TimesLeader.com

October 5
From Native Americans to coal mining, Pittston offers visit to its rich, storied past

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

PITTSTON – People visited the past on Saturday in Pittston as they strolled along the Susquehanna River during Pittston’s Riverfest.

Clark Switzer of the Greater Pittston Historical Society, left, explains the Knox Mine Disaster of January 22, 1959, during a tour of the site as part of the Pittston Riverfest held on Saturday.

Members of the Wilkes University rowing club ride down the Susquehanna River near the Water Street Bridge during the Pittston Riverfest. From left are club adviser Dr. Jerry Reisinger, Derek Reisinger, Matt Reisinger and Carol Starosta.

The inaugural event hosted by the Greater Pittston Cultural COALition sought to reconnect people – especially children – to Pittston’s historically rich past.

Carl Orechovsky’s eyes lit up when people asked questions regarding the coal industry. Orechovsky is president of Old Forge Coal Mining, a historical organization celebrating the region’s coal mine industry. He encouraged children and adults to pick up pieces of coal and old coal miner helmets inside his organization’s tent celebrating the region’s coal heritage.

“That’s the biggest thing – to show the kids what their grandparents did. They can hold history in their hands,” Orechovsky said.

Bill Vezendy traveled from Berwick to display his vast collection of prehistoric arrowheads and showcase flint mapping during the day-long event. He was pleased with the turnout, which he said was “constant” throughout the day.

“Whenever you do something for the time it’s a gamble,” Vezendy said, noting he got the most joy from teaching people about America’s Native American history.

The gemstone exhibits enticed Forty Fort resident Wendy Specht to bring her two children, who collect gemstones, to the riverfront.

Specht’s daughter, 9-year-old Kristina, couldn’t contain her excitement when she purchased a new gemstone for her growing collection.

Wendy Specht said she was pleased at how much area history was highlighted during the program.

“It’s very important to teach the kids history. I don’t think they get enough of it in school. There is a lot of history in this area - Battle of Wyoming and the coal mines,” she said.

Festival co-organizer Joe Savokinas was pleased with the moderate turnout, especially since it was planned in less than six weeks.

He echoed members of the historic organizations, saying all the planning was worth the effort just to reach the children.

“Children seem to pick up things much easier than an adult and are more curious,” Savokinas said.

“That’s the biggest thing – to show the kids what their grandparents did. They can hold history in their hands.”

Sherry Long, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7159.