Museum Information
2008
Local History Articles | 2009 | 2007

History of the Moravian Star

December/2008/ Filed in: Holidays | Religion | Moravians
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During the holiday season, many families decorate their homes with a Moravian star. While these unique multi-pointed stars are beautiful, they also have a rich history. The star originated in the German towns of Niesky and Kleinwalka in the 1830s. The stars were used as craft projects to help demonstrate geometry lessons to young boys attending Moravian school. Read More...

E.E. Norton: Humble Beginnings, Elegant End

October/2008/ Filed in: Stroudsburg | E.E. Norton
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One of the most common inquiries we receive at the Monroe County Historical Association, especially in October, is “Who is buried in that large mausoleum in the Stroudsburg Cemetery?” Read More...

Joseph Jefferson as Rip Van Winkle

September/2008/ Filed in: Paradise Valley | Joseph Jefferson
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Monroe County has been a destination for famous people for years. From presidents to actors, many have come to enjoy the relaxing environment offered in the Pocono Mountains. One such notable actor of the 19th century that came to Monroe County, specifically to Paradise Valley, was Joseph Jefferson. Read More...

History of the J.S. Bunnell School

August/2008/ Filed in: Education | East Stroudsburg | East Stroudsburg High School
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During the 1800s, many students attended one-room schoolhouses throughout Monroe County. Students began school in the first grade, and by grade eight, they had completed their education. In 1870, East Stroudsburg School Board officials unanimously voted to establish a high school in the borough for students who wished to continue their education beyond the eighth grade. Read More...

The Smith Family of Stroudsburg

July/2008/ Filed in: Stroudsburg | The Smith family
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In the archives of the Monroe County Historical Association are photographs of two African American sisters. One photograph is labeled “Laura B. Smith – 8 years old,” and the other is marked with “Florence V. Smith.” These two images have interested me for years, and through CASS’s inquiry for pictures, I was able to research who these two little girls were. Read More...

History of the Wedding Dress

June/2008/ Filed in: Fashion | The Brodheads
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Wearing a white wedding dress is a relatively modern fashion. The tradition of the white dress began when Queen Victoria donned a magnificent white gown for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. White dresses, although sought-after by the wealthy, were not available to everyone, and the fashion did not become widespread until decades later. Read More...

Historic Carolina Parakeet

May/2008/ Filed in: Flora & Fauna
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Springtime has come once again to Monroe County. The trees’ leaves are budding, the flowers are blooming, and the birds have returned. One beautiful bird, however, has not appeared in spring for almost one hundred years. This small, brightly-colored parrot-like bird, named the Carolina parakeet, once called Eastern North America, including Monroe County, its home.
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W.R. Van Vliet's Canning Jars

April/2008/ Filed in: Business | W. R. Van Vliet
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Monroe County has had its share of individuals who have worked to make life a little better, or easier, for everyone. Warren R. Van Vliet was one such individual. During his inventive career, Van Vliet engineered canning jars that were better able to preserve foods than the other canning jars of his day. Read More...

Brodhead Murder: Part II Trial & Punishment

February/2008/ Filed in: Courts/Crime & Punishment | Delaware Water Gap | The Brodheads
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Part II • Theodore Brodhead was killed and another man, his brother, Thomas Brodhead, was wounded by William Brooks and Charles Orme. After being caught in Cherry Valley a few hours following the murder, Brooks and Orme were escorted to the Stroudsburg jail to await trial. Read More...

Brodhead Murder: Part I The Crime

January/2008/ Filed in: Courts/Crime & Punishment | Delaware Water Gap | The Brodheads
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Part I • On September 25, 1868, Monroe County citizens were shocked by a Delaware Water Gap tragedy in which one man, Theodore Brodhead, was killed and another man, his brother, Thomas Brodhead, was wounded. Read More...