Restoration Grant Awarded for Historic D&H Caboose in the Pioneer City

CARBONDALE – An iconic Delaware & Hudson caboose, prominently displayed beside City Hall, is set to undergo a significant restoration thanks to an $11,200 grant awarded to the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. The funding, provided by the Steamtown Museum Association Fund and administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will be used to repaint the caboose and construct an ADA-compliant viewing platform, enhancing accessibility for visitors.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation emphasized the significance of expanding its mission beyond Scranton to support heritage projects throughout Lackawanna County. “We are delighted to see this project come to life in Carbondale,” said Laura Ducceschi, president of SACF. “Preserving our shared history is at the core of our mission, and extending this effort to Carbondale demonstrates our commitment to the entire region. This caboose represents a vital part of our story, and we’re pleased to help ensure its preservation for future generations.”

The Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad from Carbondale to Honesdale began operations in 1829 and became the first commercially successful railroad to operate in America. The restoration of the caboose, a symbol of the city’s rich history in the railroad and anthracite mining industries, will bring new life to this important piece of Carbondale’s heritage.

“This caboose serves as a vivid reminder of Carbondale’s role in shaping the railroad and coal industries that were so crucial to Pennsylvania and the nation,” said Dr. S. Robert Powell, president of the Carbondale Historical Society. “It’s a landmark that hundreds of people pass by every day, and we’re thrilled to preserve it for future generations.”

Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for LHVA, highlighted the importance of the caboose, which once served as a mobile office and shelter for freight train crews traveling through the Lackawanna Valley. “Through this grant, we will create an ADA-accessible viewing platform that will allow more people to engage with and appreciate this vital piece of history.”

The project is part of a broader effort to connect communities to their historical roots while making heritage sites accessible to all.

Getting Ready to Spread Holiday Cheer

Planning Committee members, front row, from left, U.S. Marine Cpl. Gabriel Reaid; April Rogato, LHV executive assistant/Santa Train coordinator; Genie Lupini, Jessup 21st Century; Jenniffer Muchal Macknosky, Dickson City Freight Station; Marie Andreoli and Laura Lewis, Archbald Borough; Dominic Keating, LHV volunteer; U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Artris Almengo, Toys for Tots program. Back row: Brando Brandini, National Park Service; James Bajda, juggler; Nick Gianuzzi, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, event sponsor; Ray Ceccotti, Honesdale National Bank, event sponsor; Doug Smith, Dixieland All Stars Band; John Shnipes, Archbald Borough; Tom McHugh, Odd Fellows Lodge; Jessica Nielsen, National Park Service.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready to spread holiday magic across the upper and mid-valley communities of Lackawanna County on Saturday, Dec. 7! Their festive journey aboard the beloved Santa Train will stop at five historic train stations, bringing joy and excitement to families at every turn.

Each stop—Carbondale, Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant, Dickson City, and the Steamtown National Historic Site—will burst with holiday cheer. From warm smiles and hugs with Santa to the irresistible scent of hot cocoa and seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Local marching bands will set the tone with classic holiday tunes, and kids will have the chance to snap photos and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Adding to the spirit of giving, visitors can bring unwrapped toys to donate to the Toys for Tots drive. Every gift brings a little extra magic to children in need, making this tradition as meaningful as it is festive.

With twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the unmistakable feeling of holiday wonder, the Santa Train is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to the unity and generosity that make the Lackawanna Valley so special. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the magic!

A Harbinger to Thanksgiving: Fall Family Fun Day at the Nay Aug Avenue Natural Play Area

SCRANTON. — November is a time for family gatherings. But weeks before carving turkeys and baking pumpkin pies, many folks in Lackawanna County are enjoying a new tradition — Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s Fall Family Fun Day. This free event brought the community together to celebrate the season with activities that delighted guests of all ages.

Kids and parents alike enjoyed creating seasonal crafts, listening to captivating tales during Storytime, and meeting animals up close at the petting zoo. A cozy campfire provided warmth and the chance to indulge in a timeless fall treat: gooey, roasted s’mores.

“It’s a free event — a gift to the community,” said April Rogato, Executive Assistant for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. “We want more people to learn about the trail and our organization.”

The Fall Family Fun Day served as an opportunity to connect the community with the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the organization’s efforts to promote outdoor recreation, environmental education, and regional heritage.

As laughter and the crackling of the fire filled the air, attendees expressed gratitude for the chance to unwind, make memories, and learn more about the natural and cultural treasures of the area.

The event was a shining example of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s mission to bring people together while fostering a love for the outdoors and the region’s unique history. With its welcoming spirit and engaging activities, the Fall Family Fun Day proved to be a highlight of the season for families in Lackawanna County.

 

Olyphant Proudly Rededicates the Queen City Station

From left: C.J. Mustacchio, borough manager; Lou LaFratte, borough engineer; Joseph Corcoran, LHVA executive director; Basil Kleha, Jermyn Planning Commission; James Baldan, council president; Kim Atkinson and Bob Hudak, council members; State Rep. Kyle Mullins with children Conor and Caroline; Mayor Johnathan Sedlak; and Doug Miller, representing State Sen. Rosemary Brown.

OLYPHANT –August 15, the historic Queen City Station was revived with a vibrant rededication ceremony honoring the borough’s industrial legacy and aspirations for the future. Once a thriving coal town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when anthracite mining and railroads were the lifeblood of the community, Olyphant played a pivotal role in propelling America’s Industrial Revolution.

Elected officials and community members gathered to celebrate the station’s restoration, punctuated by live music and guests who rode a steam-powered train from the Steamtown National Historic Site. The event featured the unveiling of a new LHV four-panel kiosk, spotlighting milestone moments in the borough’s history, notably the nationally acclaimed “Olyphant Coal Party.”

“Olyphant’s history is intricately linked to anthracite mining and the railroads that transported coal across the nation,” said Joseph Corcoran, LHVA executive director. “The Queen City Station exemplifies how this community connected to broader markets and emerged as a key player in the coal industry.”

He emphasized, “This rededication is all about safeguarding our heritage and forging a path to the future. With plans to enhance access to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in the Mid Valley, we will be opening up new prospects for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in Olyphant’s illustrious industrial heritage.”

Meet our Trail-Friendly Business Photo Contest Winners!

 

April Rogato, LHVA executive assistant, presents a gift certificate from Barrett’s Pub to Shannon Landry and daughter Ella.

Shannon Landry and daughter Ella from Susquehanna County are the winners of our inaugural trail-friendly business photo contest!

You could be our next prize winner!  For a complete list of trail-friendly businesses, visit: Trail-Friendly Businesses (lhva.org)

Visit 10 trail-friendly businesses, snap a photo of the mascot at each business and submit your entries to:  LHVA | Submit Your Photos

 

U of S Resident Assistants Lead by Example in Heritage Trail Cleanup

SCRANTON — Resident Assistants at the University of Scranton took a break from their usual campus duties on Tuesday to roll up their sleeves and give back to the community, tackling a clean-up of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail at Broadway and Elm Street. These RAs, who will soon be guiding first-year students through the ups and downs of college life, are known for more than just planning study breaks and icebreakers. They’re committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment on campus, and now, they’re extending that dedication beyond the dorms.

The trail clean-up near the University’s Sports Complex was more than just a community service project – it was a chance for these student leaders to showcase the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship. By stepping out of their usual roles and getting their hands dirty, the RAs not only helped spruce up an important local resource but also set a shining example for the students they mentor.

For these RAs, supporting students goes beyond the classroom and the dormitory—it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the wider community. Helping to beautify the trail was just one more way they’re making a positive impact, both on and off campus.

Water Camp Makes a Big Splash on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

 

Young explorers aged 7-11 recently had a blast at the “Wonderful World of Water Day Camp” along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Blakely. Sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water and organized in cooperation with Penn State Extension/Master Watershed Stewards, Lackawanna River Conservation Association, and Valley Community Library, the camp was a huge success!

Vinnie Cotrone explains to inquiring young minds on how to determine the age of a tree.

Day campers dived into the basics of water and watersheds, then explored how human impact on the land affects the quality of our rivers and streams. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, the children gained a deeper understanding of environmental science and the importance of protecting our natural resources.

Vinnie Cotrone, Extension Educator, Renewable Natural Resources at Penn State Extension, was impressed with the quality of questions from the inquisitive youngsters who showed genuine interest in learning more about plant life and forestry.

 

Owen Worozbyt tells water campers what caused this orange-colored tinge to the Lackawanna River.

“It’s incredible to see the excitement and curiosity in these young minds,” added Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “They are not only learning about the environment but also developing a personal connection to the natural world around them. This camp is about planting seeds for a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The camp’s success was evident in the smiles and eagerness of the participants, who left with a newfound appreciation for the environment. “A big thank you to all the organizers, sponsors, and participants for making this event so special. Together, we are inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards,” Worozbyt said.

LHVA’s CareerLink Teen Summer Program in Full Bloom

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and PA CareerLink of Lackawanna County have once again joined forces to provide employment opportunities and resume-building experience through the CareerLink Teen Summer Program.

This program is one of many LHVA initiatives supporting maintenance activities along the Scranton/Taylor portion of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, which stretches 70 miles from Pittston and connects with the D&H Rail-Trail above Simpson to the New York State border.

“The CareerLink Teen Summer Program is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience while contributing to their community,” said LHVA Executive Director Joseph Corcoran. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Combined with the efforts of several volunteer groups and the Lackawanna County Department of Parks and Recreation, LHVA provides the necessary upkeep that makes the trail safe and accessible for more than 230,000 visitors each year. CareerLink workers play a crucial role in helping to maintain and beautify the trail.

“The teens in this program are a vital part of our team,” added Corcoran. “Their hard work ensures the trail remains a safe and enjoyable place for all visitors.”

In addition to trail maintenance, Teen Summer workers also assist on other projects that contribute to beautifying Lackawanna County. These projects range from planting flowers and trees to cleaning up litter and debris, making the county a more pleasant place to live and visit.

“The work these young people do has a lasting impact on our community,” said John Morrow, volunteer coordinator at LHVA. “They gain skills and experience that will serve them well in their future careers while making a positive difference to the environment.”

Through programs like the CareerLink Teen Summer Program, the LHVA continues to foster community involvement and environmental stewardship, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail for future generations.

 

 

 

Ride the rails to Carbondale Pioneer Nights aboard the Heritage Express!

Here’s your chance to experience a unique twilight ride through the Lackawanna Valley on the rails! The Heritage Express is traveling from Steamtown NHS on August 17th for a fun-filled evening in downtown Carbondale. Book now for a special early bird discount:

Heritage Express Train to Pioneer Nights in Carbondale, PA Tickets, Sat, Aug 17, 2024 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite

AmeriCorps: Making a Difference on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and NeighborWorks Northeastern PA recently co-hosted a dedicated group of young adults from AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). Known collectively as Team Oak 8, they spent three transformative weeks in the beautiful outdoors of Lackawanna County and surrounding environs, doing various cleanup and maintenance projects along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. This ambitious group cleared debris, enhanced trail sections, and beautified the surrounding green spaces.

“Their efforts not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the trail but also improved its safety and accessibility for the community,” said Owen Worozbyt, director of operations at LHVA. “The trail is now safer and more inviting.”  

The collaboration between LHVA, NeighborWorks, and Team Oak 8 highlights the power of community and perseverance. These projects not only improved the local environment but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among the young workers and the residents they served.

“The AmeriCorps team has set a wonderful example of community service,” added LHVA Executive Director Joseph Corcoran. “Their enthusiasm and dedication have inspired all of us, and their impact will be felt long after they’ve left.”

As Team Oak 8 wrapped up their three-week stint, gratitude from walkers, joggers and bikers in Scranton and Carbondale was palpable. Their efforts have left an indelible mark on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, serving as a testament to the power of teamwork and the positive change it can bring to communities.