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PRINTER'S NO. 2843
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
609
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY KOSIEROWSKI, HENNESSEY, KORTZ, BURNS, DiGIROLAMO,
HANBIDGE, BOBACK, MILLARD, KINSEY, JOHNSON-HARRELL, VITALI,
HILL-EVANS, NEILSON, READSHAW, DEASY, HEFFLEY, YOUNGBLOOD AND
JOZWIAK, NOVEMBER 14, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NOVEMBER 14, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Honoring January 4, 2020, as the 150th anniversary of the
founding of Jermyn Borough in Lackawanna County,
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Jermyn Borough, known as "The Birthplace of First
Aid in America," is located in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania,
along the Lackawanna River that separates the east and west
sides of the borough; and
WHEREAS, Jermyn Borough was founded by John Jermyn, a
businessman in the mining industry who later became Jermyn
Borough's mayor; and
WHEREAS, Jermyn Borough was officially recognized as a
borough by the Commonwealth in 1870 and the elected officials of
Jermyn Borough consist of a mayor and a seven-member council;
and
WHEREAS, Jermyn Borough was built on coal mining,
cut-glass work, silk, powder, grist, planing and sawmills,
bottling work and fertilization industries in the early 20th
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century; and
WHEREAS, The original settlers of the area that now
constitutes Jermyn Borough discovered anthracite, or hard coal,
and dug the first mine shaft in 1857; and
WHEREAS, The population of Jermyn Borough grew to 3,158
residents in 1910, but has declined over the years and stands
at 2,169 according to the 2010 Federal decennial census; and
WHEREAS, The most famous event to happen in the history of
Jermyn Borough occurred October 25, 1899, when Dr. Matthew J.
Shields conducted the first training class on first aid in
American history at the Windsor Hotel; and
WHEREAS, There were 25 miners from the Jermyn Coal Colliery
in attendance and they believed that many lives could be spared
during a mining accident with quick, efficient medical care
until a physician could reach the mine; and
WHEREAS, Once the training class was completed, each of the
miners was prepared and able to render first aid to individuals
injured at the mine; and
WHEREAS, The training class led to marked decreases in
serious mining injuries and fatalities as well as the creation
of laws and guidelines for safer workplaces all over the United
States; and
WHEREAS, The miners willingness to learn first aid
demonstrates the proactive attitude and commitment of the
residents of Jermyn Borough to their community; and
WHEREAS, In Jermyn Borough's modern history, the residents of
Jermyn Borough prove to be proud of their history as well as
supportive in social change movements taking place across the
United States, such as women's equality; and
WHEREAS, On November 6, 1973, the residents of Jermyn Borough
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elected longtime teacher Eleanor Cawley as the first female
mayor in Lackawanna County; and
WHEREAS, In June 1974, the council of Jermyn Borough
appointed Betty Lou Tucker to the police force, making her the
first female patrolwoman in Lackawanna County; and
WHEREAS, Today, Jermyn Borough continues to thrive through
the efforts of its elected officials, community groups and
civic-minded residents; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor January 4,
2020, as the 150th anniversary of the founding of Jermyn Borough
in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.
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