" Footloose and Fancy Free"
AN ODE...
“Did you ever sit down and talk with Pirates
In a serious sort of way?
Of their views of life and ponder then
On all that they may have to say,
If not, you should in some quiet hour,
It’s a glorious thing to do,
For you’ll find that back of the pomp and power
Most Pirates have a goal in view.
They will tell you that their goal is not
The clinck of yellow gold,
That not in the worldly things they’ve got
Would they have their stories told.
They’ll say that the joys they treasure most
Are the friends, tried and true,
And an honest name for their own to boast,
And peace when the day is through.
I’ve talked with Pirates and I think I know
What’s under their toughened shine.
I’ve seen their eyes grow bright and glow
With the fire that burns within.
For back of the gold and back of the flame,
And back of the selfish strife,
In most Pirates breasts you’ll find the flame of nobler things of life.”
OUR HISTORY...
The history of the Pirates is synonymous with the life of a man who believed hard work, fellowship, community dedication and loyalty were the cornerstones of a purposeful life. That man was Henry Stackhouse Williamson. It was said at the time that “Harry Williamson was the biggest-hearted man who ever came down the pike to Lancaster”.
He was born of English Quaker ancestry on February 27, 1853 in Morrisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He died in Lancaster May 20, 1917, at the age of 64 years.
Following high school he began a merchandising career in the clothing business in Wilmington, Delaware. He later opened his own business in Harrisburg in partnership with a friend from Wilmington. There they built a very successful store. After several profitable years there it was decided to establish a store in Lancaster.