In 1910, an epidemic of scarlet fever spun out of control in the Coal Region community of Lykens and left a trail of bodies in its wake.
“In Scarlet Fever’s Grip” – This 1910 epidemic crippled Lykens and closed schools and businesses
“The Impending Strike” – Lykens on the eve of the 1902 Coal Strike
On the eve of the 1902 Coal Strike, the communities of Lykens and Wiconisco were ripped by tension as residents awaited news.
“No charge for medical service” – The US Army and Lykens officials covered medical costs in town’s 1918 emergency hospital
Medical care administered at the emergency hospital in Lykens during the 1918 influenza pandemic was free of charge.
Henry Keiser’s ‘reminisicences’ of Lykens and Wiconisco before the Civil War
In May 1927, Henry Keiser described the Coal Region towns where he grew up as they looked in the 1850s.
Fire in 1900 spelled doom for a newspaper in Lykens
Fire swept through Lykens in December 1900 and destroyed the offices of the town's oldest newspaper
Coal Region baseball star seen in 1906 photograph
Jake Daubert started his professional baseball career in Lykens, PA in 1906. He quickly rose to the big leagues.
The Curious Case of Dr. Charles H. Miller
Dr. Charles H. Miller grew up in Lykenstown, PA in the decade before the Civil War.
“Wiconisco Marine killed on Saipan” – July 7, 1944
Corporal Raymond Holwig died during the fight for the strategically important Pacific Island in July 1944.
A young sailor from the Coal Region describes his first combat in the Spanish-American War
Clarence Holland was 16 when he first experienced battle during the bombardment of San Juan in May 1898.
“I am a traveler by nature” – A long-lost son of Lykens writes home from the West
Frank Israel left his home in Pennsylvania and didn't look back for 15 years. While he was away, he traveled the world.