“Coal is King.” Those were the words you grew up on in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. A strong economy from coal mining, along with a thriving textile industry, made Shamokin a bustling, prosperous town. Older residents remember
colorful parades and downtown stores filled with customers.
But those fading memories meant little to the next generation, living with empty storefronts and a hill of refuse left behind after most of the coals mines closed. The textile factories also closed or moved, leaving few opportunities for employment.
In the following video, we can hear in the voices, young and old, the desire to rebuild their community.
