Peaceful St. Patrick's Day celebrations turned violent in Carbondale in March 1845.
“Anarchy and violence” – A St. Patrick’s Day riot in Carbondale – 1845
Schuylkill County’s first Thanksgiving – November 1845
On November 27, 1845, Pottsville, Pennsylvania observed its first official Thanksgiving, following a proclamation by Governor Francis Shunk. This New England tradition had slowly spread to other states, and by the 1840s, Pennsylvania embraced the holiday. Businesses closed, church services were well attended, and the quiet streets reflected a community in celebration. Explore how this first Thanksgiving in Schuylkill County set the stage for a tradition that would later be declared a national holiday during the Civil War. Read the full story.
“The Youth owned the town” – Celebrating Halloween in Pottsville in 1893
Halloween could get pretty rowdy in the City of Pottsville in the 19th century.
Christmastime at War in Harrisburg: 1917
Central Pennsylvania celebrated war-time Christmas in 1917 by welcoming soldiers on leave, big turkey dinners, and plenty of snow.
Letters to Santa Claus Reveal Wishes of Pennsylvania Children from 1904
The Harrisburg Telegraph published hundreds of letters to Santa Claus in its December 1904 issues. They reveal pictures of life in the first decade of the 20th century.
Wartime Thanksgiving in Harrisburg – Central Pennsylvania’s Celebration Amid World War I | 1917
Discover how Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, celebrated Thanksgiving in 1917 amid the challenges of World War I. Explore wartime traditions, soaring food prices, and community spirit during America's first wartime Thanksgiving in over 50 years. Delve into historical accounts capturing this pivotal moment in Central Pennsylvania. Read the full story.
A Pennsylvania coal town expressed astonishment that it celebrated July 4th without violence in 1862
Wiconisco Township marked Independence Day 1862 with surprisingly peaceful demonstration.
Corporal Keiser’s Christmas in the camp of the 96th Pennsylvania
In their newly constructed winter quarters in Arlington, Virginia, the 96th Pennsylvania celebrates its first Christmas at war in 1861.
Christmas 1861 – Robert Gould Shaw’s Holiday Letter From Frederick, Maryland
Robert Gould Shaw wrote this letter to his mother while sitting in his guard tent three miles east of Frederick, Maryland early on Christmas Day 1861.