Hello Jim,
"Ernest Shaner was the fire chief I believe. Any relation, Len?" Yes he was a cousin. "Ray Willauer who used to work at Latshaws Bakery has a brief video" Acutely that was Ray's Father Ray W Willauer who took the 8mm movie film of the wreck at the Flag Co. I'm the one who posted the video on Youtube.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJxuuvmn ... annel_page He also took film of the wreck at Frick Locks in December 9, 1941 where locomotive #4030 rear ended a freight parked on the Frick siding one foggie morning around 1am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zev0c7BR ... annel_page
My Mother was from Spring City she was a Harris her Father was known as Reds Harris who worked at Grubbers . My Mother worked at Grubbers and at Jim Roan's Cup on Rt.724. My Late Father was born at Fricks Locks in 1929 right next to the PRR/Canal. He was one of 12 children, his Grand Father William Shaner was a Cop in Spring City and rode horse back, His Son was Preston and that was my Grand Father.
William Shaner had 10 Children Harry (Had), Ethel Roberts, Eve Miller, Florance Setzler, Edna Windle, Grace Fryer, Preston , Thomas , Clayton . I guess you know of Cap Fryer's gas station at the end of News street, well that's Grace's Son.
William Shaner had Three brothers Clayton, Joe and Emus. Joe was Lawrence L.W. Shaner's Father and Joe who worked for the Reading Railroad as a passenger condutor for 35 years. Clayton moved to the Boyertown area and started the Shaner cland out there. Emus own a Butcher shop on Schuyllkill Road (724) behind where the Catholic church is now. William's Father was Emus Shaner,Sr. and he had Two Bothers John and Ken. John started Seven Stars Inn on Rt.23 he called it Seven stars because he had Seven Dauthers. Ken moved to the Pottstown area and his sons started Shaners Gas Company. Emus Sr. His Father was Alvin Shaner of Ciderville ( North Coventry Township)
So that's perry much how I know the history of the Spring City area.
Len.