By Molly Briana McMullen
Tradition and history here run as deeply as the anthracite veins once did, and though there are still many who are proud of this past, most find it difficult to cope with its loss even decades after it happened. Now, the city searches for its next big industry or something to pull it out of the smoldering embers it has been left in [more…]
Circle or Square?
“Circle or Square?” Photo by Shaniese Ricketts (April 6, 2016)
The glowing red sign “15 Public Square” is adjacent to the neon sign that illuminates the word “Circles” also in red. An overarching theme of math is present here, specifically geometry. This place, the Square, is a living breathing paradox [more…]
There’s Something Good around the Corner
“There’s Something Good around the Corner,” Photo by Samantha Bucher (April 1, 2016)
The light switches. The green walk sign appears, and I scurry across the street. I pull the straps tighter on my backpack and look around. The city unfolds itself before me like a map. There are creases along some areas from being folded up so many times. Tiny holes pierce the corners [more…]
What Remains of the Train Station
“What Remains of the Train Station,” Photo by Owen Vaughn (March 31, 2016)
Northeast Pennsylvania was, at one time, the largest coal-producing region in the United States. This ruined train station was a vital part of that system. It is estimated that the Lehigh-Susquehanna train station shipped over a million tons of coal to New York in its day, making it one of the most active and prosperous train lines in the area [more…]
Sunset View from Boscov’s
“Sunset View from Boscov’s,” Photo by Emily Letoski (February 26, 2016)
Most people wouldn’t associate beauty with the Wilkes-Barre City skyline; however, if you have the chance, take a moment to see the view on top of the Boscov’s parking lot—you’ll change your mind in an instant [more…]
Grandpa’s Workshop on Scott Street
“Grandpa’s Workshop on Scott Street,” Photo by Sarah Gyle (April 10, 2016)
This is a shop that I’ve been telling myself since I started working in the adult world that I’d buy something from. I haven’t set foot inside since I was 6 or 7. When I was a kid, my favorite part of the shop was looking into the storefront and watching the owner’s cat lounging on the handmade furniture [more…]
Beyond the doors
“Beyond the Doors,” Photo by Jessica Mulligan (April 13, 2016)
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, it boasts. Performing arts? That’s a wide category. What’s beyond the doors? Who is there tonight? [more…]
Sunset at the Riverside
“Sunset at the River Side,” Photo by Molly Briana McMullen (April 13, 2015)
As the icy winter days came to an end in exchange for fair spring weather, I decided to take a walk down near the river to enjoy the warmer temperature. Listening to small sounds of water floating next to me, I wish for the lush foliage of summer [more…]
What a Mug! Failed Coffee Shop Startup
[“What a Mug! Failed Coffee Shop Startup,” Photo by Anastasia Humphrey (April 10, 2016)
The failed coffee start-up, A Cup of Heaven, has been abandoned by everyone who was involved in its creation, including the woman who came up with the original idea. Over the years it has garnered the alias “the coffee mug building” by Wilkes-Barre’s residents [more…]
The Grid by Hope Horn (1974-1976)
“The Grid by Hope Horn,” (1974-1976) Photo by Shaniese Ricketts (April 6, 2016)
A single geometric figure stands firmly in the ground. This upright rectangular prism with several bars up and down and in between is empty now. Its purpose is unknown. Maybe this figure made of steel and brass is a metaphor, a metaphor for this city [more…]