Talk to the Frackville Library

I really enjoyed my visit to the Frackville Museum last Sunday. It's the kind of place where you're bound to run into someone you haven't seen for awhile. The exhibits all bring back memories of growing up in Frackville, including some unusual photos of places or people you may have forgotten. The exhibit includes many photos of course, from the collection of local historian Lorraine Stanton. There are also vintage fashion items, and other collectibles especially from the 50's and 60's. I saw some photos of the interior of the Garden Theater, and one of the visitor's said that there was a special seat in the balcony that held two people! I didn't get into the balcony too much, I guess, for I didn't remember that. There was also a photo of Wagner's Dam, a small body of water that used to exist at the northwest corner of Balliet and Arch Streets. Most people don't remember it now. A visit here is a must for anyone with Frackville roots. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until Spring to visit, as it is closed for the winter months. Look here for news of the reopening in March.

  Even though the library was very fortunate to escape serious damage from the fire on our block on Friday, November 21, we certainly feel very sad for the other property owners. I am especially sorry to see the two buildings at 60 and 62 North Lehigh suffering such a fate. Both of these buildings have been a part of our town for a good portion of its history. In local historian Lorraine Stanton's book, Images of America: Frackville, there are two great photographs. One shows Mr Alexander Polanchyk standing in front of his first '5 and 10' store at 60 N Lehigh. Apparently back in the the 1920's there were dances held in the basement here! The photo of 62 N Lehigh, which currently housed Amberdeen's, dates from 1914, and shows that even then the property was providing food and entertainment. W D Maurer had a restaurant and confectionary at that address. If you 'd like to have a look at these photos, stop in and have a look. We have several copies of Mrs Stanton's book available for use in the library. 

Did you ever hear the term "dog days of summer"?
Well this intrigued me and I looked it up in the
World Book Dictionary.  This is a period of very hot
and uncomfortable weather during July and August.
It also refers to days of the dog star because this
is the period when the rising of the dog star (Sirius)
coincides with the rising of the sun.
If you are curious about other sayings and myths,
you can check out your local library for information.
The library's a cool place in summer.

July is here and we are either on vacation, or contemplating going on vacation.
With these economic times it is sometimes difficult to plan a vacation.
If you live in Pennsylvania, there are plenty of day trips to take.  We have many
parks to visit, state or national.  There are parks for camping and also
local amusement parks close by.  These can be inexpensive and yet maybe
the best family vacations to be remembered.
Check out your local library for resources.  There are books and computers
available for maps and printed directions.

      I just returned from a road trip which took my brother, sister, and I across America to Wyoming and back. It was quite an adventure, especially as we hadn't taken a vacation together since we were kids. Even though there are many familiar things in every state-fast food places, gas stations, rest stops, and hotel chains-there are still enough regional differences to make a trip worthwhile. In Wisconsin, for example, we discovered a fast food place called Culver's, with their specialty, the Butterburger. In some states, they sell gas with a very low octane-of special concern to my brother with his new vehicle! When we stopped for a break in Oklahoma, were treated to a virtual palace of a rest stop. And as for Comfort Inn's-believe me, they are not all alike! One of our best adventures was seeking out a feature in Yellowstone National Park which my sister had remembered from an old Viewmaster reel we had.  Morning Glory Pool lived up to its memory and was worth the three miles of walking it took to see it. The United States is a great place to visit, and if you can, take a trip someday. You won't be disappointed.