Historic Pets of Lancaster

Bruno, the dog of Prison Keeper David K. Burkholder, helped keep guard at the Lancaster County Prison. Here, he poses in the prison yard with the prison bell.

Frank B. Herr stands on his porch with his seeing-eye dog, circa 1910. Herr learned the trade of broom-making at Overbrook School for the Blind near Philadelphia and went on to operate a very successful business in the town of Witmer.

Proving that cats and dogs weren’t the only suitable pets kept by Lancastrians, this fox on a chain enjoys a beverage in this photo taken by Warwick Township teacher Nathan Reist.

An organ grinder and his monkey paid a visit to the home of Frank Reid Diffenderfer on North Duke Street in Lancaster to entertain his family and neighbors in August of 1902.

The Brown family’s dog goes sledding on the family farm near Gap.

Sergeant, Corporal, and fellow soldier tend to a few kittens found on their barracks during World War I.

Frank D. Miley tries to teach his dog some new tricks in the yard of his home at 248 East New Street, Lancaster.

What better way to spend a warm summer afternoon than tubing on the Mill Creek with your dog? Mildred Shopf Smiley and her dog Inky did just that.

A little black cat eyes up a goldfish bowl at Lime Spring Farm in East Hempfield Township.