Northumberland County Area History Shamokin 125 years City of Shamokin, Pennsylvania 1864-1989 USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file 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. Transcribed for the PAGenWeb Project by: Bruce T. Hall A Borough is Formed Meanwhile, the greater Shamokin area continued to expand. For several years, a number of citizens had been advocating the formation of a borough. However, they were always overruled by some of the "old residents." who desired to let "good enough alone." During the latter part of 1863, the Shamokin Herald newspaper succeeded in influencing public opinion, and Shamokin was incorporated as a borough by the Court of Common Pleas of Northumberland County, November Term, 1864. A special election for borough officers was held December 2, 1864, and resulted as follows: Chief Burgess -- R. B. Douty; Council -- John J. Esher, Daniel Weaver, John Dunkelberger, W. H. Gilger, and Henry Van Gosken; Judge of elections -- Stephen A. Harris; and Inspectors -- J. W. Young and R. A. Ammerman. This council went to work at once and enacted a large number of ordinances. Booth's Double The greatest manhunt in United States history was carried out during the later part of April 1865 to apprehend the assassin of Abraham Lincoln. Within a few hours after the murder of the President in Ford's Theater, Washington, Federal authorities knew the identity of the killer --- the noted actor, John Wilkes Booth. Booth remained at large for a period of twelve days before he was trapped in a barn near Port Republic, Virginia. Whether he ended his life with a pistol shot or died from a sharpshooters bullet remains an unsettled question. Of all the millions of men, both in the North and the South during the unparalleled manhunt, no one was more relieved to learn of Booth's death than a Pottsville native, Capt. Jacob Washington Haas, late Commander of Company G, 96th PIV. The reason for this was that Haas had the acute misfortune to have been Booth's double in appearance and, on three separate occasions, narrowly escaped being lynched by infuriated mobs. Capt. Haas, who died in Shamokin in 1914 at the ripe age of 81 years, often recalled in later life that although he missed death many times in all of the battles in which the 96th Regiment participated, and once was the target of a Mollie Maguire's pistol shot, spared only by the latter's poor marksmanship, his ordeal, when mistaken for John Wilkes Booth, gave him his greatest fright. Six months after he was mustered out with his comrades, and several days subsequent to the President's assassination, Capt. Haas and Col. William Lessig, his regimental commander, left Pottsville for the Western Pennsylvania oil fields. Near Lewisburg, PA, while staying overnight at a hostelry, Capt. Haas attracted attention and suspicion that he was actually the fugitive Booth. For some hours, he and Col. Lessig barricaded themselves in a room to keep out of the clutches of an angry mob. Fortunately, a Sunburian arrived to establish the correct identity. On the outskirts of Philipsburg, the two were taken into custody by a detail of the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalrymen searching for Booth. Again, a posse formed and only the armed troopers prevented the alarmed man from being hanged. Through Col. Lessig, Capt. Haas detailed that he was a Union Veteran. Still in existence is the safe conduct pass given the veteran's by the officer commanding the detail: Headquarters, 16th Pennsylvania VRC April 22, 1865 Philipsburg, Pa. I have this day arrested W. H. Lessig and J. W. Haas (sic), and examined them and find they are not as suspected, Booth, the assassin of president Lincoln. G. P. McDougall, 2nd Lt. Comdg, Post The third harrowing incident occurred near Clarion. On this occasion a mob would not accept the "safe conduct" pass and a rope was produced. However, several cool heads in the acceded to Capt. Haas' request that he and Lessig be taken to the bank at Franklin, PA. This was done and the cashier advised the posse that both men had substantial accounts on deposit. They were released. That same day, word flashed through the nation that John Wilkes Booth had met an ignominious end in Virginia. In his old age, Capt. Haas wrote several versions of his uncomfortable experiences. When he died in 1914, newspapers all over the country ran obituaries noting that the "double" of John Wilkes Booth had succumbed peacefully in his Shamokin home. Springfield Springfield was laid out in 1867 for John B. Douty and Thomas Baumgardener. It was first named Marshallton in honor of the mine superintendent and geologist William H. Marshall. However, the official designation never became popular. A movement for incorporation as a borough was in progress in 1890, but failed to materialize. Shamokin's First Iron Bridge In June 1867, the first iron bridge was built across Shamokin Creek at Market Street. The Shamokin Iron Works The Shamokin Iron Works built the first steam engine that was constructed in Shamokin (the second built in the county) in the early part of 1871. This feat attracted considerable attention and many persons visited the shops to witness it. The engine operated a huge fan at the Henry Clay Colliery and proved the builders to me master craftsmen by working perfectly. These works were started way back in 1838 when the railroad was extended to Shamokin. The machine shop and car shop were built by the Danville and Pottsville Railroad Company for the use of their road. The foundry was erected by John C. Boyd and Ziba Bird for the purpose of making stoves and hollow ware. The ownership changed several times and, in 1851, Stephen Bittenbender purchased the foundry. He bought the rest of the facilities four years later. After leasing this business for many years, Mr. Bittenbender sold it to Mullen, Huffman & Company in 1875. A year later the name was changed to John Mullen & Company. This company was located at the "V" formed by our two railroads approximately where the Shamokin Realty Building now stands. The very first electric light plant established in Central Pennsylvania originated in these works when, in 1880, Mr. Mullen installed a six arc dynamo. Imagine the curiosity and misbelief among the observing residents at the tine when this innovation occurred. Population During the year 1875, at least one house was erected for every day of the year. The next year saw about 200 homes erected, many of which were brick. The population of Shamokin was now estimated at 8,000 or an increase of 100% in just five years. Coal land was now selling for an average of $600 per acre. Benjamin Campbell had begun buying land in 1806-08 for 11/2 to 5 cents per acre. He owned 1,775 acres which were later the coal tracts of the Cameron (Glen Burn) and Neilson Collieries. The land that he purchased for less than $50 was, by 1875, worth over $1,000,000. Unfortunately, it was no longer his. King Coal The 1860s and '70s saw coal emerge as King. The area was now completely dominated by this huge industry. In 1869, the first big strike throughout the Anthracite region occurred. The miners were organized under the title of the "Workingmen's Benevolent Association," and the operators established a board of trade. The differences between the two were finally settled, Monthly meetings were held at each of which a certain number of both parties were present. A fixed basis of price at Port Carbon for coal established the prices for miners' and laborers' wages and any departure above or below this base led to a rise or drop in wages. This system continued in practice for some years. The year 1871 was noted for the great changes in the policy of the railroad companies. In order to compete with the large corporations of the Lackawanna regions, the railroads of our region organized companies known as the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, the Mineral Railroad and Mining Company, and the Greenland Company. The Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company became one of the largest corporations in the state. It began with a loan of 25 million dollars and secured a mortgage on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company. In one year, the corporation purchased over seventy thousand acres of the choicest coal lands in Northumberland and Schuylkill Counties. Among the tracts purchased by this company were those of the Locust Gap Improvement Company, Big Mountain Improvement Company, Fulton Coal Company, Mount Carmel and Locust Mountain Coal Company, the McIntyre lands, and one-half of the Treverton Company lands. At the same time, the Mineral Railroad and Mining Company took possession of five collieries among which were the Cameron, Luke Fidler, and the Hickory Swamp. In 1872, there were 33 collieries in the county with 18 slopes and 52 drifts. The complete listing of early collieries is much too lengthy to note here. However, some may remember the following: Locust Gap, Alaska Shaft, Reliance, Buck Ridge, Henry Clay, Burnside, Bear Valley, Pennsylvania, Hickory Swamp, Cameron, Luke Fidler, Excelsior, Corbin, Enterprise, Neilson and Lancaster. The Riot of 1877 Many men were underemployed during the great railroad strike of 1877 and meetings were held at Union Hall and Slope Hill to discuss grievances. The climax was reached the evening of July 25th, after a meeting at Union Hall, when a crowd of men moved down Shamokin Street. The gathering was at first orderly. However, as they passed E. Shuman and Company's Store, someone tossed a stone through the window. The tone of the crowd became ugly and filled with hate. Surging into the railroad Station, they looted it completely. The mob then pressed on to the Northern Central Depot, but at this point a company of citizens led by Burgess Richard B. Douty marched down Liberty Street to confront the rioters. The citizens had collected in response to the tolling of the Presbyterian Church bell, a signal that had been previously agreed upon when acts of violence first became probable. Upon arriving at the station, Burgess Douty ordered the mob to disperse. The rioters moved forward, and the citizens opened fire. Fourteen fell wounded, one ringleader seriously, and the looters retreated hastily. Two vigilante companies were immediately formed under J. A. Weaver and W. C. Huntzinger as captains and they proceeded to clear the streets. During the next two weeks, they performed guard duty, but fortunately there were no recurrence of riotous demonstrations. The Mollie Maguires Land and labor troubles, already experienced by the Irish peasants before they settled in America, paved the way for their lawlessness which broke out during the Civil War period and the "hard times" following that era. The "Mollie," it may be noted, killed off their victims almost entirely for revenge. The secret organization known as the "Mollie Maguires" was started in Ireland. It is claimed that a rather ferocious woman by this name had killed several of the hated agents of the landlords. The ideals of the organized murderers coinciding with hers, namely "eliminating people," they dubbed themselves the Mollie Maguires. Labor trouble was making itself felt in the coal regions where men received such meager wages that by the time they had checked out of the company store their needs from payday to payday, they were deeper in debt to the company store at which they were obliged to deal. These and other grievances caused endless bickering among the miners and mine officials. The Mollies did not like their "bosses" nor the "scabs" who replaced the regular miners, with special hatred being reserved for superintendents and certain bosses. The miners frequently served notices in the form of skull and crossbones or a crude picture of a coffin, ordering the recipient to leave that community, or risk vengeance. History reveals that too often such notices meant business. In all fairness to the area, there was very little trouble compared to that in our neighboring counties. Several deaths were attributed to the Mollies here --- some proved and some not. It is said that they met in a house on Second Street, between Gowen and Spruce, that was recently torn down; in the South Shamokin Street area; near Locust Gap; and at Locust Summit. On June 21, 1877, six Mollies were hanged at Pottsville, and four others at Mauch Chink, on evidence supplied by an undercover Pinkerton agent. With this and the generally improving economic conditions, the power of the organization seemed to end. City Hall Erected The Municipal Building on Lincoln Street was erected in 1878-79 under the supervision of a building committee composed of Chief Burgess Samuel E. Martin and Councilmen Simon Hoffman, Isaac Raup, W. B. Burd, and George Robertson. The building was of stone construction, two stories high, with a lock-up in the basement, council chamber of the first floor, and an apartment for the warden and his family on the second floor. The erection of this building was formally approved by the borough council on July 20, 1878; but it was not until August 4, 1879, that the committee on public property was instructed to finish the second floor. Thomas A. Edison Arrives Reprinted in part from the Diamond Jubilee 1939, s. John Bird, author. The question of which community was "first" in applying the invention of electric light to public use has been discussed for many years. Shamokin has shared gloriously in first associations with Thomas A. Edison, as the following facts and testimony will clearly reveal. Shamokin capitalists were among the first to recognize the great significance of Edison's marvelous invention and notified the "Buy Wizard" of Menlo Park that they were ready to back their confidence in his new carbon filament lamp by supplying all the money necessary to erect a central power station under his immediate supervision. Thomas A. Edison arrived in Shamokin in the early fall of 1882. He was then 32 years of age, according to the statement of one of the electrical engineers who was associated with the great inventor at that time. Accompanying Edison on that momentous occasion was Samuel Insul, later famous as a multi-millionaire utility promoter, patron of the opera, and liberal contributor to national political campaign funds, whose tragic decline in affluence and power in later years was in marked contrast to the honor and tribute accorded the inventor of the incandescent light. Edison had already spent over $40,000 in developing his electric lamp for commercial use. Insul, representing an English syndicate sponsoring Edison's invention, acted as his private secretary and business advisor. The meeting with the inventor and his secretary was held in the second floor offices of the Sterling Colliery Company at the corner of Sunbury and Washington Streets. Oscar Kubach, colliery clerk and amateur thespian, jotted down the minutes of the meeting. In addition to the two distinguished visitors, the following persons were present: William H. Douty, Holden Chester, John Mullen, C. C. Leader, William Beury, and George O. Martz of Shamokin; Andrew Robertson Sr. of Pottsville; and W. C. McConnell At that meeting and joint conference, the Edison Electrical Illuminated Company of Shamokin was organized. A Pennsylvania charter of incorporation was granted in November 1882 --- remember that date --- as certified in a communication received by the writer from the Pennsylvania State Department of Internal Affairs. It may be stated without fear of refutation, according to those most familiar with the circumstances, that Shamokin had the first Edison incandescent illuminating company in the world wherein the money invested was supplied entirely by local capital. William Brock, esteemed by Edison as an associate pioneer in electric lighting, gives over his signature an explanation why Shamokin was not the first in the service field. William Brock, first superintendent of the Shamokin plant, under the date of August 21, 1914, says: "It is safe to assume that because of the vast difference in the character of construction, superior and far more extensive equipment, work on the Shamokin plant must have antedated the starting of work on the Sunbury equipment. With a given force, three Sunbury stations would have been built to one of the Shamokin type --- so much for the historical." Writing in reminiscent mood, the former Edison plant superintendent says in part: "These names of old Shamokin flash before me in rapid-fire order --- those about my age --- John L. Evert, Galen R. Hanleny, John S. Sausser, Ford S. Fowler, Gilbert H. Cobb, Monroe H. Kulp, William Brill, the Heims and the Goodwills. Then those of more advanced years --- John Mullen, W. W. Evert, Mathias Emes, William H. Douty, George O. Martz, "Al" Weaver, Thomas Alderson, and Capt. Harry Reese. "It has pleased me to boast on several occasions that Shamokin is one of the most progressive cities of its size and character in the country, and I still believe that to be true. In concluding my little sketch, I am glad to proclaim Shamokin as the home of my boyhood, with best wishes for its future prosperity. Sincerely, William M. Brock." Writing from Orange, New Jersey, August 5, 1914, Thomas Edison says in part: "As a matter of fact, Sunbury was the first three-wire electric light station in the world where overhead conductors were used throughout the streets. It was started in operation July 4, 1883. Shamokin was the second station of this kind --- it was not long after the Sunbury plant was started. Although these were the source of the early pioneer plants of the three-wire system and were the source of considerable anxiety and care to me and the men I had Working with me, my recollections of the days in which they were installed and started have always been very pleasant ones, not only on account of the success which attended our early efforts in a comparatively unknown field at that time, but also by reason of the pleasant associations with a lot of good fellows of those towns. "As you may not have information in regard to the original officers and directors of the Shamokin company, I will name them for your benefit: W. H. Douty, president; Holden Chester, vice president; John Mullen, treasurer; William Beury, secretary. The original directors were: C. C. Leader, A. Robertson, P. F. Shaw, and the officers mentioned. Yours very truly, Thomas A, Edison." Returning now to the construction and operation of the first Shamokin electric lighting plant. The Shamokin Gas Company, organized July 23, 1874, with the following officers and directors: C. P. Helfenstein, president; Samuel John, vice president; George W. Ryon, treasurer; J. J. John, secretary; and B. L. Morganroth and J. D. Patton, directors; had erected its gas plant on Independence Street at the present site of the Victoria Theater. So the electric company went further east on the same street and purchased two lots now occupied by the Jones Hardware Company, the former Knights of Columbus building. The lots were low-lying and swampy during the early period of their transformation, the habitat of frogs, lizards, and mosquitoes. A very substantial brick plant was placed on the north end of the property, abutting on a spur of the Pennsylvania Railroad and displacing old coal storage bins and chutes. John McEliece, veteran of the Civil War, was brought down rom Locust Gap and placed in charge of the motive power and machinery. Howard Gass and William S. Hetrich were his assistants. William Brock, telegrapher of the Pennsylvania Railroad, a prominent and industrious young man of the town and experimenter in electrical contrivances, was appointed superintendent and Manager of the plant. "Johnny" McEliece enjoyed a joke. He installed a heavy copper wire in front of the window facing Independence Street that permitted viewing the dynamo room where the belts were swishing over giant wheels revolving at high speed while blue flashes would occasionally dart with startling effect from the electric generators. The wire was prepared for a modified charge of the invisible current. When curious, alien-born residents climbed a steep ash pile outside the window and placed their hands on the copper wire window guard to watch the merry play of sparks and flashes, McEliece would Quietly switch the electric current through the wire. The window gazers invariably let out yells of surprised injury and without effort would roll down the ash bank in a cloud of dust and an avalanche of cinders. Similar to the experience, in many other communities when electric lighting was first introduced, the public exhibited considerable timidity about having its businesses and homes wired. Installation was made without any attempt at decorative effect. The officers of the company, glad to make the change from coal oil lamps, volunteered to blaze the trail to a new and happier medium of lighting. Through the instrumentality of John Mullen, treasurer of the Edison Company, iron founder, and president of the First National Bank; St. Edwards Church on Shamokin Street was installed with the new lighting system, giving to that impressive edifice of worship the historical distinction of being the first church in the world to be lighted by electricity. "Aunt Kitty" Martz was an enthusiastic supporter and financial investor in the new lighting plans and consented to have her mansion at Sunbury and Orange Streets, later the residence of W. C. McConnell, prepared for using the new electric lamp. With rumors afloat that the electrically charged wires were a fire menace, "Aunt Kitty" cautiously stipulated that the first wiring should be done in her kitchen. President William Douty had his business property, "Brownstone Front," located at the corner of Sunbury and Rock Streets, wired on the first floor where Abe Strouse, pioneer merchant, ran a store. When the electric current was switched on the first night from the Independence Street plant, Edison was here watching the test. Summoned to the scene, he threw the controlling lever that set each lamp filament glowing with a steady light that excited the wonder and admiration of friends and skeptics alike. While in Shamokin, Edison was persuaded by William Buck to visit the photographic studio of Myron Thomas, then located on Sunbury Street, a few doors east of Shamokin Street. The success of the pioneer Shamokin photographer was acclaimed by Edison in flattering terms. Many copies were made by Mr. Thomas at the request of the famous inventor, who autographed the photographic portraiture and sent them to friends throughout the world. Shamokin's Second Railroad The route for the Shamokin, Sunbury, and Lewisburg Railroad Company between Shamokin and Sunbury was surveyed in the spring of 1882 and construction was begun immediately. In July 1883, the line was opened. However, this same month, the road was leased to the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company for nine hundred and ninety-nine years. During the very early railroad days, J. W. Nields and W. B. Bird handled the ticket sales and freight manifests for several companies at the Shamokin station, while Henry and Nicholas Yordy had charge of freight shipments. During the arrival and departure of passenger trains, Henry Yordy donned a blue uniform and cap and called out the train service in stentorian voice. W. W. Evert served as weigh-master at Weigh Scales, as did Gilbert Cobb, who rose to a commanding position with the rail service in later years. John McElwee performed the duties of division supervisor while "Cap" Huntzinger had charge of the express business. The Home of Music Almost from the time of its inception in pioneer days, Shamokin has been widely known as a music-loving community, famed for its musical organizations and their outstanding accomplishments. Starting with the Philharmonics of 1883, organized with the object of "cultivating music among its members and to encourage and aid the culture of music in the community," the board of directors "designated the place of sitting of each member at rehearsals." Honorary members were such persons as are distinguished for their love of music. So far as memory serves, we shall enumerate other musical organizations of the yesteryears who paved the way for the master musicians who were to follow. The German Mannerchor was another vocal organization that won fame and friends in the early days. The jovial membership of 150 entrusted music development to about 25 members, the remainder supplying joviality. Then came the opera, "Pinafore," and the cantata "Queen Esther." In the latter production, principal vocal parts were ably carried by Mr. William Thomas and the Misses Caroline Haas, Maud Thomas, Kathryn Kutzner, and Carrie Evert, and others. J. Q. Adams excelled in the principal male role. It remained for F. B. Fisler and J, J, Helfenstein to carry off the comedy honors. A younger generation then presented the rollicking opera, "Pirates of Penzance," with Frank Stemson directing. Next came oratorios under the auspices of the various churches. The success of the Philharmonic Choral Society and its notable achievements at regional festivals when competing with the best choruses in the Anthracite territory are well known. The Cecilian Club, formed in the later years of these accomplishments, continues today as a woman's cultural organization. Instrumental was also in order in the good old days of music. The Bohemian Banjo and Mandolin Club, the Shamokin banjo club, whose balanced assembly of banjos, mandolins, guitars, and violoncello, delighted audiences that attended their annual concerts in the old G. A. R. Opera House. Then there was an organized the Zouave Fife and Drum Corps, composed entirely of Civil War veterans, who furnished martial music for Lincoln Post No. 140, G. A. R., their sponsor. No record of this kind would be complete without mentioning John B. O'Connor's orchestra, which fiddled for footlight favorites during the years that the Lincoln Post conducted its own playhouse. The "Fiddlers Three" of Old King Cole had nothing on the three Johns who were numbered among this celebrated aggregation. John O'Connor was the leader and able violinist; John Yordy drew mighty volumes of tone from the big bass viol, while blind John Henry presided dexterously over the ivories. Totally blind, John Henry was a master pianist whose memory and ability to extemporize was the wonderment of the many musical companies that appeared in the G. A. R. footlights. Other individual performers in the world of community music included Curtis, whose flailing arms extracted music from the concertina; Joe Kelly, who trilled the mandolin; Claude Krouse, who could produce more musical sounds from a banjo than twenty ordinary strummers; Claude Gaskin, a virtuoso on a variety of musical instruments; and the dusky "Slab" Enty, a master genius with a guitar. Water Supply The Roaring Creek Water Company was incorporated on November 11, 1884. The rapid increase in the population of the Shamokin area in the decade immediately following the organization of the Shamokin Water Company, created a demand for which Trout Run was inadequate; therefore, the new company was formed for the purpose of extending the mains to Roaring Creek, a distance of ten and one-half miles. Three years later this was accomplished. Quoting from an article published then, it said, "The mains of the company were connected with those of the Shamokin Water Company, thus making a continuous line of pipe ten miles in length and consummating one of the most extensive engineering projects ever attempted in connection with the water supply of an inland town. Adequate provision is made for a practically inexhaustible supply of pure water sufficient to meet the demands of the consuming community for years to come." Prior to the opening of the mines, there were a number of fine springs throughout the area, thus eliminating any necessity for an artificial system of water supply. Looking backward, the first water system was built around 1850, when the Fagelys laid a line of pine logs with two-inch bore on Sunbury Street. These logs were wrapped with strap iron for strength and painted with tar to prevent decay. Several years later, a similar line was laid on Shamokin Street from a spring on North Mountain to the railroad crossing at Independence Street. Here a public fountain was erected and from this the old Unites States and National Hotels derived their water supply. Iron pipes were first used in 1858 when William and Reuben Fagely laid a line on Liberty Street from Cameron to Sunbury, and on Sunbury Street from Orange to Shamokin. In 1865, Stephen Bittenbender constructed a similar line on Pearl Street from Dewart to Sunbury, then on Sunbury Street to Shamokin, and on this street south to the railroad. The works were entirely the result of private enterprise and, although crude in design and construction, they provided a means of public utility and convenience. On August 5, 1872, the Shamokin Water Company was incorporated with capital of $100,000. Trout Run was made the source of supply. A reservoir was constructed there and the water passed by gravity through a twelve-inch wooden main to a large wooden tank near the corner of Eighth and Sunbury Streets. From this tank, water was pumped to a second tank on the side of the mountain near the Cameron culm bank, thus obtaining sufficient pressure for distribution to all parts of town. Water was supplied for public consumption by the new system in 1783. From this insignificant and primitive beginning, the water supply of the Shamokin area was expanded during the passing years to its present state. Newspapers The early newspaper situation was always in a critical condition. It had many beginnings, many failures, and very few survivals. The Daily Dispatch, later known as the Shamokin Dispatch, was first issued on November 21, 1886 and soon became one of the leading newspapers in the Anthracite region. From this paper, our present daily newspaper derives its beginning. Some of the early newspapers were: the Shamokin Journal, the Shamokin Register (which strongly supported Abraham Lincoln), the Shamokin Herald, the Shamokin Advertiser, the Shamokin Times (1872), the National Greenback, the Talk of the Day, the Shamokin Sentinel, and the Daily Herald (1888). The Shamokin Industrial Company With all the current interest in obtaining new industry for our area, it should be noted here that this was also of prime importance in 1890. The Shamokin Industrial Company was organized that year for the express purpose of promoting the general industrial interests of the budding town. The following officers were elected by the board of directors at its organization on November 7, 1890: President, R. S. Aucker; Vice President, John Mullen, and Secretary, A. G. Marr. This organization erected a two-story frame building on Fifth Street and leased it to I. W. Forry & Sons for the manufacture of knit hosiery. This plant began operation on January 27, 1891. Waffles In 1891, a German immigrant named John Kleimbach came to our area and took up residence in the Mansion House. While living there, he worked for the then owner, Mr. Barr. Possibly lonely and with extra time on his hands, he spent untold hours in his room. While there, Kleimbach fashioned a pattern for a waffle iron. Shortly after, Mr. Barr accompanied Kleimbach to Danville where two waffle irons were cast. Each iron would bake twelve waffles. Purchasing burners and installing in special stoves, John Kleimbach began baking waffles on the Mansion House grounds. Some time later, he bought a wagon and made his outfit portable. This enabled him to visit all parts of the community and expand his newfangled business. Selling for one cent each, five cents for a half-dozen, and ten cents per dozen, the venture boomed. Girls and boys began selling on a commission of 25%. To the very best of our knowledge, John Kleimbach was the original waffle man in America. This little known fact is worthy of our attention. The succeeding year, Kleimbach took his waffles to the Chicago World's Fair where they became a big hit. In later years, the Barr brothers who had assisted Kleimbach went into the same vocation. Making their unit mobile, they traveled from spring to fall, hamlet to town, for many years, selling a supposed Shamokin first --- waffles. Reapportionment The biggest issue in local government in those years was reapportionment. The court was asked to divide the wards of the borough from its then four to ten political subdivisions. The town's populace was divided on this issue and many furious discussions were held. The Neilson Jinx The Neilson Colliery seems to have been an ill-fated operation from its inception. Before the colliery was in good working order, a heavy windstorm blew down the high tower placed over the shaft. After the tower was replaced, operations began only to be plagued by a number of serious and sundry fatal accidents. The worst accident occurred April 1, 1893, when ten men lost their lives. This is reputed to be the Shamokin area's worst mine disaster. On that occasion, the mine had caught on fire and had to be flooded before work could resume. This resulted in unemployment for 800 men --- a serious blow to the area's economy. Two years laster, the breaker itself burned. The shaft was one of the deepest in the entire coal region, descending nearly a quarter of a mile to the bottom. One poor sole fell 700 feet down this shaft and was killed while another more fortunate individual dropped 200 feet and was not even injured. During one of the colliery's numerous misfortunes, a number of mules existed below the surface for nearly a month without attention of any kind. The number of near miraculous escapes from this supposed "jinx" mine are too numerous to mention. Double Disaster Two tragedies occurred during October 1894 and in each case five workmen perished. One was a fire in a local mine which was followed by an explosion in another underground operation. The fire occurred at the Luke Fidler Colliery and was started by a carpenter who had been assigned to examine timbers. The unfortunate workman lighted a "naked" lamp which caused a pocket of gas to burst into flame. Hundred of miners fled to safety as the fire spread, but five were trapped by the blaze and perished. This fire was extinguished later after coal dirt and water were pumped into the workings. Twenty-four hours later, disaster struck at the Henry Clay Colliery when a terrific explosion ripped through the boiler house. Twenty-seven of the thirty-six boilers in the building were damaged in the blast which also claimed five lives. Boilers were hurled in all directions --- one for a distance of 500 feet. Tragedies of this sort always had an adverse effect on the area's economy. The explosion at the Henry Clay idled 2,000 men and boys, while the Luke Fidler fire threw 1,000 persons into idleness. Trolley Line November 1894 saw the last spike in the line connecting Shamokin with Mount Carmel driven, affording residents of the intervening territory rapid transit to the commercial and industrial centers of this section of the Commonwealth. Through the energy and financial acumen of G. M. Smith, who organized the original company and built the road under decidedly adverse conditions caused by the depression then existing, the trolley line became an accomplished fact. Thus was created the Shamokin-Mount Carmel Electric Railway. 1896 Over twenty petitions, with space for many names, were circulated throughout the county in an attempt to secure a new bridge at the Cameron breaker. Thus began the start of a movement which finally resulted leading to what we today call the Cameron bridge. The Shamokin area by this time had become an avid baseball hotbed. Just the year before, G. G. Kulp had obtained a franchise in the Tri-State League replacing Coatsville. He had accomplished this when, during the annual league meeting amidst owner nickering, he put up $2,500 for Shamokin's guarantee. Amateur baseball teams were also playing as various sections of Shamokin challenged each other. The highlight of the season was the annual rivalry between the "Fats" and the "Leans." Sports were not only confined to baseball. Boxing, on a fairly regular basis, held sway at Indian Park. This year also saw the beginning of plans for establishing a high school in Springfield. In just two years, the dream was realized. The first supervising principal was M. F. Kane. The high school graduated its first class in 1900 with Albert Lloyd, later a Northumberland County judge, serving as the first class president. Shamokin News-Dispatch The Daily News was founded by J. Frank Hoover, "Colonel" George S. Brown, and several other associates in 1898. Mr. Hoover took over the other interests and was joined by his father and brother, Henry and C. C. Hoover, respectively. They became the heads of the Shamokin News Publishing Company, changing the paper's name to the Shamokin Daily News. The Daily Dispatch, later to be known as the Shamokin Dispatch, was first issued on November 21, 1886. It soon became one of the leading newspapers in the Anthracite region. The Leader Publishing Company, headed by Congressman Monroe H. (Farmer) Kulp, then publishing the Morning Leader, purchased the Daily Dispatch in 1906. Under several managing editors, the paper continued for 27 years. On September 18, 1933, the two papers merged under the banner of the Shamokin News-Dispatch. This combination made possible a much larger circulation and wider distribution. Night of Terror Reprinted from the Shamokin News-Dispatch Tragedy struck in a most unusual way on the mountain road between Shamokin and Bear Gap shortly before the turn of the century and, as a result, a young woman was killed and her escort seriously injured. Miss Maude Gothie and Fred Graeber, two widely known residents of Shamokin left Shamokin early in the afternoon for Bear Gap where they had dinner. They started on their return trip after dark. The weather was frigid and a thin layer of snow covered the bumpy road. Mr. Graeber and Miss Gothie were bundled with robes, but nevertheless they were chilled to the bone. As they approached Shamokin, they were glad the trip was about over. The carriage was within one-half mile of the Bunker Hill baseball stadium, and the horses were traveling at a leisurely pace. Suddenly, the ground parted beneath the carriage and Miss Gothie and her escort were hurled into an abyss. A mine cave-in had occurred. The end for Miss Gothie apparently was quick because when her body was recovered the next morning, rescuers learned that her neck was broken. Mr. Graeber had a harrowing experience that could be described as a night of terror, but he survived. He received a compound fracture of the leg and was unable to move about. He attempted to apply a tourniquet to the open wound in his leg caused by the fracture, but he was unsuccessful. With keen presence of mind, he exposed the would to the elements and within a short time the blood froze and prevented him from bleeding to death. As the night grew longer, relatives of Miss Gothie and Mr. Graeber became worried and eventually a rescue party was organized. By early the next morning, searchers had discovered the cave-in and determined that the couple, with the horses and carriage, had plunged into a mine breach. Mr. Graeber was pulled to safety and Miss Gothie's body was recovered. Both horses were dead and the carriage was smashed. The bottom of the pit where Mr. Graeber lay was approximately 35 feet from the surface. After dawn, rescuers traded frightening glances. A short distance from where Mr. Graeber lay in the pit was a small opening that extended 80 feet further into the mine underneath. The tail of this tragedy was repeated and discussed for many years afterward. A "highway accident" in the era of many mine calamities was somehow incongruent, but it bears repeating here even in this age of almost daily highway accidents. United Mine Workers In 1897, representatives of the United Mine Workers of America were sent to the anthracite coal fields and in 1900, while John Mitchell was President of the Miners' Union, a convention was held in Hazelton. The purpose of the convention was to hold an amicable discussion concerning the various grievances which had been disregarded by the mine operators. An attempt to negotiate proved futile. Within two weeks, a strike became 100% effective. John Mitchell won a signal victory when concessions were given by the operators after a six-week strike. Today, this date is still celebrated as Johnny Mitchell Day, a paid holiday. The 1900 victory was held by President Mitchell as one of his greatest achievements for labor. The operators granted a 10% wade increase, a substantial reduction in the cost of powder, which was a major item of that period, and other concessions that had been asked for. Mitchell's victory was very significant as it opened the door for the United Mine Workers who have since carried on negotiations for the miners. Very often in the old days, the mine operators, for greater profits, would devise various methods of getting back part of the monies expended for labor. One of these plans was the company Store system. It was an arbitrary set-up which was a constant source of irritation to the miners. The miners were also irked by low wages, long hours, and favoritism. The miners had to protect themselves against the greedy capitalists and found that the only suitable method was by means of concerted action. The growing irritation of the miners led to the strike in 1842 --- the first recorded strike in the hard coal fields. That strike was followed by others. In 1917, there was another strike of great magnitude. Riots and property destruction occurred. It required the militia to protect the citizens and maintain order, In 1902, a strike that lasted for five months was called by President Mitchell, that was ended by the intervention of President Theodore Roosevelt. The President appointed the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission. Their report came in 1903 and was heralded as the first exhaustive and unbiased investigation of the industry. This procedure of government intervention in strike difficulties began a new era in labor relations. Now the anthracite industry, like many other gigantic industries of out country, has settled down to an orderly procedure in which both management and labor, with government aids, iron out their differences. Bricks and Bribery After many months of whispers and rumors, the biggest governmental upset in local borough history occurred in March 1990. Five men were arrested on charges of bribery. All were either incumbent or retired councilmen. The bribery charges were brought against these men by their former Chief Burgess, M. C. Farrow. He asserted that the purchase of bricks for paving local streets was laced with kickbacks for the five. While the ravages of time prevent a full story of the crooked council, some old timers recall that several of the accused were convicted and drew jail terms. Coal Township Following the incorporation of the then Shamokin borough in 1864, the township named Coal was under the direction of boards of supervisors for many years. In 1901, with appropriate ceremonies, it was incorporated as a first-class township. Time passing, the township soon rated as the second richest coal mining township in the state. By 1939, the assessed valuation had reached $10, 870,000. Of course, most of the value lay in the rich coal bearing lands. It has been alleged that Coal Township is the largest township in the state in area, completely surrounding its sister community. 1903 On February 20, 1903, the Shamokin area's first male-born child passed away. The well-liked first born, John C. Boyd Snyder, had led a varied career. He had engaged in farming, was active in democratic county politics, having run for treasurer, and also had aspired to the office of Chief Burgess. Many friends mourned his demise. Also at this time. the Gresco Club was extensively remodeled in the period's latest style. Leading members were: John P. Helfenstein. the Honorable Monroe H. Kulp (one of the organizers), J. Irvin Steel Jr., John Quincy Adams, and Thomas Mullen. The First National Bank, chartered in 1883, became the National Bank of Shamokin in 1903. It was then located at the northwest corner of Rock and Sunbury Streets. The Union Brick Company was chartered in May with William C. McConnell, president; James A. Francis, treasurer; and A. R. Krieger, secretary. This plant was an outgrowth of James Francis' brick-making plant, which had started on the south side of Shamokin Creek in Tharptown at the site of Follmer's hothouse. The new location was opposite and east of the present state hospital in red shale territory. Both plants covered 32 acres and connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad. The two plants had a combined capacity of 30,000 common red bricks and 20,000 special; high grade pressed bricks per day. Products from here were used in the McConnell Building, the Shamokin High School, and St. John's United Church of Christ. A special grade brick was supplied in the construction of the now Shamokin Masonic Temple. The Shamokin and Edgewood Electric Railway Company During the era when trolley car travel was popular, one could journey by this means from Shamokin to Treverton, Weigh Scales, Mount Carmel and even points beyond the latter community. The Shamokin and Edgewood Company's line extended from pine street in the fifth ward to Shamokin Street, north of Shamokin Street to Independence, west on Independence Street to Market, south on Market Street to Spruce, west on Spruce Street to Second, north on Second Street to Arch, west on Arch Street to Lynn Street at the site of the former Coal Township Stadium, and then west on Lynn to Edgewood Park. How many people still remember riding to the park on weekends with their picnic baskets riding free on the flat cars behind? This company also had a short line from Market to Water on Arch Street where it connected with the mother line. Another junction here continued north on Second Street to the Cameron bridge where it crossed Route 61 and passed through Uniontown (Tharptown) to Weigh Scales. At the lower end of Uniontown, the tracks crossed Shamokin Creek and continued down the other side of the creek to Weigh Scales. The Shamokin-Mount Carmel mentioned previously originated at Sunbury and Sixth Streets and went east on Sunbury to Shamokin Street, south on Shamokin to Commerce, east on Commerce to Mount Carmel Street, and then on to Luke Fidler and Points beyond. The Early Curb Market The Shamokin area's curb market, one of the communities finest institutions, was in existence long before the turn of the century. Apparently, it had always been a three-day-a-week operation as can be noted in the news note below about the suggestion that the market be held six days a week. "An effort was made at the meeting of council Thursday night to inaugurate a six-day market instead of the three-day market which has been so profitable to the borough and so convenient to the people --- two days on Independence Street where it is now held --- two days on market Street, and two days on Chestnut Street in the eastern part of tow. Much could be said in favor of the scheme, but just at the time the subject was broached, the members of the council were not in the proper humor and for some time to come, it will remain as it is." Edgewood Park At this time, 1904, the popularity of Edgewood Park was not confined to the residents of Shamokin and Coal Township alone. On holidays it became the Mecca of thousands of excursionists from neighboring towns, who found it an ideal resort for church and school outings, reunions, and the like. Reached only by the Shamokin and Edgewood Electric Railway after a ride of two miles through picturesque country, the transportation facilities were such that immense crowds could be moved with comfort and dispatch. Among the many attractions at Edgewood during this period was the School of Mines. This ride educated while amusing the person who cared to investigate the wealth and wonders of the underground world, Coaster cars carried the visitor through coal, gold, lead, and rock salt mines which displayed the mineral deposits in their natural formations. Boating was one of the favorite amusements of the visitors for the lake was a breathtaking spot covering several acres. The large deer park was another popular and interesting feature. Numerous beautiful walks wound through the virgin woods. In some instances there were stone- hedged and provided tranquil resting places. One trail led to the famous Rebecca Spring from which gushed pure cool mountain water. At night the dancing pavilion was free to all who cared to stay. Popular music was presented in both the afternoon and evening by a leading orchestra. Near this was the cafe and restaurant with adequate facilities to accommodate large numbers of guests. The development of this attractive park was due entirely to the enterprise and energy of the Honorable Monroe H. Kulp. Just ten years earlier it was known as Indian Park and, while then not yet fully developed, had one Sunday hosted almost 6,000 people. In this as in many other undertakings, "Farmer" Kulp had been a benefactor of the area. While interested in numerous corporations and civic endeavors, Kulp managed a huge lumber business employing over 300 workers in nine counties. M. H. Kulp also served as president of the Shamokin and Edgewood Electric Railway Company. Other interests included the development of our neighboring community of Kulpmont. In his political career, he was twice elected to Congress. Having to give his undivided attention to his various business interests, he retired from the political ring in 1898. YMCA The Young Men's Christian Association of Shamokin was fully organized on July 28, 1904. While the society had been incorporated in 1899, its career had seem many ups and downs. However, by the year 1905, the organization had reached its zenith with the construction of an imposing building (now the Masonic Temple) at the northwest corner of Independence and Eighth Streets. The Daily Herald reported it in this manner: "It is a club for the pleasure and profit of members, so nearly free that public- spirited citizens generally are glad to provide a good building and bear a liberal share of the cost of its maintenance; and any young man, whether a member or not, was welcome at any time to its Reception Hall, Reading Room, and Gospel Meetings. Other privileges enjoyed by the members are the gymnasium, bowling alleys, swimming pool, tennis courts, games, and library." 1905 By this year, the growing twin communities embraces four banks, two lighting companies, two competing telegraph and telephone companies, two streetcar railways, a large iron works, a silk mill, and numerous small industrial establishments. Many of the sidewalks were paved with special vitrified brick. Indeed, it was a far cry from the days when John Boyd had opened the first streets through the wilderness. The advent of coal as king had accommodated this. The wages paid by the area collieries now amounted to about $800,000 a month. The Daily Herald -- April 2, 1907 "It was just after midnight and most people were snugly in their beds. The hard working people who reside close to the Cameron Colliery had little thought of the terrible catastrophe that was in store for them when flames were discovered in Miller& Sweitzer's large planing mill, 844 North Sixth Street. How the flames got there, no one seems to tell very clearly; but there they were and they had a good head start before any one saw them. An alarm of the fire was quickly sent in and there was activity displayed by the various firemen in searching the scene that would do credit to the paid fire departments in many a larger city than Shamokin. Within a short time, several streams were being played on the blaze but the fire had too much inflammable material to work on and too good a start for the firemen to gain control, and it was quickly seen that the building was doomed. In that crowd of grim visaged men was noted the natty uniforms of Shamokin Band members who, but a few minutes before having been furnishing music at the A. O. H. ball, forgot all about the dance, uniform, and everything else but the task of quenching the flames. There too were seen the evening clothes of many an attendant at the ball who left his evening of pleasure to assist in putting out the fire. By this time, the houses on the opposite side of the street were on fire and the crown, which but a moment before was satisfied to stand and watch the firemen work, now showed what a crowd can do when the realize that a fire is once serious and their help is needed. The crowd got busy and in a few minutes every house that was in danger was stripped of everything that could be gotten out. These houses belonged to the Mineral Mining Company. In the Zimmerman Wagon Works was stored the handsome automobile belonging to William Mullen, and it was destroyed. W. E. Deibert, proprietor of the novelty works, was a heavy loser. When the trolley wire fell, it struck James McClain on the arm but as the power was off, it did no damage. Several firemen were overcome with smoke but suffered no later ill effects. It was 8:45 AM this morning when the whistle blew the signal that the fire was over and that thirteen families were homeless and several good industries were destroyed." Shamokin, Pennsylvania 1864-1989 21 40 Shamokin, Pennsylvaiaa 1864-1989 Shamokin, Pennsylvania 1864-1989 39