Stone-throwing and gunfire: A riot at a political meeting in Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1860

Posted on by Jake Wynn

In the late summer and autumn of 1860, the looming election sparked heated political rhetoric, marches in support of political causes, and whispered talk of a coming civil war. These feelings manifest themselves in a violent skirmish between Republicans and Democrats on the streets of a Wayne County community on September 28, 1860. The fight in Hawley, which started … Continue reading Stone-throwing and gunfire: A riot at a political meeting in Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1860

Letters from War – At a “Northern Camp” in November 1943

Posted on by Jake Wynn

This is part of our “Letters from War” series documenting the World War II letters of Irvin Schwartz of Pine Grove, PA. The letters were all published in the West Schuylkill Press-Herald between 1943 and 1945.  Read the previous letter here After a brief furlough at home with family in Pine Grove, PA, PFC. Irvin … Continue reading Letters from War – At a “Northern Camp” in November 1943

“As tempting…as California” – A traveler’s guide to Pottsville in 1852

Posted on by Jake Wynn

A travel writer vividly described Pottsville and the surrounding region of Schuylkill County in 1852.

Letters from War – On the train to Camp Shelby, Mississippi in May 1943

Posted on by Jake Wynn

This is part of our “Letters from War” series documenting the World War II letters of Irvin Schwartz of Pine Grove, PA. The letters were all published in the West Schuylkill Press-Herald between 1943 and 1945.  Read the prologue here Irvin Schwartz and five hundred other young American boys shook and rattled their way across … Continue reading Letters from War – On the train to Camp Shelby, Mississippi in May 1943

Letters from War – Irvin Schwartz’s Farewell Column for the West Schuylkill Press in 1943

Posted on by Jake Wynn

In this prologue to our "Letters from War" series, newspaper columnist Irvin Schwartz pens his farewell in May 1943.