May 2009 John Veverka & Associates€¦ · Interpretive Plan Site Index Key. As part of the...

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May 2009 John Veverka & Associates

Transcript of May 2009 John Veverka & Associates€¦ · Interpretive Plan Site Index Key. As part of the...

Page 1: May 2009 John Veverka & Associates€¦ · Interpretive Plan Site Index Key. As part of the interpretive site inventory, each site inventoried for inclusion in the interpretive plan

May 2009

John Veverka & Associates

Page 2: May 2009 John Veverka & Associates€¦ · Interpretive Plan Site Index Key. As part of the interpretive site inventory, each site inventoried for inclusion in the interpretive plan

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Interpretive Master Plan North Branch

Table of Contents

Page Introduction 4

Site Inventory and Assessment Form Sets 5

NB - 354 Oakland PFBC (Great Bend Access). 7 NB – 351 Susquehanna Depot (Great Bend) 9 NB - H-1 Starrucca Viaduct 11 NB - HR-1 D & H Rail Trail 13 NB – H-2 Mormon Monument / Joseph Smith 15 NB – 348 Great Bend Access 17 NB – 342 Hallstead PFBC Access 19 NB – 290 Sayre PFBC Access 21 NB – 288 Sayre Riverfront Park Access 23 NB – H-3 Tioga Point Museum 25 NB – 279 Ulster Bridge Municipal Access 27 NB – Towanda Riverfront Park Access 29 NB – Wysox PFBC Access 31 NB – Wysox Township Park Access 34 NB – H-4 French Azilum Historic Site 36 NB – Asylum Township Old Mill Park Access 38 NB – 254 Terrytown PFBC Access 40 NB – V-1 Wyalusing Rocks Overlook 42 NB – H-5 The Wyalusing Valley Museum 44 NB – 241 Laceyville Borough Access 45 NB – 233 Meshoppen Access 47 NB – 219 Tunkhannock Municipal Park Access 49 NB – H- 6 Wyoming Valley Levee Trail System 55 NB – H-7 Luzerne County Historical Museum 57 NB – 188 Nesbitt Park Access (across from Wilkes Barre) 58 NB – H-8 Avondale Mine Disaster Site (under development) 61 NB – HR-2 Susquehanna Warrior Trail (mile 175R) 63 NB – HR-3 Mocanaqua Trail (mile 172L). 65 NB – F-1 Susquehanna Riverlands Environmental Preserve and VC 70 NB – B-1 Wetlands Nature Area (Mile 166R) 73 NB – V-2 Council Cup Overlook (Mile 166L) 76 NB – 158 Test Track Park Access 82 NB – 149 Bloomsburg Access 84 NB – 148 Bloomsburg Town Park 87

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NB – 138 Danville Access 90 NB – WB Northumberland Point 92 NB – V-3 Shikellamy State Park Vista 94 NB – HR Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam 97 NB – H-9 Joseph Priestley House 101 NB – H-10 The Hunter House Museum 103 NB – H-11 Sunbury Historic District Walking Tour 105 NB – H-15 Avondale Mine Disaster (sign) 106 NB – H-16 Eckley Miners Village 118 Site Assessment Summery Matrices 130 Site x Topic 131 Implementation and Operations 135 Site x Media 139 NB Driving Tour Opportunities 145 New Site Accession Form and Directions 149

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Introduction

The Susquehanna Greenway is a place that connects people and communities to the Susquehanna River. It is an effort to renew awareness of the river’s distinct scenery and its natural and cultural heritage. The Susquehanna is a river that has been shaped by diverse groups of people providing a rich history that bridges the gap between the river as a place and a story. Through implementing and promoting the Greenway, a new realm of open space, recreation areas, facilities, and connecting trails will aid in improving the character of communities, the economic prospects of people, and the quality of life all along the Susquehanna River.

The Susquehanna Greenway and Water Trail is the next chapter in this story. Managed by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, this project is an initiative which brings together:

• Recreation-Planning

• Watershed Stewardship

• Heritage Preservation

• Downtown Revitalization

• Economic Prosperity

• Opportunities for Healthy Living

The Susquehanna River is an American treasure reflecting the unique peoples and places that comprise the Pennsylvania heartland. Once traversed by Native Americans, and later by European settlers, the Susquehanna River connected people to the Chesapeake Bay. The region became even better connected through extensive canal and railway systems. Today, the region is laced with highways and road systems that have replaced the canals and much of the railroad use. The connectivity of the Susquehanna River Corridor has the potential to shape our future prospects in ways that we can only begin to imagine.

Note: The interpretive themes and objectives for the total Susquehanna River Water Trail and Susquehanna Greenway Interpretive Master Plan, interpretive policies, and related materials are provided in the “Administrative Section” CD for this total master plan. Thus, they do not appear in the North Branch Section Interpretive Plan.

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Individual Site Interpretive Media and Services Recommendations - Constraints and Managerial Realities. In making our recommendations for new or improved interpretive media or services at the many sites we visited within the Susquehanna Greenway, the managerial realities of individual site managers came into play, often restricting our recommended media options included in this interpretive plan. In discussions with numerous PFBC staff members, it was recommended not to include any interpretive media or services that would require any maintenance or other services to be provided by the PFBC, as there were no staff or funding available to provide those services. Any interpretive media or services within the PFBC sites are not recommended, such as river viewing platforms or watchable wildlife platforms, due to:

- Changing river water levels and potential ice flow damage - Lack of staff to provide any maintenance services for such media

This essentially left interpretive media recommendations for such sites as:

- Interpretive panels (update existing panels or add new ones). - Having the site as a stop for a self-guiding driving tour or interpretive led program. - Having site interpretation via a web site experience. - Cell phone interpretation

Interpretive Site Selections and Initial Site Inventory In conducting the initial inventory of sites to include in this planning section, site selections for on-site visits were made by Greenway Staff and Regional Representatives. There was not time to visit all sites within each Greenway Section, so Greenway Representatives were asked to select for us sites to visit that had the best interpretive potential, highest visitation or other major contribution to the Greenway Interpretive Story. Recognizing that there were many sites not included in this initial planning effort, provision is made for sites to be added to this document after this initial plan is completed. A planning form for adding new sites or resources to this plan is provided, along with instructions, is provided as an appendix to this section.

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Interpretive Plan Site Index Key.

As part of the interpretive site inventory, each site inventoried for inclusion in the interpretive plan was assigned a Site Index Number that reflects the kind of site it represented. In general the majority of the sites inventoried reflect the site number for official put in sites for the Susquehanna River Water Trail and are reflected on all of the Susquehanna River Water Trail Section maps. Additional site index codes are provided below: WB – West Branch Section Inventoried Sites WB – H Historic Sites WB - HC Historic City or Community WB – HT Historic Trail System WB – F Facility, such as a power plant. WB – AT Indicates existing Auto Tour Route WB – V Vista or viewpoint. WB – with a number (such as WB – 15.6) indicates an official Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission assess site. These access numbers appear on the water trail maps for all of the Susquehanna River Trail Sections. NB – North Branch Section Inventoried Sites NB – H Historic Sites NB – HR Historic Railroad Sites or Features NB – B Biological Site NB – F Facility, such as a power plant or dam. NB – V Vista or View Point NB – HF Historical Facility (like a dam site). NB – with a town or community name – river access site that is community managed. NB – with a number (such as NB – 158) reflects an official Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Put-In sites as indicated on the Susquehanna River Trail Sections Maps. MS - Middle Section Inventoried Sites All of the inventoried interpretive sites for the Middle Section are reflected by the prefix “MS” and then the official Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Put-In sites that appear on the Susquehanna River Trail Section Maps. For example: MS – 101 Liverpool PFBC is the map site number of the Susquehanna River Trail Section Map that contains the Liverpool PFBC site map reference “101”. The map reference numbers decrease as the River Trail moves from North to South. LS - Lower Section Harrisburg to York Haven All of the inventoried interpretive sites for the Lower Section are reflected by the prefix “LS” and then the official Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Put-In sites that appear on the Susquehanna River Trail Section Maps. For example: LS – 35 New Market Public Access is the map site number of the Susquehanna River Trail Section Map that contains the New Market Public Access site map reference “35”. The map reference numbers decrease as the River Trail moves from North to South. LS – HF represents a Historic Facility.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: NB – 354 Oakland PFBC (Great Bend Access). Index Number: NB - 354 Site/Facility Name: Oakland PFBC Access Location: 3 miles north on Rt 92 from Veterans Memorial Bridge River. Current interpretive theme or focus: No interpretive theme or focus. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. This is the first access in PA on the Susquehanna. It is directly across from the Cascade Y. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: NA Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: A possible site for a new regional interpretive panel on the Greenway. Can also interpret local recreational attractions such as the D and H Rail Trail and provide connectivity to the Strucca Viaduct and the Borough of Lanesboro. Potential development for a short ¼ loop interpretive trail. Interpretive media considerations: Potential lack of maintenance for any new interpretive services. Budgeting funding for this site needs to be in line with the rather limited use the site receives – mostly from anglers who spend very little tine on the site itself.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): We can use this location for promotion of the D&H trail and the RT 92 Scenic Byway. We can also promote the regional greenway offerings. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): Parking lot/boat ramp (to the left) and existing panels at the Oakland site.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: NB -351 Section 1 Great Bend Index Number: NB - 351 Site/Facility Name: Susquehanna Depot Location: Under Rt. 92/Rt. 171 Bridge Current interpretive theme or focus: None at this time. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. This is a major historical railroad town. The Roundhouse River Park Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: NA Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs:

- Possible consideration for a general SG overview interpretive panel - Interpretation of local attractions and interpretive experiences - Interpretive panel on the In-Stream Dam at his location and its hydro electricity function - Also added interpretation of safety in this area

Site challenges: The site is currently under development. There is no way finding signage to the site and no formal parking area. The boat put-in is not developed at this time.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a good location, via web site, and interpretive panel, to interpret the main resources of the region, and the new Viaduct Valley Scenic Byway. The Byway is an important asset for the Susquehanna Greenway marketing. Site Photo(s) and/or existing brochure (attached):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: NB –352 - 1 Index Number: NB H-1 Site/Facility Name: Strucca Viaduct Location: Lanesboro, PA off of SR 171 Current interpretive theme or focus: The Viaduct has 17 slender arches laid with local bluestone. This is an Erie railroad bridge, build in 1847-1848, and is the oldest and one of the longest stone railroad bridges in Pennsylvania. It is located in Lanesboro and can be seen from the river. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. Interpretive topics for interpretation can include:

- Erie Railroad History - Historic RR bridges. - Delaware and Hudson RR

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: There are no formal interpretive panels at this site. There is a general information sign (photo on the following page). This site could be a good candidate for a SG sponsored interpretive panel. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs:

- Recommend a new interpretive panel. - Have this as a stop on a proposed Viaduct Scenic Byway interpretive guide (yet to be

developed). - Have interpretation of this site on a Railroad Section for a proposed new SG web site.

Concerns: This is located within a residential area. The potential for vandalism is very high here. There is also a concern for bringing visitors into a “rural residential” area considering the impact on local residents. There is also poor way finding signage to this site.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This site is a keystone for the Viaduct Scenic Byway and an important asset for any formal interpretation media for the RT 92 byway. Interpretation of this site could include marketing the total SG program, web site, and abundance of heritage experiences to be found along the 500+ mile greenway. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: NB – Section 1 Index Number: NB – HR-1 Site/Facility Name: D&H Rail Trail Location: This includes 38 miles of the historic Delaware and Hudson rail bed. The trail runs from the New York State border along the river to Lanesboro, passing under the Starrucca Viaduct and along the creek, south to Forest City, and then along the Lackawanna River to Simpson Current interpretive theme or focus: No interpretive focus at this time. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. NA Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: NA Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: Potential interpretive media for this trail could include:

- New Interpretive Trail Head Sign interpreting the history of the RR bed the trail occupies - Develop an interpretive leaflet or trail guide to be available for walkers or bikers using

the trail - This trail guide could be made available via the SG proposed new web site as a PDF - Possible use of cell phone interpretation here as well

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is another important asset in this region including the location for the Viaduct Scenic Byway and potential new Greenway interpretation. New interpretive media as recommended should be considered. It is a short walk to Cascade “Y” from River Rd. to the Susquehanna River. This site information is available on the internet: www.fallinpa.com/fallinpa/railsToTrails.jsp?section=dnhRailTrail

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 – 349R Index Number: NB – H-2 Site/Facility Name: Mormon Monument Location: SR 171, River Mile 349 R Current interpretive theme or focus: Interpretation of the home site of Joseph and Emma Smith Main Interpretive Stories or topics.

- The historic home site of Joseph and Emma Smith - Location for translation of the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: Interpretive media at this location includes:

- One interpretive panel. - One historic bronze panel. - - Large panel text in bulletin board setting(see photo of these on the following pages)

Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs:

- This site is privately managed and has sufficient interpretive media as illustrated. - This could be a stop on any self-guiding media or greenway GPS/Cell phone

interpretation developed for the future. - It can also be interpreted via the Greenway Web Site.

Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements):

- Interpretation via regional interpretive driving tour guide books

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- Interpretation via cell phone (optional) - Greenway Interpretation via the proposed new Greenway website

Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

The home site of Joseph and Emma Smith with various markers and panels (illustrated on the following pages of the printed copy of this plan).

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 – Mile 348 Index Number: NB - 348 Great Bend Access Site/Facility Name: Great Bend PFBC Access Location: 2.5 miles west on Harmony Rd from SR 1021. Current interpretive theme or focus: No current interpretive theme or focus. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. None interpreted at this time. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: No interpretive services or media. A boat launch information panel (see photo) is provided on site. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs:

- Potential site for a general Greenway interpretive/orientation panel - Interpretation via a self-guiding booklet - Potential interpretation via the proposed new Greenway web site - Potential interpretation via cell phone

Concerns: This is again a site with limited visitation. Mostly anglers who put in and go fishing for several hours. The current market group does not use the site itself and interpretive media here would not be used to any great extent. The PFBC is not interested in adding any interpretive media to the site and is not prepared for maintenance of any viewing decks or other structures. The PFBC bulletin board on site is poorly maintained (photo on next page).

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This site can be added to a self-guided driving tour of the Route 92 and State Route 171 corridors. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 - Mile 342 Index Number: NB – 342 Hallstead PFBC Access Site/Facility Name: Hallstead Access Location: At Rt. 11 Bridge and Harmony Rd. River left. Current interpretive theme or focus: None at this time. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. None at this time. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: None at this time. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: New interpretive media could include:

- inclusion in a new Rt. 92/Rt. 11 Self-guiding booklet - interpretation of the geology/local history via a new Greenway interpretive panel - interpretation via the proposed new Greenway website - interpretation via cell phone

Considerations: Note that this is a small site with limited land for other interpretive services. Viewing decks or watchable wildlife areas could be developed by the PFBC, but budget and maintenance were issues. This site receives limited actual use mostly by anglers who put in and spend almost no time on site. The PFBC Bulletin board is in shabby shape and not maintained.

Page 20: May 2009 John Veverka & Associates€¦ · Interpretive Plan Site Index Key. As part of the interpretive site inventory, each site inventoried for inclusion in the interpretive plan

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This site could be part of a regional self-guiding interpretive driving route to connect the main sites in this section of the Greenway, and to promote awareness of the continuing of the Greenway in PA at Sayre via Rt. 220. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB - 290 PFBC Site/Facility Name: Sayre PFBC Access Location: 2 miles north of Lockhart St. bridge. Current interpretive theme or focus: No interpretation at this time. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. No main interpretive stories. There is a general greenway orientation panel at this site (see photo). Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: No interpretive media are present. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This site could be a gateway site (or conclusion site) for a Rt. 220 self-guiding interpretive driving tour booklet. The site could have:

- One new general greenway interpretive panel - Cell phone interpretation - Be a stop on a self-guiding driving tour (linking the sites between Sayre and Laceyville

(from - Rt. 220 connecting to Rt.6

Issues: This is a PFBC Site and they prefer not to have any new interpretive services (viewing decks, etc.) at their sites due to their inability to provide any maintenance services or cost share in any such development. Their on-site bulletin board is in shabby shape and not maintained by PFBC staff.

Page 22: May 2009 John Veverka & Associates€¦ · Interpretive Plan Site Index Key. As part of the interpretive site inventory, each site inventoried for inclusion in the interpretive plan

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): Heritage tourism development could include developing a driving tour/linkage system for the Greenway sites between Sayre and Laceyville (and further south). Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

Page 23: May 2009 John Veverka & Associates€¦ · Interpretive Plan Site Index Key. As part of the interpretive site inventory, each site inventoried for inclusion in the interpretive plan

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB - 288 Site/Facility Name: Sayre Riverfront Park Access Location: 2 miles North of Lockhart St. Bridge Current interpretive theme or focus: None Main Interpretive Stories or topics. Major Lehigh Railroad Town. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: River Trail Panel recently installed. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This site is managed by a local authority as part of a larger park setting. It has the potential to develop:

- Watchable wildlife viewing areas - School group activity and river/aquatic studies area - School group ecology studies area - Self-guiding interpretive trail - Bluebird box demonstration areas with signage

As this is managed by the local community, they would have to be responsible for any site development and maintenance issues.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This location could be developed to be a stop on a self-guiding auto route for Rt. 220/6. An interpretive panel or small kiosk on the heritage attractions in the area and introduction to the Greenway in general could be located here with a cost share from the community. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): Note that a Susquehanna River Trail sign was supposed to have been located here (orange circle). A new panel was recently installed here after this photo was taken. .

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 - NB Index Number: NB - H-3 RM 286 Site/Facility Name: Tioga Point Museum Location: Athens, PA - Located on the second floor of the Spaulding Memorial Library. Built in 1897, near the site of Fort Sullivan and across from the location of the Athens Academy, attended by Stephen foster in the early 1840’s. Main Interpretive Stories or topics.

- Local Native American Exhibits - Revolutionary War - Civil War - Early settlements - Local Canal History - Local Railroad History

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: This small museum is an interpretive powerhouse with its surprising wealth of exhibit material and artifacts. This is a real asset for the Greenway marketing of the 220 corridor. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: The museum staff has a development plan in mind. They are doing an outstanding job with their current “managerial realities” and fund raising. This would be a stop on any self-guiding auto tour route and should have a website presence on the proposed Greenway web site.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This museum is probably the strongest heritage tourism asset in the region and in the 220 corridor. It needs to be better marketed; a role that the proposed new Greenway web site could assist in. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB – 279 Ulster Bridge Site/Facility Name: Ulster Bridge Municipal Access Location: From Rt. 220 turn east on SR 1022, access on left before bridge. Current interpretive theme or focus: The original historic bridge had been demolished (see photo attached) and two interpretive panels about the bridge have been located at the site. This is a gravel put in on a municipal site. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. The main interpretation for this site is the interpretation of the Ulster Bridge (see attached photo of panel content). Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: One interpretive panel that is adequate for this site and the site’s story. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: Interpretation of this sites historic bridge could be presented via the proposed Rt 220 driving tour and via interpretation on the proposed Greenway website under historic structures. Due to the location of the put-in site, and available land, development of other interpretive services, such as a viewing deck or wildlife watching area, was not considered. There is limited parking here as well and only marginal use of the site.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This site could be added to a proposed Rt. 220 heritage driving tour route and marketed as part of a regional heritage tourism asset. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB – 270 Towanda Riverfront Park Access Site/Facility Name: Towanda Riverfront Park Location: turn north at east side of Veterans Memorial Bridge to Park. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no interpretive theme or focus. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This site would be a good candidate for a proposed new SG orientation interpretive panel to complement the River Trail panel illustrated in the photos. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This site could be a good candidate for inclusion into a regional Rt. 220 driving tour, including the historic district of Towanda. (Development of a self-guiding historic district tour is being considered at this time). Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): Note: the river trail panel illustrated in this photo is placed in a poor location and should be moved to a site nearer the put-in location. . In addition, it is mounted too low and when re-positioned, should be raised by about 3 feet.

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As you can see in this photo, the panel is placed too low. In addition it should be moved back by the put-in area.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1, NB Index Number: NB – 269 Wysox PFBC Access Site/Facility Name: Wyson PFBC Assess Location: From Rt. 6 turn south on SR 2032, 1 mile to access on left. Current interpretive theme or focus: No interpretive theme, media or focus. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This is a possible site for a new general Greenway overview panel to complement the River Trail Panel that is currently placed here. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This could be a stop on a potential Rt. 220/Rt. 6 driving tour - part of a corridor and community linking system. As this is a PFBC Site, there is no interest in having other interpretive media added here and the PFBC would be unable to provide any maintenance or support due to a reduced staff and lack of available funds. The PFBC bulletin board located here is not maintained, as well, and we noted that the site also received marginal use; mostly from anglers who quickly put into the river and spend little time on site.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): The entry way to the Wysox Access site. The River Trail panel can be seen in the back of the photo (orange circle).

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This site illustrates one of the problems we encountered during the site inventory and analysis process with poor River Trail signage placement. This panel should be relocated closer to the river access site (orange circle).

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34

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1, NB Index Number: NB – 267 Wysox Township Park Access Site/Facility Name: Wysox Township Park Location: From Rt. 6, turn south on SR 2032, turn right before bridge to park. Current interpretive theme or focus: No interpretive theme or focus. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This could be a candidate for a SG orientation interpretive panel to complement the River Trail Panel. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This site is used mostly by local residents with some minor use as a put-in for boats. As it is the same audience here year-round, any interpretive media would have to change regularly to be used by the residents. Due to the type and amount of use, no interpretive media are recommended on site. The site can be interpreted via:

- Self-guiding driving tour. - GPS interpretation for the total Greenway - Cell phone interpretation - Used by school groups for river studies.

Any on-site interpretation would have to be coordinated with the local government.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): General view of the small park. Note that the River Trial panel is poorly placed, and should be turned so that visitors coming to the site don’t just see a blank back of the panel.

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36

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1, NB Index Number: NB – H-4 Site/Facility Name: French Azilum Historic Site Location: Way marked from Rt. 6. Current interpretive theme or focus: This became the home for a group of French exiles who settled here in the autumn of 1793. A historical overview of this site’s history is attached. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. Main interpretive topics include:

- The development of the French Azilum. - Who came here and why? - What were their lives like here in the late 1700’s early 1800’s? - Where did they go?

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: There is current active interpretation provided here seasonally and you can visit their website for program and event details. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: They have a high level of interpretation. We did not have the opportunity to interview staff about their future interpretive program or services development. The site can be effectively marketed via the Greenway Web site. Also through: - being a stop on a self-guiding driving tour - interpretive publications about the site available on the web - cell phone interpretation

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This would be an important stop for the proposed Rt. 220/Rt.6 driving tour linking the stories presented at the Tioga Point Museum with this partially reconstructed historic village. It would be a key member of the proposed SG “member” program for greenway marketing and linking. Site Photo(s) and web site materials (attached):

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38

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB – 257R Site/Facility Name: Asylum Township Old Mill Park access Location: From Rt. 6 south on Rt. 187, 3.5 miles, left on SR 2014 1.8 miles proceed right on SR 2014, bear right on TR 467, 1 mile to access site. River on the right. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no interpretive theme or focus at this time. This access site is reported to be the site of a small village on the east side of the river and mills on the west side connected by a ferry. The site/mill was named for Charles Homet. An internet search did find some interesting information about Charles Homet (attached) and the mill was probably operated by his son Charles Frederick Homet Jr. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: Based in the internet search for Charles Homet, and his/his families connection to the French Asylum, this might be a good location for an interpretive panel and certainly an interesting stop. With proper way finding signage, this could be a stop for a heritage driving tour linking system for route 220 and route 6. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): Based on the limited research into Charles Homet, this would be an interesting heritage driving tour stop with a link for the French Asylum Historic Site. It is an interesting story as well. As this is a tiny site and put-in, with limited and probably very local use, any other interpretation here would not be cost effective. During our visit there were no visitors at this site.

- Could benefit from cell phone interpretation depending on phone reception

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

Note the old mill wheel mounted on the wall with the notation that this was the site of Homet Mill.

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40

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB – 254 Terrytown PFBC Site/Facility Name: Terrytown Location: From Rt. 6 turn south on SR 2010 and north on Rt. 187. Two miles, bear right and follow signs. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no interpretive theme or focus at this time. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This is a possible site for a general Greenway overview interpretive panel to be added to the back of the River Trail Panel or as a stand alone panel. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): With added interpretation, this could be a stop on the Rt. 220/Rt. 6 Driving Auto Tour and community linking route for the Greenway. The PFBC is not supportive of any additional interpretive media or structures at their sites as there is no staffing or budget for any additional maintenance or repairs for any structures such as viewing decks, watchable wildlife decks, etc. We are limited to interpretive panels, which we can install, but they take no responsibility in maintaining. The PFBC bulletin board is out of date and unmaintained.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): Here is a good example of over signage, with 4 signs located in one location. Note that the River Trail panel is again located in a poor location and should be moved by the actual access site (to the far left of this photo).

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42

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB – 253- V-1 Site/Facility Name: Wyalusing Rocks Overlook Location: Off of Route 6 – can’t miss it. Current interpretive theme or focus: There are several interpretive messages currently being presented at this site (see attached interpretive panel photos).

- Landscapes of Conservation (well illustrated). - Communities Connected by Water and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed - The Warriors Path

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: There are two interpretive panels in place (see attached photos) and they seem to be quite adequate in interpreting both the vista and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: Existing interpretive panels seem fine. There is no mention of the Greenway at this highly visited site and we recommend adding a Greenway orientation panel here. This would also be a good site for a general Greenway Cell Phone Interpretation site and be interpreted via the Greenway website. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This would be a must stop for our proposed Rt. 220/Rt 6 auto tour and community linkage system for the Greenway. Marketing these sites as part of a larger system would benefit all of the sites and attractions we have visited along Rt. 220 and Rt. 6.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): One of the interpretive panels (larger version of the panel is attached) interpreting the landscapes in the vista view.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB – H-5 Site/Facility Name: The Wyalusing Valley Museum and Natural Area Location: In the town of Wyalusing, off of Rt. 6. Current interpretive theme or focus:

- Native American Exhibit - Canal Era Artifacts - Local Wyalusing Town History

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: As stated on the Museum website, the exhibits they have, as well as out-buildings, are noted above. The museum is only open on weekends so we couldn’t see the exhibits or interview staff. Information from their web site is attached. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: NA Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): Depending on the operating hours of the museum, or any future self-guiding materials, this museum could be another asset for the proposed Rt. 220/Rt.6 driving tour. It shouldn’t be added unless improved hours of operation were developed. You can’t market a site that is mostly closed and unavailable for visitors. Site Information: You can visit their web site to view photos of their main historic home and out buildings at: http://www.wyalusingmuseum.org/Museum2_files/Page354.htm

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45

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 1 NB Index Number: NB – 241 Laceyville Borough Access Site/Facility Name: Laceyville Borough Access Location: From Rt. 6 to Main St., south on Church St. SR 3001 to river bridge. Current interpretive theme or focus: Currently no interpretive theme or focus. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This is a nice, smaller site with a lot of community support and attention to it. It has the potential for having a general Greenway information interpretive panel added to the location. It could also have an interpretive panel on the community history and historical buildings. This panel option would need to be funded or co-funded by the community. The site is high enough from the river where they could also consider a viewing deck to the river and bridge. The site can also have cell phone interpretation as part of a total Greenway driving tour or regional driving tour. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a nice stop on the Rt. 6 driving tour and the community of Laceyville would be a candidate for a River Town interpretive kiosk. The oldest home in the region can also be found here and should have interpretive signage added to it.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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47

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 2, NB Index Number: NB – 233 Meshoppen Access Site/Facility Name: Meshoppen Access Location: From Rt. 6 turn south at blinker light to access. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no interpretive theme or focus. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: No interpretive media are recommended for this site. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): Due to a variety of site challenges, this site is not recommended for any heritage tourism considerations at this time (see photos). The site is in general need of maintenance and is in very poor condition. My guess is that it is only used by local residents as “tourists” might be a little nervous about leaving their trucks or cars parked here. There is limited parking and no “designated” parking areas.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): As illustrated by this photo. The River Trail Panel is accompanied by a variety of other signs and a fire hydrant. In all probability a river trail panels should not have been located at this site. There is a one-lane gravel road leading to the water access, and there is limited parking

.

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49

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 2, NB Index Number: NB – 219 Tunkhannock Site/Facility Name: Tunkhannock Riverfront Park Location: At Rt. 6 and Rt. 29 at River Bridge. Current interpretive theme or focus:

- Tunkhannock Industrial Past - Tunkhannock Leather Industry - Tunkhannock Timber Industry

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: There are currently several interpretive panels located in the Riverfront Park (see photos) and they do a good job in interpreting the industrial past history of Tunkhannock. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: The current interpretive media are fine. It is recommended that a new greenway history and orientation panel be added here. In addition, this would be a good location for a Susquehanna Greenway River Town kiosk to be considered at well. This site would also be a good candidate for:

- River viewing deck and watchable wildlife viewing deck (built above flood stage). It would probably get a lot us use by local residents

- Cell phone interpretation would be a good media for this site as well, and could be a stop on a self-guiding driving tour – or on-the-river self-guiding paddling tour

- Site history can be supplemented by web site interpretation via the Greenway web site

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a well positioned large park with river access as well as a walking connector trail into the town. The town itself have good shopping and food services, making as well as outfitter services for paddlers, making this a good river town anchor for the greenway corridor. * Connection to proposed Iroquois Trail *SR 6 By-way and nearby SR 92 Scenic By-way. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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55

Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3, NB Index Number: NB - H- 6 Site/Facility Name: Wyoming Valley Levee Trail System Location: The west side of the Susquehanna River between Forty Fort and Plymouth and connects to the West Side Trail and Warrior Trails. Current interpretive theme or focus: Interpretation for a series of interpretive kiosks, each with several panels, focuses on local and regional history. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. Many diverse river and community stories are displayed here; from coal to shipping on the river. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: This is a well planned and laid out interpretive experience for visitors with kiosk stops located along the length of the levee trail system (see photos). Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: The interpretive services provided here are excellent. Additional interpretation could include:

- Cell phone interpretation (provide seasonal changes, special events information, etc.) - Web site interpretation for more details on history – historical fact sheets available online - A stop for a regional self-guided driving tour - A stop for a regional self-guided paddling tour

Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a well developed heritage experience that should receive heavy marketing as part of the Greenway heritage experiences and river town interpretation as well.

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With the development of the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront as a major recreational site, this will be a major heritage tourism site. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

One of the kiosk areas along the levee trail system

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3, NB Index Number: NB – H-7 Site/Facility Name: Luzerne County Historical Society Location: South Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre Current interpretive theme or focus: Three main exhibit areas include:

- The local history of Wyoming Valley - Native Americans of Northern Pennsylvania - Anthracite Coal Mining

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: This historical society museum and exhibit area is a nice local resource for interpreting many of the historical and industrial assets that are part of the Greenway story. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: The museum staff has their own exhibit renovation and development plan. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is another important heritage tourism asset to be found in the Wilkes-Barre area. In addition to the formal museum, the Historical Society also operates a homestead which is open to the public on weekends. All exhibits and related interpretive services are handled “in house”. You can visit their web site for details. An information sheet on the museum collections is attached.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3, NB Index Number: NB – 188 Nesbitt Park Access Site/Facility Name: Nesbitt Park Location: From Wilkes-Barre, cross the Pierce Street Bridge. Take first right onto First Ave. Go 1 block and bear right passing over Levee Trail. Follow the road ¼ mile to access. Current interpretive theme or focus: No interpretive focus at this time. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This is a recommended location for a River Trail panel and a new Greenway overview panel (to be located by the boat launch area). This site could also be a candidate for:

- A raised viewing deck (along the flood wall) - A watchable wildlife viewing area (several potential locations) - Development of a self-guiding interpretive trail (with leaflet marker system – leaflets

available via website) - Cell phone interpretation about local history, river ecology, etc

Being so close to the major population area, this park could receive a lot of use once other services were developed. As this will be mostly used by local residents, interpretation should be designed to change either seasonally or annually. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): The city of Wilkes-Barre, just across from this site, has developed a major river front recreational and activity area. This will be a major tourism asset and should be promoted as part of the Greenway corridors marketing. This is another location, the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront Park for a River Town kiosk.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): The above photo shows the river access site. The city of Wilkes Barre is seen across the river with the riverfront development underway.

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Another view of the city and bridge from the boat access site.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3, NB Index Number: NB – H-8 Site/Facility Name: Avondale Mine Disaster site Location: A historical marker along Rt. 11 in Plymouth township recounts the story of the mine disaster (see photo). Current interpretive theme or focus: Coal mining dangers and life struggles of the miners. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: There is no interpretation here at this time. However, there is a committee involved in the future development of this site and one or more interpretive panels could be considered here. This could also be developed as a stop on a Rt. 11 self-guiding auto tour and interpretation via the proposed new Greenway website. This could also be a good site for cell phone interpretation or other GPS guided interpretive media. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): Once developed, this can be an important site for visitors to link the many coal mining stories together that they can experience and learn about throughout the Greenway. For heritage tourism development, this could be developed as a stop on the proposed Rt. 11 Self-guiding auto tour.

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Site Photo(s):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3 - NB Index Number: NB – HR-2 Site/Facility Name: Susquehanna Warrior Trail Location: This trail head is located on the right-of-way of the former Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western railroad. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no current interpretive theme or focus. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: There is currently a new kiosk installed at the trail head, but no signage has been installed as of this date. Recommended interpretive panels could include:

- Interpretation of the warriors trail, its history, location, and safety information - Interpretation of the railroad history of this corridor

Probably three 2’ x 3’ interpretive panels inserts @ $2500.00 each. There could also be a self-guided trail development with numbered stops. The leaflet would be available via the Greenway, or local providers, and via the Greenway website. This would be supplemented with cell phone interpretation or other GPS medium. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): The trail head for the Warrior trail at this location can add to the tourism draw of the area and link many interpretive sites together, such as the PPL Energy Education Center.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

The trail head kiosk for this section of the Warrior trail.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3, NB Index Number: NB – HR-3 Site/Facility Name: Mocanaqua Trail Head Location: Located in Mocanaqua along the Susquehanna River, near the Shickshinny Water Treatment Plant. Current interpretive theme or focus:

- Native American History (Story of Mocanaqua) - Mocanaqua Coal history - Railroad history

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: Some interpretation currently exists at this trail head (see photos) which should be replaced and updated at some time in the future. Content is good information. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: It is recommended that these interpretive panels be updated with improved graphics. Improvements can be made to integrate this site’s theme to the entire trail’s interpretive story. A self-guided trail interpretation could be developed, with trail guides available at local sites or via the Greenway website. It would use the leaflet/marker interpretive system. This is a good site for cell phone interpretation, as well, and a stop on a self-guiding auto tour for the Rt. 11 Corridor. Leaflets could be provided in the leaflet box assuming that someone will check on this every few days to resupply the box as needed.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): With additional Greenway marketing, via the proposed new web site and via a self-guiding auto tour, we could expect to see the use of this trail be increase, as well as drawing more visitors into the region. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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The general trail orientation system is in need to a safety review, as this section crosses over railroad tracks.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3 NB Index Number: NB – F-1 Site/Facility Name: Susquehanna Riverlands Environmental Preserve and Visitor Center Location: Off of Rt. 11, north of Berwick Current interpretive theme or focus: The interpretive/visitor center focuses on Energy Interpretation (and the PPL energy education program). The preserve focuses on:

- solar system interpretation - Natural history via trails - The Warrior Trail Trail head. - Canal history

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: Exhibits in the Visitor Center are first rate, commercially made. Outdoor interpretive exhibit panels are also high quality and numerous. They have an interpreter on staff for conducted programs for the public and a very active school group program. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: All interpretive media are managed by the Energy Center Education Staff. Outdoor interpretation could be upgraded – perhaps with a cost/share grant with PPL? Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is another anchor/destination site for the Rt. 11 corridor and can be very effectively marketed by the Greenway as a stop on a self-guiding driving tour or as a general destination for visitors visiting the greenway. It should also be presented as a link via the proposed new Greenway website.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

A stop on the Planets trail looking toward the PPL Visitor Center (yellow circle).

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One of the several interpretive kiosks The planet walk trail can be seen as the path along the old canal bed. Interpretation of canal history can also be done here.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3, NB Index Number: NB – B-1 Site/Facility Name: Wetlands Nature Area Location: Located off of Rt. 11 – way marked. Just south of the PPL Visitor Center Current interpretive theme or focus: There are no self-guiding materials available. The site is used for naturalist conducted programs and activities for school groups. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: There is a trail head sign and route map. No other interpretive materials are available. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This site is managed by PPL and the education staff develops interpretive media and services for this site. The site could use a seasonal self-guiding trail guide (could be made available at the Environmental Center office. Also, possible cell phone interpretation for seasonal trail updates and interpretation. The site is high enough that a vista viewing deck for the river could be developed with interpretive panels on the Susquehanna river ecology and hydrology. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is another adjunct asset to the PPL site. It provides good nature trails. The site is a good candidate for a partnership with the Greenways to develop some self-guiding trail materials.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 3, NB Index Number: NB – V-2 Site/Facility Name: Council Cup Overlook Location: Access off of Rt. 239 Current interpretive theme or focus: There is some interpretation via interpretive panels on the trails, but interpretation at the actual overlook is lacking. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: Can be seen from some of the photos, the existing interpretive panels are in poor condition and should be replaced. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: Signage for this site is managed by PPL. It is strongly recommended that a new interpretive panel for the overlook be developed. This might be a good case for a partnership between the Greenway and PPL to develop that panel with interpretation of the Native American heritage, the geology of the river, and river commerce from this location. Suggest that 3 interpretive panels be considered for this site. Also a good site for Cell Phone interpretation (seasonal changes in the view shed, river history, PPL management and programs, etc.). Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is an important site for heritage tourism visitors. The view and chance to see so much “history” is impressive. But before more aggressive marketing can occur, PPL needs to do some important improvements to the site including way finding and on-site interpretation.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

The main PPL orientation panel.

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Most of the interpretive panels are dated and in dire need for replacement. Some, like the photo above, have been damaged. It is obvious that PPL staff do not visit this area too often to check on the trail and signage.

The interpretive/orientation panel at the vista (orange circle).

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The panel at the overlook. Like the other panels in this area, this one also is in need of replacement and updating.

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One of the views from the vista toward the PPL nuclear power plant.

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Other views from the vista. A great location to interpret the geology and river formation of the Susquehanna, river commerce, and other related topics.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4 - NB Index Number: NB– 158 Site/Facility Name: Test Track Park Location: From Rt. 11 S., left onto Warren St. Turn right on Ruhmels Lane, Park on the Left. Current interpretive theme or focus: No interpretive theme or focus. This site does have an interesting story to interpret, but has no signage at all here, including the lack of a River Trail panel. This is a public park located on land that was used as an obstacle course to test military tanks produced at the Berwick American Car and Foundry plant during WW II and the Korean Conflict. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This site would be a good location for new interpretive related panels:

- One general River Trail panel - One general Greenway overview panel - One interpretive panel on the Test Track story

Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This site has a good interpretive story and a good asset for marketing for Berwick. We are recommending a Heritage Linking Trail using Rt. 11/Rt 15 which connects this with many other heritage sites. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Two views of the boat access at Test Track Park.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – 149 Site/Facility Name: Bloomsburg Boat Access Location: From Rt. 11 into Bloomsburg, turn left onto Rt. 487. Turn right just before the East Bloomsburg Bridge onto Fort McClure Blvd. for .5 miles to river access. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no current interpretive theme or focus at this time. This would be a good location for a general Greenway introduction/overview panel to accompany the River Trail Panel. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This site is used mostly by anglers who come and put-in, but do not spend much time in the park. There is some local use, but locals tend to use the parks nearer their community. Interpretation here would not be cost effective, as it is the same general market group using the site and it seems they tend to ignore the current River panel that is current installed. This site could have cell phone interpretation or interpretation of the sites local natural and cultural history via a link/page on the Greenway website. Note that the PFBC is NOT interested in having any other interpretive structures (decks, etc.) added to this site due to lack of support for maintenance of any new facilities. They prefer only signage and are not responsible for maintaining other agencies signs, only their own. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a general boat access point and not of particular interest for heritage tourists who could get lost trying to find the site because the way finding signage is very poor. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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River trail panels and boat access located at the far end of the parking lot.

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In this case, the River Trail panel if facing an airplane landing strip with the river to your back. The panel should be relocated to be facing the river and nearer the boat ramp.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – 148 Bloomsburg Town Park Site/Facility Name: Bloomsburg Town Park Location: From Rt. 11, in Bloomsburg, turn south on Rt. 487. Turn right just before the East Bloomsburg Bridge onto Fort McClure Blvd. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no interpretive theme or focus at this time. This is a very large and active city park located across the street from the River. This could be a good place for a River Town Kiosk. A River Trail panel and a proposed Greenway Panel could be located on the river bank across from the park. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This site has no interpretation at all and, as noted, could be a location for:

- River Town Kiosk. - River Trail Panel - Greenway Overview Panel

In addition, the park could put in a river viewing/observation deck (above flood level) for Susquehanna River history with 2-3 interpretive panels. This could also be supported with cell phone interpretation. Interpretation about the history of Bloomberg could be available on the Greenway website as well. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This city park, with good parking by the river front, could be marketed as part of the Rt. 11 heritage trail linkage system. It is easy to find, has on-street parking, and ample access to the river.

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Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

Several “unused” kiosks by the park entrance. This could be a location for the River Town kiosk or other interpretive panels.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – 138 Danville Access Site/Facility Name: Danville Access Location: From Rt. 11, left at light near old train station. Turn left on East Market St. for 1.2 miles. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no interpretive theme or focus at this site. There is a general River Trail sign. This would be a good location for a general proposed Greenway overview panel. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This could be a site for a general Greenway overview panel. In general, this site, like so many of the boat access sites we visited, has only marginal use and is generally used by the same market group. So interpretation here, to be effective, would need to change seasonally, which is not cost effective for this site. Best interpretive method for this site would be a general Greenway panel, with Cell Phone interpretation access numbers for current interpretation of the river, fishing, safety, and other related topics of interest to the anglers who use this site. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a general boat access site, which receives modest use. No heritage tourism development is being considered for this site at this time.

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Site Photo(s):

General views of the Danville access site.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – WB Northumberland Point Site/Facility Name: Northumberland Point Location: Follow Rt. 11S through Northumberland. Just before bridge, turn left at North Branch Auto into the Point Access. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is currently no interpretive theme or message here. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This could be a location to do an interpretive panel on the Native American heritage associated with Shikellamy State Park Island and to market the State Park Overview/Vista. This is a very small put-in site; difficult to access due to heave bridge traffic. Probably only used by locals – and only marginally used. Interpretation here would not be cost effective. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): There is a lot happening in this area with the State Park sites including their boat ramp access on the island, the state park vista, and the large Hanover Street Park and boat access. It should also be noted that the Rt. 11 traffic can be challenging at times crossing the bridge over the river. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Northumberland Point Access with the Rt. 11 Bridge seen to the right.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – V-3 Location: Shikellamy State Park Vista Current interpretive theme or focus: There currently is no interpretation at this rather outstanding vista, equal to the Council Cup Vista. This vista allows visitors to view the confluence of the West Branch and the Susquehanna River (see attached photo). Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: Recommended interpretive media for this vista would include: Three 2’ x 3’ interpretive panels to interpret:

- The Watershed and River geological history - Native American stories connected to the vista and historic land use of the visible islands

in the river - The river as a historical super highway; interpreting river commerce. - Another panel option is for a vista landscape key with numbers on the photo in the panel

corresponding to what visitors can see in the landscape Interpretation would also market the Susquehanna Greenway heritage experiences, trails, and web site. Optional interpretation can include:

- A stop on a Route 11 Heritage Auto Tour (community linking program) - Interpretation via the proposed new Greenway web site - A regional Greenway and partner sponsored cell phone interpretation

Interpretive panels would be developed at a cost of $2500 - $3000.00 each depending on graphic costs.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This would be a major marketed stop/experience for Greenway travelers either as part of the proposed Rt. 11 Heritage Driving and Discovery Tour or as a day trip destination (linked to other day trip experiences in the area). Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached): Two views from the vista viewpoint.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB - HR - 4 Site/Facility Name: Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam Location: Shamokin Dam, off Rt. 11. Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no interpretation at all at this location. However, this would be a great place for interpretive panels on the inflatable dam and its design, history, and purpose. This is a highly visited site, with easy access off or Rt. 11. However, the way finding signage for this off of Rt. 11 needs to be improved. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This would be a great location for at least two interpretive panels.

- One on a general overview of the Greenway and interpretive sites and experiences to be discovered along Rt. 11

- One interpretive panel on the inflatable dam that creates this attraction - This should also be a stop on a Rt. 11/15 self-guiding driving tour - Also a good location for a stop on a self-guiding driving tour - A good location for the Greenway driving tour cell phone interpretation as well - A good location for a formal viewing deck with interpretation on the dam, river, and river

ecology Some historical information on the Dam is provided on the following page.

Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements):

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Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

The Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam (formerly known as the Sunbury Fabridam) is the world's longest inflatable dam[1]. The dam is located just below the confluence of the Western and Main Branches of the Susquehanna, between the towns of Shamokin Dam and Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

The dam is 2,100 feet (640 m) long. When it is raised in the summer time, it creates the 3,000 acre (12 km²) Lake Augusta, which is used for recreation[2]. The dam and lake are part of Shikellamy State Park.

In 2001, the dam was renamed for Adam T. Bower, Chief Clerk of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1967-68 and Director of Services during the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention of 1967-68, by Act 2001-5 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly[3].

There are plans underway to add a fish ladder to the dam. The fish ladder is primarily to allow the American shad to access the upper part of the Susquehanna[2]. For the 2007 season the dam is slated to be deflated slowly over the period from August 20 through August 23. This earlier than usual lowering of the dam is to facilitate the replacement and repair of at least 3 of the synthetic bags which comprise the dam. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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General views of the dam structure and visitors just down stream of the dam fishing and some swimming/wading.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – H-9 Site/Facility Name: Joseph Priestley House Location: 472 Priestley Ave. Northumberland, PA Current interpretive theme or focus: Interpretation of Joseph Priestley who built this home in 1794. He was a preeminent theologian and chemist. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. The life and legacy of Joseph Priestley Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: The home is furnished with authentic period objects and features Priestley’s laboratory, as well as exhibits presenting his accomplishments and varied interests. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: None at this time. The home is managed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum commission. Operation of the home is at the mercy of State funding and could face closing depending on annual state budget problems.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): As a State Historical Site, this home attracts many visitors to see both the historic architecture, as well as learn about Joseph Priestly. It is an important stop for a Rt. 11 Heritage Driving Tour. Site existing brochure (attached): From the Joseph Priestly House Web site: http://www.josephpriestlyhouse.org

When Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) is remembered today, it's usually for his 1774 discovery, in England, of oxygen. Few know he was a noted theologian, political progressive, and prolific author whose scientific contributions include the development of the carbonation process, the identification of carbon monoxide, and early experiments in electricity. He counted Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and James Watt among his friends. Yet Priestley was also a controversial figure whose views were so odious to some of his countrymen that his house, Fair Hill in Birmingham, was burned in a riot, and he and his family left England. Priestley spent the last ten years of his life in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, where he continued his work in science, religion, and education. But even in this democratic republic his liberal ideas were frequently received with intolerance, and the peace that he so ardently desired was often elusive. Read the full article.

Joseph Priestley House is an historic site that preserves and interprets the contributions and significance to American history of Joseph Priestley, noted English theologian, educator, natural philosopher and political theorist.

As a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Chemical Landmark, the site features Priestley's manor house with its laboratory wing situated along the North Branch of the Susquehanna River at Northumberland, Pennsylvania - the small town Priestley called home from 1794-1804.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – H-10 Site/Facility Name: The Hunter House Museum Location: North Front St., Sunbury, PA Current interpretive theme or focus: Interpreting the site and history of Fort Augusta (see attached brochure). Main Interpretive Stories or topics:

- French and Indian War - Revolutionary War - Native American history of the region - Historical figures (Samuel Hunter)

Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: Typical historical society collections of archaeological material recovered from on-site digs and many Indian artifacts. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: Interpretation managed by the Historical Society Staff. New interpretation can run the full range of options from new exhibits to cell phone interpretation (exterior interpretation) and updated outdoor interpretive signage. There is potential for a Gateway partnership to upgrade this site’s interpretation. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a very significant historical site for heritage travelers, particularly in connection with many other heritage sites and experiences in the region, that can be accessed along the Rt. 11/15

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Corridor. It is not well marketed and could be a good partner with the expanding Greenways network driving tour and web site. You can visit their web site at: http://www.northumberlandcountyhistoricalsociety.org/ Site Brochure Provided in Notebook copy of plan.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: Section 4, NB Index Number: NB – H-11 Site/Facility Name: Sunbury Historic District Location: Sunbury, PA Current interpretive theme or focus: Historic District Walking Tour of historic homes and buildings of Sunbury Main Interpretive Stories or topics. Historic homes and buildings of Sunbury (see accompanying self-guiding tour booklet) Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: This is a well detailed and complete historic district walking tour, more information than interpretation, still a good heritage asset. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: The historic district walking tour is just one more asset for this region of the Susquehanna River heritage experiences that can be found off of the Rt. 11/15 Corridor. It can be marketed stronger, a role that the expanding services of the Greenway can offer. It would be a recommended stop on a Rt. 11/15 Heritage Driving/Discovery tour route. Interpretation of the District could also be by cell phone interpretation and the use of interpretive leaflets downloadable via the internet. Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): NA Site existing brochure is attached. Notebook copy of the plan – not available on CD copy.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: North Branch Index Number: NB – H-15 Site/Facility Name: Avondale Mine Disaster Location: Plymouth, PA Current interpretive theme or focus: There is no formal interpretation there at this time. A group of individuals is working on making this a viable heritage site attraction. Main Interpretive Stories or topics. Coal mining, mining dangers, and the mine disaster itself. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: No interpretive media are located there at this time except a metal historical marker (see photo). Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: This would be a good site for future interpretive development and should be included in a self-guiding driving tour for the west branch. This site could also eventually have several interpretive panels or a kiosk in place interpreting the disaster and its relationship to the coal industry is this section of PA. This is an important story to tell, and it could initially be interpreted via the Greenway web site until such time as the site is fully developed for visitation.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): It has the potential to be an important asset for heritage interpretation of the early industries associated with the Susquehanna River as a transportation corridor for timber, coal and other comedies. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

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Part of the ruin buildings from the mine disaster.

Details about the mine disaster from a web search: http://www.thomasgenweb.com/avondale_report.html

The Avondale Mine Disaster September 6, 1869

Part I: Description of the Mine and Accident

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Below you will find a transcription of a research paper written by James M. Corrigary regarding the Avondale Mine Disaster (Plymouth, Luzerne Co., Pa.) of 6 Sept 1869, an accident that claimed the lives of 110 men and boys, miners and mine laborers. The report is found at the Mine Safety and Health Administration Library in Denver, Colorado, and provides fascinating eyewitness accounts of the accident and its aftermath, along with testimony from the official inquest. At times the eyewitness accounts are heart-wrenching and gruesome, particularly when the corner describes the condition of the bodies as they were recovered from the mine. The testimony at the official inquest into the accident makes for compelling reading as well, as witness made varying statements regarding the safety of the mine, and the precautions taken to prevent just such a disaster. Due to its length, I have broken the paper into five parts contained on five separate pages. There is a sixth page featuring illustrations of the Avondale Disaster and it's aftermath, from the September 24, 1869 issue of Harper's Weekly. I have also used these drawings throughout the other five pages to better illustrate the story of the disaster.

• Part I: Physical description of the mine and details of the accident

• Part II: Initial recovery efforts

• Part III: Recovery of the miner's bodies

• Part IV: The funerals, widows and orphaned children

• Part V: The official inquest into the accident

• Part VI: Harper's Weekly illustrations of the Avondale Disaster

In the days when miners had few rights, and mine owners were rarely held accountable for injuries suffered by their workers, it is probable that most contemporary commentators assigned little blame for the disaster to the mining company itself. Nevertheless, the Avondale Disaster caused new mining regulations to be enacted, including the mandating of double-shaft mines, and the prohibition against collieries being built directly over the mine shaft. It is unfortunate, however, that such measures were taken only after a disaster of this magnitude.

Jeffrey L. Thomas [email protected]

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Part I: Description of the Mine and Accident

THE GREAT DISASTER

AT AVONDALE COLLIERY SEPTEMBER 6, 1869

Subject: Mine disaster, Avondale Colliery, Delaware, Western, and Western Railroad Company, Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1869, 179 killed.

A wooden breaker constructed over the shaft opening to the underground workings caught on fire. The shaft was the sole means of exit from the mine; consequently, the men working underground were trapped and died of suffocation.

Although gas hazards were due mainly to poor ventilation, many of the mines in (the) early days had but one shaft to the surface. One morning, in September, 1869, in an Avondale, Pa. mine, the wooden beams and planking lining the shaft were set afire by sparks from the ventilating furnace. Flames quickly made the shaft a roaring inferno which no man could approach. For hours, water was pumped into the shaft, and along towards evening rescue parties were able to ascend.

Catastrophes of the nature aroused tremendous public indignation. One result was the formation of a group known as the Molly Maguires, who raised havoc in the anthracite fields, being charged with the deaths of a large number of mine bosses. Although it is doubtful that the Mollys had much effect on improving hazardous conditions, they kept the subject of safety and demonstrated how poor accident experience could be made an excuse for mob violence.

AVONDALE CONTRADICTIONS BY JAMES M. CORRIGARY

The author of the accompanying article on the Avondale Disaster, in research on that historic and tragical event, was amazed at the mis-statements he found in frequently accepted versions of the Plymouth tragedy.

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To show how far some of numerous historical references to the Avondale Disaster have strayed from the truth, Corrigan cites these "authorities":---

The U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Mines, in publications on "Coal Mining Fatalities," and Coal Mining Disasters in the United States," issued in 1916 and 1946, gave the Avondale total fatality figure as 179.

Even the generally historically reliable volume on the anthracite mining industry prepared at the insistence of the Hudson Coal Co. and published in 1932, titled The Story of Anthracite," asserted erroneously (on page 168): "The greatest mine fire disaster in the anthracite industry occurred at the Avondale Colliery at Plymouth, Penn., on September 6, 1869, when 179 men lost their lives."

THE AVONDALE DISASTER STARTLING ANNOUNCEMENT

Monday morning, September 6th, 1869, the entire coal mining region of Pennsylvania, and in fact, the whole country, was startled by the telegraphic announcement that the coal breaker head house and other buildings over the shaft of the Avondale mine (formerly known as Steuben), situated in the Wyoming Valley, one mine below Plymouth, were on fire, and that "two hundred and two" human beings were thereby confined in the recesses of the mine, with little prospect of ever again seeing the light of day.

THE MINE PROPERTY

The Avondale mine property was leased by Mr. J. C. Phelps, of Wilkes-Barre, June 13, 1863, of William C. Reynolds, Henderson Gaylord, and others. In January 1866, Mr. Phelps assigned it to the Steuben Coal Company, which was subsequently merged with the Nanticoke Coal & Iron Company, who built the destroyed works.

The mine is driven into what are known as the Shawnee Hills, which overlook the valley on the north. The hills rise abruptly to a great height behind the ruins of the breaker, etc., and are thickly covered with primeval forest trees. Standing on the made ground on which the breaker was situated, and looking southerly, a most beautiful view presents itself. Immediately below and on either hand are streets of miner's houses, all neatly whitewashed. Still lower down is the Bloomsburg Railroad track. Lower still, looking over the Shawnee Flats, and nearly half a mile distant, silently flows the placid Susquehanna river, while luxuriant meadows, broad in extent, make from either side. The Dundee Shaft and other coal works

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and numerous hamlets dot the landscape, and in the distance the Wilkes-Barre mountains loom up, completing a picture which for variety and beauty can hardly be surpassed.

The works were built for Moses Taylor of New York, and were finished in September, 1867, being considered the finest in the valley. The size of the shaft was 10 x 22 feet 4 inches, with hoisting ways 7 feet wide for coal, and an air way 7 feet wide. The top of the breaker was 60 feet above the mouth of the shaft. Four hundred and fifty thousand feet of lumber was required for the buildings and the brattice work of the shaft. The plans and specifications for the breaker were made at the Dickson Manufacturing Works, Sevantoe, where the machinery was also built, under the supervision of the late Mr. John A. Dickson, it being the last work pleased by him. The machinery was as follows: One 40-horse power engine for driving breakers, screens, and side planes; one pair of 40-horse power engine each, for hoisting coal from the pit, and one 80-horse power engine carrying 18-inch plunger pumps, 9 feet stroke. All the above machinery was supplied with steam from six boilers, 34 inches in diameter and 40 feet long. The breakers consisted of one pair, 16 x 36 inches, for breaking down the large coal as it comes from the mine, and one pair, 18 x 30 inches, for rebreaking the grate coal. There was one 6 foot, two 5 foot, and two 4 foot screens for separating the various kinds of coal. The breaker and buildings burned several above half an acre of ground. The capacity of the breaker was between 800 and 400, one of lump, and between 800 and 900 tons of prepared coal.

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On the preceding page will be found a plan of the interior of the mine which represents the later exactly as it was the morning of the disaster.

(Note: This drawing was not included in he report that I viewed.)

The drawing for it was made by Mining Engineer John F. Sayder, of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company, from the original working plan of the mine, to which has been added, by Mr. Henry J. Phillips, also a mining engineer of the Company, the latest workings of the mine. Letters (on bottom of map) refer to foot notes, indicating toe position of the shaft, (furnaces) ventilation fans, stable, all gangways, airways, cross-cuts, doors, planes, etc., together with the parties of the east gangway in which were found huddled together sixty-seven unfortunate miners. The black portions represent the coal left for pillars, and the white chambers which are worked. The drawing is made to scale, 990 feet to the inch.

DISCOVERY AND PROGRESS OF FIRE

The fire was first discovered by people outside, issuing from the top of the head house, but before that time, Mr. Alexander Weir, the engineer, had been startled by its rushing up the shaft with great fury and with a sound not unlike that of an explosion or pouff. So rapidly did it carry on its work that he was merely enabled to blow out the whistle and arrange matters to prevent a boiler explosion, being obliged finally to make his exit without (securing) his hat. In an almost incredibly short space of time everything combustible about the entire works was in flames - a line of fire extending from the Bloomsburg Railroad track below, to the head house above, a distance of not less than three hundred feet. When (seen) in full progress, the night was grand beyond description. Imagine a plane of fire running up at an angle of about thirty-three degrees toward the hill above, and after it has accomplished that distance, see it shoot up in one immense column into the air, while dense clouds of smoke envelope all surrounding objects, and the reader can have a faint idea of the spectacle.

But there was another phase of the scene at this time which harrowed the very soul. Surrounding the fire on every side were hundreds of men, women and children, the female portion of whom were making the air resound with their terrible cries of distress. Wives were wringing their hands and wailing "Oh! my goodness," "God have mercy," "Who'll take care of my children?" and using ..... of endearment and woe. Mothers were crying out for their children as only mothers can cry, and feeling only as mothers can feel. Fathers were mourning the loss of their first born or the sons of their later years. Brothers were mourning the loss brothers, and sweethearts were frantic over their lost fond lovers, who only the evening

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previous, perhaps, had ..... bosoms and whose kisses were yet burning on their lips. ..... advice or consolation served to quiet them. The state of ..... when most of the bereaved relatives became more calm ..... effort making to extinguish the fire. During the ..... were much less frequent, although individual ..... might have been frequently seen in the neighborhood ..... from the cabins of the miners.

..... great fears were entertained that all the ..... side hill, both ways from the fire, would ..... household goods were removed to a place of ..... providentially the wind blew up the hill ..... burning only the forest trees, which blazed and ..... scorching heat like very.....

..... to be visible to the surrounding country and to the neighboring collieries, men began to flock toward the burning breaker, and (when) a large crown assembled, which ..... By noon ..... thousands every ..... place thronging with ..... The first thought of the mine was to remove the blasting powder from the magazines to the ..... He then ..... to ..... Wilkes-Barre for fire engines. Mssrs. ..... immediately set themselves about organizing a bucket brigade from a large water tank on the hill to the fire. Throwing water upon it until the arrival of the first fire apparatus - head engine ..... from Kingston. This engine was Accompanied by Master Mechanic Graham of the I & ..... and a large force of shop men, and was placed on the hill near the head of the shaft. It was supplied from the buckets until a trough was laid from the bank on the hill above, through which is was thenceforth furnished with a constant supply of water. Good Will engine No. I, of Wilkes-Barre accompanied Chief Engineer Woodward and a large company of men arrived next. (Nay Aug) steam fire engine of Scranton (S. B. Bulwell, Foreman), reached the ground about one o'clock. This was accompanied by about four hundred foot of hose and by a company of men. Supt. Starre, Mining Engineer Sayder, and others, were on the main which carried Nay Aug down. A line of hose was stretched up the hill, and drawn above a wall of stone thirty-five feet high, at the top of which was loaded the upper portion of the breaker and the head hoses of the works. After being supplied for a time by Good Will engine, the steamer took suction in a stream below the railroad, and sent a powerful volume of water into the mouth of the shaft, which was covered with a seething mass of burning timbers. About the middle of the afternoon the two streams form the Kingston and Scranton engines had subdued the fire in a great measure, and Nay Aug's was then removed to a distant tunnel, the mouth of which is situated at the foot of the high wall mentioned. When the rubbish which encumbered the shaft was cleared away, the stream of water was carried into the tunnel to an opening in the side of the shaft, down which the flood was poured until all fire was extinguished. This opening is about thirty feet below the head of the shaft and about fifty feet from the mouth of the tunnel. Good Will engine all this time had a constant stream of water upon a huge mass of burning coal which was in the chutes between the railroad and the head house above when the fire broke out.

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Continue with Part II: The initial recovery efforts Harper's Weekly illustrations of the Avondale Disaster Learn more about the Avondale Disaster victims buried in the Washburn Street cemetery. View a survey of the Washburn Street cemetery, Hyde Park/Scranton Read more about the history of Hyde Park with an emphasis on mining Read more about Benjamin Hughes, brother of Avondale Mine Boss Evan Hughes Return to the main page at the Thomas family web site

Web site copyright © 2005 by Jeffrey L. Thomas, with all rights reserved e-mail: [email protected]

Name: Avondale Mine Disaster Region: Poconos / Endless Mountains County Location: Luzerne Marker Location: US 11 near junction PA 29, Plymouth Township Dedication Date: September 01, 1994

Marker Text On September 6, 1869, a fire broke out at the nearby Avondale Colliery, trapping the miners. The eventual death toll was 110. This included five boys between the ages of twelve and seventeen, and two volunteers who were suffocated while attempting rescue. As a result of this disaster, Pennsylvania's General Assembly enacted legislation in 1870 which was designed to enforce greater safety in the industry.

Behind the Marker

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Deep mining was and still is one of the most dangerous occupations. In nineteenth-century America, beyond the generally unhealthy conditions involved with any extended exposure to anthracite dust and debris, deep mines by way of vertical shafts were prone to floods, collapse, fires, and oxygen shortages. The 1869 disaster at Avondale involved both fire and depleted oxygen, and was the worst in the history of anthracite mining.

This sketch of the rescue efforts at the Avondale Colliery appeared in Harpers... Credit: From Harpers Weekly, 1869 courtesy the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Two years before the catastrophe, the Steuben Coal Company built a breaker directly above the single shaft at the Avondale Colliery near Plymouth, PA. Like other mining companies at that time, it kept small fires burning at the bottom of shafts to create drafts that then promoted better air circulation for the working miners. Sparks from this ventilating furnace set fire to the timbers in the shaft, and the flames then engulfed the breaker at the surface — the only exit for those underground. The breaker collapsed into the shaft and the fire devoured the oxygen. Over 100 men and boys asphyxiated 300 feet below ground.

The efforts of fire fighters and rescuers were hopeless, and two more men suffocated in the pervading mine gases as they attempted to reach the trapped miners. It took two days of clearing debris and poisonous gases from the mine before the first victims were reached. Some men had fallen while running, another was kneeling, and a father was found with his arm around his son.

Several months earlier, the Workingmen's Benevolent Association had petitioned Pennsylvania's legislature for greater safety measures in mines. Presenting 3,000 signatures, workers asked for a law requiring that mines have adequate ventilation and mine inspectors. But due to the objections of Senator Turner of Luzerne County, this enacted legislation did not apply to the county nor to Avondale. After the disaster, the Mine Safety Act of 1870 applied to all anthracite mines and specified that mines have two outlets. In later years, investigations still found safety measures ignored and mine workers calling for more reforms.

The disaster at Avondale echoed in the public conscience for decades, and inspired ballads, folktales and poetry. One popular effort, by James Fox, in 1927, lamented:

One hundred and ten of brave men were smothered underground;

They're in their graves 'til the last day, their widows may bewail

And the orphans' cries, they rend the skies, all 'round through Avondale.

Beyond the Marker Howard Harris ed., Perry K. Blatz ed., Keystone of Democracy: A History of Pennsylvania

Workers (Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1999).

Donald L. Miller and Richard E. Sharpless, The Kingdom of Coal: Work Enterprise

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and Ethnic Communities in the Mine Fields (Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1985).

Walter L. Dinteman, Anthracite Ghosts (Scranton, PA: University of Scranton

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

Susquehanna Greenway Site Inventory and Assessment Form

Section: North Branch Index Number: NB – H-16 Site/Facility Name: Eckley Miners Village Location: Weatherly, PA Current interpretive theme or focus: - Historic coal mining techniques, social issues and miners life styles. See information on the site provided on following pages. Inventory and Analysis of current interpretive services/media: This is a major interpretive attraction including: - Formal visitor center with exhibits and AV program on the site. - Formal exhibits. - Self-guiding brochure - Volunteer lead tours - Special events (currently posted on their web site). - Fee for site walk-in visitation. Recommendations for interpretive media/ services upgrades or additions: Interpretive Media and Services (outdoor exhibits, signs, demonstration areas etc.) and estimated costs: NA – all interpretation is developed by the site. They have a excellent visitor center with high quality exhibits, and give conducted tours. No other interpretive media is recommended – although it would be developed by site staff.

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Heritage Tourism/Interpretation Development Considerations (recommendations for general or specific additions, changes, improvements): This is a major heritage site attraction, and a key site for interpretation of the coal mining heritage of the region. This would be a great partner for marketing and tourism development with the Greenway program. Site Photo(s) and existing brochure (attached):

Main visitor center/exhibit room.

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Sample of one of the exhibit areas.

View looking down the main road.

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One of the historic homes being restored for program and interpretation use. The following information on Eckley Miners’ Village is available on a variety of websites: http://www.fieldtrip.com/pa/76362070.htm and http://www.eckleyminers.org/contact.html Eckley Miners' Village

RR #2, Box 236 Weatherly, PA 18255 (570) 636-2070 • 636-2938 Fax http://www.eckleyminers.org/

During the nineteenth century hundreds of company mining towns or "patches" were built in Pennsylvania's anthracite region. In 1854, the mining firm of Sharpe, Leisenring and Company leased land from the Trench Coxe estate of Philadelphia, and began work on Council Ridge Colliery (coal mine) and the village to support it, Eckley.

Eckley provided the housing, schools, stores and churches for the miners and their families, and by owning the village, the company had greater control over the lives of its workers.

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In 1875, after the company lease expired, the Coxe family either operated the mine themselves or leased it to other companies. Many immigrants came here around this time, creating a broad ethnic mosaic in Eckley that was typical of the anthracite region in general. The town reached a population of about a thousand, but with new mining techniques and equipment being introduced, the population dwindled to a mere twenty inhabitants by the end of the century.

Coal is now strip-mined at the outskirts of the village, but the old Council Ridge Colliery is gone. Eckley was a company town until 1971, when it was deeded to the Commonwealth. Today some fifty people call Eckley home.

While most of the buildings are private residences or businesses, a number are open to the public and can be included as part of a Walking Tour through this neat little town. The Visitor's Center, where a tour begins, features a slide-show orientation and a number of interesting exhibits on the history of Eckley and life in the mining towns throughout the anthracite region.

Visitors can see more than twenty-three historic sites and structures on the tour. Of these, three can be toured with a guide, and several others are under development. Open buildings include the Church of the Immaculate Conception (1862); the Miners' Double Dwelling (1854), furnished as it was when miners lived in it; St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church (1859). The Company Store, built in 1869 as a prop for the movie, The Molly Maguires, is open during summer months. Among several other movie props is a "breaker," a trestled wooden structure used to size coal and break the chunks into marketable pieces.

A tour is educational, really a step back into time. Eckley makes for a nice family outing or a great field trip for School Groups.

Eckley also features a number of special events throughout the year, including Charter Day, when admission to all state museums is free. During the summer a great Civil War Encampment is re-enacted at Eckley, dramatizing an 1863 occupation by the Union Army to quell draft resistance.

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm; Sundays 12 - 5. Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

Admission: Adults $4.00, Seniors $3.50, Children 6 - 12 $2.00. Additional charge for Guided Tours and for Special Events. School Groups $1.00 per student.

Group Reservations: 2 weeks.

Lunch: Picnic area available.

Handicapped: Partial.

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Directions: Rt. 9 PA Tpke. Ext. North to I-80 West. Exit at White Haven and turn left onto Rt. 940. Go 6 miles to Freeland, turn left at Auto Exchange. 3 miles to Eckleys.

Time: 60 - 90 minutes north of Philadelphia.

Nearby: Mauch Chunk Museum , Jem Classic Car Museum .

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More on the history of Eckley:

Early years

Before the 1850s Eckley was not a mining town, but a rural, forested community called Shingletown. It was located on land owned by the Tench Coxe Estate. The inhabitants took advantage of the surrounding woodlands and made shingles to be sold in White Haven and Hazleton. These goods were traded for the necessities of life, such as “whiskey, port, and tobacco”.

Coal is discovered

In 1853, four prospectors came to Shingletown and found that the land contained several veins of coal. Within the year these four men, Richard Sharpe, Asa Foster, Francis Weiss and John Leistering, formed Sharpe, Leistering and Company, later known as Sharpe, Weiss, and Company. Judge Charles Coxe of Philadelphia, executor of the Tench Coxe Estate, granted the company a 20-year lease for the establishment and operation of a colliery on these 1,500 acres (6 km²) of land. In 1854 the company began work on this, the Council Ridge Colliery.

By autumn of 1854, the company had constructed a saw mill to provide lumber necessary for the colliery buildings, such as the breaker, stable, and store house. They also began building a village to house the colliery workers. The scattered forest dwellings of the residents of Shingletown were quickly replaced by two rows of red wooden frame houses with black trim. This new village was called Fillmore, presumably in honor of President Millard Fillmore who left office in 1853. Several years later, the company applied for a post office for their town and learned that a town in Centre County had already appropriated the name. As a result, the town was renamed Eckley in 1857 in honor of Judge Coxe’s eldest son, Eckley B. Coxe who was then

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17 years old. In later years, Eckley Coxe, an engineer, became involved in the operations in the town of his name.

European Immigrants

The first residents of Eckley were mostly English and Welsh immigrants who came from the mines in Great Britain. There also were Germans living in the village who were brought to the colliery as engineers.

By the late 1850s and early 1860s these colliers were joined by groups of Irish farmers who had immigrated to America after the devastating potato famine in their homeland. The Irish were generally unskilled in the field of mining and so received the lowest-skilled, lowest-paying jobs. Over time, the Irish learned the skills of mining and moved into better-paying, higher-skilled jobs. By the time of the 1880s and 1890s the low-skill jobs were being taken by the new wave of immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe. These groups included peoples from Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Italy. Once again, the new immigrants took many years to develop the knowledge and skills to move into the higher-skilled positions in the colliery.

Many of these immigrants came to America expecting to work in the mines just long enough to save money, buy land, and return to the farming lifestyle they had known in Europe. Once they became part of the company-owned system, however, very few were able to escape the years of poverty and hardship that faced them.

Molly Maguires

Film

The Molly Maguires a 1970 film was filmed in Eckley in 1969. The town was so unchanged from its 1870s appearance that the only major alteration needed for filming was to remove television antennas and install underground electric wiring.

The wooden "coal breaker" featured heavily in the film was built as a prop. It received little or no maintenance over the years and, even though it has been called a tinderbox, it still stands today — almost 40 years later.

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The filming of the movie resulted in the town's being saved from demolition, and it was afterward turned into a mining museum under the control of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Eckley's self-imposed nickname is "the ugliest town in America."

Secret Society

The following history is drawn from James Ford Rhodes, the president of the American Historical Association, in an article in the then-leading scholarly journal, the American Historical Review. (April 1910), copyright expired.

In the nineteenth century, Irish immigrants transplanted a form of their Molly Maguire organization into America and continued its activities as a clandestine society. Irish miners in this organization employed the tactics of intimidation and violence previously used against Irish landlords in a violent confrontation against the anthracite, or hard coal mining companies in the 19th century. They were located in a section of the anthracite coal fields dubbed the Coal Region.

"The Mollys" were found in the counties of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Columbia, Schuylkill, Carbon, and Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.

This Irish coal-mining heritage contributed to their wave of violence, and continued well over ten years in the late 19th century in the United States. Although a legitimate self-help organization for Irish immigrants existed in the form of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Molly Maguires existed as a secret organization behind this front. Both groups fought discrimination against Irish and Catholics. In the case of the Mollies, the fight took the form of violence and destruction, mimicking the attacks against English landlords in Ireland, and the later sectarian intimidation of political and religious opponents in the first decades of the 20th century.

Many of the Mollies were miners and the mode of working the mines lent itself to their peculiar policy. Miners were paid by the cubic yard, by the mine car, or by the ton, and (in the driving of entries) by the lineal yard. In the assignment of places, which was made by the mining boss, there were "soft" jobs and hard. If a Molly applied for a soft job and was refused, his anger was aroused and not infrequently in due time the offending boss was murdered. If he got employment, there was a constant chance of disagreement in measuring-up the work and in estimating the quality of the coal mined, for it was the custom to dock the miners' wages for

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bad coal with too much slate and dirt, and a serious disagreement was apt to be followed by violence. Little wonder was it that, as the source of the outrages was well understood, mining bosses refused to employ Irishmen, but this did not ensure their safety, as they might then be murdered for their refusal. A good Superintendent of any colliery would, in his quality of superior officer, support an efficient mining boss and would thus fall under the ban himself. John T. Morse, Jr., who made a contemporaneous study of the Molly Maguires, wrote in his vivid account of their operations: "The superintendents and 'bosses' in the collieries could all rest assured that their days would not be long in the land. Everywhere and at all times they were attacked, beaten, and shot down, by day and by night; month after month and year after year, on the public highways and in their own homes, in solitary places and in the neighborhood of crowds, these doomed men continued to fall in frightful succession beneath the hands of assassins."

The murders were not committed in the heat of sudden passion for some fancied wrong: they were the result of a deliberate system. The wronged individual laid his case before a quasijudicial tribunal demanding the death, say, of a mining boss and urging his reasons. If they were satisfactory, as they usually were, the murder was decreed; but the task was not assigned to the aggrieved person or to any one in his and the victim's neighborhood: perhaps directly-aggrieved parties might be tempted to use more force or more cruelty than necessary. Two or more relatively disinterested Mollies from a different part of the county or even from the adjoining county were selected to do the killing because, being unknown, they could the more easily escape detection. Refusal to carry out the dictate of the conclave was dangerous and seldom happened, although an arrangement of substitution, if properly supported, was permitted. The meeting generally took place in an upper room of a hotel or saloon and, after the serious business, came the social reunion with deep libations of whiskey.

In attempting to give precise figures, some writers have undoubtedly exaggerated the number of murders by this order from 1865 to 1875; but no one can go through the evidence without being convinced that a great many men were killed to satisfy the vengeful spirit of the Molly Maguires. Some of the victims were men so useful, so conspicuous, and so beloved in their communities that their assassinations caused a profound and enduring impression. In some cases, so Dewees (who has written a very useful story) asserts, robbery was added to murder: superintendents, who were carrying the money for the monthly pay of the miners and laborers, were waylaid as they drove along some lonely road in the desolate country. While the murders were numerous, still more numerous were the threats of murder and warnings to leave the country written on a sheet of paper with a rude picture of a coffin or a pistol and sometimes both. One notice read: "Mr. John Taylor-We will give you one week to go, but if you are alive on next Saturday you will die." Another, to three bosses, charged with "cheating thy men" had a

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picture of three pistols and a coffin and on the coffin was written, "This is your home." In other mining districts and in manufacturing localities, during strikes and times of turbulence similar warnings have been common and have been laughed at by mining bosses, superintendents, and proprietors; but, in the anthracite region between 1865 and 1876 the bravest of men could not forget how many of his fellows had been shot and suppress a feeling of uneasiness when he found such a missive on his doorstep or posted up on the door of his office at the mine. Many a superintendent and mining boss left his house in the morning with his hand on his revolver, wondering if he would ever see wife and children again.

Only young men of the order were chosen to commit murder; above them were older heads holding high office and, in a variety of ways, displaying executive ability. They were quick to see what a weapon to their hand was universal suffrage, and, with the aptitude for politics which the Irish have shown in our country, they developed their order into a political power to be reckoned with. Numbering in Schuylkill county only 500 or 600 out of 5,000 Irishmen in a total population of 116,000, the Molly Maguires controlled the common schools and the local government of the townships in the mining sections of the county. They elected at different times three county commissioners and came near electing one of their number, who had acquired twenty thousand dollars worth of property, Associate Judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer. In one borough a Molly was Chief of Police; another in Mahanoy township, Jack Kehoe, was High Constable.

The elections were marred by fraudulent voting, ballot-box stuffing, and false returns, the administration of the offices by fraud and robbery. In Mahanoy township, $60,000 was appropriated for the schools and eleven-twelfths of it stolen. Exorbitant road taxes were a fruitful means by which township officials robbed the taxpayers and put the money in their own pockets. In August 1875 an ex-county commissioner, a Molly; and two commissioners then in office, not actually belonging to the order but in sympathy with it, had been convicted of stealing the county funds and each had been sentenced by a full bench September 6 to two years' imprisonment. At the fall election for governor in this year (1875) the Molly Maguires, who were naturally Democrats, foresaw Republican success and sold their vote in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties to the Republicans for a certain amount of money in hand and an implied agreement that these convicted commissioners and other criminals who were called by a leading Molly "our men" should be pardoned. It is hardly to be supposed that the Republican politicians who made this bargain were aware of the thoroughly criminal nature of the Molly Maguires, for they had astutely covered themselves with a virtuous cloak, securing from the Legislature in 1871 a charter for the Ancient Order of Hibernians whose motto was "Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity." On October 10, 1875, in a letter to the Shenandoah Herald Jack Kehoe denied with indignation that the Molly Maguires were synonymous with the Ancient

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Order of Hibernians, which latter was "composed of men who are law abiding and seek the elevation of their members." (2) Kehoe was crafty enough to see the advantage of throwing dust in the eyes of the public and, when the outside world was bargained with, the A.O.H. was put forward; but, as matter of fact, it was the old story of ravening wolves in sheep's clothing.

They were forced to disband in 1877 after being in existence for about thirty years because, in an effort commissioned by Reading Railroad president Franklin B. Gowen (who was also at the time the most influential mine owner in the area), Pinkerton National Detective Agency agents infiltrated the organization and informed on the activities of the members.

Town Geography

Traveling east to west down Main Street the houses become larger toward the end of town. Like most industrial companies of the 19th century, Sharpe, Weiss and Company planned the village with the occupation and rent paying abilities of their workers in mind. In Eckley, the mine owners lived at the western end of town. The original company store, mule barn, hotel, and doctor’s office were located there as well.

Mine foremen and their families rented the single dwellings located just east of the downtown. First class miners, those men with experience in mining, were assigned the two-and-a-half story double houses in the middle of the village. These were larger then the one-and-a-half story double dwellings rented to their assistants or laborers.

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Site Index Historic Historical Architecture Canal Revol War Civil Native Natural Industry Rail Other Home(s) Person Community History War American History Heritage Road _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB - 354 Oakland PFBC (Great Bend Access). 2 NB – 351 Susquehanna Depot (Great Bend 2 NB - H-1 Starrucca Viaduct 3 3 3 NB - HR-1 D & H Rail Trail 3 3 3 NB – H-2 Mormon Monument / Joseph Smith 1 1 NB – 348 Great Bend Access 2 NB – 342 Hallstead PFBC 2 Access NB – 290 Sayre PFBC Access 2 NB – 288 Sayre Riverfront Park Access NB – H-3 Tioga Point Museum 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NB – 279 Ulster Bridge Municipal Access 2 NB -27 Towanda Riverfront Park

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Access 2

Site Index Historic Historical Architecture Canal Revol War Civil Native Natural Industry Other Home(s) Person & community History War American History Heritage Topics ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB – 269 Wysox PFBC Access 2 NB – Wysox Township Park Access 2 NB – H-4 French Azilum Historic Site 1 1 1 1 1 NB – Azilum Township Old Mill Park Access 3 3 NB – 254 Terrytown PFBC Access 2 NB – V-1 Wyalusing Rocks Overlook 1 1 1 vista NB – H-5 The Wyalusing Valley Museum 3 3 3 3 NB – 241 Laceyville Borough Access 3 NB – 233 Meshoppen Access NB – 219 Tunkhannock 2 2 Municipal Park Access

Key: 1 = Tour Bus Ready; 2= Can handle up to 30 visitors; 3 = Less than 10 at one time; 4 – Not tourism ready via policy.

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Site Index Historic Historical Architecture Canal Revol War Civil Native Natural Industry Other Home(s) Person & community History War American History Heritage Topics ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB – H- 6 Wyoming Valley Levee Trail System 2 2 2 2 2 NB – H-7 Luzerne County Historical Society 2 2 2 NB – 188 Nesbitt Park Access 2 NB – H-8 Avondale Mine Disaster Site 3 3 NB – HR-2 Susquehanna Warrior Trail (mile 175R) NB – HR-3 Mocanaqua Trail (mile 172L). 2 2 2 NB – F-1 Susquehanna Riverlands Environmental Preserve and Visitor Center 1 1 many NB – B-1 Wetlands Nature Area (Mile 166R) 2 NB – V-2 Council Cup Overlook (Mile 166L) 2 2 2 NB – 158 Test Track Park Access 3

Key: 1 = Tour Bus Ready; 2= Can handle up to 30 visitors; 3 = Less than 10 at one time; 4 – Not tourism ready via policy.

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Site Index Historic Historical Architecture Canal Revol War Civil Native Natural Industry Other Home(s) Person & community istory War American History Heritage Topics ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB – 149 Bloomsburg Access 2 NB – 148 Bloomsburg Town Park 3 3 NB – 138 Danville Access 2 NB – WB Northumberland Point NB – V-3 Shikellamy State 2 2 2 2 Park Vista NB – HR Adam T. Bower 3 3 3 Memorial Dam NB – H-9 Joseph Priestley House 3 3 3 NB – H-10 The Hunter House 3 3 3 3 3 Museum NB – H-11 Sunbury Historic 3 3 3 District Walking Tour NB – H-15 Avondale Mine Disaster (sign) 4 4 NB – H-16 Eckley Miners Village 1 1 1 1

Key: 1 = Tour Bus Ready; 2= Can handle up to 30 visitors; 3 = Less than 10 at one time; 4 – Not tourism ready via policy.

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Year

Index # Media/Services 09 10 11 12 13 Cost Estimate NB - 354 Oakland PFBC (Great Bend Access). - Add proposed new Greenway panel. $3000.00 NB – 351 Susquehanna Depot (Great Bend) - Potential for new Greenway panel. $3000.00 NB - H-1 Starrucca Viaduct - Good location for new interpretive panel in partnership with community. $3000.00 - Potential stop on Viaduct Scenic Byway proposed interpretive booklet. NA NB - HR-1 D & H Rail Trail - Develop new trail head sign w/panel. $5000.00 - Develop interpretive trail guide (photo ready). $6000.00 - Proposed Greenway overview panel location. $3000.00 NB –R-=1 PA Route 92 Viaduct - Develop an Interpretive Plan for the Byway. $12,000.00 Scenic Byway. - Develop a Byway Driving Guide (master). $10,000.00 NB – H-2 Mormon Monument / Joseph Smith - No additional media are needed here. NB – 348 Great Bend Access - Proposed Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – 342 Hallstead PFBC Access - Proposed Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – 290 Sayre PFBC Access - Proposed Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – 288 Sayre Riverfront Park Access (sign has been removed from access) - Replace River Trail Panel if not installed yet. - Proposed Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – H-3 Tioga Point Museum - Proposed Greenway River Town Kiosk here. $15,000.00

Key: 1 = Tour Bus Ready; 2= Can handle up to 30 visitors; 3 = Less than 10 at one time; 4 – Not tourism ready via policy.

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Year

Index # Media/Services 09 10 11 12 13 Cost Estimate NB – 279 Ulster Bridge Municipal Access - Add new Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – Towanda Riverfront Park Access - Move River Trail Panel nearer to ramp. TBD - Add new Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – Wysox PFBC Access - Move River Trail Panel to better location. TBD - Add new Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – Wysox Township Park Access - Add new Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – H-4 French Azilum Historic Site - Work with site to add a Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – Azilum Township Old Mill Park Access - No additional media required. NB – 254 Terrytown PFBC Access - Add Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – V-1 Wyalusing Rocks Overlook - Good location to add a Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – H-5 The Wyalusing Valley Museum - No additional media. NB – 241 Laceyville Borough Access - Add a Greenway River town kiosk in park. $15,000.00 NB – 233 Meshoppen Access - No additional media. NB – 219 Tunkhannock Municipal Park - Good location for a Greenway River Town Kiosk. $15,000.00 Access

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Year

Index # Media/Services 09 10 11 12 13 Cost Estimate NB – H- 6 Wyoming Valley Levee Trail System - Interpretative panels/kiosks here are very good. Suggest adding a Greenway River Town Kiosk. $15,000.00 NB – H-7 Luzerne County Historical Museum - No media or services are recommended. NB – 188 Nesbitt Park Access - Add one River Trail panel. $3000.00 - Add one Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – H-8 Avondale Mine Disaster Site (under development) Potential site for an interpretive kiosk, developed in partnership with site managers. Interpretive plan required first. $5000.00 NB – HR-2 Susquehanna Warrior Trail - Add a Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – HR-3 Mocanaqua Trail (mile 172L). - Add a Greenway overview panel. $3000.00 NB – F-1 Susquehanna Riverlands Environmental Preserve and Visitor Center. - Work with site to add a Greenway Panel near the main parking lot. $3000.00 NB – B-1 Wetlands Nature Area (Mile 166R) - No media required. NB – V-2 Council Cup Overlook - All of their interpretive panels need to be replaced – many are damaged. New interp. plan for PPL site recommended. $8000.00 - Replace vista panel with new one. $3000.00 NB – 158 Test Track Park Access - Add River Trail panel and Gen. Greenway panel. $6000.00 - Recommend interpretive panel on test track and industrial history here. $3000.00

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Year

Index # Media/Services 09 10 11 12 13 Cost Estimate NB – 149 Bloomsburg Access - Relocate current River Trail Panel to face river. TBD - Add Greenway Overview Panel. $3000.00 NB – 148 Bloomsburg Town Park - Recommend River Town Kiosk for Park. $15,000.00 NB – 138 Danville Access - Add Greenway Overview Panel. $3000.00 NB – WB Northumberland Point - Add River Trail and Greenway Panels $6000.00 - Good location for interpretive panels on the Native American story of this area. $3000.00 each NB – V-3 Shikellamy State Park Vista - Recommend 3 interpretive panels (see plan). $3000.00 each NB – HR Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam - Add Greenway overview panel w/partner site. $3000.00 - With partner site, add one or more interp. panels on history and function of the dam. $3000.00 each NB – H-9 Joseph Priestley House - No new media recommended. NB – H-10 The Hunter House Museum - No new media recommended. NB – H-11 Sunbury Historic District

NB – H-15 Avondale Mine Disaster (sign) Work with site planners to develop: - Interpretive panels at the site. $3000.00 ea - Develop as a stop on the proposed driving tour. - Interpret via Greenway web site. NB – H-16 Eckley Miners Village Develop as a stop on the proposed Greenway driving tour. Partner to develop place a Greenway Orientation Panel on site parking area.

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Site Index Interp. Orientation Kiosks Museum Web Walking Driving Live Cell Phone

panels Panels Exhibits Site Tours Tour Stop Programs __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB - 354 Oakland PFBC (Great Bend Access). E & AG NB – 351 Susquehanna Depot E & AG (Great Bend ) NB - H-1 Starrucca Viaduct RN RN NB - HR-1 D & H Rail Trail RN Trail Guide NB – H-2 Mormon Monument E E E RN / Joseph Smith NB – 348 Great Bend Access E & AG NB – 342 Hallstead PFBC Access E & AG NB – 290 Sayre PFBC Access E & AG RN NB – 288 Sayre Riverfront RN & AG Park Access NB – H-3 Tioga Point Museum E E RN E NB – 279 Ulster Bridge Municipal Access E E RN NB – 270 Towanda Riverfront Park Access E & AG Walking Tour - No new media recommended.

KEY

E – Existing – OK ER – Exist should be Replaced R - Remove RN – Recommend New Media AG – Add Greenway Orientation Review the interpretive plan form set for details.

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Site Index Interp. Orientation Kiosks Museum Web Walking Driving Live Cell Phone panels Panels Exhibits Site Tours Tour Stop Programs __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB – Wysox PFBC Access E & AG RN NB – Wysox Township Park Access E & AG NB – H-4 French Azilum Historic Site RN RN E E E RN E NB – Azilum Township Old Mill Park Access E NB – 254 Terrytown PFBC Access E & AG NB – V-1 Wyalusing Rocks Overlook E E RN RN NB – H-5 The Wyalusing Valley Museum E RN NB – 241 Laceyville Borough Access E & RN NB – 233 Meshoppen Access NB – 219 Tunkhannock Municipal Park Access E E & AG RN RN

KEY

E – Existing – OK ER – Exist should be Replaced R - Remove RN – Recommend New Media AG – Add Greenway Orientation Review the interpretive plan form set for details.

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Site Index Interp. Orientation Kiosks Museum Web Walking Driving Live Cell Phone panels Panels Exhibits Site Tours Tour Stop Programs __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB – H- 6 Wyoming Valley Levee Trail System E E E E RN NB – H-7 Luzerne County Historical Museum E RN NB – 188 Nesbitt Park Access (across from Wilkes Barre) RN RN & AG RN NB – H-8 Avondale Mine Disaster Site (under development) RN RN RN NB – HR-2 Susquehanna Warrior Trail (mile 175R) AG RN NB – HR-3 Mocanaqua Trail (mile 172L). E E RN NB – F-1 Susquehanna Riverlands Environmental Preserve and Visitor Center E E E E RN RN NB – B-1 Wetlands Nature Area (Mile 166R) E E RN RN RN NB – V-2 Council Cup Overlook (Mile 166L) E E RN RN NB – 158 Test Track Park Access RN RN & AG RN RN

KEY

E – Existing – OK ER – Exist should be replaced R - Remove RN – Recommend New Media AG – Add Greenway Orientation Review the interpretive plan form set for details.

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Site Index Interp. Orientation Kiosks Museum Web Walking Driving Live Cell Phone panels Panels Exhibits Site Tours Tour Stop Programs __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NB – 149 Bloomsburg Access E & AG NB – 148 Bloomsburg Town Park RN & AG RN E RN RN NB – 138 Danville Access E & AG NB – WB Northumberland Point RN NB – V-3 Shikellamy State Park Vista RN RN RN NB – HR Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam RN AG RN RN NB – H-9 Joseph Priestley House E E RN E RN NB – H-10 The Hunter House Museum E E RN E RN NB – H-11 Sunbury Historic District Walking Tour E RN RN NB – H-15 Avondale Mine Disaster (sign) RN RN NB – H-16 Eckley Miners Village E E E E RN E

KEY

E – Existing – OK ER – Exist should be replaced R - Remove RN – Recommend New Media AG – Add Greenway Orientation Review the interpretive plan form set for details.

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Community linking System – Greenway Connections North Branch

For the North Branch of the Susquehanna River Trail/Greenway, there are two main driving/linking routes recommended as follows: NB Greenway Driving Tour Route #1 Sayre to Tunkhannock (or reverse) This driving/linking route would follow Route 220 from Sayre to Towanda where it would then change to Rt. 6 from Towanda to Laceyville. Interpretation for this route including stops listed in the interpretive plan for this section could include, but not be limited to:

- River Towns - Museums - Community historic districts - Revolutionary War sites and history. - Canal History - Railroad History - Native American sites and stories - River Ecology and Geology - Historic Homes and Personalities. - Natural history and watchable wildlife sites and opportunities

Recommendations: - Develop an Interpretive Master Plan for this Driving/Linking Route. $12,000.00 - Develop an Interpretive Tour Booklet for this section of the Greenway (photo or production ready). $6000.00

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Greenway Driving Route #2 Wilkes Barre to Sunbury (or reverse). This driving route would follow Rt. 11 and connect with sites noted in the interpretive plan that can be easily accessed off of Rt. 11. Potential stops for the driving tour include but are note limited to:

- Historic Communities and Historic Districts - River Towns - Historic Homes and Personalities - Interpretive Vistas and viewpoints - Native American Heritage - Natural history and watchable wildlife sites and opportunities. - River ecology and geology - Industrial interpretation - Railroad heritage sites

Recommendations: - Develop an Interpretive Master Plan for this Driving/Linking Route. $12,000.00 - Develop an Interpretive Tour Booklet for this section of the Greenway (photo or production ready). $6000.00

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Susquehanna River Water Trail

And Susquehanna Greenway Interpretive Plan

Site Accession Form

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Susquehanna River Water Trail Susquehanna Greenway

Interpretive Plan Site Accession Form

Instructions When the initial interpretive planning process and inventory of interpretive sites was conducted in 2008 it was realized that, given the time frame for the project, it was impossible to visit and review every site within the 500 mile long corridor. So only the main sites, recommended by regional river trail and Greenway staff, were included in the first inventory. This site accession form is designed to have any regional river trail/greenway representation or other stakeholders to recommend other sites to be added to the interpretive master plan. Criteria for sites to be considered for inclusion into the interpretive plan: - Sites are owned or managed by a non-profit organization. - Sites are owned or managed by a government agency. - Sites that are facilities have regularly posted hours of operations. - Sites that visitors can access at any time such as scenic overlooks, self-guiding auto tours or historic district walking tours. To recommend a site for addition to the Interpretive Master Plan, please complete the attached site accession form and forward your request on to: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership 201 Furnace Road Lewisburg, PA 17837 (570) 522-7211 The form set can also be faxed: (570) 524-9190 or sent by e-mail: [email protected] Feel free to call if you have any questions.

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Susquehanna River Water Trail and Susquehanna Greenway

Interpretive Plan Site Accession Form

Name of the Site or Facility to be added: Location: Main interpretive theme or message this site presents or illustrates (i.e. historic architecture, canal era history, river ecology or geology, industrial heritage, etc.). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Existing interpretive media or services (interpretive panels, self-guiding brochures, exhibits, etc.). ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Recommendations for new interpretive media or services that could be developed for this site in the future. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Any management issues associated with this site (parking, safety, orientation signage, etc.) or site improvement needs? ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How will/does this site contribute to the interpretation of the Susquehanna River Water Trail and Greenway?

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____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Any other comments: Please include site photos or existing printed material on this site that supports your request for its addition to the Interpretive Master Plan. _____________________________________________________________________________

Your contact details: Name: Organization and address/phone number: E-mail: