Shamokin Online MuseumIn 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.
Martin, son of Ludwig Goss, was a stout handsome man, full of fun, who lived in Gosstown (Uniontown) halfway between “Spook” bridge and the Rock Cut. His life had seen no great feats unless you consider raising six sons and several daughters in a log cabin an accomplishment. His eerie death accomplished what his life could not; he became a celebrity.
The social event of the year for these pioneer folk was a frolic on the first day of January 1830 at the house of Mr. Dunkelberger in West Shamokin. People came in two-horse wagons, carts, and some even came riding oxen. At such frolics, an abundance of coarse victuals and applejack, which all imbibed freely, was served. Usually fiddling and dancing continued past midnight.
Upon getting dark on the night referred to, Martin Goss being about 75 years old, insisted on going home. His wife being years his junior, declined to go. So the old man left alone and, in order to save distance and time, traveled over the footpath that ran through present-day Uniontown. This compelled him to walk over a makeshift footbridge near his home. This temporary bridge was made of slab benches. In crossing these slabs, he slipped and fell, face down, into the rushing water of Shamokin Creek.Â
Soon after, his body was discovered and the word was relayed back to the house of mirth. Everyone there left immediately for the scene of the tragedy. They sent someone several miles for the acting coroner, who later reported as follows: “When I came I found the woods illuminated by the bright blaze of log heaps that had been put together and fired, and the dead man still lying in the water. I ordered him brought out to the bank of the creek, but no one would obey. I then repeated my request but no move was made and all stood as quiet as a Quaker meeting. I then walked along the slabs to where the dead man lay and took hold of the collar of his coat. As soon as this was done, a dozen man rushed into the water, without regard to cold or wet, and carried him out where we held the inquest. I then asked some of them why they left him lay in the water for so long and refused at first to take him out. Their answer was that if they had touched the dead man before the magistrate did, he could spook them throughout their lives.”Â
Thus, from this accident, the red bridge erected near the point of the drowning some years later was called the “Spook Bridge.” It was said that for many years afterwards, older residents could not be induced to cross the bridge after nightfall.
In this exhibit we present an interesting report on the State Hospital at Shamokin. This report was prepared by George W. Reese, who was Surgeon-in-Chief and Superintendent at the time, and covers a two-year period from June 1st, 1917 to June 1st, 1919 and outlines all injuries treated, operating expenses and other details about the hospital’s operations.
This publication was shared via archive.org and is part of the State Library of Pennsylvania collection.
In this exhibit we present some rare images of the lobby of the Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit Company Bank on Independence Street in Shamokin from July of 1941. In these photos we can see the lobby as preparations were being made for an interior renovation.
These photos are part of the Thomas Studios silver nitrate collection.
Around 2 o’clock on the morning of April 8th, 1971 a fire broke out at the historic St. Edwards Catholic Church on Shamokin Street in Shamokin. The blaze was said to have been the worst the city had seen in over 50 years and completely destroyed the 99-year old house of worship.
A little over a month later, it was determined that a fallen vigil candle was likely the cause of the blaze. The investigation concluded that the candle fell from its holder and ignited woolen carpet and spread throughout the church. The large belfry acted as a chimney making it impossible to save the structure.
By October 1974, the rebuilt church rededicated. Today the church continues to serve the Catholic community of Shamokin as Mother Cabrini Catholic Church.
In this exhibit, we present some amazing photos taken by Frank Posca, not only of the fire as it happened but also of the devastating aftermath it left behind.
These photos are being presented courtesy of the Northumberland County Historical Society. Click Here to learn more about the life and work of Frank Posca.
In this exhibit we present a rare look at the brewing and bottling process at the Fuhrmann & Schmidt Brewing Company from 1939. These rare photos were part of the Thomas Photo silver nitrate collection and are presented courtesy of the Northumberland County Historical Society.
We have taken extra care to provide incredibly high quality images in this exhibit, so please be patient as the photos may take a moment to load.
