Sagebarg
Sageburg, sometimes called East Danville, is perhaps the most enterprising as well as the most beautiful section of this borough, and mainly constitutes the Second ward. . From the ward line on Market street, it extends for half a mile or more up the river and is covered with various iron manufactories on the left and dotted over with handsome residences on the right, between Market street and the river bank.
Sageburg did not however derive its name from the peculiar wisdom or sage appearance of its inhabitants, for they are as lively and pleasant and seem to be as “gay and happy ” as any other community. Indeed they appear to have more taste than common, if we may judge by the elegance of their dwellings, the neatness of their premises and the peculiar charm of their surroundings. The picturesque beauty of a vine-clad residence on the banks of the Susquehanna, almost in the shadow of Blue hill, that lifts its lofty crest for hundreds of feet above the majestic stream, can only be painted by the pencil of the artist or the pen of the poet.
Many years ago, only a single log building occupied the territory now known as Sageburg. In this building an old man by the name of Sage followed the coopering business. Not very poetic indeed, but he was a quaint and curious specimen of the genus homo. Being a bachelor and anxious n? doubt, like all the race of man, to leave behind him some memorial more substantial than a flour barrel to perpetuate his name, and evidently anticipating a brighter future for the locality, he gave it the name of “Sageburg,” by which it is known at the present time, though it then contained only the one building and that a cooper-shop. But the prospective growth of Danville in the distant future no doubt was dimly apparent to the old pioneer. He has long since passed away. His shop is no more and the skillful workmanship of his hands is forgotten. But his name still survives by courtesy, though it has no legal recognition. Other portions of the territory have since been known by different names, originating from different sources, such as Snydertown, Lundy’s Lane, Amsterdam and Kulp’s Eddy, but all are included in the general name of Sageburg.
Sageburg has become one of the most stirring portions of Danville. The price of property is advancing and in no part of the town can you find so many handsome dwellings, surrounded by shrubbery and all the adornments that make pleasant and happy homes. The business establishments that have sprung up on the line of the railroad, the prospective free bridge, the advantages and beauty of the location, and above all the enterprise of the inhabitants, conspire to immortalize the name of the old cooper, whose highest ambition was to make a good flour barrel and dub the old wooden shop with the name his father gave him.
Sageburg, or East Danville, though partially cut off from direct trade with the surrounding country on either side of the river, has outgrown all other portions of the town. In all its improvements. thrift, enterprise and taste are happily blended. Its manufactories teem with the fruits of industry; its elegant residences and cottages, where fruits, flowers and the clinging vines in their season 1gnd a charm to the scene, make it the favorite ground for summer promenading. It is the care bestowed upon their adornments that give it a rural beauty, combined with the advantages afforded by a town.
Among the public institutions of Sageburg, or East Danville, apart from the religious or educational, is the “Washington Fire Company.” They have a handsome building on Market street, and are always prompt at the tap of the bell as well as efficient in action. Their hall is furnished in excellent style and decorated with peculiar taste, rendering it one of the most. pleasant places to spend a social hour or to meet for mental improvement. Among the oldest in the fire department is Ex-Chief William C. Walker, but still among the most active, always prompt on time and ready for duty.
The general intelligence, public spirit and social order of Sage-burg, like its external beauty, thrift and enterprise; will compare favorably with any other locality of equal population.
Perhaps the handsomest building in that quarter is the “Cottage drug store.” This was built by D. C. Hartman about 1860 and is now occupied by Doctor Jordan as a residence and also as an excellent drug store.
SOURCE: Page(s) 75-78; Danville, Montour County Pennsylvania; D.H.B. Brower, Harrisburg; 1881
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