Brochure Topics

Memorial Articles on Passing of President Steve Kondrad

Introduction of new President, Joe Slusser

PHS completes history of St. Mary's Blessed Virgin Mary parish and burial records

Time Travelers present skits at Happy Pizza Spaghetti Dinner

Short history of PHS

January Mining program presents Coal Miner, Alvin Cole 

Bernard  Paremba displays his paintings at January Mining Program

Don Shapelle and Don Sennett performed mining songs at January Mining Program

Mary Kondrad spoke about Steve's passing

Article on history of Avondale

Intro of Susan and Jack James lawn caretakers of PHS Avondale grounds

History of Albert Groblewski International Patent Medicines Company

Open House 9/17/2023,

Time Travelers Return Happy Pizza Spaghetti Dinner, 

Tribute to Joe Slusser

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Willow Street

Alvin Cole, Former Coal Miner, Guest speaker 

Avondale Site Update

Steve Kondrad caring for Avondale

History of Albert G. Groblewski Patent Medicines

Display and recipes of Groblewski medicines

Open House 9/18/2022

Photo Ancient Clay Pot

Historical Time Frames

Board Members and Bios: Christine Pagoda, Joseph Slusser, Joe Planting Bulbs, Oral History Program, 

Step by Step has PHS Support

Photo: Spanish American Veteran Flag, Frank Keiser of Quakertown donated.  Had belonged to Julius B, Weil, Camp No. 144 of Plymouth

Brief History of Spanish American War of1898

2021 Acquisitions: Governor James Photo. Harper Weekly, Engraving by Atty Charles Petrillo

Maryjo Prebish donated her paintings of Avondale and Natural America

WVW Yearbooks by James Sanders

James Youells donated Cap belonging to Tally Reese, vocalist in Gov. James Quartet

Binder from John and Peg Makos

Civil War letter from family of Wheeler Van Loon donated by Ann Grimes

Records from Plymouth Kiwanis by John Stevenson

1948 Plymouth High School Lettered Sweater from Walter Pencak

Howells Mining Post drill and photos from Nanticoke Historical Society

Gary Bolesta, Shawnee Flats Artifacts

President Steve Kondrad Pieces Together Ancient Pottery

Petrified tree Stump from Russell Royer

Update on Avondale Site; Security Gate and Bat Gate

1915 and 1916 photos of Avondale

Miracle of the Bells Movie: Actress Olga Treskoff, formerly of Glen Lyon; Movie at All Saints Cafeteria was well attended.

Open House September 12, 2021

One of our most colorful brochures! Lenni Lenape Indian Museum to speak at Open House and to display Native American memorbillia.

Article on North American presence in Wyoming Valley. Information and photos

Avondale Mine Site Dumping update. Vandalism of Avondale Site

Four-acre site gifted to PHS from Earth Conservancy.

Mike Dziak from Earth Conservancy had bat cage installed over the mine opening at Avondale

Board Member, Peg Makos researched the Young family diary of Lazarus Young and compiled its history. Photos

Board Member, John Stevenson organized the books kept under lock and key in the research kitchen; John was also responsible for organizing our street and mining maps, compiled our holdings. Photo

Board Member, Albert Dragan, handy man of all things, erected Big John mannequin in the mining room, built a realistic cannon for the stage, erected a large birch tree on stage with 1776 applied leaves. Photo

Board Member, Sandra Lee, 45 year resident of Detroit, Michigan, has relocated to family farm at Noxen and has joined the PHS.

Spaghetti Dinner at Happy Pizza with Time Travelers.  Time Travelers offered many skits of local characters. Photo. 

Both front and back of PHS building now sided! Albert Dragan, also scraped and painted the entire entrance way.

Open House May 19, 2019

Kiwanis Presents donation to PHS

Abijah Smith family donates Smith family bible and large painting of the Battle of Wyoming

PHS attends National History day at Misericordia, Steve Kondrad and Sandy Lee

Seven foot tall Grandfather Clock presented to PHS from Sheldon Evans descendant of Richard Evans who received it from fellow at Woodward Colliery

President Steve Kondrad Message

PHS Fundraiser to side front of PHS building

Photos: 1910 sledders; Peanut man; Old time mail carrier truck; 1910 Susquehanna swimmers; First public transportation bus; Rime Travelers at Shawnee Cemetery; PHS lays Memorial wreath at Shawnee Cemetery; Arthus James Family; PHS Kielbasa Fest Table; PHS hosts Mike Stevens from Channel 16; DAR Wyoming Chapter recognize Thomas Lamoreaux Memorial stone in Chase Township;                        HODAR photo (Husbands of Daughters of American Revolution)

Photos of Steve caring for Avondale grounds; also in mining apparel, and Avondale grounds.

PHS 31st Anniversary Celebration Float

Charles Petrillo Program - River Dredging

Time Travelers - Photo

Governor James Honored

War Memorial - Main Street, Plymouth

War Memorial - Second Street, Plymouth

Herman Park Development - Shawnee Flats

Michael Kaminsky Rescues Family

Gaylord Disaster and Victims - 1894

Gaylor Disaster Victims - Shawnee Cemetary Burial Lot

Henry Sobieski Honored with Plaque

Christine Pagoda - Pysanky Eggs

Confederate Soldier - 1935 News Article

Mr. B. Franklin Mahoney - Builder of Lindburgh's Airplane

PHS Board Members at Battle of Wyoming Memorial

West Lumber Mill and Parrish Breaker - Photo 

PHS Time Capsule Opening (next opening = 2041)

Atwood Silk Mill Information

Wellsboro Bus Trip - December 2015

Coal Dredging Program

Governor Arthur H. James Information

Herman Park Development on the Shawnee Flats

Honoring Our Local Soldiers

Second Street War Memorial Restored

Gaylor Mine Disaster - February 14, 1960

Plaque for Honorable Service to Henry Sobolewski

Time Capsule Opening Event

Siding of the Plymouth Historical Society Building-back side

Patrick Nealon-Local Confederate Soldier Dies August 10, 1935

Pysanky Eggs by Chris Pagoda on Display at Open House

Collage of Old Photos

Open House May 17, 2015  Musical Program,

Continued fundraising to side back of PHS building

Shawnee Fort C wedding dreess is donated to the PHS by Sue hapter Mary Beth Kondrad presented PHS with a copy of "Patriots of African Descent in Revolutionary War"  by Marion Thane: Board Member, Joseph Slusser presented 1913 antique bottle from Rothman Swartz Liquor Company based in Plymouth. Rothman   Swartz was originally quartered in the basement of the Plymouth Opera House. This building was later demolished, and the Polish Alliance building was built on this site.

The Wuijick Family donated a rocking cradle to the PHS.   A local family donates a framed 100-year-old christening set used by 40 members of a Plymouth Family.

Steve Kondrad erects a new Kiosk at the Avondale site complete with map and fliers for passersby.

Steve Kondrad hosted a field trip for employees of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources organized by Lackawanna State Department of Forester, Nick Lysion.

Coughlin High School students volunteered for the annual Avondale Clean up. Organized by Richard Limon; also Rev. Bryan Dodson's  church group also helped clean up the site.

Also, Absolom Case dedication at Shupp's Cemetery was attended by 6th, 7th and 8th generations of that family.

The PHS hosted a display of antique textile at the PHS. Sandra Lee and Georgetta Potoski displayed family heirloom lace and cotton textiles.

DAR member, Cindy Noonan donated a copy of her book, "Dark Enough to See the Starts", about a 12-year-old slave boy who escapes the south to the Underground Railroad following the North Star.

Photos: Dressing a Mannequin

Susan Nelson in period dress presents a brief history of the local area.

Ann Laciani's 1952 wedding dress donated by Sue Kauffman.

Plymouth's Main Street Elementary School closes. Steve Kondrad tapes the closing meeting. Tape available for purchase.

Mike Chimola donates the Concrete Letters from the Elementary School.

Shawnee Cemetery Program for the Unknown and Forgotten persons buried there. A variety of persons stories were told.

Tom Jesso identified newly discovered old graves at the Shawnee Cemetery.

PA Arthrology Society of Mining Engineers displayed a map of Nanticoke strip mine sites. to Steve Kondrad.

PHS lays wreath at Wyoming Monument.

Military Service book once owned by John Petrik, donated to PHS by his niece Christine Van Hornne

Board Member Joseph Slusser donateds rare US Flag that once marked the grave of Srgt. Jonas Hoppes 1860-1865 GAR post 499.

Photo of 1910 Civil War soldiers.

Photo, Bill Seras and Grandfather, Bill Seras, making candy at Seras candy shop in Plymouth. Seras family arranged family display.

Open House: May 18, 2014, Family History Celebration

Davenport Cemetery, Chairman Elizabeth Malloy, responsible for new road into Davenport Cemetery Photo of new road and Davenport work group.

PHS invited to Laflin Library Board at Maria Goretti church. All in period dress for presentation

PHS laying wreath at Wyoming Monument

PHS invited to Anthracite History Group at Kirby Part to honor local coal miners; Barbra Kravulski hoola hooped as Mother Jones!

PHS at WB John Heinz Rehab. Group. Sue Hand's photos on display at John Heinz.

Rededication of Shupp's Cemetery and preservation of site; Also new memorial stone for Absalom Case

Shawnee Fort Chapter of DAR presented new marker and Absalom Case history presented Case family history.

Memorial Corner- Plymouth Resident Edward R. Francis's photo, memorial display, and medals presented to PHS

Fund raiser for siding the back of PHS building.

Earth Conservancy transfers deed to Avondale property to PHS. New survey was required; cost 3000.00. PHS was able to contribute 500.00.

Avondale rededication program was made by PHS on September 6, 2014.

Photos: Avondale Site, prior dumping site photos, Protective gates established.

Grant from ARIPPA at Camp Hill to Robert Hughes to PHS.

Update on Avondale: Bat Cage, and history of Brown Bats and how PHS helps to preserve them through use of mine tunnel.

Local Transportation: White Transit and Sephaniah Reese

Seephaniah Reese and Frank Martz

PHS Antique Flea Market

Broard Members: Elizabeth Malloy, Albert Dragan, Christine Pagoda, James Ellsworth, Barbara Kravulski, Charlotte Filip

Seven Hills of Plymouth

PHS participates in Weath laying at Wyoming Monument

Shupps Cemetery

Abram Nesbitt

Year of the Mannequin

Educational Display

Early School days in Plymouth

Roman Stempowski's shoemaker display

Avondale dumping

James Moses Memorial

Honoring Local Authors

Story Telling by Fiona Powell

PHS throw for Sale; Helen Youells Chairman

Dr. Sheldon Spear's Program on Congressman Dan Flood

Kielbasa Festival - Info

Shawnee Cemetary Burial Records

Opening of Governor James's Room

Charles Lindburgh - First Airmail Flight 

Ashley Post Office Installed at PHS

Sean Seder Eagle Scout Project

Christopher Potoski Eagle Scout Project

Article "PHS Under Investigation"

Dr. Langdon Donates Civil War Flags

Lapotto Sisters Bring Plymouth High School Year Books

PHS Antique Linen Sale

St. Vincent's Church - History and Records Book Available

St. Mary's Church - History and Records Book Available

PHS Afghan Sale

Shawnee Indian History

PHS Members - Walk to Shawnee Village

Bob Vybrenner, Eckley Player - Victorian Funeral Customs Program

Victorian Tea Party & Victorian Dress Program 

Davenport Cemetary History

Wedding of Amy Waltz and Dean Kirkpatrick at Eckley Village

Article "Going to Church with a Daughter"

PHS Photos - Variety of 

Helen Youells and Grandsons Raking Leaves - Photo

Shawnee DAR Fort Chapter - Photo

Ashley Post Office - Photo

Civil War Enactors - Photo

Renolds Street Cemetary History

Davenport Cemetary Sign Fundraiser

Indian Caves - Hanover Township 

PHS Research Records - List Available for the Public

Local Indian Rock Shelters 

Shupp Cemetary - History

Gaylord Mine Disaster - 1894

Lambert's Christmas Bell - Photo

St. Vincent's Cemetary - Gathering Information

PHS Fundraiser - Antique Items for Sale

PHS Research Records - List Available for the Public

PHS Nicknames - News Article

Open House June 14, 2009

Musical Entertainment: Bagpipes by Roger Redmond

Northeastern Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Students led by Barbara Anzalone

Eckley Village Players perform skit based on Coal Mine Town of 1900s, photos

Bus Trip: 6/21/2009 to Eckley Village: Patch Town Days

Bus Tripi: July 12, 2009, to Houdini Tour and Magic Show (cancelled)

Fashion Show: August 9, 2009

Bus Trip: September 12, 2009, Tour of Eastern State Penitentiary (cancelled)

Bus Trip: December 12, 2009, Christmas in Wellsboro 

Open House 5/17/2020

 Updates on 2019

Photo-Native American Presence in Wyoming Valley

Lenna Lenape Indian Museum Display with representative from Museum

Ice cream Social

Photo-Wall that Heals

President's Message

Photo-Bob Stanley USCMC uniform on display

Photo-Kielbasa Fest 

Mr. Peanut, Troy Vank, Jennifer Davis, Steve Kondrad

Native American Presence in Wyoming Valley

150 Avondale Anniversary w photos; visitors from Wales

Luzerne County presented PHS with Proclamation declaring 9/6/2019 Avondale Day-Photo: Steve and Mary Kondrad, Scott Canon, 

Joe Slusser, Harry Haas, County Councilman

Hometown Heroes Day @Faith Baptist Church

Photo- Shawnee Time Travelers @ 3rd Annual fund Raiser Dinner at Happy's

Open House 9/14/2025, Sherry Emershaw Speaker: President of 124th Conn. Infantry Regiment Reenactment Group

 President Joe Slusser gave Spanish American War presentation, received framed roster list from Pat and Luch Kieber

 President Joe Slusser presented program on Avondale Disaster to Mine Reclamation Group

PHS Members interviewed by WVIA TV on Avondale and toured the PHS

Bench Project Organization presented memorial bench for Steve Kondrad at Shawnee Cemetery

Writer Jayne Booth does research at PHS for her book series "Rocked in the Cradle of Coal"

DAR Tunkhannock Chapter presented Women in History Award to PHS Chairman of the Board, Georgetta Potoski

January 2025 Mining program: Joe Slusser presented:  Howells Mining Drilling Co., tools that kept the miners working ,                                         David Skoniecki demonstrated on how mining lamps functioned.

Article on Plymouth Entertainment in 1860

Brief History of Golden Quality Ice Cream Factory

2024 Christmas Dinner Photo

Photo of Native American occupation site in early America

Photo of Steve Kondrad with ancient clay pot and early American artifacts