society is someone who has learned the trade of plumbing and heating. Presently you’re afforded the opportunity in having a great selection of bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and the necessary parts and fixtures in furnishing and remodeling the specified location.

Our schools, churches, businesses, homes, sport complexes and public buildings are an example of where you’ll find all the modern features associated with plumbing and heating. It wasn’t always this easy, as over 100 years ago things were a lot different as some homes and businesses did not have the modern facilities, so they had to use an outdoor privy as a ******* and use a hand pump to draw water from a well to have drinking water.

Chambersburg, past and present, has had many great journeymen in plumbing and heating. One of the gentlemen was Edward N. Metz. Born on Dec. 16, 1867, Metz was raised in Chambersburg, attended public schools and graduated from Chambersburg Academy, a 19th-century college and business preparatory school.

His father was Abram Metz, an established blacksmith who manufactured anvils, plows, wagons and butchering tools at his shop on South Second Street near East Washington Street.

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Edward Metz stands between his brothers/employees Walter and Norman in front of his new, larger show showroom at 120 S. Main St. Metz moved his plumbing/heating business there from his home in 1907.

The younger Metz started his apprenticeship in plumbing, steam and gas fittings, and heating systems during the year of 1886.

Metz always kept current with the changes and advancements relating to the modern sanitation and heating systems. He was the superintendent of the water department for the Borough of Chambersburg for several years before he resigned and went on to obtain his license to conduct a plumbing business during the fall of 1904. His business was first located to the rear of his residence at 224 E. Washington St.

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Edward Metz was successful in the plumbing and heating industry in Chambersburg in the early 20th century.

Metz’s business increased to the point that after three years, in 1907, he relocated to 120 S. Main St. next to the hardware business of A.L. Sherk. The new location was much larger and had room for a big display in the showroom and space for an office.

Metz was now able to display a larger selection of bathtubs, gas fixtures, mantels, toilets, boilers, steam and hot water fittings, along with the most modern display of plumbing supplies and pumps.

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He mostly dealt with the Sanitary Manufacturing Company for bath and ******* fixtures as this company was considered to be the best for their quality and style in the ******* States. It was during the early 1900s that Metz’s business had received many contracts in which this kept his employees busy installing the modern plumbing and heating fixtures in many Chambersburg homes.

This successful business had five employees, two of whom were his brothers Walter and Norman.

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This interior view of Edward Metz’s new showroom at 120 S. Main St. shows a large selection of bathroom and heating fixtures available in 1907.

Metz was truly “The Master of his Trade” for 53 years before retiring in 1939. The Metz family during the 1920s through the early 1940s were fortunate enough to have a summer cottage at Caledonia State Park where they could enjoy the beautiful scenery and the cool mountain air.

He was also active in Chambersburg. He was a member and secretary of the Vigilant ***** & Ladder Company No. 1 of Chambersburg until it merged with the Junior Hose Company No. 2 in 1897 to become the Junior Hose & Truck Company No. 2. He was also a member of the George Washington Lodge No. 143 Free and Accepted Masons and Second Lutheran *******.

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Edward N. Metz passed away on Aug. 2, 1947. He is ******* in Cedar Grove ********* on North Franklin Street in Chambersburg.

M.L. “Mike” Marotte III is an author, historian, and journalist who writes about the rich History of Franklin County. Read    more of him at www.vintagefranklincountypa.com.     

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion:

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