History of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, USA

1854 - Sunbury
Sunbury, a flourishing and beautifully situated town, capital of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the left (E.) bank of the Susquehanna river, 1 mile below the junction, of its branches, 56 miles N. from Harrisburg, and 134 miles N. W. from Philadelphia. It contains several churches, and 3 newspaper offices. At this point the Sunbury and Erie railroad, now in progress, connects with the Susquehanna railroad, leading from Harris burg to Elmira, and with the Philadelphia and Sunbury railroad. A canal, belonging to the state, crosses the river a little below the town, at the Shamokin dam, which is 2783 feet long. A bridge across the North branch connects Sunbury with Northumberland. Stone coal is procured in the county, and shipped here. Population in 1850, 1218.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1861 - Important to Foot Soldiers
Important to Foot Soldiers - First, Blistering, burning, soreness and tenderness of the soles of the feet may almost invariably be prevented, even when marching for days together and over a heated road, by soaping the sole of the stocking that is covering it with a thin coating of the cheapest brown soap. This cools, and hardens it, and prevents inflamation.

Second. -Don t wear woolen socks when marching, not even thin ones, no matter in what climate.

Third. The boot or shoe should have a thick sole, it is not sufficient that they be "double-soled," the soles should be at least half an inch thick ; if three-fourths of an inch or an inch all the better; they are more expensive, but if well made they will last a long time, and even in the warmest weather will be found easy to walk in, the feet easily becoming accustomed to their weight.
The Sunbury Gazette
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
Saturday, May 25, 1861

1889 - The Wreck at Sunbury
SUNBURY, Pa., January 9 - At 5:30 o'clock this evening, a rain and windstorm came up suddenly and blew over several of the stacks of the Sunbury saw mill. The mill is situated between the Reading and Pennsylvania railroads on the outskirts of the city. First, is a puddling mill having six furnaces. Stack No. two was thrown over on the roof, dropping with it stack No. 3. They crashed through the slate roof, completely demolishing the puddling department of the mill. Thirty-five men were employed in this department and half of them were buried in the debris. A fire alarm was sounded and soon hundreds surrounded the mill. Men were carried out half naked and men are at work yet, as it is supposed several others are in the ruins. Two men were taken out dead; nine are seriously injured and four are missing, supposed to be dead in the ruins of the mill.
The Atlanta Constitution
Atlanta, Georgia
January 10, 1889

1895 - Sunbury
Sunbury, a post-borough, capital of Northumberland co., Pa., in Upper Augusta township, on the E. bank." the Susquehanna River, 1 mile below the junction of it: branches, 54 miles N. of Harrisburg, 40 miles S. by E. of Williamsport, and 12 miles W.S.W. of Danville. It is on the Northern Central Railroad, at its junction with the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. It is also the W. terminus of the Danville, Hazleton & Wilkesbarre Railroad. It contains a court-house, 6 churches, a high school, a national bank, 2 foundries, 2 planing-mills, 2 machine shops, a brewery, and printing offices which issue 1 daily and 3 weekly newspapers. A bridge across the North Branch of the Susquehanna connects Sunbury with Northumberland. Pop. in 1880, 4077; in 1890,5930.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1895 - Blizzard - THE STORM STILL HOVERS OVER THE UNITED STATES. IT IS SEVEREST IN THE EAST. TRAFFIC ALMOST ENTIRELY AT A STANDSTILL -- RAILROAD TRAINS BLOCKADED -- BUSINESS PARALYZED -- PEOPLE FROZEN TO DEATH AT SEVERAL PLACES...
...Trains Blocked.
Sunbury, Pa., Feb. 9. - All Pennsylvania and Philadelphia and Reading railroad trains and blocked. Freight trains have been annulled and all passenger trains are about five hours late. The Lewisburg and Tyrone branch of the Pennsylvania between Montandon and Bellefonte, in the mountains, is drifted shut. The tracks are covered by 10 feet of snow, and drifts and slides are 20 feet deep at several points. All trains on this branch have been abandoned...
The Delphos Daily Herald
Delphos, Ohio
February 9, 1895

1906
Sunbury, a post-borough, capital of Northumberland co., Pa., on the E. bank of the Susquehanna River, 1 mile below its junction with the West Branch, 54 miles N. of Harrisburg, on the Northern Central and other railroads. It contains the Mary M. Packer Hospital, and has manufactures of silks, caskets, and lumber. Pop. in 1890, 5030 ; in 1900, 9810.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1921 - March 6 - Police in Sunbury, Penn, issue an edict requiring Women to wear skirts at least 4 inches below the knee

historyorb.com
March 6, 1921

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Sunbury:
Shikellamy State Park: This beautiful park is divided into two sections, the Marina and the Overlook. It's a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts. The Overlook provides a panoramic view of the Susquehanna River and the town, while the Marina offers boating, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

Sunbury River Festival: If you're in town during the summer, don't miss the Sunbury River Festival. It's a four-day event featuring live music, food vendors, a carnival, and a spectacular fireworks display over the river. It's a great way to experience the community spirit of Sunbury.

Northumberland County Historical Society: Learn about the rich history of the area by visiting this museum. It has an impressive collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to the county's history. It's a great place to explore Sunbury's past.

Shade Mountain Winery and Vineyard: If you appreciate good wine, head to Shade Mountain Winery, located just a short drive from Sunbury. You can... Read MORE...