Fireside History presented by Luzerne County Historical Society

One of the world's most famous opera singers grew up on South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre. She wasn't famous for being a good opera singer, however. In season 2 episode 3 of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward discuss the life and legacy of Florence Foster Jenkins. Hear an actual aria from the collection and compare the Florence who grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania with the Florence portrayed by Meryl Streep in the 2016 movie. 

In episode 2 of season 2 of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward talk about how the ship of dreams became a nightmare for passengers with a Luzerne County connection. The Thomas's, the Frauenthal's, and a newlywed couple were on their way to Wilkes-Barre when the R.M.S. Titanic hit an Iceberg in April of 1912. Sit by the Fireside and listen to their stories in "Built by the Irish, Sunk by the British: Wilkes-Barre's Connection to the Titanic."

Everyone knows Mr. Peanut. But, did you know Mr. Peanut was born in Wilkes-Barre? From a small cart on Public Square to the global brand it is now, Planters Peanuts owes its success to an Italian immigrant who came to Luzerne County. Join Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward by the fireside and listen to the season 2 premiere, "The Nutty World of Amedeo Obici and Planters Peanuts."

One year since the first episode, Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society is going strong. In episode 12, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward talk about influential African Americans and their contributions to the Wyoming Valley. Hear the stories of American Revolutionary soldier Gershom Prince, businessman Samuel Wright, former diplomat John Henry Smythe, community activist Blanche Wright Morris, artist and sculptor C. Edgar Patience, and the “fastest human alive” in 1938 Ben Johnson. 

For miners, sometimes going down the mineshaft meant, they were not coming back. In episode 11 of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward talk about disasters in the Twin Shafts, Avondale, Sheppton, and Baltimore mines.

Did you ever play at Hollenback Golf Course? Have you ever driven down Dorrance Street in Kingston? Do you know the story of the NEPA version of Ben Franklin? We have all heard the stories about the Fell House. In this episode of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward discuss Matthias Hollenback, Charles Dorrance, Jacob Cist, and Jesse Fell. 

In Episode 9 of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward discuss how Luzerne County prepared for WWI. From the fears of the residents in Luzerne County to the outpouring of patriotism, issues from a war across an ocean, were right here in our own backyard. 

In Episode 8 of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward discuss some of the most famous breweries in Luzerne County. From Stegmaier to Lion to Bartel’s to E. Robinson’s Sons and current local craft breweries, you will be taken on a historical beer tour of Luzerne County. As Ben Franklin said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Do you have memories of going to Hanson's Amusement Park in the summer? Did you ride the Laurel Line up to Rocky Glen Park? Can you remember the name of the garbage eating pig from Angela Park? Was attending shows at San Souci Park part of your teen years? If so, Episode 7 of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society is for you! Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward talk about some of the summer activities of days gone by this month on the podcast.

The Giants Despair Hillclimb has been a tradition in Luzerne County for over 100 years. Do you know when it was started? Have you heard about some of the best drivers from all over the world that competed in the race? Ever been curious as to how the hill got the the name "Giants Despair"? In this episode of Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward take a look back at the origins, popularity, decline, and rebirth of the Giants Despair Hillclimb.