NEWSLETTER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA ANTHRACITE HERITAGE MUSEUM AND IRON FURNACES ASSOCIATES Vol. 29 No. 2 Phone (570) 963-4804 April - June, 2012 A Ne w Ex h i b i t Op e n s i n Ma y a t t h e Pe nn s y l v an i a An t h r a c i t e He r i t a g e Mu s e u m : Pe nn Fo s t e r Al ma Ma t e r t o Mi l l i on s From Coal Mining to International Correspondence Schools to the Penn Foster Company 1891 – 2012

This is an image of the current Penn Foster building at 925 Oak Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania. After the Civil War, the anthracite industry was shaken by a completed his course of study and eventually became a mine series of mining disasters. As a result, in 1885, the Pennsylvania superintendent for the Hudson Coal Company. legislature passed laws to improve mine safety. One law required The popular acceptance of the coal mining course encouraged that all mine inspectors, foremen, and superintendents pass the Colliery Engineer Company to offer additional courses. Steam competency examinations. engineering, electricity, architecture, plumbing, civil engineering Thomas J. Foster, a proponent of the mine safety program, and heating were soon added to the curriculum. From an was editor of the Shenandoah Mining Herald. Foster began enrollment of 114 in 1891, over 250,000 students participated to print sample problems and copies of previous competency by 1900. Ten years later ICS had enrolled almost one million exams in the pages of the Herald to help men prepare for the students. competency exams. He encouraged readers to send their answers Foster began a building program to house the staff required to the Herald for correction and comment. These questions and to serve his expanding student body. He first erected an responses began to dominate the columns of the newspaper. administration building, presently called the Finch Building, The International Correspondence Schools (ICS) growth is a which was too small for the staff when finished. story of response to an apparent need—to help men needing In 1906, a new structure, the Haddon Craftsmen Printery, assistance in basic subjects and specialized information on mining was completed. The building, which filled an entire block, problems. Foster contracted with practicing engineers to write was designed to house both the Education Department and a easily understood articles or pamphlets. They developed the ICS printery. The first floor housed composing rooms, pressrooms, format: a text, practice problems which encouraged students and the bindery which turned out 250 textbooks for more than to apply theory to practical applications, and a final exam. The 100 different ICS courses. The upper stories provided space for Herald hired a staff of instructors and graders to evaluate student the instructional staff. responses. Seeking a more centrally located headquarters, Foster The 1920’s represented a period of reorganization for ICS. moved to Scranton. Although there was rapid expansion of the curriculum, new courses In 1888 Foster changed the name of his publication and did not always pay. The war in Europe in the second decade of the publishing company to the Colliery Engineer. Encouraged by 20th century and the loss of overseas students hurt the Company. the success of the newspaper column and the sale of the small Community leaders and employees worked together to prevent booklets, Foster offered the first complete correspondence course the financial failure of ICS and the loss of 2,000 jobs. Renewed on coal mining in 1891. financing, including over $50,000 pledged by the employees, Thomas Coates of Peckville, PA was the first student to enabled the Company to withstand the economic pressure. One enroll. His three year program cost $25 and included arithmetic, condition of this assistance was the resignation of Thomas Foster mine ventilation, geology of coal, methods of mining, mining as President of ICS. He was succeeded by Ralph E. Weeks, a legislation, mine surveying and mapping. Coates successfully Continued on page 4 2 Pr e s i d e n t ’s Me s s a g e Dear Friends, Now that Spring has arrived we expect to get busier with tours and have also been working hard to plan some exciting events to take place in the next few months. Check the calendar on the back page to find out more. Associates I am grateful to those of you who were able to join us for our annual Knox Mine Board of Directors Disaster program and hope that you found it was educational. I am pleased that the Mr. Anthony C. Bernardi, Jr., P.E. museum continues to mark these significant events in our anthracite history. Charter Ms. Chris Carroll Day took place on March 11 with Karol Weaver’s presentation, Neighborhood Women: Ms. Kate Gibbons Medical Caregivers in the Anthracite Region. We had an outstanding attendance for Ms. Virginia Goodrich this special program to also commemorate Women’s History Month. Mr. James Justin As president of the museum, one of my major concerns has been to increase Mr. Jeffrey Kiefer promotion and awareness of the Scranton Iron Furnaces. In the last two years we have Atty. John Krisa made great strides in accomplishing this and have developed the very well-received Arts Mrs. Mary Theresa Montoro on Fire Festival which will return in June as well as last Fall’s Samhain and bonfire event. In addition a special committee has been meeting to discuss ideas of how the furnaces Dr. Kathleen Munley can be further interpreted and promoted. I was very pleased to travel with members of Ms. Sarah Piccini this group to meet with representatives from Arts Quest in Bethlehem to learn about Atty. William J. Rinaldi their restoration and revitalization of the Bethlehem Steel Works site. The trip was very Mr. Robert Savakinus enlightening and I am looking forward to continuing work with our local partners to Mrs. Linda L. Schuller bring the furnaces into the forefront of the city’s tourism and cultural resources. Stay Mrs. Allison Uhrin tuned for more information as planning moves forward. So please mark your calendar for June 1st which will officially kick off this year’s Arts STAFF on Fire Festival with a Friday evening reception and nighttime iron pour at the furnaces. Margaret Reese Associates Business And don’t forget to pick up the latest copy of Go Lackawanna to read the Anthracite & Museum Store Museum’s Mining History columns. Robert M. Savakinus, President Manager Anthracite Heritage Museum & Iron Furnaces Associates Barbara Powell Museum Store Assistant Jean Arcarese Museum Store Clerk Chester J. Kulesa Site Administrator Ev e n i n g Fu n d r a i s e r Ev e n t an d Richard Stanislaus Curator John Fielding Curator Ir on Po u r a t t h e Sc r an t on Ir on Kevin Borove Maintenance Repairman Fu r na c e s on Ju n e 1 Maureen Litvin Clerk Typist Edward D’Amico Custodial Guide On Friday, June 1, 2012, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates and partners will host an event at the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces entitled: Fire at the Furnace. This community The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage event will include a professional performance iron pour, live bluegrass music by the Museum is administered by the Lost Ramblers, a selection of hors d’oeuvres, beverages and more! The donation Pennsylvania Historical and Museum for this event is $15 in advance by calling the Anthracite Heritage Museum at Commission: Tom Corbett, Governor; (570) 963.4804, or $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit the historic Scranton Iron Andrew E. Masich, Chairman; and James M. Furnaces—the birthplace of America’s industrial revolution in anthracite coal and Vaughan, Executive Director; in partnership iron. Convenient parking is available within walking distance of the site. with the Anthracite Heritage Museum and The Scranton Iron Furnaces, 159 Cedar Avenue, Scranton, are administered by Iron Furnaces Associates. the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Individuals with disabilities The Anthracite Heritage Museum who need special assistance or accommodations to participate in this program or and Scranton Iron Furnaces are part of visit should call the Anthracite Heritage Museum at 570-963-4804, in advance, the Anthracite Museum Complex and are to discuss their needs. Pennsylvania TDD relay service is available at (800) 654- administered by the Pennsylvania Historical 5984. The Scranton Iron Furnaces site is on the Pennsylvania Trail of History®, and Museum Commission. THE MINER’S administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. For more LAMP is prepared by the staff of the Anthracite information, or to request a free, 24-page visitor’s guide, visit www.phmc.state. Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates. pa.us, or phone toll free 1-866-PATRAIL. All contents copyrighted. If you wish to submit announcements The site is operated in partnership with the Anthracite Heritage Museum and or articles to THE MINER’S LAMP, please Iron Furnaces Associates. For more information about the Scranton Iron Furnaces send a copy to the Museum, attention: Editor, visit www.anthracitemuseum.org or www.artsonfirefestival.com. MINER’S LAMP. 3 Vi v i an Cl e v e l an d Vo l u n t e e r of t h e Ye a r Vivian Cleveland joined the volunteer team at the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces in 2009. Excelling at customer service, Vivian has welcomed many visitors to the museum, sold admission tickets, and assisted with museum store sales. Her attention to detail and helpful work ethic caught the attention of the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates Membership Committee. Former Board President Pictured at the Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony at the State and Volunteer Membership Secretary, Dorothy Thomas, trained Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg on Saturday, April 21st, Vivian in processing new and renewing memberships. In early are, from left to right: Andrew E. Masich, Chairman, Pennsylvania 2011 Vivian assumed the position of Volunteer Membership Historical and Museum Commission; Vivian Cleveland and James Secretary. Currently, she works with Membership Chair and M. Vaughan, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Board Member Virginia Goodrich on membership goals and Museum Commission. objectives. and as a tour guide at the Swetland Homestead in Wyoming, Vivian was instrumental in processing the 2011 Annual Appeal, Luzerne County. Working as a training supervisor for Coty and was recently appointed to the Associates Board Nominating USLCC gave her the opportunity of traveling and encountering Committee. She assists with the many programs held throughout the people and cultures in the United States and Canada. the year, and is most helpful with our annual children’s camp. She We are privileged to have Vivian as a volunteer at the has also provided support with inventory computer input for the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces of the museum store. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Thank you, Mrs. Cleveland is a native of Duryea, and now calls Scranton her Vivian Cleveland, for your contributions, support and friendship! home. She has worked at the Luzerne County Historical Society Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Ar t s on Fi r e : In d u s t r i a l Ar t s Fe s t i v a l a t t h e Sc r an t on Ir on Fu r na c e s On Ju n e 2n d an d 3r d Department Grant; Arts ENGAGE!--Keystone Iron Works Grant, Keystone College, Lackawanna County, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. It organized by partners including: Alliance Landfill; the Anthracite Heritage Museum & Iron Furnaces Associates; the AFA Gallery; ArtWorks Gallery & Studio; Electric City Trolley Museum; Elm Street Revitalization Project; First Friday Scranton; On Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Keystone College; Keystone Iron Works; Lackawanna Sunday, June 3, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Scranton’s third County Arts and Culture Department; Lackawanna annual “Arts on Fire Festival” will be held at the Iron Furnaces Heritage Valley; Lackawanna Historical Society, Maid-Rite; historic site. The industrial arts festival will include an iron Northeast Educational Intermediate Unit # 19; Old Forge pour on Saturday and glassblowing on Sunday. Both days will Miners Association; Pennsylvania Historical and Museum include art and food vendors, live music, and demonstrations. Commission; Rocky Glen & Pippin Pictures; Steamtown The Arts on Fire Industrial Arts Festival is free and open National Historic Site; United Neighborhood Centers of to the public on both Saturday and Sunday. The event is NEPA; University of Scranton, and WNEP-TV. sponsored by a 2012 Lackawanna County Arts and Culture 4 Penn Foster continued from page 1 clients designed to complement the company’s own employee successful Scranton merchant and bank director, who served as development program. President from 1916 until his death in October, 1949. In the 1970’s ICS continued to innovate by offering its The decade of the 1920’s was exhilarating for ICS – the return students a collegiate education by correspondence. The Center of WWI veterans and the expansion of the national economy for Degree Studies offerings included Associate Degrees in provided a basis for growth. An industrial training department specialized business and technical areas with accreditation by the helped American industry upgrade employee skills. The School Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Middle States of Railroads provided fully equipped cars for on-site instruction. Association of Colleges and Schools. In Scranton, ICS set up a resident school with complete air In 2003 the institution began its transition from a brake equipment, to which railroad companies could send their correspondence school to a modern online distance learning employees for supplemental instruction. provider; and in 2005 announced its new name: Penn Foster. The Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences was In March of 2007 the Wicks Group, a New York-based private founded by ICS during the early 1920’s. The program, suggested equity firm, acquired Penn Foster, Inc. The Wicks Group manages by Mary Brooks Pickens, included a series of courses such as private equity funds that invest in education, publishing, medical dressmaking, cookery and millinery. Within five years of its information services, newspapers, and radio broadcasting, among inauguration, the Woman’s Institute had organized a staff of over others. In December 2009 The Princeton Review (Nasdaq: 900 employees. In 1921 they moved into their own building REVU) acquired Penn Foster, Inc. The Princeton Review has designed by William Lowndes, head of the ICS School of been a pioneer and leader in helping students achieve their Architecture. The five-story gothic structure was located across higher education goals for more than 25 years through college from the Printing/Educational Center. and graduate school test preparation and private tutoring. With The Institute not only provided instruction, but also acted as more than 165 print and digital publications and a free website, an agent for its students by purchasing and shipping fabrics and www.PrincetonReview.com, the Company provides students and other items to those who could not reach major shopping areas. their parents with the resources to research, apply to, prepare for, The Woman’s Institute was in service for 25 years and eased the and learn how to pay for higher education. The Princeton Review technical transition to new products such as tissue dress patterns, also partners with schools and guidance counselors throughout electric stoves and modern appliances. A special feature of the the U.S. to assist in college readiness, test preparation and career dressmaking course was an adjustable form which allowed the planning services, helping more students pursue postsecondary individual student to sew materials for her specific requirements. education. In the 1940s, ICS met the challenge of WWII by developing Today, the institution has over 200,000 active students in its training and education programs for each of the armed services. vocational, associate degree, and high school programs in the ICS supplied the US Armed Forces Institute with more than U.S., Canada, and 200 countries around the world. In fact, one 15,000,000 texts. Educational programs were designed not out of every 1,410 Americans is an active Penn Foster student as is only to improve military skills but also to provide training for one out of every 2,033 Canadians. Since the inception of the ICS civilians. in 1891 to the present day Penn Foster, over 13,000,000 students Returning servicemen used the G.I. Bill to enroll in have enrolled worldwide! correspondence courses and ICS reached new levels of activity. Penn Foster continues to fill the same needs which Shenandoah’s This growth forced ICS to move once again. In 1958 ICS Thomas Foster saw in the nineteenth century, the need for completed its present home (now the Penn Foster Company) education and training of America’s working population. While designed to meet the requirements of a non-traditional educational Penn Foster now teaches more about computers than about coal institution. mining, its motto: “Learn more, do more, be more,” reflects the As the G.I. student population began to dwindle, industrial value of education that traces its cultural roots the anthracite programs assumed greater importance. ICS continued to set up region of northeastern Pennsylvania. cooperative training programs with major industrial and union ❖❖❖

The 2012 Anthracite Heritage Camp will be a Celebration of Pennsylvania! Summer camp reservations are being accepted for boys and girls, ages 7 -12 years, at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum for Tuesday, July 17 through Friday, July 20, 2012, 9AM to 12:30PM, rain or shine. The title of this year’s Anthracite Heritage Camp is Exploring Pennsylvania: The Keystone State. Youngsters will learn about the heritage and history of the State of Pennsylvania through stories, crafts, food, music and hands-on activities, as well as make many new friends. The camp will be conducted by professional staff and volunteers. The cost is $50 per child and includes all snacks and supplies. Reduced rates are available for museum members and multiple enrollments. Enrollment is limited. For further information and a reservation form, phone (570) 963-4804. 5

History of Dunmore Told Through Photographs Local author pens new book on this Lackawanna County borough

The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Dunmore from local author Stephanie Longo. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by.

From its days as a small village named Bucktown to its 150th anniversary in 2012, the borough of Dunmore is more than just a suburb of Scranton. Boasting an ethnically diverse population and several of the best schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dunmore has come a long way since changing its name from Bucktown in the hope of receiving financial assistance that never came.

Using vintage photographs, Dunmore aims to celebrate not just the town’s history but also its people. The photographs depict lives of earlier generations who share one thing in common with their modern counterparts: their pride in their hometown. The author hopes that the Stephanie Longo, a native of book will “bring back fond memories for the residents of Dunmore, and Northeastern Pennsylvania, is th is honored that it is being published in conjunction with the town’s 150 a 1999 graduate of Dunmore’s anniversary.” Bishop O’Hara High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Highlights of Dunmore: Italian and French, as well as a th master’s degree in history from • Proceeds from the books sold at Dunmore’s 150 anniversary the University of Scranton and events will go toward purchasing a Pennsylvania Historical & a master’s degree in journalism Museum Commission Marker for Carol Ann Drazba. from Regent University in Virginia • Several of the images in the book were donated by local Beach. Longo is the author of residents and businesses. Images of America: Italians of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and her work has also appeared Join the Author for a Book Signing! in Pennsylvania Magazine and Celebrate Life Magazine. She is When: an award-winning correspondent with Go Lackawanna, a weekly Sunday, June 3rd, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. newspaper covering Scranton, Dunmore, and all of Lackawanna Where: County. Arts on Fire Festival Dunmore Scranton Iron Furnaces, by Stephanie Longo 159 Cedar Avenue, Scranton, PA 18505 Images of America Series Price: $21.99 Available at the Anthracite Heritage Museum Store now. 128 pages/ softcover Call (570) 963.4804 for more information Available in the Anthracite Heritage Museum Store now! or to order by credit card. 6 In Me m o r iam We were all saddened by the loss of Joan Judge on Sunday, January 1, 2012. Joan began as a volunteer at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces in 1986. When the museum formed a volunteer library staff in March of 1987, Joan and her dear friend, Gwendoline Percival, eagerly joined. At first both typed library catalog cards and later created interesting library exhibits that commemorated topical subjects or special events. As the character of the library duties developed, Joan assumed responsibility for the periodical collection, consisting of over fifty separate titles and over 1,000 individual issues. The museum’s periodicals include historical society publications, Joan Judge (left) pictured with her dear friends and museum journals, magazines, and newspapers, all neatly organized on volunteers, from left to right: Kathlyn Matthews, Jane Shulenberger compact shelving. This would not have been possible without and Helen Weinschenk at a holiday party. Joan’s hard work and dedication. She was a loyal and enthusiastic volunteer. The staff and other volunteers looked forward to seeing her each week. Joan was extremely proud of her loving family and her anthracite heritage. Here at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces, we all honor her memory as part of our museum family. We greatly valued her friendship and support.

Tw o Ne w Int e r n s At Th e Mu s e u m My name is Michael Shimko and I am a senior at the University of Scranton. I will be graduating in May with a major in History and a minor in Finance. I am 23 years old and a life-long resident of Taylor, PA. Since January of this year, I have been working with site administrator Chester Kulesa on the Arts on Fire Festival, which will be held on June 1st, June 2nd and 3rd. Besides being a committee member, I also serve on the Marketing and Finance sub-committees. The Arts on Fire Festival is an industrial arts festival being held at the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces. While the festival will be a showcase for many talented, contemporary artists, the event is not without historical interest. As a local resident and history student, I’ve enjoyed working on a project that draws attention to a significant historical location like the Scranton Iron Furnaces, while also celebrating northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage. Following graduation, I am considering attending law school. My name is Frank J Ohotnicky and I am in my final year of undergraduate studies at Marywood University. I am completing a program in Arts Administration and a second program in Fine Art Photography. I am 22 Michael Shimko years old and have lived in Scranton, PA my whole life. I previously interned at New Visions Gallery and Studio in Scranton where I assisted the curator in planning and executing monthly contemporary art exhibits and acted as the event photographer. I also worked with the curator of the Maslow Collection housed at Marywood University, where I worked extensively with their contemporary photography collection doing research. I had experience working with fine art collections, but I wanted to work with historic documents and artifacts. As a descendant of an anthracite coal miner I thought the Anthracite Heritage Museum would be a perfect fit for me to gain more experience in that field. I begin my internship by cleaning and documenting blueprints and engineering diagrams from the Sauquoit Silk Company, it was such an interesting project being the first one in many years to roll out and view these things. I found a drawing from 1890 of the exterior of one of their first manufacturing plants done by an architecture firm in Philadelphia which was one of my oldest and exciting finds. I was shown how to clean the artifacts on display and even got to assist in the planning of a temporary exhibit on the International Correspondence Frank J Ohotnicky Service (ICS). I have been able to combine my passion for art with my interest in history and learn more about both through this internship. I look forward to working more with the museum’s collection and Curator John Fielding. 7 Welcome New Members! Mark & Helen Noon Conyngham, PA Thank You for Joining the Friends of the Museum!

Fr i e n d Fu n Fa c t s The Friends span 14 states from Pennsylvania to Washington: 88% in Pennsylvania, 4% in New Jersey, 2% in New York & California, 1 1/2% in Maryland and 1% and under in the following locales- Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Illinois, Texas and Washington. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have representation from all the states, maybe a foreign country or two, too? Vivian Cleveland, Volunteer Membership Secretary

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