Collecting History
Published: September 11, 2009
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One of the notable pieces in Mike Grayson’s historical photo collection is of the 14-member Olyphant Brass Band, the members of which eventually became part of the 56th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. Grayson is trying to track down what happened to each of the men who were part of that band.
Two books recently hit store shelves that offer glimpses into the history of the Lackawanna Valley area, and while it’s interesting to read about the past, nothing can beat the immediacy of an actual photo of the place and time being described. But finding them is sometimes difficult.
So, it’s fortunate there are area residents who collect photos of the region’s past.
One is David Crosby, 35, a Dunmore resident, author of “Scranton Railroads” (Arcadia Publishing). His interest in local history began at an early age when his family moved to Scranton. Crosby developed his interest in history into a career, first as a park ranger and later as a steam locomotive fireman at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. For the past 10 years, Crosby has worked as a train dispatcher for the Genesee Valley Transportation Co., overseeing many of the routes depicted in “Scranton Railroads."
“I think I’ve always had an interest in local history and my current job furthered my interest in historical images,” he said. “As I work to amass a collection of images in digital format, I hope they will provide a glimpse into the past not only for myself but for anyone else with similar interests. I believe they serve a practical function as well, providing valuable information about buildings and rail lines where they were located and the changes they underwent over the last 100-plus years.”
Asked which photo is favorite, Crosby said he likes the photos that “show how the railroad was a part of everyday life in our area. One of my favorites, which appears in my book, is an image of the 1947 American Freedom Train on display in the Green Ridge section of Scranton. The sleek, polished streamlined train stands in stark contrast to the gritty industrial neighborhood surrounding the railyard. Even though the industrial era in Northeastern Pennsylvania was drawing to a close, this train represents the hope and optimism felt by all in the years following World War II.”
The recent book “When Coal Was Queen: The History of the Queen City — Olyphant, Pa.,” self-published by the Olyphant Coal Miner’s Association through Tribute Books, also features many photos of a bygone era. Beneath most of them, the name Mike Grayson appears. Grayson, born and raised in Olyphant, began to be fascinated with history while still a student at Holy Ghost Elementary School. Grayson, a longtime postal worker, retired in 2003.
“The photos are images frozen in time of a different place, a different world than we know today,” Grayson said of his collection. “It is very difficult if not impossible to place oneself back a century and a half. It was a time when nights were pitch black, save for a candle in a window. Streets were dirt, mud, lined with thick trees and foilage once you left the town proper. No conveniences such as running water, electricity. Life was difficult but there was a closeness that bound people together. They were more caring, compassionate and respectful.”
It was in 1977, when Olyphant celebrated its centennial, that he had a chance to dig into the Queen City’s past.
“My neighbor Olwyn Hoyes wrote the history for a commemorative book. My friend Bob McDonough, another history buff, and I did the research for her. We went through the newspaper microfilm at the Albright Library and the resources of the Lackawanna Historical Society. This experience gave me the ability to draw information from different sources and know how to use the resources that are available.”
Grayson said he built his collection from many sources.
“I get the photos wherever I can,” he explained. “I’ve found some on the Internet. Being a mailman, I got to know the people of the town. One such was John Longauer, another historically minded person. He lent some wonderful images for the centennial book of 1977.”
Grayson’s current project combines his fascination with Olyphant and another interest: the Civil War.
“I am following 14 men from town who were part of the Olyphant Brass Band through the Civil War. The members of the band became part of the 56th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (PVI). On the 30th of June, 1863, as part of Cutler’s 2nd Brigade, they headed the federal column at Emmitsburg, Md. That evening they began the march to Gettysburg.” The brigade was one of the first infantry to open fire at that famous battle.
Grayson added that “if anyone has photos or stories of people, places or things they would like to share concerning early Olyphant, they can contact me at 489-1933. I’m especially trying to contact any descendent of the members of the brass band who became part of the 56th PVI.
“There is much tucked away in attic trunks,” he said. “There are stories handed down through family generations.”
