Poconos Inspired Forward Thinking
Charles Fourier was born in 1772. He’s known as a French philosopher and early socialist thinker. In fact, he started as a hard-working traveling salesman. He wanted to be an engineer but only sons of a nobleman were granted that…
The Hawley Silk Mill … a community jewel
The Silk Mill, originally an industrial era building, was built as a throwing mill to create silk thread from cocoons. Powered by hydro mechanical and hydroelectric systems, the mill, constructed of two-foot thick bluestone walls, heavy wood timbers, and solid…
Ludolph Hensel
My Life in America Before, During and After the Civil War I am writing a fictional history that revolves around the Shohola Train Wreck of 1864. (I will keep you informed on the progress.) The writers group PencilsNEPA has been…
The Round House Mystery of Baoba
Back in May of 2013 I wrote an article about the Round House in Lackawaxen. It is a significant structure that lay in ruins in what appears to have been a village, a community, something more than just a nice…
Pocono Secrets Podcast
Now you can get your Pocono Secrets wherever you find your favorite podcasts. (hosted on Anchor) These stories run approximately ten minutes in length. In revisiting old articles and updating information, the podcast format allows for expansion on a topic….
Washington Irving
Creator of Christmas Traditions In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a collection of essays and stories. The book includes “The Legend of Sleepy Hallow” about a headless horseman riding through an area which…
THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF OUR NATURE
November is a time for being Thankful. The name Pocono is derived from a Delaware Indian word (pohoqualin), which means “stream between mountains” in reference to the Delaware River. Ironically, that which divides us also unites us. The Delaware River basin has…
The Great Shohola Train Wreck of the Civil War
By the summer of 1864, while union troops were advancing deeply into Georgia, northern prisons were overflowing with confederate prisoners The Erie railroad was enlisted to help move prisoners from point lookout Maryland to Elmira, New York. On July 15…
Simon Ward
Car Enthusiast and International Artist The Community Tapestry NEPA Project attracted 30 artists – families, children, first-timers displaying their art, established artists showcasing their work or sharing inspirational messages. One artist is Simon Ward. Simon is an internationally known artist…
Lackawaxen Roebling Bridge
I had posted a photo of the Roebling Bridge on Instagram and someone then inquired about its history. I searched PoconoSecrets.com for a past article and realized I had only mentioned it several times but never wrote a specific article…