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William S. Hoerner and Gail Gilmore
  A sightless man saw what his community needed and decided what to do about it.
In his will, William Stenger Hoerner (1867-1935) bequeathed a substantial amount of money for the cultural education and enjoyment of all who live in Chambersburg, to be known as the Gilmore-Hoerner Endowment. Born in 1867, William Hoerner attended Fort Loudon public schools, graduated from Franklin and Marshall College and in 1890 was admitted to the Franklin County Bar. He was a trial lawyer in Franklin County and the appellate courts of Pennsylvania. Active in the community, he helped found Farmers and Merchants Trust. Gail Gilmore (1870-1916) was the daughter of a prominent Chambersburg family and a graduate of Wilson College. Married to Hoerner in 1905, she shared his love of the arts and concern for the community. Our Vision Mr. Hoerner's will directed that the residue of his estate be left in trust and the funds used "in furtherance of the musical, literary, artistic, and dramatic benefit of Chambersburg forever." The court was ordered to appoint an endowment board of five to oversee use of the funds. By 1967 the fund had accrued enough interest for his wish to be implemented. Since that time, the Endowment has made events accessible to the entire community by maintaining ticket prices at a level that would be impossible without such funding. Our Mission About once each year, the Endowment Board of Directors chooses a local non-profit, tax-exempt organization to co-sponsor a cultural event under the terms specified by Mr. Hoerner. The Endowment contracts with the artist. The non-profit group accepts responsibility for making all other arrangements, including selling the tickets at a very reasonable price. In this way, the organization receives additional income to support its work in the community. |