PAGE 1 VOLUME 44, NO. 1

The Lackawanna Historical Society Journal

Volume 44, No. 1 ISSN 0895-1802 Winter 2014 Society Trustee Pens New Book Discussing the Effects of our Physical Past

An old tagline used by the Lacka- how the past shapes the wanna Heritage Valley Authority noted that present and future. Scranton’s early immigrant population “came Conlogue uses the voic- here to build a new life and ended up building es of poets to call atten- a new nation.” Indeed, the city that sprang out tion to the stories not of bucolic woodlands and farm pastures be- celebrated in the region came a boomtown crisscrossed with railroad to underscore the im- tracks and studded with mine openings and portance of the under- coal breakers. Iron and steel T-rail produced standing the place we by the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Company call home. He calls at- helped extend railroads forward across the tention to the darker country; anthracite coal mined under Scranton remains of industry; ra- was shipped to New York to vanish into heat ther than focusing on and light. The immigrants who called the the heroic story of “building a new nation,” he Lackawanna Valley home powered industries wonders how residents could ignore culm that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution. banks, mine fires and subsidence to remain In time, however, all booms go bust. The unaffected by the physical past. iron works were gone by 1902, dismantled and On October 6, 2013,Conlogue further shipped to the shores of Lake Erie to be re- addressed Northeastern Pennsylvania’s self formed into the Lackawanna Steel plant. The esteem problem as a guest editorialist in the rise of oil and natural gas led to the decline of Scranton Times. In the column, he pointed out coal; the Knox Mine disaster in 1959 flooded a that while “historians have written many eco- large portion of the underground mines and nomic, social and labor studies of the region, made them unworkable. The last passenger they often downplay its environmental story, train left the Lackawanna Station in 1970; the despite the obvious physical damage. ... After railroad declared bankruptcy two years later. the last coal companies stopped deep mining in Scranton is left with the remnants of boom the 1960s, local residents were left with pollut- times, both good and bad: beautiful downtown ed waterways, stripped land and unstable architecture and culm piles, a patchwork eth- ground.” With his assistance, an exhibit on nic population and mine subsidence. mine subsidence is planned to open this month A new book by Bill Conlogue, PhD, a at the Anthracite Heritage Museum. Conlogue Society trustee and Professor of English at will also conduct a book signing at the Catlin Marywood University called Here and There: House on January 8 at 7 pm following a Reading Pennsylvania’s Working Landscapes presentation about his work. A reception will looks at the region’s everyday landscape and follow. -Review written by Sarah Piccini PAGE 2 VOLUME 44, NO. 1 The Lackawanna A Word from the President... Historical Society 2014

ello Everyone OFFICERS H Michael Gilmartin President ...and Best Wishes for the New Year! I wish you all Good Health and Much Hap- Donald Frederickson, Jr., Esq. 1st Vice President piness in 2014. I am pleased to announce that we have moved into the second year /Solicitor of our Capital Campaign which is foremost among our objectives as it will greatly Laurie Cadden 2nd Vice President Douglas Forrer, CPA Treasurer improve the ease of using the Catlin House for presenting our regular programs, as- Dalida O’Malley Assistant Treasurer sisting visiting researchers and providing tours as well as secure the preservation of William Conlogue Secretary

the collections materials. As we begin the new year, please know that we continue TRUSTEES to solicit new donations and receive scheduled pledge payments from our generous Joseph F. Cimini, Esq. supporters. Most recently we received word from PPL Corporation that they will Joseph X. Garvey Thomas Horlacher, AIA donate $15,000 over the next three years. A complete and updated list of all cam- Jeffrey R. Kiefer, Assoc. AIA paign donors can be found in this issue. Richard Leonori, AIA Linda Lynett Also in this issue is news that we recently accepted a letter of resignation from Trus- Mary Jane Memolo Arlene Devereaux O’Hara tee Mark Cruciani. I want to personally extend my appreciation to Mark for his Ella S. Rayburn contributions over the 15 years that he was a Trustee, for his time as a individual William J. Rinaldi, Esq. volunteer, his work on the various committees on which he served, and his continued Elaine Shepard dedication as an active member. EMERITUS Richard Bovard

As we look forward to Spring, I want to bring two events to your attention. The STAFF first is the fourth edition of Dinner by Design, which will take place in the begin- Mary Ann Moran Savakinus ning of March and promises to be better than ever as we take the event “on the Executive Director Sarah Piccini Assistant Director road” with a brand new location, POSH at the Scranton Club. Several designers Olivia Bernardi Computer Assistant have already signed on and we are always excited to welcome new designers so be James and Gay Clifford Caretakers sure to spread the word! Second is the our annual local history game show “You The Lackawanna Historical Society is Live Here, You Should Know This!” scheduled for May 4th. New teams are always a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization welcome so if you want to play, be sure to contact our office. which is dedicated to keeping vital the

Finally, please note that 2014 Lackawanna Historical Society membership renewals history of Lackawanna County. It is are now due. We invite you to use the form below to renew your membership today supported in part by the Catlin Memo- and ask that you please remember to include your email. A renewal letter and form rial Trust, Lackawanna County, and will be sent in the near future but we encourage you to renew now to help reduce membership dues. Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm postage expenses. We look forward to receiving your renewal and hope to see you and Saturdays noon to 3 pm. soon at one of our upcoming events. The Lackawanna Historical Society Thanks for your continued interest & support, Journal is published by the Lackawanna Michael Gilmartin Historical Society, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 Tel. (570) 344-3841. Address questions About Membership… Membership privileges include unlimited access to the to Mary Ann Moran Savakinus at Society library, 10% discount in our bookstore, advance notice and invitations to all Society activ- [email protected] ities, special members-only programs and the quarterly newsletter. Attached is a membership Members of the Society receive this form you can use to renew your membership or give to a friend or neighbor who is publication. Membership contributions interested in joining. Please return it to: The Lackawanna Historical Society at 232 are $35 and up for Individuals, $45 for Monroe Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 Families, and $125 for Organizations. Special Silver and Gold Corporate LACKAWANNA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP FORM Student $10 NAME memberships are available. Individual $35 The Lackawanna Historical Society Jour- Family $45 ADDRESS nal is printed in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Contributing $75 Entire contents copyrighted © 2014 by Sustaining $150 the Lackawanna Historical Society. Silver Corporate $250 TELEPHONE Gold Corporate $500 EMAIL PAGE 3 VOLUME 44, NO. 1 In the Catlin House... The Lackawanna Valley New Members 1700 to 1880 Individual On Sunday, March 16 and 23 at 2 pm, Mary Eichelsdorfer, Waverly Township Robert Cummings will present a two-part Mark Dougher, Stanwood, MI history of the Lackawanna Valley Al Heller, Scranton at the Catlin House. Kathleen Smith, Binghamton, NY The first settlers were Indians, they named the river “Lackawanna” and the river named Family the Lackawanna Valley. It then took almost Kathleen Donohue, South Abington Township one hundred and eighty years of difficulty and Rossetti Family, Scranton disappointment, until a county was named Lackawanna. It happened. You should know Contributing the story! Kevin and Maria Edwards, Madison Township

A BID FAREWELL: At the November Meeting, the Society trustees learned that Mark Cruciani was resigning. Mark served on the Board for fifteen years and was Assistant Treasurer from1999 through 2009. Mark also chaired the publicity committee and worked hard to help promote the Society’s activities and events. He was always happy to lend a hand whether he was playing “doorman” at our open house or joining us as a marcher at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In addition he served for several years on the Society’s Annual Din- ner planning committee and was instrumental in planning one of the our most successful dinner programs to date: Finding Sears Houses by author and Sears House expert Rosemary Thornton. Mark’s service and dedication to the organization is truly appreciated. We wish him great success in his future endeavors and continued happiness to him and his wife Betty and their daughter, Rebecca.

2014 Dinner by Design

The Lackawanna Historical Society is pleased to announce that the 2014 Dinner by Design program will take place on February 28 through March 2 at POSH at the Scranton Club. We are excited about the new venue and believe this year’s event will be better than ever. Designers who have already signed on in- clude POSH, Central Park Flowers, Live with It by Lara Hobbs, JK Designs, Judy Sweeney, MCR, Cadden Florists, and last year’s Peo- ple’s Choice winner, John Mackey. More information will be announced soon but members are reminded to mark their calen- A view of 2013 Dinner by Design People’s Choice. From left dars to join us for the special sneak preview to right: Nada Gilmartin, Kelly Doyle, David Kalczynski, John Mackey, Laurie Cadden, Mary Ann Moran party on Friday February 28th! Savakinus, and Michael Gilmartin. PAGE 4

Let’s Get Wired!!! The Lackawanna Historical Society kicked off its Capital Campaign in October 2012. Our campaign marks the centennial of the Catlin House, the Society’s home. Funds raised go to preserve the Catlin House by upgrading its wiring and HVAC systems. As of January 1, campaign pledges total $119,288. We appreciate every- one’s support and hope that you will help us continue our efforts by spreading the word about the campaign! If you have not yet made a pledge, please use the form on page 9.

Amps ($3000 and over) Dr. John & Nancy Farkas Dalida A. O'Malley PHMC Keystone Grant Mort & Sue Fuller Richard Leonori PPL Corporation Frieder Foundation Linda Lynett Ella Rayburn Arlene Devereaux O'Hara William J. Rinaldi, Esq. Ohms ($1000-$2999) Joseph F. Cimini Joe & Fran Garvey Jane E. McGowty Elaine Carroll Michael & Nada Gilmartin Morey & Sondra Myers Charles Connell Tom & Eileen Griffiths Penn Security Bank & Trust Donald Frederickson, Jr., Esq. Tom & Paula Horlacher Greg & Chris Posly Jeff Kiefer

Joules ($500-$999) Bill & Bridget Conlogue Dominic Keating Nick & Sue Petula Doug & Shannon Forrer Mary McDonald Quandel Construction Group Paul & Adrienne Horger Mary Jane Memolo Dennis Ruddy Theodore Horger Roswell S. Patterson Robert & Mary Ann Savakinus Tom & Fafi Karam Elaine Shepard

Watts ($100-$499) Irwin & Donna Adler Bonnie Ciero William J. Antognoli Brian Clark John Beck Jim & Gay Clifford Olivia & Tony Bernardi Mary Theresa Connolly Faye & Richard Bishop Willis Conover Dr. & Mrs. Edward & Regina Boehm Lynn M. Conrad Peter & Sally Bohlin Cruciani Family Bohlin,Cywinski,Jackson Cathy Cullen Conrad & Dorothy Bosley Fidelity Bank Richard & Jane Bovard FNCB F. Warren and Carol Fells Breig Ernest J. Gazda Maureen Brennan Natalie Gelb Edward & Nancy Burke Ann Gilmartin Gerald Burns William & Theresa Graziano Laurie Cadden Andrew & Mary Hailstone Patrick A. Calvey Natalie Henkelman Carbondale Historical Society Hinerfield Commercial Realty Carpenter’s Local Union 645 Dr. Frank X. J. Homer John G. Carling Jean Horger Cemetery Association of Dunmore IBEW Local #81 PAGE 5 VOLUME 44, NO. 1

Watts ($100-$499) continued Mary Ann Jacquinot Ann Marie O’Hara Jermyn Historical Society Vera Jean Pace Robert T. Kelly Joseph Pascoe Violet Kelly People's Neighborhood Bank Lawrence & Judith Kennedy PNC Bank Tom Kingsley Pesavento Monuments Michael & Jennie Knies Leni Piasky Arlene Kohl Raymond R. & Andrea J. Pilch Lois Kretsch Hank & Barbara Platt John Krisa, Esq. John & Silke Reddington Chester & Deilsie Kulesa Mary Rhodes Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Langan Jean Shields Lee Electric Supply Co. James & Barbara Shuta Ellen Lodwick Erin & Joseph Speicher George & Patti Lynett Deirdre Taylor Scott & Libby Lynett Gene & Joan Turko Nancy McDonald University of Scranton Thomas J. McHugh James & Sharon Vipond Thomas McLane R.J. Walker Matthew D. Mackie, Jr. Jack & Liana Walsh Richard & Sally Marquardt Timothy D. Welby, M.D. Sharleen & Dennis Martin David & Janet Wenzel Midlantic Engineering Inc. James Wert James Nicholas Kristen Yarmey Jim & Alice Noone Thomas Yeager John & Jennifer Ochman

Volts (under $100) Walter Avery Anne Gershey Chris McWilliams James Benetzky Dorothy Gordon Minnie Mead Andy Billek Joyce Hatala Gail Morgan Michael G. Bufalino Richard Healey Gino Mori William & Susan Calpin Jack Horvath Shawn Murphy CECO Associates Alan & Polly Hughes Linda O'Leary Carol Chisdak Barbara Jean Jones Ed Osman Mike Chmiola Steve and Joanne Kavulich Juliana Piccini Ray Ceccotti Dale & Joyce Keklock Melissa Raught Dahlenburg Shirley Cottrino Judi Keller Alana Roberts Robert & Sharon Cuff Delores & Edward Kownaski Francis Ruane Thomas Dailey Dennis & Mary Kryzanowski Paul Rudnick Bob Durkin Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kumpas Julia Savakinus Robert N. Eckersley Rudolph Kunz Elsie Schwartzar Daniel Emick Ron Leas Linda Scott John Anthony Farkas, Jr. David & Anita Lohin John & Susan Sheerin Rabbi Michael & Doris Fine Mr. & Mrs. Richard MacGregor Doug Smith Joshua Felter Conor Malone Peter Smith Diane Fritz Peter Manley Pat Tobin William H. Fritz Ralph J. Marino Martin A. Toth, Esq. Beth Gallagher Pat Marion Sally Venesky Eugene & Lois Gallagher Mark & Michele McDade Marilyn Wentland Mary Lynn McDermott PAGE 6 VOLUME 44, NO. 1

Community Calendar A regional observance of Mining History Week will take place January 8-22, 2014, with programs in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pittston, Port Griffith, and Ashley. The annual event focuses on the anthracite mineworker, his family and community, and the hard coal industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The programs are sponsored by the Anthracite Heritage Museum, the Anthracite Heritage Foundation, King’s College, the Lackawanna Historical Society, the Luzerne County Historical Society, the Huber Breaker Preservation Society, the Anthracite Living History Group, the Old Forge Coal Mine, the Greater Pittston Historical Society, and the Knox Mine Disaster Memori- al Committee. The public is cordially invited to attend the events. All but one* is open free of charge.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR MINING HISTORY WEEK 2014

January 8, 7 p.m.: William Conolgue, Professor of English, Marywood College, will speak on his recent book, “Here and There: Reading Pennsylvania’s Working Landscapes,” Lackawanna Historical Society,

Catlin House, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Refreshments served.

January 9, 7 p.m.: Thomas Dublin, Professor Emeritus of History at SUNY Binghamton, will deliver the Annual Msgr. John J. Curran Lecture, “When the Mines Closed,” at King's College, Burke Auditori-

um, McGowan Business School. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m.

January 12, 2 p.m.: Robert Thomas Hughes will present a dramatic reading of his work, “A Miner’s Tale,” which tells the story of the anthracite coal miner in Northeastern Pennsylvania through mono- logue. *The event will be hosted by Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park, Scranton; the cost of

$5.00 per person also includes admission to all of the Museum’s exhibits.

January 18, 2 p.m.: The Annual Knox Mine Disaster Commemorative Program, Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park, Scranton. F. Charles Petrillo, Wilkes-Barre, will present a multi-media pro- gram on, “The End of Deep-Coal Mining Following the Knox Mine Disaster of 1959.” Guest musician Lex Romane will play original musical selections. A large needlework designed and embroidered by Audrey Baloga Calvey, as a tribute to her father, Knox victim John Baloga, and the other men lost that

day, will be exhibited. Refreshments served.

January 19, 10 a.m.: Annual Knox Disaster Memorial Mass, St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston.

January 19, 11:30 a.m.: Annual Knox Disaster Commemorative Ceremony, PHMC Knox Disaster His- torical Marker located in front of Baloga Funeral Home (formerly St. Joseph’s Church), Main Street,

Port Griffith. Coffee served.

January 21, 7 p.m.: William A. Hastie, West Pittston, will speak on his recent co-authored book: “Anthracite Labor Wars: Tenancy, Italians, and Organized Crime in the Northern Coalfield of North- eastern, PA, 1897-1959,” Huber Breaker Preservation Society, Earth Conservancy Building, 101 South

Main St., Ashley. Refreshments served.

January 22, morning (time and place TBA): Dedication and Unveiling of the PHMC Historical Marker

for The Baltimore Tunnel Mine Disaster of 1919, in Wilkes-Barre.

January 22, 3 p.m.: Panel discussion on the Baltimore Tunnel Mine Disaster of 1919, featuring King’s Colleges Professors Thomas Mackaman and Dan Clasby, Katie Lavery who lost two uncles in the disas- ter, and King’s students who worked with the above persons in securing the PHMC marker; Fitz Room, Sheehey-Farmer Campus Center, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. PAGE 7 VOLUME 44, NO. 1

“Let’s Get Wired!” LACKAWANNA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Capital Campaign Pledge Form Commit now to keep the Cat- lin House wired! The cost of the Catlin House Electrical and HVAC upgrades is $523,180. Please join us in taking care of one of the area’s architectural treasures and make your commitment today.

Make your pledge today by using this form. Check paya- ble to the LHS Restoration Fund and return to:

Lackawanna Historical Society 232 Monroe Avenue Scranton, PA 18510

Memorials About Memorial Gifts to the Society Contributions to the Lackawanna Historical Society in the name of individuals are placed in a Memorial Fund In Memory of Theodore U. Horger and are not used for general operations. If you would Jean Horger like to make a contribution to the Society in the name Paul, Mary Theresa, and Kate Paterson of an individual, please send your check payable to the Society including name and address of person(s) for Marjorie Price whom memorial is made. All contributions to the Lackawanna Historical Society are tax deductible to the In Memory of Mildred A. Muller fullest extent that the law provides.

Martha Grant About Planned Giving Remembering the Lackawanna Historical Society in Gail Spudis your estate is a wonderful way to leave a lasting gift to the community. Planned giving, or charitable gift and estate planning, allows you to contribute to the Socie- IN APPRECIATION ty’s long-term financial health. In November, the Society received word from Planned giving has become increasingly popular be- the estate of Theodore U. Horger that a bequest cause it can be tailored to your financial situation. of $10,000 had been made to the Lackawanna Your gift can be funded through cash, marketable secu- Historical Society in memory of Mr. Horger’s rities, mutual funds, real estate, life insurance, and re- father and mother, William H. Horger and Esther tirement plans. Your gift can be structured around your Kehrli Horger “to be used as the governing body circumstances so that you can do more than you might deems best for purposes other that operations” have thought possible. The Society is most grateful to Mr. Horger Tax incentives for publicly supported charities are the and his family for their support and continued most advantageous under the tax law. Your bequest is interest. tax deductible. PAGELACKAWANNA 8 HISTORICAL SOCIETY VOLUME 44, NO.NON-PROFIT 1 232 MONROE AVENUE ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE SCRANTON, PA 18510 PAID PERMIT #56 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SCRANTON, PA

Upcoming Programs and Events

Jan. 8, 7 pm Book Signing for Here and There: Reading Pennsylvania’s Working Landscapes and lecture by Bill Conlogue at the Catlin House (see page 1)

Feb. 28/Mar.1-2 Dinner by Design Details TBA (see page 3)

March 16/23, 2 pm The Lackawanna Valley 1700-1880 a two-part lecture by Robert Cummings at the Catlin House (see page 3)

March Railroad Perspectives Part 2 exhibit at Catlin House

Also in March Sawdust Trail exhibit at Scranton Post Office Building & Catlin House

April 12, 7 pm Annual Civil War Ball Details TBA

May 4, 2 pm You Live Here You Should Know This! Local History Game Show Details TBA Call the LHS to ask about playing. Teams are forming, now!

Also don’t miss World War I: The Great War, a sampling from the Society’s Collections on display Catlin House this winter!