LANDIS HOUSE

Mary M. Landis, 88, of Newport died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004 at Perry Village Nursing Home, New Bloomfield. She was born May 21, 1916 in Newport to the late Arthur C. and Bertha (Rippman) Landis. She lived in Germany during her youth and returned to Newport in 1933. She graduated from Smith College in 1937 and worked for Armstrong Cork and Linoleum in Lancaster for several years and then returned to Newport where she resided in her childhood home.She was active in many organizations and was a driving force in establishing the Newport Library and was librarian for many years.

A prominent Newport woman, Mary Landis was a lifetime member of the PCCA and one of the founders of the Perry County Community Foundation, says Joni Williamson, PCCA executive director. She explains how Landis died in September 2004 and bequeathed her Newport home and its contents to PCCA, which plans to turn the property into a museum on the Rippman and Landis families. The families were involved in the tanning industry during the 1800s and known for their support of local arts and culture. A  fall auction also includes about 50 lots from the estate of Mary Landis, the proceeds of which will benefit the Perry County Council of the Arts.
Williamson says money from auction will be used to fund educational programs and to renovate the home into a multipurpose cultural center, PCCA headquarters and office space.