Fireside History presented by Luzerne County Historical Society

Fireside History Season 2 Episode 5 ”Bringing the Giant to Its Knees Part 2”

Mark Riccetti, Jr. and Michael Ward return to the Giant's Despair Hill Climb for part 2 of "Bringing the Giant to Its Knees". In this episode of Fireside History Presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society, Mark and Mike talk about how the underground mine fire effected the race, the decline in popularity during the 1960's, how Oscar Koveleski dominated the race in the 1970's, and what the race is like now. Thank you to the Luzerne County Bar Association for sponsoring Fireside History Presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society!

Fireside History Season 2 Episode 4 ”Agnes at 50: Part 2”

In part 1, Mark Riccetti, Jr., and Michael Ward talked about the build up of Hurricane Agnes and devastation that hit Luzerne County on June 23, 1972. Fireside History Season 2 Episode 4 "Agnes at 50: Part 2" goes over what came next. From cleaning the mud, living in a trailer, the Flood Recovery Task Force, and the long term impact the flood had on where people lived, worked, and even shopped, was discussed by fireside in the first ever video podcast. 

Fireside History Season 2 Episode 4 ”Agnes at 50: Part 1”

June 23, 1972, is a day that many residents of the Wyoming Valley have burned into their memories. People evacuated, water rushed the streets, homes and businesses disappeared, and life was never the same. In episode 4 of season 2, Mark Riccetti, Jr., and Michael Ward take us on a journey of events leading up to and a timeline breakdown of what happened that day on Fireside History presented by the Luzerne County Historical Society "Agnes at 50: Part 1."  Be sure to join us for Part II, covering the aftermath and clean-up, LIVE on Zoom, Tuesday, June 21st at 7pm. No reservation necessary, simply use the Zoom link below to join us for a slideshow and live recording.   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81427157874

Fireside History Season 2 Episode 3 ”Some May Say I Can’t Sing, But No One Can Say I Din’t Sing”

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. 

Fireside History Season 2 Episode 2 ”Built by the Irish, Sunk by the British: Wilkes-Barre’s Connection to the Titanic”

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."

Fireside History Season 2 Episode 1 ”The Nutty World of Amedeo Obici and Planters”

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."

Fireside History Season 1 Episode 12 “Influential African Americans”

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. 

Fireside History Season 1 Episode 11 ”When The Timbers Start Talking, The Miners Start Walking”

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.

Fireside History Season 1 Episode 10 ”Men About Town”

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. 

Fireside History Season 1 Episode 9 ”WWI On the Home Front”

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.