On November 30, 1871, the mining town of Lykens, Pennsylvania joined the nation in celebrating Thanksgiving.
A local newspaper captured how the day unfolded – from quiet morning services in the Lutheran church and schoolhouse to a bustling evening jubilee filled with music. The town’s railroad and mines continued to operate.
These details provide a glimpse into how Thanksgiving was observed in Pennsylvania’s Coal Region during a period of rapid industrial growth after the Civil War.
Thanksgiving was generally and very quietly observed in this place on Thursday, nearly all business places being closed except the printing office. Services were held in the forenoon in the Lutheran church and by the Episcopals at the schoolhouse, which were thinly attended.
The day closing the business year of the railroad company and our collieries, work was not suspended by them. The weather was pleasant, although rather cold, and our streets most of the day wore a deserted appearance.
In the evening a large audience attended the Lutheran Sabbath school jubilee at the church, gotten up under the direction of Superintendent A. Segner, which passed off very pleasantly and creditably to all engaged.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Miss Annie Freaner, of Harrisburg, who presided at the elegant piano, kindly furnished by Mr. J. Garman. The Lykens Silver Cornet Band occupied the gallery and performed several choice selections.
This 1871 Thanksgiving account from Lykens offers a rare window into holiday traditions in a coal mining community.
Read more stories about Thanksgiving
A Thanksgiving Night bar-room murder in a Schuylkill County patch town | November 1868
Coal mines operated on Thanksgiving Day as World War II raged | November 1943
Thanksgiving Day in Schuylkill County | 1864
A Thanksgiving sermon in the aftermath of the 1902 Coal Strike
Schuylkill County’s first Thanksgiving | November 1845
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