115 Years Ago - Commissioners back large-scale paving project

Brian Fulton, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 26—Feb. 26, 1908

Commissioners back paving projectComing soon to Lackawanna County could have been a paved road that would stretch from Old Forge to Vandling.

The project came together on Feb. 25 at a gathering of residents at the Lackawanna County Courthouse.

The residents formed an organization called the Lackawanna County Good Roads Association. Smaller groups or branches would be formed in each of the county's boroughs and townships where the road would pass through.

E.S. Jones, of Blakely, was elected president of the association, and attorney H.B. Andrews would serve as the association's secretary. Board members included Carbondale Mayor-elect A.L. Sahm, C.S. Seamans and Frank Hagen, from the Scranton Board of Trade.

County Commissioners Durkin, Burschell and Thomas announced at the meeting the county would cover the expense for the paving materials, such "as bricks or any other substantial material."

Scranton City Assessor H.E. Paine said following the meeting the highway would be the "greatest project ever attempted in Lackawanna County."

Minooka teachers end strike

A weeklong strike by schoolteachers in Minooka came to an end thanks to the railroad.

Teachers were to receive their wages seven days ago but the school board didn't pay them. The instructors said there would be no compromise with their wages. They wanted their money.

On Feb. 25, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad delivered a check for $750 to the tax collector. That amount would cover one month of wages for the teachers and janitors in the schools.

The railroad's payment came with a condition. DL&W recently started an appeal of its assessment with the Lackawanna County assessor and commissioners. If the appeal favored the railroad, the school board would allow it to claim an overcharge on next year's taxes. All parties agreed to the condition.

The schools were scheduled to be back in session on Feb. 27.

Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.

Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.