[Wilkes-Barre] Est. 1769
Coal breaker/colliery [at upper left highlights the Wyoming Valley's rich anthracite coal mining history]
Wyoming Valley scene [at upper right highlights the region prior to Euro-american settlement]
. . . — — Map (db m200970) HM
Dedicated to the men killed
at Coshocton, Ohio
Sept. 11, 1950
[Honored Dead]
Carl W. Armbruster Leonard Balonis John L. Barna
Eugene Carr John W. Cox William R. Disbrow
William J. Dougherty William C. Edwards Hugh L. . . . — — Map (db m110473) WM
In Loving Memory of Our War Dead
15th Ward Wilkes-Barre
Joseph Ancavage William B. Bowyer Raymond Cunningham
Charles J. Dombroski William H. Dourand Michael Ferris
Robert A. Goodall Anthony C. Godleski Robert M. Houck
Linn . . . — — Map (db m187386) WM
[Paragraphed for ease of reading]
The President's Home at 30 West River Street was
designed in 1925 by Edmund B. Gilchrist, a prominent
architect from Philadelphia. This construction came after
the destruction of the Atherton property, . . . — — Map (db m200874) HM
This tree is a living memorial
to those who made the
supreme sacrifice in
World War II
William F. Dreisbach Edward Mason
Frank Ellman Leo Pappas
Oscar H. Schaefer Douglas Nesbitt
Peter W. Lynch John W. Fleckno
Robert G. . . . — — Map (db m117027) WM
"A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure. It offers a necessity of life that must be rationed among those who have power over it."
Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes
Tethered livestock grazed along the River Common established as . . . — — Map (db m110496) HM
Founded Planters Peanut Company in 1906 with fellow Italian immigrant Mario Peruzzi. Arriving in America at twelve, speaking no English, Obici worked at a local fruit store before opening his own peanut cart. An entrepreneur, he invented new peanut . . . — — Map (db m19047) HM
Organization founded in 1871 by 22 mining professionals to promote safety, education and technology in mining. One of the first national engineering societies in the US, the institute and it's 150,000 + members honor the group's legacy by providing . . . — — Map (db m94670) HM
This is a medium sized shade tree
with wide-spreading crown, graceful
flowers and beautiful fall color. Used
as an ornamental, it prefers rich,
moist, limestone soil. Heartwood
is a striking deep yellow color. Early
Americans boiled . . . — — Map (db m200871) HM
On February 23, 1951 history was made in Wilkes-Barre. Eight jazz bands got together for "The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz" which became the country's first Jazz Festival. On this occasion April 29, 1994 the City of Wilkes-Barre acknowledges and . . . — — Map (db m117087) HM
Near here, on June 5, 1919, an explosion and fire in the Baltimore Mine Tunnel killed 92 and injured 60 when a fallen trolley wire contacted a cart carrying miners and kegs of blasting powder. One of the deadliest industrial disasters in Pa. . . . — — Map (db m90613) HM
On May 16, 1871, eight men from Wilkes-Barre, 11 other Pennsylvanians, and three New Yorkers - all professional mining and metallurgical engineers - gathered in Wilkes-Barre to discuss "two great objectives: First, the more economical production . . . — — Map (db m117088) HM
Officers of the Revolution, members of the Sullivan Expedition and brothers in Masonry, killed by warriors of the Six Nations near the summit of Wilkes Barre Mountain April 23, 1779.
July 29, 1779 their bodies were removed to the old . . . — — Map (db m200971) HM WM
"The administration of justice is the
firmest pillar of government."
George Washington, 1789
You can't have a county without a county seat. In 1786 Luzerne County formed from Northumberland County. Wilkes-Barre, a place of early . . . — — Map (db m110482) HM
Chase Hall was erected between 1917-1918 as the residence of Fred M Chase, president of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company at the time, and his wife, Ellen Stark Chase, sister of Admiral Harold R. Stark. The Chase property was the first building . . . — — Map (db m200921) HM
Dedicated to the furtherance of
higher education in the Wyoming Valley
by
Harold R. Stark and Mrs. Katharine R. Stark
in memory of
Frederick M. Chase and Ellen Stark Chase — — Map (db m200927) HM
Donated by Sons of Italy in America
Francesco Ferruccio Lodge #1397
to the Citizens of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Commemorating the Quincentennial — — Map (db m117054) HM
Wilkes University thanks the Class of 1999 for their
senior class gift, which provided a campus map that
stood behind the Henry Student Center. The map was
housed in a structure that shared the same architectural
features as the Henry . . . — — Map (db m200968) HM
The first Connecticut settlement on their Susquehanna Purchase, 1762. Following its destruction by Indians on Oct. 15, 1763, no further settlements were made until 1769. — — Map (db m19052) HM
This is a small tree with short trunk, spreading branches and broad, open crown. It grows in moist soils of valleys and borders of forests and old fields. The fruit is consumed by many birds and mammals. The hard, heavy wood has been used for tool . . . — — Map (db m153276) HM
US Congressman from Pa. 11th District, 1944 to 1980. His seniority on the House Appropriations Committee and knowledge of the legislative process enabled him to play a key role establishing national programs such as Medicare, Appalachian urban . . . — — Map (db m67546) HM
Wilkes College acquired the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center in 1964 from the Wyoming Valley Society of Arts and Sciences. The Society had initially purchased the land from two Conyngham homes that were demolished in the 1920s with the intention of . . . — — Map (db m200872) HM
During Wilkes College's early years, the library was housed on the third floor of Kirby Hall. However, with growing collections and a need for a larger space, the new library was constructed with the assistance of almost 500 share plan donors and . . . — — Map (db m200932) HM
This monument erected
by the City of Wilkes-Barre
and
dedicated to the memory of its
early settlers and war veterans
whose grave sites remain unmarked
as a result of deterioration
and the passage of time.
Walter W. Lisman, . . . — — Map (db m90611) HM WM
"Every boy represents a human soul; a character forming for eternity. The life for the next few years will decide his future... Many a man who beats his life out behind prison bars is a victim of misdirected energy. Truly, the wealth of a . . . — — Map (db m110495) HM
The F.M. Kirby & Co. Store,
founded in Wilkes-Barre on
September 10, 1884,
and later known as Woolworth's,
occupied this site until 1993.
F.M. Kirby helped to pioneer the
"Five and Dime," one of the great
innovations in American . . . — — Map (db m117136) HM
This stone marks
the first permanent settlement
in Wyoming Valley
in the summer of 1762 by a
company of pioneers from Connecticut. — — Map (db m151681) HM
First fort built by the Connecticut settlers; Begun in April 1796. Used during the first Pennamite War against Pennsylvania authorities. 1769-71. It stood 1000 feet from Ft. Wyoming. — — Map (db m18591) HM
Was built 82 ft. south west of this Stone in 1769 by the
Connecticut settlers as a defence against the Indians. It became a military post in the contest over the jurisdiction and title to the Wyoming lands between the settlers and the Proprietary . . . — — Map (db m173716) HM
This monument was erected by the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution assisted by the Sons of the Revolution to mark the spot where Fort Wilkes-Barre stood in 1778 at the time of the Wyoming Massacre.
The fort was . . . — — Map (db m68786) HM
Built by Pennsylvania, 1771; seized by Connecticut settlers. Rebuilt 1778. Mobilization camp for Sullivan's army, 1779. Destroyed 1784, after withdrawal of the Continental and Pennsylvania garrisons. — — Map (db m18650) HM
This Stone marks the site of
Fort Wyoming.
Built by the Proprietary
forces January 1771. Captured
by the Connecticut settlers the
same year, and used as a defence against
the Indians. Rebuilt in 1778 and became
an important . . . — — Map (db m153274) HM
This Abstract Expressionist painter, born in Wilkes-Barre, helped establish the international reputation of American artists in the 1950's. Kline's "Action Painting" is noted for bold, emotionally charged brushstrokes and non-representational . . . — — Map (db m18624) HM
Pioneer of the 5 & 10 cent store sales concept. He opened his first store in Wilkes-Barre in 1884. In 1912, he merged his 96 retail stores with F. W. Woolworth to form the vast international retail chain. A philanthropist, he made significant gifts . . . — — Map (db m18596) HM
Dr. Frederick Chas. Johnson
Journalist, Historian, Altruist
Son of Wesley and Cynthia Johnson
Born at Marquette, Wis., Mar. 2, 1853
Died at Dallas, Pa. Mar. 5, 1913
Graduated in Medicine, Univ. of Pa. 1883
Manager, Editor and . . . — — Map (db m173736) HM
The great painter of Indian portraits was born here July 26 1796 of Connecticut ancestry. Until 1823 he practiced law here and nearby. He began painting Indian pictures six years later. — — Map (db m18590) HM
Local conductor on the Underground Railroad
who smuggled runaway slaves in and out of Wilkes-Barre
in violation of the Fugitive Slave Act in the 1850's — — Map (db m231043) HM
At his tavern here on Feb. 11, 1808, Fell burned stone coal successfully in an open grate. This famed experiment spurred the rise of the anthracite industry & the Wyoming Valley's growth. He was a judge, 1798-1830; first burgess of Wilkes-Barre, . . . — — Map (db m67549) HM
President of the United Mine Workers of America,
addresses the Bituminous Coal Operators' Negotiating Committee,
April 10, 1946, at the National Bituminous Coal Conference
in the Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.:
"For four weeks we have sat . . . — — Map (db m165172) HM
Early defender of political liberty, free speech, and
the rights of the people to elect their leaders.
[On back panel]
This statue honors Max Rosenn, Judge of the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the Third Circuit, for the unique vision
and . . . — — Map (db m165142) HM
In grateful appreciation to
the Holy Cross Community who founded King's College
1946
Rev. James W. Connerton, C.S.C.
President
Rev. William S. Scandlon, C.S.C.
Vice President
Rev. Raymond A. Pieper, . . . — — Map (db m110444) HM
In approximately 1765, Jabez Sill purchased the plot that now houses Kirby Hall and is considered the #1 site of land in the original town plan. Kirby Hall was built between 1873-1874 for Stephen Leonard Thurlow, who was a businessman in . . . — — Map (db m200886) HM
United States South Korea
United Nations
This monument is dedicated to all those
men and women from Luzerne County
who served in the
Korean Theater of Operations
during the Korean War.
On land donated by the county commissioners, . . . — — Map (db m110470) WM
Formed September 25, 1786 from Northumberland County. Named for Chevalier de la Luzerne. Wilkes-Barre, the county seat, was settled 1769. A center of the Yankee-Pennamite Wars (begun 1769) and 1902 Anthracite Strike, conflicts that changed America. — — Map (db m31946) HM
From headquarters in Wilkes-Barre, Howe's six touring shows introduced motion pictures to rural Americans. Pioneer exhibitor of "high class" film programs with coordinated sound. Filmed world & local events, including Pres. Theodore Roosevelt's . . . — — Map (db m18599) HM
Main Street in Wilkes-Barre has been a significant road in the city's history. In
the Spring of 1772, the road had been constructed starting at the head of Main
Street in the town-plot of Wilkes-Barre and leading all the way to . . . — — Map (db m200966) HM
Prominent labor, community, and civic leader. She headed the Wyoming Valley District of the ILGWU, 1944-1963. With her husband Bill, she confronted corrupting influences & other obstacles in building a membership of 11,000. Created under their . . . — — Map (db m67547) HM
Dedicated to the memory of
Major General Asher Miner
and the officers and men of the
109th Field Artillery of
the American Expeditionary Force
who served in the Great War
Battles
Champagne Oisne-Aisne Lorraine . . . — — Map (db m187379) WM
Built in 1966, the Dining Common and New Men's Dormitory was hoped to be an improvement from the barracks-type dormitories built by other colleges during post-war expansion. It was a Y-shaped building accommodating 268 men and a new dining hall. . . . — — Map (db m200882) HM
Old Ship Zion Church on Public Square was the first religious assembly hall in Wilkes-Barre. This bell, the first known church bell in Luzerne County, hung in the church until the building was demolished in 1857. The bell was cast in Philadelphia . . . — — Map (db m117084) HM
Patrick J. O'Connor
1903-1958
Patrick J. O'Connor was a distinguished scholar, speaker and attorney. He was valedictorian of his college St. Bonaventure. He was valedictorian and editor-in-chief of the Law Review at Georgetown University . . . — — Map (db m110466) HM
Historically the interior of Public Square, or as it was known originally the "Town Plot," has served a variety of needs. Laid out in 1733 by Col. John Durkee, it has been the setting for a market house, a fireproof storage building for records, a . . . — — Map (db m117091) HM
Graduated Yale College, 1740.
Pastor Congregational Church, Groton,
Connecticut, 1749 - 1772.
First Pastor Wilkes-Barre Congregation
(subsequently First Presbyterian)
1772 - 1797.
He made missionary journeys to the Six
Nations, . . . — — Map (db m134647) HM
Founding pastor of Holy Savior Parish in 1895. Known as the Labor Priest, he championed the workers' cause and was instrumental in settling the Anthracite Strike of 1902. He was a friend of Theodore Roosevelt, who visited here often. — — Map (db m19059) HM
Pioneer in development of overland wireless telegraphy. In 1898 he began his experiments on these grounds. His first public transmission of sound was made here on Nov. 23, 1905. Pastor, artist, biologist, and a supporter of Slovak aspirations, he . . . — — Map (db m90610) HM
This entry marks the site of the home of Frank P. Slattery,
District Attorney of Luzerne County, 1916 - 1920
and the boyhood home of Frank P. Slatterly, Jr.,
Mayor of the City of Wilkes-Barre, 1960 - 1968.
This plaque is given to Wilkes . . . — — Map (db m165168) HM
The Sordoni Art Gallery was founded in 1973, with it being initially housed in the Stark Learning Center for several decades before moving to its current location on South Main Street in 2017. Andrew Sordoni III named the gallery after his . . . — — Map (db m200965) HM
Brother Andrι, the first member of the Congregation of Holy Cross to be declared a saint, was born into a poor family near Montreal. He entered the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1872 and served as porter at College Notre Dame for 40 years and . . . — — Map (db m173703) HM
St. Conrad's Y.M.S.
was founded Nov. 1890
by members of
St. Nicholas Parish
Dedicated Nov. 1990
Charter Members
John Braun Philip Fluegel Jacob & Peter Forve
George Grausam Peter Halter John S Kemmerer
William J Alles . . . — — Map (db m165140) HM
Both Stark Hall and the Stark Learning Center were named after Admiral Harold Raynsford Stark. Stark was a commander of the U.S. Navy during World War I and World War II, as well as a Wilkes College Board of Trustees member from 1947 through . . . — — Map (db m200929) HM
The Susquehanna river has a long history of flooding.
Spanning from Cooperstown, New York to the
Chesapeake Bay, the river has seen flooding in every
area, but especially where the Susquehanna River
meets the Wyoming Valley. Recorded floods . . . — — Map (db m200873) HM
Called King of the Delawares, he upheld the dignity of Native Americans and strove to protect their right to land in Pennsylvania. Baptized by the Moravians, he established the Wyoming Valley's last Delaware & Mahican settlement near this site in . . . — — Map (db m67623) HM
In November of 1972, 365 subscribers of Service Electric Cable TV became the first subscribers to Home Box Office. By participating in the launch of the nation's premiere pay television service, these citizens of Wilkes Barre became part of . . . — — Map (db m117085) HM
In honor of
Charles N. Burns, Sr., M.D.
A member of the Bucknell University Junior College Class of 1935,
first physician member of the Alumni body, who as healer, trustee,
community leader, counselor, husband, father, and friend . . . — — Map (db m200911) HM
The oldest full scale arts festival in Pennsylvania was founded in 1956 by Annette Evans and Alfred S. Groh to provide an annual celebration of the arts in the Wyoming Valley area. In the original plan the founders desired to guarantee that Fiesta . . . — — Map (db m117090) HM
The Old Gymnasium was built on property that mimicked the architectural style of Miner Hall at 274 South Franklin Street. It was purchased by Wilkes College in 1948, but wasn't completed until September of 1950. It cost about $250,000 to build . . . — — Map (db m200967) HM
Built by John A. Redington, opened October 11, 1906 at the corner of East Market Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue, the seven-story, lavish hotel was designed by the prominent architectural firm of McCormick and French. The hotel contained many . . . — — Map (db m151566) HM
The Tower of this Church
shall be known as The Roberts Tower
in Honor of Daniel C. Roberts
whose Christian Generosity made
possible the building of this Edifice.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving. — — Map (db m153267) HM
Gift of William Richard Miller '81
Outstanding Alumnus and Trustee
This labyrinth evidences Bill's strong affection for Wilkes University
and his desire to expand horizons and open doors for
generations to come.
Homecoming . . . — — Map (db m200887) HM
Theodore T. Zuba
(1941 - 2018)
President and Founder of the Fatima Grotto's organization,
"Lay Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Inc.".
Ted was the leading influence in the Grotto's present
design and its devotions.
Walter C. . . . — — Map (db m173709) HM
These anchors and bell are preserved here as a memorial to a valiant ship, the U.S.S. Wilkes-Barre. CL 103 was a 10,000-ton Cleveland Class Cruiser, launched December 24, 1943, commissioned July 1, 1944, and attached to the Pacific Fleet, Cruiser . . . — — Map (db m18764) HM
This memorial is in honor
of the men and women
of the Armed Forces
who proudly served our country
for the freedom of America
and the Free World. — — Map (db m155455) WM
To those who served
and those who gave their
lives in South-East Asia during
the Vietnam War 1960 - 1975
[Roll of Honored Dead]
Description of the Sculpture for
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This Monument of the Vietnam War Memorial . . . — — Map (db m110430) WM
In grateful tribute to
the men and women
of Brookside who
served and gave their
lives in the service of
God and Country in
all of our conflicts.
In memory of
Raymond Parker Oscar Shaffer
James Delaney Elwood Renshaw
[All . . . — — Map (db m155875) WM
Walter J. Kotarba Ralph E. Zima Fred O. Wendel David T. Walters
John W. Thieman Robert Silvick Lester Silfies Philip Roth
John E. Reiser Stanley Rajza Joseph T. Okal John E. Mullen
Joseph P. McGlynn George Morgans . . . — — Map (db m187392) WM
Weckesser Hall was built from 1914 to 1916 for Frederick J. Weckesser. Weckesser was a philanthropist and the vice president of the Board of Trustees of Wilkes College. The building was designed by architect Charles P. H. Gilbert who also . . . — — Map (db m200938) HM
Laid out 1770 by a group of Connecticut settlers, on land claimed by that state. Seat of "County of Westmoreland," erected 1776. Near here took place the Wyoming Massacre, 1778, and the "Pennamite Wars" of 1769-72 and 1784. — — Map (db m19060) HM
Laid out 1770 by a group of Connecticut settlers, on land claimed by that state. Seat of "County of Westmoreland," erected 1776. Near here took place the Wyoming Massacre, 1778, and the "Pennamite Wars" of 1769-72 and 1784. — — Map (db m32163) HM
Laid out 1770 by a group of Connecticut settlers, on land claimed by that state. Seat of "County of Westmoreland," erected 1776. Near here took place the Wyoming Massacre, 1778, and the "Pennamite Wars" of 1769-72 and 1784. — — Map (db m90612) HM
Completed 1778, Inclosing the courthouse of the Connecticut county of Westmoreland. Surrendered with Forty Fort to the British in 1778. — — Map (db m19098) HM
Prominent merchant and ardent abolitionist significant to the Underground Railroad in Wilkes-Barre. He provided refuge to fugitive slaves at his home and business near here. In 1853, Gildersleeve testified in a U.S. Supreme Court case, Maxwell vs. . . . — — Map (db m67617) HM
Founder of MCI Communications. MCI challenged AT&T's monopoly of the telephone industry and went on to become one of the nation's leaders in that field. McGowan was also a major financial contributor to many medical institutions and fields of . . . — — Map (db m67496) HM
Roll of Honor
to commemorate the names of
our men who answered their
country's call and served for
liberty and democracy in the
World War ending Nov. 11th, 1918.
[Honored Dead]
George Ihnαt . . . — — Map (db m151863) WM
Built by the State of Pennsylvania, 1831-34, this canal opened the Wyoming Valley's anthracite field to the mid-Atlantic coal trade. Along with the railroads, it ultimately enabled this valley to become the world's largest anthracite coal producer. . . . — — Map (db m18623) HM
Gen. John Sullivan's army camped a short distance west from here on June 22, 1779. It was the fifth camp on the march from Easton. Next day the army reached Fort Wyoming, Wilkes-Barre. — — Map (db m222942) HM
Dedicated to
Joe Palooka
Champion of Democracy
Created in Wilkes-Barre
by
Ham Fisher
Ham Fisher (1900-1955), Wilkes-Barre,
created comic strip here Joe Palooka, a world
heavyweight boxing champion. A . . . — — Map (db m134836) HM
