History of the Moravian Star

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. Read More...

E.E. Norton: Humble Beginnings, Elegant End

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?” The answer is Colonel Emery Ebenezer Norton and his wife, Jeanette Norton. Read More...

Joseph Jefferson as Rip Van Winkle

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

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. Read More...

The Smith Family of Stroudsburg

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

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Many modern-day brides follow this adage steeped in tradition. A bride will carry “something old” to remind her of her past and the importance of her family. “Something new” represents the life that lays ahead of the bride, and carrying “something borrowed” ensures the bride will be able to rely on friends in her marriage. Many brides also believe that wearing “something blue” will keep their husbands faithful to them. Read More...

Historic Carolina Parakeet

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

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

Last month’s article focused on the Delaware Water Gap tragedy in which one man, 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

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...