Featured sites on Elm Street and Susquehanna Avenue in Tunkhannock include the Gravel Hill Cemetery (top) and four homes, including the stately mansion (above) built for lumber baron William Kittredge in 1911.
Photos by Rick Hiduk
Guided versions of the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour will be offered again on Thursdays, Sept. 15, 22, and 29 starting at 5 pm, and on Saturday, Oct. 1, in conjunction with the Tunkhannock Quilt & Artisans Walk.
The free tours, beginning at noon on Oct. 1, start at the Dietrich Theater, cover two miles and feature 40 sites, including homes, businesses, places of worship, and even a cemetery. Volunteer tour guides have even more stories to share than you will find in the new Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour brochure, which is available at the Dietrich Theater, the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, the Wyoming County Historical Society and various other sites throughout Tunkhannock.
So far this year, 400 children and adults took the tour, despite oppressive heat and humidity. The new schedule is a result of many requests for guided tours during cooler weather.
The tour highlights architectural styles as well as Tunkhannock’s history, starting with the Revolutionary War. For example, the streets surrounding the Wyoming County Courthouse are named for four Revolutionary War generals. Also included are stories of early settlers and Tunkhannock’s industrial past, which included leather tanning, woodworking, witch hazel production, canals, railroads and more.
Erica Rogler, Executive Director of the Wyoming County Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater, stated, “Not only do people come from far and wide to take the tours, but even those who have lived here all their lives are amazed to learn more about Tunkhannock’s history than they knew before.”
These tours are made possible by the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, PA Route 6 Alliance, the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, the Wyoming County Historical Society and the Dietrich Theater. To register call 570-996-1500.
Built in 1868, the Palen House (above) once overlooked Gilbert Palen’s dynasty – the IXL Tannery.
Built in 1904, the Hallock House on Elm Street (above) exhibits numerous architectural features of its day, including a full-width porch with Doric-order columns and a widow’s walk
I am interested in participating in your “Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour”on Oct. 1st @ 12:00. I will be coming from Long Island, NY and will be stopping first at the Starucca, and Tunkhannock Viaducts. How might I reserve a slot with your tour?
Thanks,
JC