September 20
River of history, legend and lore
RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent
From the timesleader.com:
http://www.timesleader.com/news/River_of_history__legend_and_lore_09-20-2009.html
A perfect late summer day and a slow moving river served as the backdrop for the second annual Pittston Riverfest 2009 held on Saturday at the city’s Riverfront Park. The event, sponsored by the fledgling Greater Pittston Cultural Coalition Inc., offered various displays and presentations to provide “free educational fun for the whole family.”
Families ate lunch on the grass, took a hayride along the Susquehanna River from the park to the site of the Knox Mine Disaster in Jenkins Township, and took an “environmental” hike down the park trail to learn about river “flora and fauna,” among other activities.
Organizer John Dziak said the event is a way to foster interest in Pittston’s multi-faceted history. Presenting it the right way encourages “involvement,” he said, adding interest in Pittston history is showing signs of growth.
Dziak is working with Wilkes University to develop an educational program titled “Our History Initiative” that will collect, document, preserve and present history for local educators to use with area youth.
The Riverfest included more than 20 educational displays, including historical photos and descriptions of important historical events like the Battle of Wyoming, Dziak said. Riverfest-goers could watch old-style skills demonstrated like soap making, quilting, chair caning, flint knapping, paper marbling and rug making.
Andy Fedor, northeast regional education specialist for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, talked about proper angling techniques. He said the Susquehanna River provides recreational activities like fishing and kayaking which adds up to economic value to the community.
Dennis McKibben and John Dewald, who were dressed in full period-specific Native American regalia, answered questions from onlookers about the Eastern Woodland Native People who dominated the Pittston area in the 1700s. Dewald said they were so “powerful” they were courted by both France and Great Britain for their allegiance during colonial times. They highlighted how the native people were not “savages” but, in fact, peaceful, religious and environmentally conscious.
Joe Savokinas, president of the Cultural Coalition, thanked city officials for helping get the Riverfest going. The first event in 2008 went from an idea to reality in just six weeks, he said.
The Riverfront Park was not really being used to its fullest potential, Savokinas said. It provides a public venue to promote city culture and bring history to the people, he said.
“It’s very interesting to know how people used to live,” said Dominique DelPriore, 13, an eighth-grade student from Pittston Area School District.
