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 New WPA Projects In February 1939, the borough council was faced with the major task of determining which Works Projects Administration projects should be undertaken during the current year under borough sponsorship. Diamond Jubilee Time To an ex-Shamokinite, coming home for the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in the summer of 1939, the old borough looked very good indeed. Here, in this pleasant valley, situated between Big and Mahanoy Mountains, 730 feet above sea level, was a community bustling with activity --- in readiness for an unforgettable week of gaiety and pageantry --- to mark its seventy-fifth anniversary. The borough had come a long way since its incorporation in 1864 and could well be proud of its municipal facilities. During the last administration, City Hall had been completely renovated, inside and out. In this seat of government, the chief burgess and twenty councilmen --- two members being elected from each of the ten wards --- were meeting and shaping plans for further municipal improvements. Even now, the borough was maintaining a modern fire department of five companies, an electric fire alarm system, twenty-four-hour police service, an active board of health, a curb market, and a substantially constructed warehouse. Municipal finances were controlled by a budgetary system, giving Shamokin one of the highest credit ratings among towns of like population in Pennsylvania. The borough also ranked high as a sponsor of projects and labor employment, having a street improvement and public sewer program comparable to that of larger cities in the Commonwealth. In June, as the community was preparing for its gigantic 75th "birthday party," Europe was preparing for war. But the far-reaching involvements of the impending holocaust were yet to be realized. At any rate, the community was celebrating its Diamond Jubilee and during that gala week of planned and impromptu festivity, June 25 to July 1 all other events --- particularly serious ones --- seemed to pale in importance. It was almost as if a moratorium on melancholy had been declared. A Week of Festivity The 1939 observance was launched at midnight, Sunday, June 24, when the late Chief Burgess George W. Shade turned the switch to illuminate Independence Street, which was specially lighted and renamed "Electric Boulevard" for the duration of the celebration. Newsmen estimated that 25,000 persons had congregated in the business district for the official opening. The activities that followed were gay indeed, and the Shamokin News-Dispatch accounts indicate that the crowds enjoyed themselves thoroughly during the loud and lengthy night of hilarity. Miss Mary Richardson, who had received the largest number of votes in a public popularity contest, reigned during the Jubilee as "Miss Shamokin." A second queen, Miss Mary Cotner, runner-up reigned as "Miss Columbia." The major entertainment attraction of the week was the "Cavalcade of the Coalers," a specially written and prepared pageant which was staged in Edgewood Stadium for four nights. Practically all local residents and countless out-of-town visitors flocked to the stadium to see the pageant. Parading and Dancing A series of colorful parades marked the observance. Perhaps the largest was the impressive Industrial Day Parade which included 32 floats representing as many local industrial and business firms. In addition, there were marching groups from local fraternal and labor organizations. Other major processions of the anniversary week included the Firemen's Parade, the Veterans' Day Parade, the Mummers' Parade, and the School Day Parade. Each of the parades featured a large number of participants, and each was witnessed by many thousands of spectators. Prizes were awarded to distinctive entries. Merchants of the community played their part in he crowd-pleasing program by offering bargains in all lines of merchandise during a gala three-day Diamond Jubilee Sale. Decorations were colorful and abundant. Practically every home and business place was decoratively "dressed up" for the occasion. The business district throughput was trimmed with bunting, colored lights, and other attractive devices. Dancing in the streets was a popular feature. All traffic was banned from Independence Street prior to the early evening parades. Following the parades, the thoroughfare remained barricaded to motor traffic so that people could promenade the full width of the street. At certain points along the main stem, music was provided for dancing. If any musical theme for the celebration existed, it was the "Beer Barrel Polka." That selection, new at the time, was played long and often. A Youth Day at Edgewood Park was presented by sports and athletic leaders of the community. Highlights of this event were contests in which the youths competed in athletic endeavor. Adding interest to the local scene was the variety of antiques on display in the show windows of local business places. Prizes were awarded for the best shown. Throughout the week-long festivities, the greater Shamokin area was host to countless visitors from faraway places. These included former residents, friends and relatives of people residing here, and out-of-toners who came simply to see the sights and experience the excitement of it all. The latter, prior to parade time, made up a seemingly endless stream of automobiles pouring into the co,,unity via every highway inlet. The exciting events even attracted cameramen from a nationally known newsreel firm. Certainly it was a celebration that would be long remembered. Executive officers of the history-making Diamond Jubilee were: Ray D. Marshall, Executive Director; Isaac E. Heim, Finance Chairman; J. Merrill Schrawder, Treasurer; John C. Wary, Secretary; and George W. Renn Jr., Chairman of the Executive Committee. A "New" Industry is Born At this time, history of another nature was being made in the local Area. The colorful story of "independent mining" --- its birth and stormy progress --- was in a very real sense a story of survival. The small mine-industry came into being in the early 1930s as a direst result of the Depression. The Bootlegging Thirties For many years, when the area's collieries were working to capacity, there was adequate employment for all miners. The possibility of an individual beginning an operation of his own was remote during this period. After the crushing depression began, for reasons beyond their control, the collieries shut down one by one. At first it was hoped that this was a temporary situation which would br adjusted eventually. Before long, however, it became apparent that many of the mines would operate again. As unemployment continued to rise, the miners found themselves in a predicament that grew increasingly serious. With no other industry in the area to provide them with jobs, their economic future seemed hopeless. It was then that they started ro take matters into their own hands, thus beginning the era of the "bootleg" miner. "No Trespassing" The companies, although they had closed their mines, still held deeds or leases to the coal lands. They therefore posted "No Trespassing" signs on all their properties. As the miners became desperately in need of money to pay for food, clothing, and shelter, these signs were ignored. The men invaded company properties and began to dig coal on their own for personal use or for selling to others. For as long as anyone can remember, particularly during the prolonged strikes or periods of economic distress, children and other members of the miners' families would fill buckets with coal picked from the culm banks. Coal company police would overlook this since the culm was of doubtful value compared to virgin coal. It was more or less traditional for needy families to take advantage of this lenient attitude to fill their cellar coal bids with a winter's supply of fuel. Now, with the depression-born practice of operating bootleg "coal holes," the miners had taken the coal-picking custom a long step further. They were now engaged in the actual mining of coal. Small Mines -- Big Risks Within a few years, over 600 so-called "bootleg" mines and numerous small breakers could be seen on the hillsides of the anthracite coal fields. Crudely equipped and inexpensively operated using simple methods, these mine, employing from three to five men each, cost little more than the miners' labor. As a result, they were in a position to sell coal at prices lower than those of the regular mined product. While the owners of the hard coal lands frowned on the entire practice, in many cases they permitted the miners to continue their digging. Due to a lack of supervision and supplies, mine tragedies frequently occurred and many men lost their lives. But this did not deter others from pursuing the dangerous quest for coal. Theirs was a courage born of dire economic necessity. Orders to Cease and Desist By 1943, bootleg mining had burgeoned into something of an industry. On November 10th of that year, the Anthracite Emergency Committee announced its intention to have all bootlegging cease by month's end; in the meantime attempting to find ways and means for doing so. Needless to say, the problem was not solved within the deadline date. In the twelve years since its birth, the new industry had made great strides with many improvements involving sizable investments. In the same year, a number of local businessmen voiced strong approval of bootleg mining. They pointed out that the area had been bypassed by defense plants; that, at one time, there were fifteen large collieries within eight miles of Shamokin; and that the one remaining colliery in operation could not provide sufficient employment for the men of the area. Bootleg mining was a vital source of income to the community, they said. Bootlegging "Graduates" to Independent Mining In this eventual year of 1943, when the Anthracite Commission was exerting efforts to eliminate bootlegging, the Anthracite Tri-County Independent Miners, Breakermen, and Truckers Association was equally active on behalf of its own members' interests. As early as 1941, this association had a lobbying committee. The miners no longer considered themselves bootleggers. They were now "independents." There followed a period of almost ten years when the independents continued to operate in the face of widespread opposition and the uncertainty of possible eviction from the coal fields they worked. It was a perilous existence in terms of human life and financial investment, but the industry was growing and becoming firmly entrenched. Recognition at Long Last On July 1, 1953, by enactment of a state law, the independent mines were brought under the control of the Pennsylvania Department of Mines. The passing of this legislation brought long-sought recognition as an industry and, along with it, corresponding responsibilities. Ever since, these mines have been subject to state inspection and safety regulations. They are granted legitimate leases and pay royalties on the coal they mine. Also, their operations are subject to state and federal taxes. At present, the small-mines industry is 59 years old. It has been and continues to be a vital force in strengthening the economy of the greater Shamokin area. Producing much of the deep-mined coal in this area, the industry in 1964 is comprised of more than 200 mines employing from three to ten men in each. Related activities, such as coal trucking and breaker operations, provide considerable additional employment. In total, the industry brings a very substantial annual payroll to the community --- income from which many local people benefit either directly and indirectly. Thousands of dollars in royalties, paid to the county, are ultimately distributed to the various school districts. Independent mining also contributes to the financial well-being of other industries, spending many thousands of dollars in the purchase of trucks, rails, lumber, powder, and countless other items. Begun in a desperate time, by men in desperate circumstances, independent mining is an industry that has grown and prospered through a strong determination to survive. War in Europe With the community's Diamond Jubilee Celebration at an end, the greater Shamokin area settled down to everyday routines and activities. Also, there was a resumption of attention to the dramatic events in Europe. The serious implications were beginning to be felt, even before that dark September of 1939, when Hitler's crashing onslaught upon Poland triggered declarations of war against Germany by Britain and France. Preparedness Here This nation's military preparedness program was involving more and more families here. Early in the national emergency, scores of local youths enlisted in the armed services. Others enrolled in Citizen's Military Training Corps (CMTC) camps. Many committees began to function in the community in behalf of overseas relief and our own national defense. December 7, 1941 -- Pearl Harbor Day "A date which will live in infamy!" News of Japan's ruthless attack came like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky. The following days found many area families anxiously awaiting definite information from the Hawaiian Islands on the list of casualties. Local boys had been stationed at Bellows Field, Hickam Field, and Fort Belloir. Others, attached to the U. S. Navy, were at Pearl Harbor. Meanwhile, no time was lost in calling for a special meeting of the Shamokin-Coal Township Council of Defense to discuss urgent matters. And, in a "life must go on" spirit, work was begun on the stringing of Christmas lights which would illuminate Market and Spruce Streets as well as Independence Street. Ten days later, however, there was the possibility that the residents would be asked to forego the yuletide custom of maintaining lighted decorations outside their homes. Since street, residential, and outdoor tree-lighting would make us a perfect target for alien bombers, it was expected that civilian defense authorities here, as in other communities, would strictly enforce blackout regulations. Water Dams Guarded Persons, who, upon occasion, used the Roaring Creek Water Company's private road through Brush Valley were no longer permitted that privilege under national defense precautions. The highway entrances east of Tharptown and at Bear Gap were barricaded and guards patrolled the entire area in which the water dams were located. This was in keeping with military tactics providing for protection of all public utilities for the duration of the emergency. Local Defense Effort is Stepped-up The U. S. Army, through its local recruiting office, announced that enlistments were open for volunteer service in Panama, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Philippines. Radio operators and merchants for the Air Corps were in demand. The health and recreation classes of the National Defense Program were beginning to materialize. Sponsors of the physical fitness course pointed out that the activity was mich needed by the young people of the community in order that they be physically prepared when called to duty in the defense of the nation. People were being urged to save their newspapers and magazines for national defense. Dealers were paying 45 cents a hundred pounds for the vital paper material. School children were doing their part to aid the war effort by recycling tin cans and collecting milk weed for use in kapok life- jackets. Higher output of coal was urged during the wartime emergency by the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce. Operators were advised to step up production and strive toward a goal of 65,000,000 tons of coal a year. National defense priorities were beginning to have an effect here. For example, Alaska Colliery was idled because of the delay in obtaining necessary repair parts for a damaged main hoist. The purchase of vital materials on a priority basis, to operate a business or industry, soon became standard procedure for many firms. Christmas -- 1941 U. S. submarines had just won their first victories in Far Eastern waters and the news was heartening. As people prepared to observe their first wartime Christmas, numerous college students began arriving home for the holiday season. Also, hundreds of area soldiers were granted furloughs. These men alone would overtax the normal facilities of the railroad and bus companies. Wartime Railroad Travel All throughout the World War II years, demand for passenger train service between Shamokin and Philadelphia, as well as other points, broke all records. At peak periods, especially weekends and holidays, the heavy traffic far exceeded train facilities. Seats were hard to come by, and often there was even a scarcity of standing room. During these years, many Shamokinites worked in the defense plants located in the Philadelphia area. Their comings and goings, along with those of the servicemen, caused all available railroad cars to be filled to capacity. Additional equipment was needed for troop movements and many such trains, transporting men on their way to such military installations as Indiantown Gap, could be seen passing through the community. Decrease of Rail Traffic Long before the war, with the nationwide decrease of passenger rail traffic, there had been a gradual curtailment of rail service originating and terminating in Shamokin. For a long time, two railroads provided passenger service to the community --- the Pennsylvania, as well as the Reading Company. Since the first World War, when 23 passenger trains passed through Shamokin each day, rail service had been reduced considerably. One by one, various trains were discontinued. After World War II, as the transportation situation stabilized, area passenger traffic once again resumed its pre-war downward trend. With the return to plentiful gasoline supplies and further development of high-speed highways linking Shamokin with larger cities, persons who had occasion to travel, did so more and more by automobile. Invasion Day -- 1944 On June 6, 1944, the Allies invaded Nazi-occupied Europe, seizing beachheads on the Normandy coast. The local populace turned to prayer immediately upon learning the momentous news. Stores were closed and church bells rang. President Roosevelt asked the nation to join in prayer for the fighting men and this community did, wholeheartedly, attending special services that afternoon and evening at local churches. On this Invasion Day, everyone prayed for an Allied victory. The same day, the Northumberland County Office of Civil Defense issued special notice to OCD headquarters throughout the area asking that all stations be put on double alert until further notice. For several months, regional OCD activities had been at a standstill when fear of possible attack on this country was abandoned. With the invasion of Europe, all civil defense workers were requested to be on the alert for any eventualities. In the meantime, plans were being formulated for local participation in the fifth War Bond drive. A vigorous campaign to attain the community's quota of $1,886,300 was launched the following week. A stage spectacle --- the famed United States Army all-soldier musical comedy, "Gullible's Travels," --- would be presented in the Capitol Theater as a curtain-raiser to the bond sales drive. V-E Day in Shamokin On the morning of May 8, 1945, President Truman announced the "unconditional surrender" of Germany, proclaiming this as V-E Day. It was a "solemn but glorious hour" and, as the twin communities joined in a peace celebration, everyone was conscious that the war was only half over. Bitter Pacific fighting still lay ahead. The occasion was marked by the ringing of church bells, sounding of sirens, followed by the closing of stores and industries. Soon the streets were filled with people, many of whom went directly to their churches to give prayerful thanks for the end of the war in Europe. That evening, there were special religious services in all places of worship, as well as a public thanksgiving service. To many, this was not a joyful occasion due to the great number of local casualties. To others, it meant the continuance in service of family members who would have to fight in Pacific battle areas. V-J Day Three months later, plans were in the making for a community celebration to mark V-J Day in case Japan might suddenly capitulate. On August 15, 1945, the Shamokin News-Dispatch printed the joyful news first heard over the radio: "Japan Quits," said the big black headlines. Seconds after the radio announcement, there was wild enthusiasm. Sirens sounded, auto horns blasted, and children ran from their homes shouting the news. Parents. wives, sisters, brothers, sweethearts, and other kin of the men in service joined the wild rejoicing. The release of pent-up anxiety was visible throughout the twin communities as people, cars, and trucks jammed the streets. That evening, a gigantic V-J Day Victory Parade climaxed the tremendous celebration. The greater Shamokin area had observed what might be termed its own V-J Day before official presidential celebration. Amidst all the patriotic hilarity, there were sobering thoughts. The bloodiest war in history had come to an end and many local families had paid a terrible price. War Fatality Record Myron Reese, desk sergeant of the Shamokin Borough Police, had kept a local-area statistical record of World War II fatalities. On this date, August 15, 1945, he reported a total of 195 to the hour peace was declared: Shamokin Borough 92; Coal Township 78; Brady 13; Paxinos 4; Excelsior 3; Gowen City and Overlook, 2 each; and Elysburg 1. As reported to the News-Dispatch up to August 11, 1945, 186 local residents, including one Army nurse and two merchant seamen, had paid the supreme sacrifice. John L. Lewis and the UMWA Since the time when breaker boys as young as nine years of age were working eleven hours a day at anthracite collieries, miner's working conditions here and throughout the country have improved remarkably. Since those days, the coal mining industry has made great improvements in its methods of operation, in its effectiveness and management; in its engineering and marketing; in fact, in every one of its phases. An integral part of this overall advancement is the increase of benefits to the men who dig the coal. An Old Dream Comes True There is the opinion among America's coal miners that if, John L. Lewis had never won another benefit for them, he would be remembered with greatest affection for his winning of the Welfare Fund. Justin McCarty, in "A Brief History of the United Mine Workers of America," writes: The first formal proposal for the creation of a Welfare Fund for America's coal miners was made to the coal operators by the UMWA in 1945. It was an old dream of the union dating back to 1925. Nothing came of the proposal that year and the union settled for improved wages and working conditions. But, 1946 saw a determined UMWA set out to win welfare benefits for the nation's nearly half-a- million mine workers and members of their families. In 1946, the union again proposed that the coal industry make some provision to care for sick, injured, and aged miners. The coal operators were not ready to agree to this proposal. "A strike to win the welfare demand led to the seizure of the industry by the federal government once again." continues Justin McCarty. Mr. Lewis finally was able to negotiate a contract with the government, calling for the payment of a 5-cent-a-ton royalty by the industry for the establishment of the United Mine Workers of America Welfare and Retirement Fund. Today, the Miner's Welfare Fund is in sound financial shape . . . and more than a million persons --- the crippled, sick, injured, and aged of the coal industry, and miner's widows and orphans --- have received benefits. In addition, the Welfare Fund sponsored the building of ten modern hospitals in areas where inadequate or no facilities for hospital care previously existed. The winning of the industry-financed Welfare Fund . . . set a pattern that other large unions were soon to follow. International Union Leaders After a varied and colorful career which included work in the coal mines, John L. Lewis was named president of the UMWA in 1920, a position to which he was re-elected time and time again. After a continuous reign of forty years, he relinquished the presidency of the International Union in 1960. It will be remembered that Lewis spent considerable time in Shamokin in January of 1922 during a district UMWA conference, and that he was especially pleased with the hospitality shown him here. The next International president was Thomas Kennedy, another former coal miner from Hazelton, who served in that post until his death in 1963. He was succeeded by W. AS. "Tony" Boyle, the incumbent. Other International officers were R. O. Lewis, vice president, and John Owens, secretary-treasurer. Community Solidarity In the process of post-war adjustment, the community turned its attention to the problem of industrial expansion. One of the most concentrated campaigns to bring industry into the immediate area was conducted in 1947. A Shamokin News-Dispatch editorial, on June 16th of that year, had this to say about the cooperation being given the Shamokin Area Industrial Commission: The amazing demonstration of Shamokin area organizations in endorsing the Industrial Commission's activities must convince even the most skeptical individual that the community solidarity has been achieved in the regional area. At noon Saturday, the total number of organizations pledging support to the Industrial Commission in its efforts to attract new industries to the Shamokin area reached 107. Never in the history of the community has there been such a definite community-wide expression of approval for any civic project. Not a single organization in the community voted against approving and supporting the work of the Commission. Aside from the more than 100 organizations already on record approving the industrial expansion plan, hundreds of individual citizens in all walks of life have already participated in the preliminary work of surveying the Shamokin area to determine the labor potential. Hundreds of others have notified the leaders of the movement that they stand ready to serve in any capacity. The Shamokin region has again demonstrated what it will do when the chips are down. 1948 -- A Local Radio Station Over the years, through the availability of the people of the greater Shamokin area have enjoyed every opportunity to be well informed of happenings here as well as throughout the rest of the world. But it is also important to cast a backward glance at the advent of radio and consider the local significance of the new communications medium. This wonder child of the twentieth century had much to do with broadening the outlook and enriching the tastes of local residents. Beginning with the old crystal sets and progressing to the more advanced models, families were delighted to find that with a spin of the radio dial, they could span the globe and be in Chicago or Cairo, Los Angeles of London. The miracle of broadcasting was bringing a whole wide world of entertainment into their homes, and, with it, a greater understanding and knowledge of people everywhere. In 1948, with the opening of radio station WISL, with studios at Rock and Sunbury Streets, Shamokinites were given the added pleasure of tuning in a local station. Today, WISL continues to provide listeners with on-the-spot coverage of community events as well as a variety of other program features. Owned and operated by Laural Broadcasting, WISL operates with a power of 1000 watts on an assigned frequency of 1480 kilocycles. The station functions independently and is licensed for day and night operation. The Shamokin Citizen is Founded. On May 19, 1949, the Shamokin Citizen began publishing as a weekly newspaper, going on sale each Thursday. Termed, "the Citizen's Newspaper," tabloid size, it first came out as a Sunday paper with a colored comic section. Shamokin Becomes a City In January of 1959, Shamokin ceased its borough form of government and became a third-class city. This historic change meant it would be governed by a city council of five members including the mayor. The days of a chief burgess and a 20-member council were now in the past. From this time forward, the community would enjoy the added prestige and advantage of having reached "city" Status. TV in the Local Picture When that marvel-of-all-marvels, television made its spectacular entrance as an entertainment medium, there was speculation as to whether programs could be received with any clarity in this locale. Would this community, situated between high mountains, have to forego the pleasure of all that television had to offer? The answer came in good time. Characteristically, greater Shamokin was not far behind the large metropolitan areas in enjoying reception of first-rate caliber. This was accomplished in August of 1951 by means of a special cable installation. Farmer's Curb Market One of the pleasant aspects of life in the greater Shamokin area is the popular custom of going downtown to shop at the farmer's curb market. particularly on a Saturday morning. This is a tradition that dates back to the community's earliest days. One of the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania, the local farmers market lines the curb on the south side of Independence Street from Orange to Market Street. As always, the farmers maintain a three-day-a-week schedule when their products are in season, coming to town on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On these days, from early morning until noon, their colorful and tempting produce is displayed alongside the curbstone edge of the pavement. Lending a picturesque note to the community's main business thoroughfare, the atmosphere is informal and friendly. Here shoppers move through the crowd at a leisurely pace, meeting and talking with friends, making their selections from a wide variety of freshly picked fruits and vegetables as well as meats, poultry, baked goods, flowers and plants. Most of these farmers have been doing business at the same "curb stand," serving the same loyal patrons for many years. In any number of local families, the buying of certain farm products from certain farmers is a tradition that has been handed down for several generations. The Glen Burn Culm Bank -- Largest "Refuse" Pile in the World The greater Shamokin area can boast many distinctions, not he least of which is the famous Glen Burn culm bank which towers over the city. Higher than the Empire State Building and visible for miles around, this sprawling mountain of culm is believed to be the largest refuse pile in the world. The Glen Burn (formerly the Cameron) Colliery, the oldest anthracite mine in continuous operation, has been 'building up" this amazing accumulation of culm for more than 30 years. One story has it that the original culm bank was "washed in" and eventually replaced by the present mountain. In actual content, the culm bank is primarily refuse removed from the mines in the process of passing coal through the breaker --- a mixture of coal and coal dust, slate, and other extraneous materials. Until the twentieth century, when furnaces were developed to create rather profitable combustion of the culm, it was considered worthless waste. A Friend Indeed Greater Shamokin has always maintained a good neighbor policy toward other communities in the region. This has been demonstrated again and again in times of emergency. One of the most dramatic examples of aid to a community in distress occurred in the spring of 1936, when the neighboring city of Sunbury experienced the most disastrous flood in its history. The water in the Susquehanna River had risen to almost 27 feet, more than 10 feet above the flood level, and the overflow created untold destruction and hardship. Countless families were forced to flee their homes. People of this community immediately rolled up their sleeves and set to work providing every possible assistance to the unfortunate victims of the devastating flood, including food, clothing, and shelter. Many of the homeless, especially the women and children, were brought to Shamokin and given meals and lodging in local residences and churches. Sunbury has not forgotten this community's openheartedness during that period of upheaval. This neighborliness is characteristic of Greater Shamokin and its people. It is a quality which has helped to make good and lasting friendships on a community as well as a personal level Visits by U. S. Presidents While campaigning for the vice presidency as the late President John F. Kennedy's running mate, Lyndon B. Johnson, thirty-sixth president of the United States, visited Shamokin. It was on October 18, 1960, when he spoke from a specially constructed platform at Ninth and Independence Streets. On a previous occasion, former President Herbert Hoover visited the city. Many years before, during the famous Bull Moose campaign, President Theodore Roosevelt spoke to a political gathering from the rear platform of a Reading Passenger train that stopped just a stone's throw from the Windsor Hotel. Still earlier, James G. Blaine, famous national statesman and unsuccessful candidate for the presidency, addressed a similar assemblage from the balcony of the Windsor, which extended over the pavement. The Eagle Silk Mill In the huge industrial complex now known as the Shamokin Reality Corporation building, which faces on North Franklin Street beginning at Independence, once flourished the gone-but-not- forgotten J. H. & C. K. Eagle, Inc. mill. Then as now, this mammoth industrial plant and its miscellaneous buildings extended over an area of several blocks, bordering on both the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Reading Company tracks. Also in use at one time were the Rock Street building, later occupied by the Bernstein shirt factory (the Shamokin Manufacturing Co.), and the Edgewood mill, which housed the old dye works. In the early 1920s, the Eagle mill had the distinction of being the largest textile building under one roof in America. It had 500,000 square feet of floor space, 4,808,500 cubic feet of brick, 101,555 square feet of window glass, and 16 miles of pipe for heating and sanitation purposes. Of most important significance was the fact that the size of this great industrial enterprise caused Shamokin to become one of the chief silk manufacturing centers in the United States. By 1923, largely through the phenomenal growth of the Eagle firm, the local community was no longer dependent solely on the mines as a source of employment. By this time, the silk industry here employed approximately 5,000 men and women with an estimated payroll of $5,500,000 per year. The people who worked at producing tremendous quantities of silk fabrics for shipment all over the world represented many skills in manufacture of textiles. They operated a wide variety of machines and equipment in the process of weaving, weighting, dying, and printing the fabrics. Many auxiliary skills were involved as well. [Note: The Eagle mill was demolished in 1997. Only the clock tower was preserved.] Walter Winchell Impressed At one time, it was common for the men of the community, young and old alike, to find themselves good vantage points along the avenues of approach to the Eagle mill, to observe the parade of female workers en route home after a day's work at the plant. The girls employed there were porportedly accustomed to dressing "Mrs. Astor's Pet Horse" to go to and come from work. The reputation of Shamokin's well-groomed girls spread so widely that Walter Winchell, in the early days of his career as a columnist and newscaster, commented on Shamokin as being the "home town of some of the world's most beautiful women." Our Lady of Lourdes High School The Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School, located in the Edgewood section of Shamokin, had its beginnings as far back as 1892 when St. Edward's High School was opened in the convent building on Webster Street. Lay leachers conducted a two-year secondary course in a one-room school for 25 students. Thus, it is the oldest secondary school in continuous existence in the diocese. Lourdes is also the oldest four-year catholic high school in the diocese and was the first such school to receive state approval. During the pastorate of Monsignor Maurice M. Hassett, classes began in the four-year program in September 1921, with approximately 100 students enrolled under the Sisters of Charity from Mount Saint Vincent-on-the-Hudson. The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart, assumed charge of the school in 1935. The pastors of St. Edwards directed the high school until 1953, when the first priest-principal, Father Daniel J. Mahoney, was named. Students from the other eight parishes were welcomed at St. Edward's High School and soon the school was, in fact, an inter-parochial high school. In recognition of this status, the name of the school was changed to the Shamokin Central Catholic High School in 1955. The facilities in the old building had become inadequate and indeed obsolete. In 1956, the pastors of the nine parishes in the Shamokin Deanery led a successful drive for funds to build a new school. A 221/2-acre site was purchased in Edgewood Park on May 31, 1955, and ground was broken for the new school by Bishop George L. Leech on January 26, 1958. In February 1958, heavy equipment began clearing the site. By August of that year, the steel superstructure of the building began to take form. The culmination of more than three years of effort came on September 13, 1959, when the new educational complex was dedicated in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. Highlighting the dedication ceremonies, Bishop Leech inserted the corner stone which had within it a water proof copper box containing coins, a Holy Bible, a list of benefactors, copies of local newspapers reporting the event, and a document signed by each of the Pastors of the Shamokin Deanery. At the time, the enrollment was 432 students. The "New" Shamokin State Hospital The improvement of physical facilities and expansion of medical-surgical services in the Shamokin State General Hospital in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its founding in 1912, this state-maintained institution has endeavored to pursue an ever-widening program to meet increasing needs of persons in the area. Through the years, it has performed well in its humanitarian capacity. Today; with the recent construction of a new three-story wing, extensive renovations to existing buildings, and a considerably expanded medical consultant staff; the hospital provides a marked increase in scope and diversity of service. June 22, 1972 -- A Day to be Remembered On June 22, 1972, the city of Shamokin was under full emergency status in the wake of a deluge that created the worst flood conditions in modern history. That morning, most of the families who lived on the east side of the 300 block of South Fifth Street were evacuated as flood waters reached a depth of more than a foot in the first floor of their homes. While fifth street was one of the areas hit hardest, many of the city's streets in the low-lying sections were flooded and impassable. Water flooded industrial buildings and the stores on Independence Street, and engulfed cars parked on numerous streets throughout the city. City Councilman Albert W. Weller, acting for Mayor Frederick R. Reed, declared a state of full emergency early that morning, placing all city police, firemen, city workers, and city emergency units on full alert. While city officials were coping with the flood conditions in low areas, they did so with a watchful eye on the Glen Burn culm bank which was beginning to slide in the Case Street area. Residents on Shamokin Street, from the bridge south in the 300 block, moved their furniture to the second floor of their homes as basements and first floors flooded. Similar conditions prevailed on Second Street. The water on Rock was more than two feet deep and the Friendship Hose Company on Liberty and Lincoln Streets was flooded. On Spruce Street, between Rock and Shamokin, parked cars were covered with the swirling waters. At Chestnut and Fifth Streets, the depth of the water was 15 inches. While streets at higher elevations were open until noon, the only streets in the lowest sections open that morning were Market, Independence, Water, Sunbury, and Commerce. Second Street was one of the streets worst affected. A city policeman in the area reported that the water was up to his hips at the northern end of that thoroughfare. The extreme depth here was caused by a deluge from the Coal Township Creek. Fifth Street, in the vicinity of the 300 block, on the eastern side of the railroad, was virtually turned into a creek channel. Walnut Street, from the Weis Market to Second Street was under two feet of water, and the Shamokin Creek was beginning to overflow its banks at the Walnut Street bridge. In that same area, Syl Worhacz's parking lot contained forty some cars under several feet of water. Police Chief Robert Wolfe issued a warning to motorists not to venture onto the streets except in the most dire of emergencies. All over town, anxious home owners were on their porches on in their yards apprehensively watching the rising waters. Councilman Claude E. Kahler, director of public safety, and acting mayor Weller, authorized the hiring of 8-10 special policemen to be stationed in the areas where houses were evacuated to prevent looting. Shamokin Area High School The dedication of the new senior high school in the Edgewood District of Coal Township was the climax of eight years of planning and work by the officials of the Shamokin Area School District. On May 11, 1867, the school directors addressed the of long list of requirements aimed at building a new senior high school. At that time, the board, acting on the recommendation of Claude H. Readly, Jr., superintendent, designated attendance centers as required by the state. The centers included the new senior high school. From then on, the board moved rather swiftly and progress was steady. On September 14, 1967, the school board applied to the state to inspect the proposed building site in Coal Township. The application stated that the new senior high school, which would be built at a cost of more than $4 million, would be ready for occupancy in 1971 with and enrollment of 1,500. On October 15, 1970, the board named George Good Jr. and Partners, Harrisburg, as the architectural firm. On February 10, 1971, the directors approved the final plans for the new school as submitted by the architect. On March 11 of that year, the state approved a tract of 57.36 acres in the Edgewood area as the site for the new senior high school. At the same time, the board authorized the acquisition of mineral and surface rights for the tract. On April 15, 1971, the directors appointed the firm of Ballard, Spahr, and Ingersoll, Philadelphia, as bond council for the building project; and on July 15, a seven-member School Authority was appointed and charged with the building of the new school. On May 15, 1972, the residents of the school district received good news when the board, in special session, announced that the new school could be built "without raising a single penny in new taxes." At the same meeting, the Authority awarded contracts for construction of the new school. With the building plans approved and construction contracts awarded, the school directors prepared for an official ground-breaking ceremony on June 15, 1972. But, Mother Nature had other ideas. On that date Hurricane Agnes struck the area, and the rains came. On the afternoon of June 21, the directors were still unable to reach the building site because of flooded streets and roads. The roads to the site were a sea of mud as the deluge struck. School officials, however, were determined to proceed with their "ground breaking" ceremony. The board members returned to the high school annex, where the ceremony was held in spirit, if not in actuality. The new school was born with Hurricane Agnes, and was completed in the summer of 1975. Ironically, as the directors planned the dedication ceremony, another tropical storm, Hurricane Eloise, swirled its skirts through the area. On May 24, 1972, the School Authority approved the sale of $9 million worth of school revenue bonds to a syndicate of 22 investment firms. The Authority accepted a bid of $8,770,500, or a discount of $229,500, offered by the syndicate which included Eastman Dilon, United Securities & Co., and Butcher & Sherred, Philadelphia. The bond issue was to run for 26 years which would mean a total debt before state reimbursement of $22,221,688. James A. Leavens, Inc., handled the entire bond issue. State reimbursement was to be at the rate of 37,17 %, which would mean a net obligation of $13,398,852 for the school district. Shamokin Area Elementary School Construction began on the new elementary school building on June 6, 1977. Occupancy took place in September 1979 with the opening of the 1979-1980 school term. The cost of the building was approximately $5.8 million. Frank VanDevender was the superintendent of schools when construction began. At the time of occupancy, he had been succeeded by Dr. Daniel Witmer. Thomas Sanders was the principal of the new elementary school at that time. The school includes regular class rooms, six special education rooms, kindergarten classrooms, an art room, a music suite, a forum (large group instruction), a multi-purpose room (gymnasium- auditorium), locker-shower rooms, a cafeteria, an administration suite, health and dental facilities, two faculty rooms, a library, teacher workrooms in each wing, and an a CSIC administrative suite which includes a conference room. Since the opening of the school, the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit has offered programs for students, not only from the immediate Shamokin area, but for other school districts in surrounding communities as well. Between classes offered by the Shamokin District and the CSIC, the school is able to provide educational programs that meet the needs of special education students, with the goal of "main streaming" such students into regular classes. Northumberland County Vo-Tech School The Northumberland County Vocational-Technical School opened in 1972, with the Shamokin Area, Mount Carmel Area, and Line Mountain School Districts participating in its development and operation. The shops and programs provide a comprehensive education in a variety of skills. 1978 -- The Shamokin Municipal Building As the result of more than three years of planning, a new municipal building for the City of Shamokin became a reality this summer. Some time ago, the city received a $142,000 grant to move the police quarters from its inadequate, cramped location in the City Hall to larger, but temporary quarters in the former city warehouse at Sixth and Water Streets. The new police quarters in the municipal building were recommended by the Governor's Justice Commission, and in addition to having much larger quarters, with numerous individualized areas and rooms, will include features never before available to police in the area. The new facility contains a police radio dispatcher's area, a police report area, an interrogation area with private rooms, an investigation area, the police chief's office, a weapons and evidence room, a records room, a storage area, a mechanical room, a sally port area to permit police vehicles to enter the building directly with prisoners, a lobby and restrooms. A large, cement- block room near the sally port affords the possibility of conversion to detention cells in the future. The record room contains a sophisticated information system available to all regional police departments involved with the Regional Area Information Dispatch System (RA-PIC), which at the time included, in addition to the Shamokin Police Department, the police departments in Coal Township, Zerbe Township, Mount Carmel Borough and Mount Carmel Township. Eventually, it will also include the Kulpmont and Centrailia police. A new radio network will tie into state and federal law enforcement agencies through the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network. The dispatcher area will also house the "911" emergency number. Meanwhile, City Hall will continue to house the mayor's office, the city clerk's office, the city council meeting room, and the codes enforcement and health office. Shamokin -- A City Built on Seven Hills Shamokin, like ancient Rome, is set upon seven hills --- Academy, Bunker, Kangaroo, New England, Polish, Scotch, and Silver. Academy Hill includes that section bounded on the north by Lincoln Street, on the west by Market, on the east by Marshall, and on the south, by the Shamokin Cemetery. Bunker Hill comprises the area east from Shamokin Street to the Bunker Hill fields, and north from Commerce Street to North Mountain. Kangaroo Hill (said by some to be up at St. Mary's, while others place it closer to St. Michael's Church) includes the area, in Springfield, just west of the Catholic Cemeteries. New England Hill is the name given to an area near the old Nelson Colliery, particularly a sector marked by a row of houses built by the late R. S. Aucker. Another account describes New England Hill as a area embracing West Mulberry and Pine Streets. Polish Hill is identified as an area with its base starting at the former power plant, once located behind the Eagle mill, and extending south to Hemlock Street, near the foot of Stoney Point. Scotch Hill is the hillside south of the old McKinley School on West Arch Street extending west to include the hillside south of the Coal Township High-rise. Silver Hill is where Coal Township High School had its first football field, now known as the Maine field. It's the sector taking in Arch, Oak, Walnut, and Independence Streets in Coal Township. The "A-B-C Row" When fire destroyed many of the homes in the "A-B-C Row" on south vine Street, the question was raised about the origin of the name used to identify this row of dwellings. This row of homes, among the first erected in the Fifth Ward, were constructed well before the turn of the century. After the row was completed, letters, rather than numbers, were used to identify the individual residences --- thus, the term "A-B-C Row.' Shamokin, Pennsylvania 1864-1989 61 - 80