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.
“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 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.
“May these sights soon cease” | Influenza in Pottsville, PA in 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.
“All the coal crackers are here together” – Lykens Soldiers Write Home in December 1917
In a series of letters published by the Lykens Standard, we see the lives and perspectives of World War 1 soldiers from Central Pennsylvania.