Author: jjtreese
In this exhibit we present a souvenir book published for Shamokin’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the city in 1939. In this book we are presented with a history of the city’s founding, organization, civic institutions, churches and industry.
What’s most interesting is a program for a production entitled “Cavalcade of Coalers” which can be found on page 63. This was a multi-episode play depicting the pivotal moments in the founding of the City of Shamokin. Do not forget to check out the historic photos taken during the Diamond Jubilee by Frank Posca HERE.
In this exhibit we present a compilation of some of the favorite recipes of the members and friends of the Women’s Club of Shamokin. The Women’s Club of Shamokin was formed in 1939 and met at St. John’s Reformed Church.
In this book you will find almost 400 pages of great recipes for everything from meat and seafood dishes to pies and baked goods, even soups and salad dressings.
Give some of these dishes a try and let us know how they turn out!
In this exhibit we present a book published to commemorate Shamokin’s Centennial celebration in 1964. This book provides a fantastic written history of not only Shamokin but also what was coined the “Greater Shamokin Area.”
In this book you will find a review of business and industry as well as the many civic organizations of Shamokin in 1964.
In this exhibit we present a book published to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the City of Shamokin in 1989. This book was compiled and written though a volunteer effort and was printed by the Shepard & Shroyer Printing Company of Shamokin.
This book contains a near complete history of the City of Shamokin including historical photographs. You may also enjoy stepping back in time with some of the local businesses that sponsored the production of this book in 1989.
In this exhibit we present a souvenir book published for the 29th Annual Convention of the Fireman’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania held in Shamokin from October 5th – 9th, 1908.
This event drew leaders, dignitaries, fellow firemen and visitors from all over the state for the multi-day event. The city of Shamokin was decorated for the event as participants enjoyed balls, parades, entertainment and various session at the G.A.R. Opera House.
In this souvenir book you will not only find some great photographs of state and local fire leaders but also various historical write-ups. It’s also interesting to note the various political advertisements located throughout as the country was entering into a Congressional election at the time.
A big “Thank You” to Suzanne Cesari for sharing this incredible book with us.
On the 22nd day of December 1854, an unusual event took place in Shamokin that remains unexplained to this day. The story is best begun by reprinting here the letter that had been sent by the committee.
Dear Sir:
On Friday, December 22nd at 10 o’clock A.M. At this place, Judge Helfenstein proposes to dedicate forever a valuable and productive coal estate in the Shamokin Coal Basin for the benefit of the destitute poor of New York, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Carlisle, etc. And also the laying of the corner stone of a free collage at Shamokin to be endowed with the proceeds of another coal estate; and also the dedication of a coal estate for the benefit of African Colonization.
Signed:
Kimber Cleaver
Wm. FagelyCommittee:
D. M. Bird
Wm. H. Marshall
Wm. Atwater
A description of the two estates shows that one laid immediately south of the town and was estimated to hold enough coal to produce 300,000 tons per year. The other was purported to be a short distance east and was capable of producing 150,000 tons per year. This estate was already leased for a royalty of 25 cents per ton.
The then Governor of Pennsylvania, William Bigler, was present at this auspicious occasion and after a short tour of the estate, laid the cornerstone of the free college. Speeches were made by several men including the Governor and Judge Helfenstein.
It has been ascertained that this was the beginning of the “Academy” which stood where the present Shamokin Middle School now stands. However, what happened to the free coal estates has not been learned and thus is still a mystery today.