“Decoration Day Drunks” – Hazleton residents who imbibed too freely on the holiday to honor Civil War veterans

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Not everyone in Hazleton, Pennsylvania marked Decoration Day (Memorial Day) with reverence and solemnity. The holiday, designed to honor the sacrifices of Civil War veterans who perished during the conflict, had been regularly celebrated in Pennsylvania since 1868. On Decoration Day 1889, some in the Luzerne County city "imbibed too freely" and ended up in … Continue reading “Decoration Day Drunks” – Hazleton residents who imbibed too freely on the holiday to honor Civil War veterans

A New York Times reporter documents the turbulent situation in the Coal Region – 1863

Posted on by Jake Wynn

In the spring of 1863, a journalist documented the chaotic and changing situation in the Coal Region as the Civil War raged on.

“147,000 ordered to strike” – The beginning of the 1902 anthracite coal strike

Posted on by Jake Wynn
UMWA President John Mitchell in 1900 - Pennsylvania coal region anthracite

The leader of the United Mine Workers of America addressed the miners of the Coal Region on May 10, 1902.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Hazleton | 1899

Posted on by Jake Wynn
St. Patrick's Day in Hazleton in 1899

On March 17, 1899, Hazleton's streets filled with green-clad crowds celebrating St. Patrick's Day with parades, music, and lively performances. This joyful event reflected the Irish community's growing acceptance in American society as their traditions became part of the Coal Region’s cultural fabric.