September 11, 2019
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
September 11, 2019 • 6:30 p.m.
Lake Naomi Clubhouse
Attendance: 50 members and guests
Speaker: Dr. Lawrence Squeri — “The Poconos: Pennsylvania’s Vacationland Through History”
Immediate-Past President Rick Bodenschatz opened the annual dinner and membership meeting at 6:35 p.m. by welcoming both members and guests. Rick then led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The October meeting was announced, with Frank Salvati presenting “The Six Nations of the Iroquois in the Revolutionary War.”
President Kris Avery then conducted this year’s elections. She informed the members that the board as a whole acted as the nominating committee. Nominated were Pat Quigley for director and Jerry Hanna for treasurer. Member John Holahan moved to close the nominations, which was seconded by member John Hajduk. With all in agreement, a voice vote for each nominee was called for, with a unanimous vote for both nominees.
Rick then introduce Dr. Squeri for his presentation. Dr. Squeri walked us through the evolution of the resort industry in the Poconos, which really started with the beginning of the first railroad in the area in 1856.
He showed how this Pocono industry evolved with the demands of the tourists, and adapted to competition and further developments of transportation, such as interstates 80 and 380, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. With waterparks and skiing being the new predominance in leading tourism, Dr. Squeri then asked, “What’s next?”
The attendees asked some questions, and Dr. Squeri was then presented with a certificate of appreciation by Rick Bodenschatz. This was followed by a round of very significant applause from the attendees.
At the conclusion of the program, the annual dinner and meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
