A Novel Solution

A Novel Solution. . , After World War II, prosperity resided elsewhere. In Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk too many remained unemployed. To raise money to lure factories to town, Joe Boyle helped organize the grass roots "Nickel-a-Week" campaign. He also hoped to merge the two towns to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Until 1953, the contributed nickels continued to add up but the industrialists stayed away and the separatists had their way., Then Joe Boyle seized upon a novel opportunity. When the widow of Olympic champion, Jim Thorpe, came to town looking for a place to bury her husband, an agreement was reached. In return for promises of publicity, tourism, and a specialized heart and cancer hospital, the two Mauch Chunks merged, changed their name to Jim Thorpe, PA., and used the nickels to build a mausoleum for Thorpe's body., Two towns became one and Jim Thorpe became the most famous non-resident of Carbon County., [Captions:] , Jim Thorpe All American - Olympic Champion, Jim Boyle visits final resting place of All-American athlete Jim Thorpe.