For much of the town's history the funeral business was dominated by four generations of the Stimmel family. Currently the business is owned and operated by Walter Rex.
It was about 1825 that the first undertaking establishment was opened in Perrysville, now Port Royal, by Benjamin B. Stimmel. It was located on what is known as the Ira Kilmer property, on First Street. Benjamin B. Stimmel, who conducted the business, was one of four brothers to emigrate directly from Germany.
At that time the methods, and practices of the profession were rather crude. The body was measured with a string and then a coffin was made to fit, and the use of ice was the only means of body preservation.
Prior to 1883 the conveyances were horse drawn carriages. At last a one-horse closed carriage was used. Later a two-horse hearse with plate glass sides was advertised as a specialty. In 1924 the first motor hearse in Port Royal was purchased.
In later years the business was moved to Market Street to the southwest corner of the intersection of Market and Fourth Streets. Here was established a cabinet shop to manufacture furniture and coffins, which were now carried in stock. (See casket invoice.)
In 1883 Joseph W. Stimmel, son of Benjamin, built a home and place of business on the present site of the Rex Funeral Home, and the business, at that time owned by him and his brother Franklin, moved to this location. After the death of Joseph W. Stimmel in 1917 his son, William Cloyd Stimmel became the sole proprietor. In 1926 the first funerals were held from this home as a Funeral Parlor. Prior to this time funerals were held either from the home of the deceased or from a church in the locality in which the death occurred.
In 1928 W. C. Stimmel died and the business was carried on by his widow, Alba (Miller) Stimmel, who was licensed as a funeral director in 1930. At the time, Mrs. Stimmel was the only licensed woman funeral director in Juniata County.
In 1940 J. Robert Stimmel was licensed and in 1947-48 the home was remodeled into a modern funeral home. Eventually Robert sold the property and business to Walter Rex who has operated it through the present (2009).
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/11/09 - Image Year: 1877
This is a casket invoice issued to Dr. A. W. Shelley by Joseph W. Stimmel for a casket that appears to have been for a baby. Note that the cost of the casket was $16.00.
It was common at one time for funeral directors to also be cabinet makers. This invoice would have occurred when the business was located on the southwest corner of Market and Fourth Streets.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/3/09 - Image Year: 1883
This is how the Stimmel Funeral Home appeared soon after the building was completed. The photo was taken in 1883.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/3/09 - Image Year: 1962
This photo was taken about 1962 at the time of the 150th anniversary of Port Royal while J. Robert Stimmel was owner and funeral director. Originally the building was made of red brick, but Bob Stimmel had it covered with a gray stucco brick like overlay.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/9/13 - Image Year: 1910
Stimmel's Horse Drawn Hearse
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/6/13 - Image Year: 1930
ADVERTISEMENT from 1930 PRHS Yearbook.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/13/13 - Image Year: 1949
ADVERTISEMENT from the 1949 TVHS Yearbook.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/14/13 - Image Year: 1953
ADVERTISEMENT from the 1953 TVHS Yearbook.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/25/09 - Image Year: 1889
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1889. This building is indicated as #10 on the map and was serving as the home of the Stimmel Undertaking Establishment.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/25/09 - Image Year: 1904
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1904. This building is indicated as #10 on the map and was serving as the home of the Stimmel Undertaking Establishment.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/25/09 - Image Year: 1910
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1911. This building is indicated as #10 on the map and was serving as the home of the Stimmel Undertaking Establishment.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/25/09 - Image Year: 1928
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1928. This building is indicated as #10 on the map and was serving as the home of the Stimmel Undertaking Establishment.
