“Quite a surprise” – Tower City mine workers respond to beginning of 1902 strike

A look at the perspectives of the mine workers of far western Schuylkill County as the 1902 coal strike began.

A Wynning History summer project will explore 1902 coal strike in Williams Valley

Miners at the Williamstown Colliery in about 1900. Williamstown, Pennsylvania Coal Region

An introduction to a Wynning History series about the 1902 Coal Strike in the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania.

A story from 1918 reveals chaos as “Spanish flu” raged through Schuylkill County

In early October 1918, pandemic influenza descended on Schuylkill County and left thousands dead.

“Wild with joy” – Celebrations marked end of World War I in Williams Valley

In the early hours of November 11, 1918, news of the armistice ending World War I swept through Williams Valley, Pennsylvania. Communities like Tower City and Lykens erupted in spontaneous celebrations, with bells, whistles, and parades marking the end of the Great War. Residents rejoiced in a hard-won victory, though the seeds of another conflict had already been planted. Read the full story.