A History of Delano, Pennsylvania

The author has written this history of his boyhood home as "a permanent record of the events woven into three-score years and ten of life in Delano," Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania from the date of its founding in 1861 to the date of publication in 1931. The story of "the little railroad town on the mountain-top," which is preserved on these pages "will infuse new life into hallowed memories and… across the pages of this book will move again the dreams and hopes, the joys and griefs of bygone days, mellowed now by the gentle touch of time, but still potent to stir the heart and move the soul." This book is organized in two parts: Book One covers the history of Delano and Book Two contains biographical sketches. Book One opens with the founding of Delano which touches on its natural surroundings; its original settlers, Warren Delano and significant events such as the panic in 1857 which almost paralyzed the anthracite business. Subsequent chapters discuss the importance of the anthracite industry, pioneers, early railroading, shops, early community life, incorporation of Delano Township, the railroad and shops (1880-1890), community interests in the 80s, education and religion in the 80s, Delano in the Gay 90s, advances in church and schools, community interests in the 90s, personal recollections of the 80s, personal memories of the 90s, a new century (1900) and new conditions, the Delano of today (early 1900s), present day railroading (early 1900s), twenty-one years of school life, the Delano school system, late church history, homecoming days: reunions in 1930 and 1931, and a closing word. Book Two is devoted to alphabetically arranged biographical sketches. "It tells where the folks came from, where they went to, where they are now living and what they are doing, with as many other pertinent facts as it has been possible to crowd into the small compass made necessary by the limits of this volume….A separate list of families now residing in Delano is appended to this family group." This well-written account is enhanced by a wealth of vintage photographs. Photographs include individual portraits, group portraits, trains, buildings, places, and a few original documents.