Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Wilkes-Barre (IPA: [ˈwɪlks ˌbɛrə], /-ˌbɛri/, or /-ˌbɛr/^[1]) is the central city of the Wyoming Valley and county seat of Luzerne County in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1769 and formally incorporated in 1806, the city has a population of 43,123, according to the 2000 census.

The city and valley are framed by the Pocono Mountains to the east and the Endless Mountains to the west with the Susquehanna River flowing through the center.

[edit] History

[edit] Beginnings

The Wyoming Valley was first inhabited by the Shawanese and Delaware Indian tribes in the early 1700s. By 1769, a group of settlers, led by John Durkee, became the first Europeans to reach the area. The settlement was named Wilkes-Barre, after John Wilkes and Isaac Barré, two British members of Parliament who supported colonial America.

The initial settlers were aligned with Connecticut, which had a claim on the land that rivaled Pennsylvania's. Armed men loyal to Pennsylvania twice attempted to evict the residents of Wilkes-Barre in what came to be known as the Pennamite Wars. After the American Revolution, the conflict was resolved so that the settlers retained title to their lands but transferred their allegiance to Pennsylvania.

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as depicted on an 1889 panoramic map.

[edit] Industrial foundations: manufacturing, coal and railroads

Wilkes-Barre's population exploded due to the discovery of anthracite coal in the 1800s, which gave the city the nickname of "The Diamond City." Hundreds of thousands of immigrants flocked to the city, seeking jobs in the numerous mines and collieries that sprung up.

[edit] 20th century

The coal industry survived several disasters, including an explosion at the Baltimore Colliery in 1919 that killed 92 miners, but it could not survive the gradual switch to other energy sources. Most coal operations left Wilkes-Barre by the end of World War II, and the 1959 Knox Mine Disaster marked the end of King Coal's heyday.

[edit] Disastrous flooding

Manufacturing and retail remained as Wilkes-Barre's strongest industries, but the city's economy took a major blow from Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972. The storm pushed the Susquehanna River to nearly 41 feet, four feet above the city's levees, and flooded the downtown with nine feet of water. Six people were killed, 25,000 homes and businesses were either damaged or destroyed, and damages were estimated to be $1 billion, with President Richard Nixon sending aid to the area.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Wilkes-Barre attempted to repair the damage from Agnes by building a levee system that rises 41 feet and has successfully battled less threatening floods of 1996, 2004, and 2006 with the Army Corps of Engineers praising the quality of the levees.

In addition, Wilkes-Barre was attracting new businesses to the city (including the finished construction of the Wyoming Valley Mall and a large downtown Boscov's), though many opted to move to the suburbs. By 2000, Mayor Tom McGroarty earned the city a less than dubious reputation with his handling of the city's fiscal affairs and his confrontational style toward several state and federal officials. Governor Mark Schweiker went so far as to call him "inept." When McGroarty lost the mayoral primary in 2003, Wilkes-Barre was nearly $11 million in debt.

[edit] 21st century

The landmark Sterling Hotel at West Market and River Streets.

On June 9, 2005, Mayor Thomas M. Leighton unveiled his I believe... campaign for Wilkes-Barre, which was intended to boost the city's spirits. Many residents were skeptical of the campaign, though construction had begun on a planned downtown theatre complex which had a much anticipated grand opening on June 30, 2006, and renovation of the landmark Hotel Sterling was being pursued by CityVest, a nonprofit developer. Also underway is a downtown two-floor Barnes & Noble store (opened October 17, 2006) and the expansion of Wilkes University and King's College in terms of their reliability. Also, the legendary wornout red street lights in Public Square and across downtown have been replaced with more modern and sufficient green lights. Leighton has however been under pressure to implement measures to tackle city crime, which has risen 39 percent on his watch according to local newspapers Times Leader and Citizen's Voice.

In 2006, the City of Wilkes-Barre celebrated its 200th anniversary (Bicentennial) celebration. There were several events which were scheduled to commemorate this momentous occasion over the July 4 Weekend, including a free concert with the legendary Beach Boys in the City's Kirby Park. Unfortunately, due to extremely heavy rains, the Susquehanna River crested high enough that most of the City had to be evacuated on June 28, 2006, forcing the cancellation of the events. However, the City rescheduled their Bicentennial Blastoff, their Bicentennial Parade and the Bicentennial Gala to different dates throughout August. The Beach Boys graciously rescheduled their concert and played a Kirby Park concert on Labor Day Weekend, Sunday September 3, 2006 attended by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Mayor Leighton and the newly-created non-profit group, Celebrate Wilkes-Barre, Inc., have promised to continue the traditions created during the Bicentennial year.

[edit] Government

Luzerne County Courthouse

[edit] Executive

The city is headed by a mayor, elected to a four-year term. The current mayor is Tom Leighton, a Democrat who was elected in 2003.

[edit] Legislative

The legislative branch of Wilkes-Barre is the City Council, comprising seven members who are elected to four-year terms. Current members of Council are: Chairman, Bill Barrett (former Wilkes-Barre police chief); Vice Chair, Michael McGinley; Kathryn Kane; Phillip Latinski; Jim McCarthy; Tony Thomas Jr.; and Shirley Morio Vitanovec.

[edit] Judicial

The City of Wilkes-Barre is served by two City Attorneys, Timothy Henry, Esquire and William E. Vinsko, Jr., Esquire, who advise both the Mayor and City Council.

The Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court of general jurisdiction for Wilkes-Barre. Its probation system is divided into two divisions; one for adults, and one for juveniles.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania sits at the Max Rosenn United States Courthouse in downtown Wilkes-Barre on South Main Street. The Chief Judge of the Bankruptcy Court, John Thomas, is son of the late Thomas C. Thomas, a prominent produce dealer whose terminal remains a prominent part of the Wilkes-Barre skyline.

[edit] Demographics

Downtown Wilkes-Barre, Market Street Bridge, and Susquehanna River.

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 43,123 people, 17,961 households, and 9,878 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,430.6/km² (6,296.3/mi²). There were 20,294 housing units at an average density of 1,143.9/km² (2,963.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.30% White, 5.09% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.58% of the population.

The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city the population was spread out with 19.9% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The local accent of American English is Northeast Pennsylvania English.

[edit] Geography

Wilkes-Barre is located at 41°14′40″N, 75°52′41″W (41.244581, -75.877918)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.6 km² (7.2 mi²). 17.7 km² (6.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.9 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.60% water.

[edit] Roads, railways and transportation

Interstate 81 passes north-south through Wilkes-Barre, and the city is also located near the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 80.

Public transportation is provided by the Luzerne County Transportation Authority. In addition to servicing the main arteries of the city, it provides transportation for the northern half of the county, as well as a connecting bus to Scranton via an interchange at Pittston with COLTS, the public transit authority of Lackawanna County.

Five international airlines fly from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in nearby Avoca. Smaller, private planes use the Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport in Forty Fort.

The city was at one time served by the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Central Railroad of New Jersey, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (later Erie Lackawanna Railway), Delaware and Hudson Railway, the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Railroad, and the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad. At present, the Canadian Pacific Railway (successor to the Delaware and Hudson) and the Luzerne & Susquehanna Railroad (designated-operator of a county-owned shortline) provide freight service within the city.

[edit] Local attractions

Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza (In nearby Wilkes-Barre Township)
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion
Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre
Luzerne County Museum
"Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs", Pennsylvania's first slots casino.
Wyoming Valley Mall (In nearby Wilkes-Barre Township)
Genetti Hospitality Complex
Wyoming Monument (In nearby Wyoming Borough)
Wyoming (Valley) Historical and Geological Society now known as the Luzerne County Historical Society
R/C Wilkes Barre Movies 14
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center (In nearby Plains Township)
PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (in Moosic, Pennsylvania)

[edit] Colleges and universities

Wilkes University, located on River Street in Center City
King's College, located along River Street in Center City
College Misericordia, located on Lake Street in nearby Dallas, Pennsylvania
Luzerne County Community College, located on South Prospect Street in nearby Nanticoke, Pennsylvania
Penn State Wilkes-Barre, located on Old Route 115 in nearby Lehman Township, Pennsylvania

[edit] High schools

James M. Coughlin, located on 80 North Washington Street
G.A.R. Memorial, located on 250 South Grant Street
Elmer L. Meyers, located on 341 Carey Avenue
Bishop Hoban, located on 159 S. Pennsylvania Blvd.
Hanover area high school

[edit] Sports teams

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees, (AAA Minor League Baseball International League)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins [1] (American Hockey League)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers [2] (af2)
McGlynn Racing (NASCAR)
Pocono Raceway (NASCAR)

[edit] Local media outlets

[edit] Television

[edit] Radio

Wilkes-Barre's radio market is ranked #69 by Arbitron's ranking system. The following box contains the list of all radio stations receivable in the area.
[http://www.wrgn.com/ 100.3 WRGN Christian Radio
106.9 WEZX Classic Rock
WMGS-Magic 93
WBHT-97BHT-Hit Radio
WSJR-JR 93.7 Country Radio
WBSX-97.9X Modern Rock
WGGY-Radio Country
WILK News Radio Station
WKRZ - 98.5 popular music

FM Radio stations in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania market (Arbitron #69)

By frequency: 88.3 | 88.5 | 89.9 | 91.3 | 91.7 | 92.1 | 92.9 | 93.7 | 94.3 | 95.7 | 96.5 | 97.1 | 97.9 | 98.5 | 99.5 | 100.1 | 101.3 | 102.3 | 103.1 | 104.9 | 105.9 | 106.9 | 107.7

See also: Scranton (FM) (AM)

See also: List of FM stations in Scranton

Arbitron-Ranked Pennsylvania Radio Markets:

Non-Arbitron-Ranked Pennsylvania Radio Markets:
Northern Pennsylvania (includes DuBois, Kane, Punxsutawney, and St. Marys)

Markets that transcend New York and Pennsylvania:
Olean NY/Bradford PA | Jamestown NY/Warren PA

See also: List of radio stations in Pennsylvania and List of United States radio markets

[edit] Facts

HBO recognizes Wilkes-Barre as the birthplace of modern cable programming. In November 1972, coincidentally the autumn that followed Hurricane Agnes, 365 subscribers of Service Electric Cable were the first to receive HBO's service.
Wilkes-Barre was a stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War.
Louis Philippe, the King of France from 1830 to 1840, stayed in Wilkes-Barre while traveling en route to the French Asylum settlement in 1797.
Wilkes-Barre has been a popular stop for many presidential candidates: U.S. presidents Rutherford B. Hayes, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
Described by many today as one of America's more "historical cities", Wilkes-Barre has gained considerable bad press (although it is not a major nationally recognized location) since the Knox Mine Disaster. In the 1960 presidential campaign, it garnered attention for its high levels of poverty. In 1972, the damage done by the Agnes flood made international headlines. In the 1990s, the city became known for the poor leadership of Mayor McGroarty. In 2001, a Washington Post columnist described Wilkes-Barre as "awful" and "next-door" Scranton as "awfuler", describing the area as one of the worst metropolitan areas in the United States [3]. In 2006, the city made the front page of national newspapers when 200,000 residents were told to evacuate in the wake of flooding that was forecasted to reach levels near that of '72 but fell 10 feet of predictions.
Wilkes-Barre is the birthplace of the Planters Peanuts Company, which was founded in 1906 by Italian immigrant Amedo Obici and partner Mario Peruzzi.

[edit] Famous residents/institutions

Alexis Toth — (St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre) a Saint in the Russian Orthodox Church
David Bohm — quantum physicist
Ben Burnley — lead singer of rock band Breaking Benjamin
George Catlin — artist
Jesse Fell — early experimenter with anthracite coal
Pat Finn — game show host whose shows include PAX's Shop 'Til You Drop
Ham Fisher — cartoonist
Florence Foster Jenkins — unconventional operatic soprano of the early 20th century with enduring popularity
John "Buck" Freeman — professional baseball player (1891, 1898–1907). Participated in first World Series and led his league in homeruns twice. Hit 25 homeruns as a rookie in 1899. This total wasn't matched until Babe Ruth hit 29 in 1919.
George Washington Helme — businessman and founder of Helmetta, New Jersey
Qadry Ismail — former NFL player who played wide receiver on the 2001 Super Bowl champion team Baltimore Ravens
Raghib Ismail — former NFL player and Heisman Trophy runner-up
Matthew Lesko — infomercial personality
Edward B. Lewis — Winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.
Mary McDonnell — actress twice nominated for Academy Award
Jozef Murgas — radio pioneer
Amadeo Obici — founder of Planters Peanuts
Jerry Orbach — Tony award-winning actor best known for his portrayal of Detective Lennie Briscoe on NBC's hit series, Law & Order.
William Daniel Phillips — winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Michael Schoeffling — actor who played Jake Ryan in 80s classic film Sixteen Candles
Bob Sura — professional basketball player, Houston Rockets
Louis Teicher — pianist, member of the duo Ferrante & Teicher
Once the location of the headquarters of Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity
Hugo Winterhalter
Rock band Breaking Benjamin is from Wilkes-Barre.

[edit] References

Allabaugh, Denise. Crime watch participation dips. Citizens' Voice. November 13, 2005.
Marcy, Brett. McGroarty leaves unhappy legacy in Harrisburg. Times Leader. November 9, 2003.
Rubinkam, Michael. Mayor promises the "unbelievable," delivers something else. The Associated Press. June 23, 2005.
Walzer, Allison. Wanted: A leader to inject some life into Wilkes-Barre. Times Leader. April 7, 2002.

[edit] Notes

^ Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary. Third edition, 2001. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster.

[edit] See also

Old Pictures of Wilkes-Barre http://home.epix.net/~captclint/local_scenes2.html
Luzerne County
Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania

[edit] External links

Wilkes-Barre at the Open Directory Project (suggest site)
Maps and aerial photos Coordinates: 41.244581° -75.877918°
- Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
- Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
- Topographic map from TopoZone
- Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA

	v • d • e Municipalities and Communities of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania County Seat: Wilkes-Barre
Cities	Hazleton \| Nanticoke \| Pittston \| Wilkes-Barre
Boroughs	Ashley \| Avoca \| Bear Creek Village \| Conyngham \| Courtdale \| Dallas \| Dupont \| Duryea \| Edwardsville \| Exeter \| Forty Fort \| Freeland \| Harveys Lake \| Hughestown \| Jeddo \| Kingston \| Laflin \| Larksville \| Laurel Run \| Luzerne \| Nescopeck \| New Columbus \| Nuangola \| Penn Lake Park \| Plymouth \| Pringle \| Shickshinny \| Sugar Notch \| Swoyersville \| Warrior Run \| West Hazleton \| West Pittston \| West Wyoming \| White Haven \| Wyoming \| Yatesville
Townships	Bear Creek \| Black Creek \| Buck \| Butler \| Conyngham \| Dallas \| Dennison \| Dorrance \| Exeter \| Fairmount \| Fairview \| Foster \| Franklin \| Hanover \| Hazle \| Hollenback \| Hunlock \| Huntington \| Jackson \| Jenkins \| Kingston \| Lake \| Lehman \| Nescopeck \| Newport \| Pittston \| Plains \| Plymouth \| Rice \| Ross \| Salem \| Slocum \| Sugarloaf \| Union \| Wilkes-Barre \| Wright
Communities and CDPs	Back Mountain \| East Berwick \| Glen Lyon \| Huntington Hills \| Mountain Top

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