Recollections and reflections on growing up in Williamstown, Pennsylvania | 2025

Posted on by Jake Wynn
Williamstown Pennsylvania in the 1950s

In this heartfelt reflection, Pat Bettinger vividly captures the spirit of growing up in Williamstown, Pennsylvania in the 1950s and 1960s. Walking familiar streets evokes memories of childhood adventures, family warmth, community festivals, and simpler times, offering a nostalgic and touching glimpse into life in this former coal-mining town. Though I grew up in Williamstown in the 1990s and early 2000s, this piece touched my heart and invoked my own warm memories of my hometown. Read the full story.

A breaker boy’s memory of a childhood at work | Llewelyn Evans in 1943

Posted on by Jake Wynn
Breaker boys at work in Pittston in 1911

Llewelyn Evans emigrated from Wales to Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1871. He began working in the anthracite industry at age 9 and served as a Pennsylvania mine inspector for 40 years before retiring in 1942. His poignant memories of child labor as a breaker boy highlight the harsh realities faced by children in that era. Read the full story.

Charles Kershner describes Pottsville in the 1850s and details his service in the US Army after the Civil War

Posted on by Jake Wynn

In part two of this interview from 1927, Charles Kershner reveals his experiences on the western frontier with the 5th United States Cavalry.