Kristina Leiby

My Hometown Presentation

Kristina LeibyComm 115

October 26, 2010

Kristina Leiby

Tamaqua, Pennsylvania Known as “Land of

the Running Water” Located in Eastern

Schuylkill County Intersects Routes 209

and 309 The Tamaqua Area

includes the Tamaqua Borough, West Penn, Rush, Walker, and Schuylkill townships

http://www.tamaqua.net/home.html

Kristina Leiby

Coal Mining Tamaqua’s historic past begins with

the coal mines located throughout the Tamaqua Area

The coal mines were a vital source in securing jobs for the residents

While the coal mining industry became more successful, the conditions for workers got worse which led to the rise of the Molly Maguires

Kristina Leiby

The Molly Maguires The Molly Maguires were a group of Irish

Catholic coal miners who felt that the long hours, small pay, and hazardous conditions were unfair and bad for them

The Mollies were convinced that the only way to solve their problems was to overthrow the rich and wealthy mine owners through violence

The Mollies fought for a long time and eventually were caught, put on trial, and hanged

Many years after the Mollies, legislators pushed for laws to protects workers and their families

Kristina Leiby

Tamaqua Today Today, Tamaqua is in the process of

cleaning and restoring the town into its original state

The town has received several grants which have helped to restore old buildings, fix sidewalks, and put up new street lights and sidewalk lamps

Tourists are invited to come marvel in historic Tamaqua

Kristina Leiby

Tamaqua Railroad Station Constructed in 1874 One of the town’s most

famous landmarks Stood idle throughout

the 1980’s and late 1990’s

Was going to be demolished until the non-profit organization “Save Our Station (SOS)” raised $1.5 million to have it refurbished

http://americanpublichouse.com/2008.10/tamaqua/Station_2.jpg

Kristina Leiby

The Restaurant at the Station

Inside the Tamaqua Railroad Station is a small restaurant that was also refurbished back to its original design from the 1800’s.

The waiters and waitresses even dress in outfits from that era in order to make the experience come alive

http://americanpublichousereview.com/2008.10/tamaqua/index.html

Kristina Leiby

Depot Square Park Depot Square Park

was built a few years ago and was funded by government grants and local businesses

The park is a popular spot for train station visitors and tourists

http://tamaquaarea.com/default.aspx

Kristina Leiby

Tuscarora State Park The Tuscarora State Park is

located right outside of Tamaqua

There are cabins available for camping, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, and tent sites if you prefer to sleep under the stars

There are many trails that are available for walking, running, or hiking

This park also includes Locust Lake which is a popular Summer swimming spot

Photo taken by: Kristina Leiby

Kristina Leiby

Heisler’s Cloverleaf Dairy Bar

Founded in 1924 as a milk retail business by Morris Heisler

As products became more popular, a dairy bar was built in 1957

The dairy bar is still a family owned business and is operated by Morris’ nephew, Len Ostergaard

The dairy bar serves hot food, 40 flavors of ice creams which are still made from the original recipe, and offers a mini golf course for entertainment

http://www.heislersdairy.com/photos.htm

Visit Tamaqua Today! For more information please explore

the following links:• http://www.heislersdairy.com/• http://

www.stateparks.com/tuscarora_schuylkill.html

• http://tamaquaarea.com/default.aspx• http://www.tamaqua.net/• http://americanpublichouse.com/2008.10/ta

maqua/

Kristina Leiby