Area History: History of Hyde Park 1852 - 1952: Lackawanna County, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by EVC. USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: Printing this file within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. ____________________________________________________ HISTORY OF HYDE PARK 1852 - 1952 [This brief history covering many highlights, incidents and episodes of what is now West Scranton was written by Carl R. Healey, West Scranton Correspondent for the Scranton Times for the Hyde Park Centennial held Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 1952. Although this history is incomplete it will give the people of Hyde Park a general idea of what has happened from 1852 to 1952.] The Indian had long since departed the area known today as Hyde Park when the first settler began to cut the virgin forest for his log cabin. Even at the time of the battle and massacre of Wyoming, July 3, 1778, not a single white person lived in the territory embracing the present day Hyde Park. Hyde Park was part of the original Connecticut claim. The Susquehanna Company, appears to have held the land for school and religious purposes and for speculation. Very early Pennsylvania maps (1769) show land patents granted for much of present day Hyde Park territory to Samuel Meredith of Philadelphia, who later became the first treasurer of the United States under the Constitution. Following the decree of Trenton and the compromise by which rival claims of Pennsylvania and Connecticut were adjusted, Hyde Park or lower Providence Township began to fill up with settlers. Rev. William Bishop came about 1794 and built himself a log cabin house also used for worship at about where West Side Theater now stands. A few years before that (1790) a Mr. Lindley made a clearing and erected a cabin at Main Avenue and Washburn Street. Joseph Fellows in 1795 erected his log home on a bluff overlooking the river (Scranton Street and Seventh avenue) and two years later threw a single span bridge across the stream on the site of the present gas house bridge. This was the first bridge to span the river. Preserved Taylor and Holden Tripp had taken title to land now part of the Swetland-Pettibone estate. In lower Hyde park, Reuben Taylor had a holding which extended across the river to John Abbott's land in the Hollow. The Dolph's -- Moses, Jonathan, and Aaron are also recorded as settling here in 1795. One road traversed the westerly side of the valley in the early days. That appears to have been along the present day Ninth Avenue. In 1790 the course of the road was changed to approximately the Main Avenue of today. >From Slocum Hollow a road led across Fellow's bridge up Scranton Street to the main highway. A new influx of settlers came into the region in the first quarter of a century, when the Washburns, Heermans, Griffins, Knapps, and Merrifields purchased land in what is now central Hyde Park. In the back valley the Briggs family began to till the soil. During the double decade from 1820 to 1840, Hyde Park grew slowly. Mr. Washburn is said to have brought the first wagon into the valley. Food stuffs were drawn on stone boats from Pittston and Wilkes-Barre up to the time Mr. Merrifield opened the first store in the village in 1834 which he conducted until his death in 1864. {Note : stone boat = a flat sledge or drag for transporting heavy articles.} About 1840 Philip Heermans, Mr. Washburn, the Fellows heirs and Mr. Merrifield began cutting their acres into lots. The starting of the blast furnaces and iron mills in Slocum Hollow, the building of the railroad and the opening of mines gave Hyde Park its impetus. The present day 14th Ward, began to acquire a population and build up. Later the 4th and 5th Wards around the `corners' became dotted with homes. By the middle 50's Hyde Park became a fair size town. In 1853 Dr. B.H. Throop purchased more than 125 acres extending from Hyde Park Avenue west to Keyser creek, marked out streets and sold home sites. From 1860 on, Hyde Park kept pace with other sections of the city in growth. In fact today it is the most thickly populated section of Scranton, with a population of over 59,000. Hon. William Merrifield more than any other man is given credit for having interested William Henry, the Scranton's and Sanford Grant in the possibilities of Slocum Hollow as an iron manufacturing and coal mining center. Territorially Hyde Park of today is considerably larger than what was known as Hyde Park borough. The borough only took in the territory bounded on the North by Pettibone street, and on the South by Roundwoods Court; on the East by the river and the West by Keyser Creek. The back Valley and West Park, now a part of West Scranton, were in Providence township. Bellevue and Lincoln Heights were added by annexation from Lackawanna township. Upon the merger of Hyde Park with Providence and Scranton to form the present city, this section was split up into three wards -- 4th, 5th, and the original 6th, now known as the 18th. The three original wards have grown to eight -- 4th., 5th., 6th., 14th., 15th., 18th., 21st., and 22nd. No family in all Hyde Park's history left a deeper impress on the community than the Fellows. Lackawanna valley had barely a dozen families when Joseph Fellows in 1796 built himself a house. In 1810, he was made justice of the peace in Providence township. One of the men identified with the early history of this section was William Penn Stevens, who was one of the early justices of the peace. NAMING OF HYDE PARK Even as late as 1820, Hyde Park, we are told, had not attained the size of a village. A blacksmith and wagon shop stood opposite the Heerman (White) Tavern. Timber still grew on Washburn Street. Robert Merrifield's house was across from the old school, about at the present day Division Street. North of the present day Jackson Street, the only families were Preserved Taylor and Holden Tripp. Rev. Bishop's cabin had burned down. The hamlet didn't even boast a name. Harvey Chase of Hyde Park, Duchess county, N.Y., who located near White's Tavern about 1825 - 30, is generally credited with giving the settlement the name "Hyde Park". Hollister, in his original history of the Lackawanna valley, says of Chase : "There lived in the region some 25 years ago an odd sort of genius who was a peculiar artist in his line. A dauby representation of his native Hyde Park, N.Y., being exhibited by the roadside here gave the village the pleasant name it still bears". Still another account says: "The village received its name between 1825 - 30. Harvey Chase, who came from Hyde Park, Duchess County, N.Y., lettered the name `Hyde Park' on a board and stood it up in the yard of one of his neighbors from which the village was known by that name". Chase appears to have returned to Duchess County in the early 30's. These accounts of how Hyde Park was so called, effectively disprove the erroneous impression that the village was named after Hyde Park, London. For many years lower Hyde Park, as distinguished from the village proper, which was clustered near the White Tavern, was known as Fellows' Corners. Keyser or Keiser Valley took its name from the creek that traverses its length. The creek in turn was named for Timothy Keys, a Connecticut settler, who in 1770, built himself a cabin and cleared a plot of ground where the creek empties into the Lackawanna at Taylor. In the original Pennsylvania maps the back valley (1796) Keyser Creek is designated as Beaver Run and Beaver Creek. MAIN INDUSTRY The development of the mining of Anthracite not only made Hyde Park, but Scranton. Today, although the mode of transportation and living has changed with the influx of other industries, mining is still of great importance. Prior to the opening of the steel mills in the Hollow, building of Leggetts Gap (northern division of the `D.L.&W' ) railroad and beginning of mining, Hyde Park was little more than a name. No section of Scranton has furnished more coal than Hyde Park. Mining was the main industry at the turn of the century and until a few years ago, with 12 or more colleries in operation. Even today with only the Bellvue breaker in operation, Hyde Park would be hard hit without its mining and related industries. Hyde Park is proud of the part mining has played in building up the City of Scranton. There has been some destruction of surface property as a result of faulty early mining methods and later the rapaciousness of operators, but today and for many years, even a minor cave is an event. The mine openings for the most part have been along the railroads and back in the valley. In what is now the lower 14th Ward, the first mining of Anthracite in Hyde Park was carried on, also, principal industrial plants were early, and still are, located there. The Park Coal Company's slope, a Joseph Fellows' operation, it is generally accepted, was the first mine opening in Hyde Park. The slope penetrated "School Fund" coal and was located near the old O & W Freight Station. This operation was later called the Cork and Bottle and was owned by former Sheriff A.B. Stevens. Prior to that venture it is understood that a slope was driven into the hillside under Fairview Avenue but whatever coal was taken out was only for local consumption. According to some authorities the Bellevue drifts in lower Hyde Park were operated about the same time. The Mount Pleasant shaft was opened about 1882. John Lewis, about 1851 secured a lease on the coal in the William Swetland tract. Mr. Lewis and his family occupied the little house at the northeast corner of Main Avenue and Howell street, afterwards used as a private school. The first steam operated coal breaker in the valley was the Diamond. One of the early mining tragedies in the region happened May 31, 1868, when the Diamond cage rope broke and 13 men were killed. The Oxford mine was opened in 1862 by S.T. Scranton and was early known as the Scranton. In 1868 the property was acquired by the `D.L.&W' railroad. In the back valley, mining began some time in the middle forties. The Continental Coal Company was chartered in 1860. Later the name was changed to the Keyser Valley Railroad Company, which in turn merged with the `D.L. &W' in 1865. The Price Shaft was opened in 1858. The Central and Hampton were in operation in the sixties. The Briggs Shaft was sunk about 1870. The Bellevue and Dodge began to operate in the fifties following the building of the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg railroad in 1853 or thereabouts. Three persons were killed and one injured in 1928 at a fire in the Bellevue. One of the very earliest industries in Hyde Park was the Scranton City Foundry and Machine Works (Finch Manufacturing Co.) established along the railroad north of Lackawanna Avenue, in 1855 by A.P. Finch, prominent for many years in Hyde Park business and civic affairs. The Scranton Stove Works, now located in Dunmore, first began in Hyde Park in 1865, located on the southerly side of West Lackawanna Avenue between Seventh Avenue and Dockash Place. Later McClave and Brooks Company had a foundry nearby. The E. Robinson Brewery was built on Seventh Avenue in 1876. Prior to then a brewery called the Star was located at the Hyde Park end of Scranton Street bridge. Posten and Heller were the first proprietors. The building of the Central Railroad spur in the early eighties was the end of the brewery. Ansley's lumber yard and planing mill was established by Joseph Ansley in 1866. Edmund Heermans had a small mill in the rear of his Scranton Street property. The Ansley yard and mills were destroyed by fire in the eighties but were rebuilt. Nicholas Washburn in the 1870's opened his lumber yard and mill where the old Washburn and Williams plant, now Hyde Park Lumber Company, is located. The John Benore mill on Scranton Street was opened in 1890. Henry Robbins had a flour and feed mill on Eighth Avenue next to the Armour Meat house. William Blume's carriage and wagon making shop was on Eighth Avenue. This was one of the big shops of its kind in the City. The Blume plant, together with the Ross Screen Works, fell prey to the flames of the memorable Eighth Avenue fire in 1890. The Hyde Park Gas Company's plant was located on North Ninth Avenue just off West Lackawanna Avenue. It was organized in August, 1875, with Thomas Phillips as president. The late Martin Maloney, a Philadelphia millionaire, was superintendent and a director. The company merged with the Scranton Gas and Water Co. about 1878. The Maloney and Matthews Oil Companies both were located in Hyde Park years ago. Due to the flat land and railroad facilities near the Hyde Park bridge, many meat packing companies located there. The John Hammond Meat Company was the first, being established about the middle seventies. Luther Keller Company lime and cement yards was another Hyde Park industry. Jones' Brothers stone yard and A.B. Stevens' marble yard were industries in the present-day viaduct section. Leander Griffin ran a carriage manufacturing shop in the sixties at Chestnut and Scranton Streets, later locating about where the old O&W freight station stood. Near by, Joshua Williams had an ice cream and confectionery plant. He was the father of the members of the firm of J.D. Williams & Bros. Co., who for many years were established here. Gardner's Business College, the first of its kind in Scranton opened in 1867 on Sixth Avenue. The first silk mill in Scranton, the Sauqoit, located in Hyde Park prior to moving to its present site in South Scranton. The Graff Furnace Company in the valley was established about 48 years ago. It was demolished about 18 years ago and the site is now being made into a recreation field for the children. In the period between 1840 and 1860 there was a big increase in the number of business places along the Avenue and other parts of Hyde Park. Edward and George Clarke opened the first real department store, not only in Hyde Park but Scranton. The Clarke & Barrett store as it first was known occupied a frame building about where the later Clarke Bros. store was located prior to burning down in 1928. The Troy furniture store now occupies the site of the John McGarry store at North Main Avenue and Price Street. It is the latest furniture store this side of the river. Others today are Zimmer's, the oldest in the area, Tague's, Hyland's and Ford's. Another old-time store-keeper was Isacher Pawling, who ran a general store at 429 North Main Ave., in the early 1800's. He was born August 2, 1785, in Reading and came to Hyde Park as a youngster. He resided on North Main Avenue until his death in 1865, at the age of 80. He was the grandfather of Harry, Stella and the late Robert Pawling, natives of Hyde Park. McGarry's Hall was over the old store and was a popular meeting place for Irish patriotic and temperance societies. John McGarry was a general merchant from 1870 to 1890. He was one of the founders of the West Side Bank and a director for several years. William P. Farrell, 1803 Washburn Street, who will be 90 years old in December, has the unique distinction of having successfully operated a grocery store at the same site for over 70 years. He is Hyde Park's oldest active merchant and purchased the store from his aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Mullen, after he came from Ireland at the age of 18. He encouraged the Graff Furnace Company to build here some 30 years ago and he helped obtain a sewer system in Central Hyde Park from Main Avenue to Keyser Avenue. He was one of the organizers of West Side Hospital. He also helped to have Washburn Street paved under the administration of Hon. John H. Fellows. Charles A. Eynon, called Gus by his many friends, is another of the old-time merchants on the Avenue. He has been a grocer for 60 of his 74 years. He began in his father's store, George Eynon (Eynon and Griffith) near the present West Side Theater. He has run his own store in the 100 block of South Main Avenue for 39 years. Today, at nearly 82 years of age, Thomas E. Price, who for 60 years conducted a store at 108 South Main Avenue, is still active in civic affairs in Hyde Park. In an article in the Saturday Evening Post in 1946, Mr. Price was called the "dean of news dealers" and declared to be at that time one of the oldest newspaper and magazine merchants in the United States. He retired from active business Dec. 2, 1946. He was elected from the Fourth Ward, 45 years ago as school director. He also served as tax collector from 1912 to 1915. The Tague store and funeral home, founded by the late Peter W. Tague, more than a half century ago, is one of the oldest in Hyde Park and is now operated by his son, B. Willard Tague. The John Durkan Funeral Home, the oldest undertaking establishment run continuously under the same management, was erected and opened at its present site in 1905. August Hower, a Hyde Park native, living at 106 South Rebecca Avenue, was 82 years old in May and is still an active barber. He is one of the oldest active barbers in Hyde Park, if not in Scranton and has plied his trade since 1892, at the same shop. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hower, pioneer settlers of Keyser Valley. Scranton's first steam laundry, The West Side, was started about 1890 by Kelly and Kerins, on North Main Avenue. About the time of the destruction of Farr's rink by fire 53 years ago, the laundry was wiped out. John Fellows was Hyde Park's first brick manufacturer. Calvin Washburn was another early brick manufacturer with a yard on Washburn Street. Moore & Sweetzer also had a small plant on Scranton street, and Addison and Ben Switzer had brick yards in the valley and where Central High School now stands. The Washburn Street (Protestant) and Cathedral (Catholic) Cemeteries are two of the oldest public burial places in the city. A number of victims of the Avondale disaster are buried in Washburn Street Cemetery. The Cathedral Cemetery is the last resting place of John Mitchell, the great leader of the mine workers. The Fellows family plot was located on South Main Avenue. Some years ago the bodies were removed and the plot given to the city and is known as Fellows Park. Years ago there was a Protestant cemetery in what was known as the mullen field near the Diamond shaft. The Briggs family cemetery was in the back valley not far from the Briggs shaft. A BOROUGH --- MAY 4, 1852 The increase in population following the locating of the iron works in Slocum Hollow and the development of the mining industry caused the residents to agitate for the creation of a borough. Providence had been organized in 1849. A borough charter was applied for and granted. The date of the borough's incorporation was May 4, 1852. Scranton was not incorporated as a borough until 1856. Present day West Scranton grew with the annexation in 1895 of the territory, (known as the Bellevue section) South from Roundwoods, east from South Main Ave. to the River and in 1904 of the area West from South Main Avenue to Taylor line and South from Roundwoods to the Taylor line. The area South of the 600 block of North Keyser Avenue to Taylor line, a part of the Keyser Valley section, is known today as part of Hyde Park. Today, West Park and Tripps Park are part of this area. Hon. William Merrifield was named the first burgess. In 1866 Hyde Park, Providence and Scranton united to form the City of Scranton. A quasi borough existence, however, was continued by Hyde Park until 1887 to collect the bounty tax. POST OFFICE --- 1832 Prior to the establishment of the Hyde Park Post Office in 1832, residents went to Providence township for mail. The Unionville Post Office as it was called was established in 1811. The post office was located at the corners in 1829 with John Vaughn Jr. as postmaster. The Hyde Park Post Office was established July 14, 1832, with Hon. William Merrifield as postmaster. It was located in the Merrifield store opposite the present-day Simpson Methodist church. Until the merger with Scranton in 1883, the post office was moved to nine different places under as many different postmasters. The free-delivery system was instituted then and a Hyde Park Post Office was abolished. In 1900 the West Scranton Branch was again organized and established at the present site of the West Scranton Branch office of the Scranton Times at 1112 Jackson Street. A decade later it was moved to where the West Side Theater now stands. In 1941, the present $80,000 post office was opened. Many will remember the post office on North Main Avenue facing Linden Street where it had a tenancy for many years ending January 25, 1941. It was previously located at Scranton Street and South Main Avenue under the term of Mayor M.L. Blair in 1869. Three West Scranton men, Hon. D.M. Jones, Hon. D.W. Connolly and Hon. John J. Durkin, have served as postmasters of Scranton. HOME OF OFFICE - HOLDERS Through the years, no people in any part of Scranton have played a more important part in the politics of the community than Hyde Parkers. The first man to sit in the Pennsylvania Legislature from this valley was a Hyde Parker, "Uncle Joe" Griffin. He was elected to the legislature in 1839 and resided on lower South Main Avenue near the old Smith farm house. In 1844, Hon. William Merrifield, who served three terms in the lower house at Harrisburg, introduced a new county bill to form a new county out of this end of Luzerne County. It was defeated in a tie vote in the Senate. When Lackawanna was finally created in 1878, one of the men in the Legislature was Hon. D.M. Jones. Since the days of Mr. Jones, sixteen other Hyde Parkers have set in both house and senate in Harrisburg. No less than five Hyde Park men have represented the district in the National Legislature at Washington. Hyde Park has furnished the county with three judges, Hon. W.H. Stanton; Hon. H.M. Edwards and Hon. William J. Lewis. The office of mayor has been filled on five different occasions by residents of West Scranton, including the incumbent, Mayor James T. Hanlon. Others were : Hon.T.V. Powderly; Hon. John H. Fellows, a grandson of one of the founders; Hon. John F. Durkan and Hon. Fred K. Derby. For the first few years following the creation of the Scranton Poor District, April 6, 1862, Hyde Park being a part of the district, directors were elected. The Legislature changed the law in 1866 empowering the President Judge to fill all vacancies by appointment. Edmund Heermans was the first poor director appointed in Hyde Park in 1862. It was Heermans who built the first "poor house" building at Hillside Home. Charles R. Acker, former Hyde Parker, now residing in the Green Ridge section, was secretary. CRADLE OF RELIGION No other section of Scranton has more or a greater number of churches. In Hyde Park are found places of worship where men of many tongues worship. There are English, German, Welsh, Italian, Polish, Lithuanian, Russian, Syrian Churches and a Latter day Saints church. In addition, there is a Salvation Army Citadel and a Volunteers of America Mission. Hyde Park can not only claim supremacy in the number of churches but it also can be said that this section of the city is the very cradle of religion in the valley. Rev. William Bishop in 1794 settled in Hyde Park. The Baptist minister was the first ordained clergyman in the county. He had a log cabin-church near North Main Avenue and Price Street. While Providence claims the distinction of having the first house of worship, the honor may well go to Hyde Park. The Providence church was built in 1833-34. Other than Rev. Bishop's log cabin-church, according to best information a Christian church was erected on land at South Main Avenue and Division Street in 1836. The land was donated by Calvin Washburn for that purpose in 1833. The Hyde Park church was also used for a school and in time for other purposes, eventually becoming known as the "Barracks". The Providence church was destroyed by the tornado of July 3, 1834, and was not rebuilt. The Hyde Park church, where Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists worshiped, therefore, was the only church in what is now central Hyde Park or the City of Scranton for many years. The history of the 103-year-old First Baptist Church in Hyde Park stems from the activities of Rev. Bishop, the first minister to settle in Lackawanna County. He migrated here from England in 1794, settling at Capouse Meadows about where the West Side Theater now stands. His log-cabin-church is believed to have been destroyed by fire in 1803, about the time Rev. and Mrs. Bishop left here for a call in New Jersey. Rev. F. Paul Langhorne was pastor during the church's centennial in 1949. Rev. E. Paul Smith is pastor now. Rev. William K. Mott about 1833 preached in an old wooden church that stood on the spot later occupied by the former residence of Joseph A. Mears at Main Avenue and Division Street. On September 12, 1849, the then Hyde Park Baptist Church was organized with 23 persons assembled. The house of worship was dedicated January 1852, and known as the Chestnut Street Church with Rev. Mott as pastor for 20 years. In November 1884, the old church was sold. Services were held in the Co-operation Hall. The new edifice was erected on Scranton Street at Edward Court and dedicated May 16, 1886. The first church at the present site, was destroyed by fire on Jan 2, 1899. The congregation took a collection and immediately began to erect the present structure. The First Baptist Church is the parent church of the Penn Avenue Baptist (Immanuel Baptist) and Jackson Street Baptist Churches. It also formed the Russian Ruthenian Mission at Lackawanna Avenue near Fairview and the Union Chapel at Lake Sheridan. The oldest Catholic church in Hyde Park is St. Patrick's. It was created a separate parish in 1875. Just when the first Catholic family settled in Hyde Park is uncertain. As early as 1845, Rev. Henry Fitzsimmons of Carbondale, came from there twice a month to say mass in the little church in "Shanty Hill" now Nativity. He stopped at White's Tavern. So far as known, however, he never held services in Hyde Park. Catholics, if there were any here in Father Fitzsimmons' day, journeyed across the valley to "Shanty Hill". Later they went to the church at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Spruce street, and still later to the Cathedral. In 1870, a couple of years after the new Cathedral was opened, the old church was taken apart and reconstructed on 1013 Price Street, where the Salvation Army Citadel now stands, for the use of Hyde Park Catholics, who by that time were here in large numbers. The land was purchased from Michael O'Meara. Rev. N.J. McManus, later rector of Holy Rosary Church, North Scranton, said the first mass in the Price Street Church. Father Lake of Philadelphia preached the first sermon. In 1875 Bishop O'Hara created St. Patrick's into a separate parish with Rev. P.T. Roche, first pastor. The present church site on Jackson Street was purchased about 1880. Rev. Jeremiah Shanahan, D.D., Bishop of Harrisburg, preached the dedicatory sermon. The parochial school was opened January 1887. Rev. James J. Mulholland is present pastor. The 100th anniversary of the First Welsh Baptist Church took place October 1950, with Re. Jesse M. Wester, pastor, officiating. John Reynolds was centennial executive chairman. Although the South Main Avenue edifice was not built until 1864 and later enlarged and remodeled, the history goes back to the founding in 1849. The church charter, however, was not granted until 1850, with 33 charter members. In 1851, Rev. John W. James became the first pastor. A school house in the 14th Ward was used for worship. In 1864, a church at the present site was erected at a cost of $8,000 and was rebuilt in 1888. In 1855, the first edifice was erected on Mifflin Avenue. After a few years the over-town church was sold and parishioners worshiped in the old Odd Fellows Hall. In 1864, the present site was selected and a church opened in 1869. Rev. T. Teifon Richards served from March 1909 to July 1942, and is still well remembered and beloved by many, not only in Hyde Park but the county. The church was renovated in 1950 under the guidance of Rev. Clayton R. Maud, who later assumed a pastorate in New Jersey. One of the oldest Presbyterian Churches in present-day Hyde Park is Bethania Presbyterian at Landis Street and South Main Avenue. It was rededicated October 30, 1949, with Rev. Paul F. Evans, pastor officiating. He is now stationed in Wrangell, Alaska. Rev. Kenneth E. Chittick is present pastor. The church history dates back to early 1856 when a charter was granted. The congregation first met in a store near the site of the present church. In 1845, a group of Welsh pioneers settled in the region and in 1846 started a movement to form a church at the home of John R. Williams. An edifice was built on Orchard Street in 1849, and instituted according to the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist policy. In 1864, due to difficulty in travel between what is now lower and central Hyde Park, members of Bethania formed Ebenezer Presbyterian Church which is 88 years old. The Methodists in Hyde Park organized a class in 1849, as part of the Pittston circuit. In 1853, Methodist preaching services were held in the Baptist Church on Chestnut Street. Later services were held in the school house which stood on the present site of the Simpson Methodist church, the oldest Methodist church in Hyde Park. The followers of John Wesley had increased in numbers so much by 1857, that the school site was purchased. A parsonage was built adjoining. Later in 1860, the congregation determined to erect a church. The school house was sold and removed to Chestnut Street, remodeled and used as a dwelling. The First Methodist Church was dedicated in July 1861. Rev. D.W. Bartine, Philadelphia, delivered the sermon. The name of the church was changed to Simpson Methodist Church on October 15, 1890. The first pastor was Rev. W.J.Judd. Rev. Dr. Harry P. Henry is present pastor and succeeded Rev. John N. White, who recently left to assume a pastorate at Camden, N.J. Washburn Street Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian Church in the present day part of the old borough or in West Scranton. It was organized on August 18, 1854, at the home of Dr. J.C. Plante. The new congregation was received into the Montrose Presbytery August 20, 1854, as the First Presbyterian Church of Hyde Park. The moderator was Rev. Burr Baldwin. The other present-day Presbyterian Churches in Hyde Park began as Calvinistic Methodist in policy and later became a member of the Presbytery. The first church building was dedicated January 15, 1857, in the 300 block of North Bromley Avenue (then called Prospect Street) on land given by William Swetland. Rev. T.R. Townsend was the first supply minister in 1855. Land was given by Calvin Washburn at the present church site, where the cornerstone was laid November 18, 1862, with Rev. L.A. Clarke, pastor. It was dedicated on August 15, 1863. It was a brick edifice and was damaged by mine caves in the early nineties. The church installed the first bells in Hyde Park on November 4, 1866. A wooden church replaced the brick one and on January 18, 1914, it was totally destroyed by fire. The cornerstone of the present structure was laid July 4, 1914. It was partly completed and occupied by January 17, 1915. In the meantime services were held in the Tabernacle Congregation Church. The present church was dedicated July 4, 1915. Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Flack delivered the 75th anniversary sermon. Rev. William C. Evans is present pastor. Ebenezer Presbyterian Church (originally Ebenezer Calvinistic Methodist Welsh Church) was dedicated in July, 1864, but the history of the 88-year-old church dates back to 1845, when a group of Welsh settlers came to the region. In 1846, they started a movement for the erection of a church. An edifice was built on Orchard Street in 1849, and in 1856, another was erected in Bellevue Heights, near the present site of Bethania Presbyterian Church which is the parent church of Ebenezer. The Ebenezer Church built in September 1863, and dedicated July 17, 1864, was damaged by a mine subsidence in 1867, and repaired a year later at a cost of $6,000. Rev. J.E. Davies was the first pastor. A rededicatory service was held in 1870. In 1891, a new heating plant was installed and in 1908, the present front was built to the church. Rev. Kenneth E. Chittick is moderator today due to the resignation on April 1, 1952, of Rev. Dr. R.J. Williams who served faithfully for 30 years. Welsh Congregationalists of Hyde Park met for prayer and services in a church on Mifflin Avenue in 1853. Those in the valley who were Congregationalists organized the First Welsh Congregational Church. A charter was applied for in 1855 but not granted until April 22, 1857. A church building was erected on Mifflin Avenue with Rev. David A. Jones the first pastor. In 1863, the First Congregational Church of Hyde Park was organized and chartered February 15, 1864. Within a year or so ground was purchased for a new church on South Main Avenue, opposite Division Street. It was ready for occupancy by 1866. Rev. E.B. Evans was the last pastor. Members of the Mifflin Avenue Church in the meantime had merged with the Hyde Park Church. In 1880 members of the church residing in Taylor withdrew and formed their own church. In 1882, members of the "Old Church" who desired an English speaking service formed the Plymouth Congregational Church with an edifice on Jackson Street, the site of the present-day Trinity Congregation Church. In 1886, still another group of the "Old Church" organized the Tabernacle Congregational Church in the 100 block of South Hyde Park Avenue. Today, due to a merger about six years ago, the three groups are back together under the name of Trinity Congregational Church with Rev. Pierson P. Harris as pastor. St. David's Episcopal Church, the only one west of the river, was chartered February 28, 1879. Prior to that time Episcopalians worshipped in St. Luke's or whenever a missioner was available, in halls or other churches of West Scranton. In the early eighties a church building was erected on Tenth Avenue near the Oxford breaker. Fire completely destroyed the building a few years later. The congregation then purchased a plot of ground at South Bromley Avenue and Jackson Street and erected the present nicely appointed church. Rev. DeVere L. Shalmandine is pastor and Nat Griffiths, senior warden. There were seven charter members. The First Evangelical and Reformed Church was 65 years old October 7, 1951, with Rev. Louis C.F. Miller, pastor, delivering the anniversary sermon. Its history dates back to March 1886, although the present edifice was not begun until September 7, 1921, and dedicated October 8, 1922. The first meeting took place in Steters Hall, North Main Avenue, to organize a German Protestant Church in Hyde Park at which 24 members attended. The charter was granted April 6, 1886, under the name of Hyde Park German Presbyterian Church. The first service was May 30, 1886, in Co-operation Hall. The first church building was purchased September 10, 1886. It was the former Baptist church on Chestnut Street. Rev. S.C. Zettner was first pastor. On September 7, 1921, with Henry Burchel as council president, the present church was begun and dedicated October 8, 1922. The parsonage was erected May 1923. In 1926, with Henry M. Geiss, Sr., chairman, a new charter was granted under the name, First Evangelical and Reformed Church of Hyde Park. About two years later the name was changed to its present one. The German Catholic population of Hyde Park up to 1885, went to St. Mary's in South Scranton to church. When St. Patrick's congregation built a new church on Jackson Street, Bishop O'Hara offered the Price Street Church to the German residents. They had sought his permission to build a church in Hyde Park. Once again the old church was taken apart and reconstructed, this time at the corner of South Main Avenue and Luzerne Street. Rev. F.A. Fricker became the pastor. The church was named St. John the Baptist. Rev. Joseph Oberholtzer is present pastor. About 30 years ago a handsome new church was built by the congregation south of the site of the old church on Main Avenue. The old church afterwards was used as a theater for many years but a fine auditorium now occupies the site. St. John's Parochial School is adjacent on Luzerne Street. Bishop William J. Hafey officiated at the solemn pontifical mass of St. Lucy's Italian Church on October 14, 1951, in observance of its 50th anniversary. Msgr. Salvatore J. Florey, who has served since September 8, 1934, is pastor of the only Italian Roman Catholic church in West Scranton. The foundation of St. Lucy's parish can be traced to 1891, when Rev. Rosario Nasco administered to the needs of Italians in the city. St. Lucy's was the first purely Italian church in the city. The old No. 16 public school building on North Chestnut Street (St. Frances Cabrini Street) was purchased June 3, 1901. The building was used both by the church and for classes by the Mother Cabrini School. The foundation of the present edifice was laid in 1913, and served for all religious functions until 1928, when the upper church was completed. The cornerstone was laid in 1926, by the late Bishop M.J. Hoban. Rev. Dominick Landro was the first pastor of the original church. St. David's Roman Catholic Church in Keyser Valley is the youngest church in West Scranton. Bishop William J. Hafey and Rev. Patrick H. McCormick on February 6, 1947, broke ground at 109 South Keyser Avenue for the new church. The Valley church is of Irish Celtic architecture with a front of native West Scranton stone. The dedication took place November 2, 1947, with Rev. McCormick, pastor in charge. The parish was established April 24, 1946 ; prior to then the parishioners met in the Keyser Valley Community Center. On July 1, 1946, the Baldwin property, Jackson Street and Keyser Avenue, was purchased for the rectory and the Davis' property for the church site. It is the only Catholic parish named after the Welsh patron saint, not only in Scranton, but in the United States. Several are so named in Quebec, Canada. It may be construed as a good-will gesture to the large Welsh population in Hyde Park which has long since been known as the Welsh Cardiff of America. Embury Methodist Church held its golden jubilee celebration May 3, 1952, with Rev. Arthur H. Salin, then pastor, officiating. Rev. Theodore Hubbard is present pastor. The present edifice was dedicated May 4, 1902. The church, formerly located on Hampton Street was known as the Hampton Street Methodist Church. Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is a member of the original church founded by Joseph Smith at Palmyra, N.Y. The home church is at Independence, Missouri and is not connected with the Mormon Church in Utah. The branch here was organized in 1875, and later in 1895 with meetings in Carson's Hall. The church at Luzerne Street and 12th Avenue, was erected about 40 years ago. Elder John R. Jenkins is present pastor. Elder Richard J. Hawkins, who resigned in August 1952, served the local church for 25 years and was its fifth pastor. In 1863, the first Salvation Army headquarters in Scranton located in the old David Building, North Main Avenue. It was owned by George B. Carson and originally was the Odd Fellows Hall. The present West Side Citadel, 1013 Price Street was built about 58 years ago. It was called the "Barracks" at the time. Capt. Charles R. Baker is the present commander with Lt. Robert Williams, assistant. St. Mark's Lutheran Church is the only Lutheran Church in Hyde Park. It was organized September 7, 1891, by Rev. E.L. Muller, who was pastor of Holy Trinity Church, now merged with St. John's Lutheran Church, Scranton. The `D.L.&W.' railroad donated a tract of land to the congregation at Washburn Street and 14th Avenue. A church was erected thereon in 1892. The present church was erected in 1899. Rev. John Bender was pastor from 1906 to 1941. Rev. John A. Kaercher, who recently resigned to serve a pastorate near Reading, was here 10 years. The congregation called Rev. Walter P. Fetterly to become pastor Sunday September 7, 1952. He will deliver his first sermon here next month. The Jackson Street Baptist Church was organized June 14, 1871, at the home of Thomas Leyshon, North Bromley Ave. The first worship service took place June 21, 1871, in a hall over the site of Tague's store. Rev. Benjamin Thomas was the first pastor. The church was formally recognized September 13, 1871. It is an off-shoot of the First Baptist Church. The edifice at Jackson Street and North Hyde Park Avenue, was erected in 1889. It was designed by Rev. David R. Hughes, father of the late Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, who served from 1889 to 1895. The only living former pastor, Rev. Dr. C.E. Hermans, delivered the 75th anniversary sermon in 1950. Rev. Dr. B.L.C. Baer, present pastor, assumed the local pastorate in September, 1920, following his discharge as a naval chaplain. Dr. Baer is dean of Protestant ministers in length of service not only in Hyde Park but in the valley. He is serving as president of West Scranton Ministerium for the second time. He also is president of the Abington Baptist Association. The Hyde Park Bible Institute, an inter-denominational night school, founded about 18 years ago meets at the church. Solemnities last April at St. Ann's Passionist Monastery, marked not only the 100th anniversary of the settlement of the Passionist Fathers in the United States, but by a coincidence, the 50th year of the Passionist in the Diocese of Scranton and the founding of St. Ann's Parish. Very Rev. Hubert Arlis, C.P., rector, was in charge of the tridium in connection with the celebration. Rev. Alfred Weaver, C.P., is pastor of the parish. Rev. Joseph Emsheim, C.P., was the first pastor. In 1902, Bishop Michael J. Hoban of revered memory, invited the Passionist Order to establish a monastery here. As early as 1893, members of the order conducted services in the diocese. Three priests and a lay brother comprised the group to investigate sites for the new monastery. While considering the problem, they lived in a cottage at Harvey's Lake. The present site was selected and purchased from the Lackawanna Land Company on September 1, 1902. The committee in October of that year moved to 1103-05 Sloan Street, where two rooms were fitted up as a chapel. The first mass was offered publicly on November 2, 1902. Later a temporary church about 50 X 28 feet was erected at Sloan Street and South Main Avenue with the first mass December 14, 1902. Ground was broken for the monastery on May 18, 1903. The cornerstone of the original structure was laid September 6, 1903. Also in 1903, three lots opposite the monastery grounds were purchased and the erection of a convent and school begun. In 1908, additional land was purchased. Today on these sites stands a fine convent and a modern St. Ann's High School. The formal dedication of the monastery did not take place until July 2, 1905. The construction of a chapel was completed March 25, 1905. In 1910, the front wing was cracked and on August 15, 1911, the monastery showed signs of a serious disturbance in the mines. Large fissures appeared in the ground and one wing was notable damaged as were many of the rooms. On July 28, 1913, a great "squeeze" occurred. A slide carried the whole Roundwoods section to the East. But by what seemed a miracle the monastery was saved and made safer. It was vacated in 1915 pending repairs. The monastery was rededicated July 23, 1916, by the Apostolic Delegate John Bonzano. The main church to the now famous shrine here to St. Ann was dedicated April 2, 1929, by Bishop Thomas O'Reilly. The basement, however, was ready by Christmas Eve 1927. The now nation-wide known nine-day St. Ann's Novena began 27 years ago. It precedes the Feast of St. Ann and is daily attended by 40,000 to 50,000 persons climaxing the nine-day devotions with over 100,000 attending the last day's service. In addition, there are two Syrian, Polish and Lithuanian Roman Catholic, two Greek Catholic and a Russian Catholic Church in Hyde Park. Bellevue Catholics have a church of their own, Holy Cross, which was established in 1879, with Rev. W.P. O'Donnell as pastor. Rev. John J. Kostival is present pastor. The 38th anniversary of the founding of the Allis Mission will be observed November 6, of this year (1952). The mission was founded on Nov. 6, 1914, by Catherine Wilson, pioneer resident of the West Mountain section. It is the oldest active mission in Keyser valley. It is located at South Keyser Avenue and Luzerne Street. Mrs. Bert Staff is president of its Ladies Society and Albert Janes, superintendent. Other Protestant churches in Hyde Park include : Bethel Baptist in the LIncoln Heights section; Berean Interdenominational in Keyser Valley; West Park Methodist; Christ Presbyterian, and Italian Pentecostal. St. Patrick's Orphanage, the first Catholic institution in the Scranton diocese, was established in 1875. It was in charge of the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary. On September 7, 1948, the orphanage at Jackson Street and Lincoln Avenue was discontinued, and the youngsters transferred to Our Lady of Fatima Institute at Elmhurst. The old orphanage was destroyed by fire February 28, 1881, and four years later the three story brick building we know today as St. Patrick High School, was erected. The first Catholic Foundling Home, St. Joseph's, was erected September 25, 1889, on Jackson Street in a house where the new wing of the West Side Hospital now stands. A few years later, it was moved to new quarters in Dunmore. Its early name was St. Joseph's Childrens and Maternity Hospital. St. Francis Cabrini School, founded by Mother Cabrini, opened in January 1900, at the present site using a former church that also had been a school, and the former rectory as its church, school and convent. It was known as St. Lucy's Parochial School. The original school burned down in 1927. The former rectory is still in use for the nine sisters of the Missionary Sisters of Sacred Heart with Mother Matilda as the superior. The first Mother Superior was Mother Gertrude. In 1913, the property was transferred to the school when St. Lucy's present edifice was begun. The present enrollment is about 300 children. Mother Cabrini, the founder, was born in Sant' Angelo, Lombardy, Italy, on July 15, 1850. She founded the Institute of Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart in 1880. She came to this country for the first time in March, 1899. The degree of her canonization was signed by Pope Pius XII on January 11, 1944. The city council on April 30, 1948, voted to change the name of Chestnut Ave. to St. Frances Cabrini Avenue in honor of the Italian patron saint. EDUCATION In 1820, Hyde Park was only a hamlet of a dozen houses or so, but it boasted a school building. This first school, according to account, was located near the site of the present day Abraham Lincoln No. 14 and was erected in 1816. It was later used as a school as well as church purposes. The second building was erected in 1837, where the present Simpson Methodist church stands. Later it was removed to Chestnut Avenue (St. Frances Cabrini Avenue) and was razed about 30 years ago. Jeannette Pierce was the first teacher. These early schools were private institutions, as the public schools that we know today did not come into existence until later. One private school also was conducted at Main Avenue and Howell Street. There are authentic records of its existence as early as 1854. Hyde Park became a separate school district with the creation of the borough, May 4, 1852. In 1858, a new brick building was erected at South Hyde Park Avenue and Division Street on the site of today's No. 14 School. The first school in which an attempt to grade pupils opened August 16, 1858, and continued in use until destroyed by fire September 8, 1878. E.W. Matthews was principal. Two additional schools were built between 1860 and 1870. In 1871, Prof. Joseph Hawker was elected borough superintendent of schools. When Hyde Park and Providence districts consolidated in 1878, this area had seven school buildings. Gardner's Business College, the first in the city, was located on Sixth Avenue. Hyde Park has furnished five of seven school superintendents. Scranton schools today owe much to the efforts of Prof. George Phillips; Prof. George Howell; Prof. Rhys Powell and the late Dr. John H. Dyer. Richard F. McNichols is the present superintendent recently succeeding Dr. Dyer who served faithfully for 23 years. Today there are 42 grade schools in the city of which 12 are located in Hyde Park. In 1900, according to school district records, there were 37 grade schools and in 1925 there were 47. The William Cullen Bryant School (No. 13) in Hyde Park was abandoned about seven years ago. It burned down about two years ago at which time the building was being used for the manufacture of shirts. The decrease in the number of schools is due to a decrease in enrollment. One of the highlights of nearly two decades ago was the opening of classes January 29, 1934, in the $1,250,000 West Scranton Junior High School. It is located on Luzerne Street, between 12th and 13th Avenues. The formal opening took place February 9, 1934, with the late Dr. John H. Dyer, superintendent of schools, as principal speaker. William E. Jameison, a well-known Hyde Parker, was the principal. Miss Letty M. Parry, music department head, was in charge of the program. The present school is classed as a Junior-Senior High School with Henry M. Geiss Jr., as principal, and Robert E. Dawson, vice principal. The school will accommodate 2,400 pupils with 34 class rooms; nine social studies; eight science rooms; two free-hand and two mechanical drawing rooms; three food rooms; eight shop; one medical; two study rooms; one library and cafeteria; two music, health and teacher's rooms; a chemical laboratory; a boy's and girl's gymnasium and an athletic field. It is a three story brick building designed by Tudor R. Williams. The original faculty numbered 70, but today totals 88 with approximately 2,000 pupils enrolled for the 1952-53 term. The original enrollment was about 2,000 with a high peak of 2,600 in 1937. It has six grades. Since its opening about 2,250 students have been graduated. Today, it is widely known for its excellent plays, musicals, comedies presented by the students in the Spring and Fall of each year. The productions were started under the direction of Miss Letty M. Parry, recently retired, as were the choral groups and development of many fine vocal soloists. It now has a 70-piece band directed by Horace Gregory, members of which have been selected for the All-State Band comprising representatives from schools all over Pennsylvania. The school also is well known in the sports field with its 1951 football team winning the Lackawanna County Conference Championship. Scholastically and culturally West Scranton High School is an asset to our community. HYDE PARK BANKS In the late sixties, following the incorporation of the city, West Scranton business men and others felt the need for a bank West of the river. Hon. William Merrifield again was the leader in this civic movement. On May 7, 1867, the Mechanics and Miners Savings Bank was incorporated. It did not open for business until 1870. The name was changed in the meantime to the Hyde Park Bank with Mr. Merrifield president until his death in 1877. The bank failed on October 1, 1879, but was liquidated by Smith B. Mott without loss to depositors or stockholders. The bank was located on the westerly side of North Main Avenue, a few doors above Jackson Street. The West Side Bank was originally known as the Mechanics and Miners Co-operative Loan Association and was organized December 11, 1873, with George Sanderson, president. In April 1874, the name was changed to the Miners' and Mechanics Loan and Building Association and then in 1890, changed to the West Side Bank. It is the oldest bank in West Scranton. For years the institution occupied quarters of the old Hyde Park Bank. On April 12, 1913, it moved over to its present building at Jackson Street and Main Avenue, the old site of White's tavern. The bank, by its liberal policy of lending on mortgages, helped many a Hyde Park resident build or buy a home. It has never missed a dividend since its origin. To aid its customers, it installed within the past few years a night depository. On June 6, 1949, the bank observed its 75th anniversary with G.A. Bender, president; George H. Evans, cashier; and Kenneth W. Lloyd, assistant cashier. Mr. Lloyd is now cashier. A perpetual charter was granted March 16, 1941. For many years the West Side bank, Scranton's oldest Suburban bank, had the field all to itself. However, in 1904, the Keystone Bank, with the late Col. Reese G. Phillips, president, came into existence. About a decade later the third bank -- Electric City -- was organized and chartered in 1910. It was located at Main Avenue and Lafayette Street while the Keystone Bank occupied the northeast corner at Jackson Street and Main Avenue. Attorney George L. Peck was first president of the Electric City Bank. The Hyde Park Deposit Bank about 1923 was organized and located at South Main Avenue and Luzerne street with the late Gomer Davis, president; and Henry M. Geiss, Sr., vice president. It changed its name in the late 1920's to Hyde Park National Bank with Henry Harris, president. The last three mentioned banks about 1931 merged to become the Pennsylvania Trust Company. In 1945, the First National Bank of Scranton bought out the new company and established a Hyde Park Branch Bank in the old Electric City Bank with N. Milton Lewis, vice president in charge. OLD TIME TAVERNS For many years in the first half of the last century, Hyde Park boasted of the only place of public entertainment, tavern or hotel in the entire Lackawanna Valley. Jonathan Dolph opened the first tavern in Hyde Park about 1795. In 1810, Phillip Heermans, who had moved here from New York state, turned his house into a tavern. In 1825, he built the White Tavern, sometimes called the White Horse Tavern. It was located at the present site of the West Side Bank. For 50 years it was not only the place of entertainment but where elections were held and votes counted. The stage-coach from Carbondale to Wilkes-Barre on the county road made regular stops at the tavern. Slocum Hollow at that time had practically no hotel facilities. The last proprietor prior to its being destroyed by fire on March 1, 1871, was a Mr. Terwilliger. Next to the White Tavern, perhaps the best known hotel in Hyde Park's yesteryear, was the Yellow Tavern, or as it was later known, the Red Tavern. This last hotel was located at Main Avenue and Price street. It was destroyed by fire in 1869. The Hyde Park Hotel, 129 South Main Avenue was built by Edmund Heermans, son of Phillip, nearly 90 years ago. It also was known as the Heermans House. In 1880, George Fairchild took over the management and then it was known as Fairchilds. In the mauve decade, band concerts were given from the front porch. A feature of those days was the itinerant tight rope walker. The rope was strung from the hotel to the old Gibbs homestead across the street. Other hotels or taverns in the early 1820's were, James H. Finneys, Thomas Briggs and the Thorpe Assembly Hall. Just where these were located no present-day Hyde Parker appears to have knowledge of. WEST SIDE HOSPITAL Until 1896, Hyde Park had no hospital, but due to the efforts of Hon. John R. Farr and Hon. H.M. Edwards, the West Side Hospital became a reality. The West Scranton Hospital Association purchased the Thomas Phillips residence. The new hospital, with Hon. H.M. Edwards as first president, had 17 beds. In 1896, it was the third hospital to open in the city with a property value then of $20,000. An annex and children's ward were added in 1911. Today, it has 65 beds and is valued at about $150,000. The local institution was opened May 9, 1941, as the first `pool' station for physical examinations during World War 2. The `pool' was closed in February, 1942. A new tubular fire escape was installed May 24, 1944, the first of its kind in this section. The ground breaking for a new steam heating plant took place August 5, 1947, with John Reynolds, director, and Frank A. Gilroy, then board president, in charge. Col. John A. Betterly was named superintendent December 16, 1947, succeeding the well known and beloved Dr. John J. Brennan, who served two years prior to his death Dec. 8, 1947. Harry Dickstein is board president, succeeding the late Dr. John H. Dyer. The hospital conducted a $350,000 drive in 1946, with the late David J. Thomas, director, as steering committee chairman. The drive was for a new wing, central heating and other necessary improvements. A new pnephore machine, donated by Franklin Collins of the Wyoming Coal Co., was received and used May 9, 1949. The machine forces oxygen by positive pressure into the lungs, similar to artificial respiration. A modernized medical laboratory was opened August 16, 1949, as part of the construction program. It can accommodate eight to ten persons at one time. It replaced a much smaller unit and is on the site of the old dining room. Dr. E.R. Swartz, pathologist, is in charge. The excellent X-ray laboratory was opened September 28, 1949, under the supervision of the late Dr. Louis A. Milkman, roentgenologist, and Dr. Robert Hickok, assistant director. The installation of the modern laboratory cost $18,000. The X-ray department is shock proof with walls and doors lead-lined for safety. It has specialized attachments, more space, power and flexibility of machines than the former laboratory. Miss Mabel French, registered nurse, is chief technician. Other changes in the building includes remodeling of the maternity section, new children's ward, dining room with a seating capacity of 100 and a completely renovated diet and main kitchen. The Nurses Home of West Side Hospital which served as a residence for staff and student nurses for 25 years, was opened as a rest home September 19, 1949. Mayor James T. Hanlon officiated at the ceremony. Dr. Robert Schultz represented the medical staff; Mrs. David J. Davis, president of the Women's Auxiliary, and Mrs. Ann Harris, the Training School Alumnae. Colonel Betterly was chairman. The cornerstone for the Nurses Home was laid July 25, 1924, as part of the Old Home Week celebration exercises. The last class of seven nurses from the Nurses Training School graduated September 7, 1949, at the Century Club with Dr. Dyer, president, board of directors, as speaker. Miss Mary E. Jones, acting director of nurses, presented the pins. Miss May Y. Hill served for many years as superintendent. Miss Martha Hendricks, chief anesthetist, resigned September 1, 1952, following 44 years on the staff. WEST MOUNTAIN SANATORIUM One of the more beautiful West Scranton landmarks is the Lackawanna County Tuberculosis Hospital, commonly known by its older name, West Mountain Sanatorium. It was originally established in 1903, following the suggestion of the late Dr. J.M. Wainwright. The 40-year-old institution is now under the supervision of the Lackawanna County Commissioners. Edward J. Rainey, present superintendent, was appointed in January, 1951. He succeeded Miss Theresa dela Plant, registered nurse, who served for 30 years. According to the best records available, a Miss Davis was the first superintendent. Dr. Paul C. McAndrew is present medical director and Dr. Frank C. Lavin, assistant. The bed capacity in 1903 was between 18 and 20. In 1919, it arose to 29, while today it totals 100. The original land was donated by the `D.L.&W.' or purchased at a nominal price. Later additional land was purchased. In June 1923, a $300,000 tuberculosis hospital was begun to replace the old institution. The sanatorium was taken over by the County Commissioners in 1923, following a plebicite by the citizens to do so in 1921. While the institution accepts patients in all stages of tuberculosis, over 80 per cent of the male patients are those with anthracosilicos and super imposed pulmonary tuberculosis in its advanced stages, according to institution records. The X-ray department recently was completely remodeled and equipped with apparatus of the latest design. This includes a diagnostic table, motor driven cassette changer, fluoroscope, a new control panel and complete dark room equipment. A bronchoscopic unit also has been added. The clinical laboratory has likewise been expanded and a number of new instruments have been installed, including binocular microscopes. Additional space has been allocated for use in research work associated with the newer drugs. The hospital has a farm growing its own products. It also has a county owned water system with about a 60,000 gallon capacity, and an artesian well. It also has a fully equipped laundry which can easily handle daily all the washing and ironing for the 100 patients, staff and 40 to 45 employees. POLICE --- FIREMEN The first public lock-up was located in the rear of the old volunteer fire company headquarters at Hyde Park Avenue and Wymbs Court. A few years later it was moved to about 1110 Jackson Street, where the present board of directors room of the West Side Bank is located. Today, the Police Station is at 1935 Jackson Street, with Lt. Chester Cimini, Sgt. Robert Haines and Sgt. David Biggs in charge. The present precinct station was built during the term of Mayor John Von Bergen, Jr. In the early days, police court was held in the assembly room of the second precinct building. The patrol wagon was horse driven. Sgt. John McAndrew, recently retired, and former Lt. William Jones rode bicycles while policing Hyde Park. Walter Kime and the late Harry Seymour were part of the horse patrol at a later date. Today, the force stationed in West Scranton includes 21 officers and patrolmen. The force, since about 1925 has been reduced five patrolmen. The Franklin Engine company is one of the oldest fire fighting organizations in the city, having been incorporated July 3, 1855. The first piece of apparatus was a hand-pumper in the volunteer days. The engine and engine house was destroyed by fire in 1869. The old fire house was located at North Hyde Park Avenue and Wymbs Court, until mine caves made it untenable. The Columbia Hose Company, volunteers, was organized in 1877, with headquarters on Division Street, near Main Avenue. It was later changed to Chemical Company 2, when paid firemen were employed. The Franklin and Chemical Companies occupied the same station following the destruction of the Franklin Station. According to department records they were the earliest paid companies in West Scranton. The Chemical Company 2, about 1914, was called Hose Truck 11, but was abandoned between 1918-19. The Franklin was designated as Engine 3 in 1918, and is still in active service. Following the purchase of three hook and ladder trucks by Chief Keeley in 1868, a company known as the Hyde Park Hood and Ladder Company was organized. It lasted only a short time. The Scranton Hood and Ladder Company which for 20 years was located at West Lackawanna Avenue, was organized in 1886. About 40 years ago it was transferred to the headquarters station. The Bellevue Hose Company 3, was located near the present day Holy Cross Church. It was abandoned about 1938. That area in the volunteer days was justly proud of The Eagles, organized July 7, 1877. Hose Company 10, formerly at West Gibson Street and North Bromley Avenue, also was abandoned in 1925. It was then moved to its present site in Tripps Park. It is now occupied by Engine Company 9 and Truck Company 4. Other companies forming the five responding today to fires in Hyde Park are Hose Company 8, in Keyser Valley, and Engine Company 7, located in the 900 block of South Main Avenue. John Davis, 1319 Washburn Street, a veteran of 43 years service as a fireman, has always been stationed at the Division Street station, except for a few months, serving with Chemical 2 and Hose 11 and today with Engine 3. VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS The oldest American Legion Post in West Scranton is Kosciuszko Post 207, located at 906 South Main Avenue. The post was issued a charter December 3, 1924, with the first meeting at 1340 Bryn Mawr street. John O'Bricki was the first commander. Frank Dymek is present commander. The present post building was rented in 1931 and purchased, renovated and improved in 1946. The initial meeting to organize West Side Post 675 in Hyde Park, took place June 27, 1934, at the home of Willard Williams, Snyder Avenue. Nineteen other World War I veterans attended. Early meetings were held in St. John's Hall. Approximately 100 interested veterans formed a group named West Scranton World War Veterans with Mr. Williams as president. Fred M. Kreis, Paul Ord and Ralph J. Goldman formed the committee to apply for a temporary charter. Application was made January 27, 1935, but it was turned down by the Lackawanna County committee. Later that year, Mr. Williams, Winfield G. Jones and Emil Meyers presented their case at the Department executive session in Wilkes-Barre. The result was the granting of a charter to West Scranton Post. Willard Williams was elected the first commander. The installation took place March 1, 1935, in the Junior Mechanics Hall, North Main Avenue. Later that month the post rooms were moved to 210 North Main Avenue, which was used for 10 years. The largest post in West Scranton dedicated on October 25, 1943, an honor roll at Allen's Park commemorating about 5,000 veterans who served in World War I. A granite monument, replacing the old one, was dedicated, July 20, 1951, to all who served in World War I and II. Also during World War II, members manned an observation post 24 hours a day in Keyser Valley. In January 1945, the post through its newly chartered West Scranton Veterans Association purchased the old mission church at North Main Avenue, and converted it into the present modernized post. The post was dedicated October 16, 1947, with Ralph H. Slater, commander, and Leroy Rosser, immediate past commander. Past Commander Joseph Graham is District XI Commander, American Legion. Tripps Park Post was organized in 1946, as the first American Legion Post in the Tripp Park section. The charter was granted in 1946. Americo Solfanelli was the first commander. The first meetings were held in the Community Center, 1510 Elizabeth Street. The new post rooms recently were opened at 1525 Farr Street. George Evans is present commander. The post has a record of exceeding its membership quota each year since its inception. Lincoln Heights Post, American Legion, at 1148 South Main Avenue, is the youngest post in the area. It was granted its permanent charter May 5, 1951. The local post was organized September 1950, and received its temporary charter in November 1950, with ceremonies at the Elks Club. Leslie Mondelli, the first commander, recently was re-elected for a second term. Hyde Park Memorial Post is the only Veterans of Foreign Wars post in West Scranton. It observed its sixth anniversary April 24, 1952. The post was formerly called Keyser Valley Post, receiving its charter March 19, 1946. Angelo Ferraro was the first commander. Anthony Teste is present commander. St. Patrick's Post, Catholic War Veterans, is one of the oldest in the city and the only one in West Scranton. It was organized in September 1946, at a meeting in St. Patrick's Church auditorium. The meetings from its inception to within the last two months were held in the church auditorium. They are now conducted at the Y.M.I. rooms. James Snyder was the first commander. Paul J. McBride is present commander. Rev. William A. Egan, formerly stationed at St. Patrick's Church but now administrator of St. Joseph's Syrian church, has been its chaplain from the beginning. There were 73 charter members. The enrollment today totals 60. The post is sponsoring a visit next month at St. Patrick's Church of the Red Cross Bloodmobile. West Scranton Chapter, American War Mothers, was organized May 18, 1944, at the home of Mrs. Lester Baldauff, 220 North Rebecca Avenue. Mrs. Baldauff was elected the first president by the original membership of 12. Mrs. John J. Burns, present vice president, was the first chaplain. Mrs. Mae Harris is present president. The organization meets at West Side Post, American Legion. The first meeting place was in the old post rooms over Doyle's Store. The membership today totals 47. American Gold Star Mothers, originally comprising mothers of World War I veterans, was granted a charter December 14, 1938. The first meetings were held in the Y.W.C.A. In 1944, the group met in the Purple Heart Headquarters, Madison Avenue and Mulberry Street. Today they meet at Hotel Jermyn. Mrs. Julia M. Snee was the first president. Mrs. Elizabeth Connors is now head of the organization. The present membership is about 45 of which 14 are from West Scranton. SOCIETIES The first fraternal secret lodge in Hyde Park was Capouse Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 170, instituted in 1846 in the old Slocum house in the Hollow. It located in Hyde Park in 1848. The Odd Fellows in conjunction with members of Hyde Park Lodge, No. 339, Free and Accepted Masons, built a hall on North Main Avenue. It was destroyed by fire in March 1872, and a new Odd Fellows Hall later was built and dedicated. It eventually became known as St. David's Hall. Capouse Lodge later merged with Slocum Lodge, which is known today as Silurian Lodge in Hyde Park. Masonry in Hyde Park dates back to June 20, 1860, when Hyde Park Lodge was instituted. R.W. Luce was the first worshipful master; Burr S. Kellogg, senior warden; John Kelley, junior warden; O.P. Clark, treasurer, and David T. Richards, Secretary. Frederick W. Mason was the first initiate. They met in the previously mentioned IOOF building. The cornerstone of the old Masonic Hall on Main Avenue, north of Price Street, was laid June 24, 1873. Members now meet in the Masonic Temple-Scottish Rite Cathedral in central city. The Ivorites Benevolent Association, a popular Welsh organization in Hyde Park years ago, was chartered August 19, 1867. The Hari-Garri society, a German-Swiss beneficial society, existed in Hyde Park for many years. Warnke's Hall was long known to old-timers as Hari-Garri Hall. The Knights of Pythias was first organized in Scranton in 1870. Later a lodge was formed in Hyde Park. The United American Mechanics (Nay Aug Council) organized in Hyde Park on January 1, 1875, with 26 charter members. The Patriotic Order Sons of America has from the beginning been exceptionally strong in Hyde Park. Electric City Commandery, Knights of Malta, was the first commandery of that organization to be formed here. The date of its institution was November 16, 1895. The Royal Arcanium has been represented among West Scranton societies by Lackawanna Council since about 1890. The Craftsmen's Club, a comparatively new organization in Hyde Park, was organized in 1913. The first meeting of record took place on April 14, 1913, with Arthur E. Sweet, first president. The organization has met at 1126 Jackson Street since its inception. In the early days the building was owned by the Electric City Wheelmen. The club membership is limited to Masons. Attorney Esdras Howell is present president and Robert Justin, immediate past president. Its ladies auxiliary was formed in 1916. During 1917, the club became affiliated with the National League of Masonic Clubs. On March 27, 1919, the club purchased the building for $5,000 from the Wheelmen. It was incorporated as the Craftsmen's Club of Scranton on May 19, 1919. The charter members were : Joseph Oliver, Fred A. Jenkins, Evan Jones, Richard Lewis, and Griffith W. Jones. On June 5, 1919, the old club was adjourned and its officers made temporary officers under the new charter. The clubrooms were renovated in 1939. It is famous for its rabbit suppers and a few years ago was well-known for its bowling tournaments and old-time minstrels. No record of Hyde Park societies would be complete without the mention of our great musical societies of the past. As early as 1875, Hyde Park singing societies began winning competitive prizes. In that year an eisteddfod was held in a tent at Sumner Avenue and Price Street. The Hyde Park Society directed by Robert J. James won first prize. At the Centennial eisteddfod in 1879 at Philadelphia, the Hyde Park group, led by Howell Jones won notable victories. Mr. Jones and William E. Evans again in 1881, led Hyde Park singers in competition at Philadelphia. Dr. Dan Protheroe led our singers in the Pittsburgh eisteddfod of the eighties. A little later in the Wilkes-Barre Armory eisteddfod, the Cymrodorian Society led by Dr. Protheroe won over the Scranton Choral Union directed by Prof. Hayden Evans. In 1893, at the Chicago World's Fair the Choral Union won. John T. Watkins directed several Hyde Park singing societies and is still well-rembered by residents not only of West Scranton but the valley. Although long since out of existence, the old Welsh Philosophical Society is still recalled by many. It was organized in the sixties and continued until about 48 years ago. Membership in the organization was looked upon as a badge of standing. Educationally the society was a tremendous factor; socially it was a leader. Later the society changed its name to the Hyde Park Literary and Debating Society. Another of the old societies was the Handel-Hayden Oratoria Society. It was reorganized on Feb. 13, 1880. Bauer's Band had its inception in Hyde Park. S.R. Price was its first leader. Joseph Bristoly had a band here around the time of the Civil War. James C. Gallagher, one of the best posted men on Catholic organization activities in Hyde Park, says that "The Catholic Defenders", publicly known as the "Ancient Order" and the "Hiberian Benevolent Association", were the first two Catholic organizations here. The principal objective of these societies was to render aid and assistance in case of sickness and accident. These societies, when Mr. Gallagher came here in 1872, numbered in their ranks all the Irish Catholic merchants, professional and craftsmen of the borough. The Hibernian Benevolent Society was chartered in 1859. "The Catholic Young Men's Literary and Benevolent Society" was organized February 4, 1872, in St. Patrick's Church when it was located on Price Street. Its membership required citizenship or a declaration to become a citizen. While not a strictly religious society, it demanded of its members, sobriety, a pure, clean and virtuous life. Its objects were emblazoned on its banner : "Catholicity, Literature and Benevolence". Father Anthony Shields was appointed by Bishop William O'Hara to be its spiritual leader. Within a few months after its organization it formed a Cadet Society. The new society opened a free night school in McGarry's Hall, and afterwards on the top floor of B.G. Morgan's drug store building, where the society may be said to have been the precursor of St. Brendan Council, Y.M.I. in that respect. "The Father Mathew Catholic Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society" was organized February 14, 1872, by a delegation from St. Mary's Temperance Society of Providence in a school house on the Back Road. Its object, principally was to enjoin its members from the use of all intoxicants and to prevent as far as possible by word and example intemperance in others. The society also organized a cadet branch. Catholic boys were eligible to become members at the age of seven years. They took the pledge to abstain form the use of tobacco and alcoholic drinks until they arrived at the age of 16 years, when they were admitted as beneficial members of the parent organization. Their cards of membership contained the following : "The saloon is the sluiceway of every crime that fills our jails, penitentiaries and poor houses of our land. A temperate man is his country's pride and glory. A drunkard is the industrial architect of his own grave; a disgrace to his country; his own shame". In the early 80's there were organized here, The Father Mathew Guards. The St. Paul's Pioneer corps, came into existence October 17, 1886. This organization under the leadership of Capt. Walter McNichols and Capt. John Murray, won distinction as one of the best drilled civilian organizations in the state. The St. Gabriel Temperance Society; St. Cecelia's Ladies Temperance Society; and the St. Leo's Battalion were organized in this same period. The object of each and every one of these temperance and total abstinence societies were fully attained. The moral good they accomplished, although appreciated, cannot be fully estimated. All have now passed out of existence. Mutual aid societies were formed by the early Italian settlers about 40 years ago, as was done by the founding nationalities. Among the early Italian families were the Cissesi's, Carlucci's and Mangini's. James Argone was the first Italian born here. Some of the old societies still active are: St. Rocco's; Riccotti Garibaldi; Sant' Angelo dei Lombardi; The Victor Alfieri Literary Society named after the great Italian poet, was formed in 1911. Columbus Club is one of the more recent groups. STREET CARS The first record of a horse drawn street car was May 23, 1865, when a charter was granted to the People's Street Railway Company. Lines were operated from Scranton to Dunmore to Providence and to Hyde Park and back to central city. The fare was 25 cents, but the record shows no profit for the new concern. The four wheel trolley then cost $18,000 and had six incandescent lamps for lighting. Today the cost runs between $15,000 to $20,000 for a modern street car. It has eight wheels and is well lighted. The old Hyde Park street railway (horse car) barn was located on what is now Robinson Street, below St. Francis Cabrini Avenue. The barn for many years was owned by George W. Brown. Bernard McGill of Tenth Avenue was a horse car driver. The first electric street car in the world made its initial run to Green Ridge on November 29, 1886, by the Scranton Suburban Railway Company. The innovation of an electric street car gave Scranton, by the outside world, the famous title "The Electric City". The last electric street car ended its run in Hyde Park in 1939. In 1924, the first bus run was to Keyser Valley. About 1895, the first electric street car was run to Hyde Park. The run was over Lackawanna Avenue to Main Avenue then to Jackson Street and back to central city. In 1900, the electric car run was extended down Main Avenue to Taylor. A series of consolidations of smaller companies between 1886-7, ended in the formation of the Scranton Railway company. In 1934, at a reorganization meeting, the present Scranton Transit Company was formed. The Scranton Bus Company was formed in 1924. STREET LIGHTING A pioneer in electric street lighting was the Scranton Electric Light, Heat and Power company which was issued letters patent May 12, 1883. It was the first electric light company of record in the city and operated a plant for street lighting. According to the records of the present electric light company, the first known contract for street lighting was entered into with the city March 13, 1900, when James Moir was Mayor. The West Scranton Light, Heat and Power Company was granted letters patent March 3, 1905. The city granted a franchise July 27, 1905. The name was changed December 18, 1905, to Lackawanna Light Company. Charter members were : William T. Davis; John K. Williams; Herbert L. Taylor; Thomas P. Gordon and Edmund Recum. Dr. Benjamin A. Throop and E.B. Sturges in the early days were interested in the electric company. Mr. Sturges was one of the organizers of the Suburban Electric Light Company which further extended service. The several light companies finally completed merging with each other on March 16, 1907, when as a result the present Scranton Electric Company was formed. The history of the present company goes back 57 years to the early incandescent light service. From then to 1940, it has progressively reached a status of an electric utility system supplying perfect commercial and domestic service. It covers a territory of 400 square miles with 83,000 customers. Today, it serves about 95,000 homes. The first boulevard lights on Main Avenue were installed during the term of Mayor John F. Durkan. PAVEMENTS According to records in the city engineers office, the first stone pavement was placed on North Main Avenue from Howell Street to Lafayette Street. It was completed October 9, 1893, at a cost of $8,017.67 . The first brick pavement was completed October 11, 1889 on Hyde Park Avenue from Division to Lafayette street. The cost was $7,802.71 . The next brick pavement of record was September 28, 1902, on South Main Avenue from Oxford Street to Hampton Street. The first Asphalt pave was put in on West Lackawanna Avenue from Lackawanna Avenue bridge to Seventh Avenue. It was completed June 1888, costing $4,795 . The next of record was June 27, 1890, on Jackson Street from Main Avenue to Bromley Avenue. The first sewers of record were installed in the 5th and 14th Wards about April 1893. The cost was $11,487. LIBRARY One of the prominent landmarks of West Scranton is the West Side Branch, Albright Memorial Library, also known as the Richards House, is located at 1010 Scranton Street. The first Hyde Park Branch Library was opened December 1, 1898, in rooms rented from the Welsh Philosophical Society at 121 South Main Avenue with Miss Rebie E. Thomas as librarian. It served simply as a book delivery station from the main library. Books were requested one day and delivered the next. In 1910, a collection of books was established in the Hyde Park Library. On April 30, 1911, the building was damaged by fire. The branch was closed until October 15, 1911, when it re-opened at 301 North Main Avenue, on the second floor of the Old Electric City Bank building. In 1924, the library was moved to 162 South Main Avenue, and again in 1932 at the site of the old Keystone Bank Building, 100 North Main Avenue. The present structure was donated to the library on May 14, 1938, by the late Miss Anna May Richards and Mrs. Edith Richards Mansfield, in memory of their parents, David T. and Margaret Richards. The gift was accepted by the city council and the late Mayor Fred J. Huester on July 28, 1938. The building through public donations was renovated and the grounds landscaped in October 1950. The library opened August 1, 1938, with Mrs. Mary Thomas as librarian. The Crawford estate also gave the property at 1008 Scranton Street to the library and is now part of the landscaped yard. The American flag was given the library by West Side Post, American Legion, on June 15, 1940. Miss Betty Tallo, present librarian, has been in charge since August 24, 1943. According to the records 47,720 books were loaned out last year. DAIRIES Burschel's Dairy is one of the thriving industries in West Scranton. It is the oldest dairy in the City of Scranton having been organized January 6, 1880. Henry H. Burschel 72 years ago began the dairy at its present site, 824 Hampton Street, with 20 customers and one route. The small beginning with one horse and wagon and equipment worth about $70 today, has expanded to a modern concern with equipment worth approximately $125,000. In the old days milk was dipped from a can and was neither pasteurized or homogenized. In 1910, when J.J. Mirtz became associated with the founder, the company served four routes and began pasteurization about that time. It was incorporated in July 1928 with 28 routes. The dairy and office today occupies the old homestead, which outwardly is much the same. In 1946, the well-known horse drawn wagon was discontinued in favor of trucks. Today, the company operates 54 trucks over 45 routes. Employees number 141 of which half reside in Hyde Park. George E. Burschel, son of the founder, is president and George H. Mirtz, son of J.J. Mirtz, is vice-president and treasurer. The average number of quarts of milk for market each day totals about 18,000, exclusive of chocolate and buttermilk. The dairy has kept changing with the trend of new machinery and methods until today it is one of the most modern plants in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Woodlawn Dairy, located at 429 North Main Avenue, was formed by the late Harry Jones on May 8, 1904, at which time he was owner and general manager. Today, the original Hyde Park company has expanded into the largest milk processing and ice cream manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The first site at 315 North Main Avenue was a combination store and plant with equipment worth about $100. It had three cans of milk and a horse and wagon to cover in one route. Today the equipment of the Hyde Park plant is worth approximately a million dollars with 300 employees serving 20,000 persons in this area. About one third of the employees reside in West Scranton. The present West Side plant site was purchased in 1909 from the Pembridge estate necessitated by company expansion and use of modern facilities. In 1946, the horse drawn wagon was discontinued in favor of mechanized vehicles. The company was the first in the country to install an automatic control system for pasteurizing. The first pasteurizing began about 1910. The company was incorporated in 1920, at which time Mr. Jones was elected president. Woodlawn began to make ice cream in 1929 at the Wilkes-Barre plant. Around 1940, the several plants in Carbondale, Honesdale, Pittston and Avoca were discontinued with all the work being done either at the West Scranton, or Wilkes-Barre plants. The Hyde Park plant processes 1,900,000 quarts of milk a month or nearly 64,000 quarts a day. The territory served includes 60 routes with 106 trucks and also four ice cream routes. This does not include the Wilkes-Barre production or routes. Woodlawn Dairy Company serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Monroe, Pike, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties. Officers today are : Walter J. Justin, president ; H. Val Jones and Frank A. Gilroy, vice presidents ; George W. Rutledge, treasurer ; Stanley Thomas, assistant treasurer ; and Frank T. Jones, assistant secretary. SCOUTING The first Boy Scout Troop to be organized in Hyde Park was Troop 11 at Washburn Street Presbyterian Church in May 1914. It is still an active troop with Joseph Green Jr., scoutmaster, and Roland Williams, assistant. Troop committeemen are : Nelson Nichols, Joseph J. Kosmo and Theodore A. Koch. The second oldest is Troop 4 at Jackson Street Baptist Church with E. Robert Thomas, scoutmaster. Troop 38, which met at the old Sherman Avenue Mission was organized in 1917, and would be the third oldest today. The members still hold annual reunions. Today there are 12 scout troops, 2 Cub Packs and 2 Explorers in Hyde Park which is part of the Cherokee District, Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America. Taylor and Old Forge complete the district with John T. Evans, district chairman. There are 316 scouts, 97 explorers and 46 cubs registered in Hyde Park. The Girl Scouts of America was organized in Scranton in 1918 and two years later chartered troops in Hyde Park. Three troops were formed within a few weeks of each other in 1920 and are still active. They are : Troop 14, First Welsh Baptist Church, with Ruth Edmonds and Mary Slugg, leaders. Mrs. Harry Caryl is present leader, Troop 23, Trinity Congregational Church, with Alma Davies, leader. Mrs. Harry Reese is present committee chairman. Troop 28, Simpson Methodist Church, was the other with Marion Williams and Mildred Fritz, leaders. Miss Jean McCarthy is present leader. The Hyde Park area is divided into two sections with Mrs. Martin Hahn in charge of the Northern division and Miss Grace Garey, the Southern. The sectional dividing line is Jackson Street. There are six troops in the Northern group and eight in the Southern with a total of 412 scouts; 46 leaders and 60 committee members. The total number in Scranton Council is 2,425. The West Side Boys Club was opened in 1941. It was Scranton's second club and the members meet in the old Clark Bros. auditorium at 1018 Lafayette Street. The club is part of the Boys' Club - Big Brother organization. The two groups merged in 1933. The Boys' Industrial Association, founded in 1899, was the parent organization of the Boys' Club. The far-famed B.I.A. was started by the late Paul B. Belin and first met in St. Luke's Parish Hall. Last year the organization aided 1,710 boys of which 922 attended the West Side Club of which Austin McCormick is director. John Cuff is president and Warren C. Smith, executive director. The organization also operates a camp at Dunn Lake, Susquehanna County. The Scranton Anglers Club marked its 55th anniversary last March. The club was formed March 17, 1897, following the famous Corbett-Fitzsimmons championship fight. It was originally known as the Limburger Club, with Benjamin Daniels as president. About 1900, the name was changed to the West Scranton Pleasurer Club. In 1920, the present name was adopted and a charter obtained. William Armstrong is president. The residents of Hyde Park in common with the people of other parts of the valley depended on Dr. Joseph Davis when a physician was needed. He was located in Slocum Hollow in 1800. Prior to that time Dr. William Hooker Smith of Old Forge was the only doctor. Dr. Silas Robinson settled in Hyde Park in 1823 near Main Avenue and West Lackawanna Avenue. Today Dr. P. John O'Dea, 169 South Main Avenue, is the oldest practicing physician in West Scranton. Dr. William E. Allen, who located here in 1855, opened one of the earliest, if not the first, drug store. It was on South Main Avenue, near Jackson Street. [The site today is occupied by another old-time druggist, Harry Jenkins, who has dispensed drugs there for 20 years.] He opened his first store at the `corners' in 1899 prior to moving across the street. Dr. Allen gave the land at North Main Avenue and Price street to the town and today the site is called Allen's Park. M.J. Coon who has a drug store at 1827 Jackson Street is one of the oldest druggists still serving the public in Hyde Park. The earliest record shows that Charles H. Silkman was the first lawyer in Hyde Park. He came from Westchester, N.Y., in 1835. The earliest of the primitive law givers claiming Hyde Park as a residence was Joseph Fellow Sr., commissioned as a justice of the peace about 1810. The oldest practicing lawyer in Hyde Park today is Attorney David W. Phillips, 612 South Main Avenue. THE END.