1912 WB Record Almanac, Record of Local Events for 1911

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RECORD OF LOCAL EVENTS
Happenings in Luzerne County for the Twelve Months from December 1, 1910, to 
December 1, 1911, Other than Those Noted in Special Articles Elsewhere.



December 1910
1.	Population of Luzerne County announced from Washington according 
to the new census – 3543,186,an increase of 86,065 in ten years.  Spirited controversy
 in court between Judge Jones and District Attorney Valentine over the paroling of half 
a dozen persons who pleaded guilty to the charge of conduction speakeasies.   Mrs. 
Mary Duffner of Avoca died at the station in Wilkes-Barre from heart trouble.  Rev. 
William I. Dunn, a native of Pittston, dies at Aurora, Ill.
2.	Residents of South Wilkes-Barre Petition the court to abate the noise caused
 by the traction company power house.
3.	Charles Gordon, who escaped from the Luzerne County jail on Nov. 22 while 
serving a sentence of eight years for burglary captured at Moosic.
4.	Hon. Joseph F. O’Connell of Boston the our of town speaker at the memorial 
session of the Wilkes-Barre Lodge of Elks.
5.	Testimonial dinner given in Irem Temple in honor of Cr. D. S. Kistler by his bible
 class of the Dana Street Evangelical Church, the Largest in the City  M. J, Healey secures 
control of the Miner’s Mills and Troy coal companies and leases 130 acres of the other coal 
land.  Death of John Hart, who ran the first engine used for haling coal from a mine in the 
Wyoming Valley.
6.	Fifteenth annual dinner and meeting of the Church Club of the diocese of Bethlehem 
held at Hotel Sterling.  Seven inches of snow and cold.
7.	County Commissioners petition the court to present to the grand jury projects for the
 construction of new roads at an estimated cost of $415,071.   
10.	River frozen over in most places; good sleighing.  Nicholas McGowan of Wilkes-Barre 
killed on a railroad at Oneonta, N. Y. Death of Rev. Stanislaus Siedlecki, pastor of the Church 
of the Nativity at Plymouth.
12.	 Record gives details of plans for a fifteen-story apartment house for Wilkes-Barre, 
which Robert Pettebone contemplates erecting.  Twenty-fifth anniversary of Pioneer Lodge No. 
153, celebrated with a banquet in Columbus Hall.  Rev. and Mrs. W. D. Thomas of Pittston celebrate 
the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage.
14.  Dinner given at Hotel Sterling by the Cambro-American Society in honor of Judge Benjamin R.
 Jones, recently elevated to the bench.  Third concert by the Wilkes-Barre Symphony Orchestra, with 
Alexander Rippard and Miss Newitt as soloists.
15. Rev. John Nobel Doberstine elevated to the priesthood in St. Stephen’s Church.  Reception 
given at No. 4 engine house, on the Heights, to celebrate the arrival of a fire truck.  Reception given 
at the German-English Lutheran Church in honor of the new pastor, Rev. Charles J. A. Reichardt 
of Canajoharie, N. Y.  Mass meeting held in Kingston to discuss consolidation of some of the 
boroughs so as to form a city.
16.	Fifty-third anniversary of the Independent Society of Wyoming Seminary celebrated with 
a banquet at Hotel Redington.  Undertaker James Marley of East End left $5,500 in government 
bonds by a woman whom he had befriended.
18.   Ex-Governor Hoch of Kansas speaks in the Y. M. C. A. Dr. Maurice Harris of New York speaks
in the South Washington Temple on the “Renaissance of Judaism.”
19.	Wilkes-Barre Board of School Government adopts the teachers’ retirement fund.
20.	Former Governor Polk of Missouri lectures in the Y. M. C. A.  course on civic consciousness.  
Taxpayers of the Pittston section meet to take action in relation to the petition to be presented to the grand 
jury in favor of the construction of new roads aggregating $400,000 in value.
23.	Seven young people injured by coasting accident on Lehigh Street.  Much warmer weather, 
rain and very high winds.
24.	Announcement make of the purchase of the old Bowman homestead property on North Main 
street for cutting up into building lots.  Mrs. Mary O’Donnell, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, killed on a railroad
 in Philadelphia.
25.	Cold Christmas weather.
26.	Charity ball for the benefit of the Heights Settlement held in Irem Temple.  Wilkes-Barre 
Lodge of Elks distributes shoes, stockings, sweaters, caps, also pop corm, oranges and candy to 
about four hundred children.
27.	Man and woman who were brother and sister, having the same mother, apply for a marriage
 license in Luzerne County, but were refused.  Rev. A. S. Dreier of Sugar Notch transferred to St. Mary’s
 Polish Catholic Church at Plymouth as rector. 
28.	Official notice received that the population of Hanover Township is 6,965, which, with the 
required extent of territory, makes it a township of the first class.  About 250 newsboys, bootblacks and
messenger goys attend the annual dinner given at the Y. M. C. A. by a Wilkes-Barre resident.
30.  Assembly ball held in the armory.  S. R. Smith issues his new book, “Leaders in Thought and Action,” 
an appreciation of local people.  George P. Fichter of West Hazleton appointed mercantile appraiser.  Mr. 
And Mrs. William Mann of Plains celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.


January 1911
1.	Rainy and warm New Year weather.  Mr. and Mrs. Alfred McHenry celebrate their golden wedding
 anniversary at their home in Cambra.  Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Davenport of Plymouth celebrate their golden 
wedding anniversary.
2.	Twenty-third annual eisteddfod of Moriah Church at Nanticoke, Peckville chorus winner of the chief 
competition.  May hundred men attend Y. M. C A. open house – entertaining programs all day.  Dr. Mason 
Glee Club defeated at Utica eisteddfod by the Utica chorus.  Miss Edith K Frey tenders her resignation as 
general secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Y. W. C. A. 
3.	Judge Garman approves the report of the viewers for the construction of a bridge across the 
river at Wyoming.
4.	Bazaar and Dance at Irem Temple by the Ladies’ Aid Society of the South Washington Street
 Temple.
5.	Court decides in a suit that the width of Broad street in Hazleton shall be one hundred feet.  
Many citizens appear before the grand jury in relation to the project to construct two roads from near 
Wilkes-Barre to the Hazleton region.
6.	Alderman Barrett of Pittston holds contractor Carlucci and architects McCormick and French 
in $1,000 bail for court to answer fraud charges in connection with the new court house, the cases being
 instituted by sub-contractor Clancy.
7.	Pumps from the Jeanesville Iron Works to be used in the work of raising the battleship Maine
 in Havana harbor.
9.  County Solicitor Price gives it as his opinion that there should be no January registration day, on account
 of the elimination of the February election.  Sale of Red Cross seals In the Wyoming Valley during the holiday 
season realizes $1,131.65, as against $893.14 for the previous year.
10.	Mr. and Mrs. Fisher Gay of Wyoming celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage.
11.	Luzerne County Medical Society observes with a banquet the fiftieth anniversary of its organization. 
 Moylan concert in Irem Temple for the benefit of St. Francis Church of Nanticoke.
16.	Bonci, the famous tenor, appears in Irem Temple,  Corning mill of the powder mill at Wapwallopen 
blown up, resulting in the death of one of the employees.  Applications for liquor licenses to the number of 2,110 
filed, largest in the history of the county.
17.	Central Poor Board has a lively discussion as to whether the auditors shall audit the accounts of the 
tax collectors, and it is finally decided to refer the matter to court.  Maj. Gen. Dougherty of Wilkes-Barre grand 
marshal at the parade incident to the Inauguration of Governor Tener.  Double murder at Freeland as the result
 of a fight among foreigners.  Death of Robert T. Pettebone of Wyoming, one of the wealthiest men in the Wyoming
 Valley.  C. C; Bowman receives a letter 
from George R. McLean that he will contest the formers election as a member of Congress.  Mrs. Yarnell of 
Swarthmore begins a series of addresses in Wilkes-Barre, under the auspices of the Parent-Teachers’ 
Association, on “Parenthood as a Profession.”
18.	Directors of the Central Poor District increase their salaries from $600 to $700.  Reception at 
Calvary Church for the new pastor, Rev. H. G. Hartman.
20.  Argument before Judge Little in court to quash indictments in the court house fraud cases.
21.	Record force has its first banquet at Hotel Hart.
22.	New altar at St. Clement’s Church consecrated by Bishop Talbot.
24.  Wilkes-Barre councils pass the resolution over the mayor’s veto calling for an investigation of alleged 
irregularities in the mayor’s office and the police department.  J. Frank Nuss appointed administrator of the 
Robert Pettebone estate, over the disposition of which a controversy has arisen.
25.	One miner killed and nine injured by the explosion of a keg of powder which was being carried on 
a trip of cars on which the victims were riding in No. 9 mine at Hughestown.
26.	New Methodist Church at Trucksville, replacing one destroyed by ire, presented by the W. L. 
Conyngham estate, dedicated, Red. J. L. Thomas, pastor.  County commissioners authorize their attorney 
to purchase 230 acres of land in Butler valley for the Proposed home for delinquent boys.  Twenty-third annual 
conversational meeting of the Lehigh Valley Medical Association held in Wilkes-Barre.  Open house and 
inspection of the Riverside Private Hospital.
28.  Wilkes-Barre Local of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees celebrates its tenth 
anniversary with a banquet at Hotel Hart.
29.	Rev. Richard J. Curnow, pastor of the Plains Presbyterian Church, announces his resignation.
30.	Women’s Relief Corps of the G. A. R. observes the twenty-fifth anniversary of its organization 
with a banquet.  Clergymen of the county meet to take steps to remonstrate against the granting of a large
 number of new liquor licenses.  A. W. Wyndham lectures under the auspices of the Board of take on the 
Panama Canal.

February

2.	Plymouth bridge project hindered by objection to the D., L.  & W. crossing at grade.  Word 
received that Patrick Battles, a former resident of Inkerman, was murdered in the South.  Word received
 that Thomas Butkowicz, formerly of Edwardsville, was shot and killed in a mining town in Illinois.
3.	Record publishes an extended synopsis of the first report of the Sate Department of Health in 
relation to the epidemic of typhoid in the Wyoming Valley in the summer of 1910.
4.	County valuation of property increased nearly two and a half million dollars for the year.
5.	  Rev. E. R. Noble, curate at St. Stephen’s, extended a call to become rector of All Souls’ 
Church at Norristown.
6.	Fire destroys Ashley engine house, together with the apparatus.  County Solicitor Price renders
 an opinion to the effect that county detectives are not entitled to allowances for expenses.  Opinion of the 
Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of the Casey employers’ liability law published.  Word received
 on the death by drowning in Virginia of Michael Grady, formerly of Forty Fort.
8.  Death of Herman Cohen, for many years court crier of the Orphans; Court.  Three speakeasy proprietors 
sentenced to pay fines of $500, the costs and to six months in jail.  State Veterinary Department establishes 
a quarantine of dogs in the Fifteenth Ward of Wilkes-Barre for seventy-seven days, also a quarantine in Pittstown, 
West Pittston and Exeter, on account of hydrophobia.  Dr. Robert S. Willson speaks in Wilkes-Barre on 
social hygiene.  John Meehan, a former resident of Newtown, killed in a railroad wreck in Idaho.
9.  Ball by the Junior Guild in Irem Temple.  County Solicitor Price informs the county commissioners that he 
is not the proper person to be given the responsibility of purchasing land for the proposed county home fore 
delinquents, and further states that he knows of  no law which permits a county to engage in such an enterprise. 
 Official announcement make that Hazleton is the highest populated point in the Sate its altitude being 1,885.7 feet.
10.	Hon. C. C. Bowman replies to George R. McLean, who notified Mr. Bowman that he would contest
 his right to a seat in Congress because of various irregularities in the campaign and election.  J Alden Loring 
lectures in the Y. M. C. A. on “Through Africa With Roosevelt.”  First rescue car of the Federal Bureau of Mines 
arrives in Wilkes-Barre, to instruct miners and to enable government investigators to study mining conditions.
12.  Rev.  Rev. Edward C. Kunkle of the First Baptist Church preaches to the G. A. R.
13.  Lecture in the South Washington Street Temple by Rabbi David Philipson on “Judaism – Race, Nationality
 or Religion.”  Alexander’s Band and Gwent Glee Society give a concert in Irem Temple.  Death of William 
Prichard of Hunlock Township, familiarly known as “Rural Lounger,” the nom de plume he signed in his many 
and widely read newspaper contributions.
14.  F. M. Nichols named as health officer of Wilkes-Barre to succeed Capt. Parker, deceased.  Dallas Lodge 
of the Jr. O. U. A. M. presented with a flag by the State organization for having made the largest gaining membership
 during the year – more than five hundred, the exercises taking place in Irem Temple.  A. L. Williams resigns as 
president of the Wilkes-Barre Y. M. C. A., and is succeeded by Henry H. Welles.  Rev. D. E. Evans of Williamsport, 
formerly of Wilkes-Barre, dies at the former place.  Eagle Hose Co. of Pittston celebrates the fifty-fourth anniversary
 of its organization.
15.	County commissioners increase the county tax levy from three and one-fourth to six mills on account
 of extensive road improvement recommended by the grand jury and for increase of the sinking fund.  Two 
hundred and seventy remonstrances against new applicants of liquor licenses and twenty against old places, 
leaving 455 new places against which no remonstrances were filed.  Wilkes-Barre councils finally adopt 
ordinance prohibiting the sale or use of fireworks, except fed fire and firecrackers of not more that six 
inches in length.
16.	Group 3 of the Pennsylvania Bankers’ Association meets in Wilkes-Barre.
17.	Boys of the Wilkes-Barre High School Athletic Association give a minstrel performance.  Clergymen
 present to the court a petition signed by nearly six thousand people against the granting of new liquor licenses.
20.  Rev. James M. Farr appointed chaplain of the 9th Regt., to succeed Rev, Dr, Mogg. Mayor Kniffen signs the
 ordinance restricting the sale and use of fireworks.  Concordia Society gives a minstrel show in the Grand 
Opera House.
21.  Farewell reception in honor of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Mogg attended by more than Two thousand people.
22.  Dorranceton’s new high school dedicated.  Slovak Catholic national convention held in Wilkes-Barre.
24.  County commissioners issue a proclamation declaring Hanover Township a township of the first class.  
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hurrey of Pittston celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
25.  M. L. Roth awarded the contract to complete the new Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. erecting bath houses for the 
employees at a number of the collieries.  Death of Father T,. JH. Donahoe, for may years pastor of the Catholic 
Church at Plymouth.  People of Plains again petition Laurel Line officials to change the name of the station from 
Hancock to Plains.  Mr. Mrs. Edgerton of Hudson celebrate their golden wedding.
27.	Court gives to P. W. McKeown, representing the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre and D., L. & W. Coal companies, 
the right to work the roads of Hanover Township for the year.
28.	Corning and dust mills of the powder works at Wapwallopen, together with a car of powder, blow up.  
No bids received for $300,000 worth of 4 per cent. county refunding bonds.  Men of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Wilkes-Barre organize after a dinner given by F. J. Weckesser.

March

1.	F. M. Nichols confirmed as health officer of Wilkes-Barre, in place of Capt. T. C. Parker, deceased.
2.	Schumann-Heink in Irem Temple.
3.	A number of Italians of Pittston region held for court on the charge of committing several horrible 
murders in that vicinity.  Wyoming Baptist Laymen’s Missionary Conference has a banquet in Irem Temple.
4.	The old Marx Long grocery store on Public Square, lately conducted by his son, Leo Long, closed 
after sixty-three years of business.  Union Lutheran and Reformed Church at St. Johns destroyed by fire.  George
 L. Marion, convicted of wife murder, sentenced by Judge Ferris to be hanged.
7.	Statement shows that Wilkes-Barre clearing house business increased for $39,418,626 in 1902 to 
$71,209,767 in 1910.
8.	Wilkes-Barre Civic Club lays plans for another clean-up week.  Hon. Henry W. Palmer returns from 
Washington and closes his career as a congressman, having served four terms, the longest service by far of 
any congressman in the history of the county.
10.  Vice President Sherman opens the Hazleton Industrial Exposition by touching a button at his home in 
Washington, and Governor Tener makes a speech over the telephone from Harrisburg.
12.  Death of Monsignor P. C. Nagle, the only rector the German Catholic Church on South Washington street 
has ever had, his service in the parish extending over fifty-three years.  Heavy thunder storm passes over the 
valley, several barns and houses in Swoyerville and vicinity struck by lightning.  Dr. John C. Coyle lectures in the
 Poli Theatre under the auspices of the Catholic Gymnasium Association.
16.	John Mitchell and P. H. Morrissey, ex-president of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, deliver addresses
 at Holy Savior Church.  Body of Monsigner Nagel laid away under the altar of St. Nicholas Church.
19.  John Shiner and his son Joseph of Alden die on the same day.
20.  Opening of firemen’s carnival at Plymouth.  Opening of the automobile show, under the auspices of the 
Wilkes-Barre Automobile Club, in the armory.
22.  Large meetings held in Wilkes-Barre to celebrate the national missionary jubilee.
23.	Inspiring climax to the local observance of the Woman’s National Missionary Jubilee by a monster 
meeting in Irem Temple and an over flow meeting in the First M. E. Church.
24.	An amicable case filed to determine whether the county is responsible for the payment of the expenses 
of the county detectives.  Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Bogert of register celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
25.	Rev. P. J. Colligan of Plains named to succeed Rev. T. J. Donahue, deceased, as rector of St. Vincent’s
 Catholic Church, Plymouth; Rev. John H. O’Malley of Middle Meadows, N. Y., to go to Plains.
28.  John T. Withers of Jersey City lectures in the Y. M. C. A. on trees and parks, under the auspices of the Women’s
 Civic Club.  Rev. J. R. Wagner of the Courtdale Church announces that he is going to retire, after forty 
years in the ministry.
29.	St. Cecilia Society concert in Irem Temple.
30.	High school pupils produced “The Rivals” in the Grand Opera House.
31.	Contract for the erection of the Elks new home on North River street let to W. H. Shepherd & Sons for
 $78,990.  Court issues a new rule relative to the transfer of liquor licenses in order to overcome the sale of 
licenses after they have been granted, hearings on transfers to take place only in the last four months of the year.

April
2.	Exercises held in Irem Temple in memory of the late Frank Deitrick.
3.	Constable Devine of the Eighth Ward of Wilkes-Barre reports to the court the existence of a large 
number of bawdy houses in the ward and the court orders the district attorney to proceed to wipe them out; the
 latter gives two days to vacate on threat of prosecution if they do not do so.
4.	Dr. Charles H Aked, pastor of the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, New York City, lectures in the Y. M. C. A.
 course on “The strongest man on earth.”  Six men indicted on the charge of murder at one sitting of the grand jury.
6.  St. Aloysius Society of Kinston celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of its organization.
7.  Government rescue car stationed at Wilkes-Barre makes its first trip in response to a call for aid—going to 
Throop, Lackawanna County, where a fire was raging in the Pancoast mine, seventy-three smothered to death,
 one of the rescue corps killed by reason of a defective oxygen helmet.  D., L. & W. applies for an injunction to
 prevent the construction of the Plymouth bridge at grade.
8.  Death of Ransom Young of Butler Township at the age for 100 years.  Word received of the death of Michael 
Lynch, formerly of East End, on a railroad in Missouri.  Record starts a fund for the relief of the dependents in the
 mine disaster at Throop.
12.  Charles Miller of Ashley dies of injuries sustained on a railroad.
14.  River high for some days owing to rains, but no inconvenience caused to residents on the lowlands,  Mr. and
 Mrs. M. D. Appleman of Cambra celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
16.	Reopening of the Pittston Y.M.C.A. after extensive improvements.  Cool and partly cloudy Easter weather,
 with snow in the early morning.  Fire in Mayor Kniffen’s morgue and stable results in the death of eleven horses.
17.	Superior Court sustains the sentence of imprisonment imposed on three Warrior Run and one Wilkes-Barre
 Township citizens on the charge of having committed election fraud.
18.	Survivors of the Wyoming Artillerists banquet at Hotel Redington to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary 
of the battery leaving for the front to take part in the Civil War.  Laurel Line changes the name of Hancock station to Plains.
19.	Members of the Linonia Society of Hillman Academy present “She Stoops to Conquer.”
20.	Nearly twp thousand people attend a euchre and supper held in the armory for the benefit of the Lady of 
Victory Housel  Daniel D. Davis of Kingston appointed foreman of the government rescue car in place of Joseph 
Evans, who was killed while engaged in rescue work after the Throop disaster.  Death of David James, for many 
years instructor in music in the Wilkes-Barre public schools and choirmaster in some of the churches.
21.	Tag day in Wilkes-Barre in aid of the widows and orphans of the Throop min victims.
24.	Wilkes-Barre Board of School Government awards contract for the erection of the Firwood school 
building to Sax & Abbott of Philadelphia for $101,198, and the Franklin street building to Wilson J. Smith for 
$94,313, exclusive of extras.  Supreme Court hand down an opinion reversing the majority of the Luzerne court 
in its coal assessment decision and upholding the dissenting decision rendered by Judge Fuller.  Local tuberculosis 
society announces its intention of opening stations to demonstrate to mothers the method of preparing mild for 
infant feeding, in place of the plan of selling modified and pasteurized milk as formerly.  Education committee of 
local anti-tuberculosis society begins the distribution of booklets and circulars to the schools of the Wyoming Valley.
25.	Largest Board of trade banquet yet held in Wilkes-Barre, nearly six hundred men being in attendance.
27.  Over two thousand people attend masquerade and euchre under the auspices of the Shrine in Irem Temple.  
Traction company announces plans to extend and double track the West Market street bridge.  Ex-Governor Glenn 
of North Carolina speaks on local option in the Y. M. C. A.
28.	Muhlenburg College Glee Club appears in Irem Temple.
29.	Record’s fund for the relief of the widows and orphans of the victims of the Throop mine disaster reaches 
$3,584.  About fifty thousand tin cans gathered by children at Brookside as an experiment conducted under the 
auspices of the sanitary committee of Wilkes-Barre Councils, on cent a dozen paid for the cans.

May

1.  Resolution introduced at the Board of Trade to take preliminary steps looking to the erection of a building for
 that body.  Luzerne County Ministerial Association organized.
2.	Fourteen candidates qualify for the mine inspector examination conducted in Wilkes-Barre.
3.	Griffith Pritchard of Miner’s Mills wins the season base ball ticket offered by the Record to the person 
who would guess the nearest to the number of paid admissions to the opening game,  he having guessed the 
exact number, 2.992. Luzerne and Lackawanna Dental Society gives a dinner at Hotel Sterling in compliment
 to Dr. L. Lee Hollister of Wilkes-Barre, who has practiced for thirty-two years.
4.	About a thousand men, representing all departments of mining, attend the fourth annual banquet of 
the Wilkes-Barre district mining Institute in Irem Temple, The Central Poor District concludes arrangements with
 the Management of the White Haven Sanitarium to send indigent victims of tuberculosis to that institution at the 
rate of $7, $9, or $10 a week for each patient, according to the amount of care and kind of food required./  W. P.
 Billings resigns as assistant cashier of the Second National Bank, succeeded by Walter Lewis.
5.	Five thousand buttons distributed to Wilkes-Barre school children who pledged themselves to become
 members of the Junior Civic League, to do what they can for the good of the city and themselves.  Rev.. Robert
 HJ. Reidy, formerly of Wyoming, dies in Iowa.
8.  Father Dunn of Mercy Hospital transferred to the Cathedral chapel at Scranton.  First benefit affair in aid of 
the new homeopathic hospital given in Hotel Sterling by the ladies auxiliary in the form of a card party.
9.	Wilkes-Barre councils adopt a resolution urging the members to write to members of the legislature 
asking them to pass the bill for commission form of government in third class cities.
11.  Benjamin McGlynn of Avoca fatally injured by falling from a house on which he was working in Scranton.  
Fourteen girls of the Wilkes-Barre Institute Dramatic Club present a play “A Girl in a Thousand.”  Exceptionally 
warm May weather, mercury reaches 92 degrees in Wilkes-Barre.
12.  Coroner’s jury recommends that Harry Bonham, whose automobile ran over and killed a pedestrian at 
Midvale, be held for involuntary manslaughter.  County solicitor petitions the Supreme Court for a reargument
 in the coal assessment case.
13.  Jed and Margaret, son and daughter of Mrs. Mary A Howells of Parsons, married at the same time.
14.  Jubilee services held in the Christian Church at Plymouth. 
15.	Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania meets in Wilkes-Barre, together with the 
Rebekah Assembly.
16.	County solicitor decides that the county cannot build bridges in the city of Pittston.  Officers,
 directors and employees of the Wilkes-Barre Deposit & Savings Bank banquet at Hotel Redington to 
celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Bank.  Twenty-two young ladies received in to the order at 
Mallinckrodt Convent.
17.	Plains Township officials begin a crusade against automobile speeders.  Annual convention 
of the Scranton Diocesan C. T. A. U. held at Freeland.
18.	Steven Hammond of the Prospect colliery appointed superintendent of the Plains district 
of the Lehigh Valley Coal Co., to succeed Evan Price, resigned.
19.	Census Bureau states that a “metropolitan district” cannot be created out of Wilkes-Barre 
and vicinity, owing to the city itself lacking the required population.
20.	Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Labagh of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
21.	Plot in Hanover Green Cemetery dedicated for veterans of the Spanish-American War.  
Thermometer registers 93 degrees in Wilkes-Barre.
22.	Eugene V. Debs, Socialist leader, delivers an address in Irem Temple.  Abnormally hot weather—
thermometer registers 95 degrees in Wilkes-Barre.
23.	Coroner’s jury in the case of the Boston mine fire at Larksville, in which five men were killed, 
finds that the fire was of incendiary origin from the outside.
25.  Larksville’s new school building dedicated.
26.	Thirteen nurses graduate from the City Hospital training school.
27.	Two men fatally injured by the fall of an elevator in the Flatiron Hotel in Wilkes-Barre.  
Nanticoke District Mining Institute holds its first annual banquet.
28.	Spanish-American War Veterans dedicate a plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Members of 
Conyngham Post, Sons of Veterans, Ladies of the G. A. R. and Women’s Relief Corps attend 
services at the First Baptist Church.
29.	Opening of the aviation meet in Wilkes-Barre, the first to be held in Pennsylvania outside 
of Philadelphia.  Convention of the Pennsylvania Slovak Roman and Greek Catholic Union held in Wilkes-Barre.
30.	Wilkes-Barre Choir, William G. Davies, leader, wins the Chief choral competition at the Dr.
 Mason eisteddfod in the armory.  Daughters of the American Revolution present a flag to the Park 
Commission, with exercises at Riverside Park.  Central high school of Newport Township dedicated 
at Wanamie.  Richard Holgate of Scranton delivers the principal Memorial Day address in Wilkes-Barre.  
Beachey and McCurdy make some thrilling flights at the aviation meet—about five thousand in attendance.

June

1.	Judge Fuller decides that county detectives are entitled only to necessary traveling 
expenses and nothing else.
2.	Over eight hundred men and boys of the Hollenback mine of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre 
go on strike, charging excessive dockage, but returned to work a few days later pending a settlement.
3.	Parsons Hose Co. celebrates its twentieth anniversary with a banquet.
4.	Double wedding at the home of Louis Rosenthal of the Heights, his son and Daughter 
Harry and Mollie Marry Miss Selia Simmons of Altoona and J. I. Braddock Jr., of Sunbury, respectively.  
Thomas A. Daly lectures in St. Mary’s auditorium.  Aviation meet ends with a series of Sunday Flights.
5.	New homeopathic hospital in Wilkes-Barre formally opened.  Wilkes-Barre Chamber of 
Commerce starts a five-day booster campaign to increase the membership to five hundred.
7.Five nurses graduate from the Mercy Hospital training school.  County commissioners fix the tax levy 
for the year at five mills, an increase of one and three-fourths over the previous year.
8.	Plainfield, N. J., Retail Coal Dealer’s Association makes a visit to Wilkes-Barre.
9.	Miss Ethel Grover and Frank J. Flannery win the oratorical prizes at Wyoming Seminary.
11.  One of the most terrific storms in years passes over Wilkes-Barre and vicinity—a boy killed by
 lightning at Miner’s Mills and another at Plains, a number of places struck by lightning and a deluge 
of rain cause damage.  Rev. Lincoln A. Ferris of Binghamton preaches the baccalaureate sermon to the 
graduates of Wyoming Seminary.
12.  Formal exceptions filed by Cyrus Straw to the construction of the proposed county roads in Duryea 
and Avoca.  
13.  Wilkes-Barre Councils postpone the public comfort station project indefinitely and transfer the $10,000 
appropriation to the Park Commission.  Carl Coons wins the first place in the Miner prizes in declamation 
at the Hillman Academy.
14.  Forty-two students graduate from Wyoming Seminary.  County commissioners inform the district 
attorney that they will pay the expenses of witness brought from out of town for the trial of the court house
 cases.  Nineteen young men graduate from Hillman Academy.
15.	Arthur Brown of Wilkes-Barre, former member of the Wilkes-Barre base ball team, shot to
 death by an actor in Albany, N. Y.  Rev. Max Voelker, who resigned the pastorate of Kripplein Christi 
Lutheran Church, leaves for New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, his new charge.  Six young ladies graduate 
from St. Ann’s Academy, at Mallinckrodt Convent.
One hundred and seventy-one pupils graduate from the Wilkes-Barre high school, the largest class yet.  
W. F. Barclay, superintendent of parks in Wilkes-Barre, resigns and Benjamin Rifkin appointed in his place.
18.  Members of St. Nicholas German Catholic Church pretest against the erection of a new bridge on the
 proposed site between South and Ross streets.
19.  Physical Director W. S. Rogers of the Y. M. C. A. named as director of the Wilkes-Barre playgrounds
 by revokes two liquor licenses for violation of the law.  County Controller Norris questions the legality of 
appointing the Wilkes-Barre city treasurer for the collection of the county taxes because of non-settlement
 of the previous duplicate, and also the legality of the deductions make for prompt payment at the time specified.
20.  Plains Township defeats the proposed new loan for $87,000 for the erection of a new school building.  
Championship pennants of Wilkes-Barre base ball team for the seasons 1909 and 1910 raised at the park 
with appropriate exercises.
21.  Sixty-four graduated from St. Mary’s high school.  Degree doctor of divinity conferred upon Rev. James 
M. Farr of Wilkes-Barre by Lafayette.
22.	Miss Ruth Raeder, daughter of Mrs. And Mrs. John W. Raeder of Wilkes-Barre, has the distinction
 of being the first American girl to receive the degree of master of arts for proficiency in geology, the degree 
having been conferred by Wellesley.
23.	Jacob H. Bessert, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, killed by a train at Herkimer, N. Y.
24.	Ten companies of the 9th Regt. Indulge in a war game between Sugar Notch and Nanticoke.  
Charles Kishbaugh of Salem Township killed at Berwick by being kicked by a mule.
26.  First meeting of the reorganized Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.  F. J. Stevens, a former 
resident of Kingston, named master mechanic of the Fort Wayne & Northern Indiana Traction Co.  An 
association of the “men and religion forward movement” organized in Wilkes-Barre.  Newsboys of the
 three Wilkes-Barre daily papers given an outing at Luna Park.  Rev. John S. Schubert of Egg Harbor, 
J. J., elected pastor of Kripplein Christi Church.
27.  Thomas J. Williams of Hazleton appointed mine inspector to succeed P/ M. Boyle, deceased.  
W. A. Schlingmann, cashier of the First National Bank at Freeland, chosen as cashier of the new 
Hanover Bank in South Wilkes-Barre.
28.	United States Senator Clapp speaks at the annual picnic of Pomona Grange No. 44 
at Harvey’s Lake.
29.	Joseph Gagion ordained a priest in St. Mary’s chapel.  Wilkes-Barre’s new station house 
formally inspected.  George R. Bedford of Wilkes-Barre elected president of the Pennsylvania Bar 
Association.  Opening of the carnival of the Catholic Gymnasium Association, preceded by a big 
parade.  Strike called by the plumbers and sheet metal workers of Wilkes-Barre, owing to failure to
 secure an increase in Wages.  Death of Re. John Hague, a well known clergyman of Plymouth.

July

1.	Water carnival on the river attracts large crowd.  Opening of new Dime Bank in Pittston.
2.	Dedication of the newly remodeled union chapel at Lake Nuangola.  Hottest day of the 
season—thermometer registers 100 degrees in Wilkes-Barre.
3.	Hotter Than the day previous—thermometer registers 101 in Wilkes-Barre.  Rev. Dr. 
Charles A. Richmond, president of Union College, delivers the address at Wyoming monument, 
on “The new patriotism.”
4.	Wilkes-Barre’s first Fourth of July under an ordinance prohibiting the sale and discharge 
of all fireworks except colored fire and firecrackers of six inches and under,--considerable improvement
 in the casualty record.  Yet more intense heat—mercury 101 degrees.  Playground in Plymouth, equipped
 by the Kingston Coal Co., formally opened.
5.	Jacob German of Creasy, formerly of Nanticoke, murdered at Northumberland by a drink-crazed
 man.  Catherine M. Loughlin of Pittston drowned at Mt. Pocono by falling into a dam.  Death at Hartford, 
Conn., of Rev. Dr. Fullerton, late pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.
6.	Supreme Court refuses to interfere with the sentence of death passed upon George L. Marion.  
Death of Francis A. Phelps, one of Wilkes-Barre’s best know citizens.
7.	Several deaths and many prostration in Wilkes-Barre and vicinity during the severe hot spell.
10.	Another very hot spell—thermometer 100 in Wilkes-Barre.
12.  Court appoints nine citizens to erect and manage a home for delinquent boys, and also a board of
 nine permanent viewers.
14.  Judge Fuller, in handing down rules for the government of the new board of viewers, holds the act up 
to ridicule and gives it as his opinion that it is unconstitutional.
17.  Delegates of District No. 1, United Mine Workers, convene in Wilkes-Barre.
18.  William H Warburton and J. Brown dissolve partnership as managers of the Glen “Summit Hotel,
 the former remaining.
21.	Ninth Regt. Leaves for the annual encampment at Selinsgrove.
23.  Spring Brook Water Supply Co. occupies its new home on North Franklin street.
24.  Judge Ferris decides that the Wilkes-Barre city assessors are entitled to an increase of from $1,350
 to $1,500 a year in salary.
25.	Rev. John J. Featherstone of Wilkes-Barre, Rev. Simon J. Strucktus of Plymouth and Rev. 
James J. Mulholland of Sugar Notch ordained to the priesthood at Scranton.
26.	Banquet in honor of the opening of Wilkes-Barre’s new station House.
27.	German Day at Mountain Park attracts many visitors.
31.  Prof. Gwilym Davies chosen as musical instructor in the Wilkes-Barre public schools to succeed the
 late David James.  Board of managers appointed by the court to purchase a site and erect a home for 
boys committed by the Juvenile Court organizes by the election of F. N. Day of Hazleton as president and
 Charles Johnson, secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Y. M. C. A., as secretary.  Work Started on the erection 
of a new breaker to replace the Keystone at Hudson, destroyed by fire.

August

1.	Fifth anniversary of the institution of the South Side Bank celebrated with a banquet.  Judge 
Garman decides that the classification of Plymouth Township cannot be lowered this year, owing to the 
proclamation to having been made in time.  Miss Laura Young of Johnstown, N. Y., chosen as general 
secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Y. W. C. A., to succeed Miss Edith Fry, resigned.
2.	Peter Nieman, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, killed in a railroad accident in Illinois.
3.	Edmund L. Briggs of Dunmore, Charles W. Gallagher of Minooka and Patrick Higgins of 
Minooka killed at Dupont crossing by their automobile and a D. & H. passenger train colliding.
6.	Annual  Caledonian day at Sans Souci Park.  Parsons citizens defeat the sewer loan proposition
 by seven votes.  Jr. O. U. A. M. Regiment leaves for camp at Cooperstown, N. Y. 
7.	Fortieth annual convention of the State C. T. A. U. convenes in Pittston.
8.	Contract authorized with the Welsbach Co. to light certain streets and alleys for three years, 
pending consideration of the Wilkes-Barre Light Co.’s offer and preparations to furnish light.
9.	Clarence Heycock of the Heights, Wilkes-Barre, drowned in Lake Carey.  H. D. Kendall, formerly
 of Kinston, killed on a railroad in Ohio.
10.	Second annual water carnival at Nuangola Lake a Big success.  William Dolan of West Pittston 
drowned in the river near Falls.  Death at Mauch Chunk of George M. Lawrence, Ashley’s first squire, aged 
nearly 89 years.  C. T. A. U. Regiment leaves for camp at Boston.
13.  Mr. and Mrs. William Bebb of Edwardsville celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary.  Mrs. H. B. Hillman 
of Wilkes-Barre, within a few months of a hundred years, submits to an operation for appendicitis.
14.  Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States, Patrons of America, meets in Wilkes-Barre.  D., L. & W. 
to build thirty-two concrete blocks of houses near the Truesdale colliery, near Nanticoke.  Annual encampment 
of the 2d Ret., P. O. S. of A., at Harvey’s Lake.
18.  Reception for Rev. William D. Jones, who for several years has been assistant to Rev. Dr. Roberts of the 
Heights, but who goes to a pastorate at Lynn Grove, Ohio.
19.  Hanover Bank in South Wilkes-Barre opened for business.
21.	Miss Gertrude Davis fatally and Andrew Raub seriously injured by being run down by an 
automobile in Plymouth.
22.	Fifty-seven county candidates present at the merchants’ picnic at Hazleton.
23.	Catholic Gymnasium Association scholarship contests decided—Joseph A. Carr of Olyphant 
wins the University of Pennsylvania scholarship, Thomas Conway of Wilkes-Barre the St. Bonaventure 
College and Miss Agnes McDonald of Wilkes-Barre the Mt. St. Mary’s.  Philip Altier of Hudson electrocuted
 at Scranton by coming in contact with a live wire.
28.	One of the heaviest rain storms of the season floods the streets.
30.Special tax levy of sixteen mills in Pittston Township by the court to pay old indebtedness.  Extraordinary 
spell of rain, covering fire days.

September

2.	Thousands of people at Sans Souci Park to celebrate Welsh Day.  Novel report framed by the
 grand jury, calling attention to many public evils and naming a number of strong recommendations.
3.	Miss Annie Llewellyn of West Pittston and Miss Ethel Evans of Pittston drowned at West Falls 
while attempting to go from a flat bottom boat into a canoe.
4.	Large crowd attends the opening of the Luzerne County fair.  Martin S. Mangan of Dorranceton 
drowned while on a visit at Yonkers, N. Y. Cornerstone of St. Vladimir Ruthenian Greek Catholic Churchy at
 Edwardsville laid.  Lincoln school building at Nanticoke and the new Second Ward building in Kingston 
dedicated.  Rev.  James Grattan Mythen takes charge of the boys; work in connection with Calvary Church.
7.   Dedication of Catholic chapel at Bear creek given by Albert Lewis.  Judges Fuller, Ferris and Jones 
decide that the county commissioners shall make preparations for the nomination of candidates for a first 
class township in Hanover, the objection that the designation of the township as one of the first class was 
too long delayed being overruled, Judge Garman dissenting.
8.	Wilkes-Barre school board decides to pen a special school for tuberculosis children.
9.	Proposition to bond the borough of Sugar Notch in the sum of $40,000 defeated by one vote—
157 to 156.  Court decides that Plymouth Township shall remain in the first class, because exceptions to 
Judge Garman’s decision were not fired in time.
10.	Joseph Rolslechis of Duryea killed at Ransom by coming in contact with a live wire.
12.  Democratic rally at Fernbrook Park.
13.  Daniel Barrett, a West Wyoming brakeman, killed at Clark’s Summit.  Wilkes0Barre’s new high school 
occupied for the first time by pupils.  Local Lafayette Alumni Association takes action on the death of Dr. March.
15.	Wilkes-Barre Light Co. given a franchise for a term of seventy-five years, the city to have the right 
to purchase the plant after fifteen years, a tax of 50 cents a year on each pole and $1 on each mile of wire
 to be imposed, a bond in the sum of $15,000 to be given, and penalties imposed for selling out.
18.  Court house conspiracy cases begun against contractor and architects.
20.  Postal savings bank opens in Wilkes-Barre postoffice.
21.	Sixty-two students of the Wilkes-Barre high school business department go on strike because
 some rearrangement in the course of study was unsatisfactory to them.
24.	Cornerstone of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Nanticoke laid.
25.	Court house fraud cases finally disposed of by verdict of not guilty by instruction of the court, the 
contractor ordered to pay two-thirds of the cost and the architects one-third.  Board of trade changes its 
name to Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.
26.	Strike of students of Wilkes-Barre high school commercial department settled after a conference
 between the parents and the superintendent, the latter promising to make some changes is the course.  
Twenty-night annual convention of the Sunday schools of Luzerne County at the Y. M. C. A. Two day’s session.
27.	Official notification of the commutation of the sentence of George L. Marion to life imprisonment 
arrives a day before the time set for his execution.
28.	Cornerstone of West Wyoming town hall laid.
29.	Masonic Lodge No. 61 celebrated the 125th anniversary of the independence of the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania.  Rev. W. G. Funk installed as pastor of the Plains Presbyterian Church.
30.	Most exciting primary campaign in the history of the county closes.


October

3.  Wilkes-Barre Automobile Club decides to get after members and other who endanger life by speeding.
5.	Sensation sprung when Mayor Kniffen summoned the district attorney and showed him $20.000 
in bonds and $4,000 in cash, which he alleged had been given him to sign the franchise ordinance of the 
new light company.  Veto of the ordinance sent to councils in the evening.  Miss Dorothy Yates of West 
Pittston presented with a gold medal for saving the life of a man who was drowning at Lake Carey.  
6.	 Public reception and reunion at the First M. E. Church, Wilkes-Barre, to celebrate the reopening 
after extensive repairs.
9.  Cornerstone of Ashley’s new town hall laid.  Congressman Hobson lectures in the Y. M. C. A. on temperance.  
Silver jubilee of Bethesda Congregational Church in Edwardsville being celebrated.
10.	Twentieth annual convention of the Sunday School Union of the Wyoming Association of Congregational 
Churches held at Edwardsville.  Father Mathew Day celebrated with a big parade in Pittston.
11.	Typhoid fever epidemic at Luzerne Borough.  George B. Rommel of Pittston dies suddenly on a 
Laurel Line car.
12.	Italians celebrate Columbus Day with a parade and a reception in Columbus Hall.  Fifty-second 
Regt. survivors celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the mustering in of the regiment.
13.	Mr. and Mrs. William H. Frey, Sr., of Wilkes-Barre celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
14.	Annual Tag Day nets the Shelter and Day Nursery about $1,800.
15.	About eight hundred men assemble in Irem Temple to hear the Men Religion Movement 
explained.  Cornerstone of Primitive Methodist Church at Parsons laid.
16.	Wilkes-Barre Conference of the Lutheran Ministerium meets in Pittston.
17.	Seven miners of the Pittston district awarded Carnegie hero medals and money for rescue 
work in the Hoyt shaft in January.
20.  Long spell of rainy and gloomy weather.
21.	Passenger and freight cars come together on the Wilkes-Barre & Hazelton and some of the 
passengers slightly injured.
24.	Rev. William Davies  of South Wales begins evangelistic services in the First Welsh Presbyterian 
Church.  Farmers’ dance held in the armory under the auspices of the Catholic Gymnasium Association.
25.	Luzerne County Medical Society entertains a company of physicians from the Hazleton region 
at dinner at the Sterling.  Judge Garman decides that the office of poor director in Luzerne County is not 
elective, dismissing the petition of Thomas M. Oplinger of Nanticoke.
26.	Miss Edith Brower delivers the first of two lectures on “Ballads, Ancient and Modern.”
28.  Board of management decides upon the John W. Smith form in Butler Valley as the site for the proposed 
home for boys committed by the Juvenile Court.
29.	“Big Frank” Carr, reformed burglar, speaks to an audience of men in the Luzerne Theatre.
30.	 Hyde Park Choir wins principal prize at eisteddfod at Plymouth.  Forty-fourth annual teacher’s 
institute of Luzerne County being held in Wilkes-Barre.  Concordia concert, with Madame Davies-Williams 
and Thomas Rippard as soloists.
31.	Miss Jean Burgess of Germantown addresses the Women’s Civic Club on woman suffrage.



November

1.	Men of the Miner-Hillard Milling Co. tender a banquet to Col. Asher Miner on his return from a 
business trip to Great Britain and the continent.  Jacob Bossert takes possession of the restaurant on 
Public Square for many years conducted by Adam Turkes.
2.	Rev. Frederick A. Lendrum, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, dean of the Methodist Theological Institution 
at Pueblo, Mexico, appointed United Sates consul at that place.  First flurry of snow of the season.  Women’s
 Christian Temperance Union of Luzerne County comes out in favor of woman suffrage.  Epidemic of typhoid 
fever at Luzerne Borough causes concern.
3.	Governor Harmon of Ohio at a Democratic mass meeting at the armory.  Annual county Christian 
Endeavor convention held in Memorial Church, Wilkes-Barre/
5.  Memorial services held in the First Presbyterian Church as a tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Fullerton, who was 
pastor of the church.
6.  Peter Zurinski of Luzerne Borough dies from gunshot wounds sustained while he was caught in a chicken 
coop.  Plains Township’s handsome new high school building dedicated.
8.  John Barnes Wells concert in Irem Temple under the auspices of the music committee of the First Baptist
 Church.  
9.  Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ernst of Sugarloaf Valley celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
10.  Home of John Conlan of Hudson damaged by dynamite while twelve people were sleeping in the house. 
 Prof. John L. Stewart of Lehigh University lectures before the Historical Society on “Modern views of the 
Federal Constitution.”
14.  Three inches of snow.   Wilkes-Barre Camera Club entertained by the president, W. H. Shepherd, at the 
Hotel Sterling.  Prof. Charles Zueblin lectures at the First Presbyterian Church on municipal problems, under 
the auspices of the Women’s Civic Club.
15.	Members of St. Ann’s Alumnae hold a euchre and dance in Irem Temple.
19.  Christ Reformed Church of Plymouth dedicated.
20.  Real estate men of Wilkes-Barre form a permanent organization.
21.	Councils decide to repair the South street bridge instead of erecting a new structure, until such
 time as the grade crossing problem is settled.  Dr. A. H. Morgan, Bernard O’Rourke and Giles Ross succeed
 A. L. Williams, James M. Boland and W. S. Goff on the Wilkes-Barre Park Commission.
22.	James Bryden of West Pittston ordained a minister in the Dorranceton Baptist Church.  First apple 
show in Luzerne County opens in the Wilkes-Barre Y. M. C. A.
24.  Body of Paul Biesecki of Edwardsville found in the river.
25.  Parent-Teacher Association of the Carey avenue school holds a bazaar.  Dupont Powder Co. preparing
 to abandon its mills at Wapwallopen and the transfer of a number of the employees to Moosic.
26.	Three brothers married at the same time in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Hudson—John, Andrew 
and Joseph Lavix.
27.	  Russell H. Conwell lectures in Wilkes-Barre on “A Silver Crown, or Born a King.”  Many election 
officers plead guilty to certain irregularities and are fines $50 and costs.
29.  City superintendent James M. Coughlin gives a dinner for the members of the retiring school board.  Rev. 
Bernard Vaughan lectures in the Grand Opera House on “Joan of Arc,’ under the auspices of St. Aloysius Church.  
Court approves the plan for the new indexing system in the recorder’s office.
31.	Free Methodist Church at Trucksville dedicated.  New school building at Edwardsville dedicated.

Typed by Pat Shanor
Jan. 2009