Across the United States, the year 1877 was marked by tumult and violence. In Lykens, Pennsylvania the year was spent in economic desperation after a devastating mine fire.
One Year in Hell: The Aftermath of the 1877 Lykens Mine Fire
A Pottsville Doctor Reports on the 96th Pennsylvania at the Battle of Gaines’ Mill
A Pottsville physician travels to the Peninsula to report on the experiences of the 96th Pennsylvania at Gaines' Mill.
The Gettysburg Campaign’s Forgotten Railroad Disaster
On June 19, 1863, an overcrowded passenger train jumped the tracks in Northern Dauphin County. Six people died in the disaster.
A Central Pennsylvania Newspaper Marches to War in 1861
Four young men walked out of the offices of the Lykens Journal in 1861 to join the Union Army. Only one came back.
“Now, Let the Eagle Scream” – Elizabethville Prepares for War in April 1898
The Elizabethville Echo describes the scene as the United States marched to war with Spain in April 1898.
“In A Very Unenviable Light”- Denying Charges of Drunkenness in the 96th Pennsylvania
Lt. Colonel Jacob G. Frick refutes a report of a wild, drunken party that included numerous officers of the 96th Pennsylvania.
“Abandoned as Unprofitable” – Williamstown Colliery Closes Forever
In January 1942, workers began to dismantle the once mighty Williamstown mining operation.
Sudden Death On The Road To Williamstown – January 1877
Drunken sleigh-riding not advised.
“Remove the Stigma” – A Civil War Soldier Writes to Save His Reputation
Private Stephen Gribben's January 1862 letter to the Pottsville Miners' Journal pleads with the editor to right a wrong done to him in its pages.
“The Northern Mother to Her Son” – A Poem from the 96th Pennsylvania
Soldier-poet John T. Boyle writes home to the Pottsville Miners' Journal with this poem about the emotions of the mothers on the Northern home front.
