Henry Leander Kramer served in the US Army during World War I and returned home to work as a coal miner in his hometown after the war.
Photograph of a World War I soldier from Williamstown, Pennsylvania | 1918
An African American teacher’s letter in response to the end of World War I | 1918
Harry Elmer James wrote a letter to the editor of the Harrisburg Telegraph pleading for Black equality following World War I.
Photographs show makeshift emergency hospital in Lykens, Pennsylvania during 1918 pandemic
These incredible photographs show the tent field hospital set up in Lykens during the darkest month in American history.
“Died as Good American” – An immigrant was one of the first Tamaqua soldiers killed in World War I
Caralunas became one of the first soldiers from Schuylkill County to be killed-in-action during World War I.
“The Mine Mule Affected by the European War” – 1914
In October 1914, war raged on the European continent. In what was then called the "Great War," industrial-scale war was waged on a massive scale for the first time. Americans were paying attention. A commentator for the Pottsville Republican noted a curious thing about the suddenly mechanized armies smashing each other to pulp on the battlefields … Continue reading “The Mine Mule Affected by the European War” – 1914
“Wild with joy” – Celebrations marked end of World War I in Williams Valley
In the early morning hours of November 11, 1918, the mining towns of Williams Valley erupted with joy.
“May these sights soon cease” – Influenza in Pottsville, 1918
"Sorrow and woe stalk almost unceasingly in our midst," wrote the Pottsville Republican in October 1918.
“This life is agreeing with me” – A Pennsylvania soldier trains for war in 1918
Private Edward Ditty trained for war with the 23rd Engineers and sought success as a boxer in the ranks.
Pennsylvania airman training for World War I writes home from his training camp in Texas
Victor Neiman penned a letter home to Lykens, PA from his training camp near San Antonio on December 26, 1917.
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.
Wynning History 