Prospects of Peace 1864 Tour: Roeder’s Confectionery

Clear Candy Toy, a special 19th century yuletide treat

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Once the very image of success, this prosperous family suffered much tragedy during the Civil War years. Both Roeder and his wife had died, leaving their children orphans. In fact, Roeder was the town’s first casualty of war, shot by a sniper. The oldest daughter, 17-year-old Mary, became head of household. She and her brothers and sisters became refugees of war, vacating and then returning to this family home repeatedly when hostile forces left the town. During the war, this building served as a military post office for the Union Army and as the headquarters for Colonel DeWitt Clinton Baxter and his 72nd Pennsylvania Fire Zouaves, a volunteer unit largely made up of former Philadelphia firemen.   
 
Today, Mr. Roeder’s story is found only in an obscure local history book and in some musty claims records in the National Archives. His story is the story of thousands of civilians, communities and families innocently caught in the crossfire of war. They have no battle honors, and their names embellish no army rolls, but they also paid a price for our country’s unity and freedom. Most of them have no monument or place to tell their story except, perhaps, an unvisited tombstone. We offer you this Christmas setting at his restored home as a way to preserve his memory and his family’s sacrifice to their country.  

We hope that these images of Christmas past and present may, in true Dickensian fashion, create a brighter Christmas future yet to come, so that all of humanity may truly enjoy peace on earth and goodwill toward all.