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Pennsylvania Railroads: History and Heritage

Program Number: 14977RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/29/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/5/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/19/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Price starting at: $1,297.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Train Treks; On the Road Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Fat    

From Strasburg to Altoona, explore the people and history behind Pennsylvania’s railroads. Steam, diesel and narrow-gauge — hop aboard four trains and ride the rolling hills of Lancaster County and through the rugged Allegheny Mountains as railroad employees and historians explain the construction of the rails and their historic and modern roles in passenger and commercial traffic.




Highlights

• At the Railroaders Memorial Museum, uncover the story behind the 220-degree engineering marvel of Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark.
• Inspect America’s first railroad through the Alleghenies at the Gallitzin Tunnels and visit the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site.
• At the Steamtown National Historic Site, go behind the scenes at a shop where steam engines are rebuilt.



Activity Particulars

Walking for up to one mile over varied terrain, steps to board trains, walking inside a coal mine.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013, 9-29-2013, 10-13-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Lancaster, 2 nights; coach to Wilkes-Barre, 2 nights; coach to Altoona, 2 nights; coach to Lancaster.




Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre was put on the map when anthracite coal was discovered nearby in the late 18th century, resulting in a population boom and the arrival of the railroads. Just down the road from Steamtown National Historic Site, which preserves the historic era of steam locomotives, Wilkes-Barre is also a gateway to the famous Poconos Mountains.



Altoona

“The Mountain City” of Altoona has been a railroad town since its founding by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1849. The importance of locomotives during the Civil War made Altoona valuable to the North and a strategic target of the South. The nearby Horseshoe Curve is a famed marvel of railroad engineering and is listed as a National Historic Place.



Lancaster

Known worldwide as “Pennsylvania Dutch Country,” Lancaster and the surrounding countryside is home to the nation’s oldest Amish community. One of the longest-running farmer’s markets in the country attracts those seeking fresh produce and baked goods.
Accommodations
Hotel in Lancaster, Wilkes-Barre and Altoona.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Sharon Foehl
Sharon began working as a Site Coordinator and Group Leader with Road Scholar programming throughout Vermont in 2003. Since that time, she has helped in developing programs that take her all over New England, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. She received her certification with IGA (International Guide Academy) in 2012 and continues working with them as an instructor helping others achieve certification as tour guides and directors.
 
Ivan Frantz
A native of York, Pennsylvania, Ivan E. Frantz, Jr. is the descendant of two Civil War veterans, and is a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Gettysburg Civil War Roundtable. He is a member and past president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society (PRRT&HS), and currently serves on their board of directors. Ivan has published several articles on the Pennsylvania Railroad in Keystone, the quarterly journal of the PRRT&HS.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Country Inn of Lancaster
  Lancaster, PA 2 nights
   The Woodlands Inn & Resort
  Wilkes-Barre, PA 2 nights
   Comfort Inn
  Altoona, PA 2 nights
 Country Inn of Lancaster
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Convenient location, minutes from major attractions, and outlet shopping.
  Contact info: 2133 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA 17602 USA
phone: 717-393-3413
web: www.countryinnoflancaster.com
  Room amenities: Complimentary continental breakfast Coffee juice available in our lobby (24 hours) 2 queen sized beds in room Cable TV & HBO Elevators in both buildings Indoor/outdoor heated poolhot tub Hair dyers and Wireless internet in all our lobby areas
  Facility amenities: Complimentary extended continental breakfast Color cable TV with HBO Coffee and juice available in our lobby (24 hours) Indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tub Pub on site Restaurant on site Room Service Available Lounge Senior citizens discount AAA discount Kids stay FREE Hair dyers and iron/board inrooms ROLLAWAY AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST $10.00 ADDITIONAL ADDED TO RATE.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Prices Vary Contact the hotel directly for additional nights.
  Check in time: 3:15 PM

 The Woodlands Inn & Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Woodlands Inn and Resort is a AAA three star hotel situated along the beautiful Laurel Run Stream on 40 wooded Pocono acres. Located close to Steamtown USA and other attractions near Wilkes-Barre. The Woodlands Inn & Resort is located west of Interstate 81 off exit 170B. This Inn is also very near local attractions for Wilkes Barre tourists, such as the Pocono Mountains, Pocono Downs Harness Track, Pocono International Raceway, Montage Ski Area and Lackawanna Coal Mine Tours.
  Contact info: 1073 Highway 315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 USA
phone: 570-824-9831 xor8007622222
web: www.thewoodlandsresort.com/managers.asp
  Room amenities: Renovated in 2006: iron and board, hairdryer, coffee maker, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, guestroom print capabilities, 80 pay per view movies, 26 flat screen televisions.
  Facility amenities: Discover wellness in the woods! If you're tired of feeling like you have to be in shape to get in shape, you don't have to feel that way anymore in our fully equipped fitness center. Our health club is an intimate non-intimidating fitness studio dedicated to your well being. Let the pulsating jets and the 100 + degree water temperature soothe away any bumps or bruises in our 17,000 gallon Jacuzzi. Located alongside is our indoor pool where you can cool down after you dip in the Jacuzzi. During the warmer months our outdoor pool is open, cocktails and lunch are also served poolside. The weight training and aerobic center features a comprehensive array of weight resistance and cardiovascular conditioning equipment.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Comfort Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: Close to Horseshoe Curve and the Portage Railroads.
  Contact info: 130 Patchway Road
Ducansville, PA 16635 USA
phone: 814-693-1800
web: www.choicehotels.com
  Room amenities: Cable/Satellite TV Computer Hook-up Free Local Calls Free Newspaper Mon-Fri Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access Hair Dryer In-Room Air Conditioning In-Room Coffee Maker Iron & Ironing Board Microwave RefrigeratorVoice Mail
  Facility amenities: Braille Coded Exits, Braille Elevator(s), Bus Parking, Business Center Cocktail Lounge * Elevator(s) Exercise Room Free Continental Breakfast Gold Award Winner Government Travelers: FEMA Approved Guest Use Copy Machine * Guest Laundry * Indoor Pool Indoor Whirlpool/Hot Tub Interior Corridors No Pets Allowed Outdoor Parking Restaurant on premise Sun Deck
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: None None
  Check out time: 8:30 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 PM - Hotel Lobby You will be staying at Country Inn of Lancaster that night.
  End of Program:
Ends after breakfast and return to the Country Inn of Lancaster at 12:00 PM. You will be staying at Comfort Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking at the hotel is free of charge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Lancaster, PA
  Nearest city or town:  Lancaster
  Nearest highway: Lincoln Highway
  Nearest airport:  Harrisburg
  From End of Program
  Location:  Altoona, PA
  Nearest city or town:  Altoona
  Nearest highway: I 80
  Nearest airport:  Pittsburgh
Travel Details
 

Lancaster/Lancaster

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 717-397-8100

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$17-$22
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 15 Minutes 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 7 miles
   

Amtrak takes you to Lancaster from both Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Call cab upon arrival for a short ride to hotel.
 

Lancaster/Harrisburg

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Friendly Transportation
phone: 717-393-6666 x238
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $100 one way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 35 miles
   

Lincoln Town Car Cost includes gratuity Call for reservations Motor coach will drop individuals at airport on the return from Altoona, PA.

 

Lancaster/Harrisburg

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Avis Rental Car
phone: 717-944-4401
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$28-$32
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 35 miles
   

Avis allows a one day rental to Lancaster Airport with no drop charge. Lancaster Airport rentals are open on Sundays at noon Then take a short cab to hotel. See Yellow Cab below

 
Driving Directions
  Baltimore Area Merge onto I-95 - go 32.2 mi 7. Take exit #93/MD-222 onto Perrylawn Dr[MD-275] toward Perryville/Port Deposit - go 1.0 mi 8. Turn on Blythedale Rd[MD-222] - go 0.1 mi 9. Continue to follow MD-222 - go 8.4 mi 10. Turn on US-1 - go 1.0 mi 11. Turn on Rock Spring Rd[US-222] - go 3.0 mi 12. Continue to follow US-222 - go 21.9 mi 13. Turn on Penn Grant Rd - go 0.7 mi 14. Turn on Lampeter Rd - go 2.0 mi 15. Turn on Rockvale Rd - go 1.6 mi 16. Turn on Gridley Rd - go 0.7 mi 17. Gridley Rd becomes Mennonite School Rd - go 0.5 mi 18. Mennonite School Rd becomes Harvest Rd - go < 0.1 mi 19. Turn on Lincoln Hwy[US-30] - go 0.1 mi 20. Arrive at 2133 LINCOLN HWY E, LANCASTER, on the left
  NYC Area Take the I-78 WEST exit toward GARDEN STATE PARKWAY - go 5.3 mi 12. Take the I-78 WEST EXPRESS exit onto I-78 EXPRESS LN WEST toward CLINTON - go 4.0 mi 13. Merge onto I-78 WEST - go 72.0 mi 14. Take exit #54A/US-222 SOUTH onto HAMILTON BLVD[US-222] - go 8.5 mi 15. Continue to follow US-222 SOUTH - go 15.2 mi 16. Take ramp onto US-222 SOUTH toward SINKING SPRINGS - go 13.8 mi 17. Continue on LANCASTER PIKE[US-222] - go 2.7 mi 18. Continue to follow US-222 SOUTH - go 19.4 mi 19. Take the US-30 EAST exit toward COATESVILLE - go 5.0 mi 20. Arrive at 2133 LINCOLN HWY E, LANCASTER, on the left
  Philadelphia Area Take ramp onto US-1 SOUTH - go 3.3 mi 8. US-1 SOUTH becomes I-76 WEST - go 11.7 mi 9. Take exit #328B-A onto US-202 SOUTH toward WEST CHESTER - go 11.6 mi 10. Take the US-30 exit toward COATESVILLE - go 19.1 mi 11. Continue on LINCOLN HWY[US-30] - go 16.6 mi 12. Arrive at 2133 LINCOLN HWY E, LANCASTER, on the right
  West 3. Bear onto I-376 EAST toward MONROEVILLE - go 13.9 mi 4. Take exit #15 onto I-76 EAST toward HARRISBURG/EXITS 67-359 - go 191.9 mi 5. Take exit #247 onto PA-283 EAST - go 29.4 mi 6. Merge onto US-30 EAST - go 5.8 mi 7. Arrive at 2133 LINCOLN HWY E, LANCASTER, on the right
Equipment Requirements: None
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Individual arrivals and registrations/Dinner is served at the hotel/Program Orientation
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Arrive To: CHECK IN: Please arrive at the Inn between 3:00-5:00pm. Check in at the front desk and then register with Road Scholar staff in the Main lobby. At this time you'll be given a welcome packet containing your name tag, up-to-date itinerary and other useful information. You will then have until 5:45 PM to settle into your room.
 Dinner: Enjoy an old fashioned turkey dinner with all the fixin's at Your Place Restaurant.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner we will have our Orientation. This will provide you with information about the inn, program itinerary, instructors, venues and on site staff. We will ask participants to introduce themselves to the group. This is also a good opportunity to ask questions.
   
Accommodations: Country Inn of Lancaster
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Breakfast/Pennsylvania Railroad Museum/Picnic lunch at the Strasburg Railroad/Ride the Strasburg Railroad/Dinner in an Amish home
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP:This morning we visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania where we will have a guided exploration of one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world. Devoted to preserving and interpreting the broad impact of railroad development on society, the museum: Displays over 100 locomotives and cars from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, including the priceless Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection. Has restored many of these unique survivors to original appearance, and pursues a major restoration program. Conducts educational programs for all ages, provides tours and holds special events, many in cooperation with outside organizations. The innovative Railway Education Center provides a focus for exciting learning. Houses extensive exhibits of railroad artifacts, plus priceless art work, books, photographs and corporate railroad material. Recognizes that railroad history is alive and continues being made in this new millennium. The Museum uses new technologies to preserve and interpret the unfolding story. Seeks to enhance its world-class status through a process of steady improvements involving public-private partnerships. PRESENTATION: Re-group in the class room where Ivan Frantz will discuss the Pennsylvania Railroad's vital role during the Civil War.
 Lunch: A picnic lunch is served at the Strasburg Railroad.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Enjoy an afternoon journey aboard the Strasburg Railroad. The Strasburg Rail Road, a historic operating railroad located directly across the street from the Railroad Museum, runs their train rides in vintage coaches, mostly with steam locomotives. The rides are well narrated, with great views of Amish farmlands. Taking a trip on the Strasburg Railroad is an experience not to be forgotten!
 Dinner: EVENING EXCURSION: Tonight a local guide takes us to a real Amish home for a traditonal Amish Meal. Following dinner he will take us through the true Amish countryside with a quick stop at an Amish Craft Store before sunset.
   
Accommodations: Country Inn of Lancaster
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Breakfast is served at the hotel/Morning Travel to the Pioneer Tunnel Railroad & Coal Mine/Lunch/Wilkes-Barre Station/Dinner
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Travel back through time on an old-time narrow gauge steam locomotive, the Henry Clay. Built in the 1920's, The Henry Clay takes you on a scenic three-quarter mile ride around the side of Mahanoy Mountain to show you another kind of mining called strip mining. You'll visit the Mammoth Stripping, an area where an unusually thick seam of anthracite known as the Mammoth Vein outcrops to the surface of the earth. Here, in days gone by, monstrous steam shovels ripped out millions of tons of coal from the exposed vein and left a wall of solid rock 150 feet high extending westward as far as the eye can see. Much of the coal was pulled out by the narrow gauge predecessors of our own Henry Clay . . . a lot of it on the same track bed. You'll learn about the Centralia mine fire as you gaze across the valley to find smoke rising out of the ground. This perpetual underground fire has resisted all attempts to extinguish it, and has necessitated the relocation of many residents. Nearby is a relic "bootleg" coal hole. This and others in the area were dug by men who were willing to defy trespass laws and brave cave-ins to obtain a few bags of coal to sell or heat their homes. Pioneer Tunnel is a horizontal drift mine. Its level tunnel runs 1800 feet straight into the side of the Mahanoy Mountain. You make the trip riding in open mine cars pulled by a battery-operated mine motor. The mine is inspected daily by the mine's foreman and periodically by state mine inspectors. The temperature inside the mine averages 52 degrees, so a sweater or jacket is recommended. Deep inside the mine, you will alight from your car and follow your miner-guide as you are given an explanation of how coal is mined. There are storyboards inside the mine depicting the mining operation. Your guide will point out the numerous coal seams and describe various configurations of passageways, some cut from solid rock in order to reach the coal. The tour is educational as well as entertaining.
 Lunch: Lunch is included today at Restaurant at the Station, a lovely Victorian style depot turned restaurant.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: During lunch, we enjoy a presentation from a local architect who was instrumental in the restoration of this lovely, historic depot. Then we depart for our hotel in Wilkes-Barre.
 Dinner: Enjoy a lovely Buffet at nearby Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
 Evening: Stay and enjoy yourself at Mohegan Sun or return to the hotel after dinner.
   
Accommodations: The Woodlands Inn & Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Breakfast/Program at the Steamtown National Historic Site/Lunch/Electric City Trolley Museum/Dinner/Evening presentation
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: A full hot buffet breakfast is served at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Enjoy guided exploration of Steamtown which concludes with a train ride. Established by an act of the United States Congress on October 30, 1986, Steamtown officially opened to the public in the summer of 1995, and celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2005. Congress established Steamtown to interpret the story of main line steam railroading between 1850 and 1950. Much of the collection of steam (and a few diesel) locomotives and freight and passenger cars was originally part of Steamtown USA. That collection was originally assembled by the late F. Nelson Blount and was located in several places in the northeast United States before moving from Bellows Falls, Vermont, to Scranton in 1984. Blount's death in an airplane accident in 1967 had cut off the main financial support for Steamtown USA, but much of his original dream to have a museum in a working railroad yard with excursions on steam trains and a functional locomotive shop has been realized at Steamtown NHS.
 Lunch: Delight in a lovely buffet lunch at the beautifully restored Lackawana Station Hotel.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Enjoy self guided exploration at the Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton. The Electric City Trolley Museum Association is a volunteer non-profit group that supports the activities of the Electric City Trolley Museum in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA, at the Steamtown National Historic Site. The association is an outgrowth of predecessor preservation groups including Buckingham Valley Trolley Association and East Penn Valley Traction, which conveyed to the museum most of the trolleys and artifacts in its historic collection. Association members support the Electric City Trolley Museum with their time, talent, trolley expertise and contributions. The Electric City Trolley Museum Association is IRS recognized as a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, We welcome anyone sharing our interest in electric railways of eastern Pennsylvania to find out more about the Electric City Trolley Museum Association through this web site, and to consider joining or supporting
 Dinner: Dinner is included at a the hotel.
 Evening: EVENING PROGRAM: Experience true nostalgia as George Spohrer tells you of his childhood encounters on the railroad with Uncle Billy and Pete. George has been involved with many restoration projects and ran his own little locomotive on a mile of track along the lovely Susquehanna River for nearly ten years.
   
Accommodations: The Woodlands Inn & Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Peter Herdic Transportation Museum/Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: A full hot buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum. Explore the rich traditions of the Susquehanna Valley from the time of the Susquehannock Indian Tribe to today's modern transportation systems and see how the Susquehanna River provided the means for Lycoming County's explosive growth at the turn of the century. From the birch bark canoe to a fully restored GMC 1962 bus, and one of the only two remaining 1949 Pennsylvania Pullman Parlor cars. It is an interesting tour back in time. Learn about how this area hosted stops for the Underground Railroad
 Lunch: Lunch on the train
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit the lovely town of Bellefonte for a presentation on the historical significance of the site before traveling to our hotel for check-in.
 Dinner: Dinner is included at a local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Comfort Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Breakfast/Allegheny Portage Railroad/Lunch/Railroaders Museum & Horseshoe Curve/Dinner
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at the hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Railroaders Museum in Altoona. The Railroaders Memorial Museum (RMM) is a railroad museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The museum is dedicated to revealing, interpreting, commemorating and celebrating the significant contributions of railroaders and their families to American life and industry. Altoona is one of the hubs of the area's growing tourist industry. Many significant cultural resources are within the city itself, and most of these resources are linked directly to the city's long history as a railroad center. Altoona is in a section of southwestern Pennsylvania that is home to a number of significant cultural and historic resources. The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Horseshoe Curve National Historic Site, Staple Bend Tunnel (America's first railroad tunnel), and the historic iron furnace at Mt. Etna are all within 25 miles (40 km) of Altoona.
 Lunch: Lunch is included
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Allegheny Portage Railroad Museum and then visit the Horseshoe Curve. Ride on the funicular to the center of the curve and watch the trains roll by. Horseshoe Curve is a famous railroad horseshoe curve in central Pennsylvania, near Altoona in the United States. Called an "engineering marvel", it was completed in 1854 by the Pennsylvania Railroad.[3] It was later used by the Penn Central, then Conrail, and is currently owned and operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway. Amtrak's Pennsylvanian passenger train traverses the curve. The Curve is located in Kittanning Gap at the summit of the Allegheny Front, approximately 5 miles (8 km) west of Altoona. The bend is a tight arc of approximately 220 degrees. It comprises two separate curves; on the north side, the radius measures 637 ft (194 m), tightening to 609 ft (186 m) on the south side.
 Dinner: Dinner is included at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Comfort Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Breakfast/Travel to Lancaster
(Saturday, October 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is included at the hotel.
 Morning: Return to Lancaster for final departure. We will make stops at the Harrisburg Airport or Amtrak station as needed.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


RAILROAD HISTORY


Author: Railorad & Locomotive Histroical Society


Description: This book takes you into the lives and stories of railroads and railroaders throughout history



WHEN THE RAILRAOD LEAVES TOWN


Author: Joseph P Schwieterman


Description: This volume tells the story of transportation providers struggling to survive in a changing economy only to surrender to the relentless forces of the marketplace. In many communities, the withdrawal of the railroad had unexpected consequences; in others, it forever altered the rhythm of daily life. (Vol. 1, Eastern United States)



TALES OF THE MINE COUNTRY


Author: Eric McKeever


Description: In his tales he conveys feeling for the lives and times of the folks who survived by mining the "black diamonds" that fueled our industrial revolution. The book makes a handy companion, especially on a rainy day while visiting the sights of Carbon and Schuylkill counties



IMAGES OF AMERICA: ALTOONA


Author: Anne Frances Pulling


Description: In this historical pictorial tour, Altoona's existence and success is captured throughout several centuries. Pictures capture the transformation of when Altoona was becoming one of the largest railroad yard's in the world. In it's success, two huge roundhouses and numerous population growth is captured as apart of Altoona's background history.





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