Time and Change
Scranton’s industrial heritage was a pillar of strength that helped the area boom in the early 20th Century. But with time, the region’s economy changed. It’s difficult to point to one or two events that changed the community from its earlier boom to a recovery that has stretched for decades and remained focused on industrial and manufacturing jobs.
A pair of events in 1959 highlight the change between the early and late 20th Century – changes that had been building in preceding years. These two events weren’t responsible for the economic shift, but they illustrate Scranton’s changing fortunes.
The Knox Mine Disaster (January 22) hastened the end of anthracite mining in the area. The bankruptcy of Scranton Lace (April 3), once one of the most prominent of the region’s laceworks and silk mills, indicated the impending end of another key industry in the region’s economy.
Interested in learning more? Contact the Lackawanna Historical Society to inquire about membership and request a copy of the Spring 2009 edition of The Lackawanna Historical Society Journal.
