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Franklin County residents can now step back in time and explore a unique collection of historical dog licenses, spanning over a century. Per a press release from the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office, this one-of-a-kind donation offers a glimpse into the county’s past and is now publicly accessible.
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The collection, which includes metal dog licenses dating back to 1911, was recently donated to the Treasurer’s Office by Franklin County Dog Warden Georgia Martin. Martin, who served as dog warden for nearly 30 years, had amassed the licenses over her tenure without a specific plan for their future. Earlier this year, she decided to entrust them to the Treasurer’s Office, where dog license sales are a primary function.
To properly exhibit this historical archive, the Treasurer’s Office collaborated with local businesses. Carl Shields of Good Stuff Custom Cabinetry in Chambersburg designed and built a custom display case for the licenses. The case was then outfitted with specialized UV-filtered plexiglass, a donation from Erik Vandrew of Route 11 Glass, also in Chambersburg. Franklin County Chief Deputy Treasurer Trina Panagos took charge of researching and organizing the collection, which is now on view at the Treasurer’s Office in the Franklin County Administration Building, located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg.
In addition to the dog licenses, Warden Martin also contributed a variety of other historical materials. These include booklets, kennel certificates, pamphlets, and a dog tag commemorating Franklin County’s centennial in 1884. These items have been transferred to the county’s archives department, situated at 340 N. Second St., Chambersburg, for safekeeping and potential future use.
While the donated collection represents a significant portion of Franklin County’s dog licensing history, it is not entirely complete. Several metal tags are missing, including those issued prior to 1911 and for specific years such as 1912, 1923, 1929, 1943, 1944, 1951, and a range of years in the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, as well as 2025. The Treasurer’s Office is seeking the assistance of the public to fill these historical gaps. Individuals who possess any of the missing licenses and are willing to donate them are encouraged to contact the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office at 717-261-3120 or via email at treasurers@franklincountypa.gov for further information.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office
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