Scranton Daily Photo

Autumn Bloom

2011-10-02T20:10:00.002-04:00

Ever though we are already into early autumn, there are many flowers still in full bloom here in Northeast Pennsylvania. I haven't a clue what this one is, but someone suggested it might be an Astor.

Panorama of Wilkes-Barre and the Market Street Bridge

2011-09-30T22:55:00.001-04:00

This is a view looking across the Susquehanna River toward downtown Wilkes-Barre and the Market Street bridge. The River Commons amphitheater can be seen on the far shore of the river.

Side View of Waterfall

2011-09-28T20:07:00.001-04:00

Here is a view of the Bear Creek Dam waterfall seen from the side.

No Trespassing on the Waterfall!

2011-09-27T20:48:00.000-04:00

Northeastern Pennsylvania has a whole lotta lakes with a whole lotta little waterfalls. The little hut pictured here has a sign telling people not to trespass on the waterfall.

Fiery Rain

2011-09-25T19:37:00.001-04:00

We've had record amounts of rain (and lots of flooding) in Northeast Pennsylvania over the past month. For this experimental photo I thought it would be fun to see if I could make it look like it was raining fire.

End of Summer Waterfall

2011-09-22T21:15:00.001-04:00

End of Summer Waterfall in the Poconos

No Stopping Standing or Parking

2011-09-20T20:24:00.001-04:00

I saw this sign at the top of the Francis Walter Dam, and I think it is somewhat amusing. "No stopping, standing or parking," but you could probably get away with walking very, very slowly.

Really Big Lump of Coal

2011-09-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

This image shows a really big lump of coal at the Eckley Miners Village.

Manning the Barricade

2011-09-11T14:49:00.001-04:00

The National Guard was manning barricades at intersections a few blocks away from the cresting Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre and nearby communities to keep people out of the evacuated areas. The evacuation order was finally lifted yesterday afternoon.

Francis Walter Dam After the Rains

2011-09-09T22:47:00.000-04:00

The water level has risen significantly at the Francis Walter Dam reservoir over the past two weeks. Extensive debris from the recent flooding streams has built up along the edge of the dam.

Swollen Susquehanna River Threatens Wilkes-Barre and Kingston

2011-09-08T19:30:00.000-04:00

This image shows the rising Susquehanna River passing under the Pierce Street Bridge that connects Wilkes-Barre on the left to Kingston on the right.

These pictures from earlier today show the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre nearing the top of the protective dike. The top picture showing the road disappearing into the river was taken about nine hours ago. Since then the river has continued to rise and is now only about two feet below the top of the dike.

This picture shows the dike gate in Wilkes-Barre closed to keep the Susquehanna River from flooding the city. As of 7:00pm this evening the Susquehanna River is pushing on the other side of the gate and is only about two feet below the top of the gate.

Picture of the flood gate when opened.

Wilkes-Barre River Commons

2011-09-07T20:49:00.000-04:00

This is a view of the southern section of Wilkes-Barre's River Commons, looking south. The Susquehanna River can be seen on the right in this image taken a week ago. With the remnants of tropical storm Lee dumping about nine inches of rain on the area in the last couple of days, as of this evening the River Commons is likely already under water. The river is expected to crest three feet below the top of the dike which can be seen in the upper left of the photo.

The Tipple at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

2011-09-04T21:59:00.001-04:00

This is a view of the front of the tipple where the coal cars deliver their load by rail after coming up from the mines.

Once the coal made it to the top of this tipple it was ready to be loaded in trucks like the blue one in the picture that sits ready to receive its load. The earth beneath the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valleys, from Scranton to Wilkes-Barre, is a vast honeycomb of mine shafts and tunnels, much of which is now filled with water. That water is now being used as a new source of energy for both cooling and heatingas reported in November 2010 in the Scranton Times-Tribune

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

2011-09-03T13:13:00.000-04:00

The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour is located in McDade Park and is operated by the Lackawanna County Parks and Recreation Department. This view is of the backside of the coal mine tipple.

Bees on a Bull (Thistle, that is.)

2011-09-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

Bees are big fans of Bull Thistle flowers here in the Poconos.

Bull Thistle

2011-08-31T20:28:00.000-04:00

Bull Thistle With a Purple Flower in the Poconos

Bull Thistle weeds are quite common in northeast Pennsylvania. After one run-in with this plant it is easy to imagine how it got its common name. The thistles are strong like the bull and ready to gore any interloper!

Purple Hot Rod Snowcat

2011-08-30T22:20:00.000-04:00

This hot rod snow cat has seen better days.

After the Rain the Road and Bridge Closings

2011-08-29T22:17:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene has come and gone. Actually, it was just a tropical storm when it hit the Pocono Mountains. While the winds were not as strong as forecast, the rains were heavy and the ground was saturated, so the winds were still strong enough to bring down trees and power lines all over, and the rain was heavy enough to cause widespread flooding of streams and small rivers. Scenes such as the one pictured here with signs announcing a bridge or road closed were quite common today.

Hurricane Irene Approaches the Pocono Mountains

2011-08-27T19:48:00.000-04:00

Looking southeast across the mountains, the leading edge of hurricane Irene can be seen moving into the Poconos.

Looking East Across the Francis Walter Dam Reservoir

2011-08-26T21:49:00.002-04:00

Click on this picture of the Francis Walter Dam Reservoir to enlarge it and you can see where the road rises up out of the water on the east side of the lake. You can drive across the road when the water level is low, but that is not likely to happen soon with edge of hurricane Irene tracking toward the Poconos and due to arrive tomorrow night. This reservoir will likely be filled to the rim by Monday.

Frances E. Walter Dam Reservoir

2011-08-25T22:20:00.003-04:00

This picture shows the Frances E. Walter Dam Reservoir, viewed from the top of the dam.

The Frances E. Walter Reservoir is just a twenty-five minute car ride from Scranton and a fifteen minute ride from Wilkes-Barre. This man-made lake is a great site for boating and fishing with the lake being stocked with trout every year.

This view looks down the reservoir-side dam face at the road which disappears under water. When the water level is very low the road can be used to get to the other side of the reservoir.

This road is best traveled by boat.

The River Common Amphitheater in Wilkes-Barre

2011-08-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

The Wilkes-Barre River Common Amphitheater can be seen across the Susquehanna River. The amphitheater can seat about 750 people for concerts and other performances when it is not under water.

The Market Street Bridge in B&W

2011-08-20T19:12:00.003-04:00

The Market Street Bridge in black and white seems to capture the mood of a cloudy and gray day.

Looking Across the Susquehanna River at Downtown Wilkes-Barre

2011-08-19T17:42:00.001-04:00

Riverwalk Ramp

2011-08-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

Don't know what made these tire tracks, but I do know skateboarders love this long ramp.

Above the Floodgate

2011-08-17T21:00:00.001-04:00

This perspective of the Wilkes-Barre riverwalk is from the top of the bridge that passes over a floodgate. The people in the photo are enjoying the view of the Susquehanna River.

The Wilkes-Barre Riverwalk

2011-08-16T18:52:00.000-04:00

This is a view of the riverwalk in Wilkes-Barre where it crosses over the flood gate built into the dike. The Luzerne County Courthouse is in the background.

The Wicker Buck

2011-08-15T20:21:00.000-04:00

There are an estimated one and a half million Whitetail deer in Pennsylvania. There are also one and a half million deer hunters. Fortunately for this guy, Wicker Buck hunting is not legal in Pennsylvania.

Luzerne County Courthouse

2011-08-13T18:51:00.000-04:00

The Luzerne County Courthouse can be seen in the lower left part of this picture beyond the river walk dike wall in Wilkes-Barre. The Luzerne County Courthouse is where Judge Mark Ciavarella, Jr. worked before being convicted in the "kids for cash" case for which he was sentenced this week to 28 years in prison.

Hitting the Lost Trails for an ATV Adventure

2011-08-11T20:02:00.000-04:00

The entrance to the new Lost Trails ATV Adventures trail park heads straight up into the Poconos Mountains.

The New Lost Trails ATV Adventures

2011-08-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

A lot of people in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and the Pocono Mountains ride ATV's and dirt bikes. There is a lot of forest land, but few legal places to ride off-highway. Not that it stops the riding. But the problem of limited legal riding has been alleviated with the new location of Lost Trails ATV Adventures recreational trail park located on the north edge of Scranton with over 2,000 acres for riding and exploring in the Pocono Mountains.

Rooftop Time in Downtown Wilkes-Barre

2011-08-09T21:45:00.001-04:00

This rooftop vantage point in downtown Wilkes-Barre offers a good view of a modern clock-tower and a local TV station's extensive satellite dish collection.

Backside of Pocono Raceway Grandstand

2011-08-07T21:17:00.000-04:00

This is a view of the rather grand looking backside of Pocono Raceway's grandstand.

Grandstand at Pocono Raceway

2011-08-06T16:30:00.000-04:00

The Bill France tower and grandstand looks down on the main straightaway of Pocono Raceway's tri-oval course. The grandstand has room for a little over 75,000 people to get cozy with each other. Think I'll watch the race on TV.

Main Entrance to Pocono Raceway

2011-08-05T16:10:00.000-04:00

Pocono Raceway has two big stock car racing weekends each year. The first is in June, and the second event is in August. This weekend's big event is the Good Sam RV Insurance 500. There are a number of entrances to the racetrack, and the one pictured here is the main entrance. The raceway stays busy in the warmer months and is host to many driving and racing schools and club racing events. Located in the middle of the Poconos, the raceway is only about a thirty minute drive from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan corridor.

The Magic Bus for Stock Car Fans

2011-08-02T22:11:00.000-04:00

Roaring engines rather than The Who are the background sound track for this Magic Bus. The home of the NASBUS is next to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Airport, but this weekend you can expect to see it at Pocono Raceway for the Good Sam RV Insurance 500.

The NASBUS

2011-07-31T22:09:00.000-04:00

How bad have you got it? Maybe the question is really, "Are you ready for the NASBUS?"

Bye-Bye, Borders

2011-07-29T19:46:00.000-04:00

Can electronic reading devices really replace the tangible and tactile experience of reading traditional paper and print books? What about the bookstore cafe experience which is a time and place to socialize and communicate about books, periodicals and ideas? I think the city is losing something profound, and I can only hope that Barnes and Noble will one day step in and fill the intellectual void being left in Scranton with one of their own brick and mortar stores.

Borders Bowing Out

2011-07-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

The Scranton Borders Store

It seems impossible, but when the Scranton Borders store closes its doors for good in the very near future, there will not be any full-sized, dedicated bookstore left in this city of 76,089 people. People in search of the book-browsing and latte sipping experience will need to drive twenty minutes or so to neighboring Wilkes-Barre to visit a Barnes and Noble. Truly, this will be a sad milestone of life in the Electric City in the twenty-first century.

Rainbow

2011-07-26T21:03:00.000-04:00

One fringe benefit to a recent rainstorm is this rainbow seen arcing over the Pocono Mountains.

Self Portrait in Boulder Field

2011-07-25T19:30:00.000-04:00

This self-portrait was taken in Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains. The boulders are a byproduct of a glacier from way back in the time of the cavemen when they wore mastodon fur coats rather than water-proof textile armored motorcycling jackets.

Forest Royalty

2011-07-21T22:32:00.000-04:00

The King and Queen of the Lumber Scene

Cut Lumber

2011-07-16T23:58:00.001-04:00

Paul Bunyan was here.

"Hi" in the Pocono Mountains

2011-07-09T09:56:00.000-04:00

Creative logging in the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania.

A Pastoral Seat in the Memorial Rose Garden

2011-06-15T22:42:00.000-04:00

This pastoral seat is located in the Memorial Rose Garden in Nay Aug Park. Have a seat and the cherub will read you a story.

Mountain Laurel Close-Up

2011-06-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

Mountain Laurel is the Pennsylvania state flower. It is an evergreen shrub that blooms in May and June, and it can be found extensively in the eastern part of the state and the Pocono Mountains.

Blooming Mountain Laurel

2011-06-13T21:41:00.000-04:00

The Pocono Mountains in June are loaded with blooming Mountain Laurel and deer.

Memorial Rose Garden at Nay Aug

2011-06-04T19:21:00.000-04:00

View Looking Out From the Memorial Rose Garden

Please Don't Pick the Flowers

2011-06-02T23:03:00.000-04:00

These flowers in the Memorial Rose Garden at Nay Aug may not be roses, but don't pick 'em anyway. Remember, you pick a flower, and it's dead.

The Memorial Rose Garden

2011-05-31T22:17:00.000-04:00

The Memorial Rose Garden at Nay Aug Park

I'm no flower expert, but I'm pretty comfortable with my ability to identify a rose or a rose bush. Ironically, I could not spot either a rose or rose bush at the Memorial Rose Garden.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T21:43:00.000-04:00

Wisdom of the Coconut Cups

2011-05-29T16:10:00.001-04:00

Coco Bongos

The "Have Fun" Coconut Cups

It's Memorial Day weekend and there are many celebrations and activities going on in the area. The simple message of the "Have Fun" coconut cups is a good reminder to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Courthouse Rooftop

2011-05-27T23:07:00.000-04:00

Courthouse Rooftop

Memorial Day weekend 2011 begins in Scranton with a little sunshine. The blue skies will likely be replaced with more rainclouds and thunderstorms by late afternoon. With a few weeks still to go before summer, this is already the third wettest Spring on record in Northeast Pennsylvania.

A River Runs Through It (Scranton, that is)

2011-05-26T20:14:00.001-04:00

This view of the Lackawanna River is not especially remarkable, until you consider the picture was taken only about a mile from downtown Scranton. The river is hidden from most vantage points even though it runs right through the center of the city.

Waiting Patiently

2011-05-25T18:06:00.000-04:00

These idled ski lift chairs at Tanglewood wait silently for another winter and a new owner.

Tanglewood's Achilles Hill

2011-05-24T20:32:00.000-04:00

A Tanglewood Ski Slope

This picture of a Tanglewood ski slope was taken from the top of the slope! I'm no downhill racer, but this 415' vertical drop does not exactly inspire the extreme athlete in me. It could even be too tame for all but the greenest of beginners. I have to wonder if the limited challenges provided by the Tanglewood slopes are an achilles hill that had a role to play in the ski resorts demise. Just about a twenty minute drive away, and only five or ten minutes driving from downtown Scranton, Snow Mountain offers vertical drops of over 1,000' with black diamond slopes for more advanced skiers.

Tough Times for Tanglewood

2011-05-23T20:48:00.000-04:00

Looking north at Tanglewood Ski Area

This view looking north from Tanglewood Ski Area shows something very rare in Northeastern Pennsylvania this spring: blue skies. Ironically, there are no blue skies for Tanglewood. It has been defunct and for sale since last fall. Tanglewood Ski Area is located in Tafton, a few miles east of Scranton. Elevation drops at this ski resort are not exactly dramatic, but the slopes are okay for beginners and family fun. A notable feature of Tanglewood Ski Area is the inverted ski lodge. That's a fancy way of saying the lodge is at the top of the ski runs rather than the bottom. Inverted ski lodges are not so unusual at ski resorts with modest elevations.

For anyone with deep pockets and fond memories of Dean Jones and the Disney flick The Snowball Express, Tanglewood Ski Area is still for sale and waiting to make your dreams come true.

What's Behind the Bog

2011-05-22T19:38:00.000-04:00

"The Bog" Sign Above the Entrance

The Bog is actually a watering hole in downtown Scranton. The little critter in the upper right corner of the sign reportedly had a twin at the opposite corner. Its disappearance and fate are a mystery.

Bog in Black and White

2011-05-21T12:29:00.000-04:00

I think Bog is best pictured in black and white.

Bog

2011-05-20T22:21:00.000-04:00

Meet the Bog

Purple Flower Ball

2011-05-18T17:08:00.000-04:00

I don't know what this flower is called. But whatever it is, I think it's pretty cool with its spherical shape comprised of numerous six-point petals.

The Paper Boy and the Owl of Wisdom

2011-05-17T19:53:00.000-04:00

The Paper Boy and the Owl of Wisdom

Unzipping the Scranton Times-Tribune

2011-05-16T20:26:00.000-04:00

Unzipping the Scranton Times-Tribune Building

Scranton Times-Tribune Building

2011-05-15T09:38:00.000-04:00

The Scranton Times-Tribune Building

The Scranton Times-Tribune building has some interesting creative touches. This view of the back side of the building not only shows a trompe l'oeil, but the upper left corner is peeled away to provide a glimpse of what is going on inside the building. The lower left corner depicts a paper boy under the owl at the front entrance which is actually located on the other side of the building. The owl is a symbol for uncovering secrets as well as wisdom.

2011-05-13T17:24:00.000-04:00

The Benjamin Franklin Firefighter Memorial

It took ten years of fundraising to pay for it, but this past week on May 7th, 2011, the Benjamin Franklin firefighter Memorial was officially unveiled in front of the Scranton firehouse.

Happy Flowers

2011-05-11T21:25:00.000-04:00

Today, it was one of those rare sunny and warm and humidity-free days in northeast Pennsylvania. And these flowers were loving it!

Bad for Business

2011-05-10T21:48:00.000-04:00

Burned Out House

Sonia's Cuban Deli

This burned out and abandoned house, quite the eyesore, is located right next to Sonia's Cuban Deli. I'm sure it didn't help bring in the customers. Every city has its warts.

Diorama Dam

2011-05-09T20:33:00.000-04:00

This is the Bear Creek dam viewed through a diorama filter.

Morning Fog in the Poconos

2011-05-08T19:59:00.000-04:00

Publish Post

Morning Fog in the Poconos

Lackawanna Riverfest 2011

2011-05-07T16:15:00.000-04:00

Today is Lackawanna Riverfest 2011. The annual festival includes canoe and kayak trips that begin in Archbald and Blakely to the north of the city, and end in the middle of Scranton. Unfortunately, the caption on this sign at the finish could refer to today's festival. It was beautiful early in the morning when this photo was taken, but by noon showers and thunderstorms had arrived in Scranton instead of canoers.

The Visitor

2011-05-06T21:58:00.000-04:00

This Pennsylvania wood frog paid me a visit last night. This picture was shot through the glass door the frog was climbing.

Scranton Softball

2011-05-05T22:17:00.001-04:00

Warming Up Before the Game

Misty Morning at the Bear Creek Dam

2011-05-04T21:18:00.002-04:00

A misty morning at the Bear Creek dam.

Spring Colors

2011-05-03T21:03:00.000-04:00

Spring colors in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

The "i" in the Sky

2011-05-02T21:36:00.000-04:00

Time, place and angle all came together on an almost totally cloudless day for me to look up at the right moment and see this "i" in the sky.

The Halloween Mailbox

2011-05-01T19:20:00.000-04:00

This Halloween mailbox photo was taken last Fall. This scene is classic Autumn in the Pocono Mountains.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

The Face of Spring

2011-04-30T11:51:00.000-04:00

"Miss Tulip, we're ready for your closeup now."

Spring Flowers

2011-04-29T23:20:00.000-04:00

Northeast Pennsylvania had a bloomin' wet April with rainfall well above average.

Blue Skies Above the Riverwalk

2011-04-28T22:36:00.000-04:00

Graffiti Above the Lackawanna River

2011-04-27T19:42:00.000-04:00

Graffiti done well can be fine art. Graffiti done poorly and without thought or care can be the equivalent of visual dirt. This graffiti, located under a bridge crossing the Lackawanna River in the middle of Scranton, is rather uninspired. While it is fairly vibrant, it lacks focus and emotional impact. Call it colorful visual dirt.

Sonia's Cuban Deli

2011-04-26T20:14:00.000-04:00

One look at Sonia's Cuban Deli will tell you everything you need to know about the popularity of Cuban food in Scranton.

Pocono Mountains Springtime Sunset

2011-04-25T21:12:00.000-04:00

The trees are just starting to bud their leaves at the higher elevations in the Pocono Mountains. In about two weeks the mountains will look totally transformed when the forests will once again be lush green.

The Housetruck

2011-04-24T21:04:00.002-04:00

Yeah, it's big enough to live in!

Spring Along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

2011-04-23T15:19:00.001-04:00

This view of Scranton from the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail looks across the river to the eastern bank. Leaves are just beginning to bud on the trees and bushes.

Scranton Softball

2011-04-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

Softball is quite popular in Scranton and Northeast Pennsylvania.

Bear Creek Dam

2011-04-21T20:22:00.000-04:00

A rare sunny and cloudless day in the Poconos really lights up the Bear Creek Dam.

The Grave on Hungry Hill

2011-04-20T20:28:00.000-04:00

The plaque is engraved with "Revolutionary War Veteran".

Hungry Hill Iroquois Chief

2011-04-19T19:14:00.002-04:00

The Indian Chief statue at the Hungry Hill monument is a mystery. The monument recognizes revolutionary soldiers that were clearing a road for Sullivan's army to march against the Iroquois nations that had sided with the English in the war. The spot marks the grave of a revolutionary soldier. The small statue is free-standing and appears to have been left as an unofficial part of the monument. Some individual may have felt the Iroquois also need to be remembered when remembering General John Sullivan and his army. George Washington gave General Sullivan the order to carry out the scorched earth campaign against the Iroquois, and the surviving Iroquois gave him the nickname "Town Destroyer".

Hungry Hill

2011-04-18T21:07:00.000-04:00

Hungry Hill was given its name due to the privations suffered by those soldiers sent out to clear a road for General John Sullivan's army which was to march from Easton, Pennsylvania, to the Susquehanna Valley, and then into New York on a scorched earth campaign against the four nations of the Iroquois that had sided with the British in the Revolutionary War. The name also portends the fate of those Iroquois that Sullivan was campaigning against. George Washington had given slash and burn orders in the summer of 1779, and after Sullivan had defeated the Iroquois and destroyed some forty villages and their crops, the Iroquois suffered widespread famine and the demise of the Iroquois Confederacy of Six Nations.

Danger Dam View #2

2011-04-17T19:33:00.001-04:00

Judging by all of the debris pushed up against this little dam in the Poconos, it is easy to imagine the strong and turbulent water that must come rushing down this stream when the weather gets real wet. I'd say this sign offers good advice.

Danger Dam

2011-04-16T16:44:00.001-04:00

Wading, maybe. But it is hard to imagine anyone being tempted to swim or launch their yacht in this little creek in the Pocono Mountains.

Spring Is a Llama Time Coming

2011-04-14T20:28:00.000-04:00

Rooftop Garden

2011-04-13T19:42:00.000-04:00

This is definitely not your ordinary rooftop garden. In fact, going by looks I'd say any gardening should be done by the local HAZMAT team.

Leo the Lion, King's College Mascot

2011-04-12T20:54:00.000-04:00

Add caption

This statue of Leo the Lion, the King's College mascot, exudes some serious character. King's College is located in neighboring Wilkes-Barre.

Got Milk?

2011-04-11T22:09:00.000-04:00

This giant fiberglass cow in Wilkes-Barre is udderly amazing! Tourists are hoofing it and coming in herds to see this unusual attraction. The cow is named Three-O-Nina. She is owned by and permanently pastured next to Krugel's Georgetown Deli and Beer. Her owners milk her for all she is worth as a landmark and tourist attraction. She is quite famoos and has been featured in Parade Magazine.

Pirate Pickup Truck

2011-04-10T15:28:00.000-04:00

It looks like this picture on a pickup truck could be of a pirate. But then the American flag and eagle suggest a revolutionary freedom fighter. Then again, the truck was parked at the Luzerne County courthouse, home to a huge corruption scandal, and could belong to a lawyer or an elected official. Must be a pirate.

Battleship Maine Memorial in Nay Aug Park

2011-04-09T11:41:00.000-04:00

I have walked past the Battleship Maine Memorial in Nay Aug Park many times, always finding it a bit odd to see it there because it does not fit with any particular theme on the grounds of the park or the Everhart Museum. It is visually striking and quite interesting with the ten inch shell on top flanked by fish, and the porthole cover on one side. Why is it here? A Google search took me to the Centennial Website of the Spanish American War, and it turns out that recovered artifacts from the sunken battleship have been disseminated to towns, cities and organizations all across the country. Thinking about it, this does seem to be a remarkably effective way to share and keep alive the memory of the lost battleship and her crew.

Riverside Along the Lackawanna Heritage Trail

2011-04-07T17:50:00.000-04:00

The Lackawanna Heritage Trail is a thread of nature that snakes right through Scranton along the Lackawanna River. It is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, stretching the dog's legs, and enjoying a little scenic beauty in the middle of a metropolis, and it helps a person put on their happy face. Unfortunately, seeing this sign from the trail is a bit like having a glass of cold water tossed in your happy face. Icky, cold water.

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

2011-04-06T22:41:00.005-04:00

Lackawanna Coal Car on the Road of Anthracite

2011-04-04T21:51:00.000-04:00

Traveling by train in the late 1800's and early 1900's could be a very grimey event for passengers who often completed their rail journey covered with coal soot. Unless, of course, they were riding on a train pulled by an engine powered by relatively clean-burning anthracite coal. The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company owned huge tracts of land rich with anthracite coal which they used on their trains. This allowed them to boast about having clean passengers at the end of a journey. They capitalized on this by creating an ad campaign that featured pictures of a fictional woman named Phoebe Snow dressed in clean white clothes, and the following poem:

Says Phoebe Snow, about to go
Upon a trip to Buffalo,
"My gown stays white from morn 'til night
Upon the road of anthracite."