More than just death notices, obituaries are miniature biographies. They offer us a peek into a person’s life and the community they lived in.
In Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding Wyoming Valley, obituaries are especially meaningful. The area’s history as a hub for anthracite coal mining and its economic ups and downs have shaped the community’s identity. As such, the obituaries published in Wilkes-Barre offer a glimpse into the lives of coal miners, factory workers, business owners, and others who helped build the region.
This article explores the history and significance of obituaries in Wilkes-Barre, including where to find them and what they tell us about the area’s past.
A Historical Overview of Obituary Practices in Wilkes-Barre
The way we remember and honor those who’ve passed away has evolved over time. Here’s a look at how obituary practices have changed in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Early Obituary Traditions (Pre-20th Century)
In the early days, newspapers were less common and had limited space. Obituaries were usually short and only for well-known people in the community. They mainly included basic information like when someone was born and died, and who their family members were.
Before newspapers were widely available, church records and community stories were the main ways people remembered those who had died. These records and stories helped to keep the memories of individuals alive.
The Rise of Modern Obituaries (20th Century)
As local newspapers like The Times Leader and The Citizens’ Voice became more accessible, obituaries became longer and more detailed. They started to include more about a person’s life, such as their accomplishments, hobbies, and what made them special. Photos also became a common part of obituaries.
Changes in society and technology, like the invention of radio, television, and the internet, also had an impact. Radio and TV offered new ways to announce deaths, and the internet made it possible to access obituaries online and create online memorials.
Key Themes and Trends in Wilkes-Barre Obituaries
Looking through the obituaries published in Wilkes-Barre newspapers over the decades, you begin to see some common threads, as well as shifts that reflect the changing times.
Occupational and Economic Reflections
In the late 1800s and the first half of the 1900s, many obituaries mention that the deceased worked in coal mining or a related industry. These write-ups often describe the dangers and difficulties of working in the mines.
Later obituaries reflect the decline of manufacturing and the growth of service industries in the area. More recently, you’ll find obituaries of people who worked in healthcare, education, retail, and other service jobs.
Family and Community Ties
Family relationships are always emphasized, with many obituaries listing spouses, children, grandchildren, and other relatives. The location of surviving family members is often included, showing how important kinship networks are to the people of Wilkes-Barre.
Involvement in local organizations such as churches, social clubs, and volunteer groups is also frequently mentioned, highlighting the deceased’s contributions to the Wilkes-Barre community.
Cultural and Ethnic Diversity
Wilkes-Barre has been shaped by many ethnic groups, including those of Irish, Italian, Polish, and Slovak descent, and the obituaries reflect this diversity.
Cultural traditions and religious practices specific to these groups are often mentioned, and sometimes even language nuances reflecting diverse backgrounds are evident.
The Role of Funeral Homes and Memorial Services
Funeral homes play a vital role in the obituary process, often serving as the main point of contact for families as they navigate the difficult task of announcing a death. Memorial services, both traditional and modern, are also intrinsically linked to obituaries, providing a space for remembrance and reflection.
Funeral Homes as Gatekeepers of Obituary Information
Funeral homes often assist families with writing and submitting obituaries. Funeral directors can guide families in crafting meaningful and accurate accounts of their loved ones’ lives. The content and format of obituaries can be influenced by the funeral home’s practices. Many funeral homes have established templates or guidelines that families can use to ensure the obituary includes all the necessary information and adheres to a particular style.
Evolution of Memorial Services
Traditional funeral services are often reflected in obituaries, with details about the time and location of the service prominently displayed. Obituaries may also include specific requests from the deceased or their family, such as donations to a particular charity in lieu of flowers.
However, with the rise of cremation and memorial celebrations, obituary content is evolving. Instead of focusing solely on traditional funeral services, obituaries may now reflect a shift towards more personalized memorial gatherings or celebrations of life. This change reflects a broader trend towards individualized and less formal approaches to mourning and remembrance.
How to find Wilkes-Barre obituaries
If you’re looking for obituaries from Wilkes-Barre, PA, here’s where you might start:
- Local Libraries and Historical Societies: Check out the Osterhout Free Library or the Luzerne County Historical Society. They often have archives of local newspapers and records.
- Online Databases: Websites like Legacy.com and Ancestry.com can be good resources, although you may need a subscription.
When you search, try using keywords like the person’s name, dates of birth or death, and family names. Obituaries can be useful for finding biographical details, family connections, and information about a person’s life and community involvement.
Putting It All Together
Obituaries from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, are much more than a list of names and dates. They’re valuable historical and cultural documents that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who built the community.
It’s important to preserve and study these obituaries so that future generations can learn about Wilkes-Barre’s past and present. By looking closely at the lives described in these short accounts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the values, challenges, and triumphs of the people who called Wilkes-Barre home.
Ultimately, obituaries connect us to the past and to each other. They remind us of our shared humanity and the enduring power of memory to shape who we are.