Put a Lid on it: Canning in York County

University of Maryland Professor Donald Linebaugh will highlight the economic impact of the industry on the growth and development of local communities.

The canning industry, which dates back to the military campaigns of Napoleon, became an important part of the economy of Pennsylvania and Southeastern York County in the late 19th century. This presentation will examine the introduction and rise of the canning industry in southern York County, which is closely linked to the introduction of the Stewartstown and Maryland and Pennsylvania railroads and to the introduction of automated canning machinery, particularly the Sanitary Can machine. Canning houses provided opportunities for area farmers, allowing them to sell their entire crops under contract and opened employment opportunities to men and particularly women during the early 20th century. During the World Wars, canned goods from southeastern PA made their way around the world to feed U.S. troops; during WWII, German prisoners of war at the camp in Stewartstown helped to harvest produce for canning and worked in some of the canning houses.