The Day and Egle histories cover the early development of this area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes, especially as they relate to sightseeing possibilities. There is occasionally some duplication of material, but often with a different slant or with additional details.
Among the many and diverse subjects in the booklet are: First Settlers; Physical Features; Transportation Improvements; Chief Shikellimus, father of Logan and friend of the missionaries, Rev. David Brainerd, Count Zinzendorf, Bishop Johannes Von Watteville and other missionaries; Madame Montour; Indian atrocities; the Committee of Safety of Northumberland during the Revolutionary War; the Shamokin Coal and Iron Co.; Dr. Joseph Priestley, the distinguished scientist and philosopher; Recollections of the venerable Mrs. Grant and of an early French visitor to the area; Fort Augusta; the Capture of and Freeland’s Fort; Doctor Plunkett’s Expedition; Whiskey Rebellion incident; Duel in 1805; Captain Daniel Montgomery and family; Iron Foundries in Danville; State Hospital for the Insane; Coal Dredging in the Susquehanna; Thomas Edison’s light plant in Sunbury; Pathetic legend of John Penn and Mary Cox; Coal Bootlegging, snake pie, “a wife worth having;” and other interesting bits of history and trivia.
The excerpt from the third book includes a 1940s map of the county, several photos and a concise update of the county's progress as it looked shortly after World War II.
ILLUSTRATIONS include Public Square in Sunbury; Distant View of Northumberland; Churches in Milton; On the Susquehanna, above Milton; the Susquehanna Junction at Northumberland (full page); Montour Court House in Danville; and the State Hospital for the Insane, Danville.
Wouldn't this make a unique gift?