Change isn't always what we'd prefer, though often
there isn't much we can do about it.
My hometown of Shamokin in Pennsylvania's anthracite
coal region has endured much change since I was a boy. The decline of coal
precipitated an economic slump which led to mass exodus of the young. I was
among those who left in search of better opportunities and didn't return until
my own children were grown and seeking their own careers.
On my return I found community leaders still
struggling with the question of how to restore the prosperity the area once knew.
Working as a newspaper reporter and editor until retirement, I witnessed the
success of some of those efforts.
A dedicated group saved the community hospital which
has since been merged under the wing of a larger, more advanced medical system.
The old high school was salvaged to house government offices, a community center,
art gallery and a community college. Land scarred by mining has been replanted
with grasses and trees.
An off-road park with 7,500 acres of trails opened
in 2014 on former mining lands, mostly owned by the county. The variety of
terrain, picnic areas, a recently added campground and other amenities attracts
hordes of those who enjoy all types of off-road vehicles. Personally, I'm not a
fan of these noisy, dirty machines which tear up the terrain and scare off
wildlife. But supporters point to the revenue being generated by these visitors
who come year-round on weekends. The number of participants has prompted a
study on the feasibility of opening a hotel.
On another positive note, recently some local
entrepreneurs have been renovating historic homes and buildings for new
purposes--restaurants, bed and breakfast facilities, apartments and the like.
Most of the breakers and other remnants of the
area's mining past are gone, but there are still aspects of our history with
potential for attracting tourists. If you'd like to get an idea what it was
like to work in the mines, you might visit Pioneer Tunnel in nearby Ashland.
You can descend 1,800 feet into the mine tunnel where a guide will explain how
coal is mined. Bring a sweater, because temperature in the mine drops to an
average 52 chilly degrees. http://www.pioneertunnel.com/
Interested in geology? The Whaleback Anticline near
Shamokin is considered one of the most impressive geological formations in the
eastern United States. Plant fossils are common in shale in the surrounding
area, which is considered a natural laboratory for the geologists, students and
others who annually visit the site.
And, for those who like fun of another kind,
Knoebels, the nation's largest free-admission amusement park, is just six miles
away and has classic rollercoasters, other rides, swimming and other amusements
through the summer and into the fall.
Much of my writing is influenced by this area in
which I was born and raised and where I now live again. My latest novel The
Bartered Body is a historical mystery set in a fictional coal region community
in the 1890s.
Here's a blurb:
Why would thieves steal the body of a dead woman?
That’s the most challenging question yet to be faced
by Sylvester Tilghman, the third of his family to serve as sheriff of Arahpot,
Jordan County, Pennsylvania, in the waning days of the 19th century.
And it’s not just any body but that of Mrs.
Arbuckle, Nathan Zimmerman’s late mother-in-law. Zimmerman is burgess of
Arahpot and Tilghman’s boss, which puts more than a little pressure on the
sheriff to solve the crime in a hurry.
Syl’s investigation is complicated by the arrival in
town of a former flame who threatens his relationship with his sweetheart Lydia
Longlow; clashes with his old enemy, former burgess McLean Ruppenthal; a string
of armed robberies, and a record snowstorm that shuts down train traffic, cuts
off telegraph service and freezes cattle in the fields.
It will take all of Syl’s skills and the help of his
deputy and friends to untangle the various threads and bring the criminals to
justice.
Bio:
A retired newspaper editor, J. R. Lindermuth is the author of
20 novels and two non-fiction regional histories. Since retiring, he has served
as librarian of his county historical society where he assists patrons with
genealogy and research. His short stories and articles have appeared in a
variety of magazines. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and the
Short Mystery Fiction Society, where he served a term as vice president. You
are invited to visit his website at: http://www.jrlindermuth.net.
Links:
(all info provided/released by author)
Thanks for the interesting info on PA coal country. I'm in Wilmington, DE, and my husband was raised in Philadelphia so we are very familiar with that part of PA. I enjoyed reading about a different PA.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I enjoyed your post and also enjoy your writing. You live in an interesting part of the country.
ReplyDeleteIt does have a lot of history. Thanks Maggie.
DeleteMy husband is from East Liverpool, Ohio, but has been all over Pennsylvania. Attended a college there. He has described some of the areas as you do here. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhat college did he attend? There are three universities in the area, in addition to the community college. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, John! I love the way you combine history and mystery in your novels and I especially enjoyed reading "The Bartered Body." A fantastic book!
ReplyDeleteThanks, as always, for your support Patricia.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, John, about your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteGracias, Amy.
DeletePennsylvania is another state that I recall my mother talking about. She and her family came across the country during the Great Depression and they hit may states. So some of the things you touch on, I can remember bits and pieces of conversation about with my mom. Myself, I'd be interested in that mine and the shale fossils. I'm a picker at heart but have narrowed it down to small items like those when inland. I love finding unique things. Very interesting write up form you. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe mine attracts lots of tourists and the state has a small mining museum right next door. I've been picking up those fossils since I was a kid. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDelete