If a flip of the coin had gone the other way, Dan Frack, the great-great-great-great-nephew of Frackville founder Daniel Frack, “might have just been some random Daniel Frack.”
Instead, he traveled from Virginia on Friday to participate in Frackville’s Charter Day celebration, the kickoff to the borough’s sesquicentennial celebration, which runs through this summer. Nearly 200 people gathered at Memorial Park to celebrate the town’s founding and 150th birthday Friday, which also featured the unearthing of a 50-year-old time capsule at the park’s entrance.
Frack helped recreate the historic coin flip that, as the legend goes, settled a dispute between his relative and Samuel Haupt on what to call the newly incorporated borough. It’d be either Frackville or Mountain City, Haupt’s preference. The Haupt family was represented by Samuel’s great-great-grandson, Rodney Artz, who traveled from Maine to be part of Friday’s festivities.
Obviously, Frack won the toss than and again on Friday but there is still evidence of Haupt’s preference throughout Frackville. Businesses still use the reference to Mountain City. And last month, Borough Council members voted to name the football field at Memorial Park in honor of Haupt.
Frack tells Coal Region Canary that he basically grew up unaware of his connection to a town’s founder until his grandfather began doing geneaology work and discovered the past. He says there are no actual benefits that he gains from his link to Frackville’s founding but it’s a fun story tell every now and then.
Time Capsule Dug Up After 50 Years
Perhaps the event that drew the most interest from the throng at Memorial Park of Friday was the unearthing of a time capsule that was buried a half-century ago. When the cement cap was carefully removed, it revealed mementos from days gone by.
People gathered around to get a glimpse of Frackville’s past through items like license plates, numerous photos, newspapers, and other ephemera, and even a piece of Hubba-Bubba bubble gum. More items will be revealed in the days ahead as the Sesquicentennial Committee goes through it all. Photos of what’s inside are being shared on the event’s Facebook page as well as the Borough’s official page.
Frank and Dot Susan were on hand to see if they could get a look at some of the items they placed in the time capsule back in 1976. One of those items was a photograph of their family, as it was in that moment.
“We only had four kids 50 years ago,” Frank said. After the photo was buried, they would welcome three more children into the world.
“I remember thinking, will we still be here to see when they open it up,” Dot added. “It was really fun.”
Frackville Sesquicentennial Kickoff
In addition to the two main events, those in attendance at Friday’s Charter Day event heard stories told by local historian Gary Klem on how Frackville came to be, including the legend of the coin toss that changed the course of the town’s history.
Guests were invited to baked goods from Spring Street Bakery and Mama Millie’s and Frackville families walked away with tulips as well.
Friday’s Charter Day is just the beginning of a much larger celebration of Frackville’s founding 150 years ago. The volunteer Sesquicentennial Committee – who all donned period dress to help kick off the party on Friday – has planned numerous events through this summer, including a parade they promise will be spectacular (including four string bands) on June 27.
For a full listing of events linked to the Frackville Sesquicentennial, see below or follow along on its Facebook page by tapping this link.
FRACKVILLE SESQUICENTENNIAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sunday, June 28
Free Concert: Cressona Band
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Park
- Cost: Free
- Details: Enjoy live music in the park with a performance by the Cressona Band.
Free Concert: Maggie & the Mutts
- Time: 6-9 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Park
- Cost: Free
- Details: Evening concert in the park featuring Maggie & the Mutts.
Monday, June 29
Free Concert: JFK
- Time: 7-10 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Park
- Cost: Free
- Details: Evening concert in the park featuring JFK.
Tuesday, June 30
Frackville’s Art Show
- Location: Frackville Borough Hall-Gym, 42 S. Center St.
- Details: View a room full of art by talented Frackville citizens! If you create art—including painting, drawing, needlework, sculpting, carving, sewing, or photography—you are invited to display it. To register to show your work, email boych@verizon.net.
Frackville’s Got Talent
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
- Location: Frackville Borough Hall-Gym, 42 S. Center St.
- Cost: $2 cover charge
- Details: A night full of talented Frackville citizens entertaining us with juggling, singing, and playing musical instruments. Come watch your friends and family compete! Proceeds benefit the Frackville Ministerium Food Bank.
Wednesday, July 1
House Decorating Contest Judging
- Location: 17931 ZIP Code
- Details: Judges will be reviewing the exteriors of entered homes today (homes with lighting features will be judged after dark).
Free Concert: Strange Agents
- Time: 7-10 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Park
- Cost: Free
- Details: Evening concert in the park featuring Strange Agents.
Thursday, July 2
House Decorating Contest Judging
- Location: 17931 ZIP Code
- Details: Judges will be reviewing the exteriors of entered homes today (homes with lighting features will be judged after dark).
Free Concert: JB Sound
- Time: 6-7 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Park
- Cost: Free
- Details: Evening musical performance by JB Sound.
Free Concert: SakesAlive
- Time: 7-10 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Park
- Cost: Free
- Details: Evening concert in the park featuring SakesAlive.
Friday, July 3
Frackville Fireworks & House Decorating Contest Winners Announced
- Location: Frackville Fireworks
- Details: The winners of the House Decorating Contest will be officially announced during the fireworks celebration! First place wins $75, second place wins $50, and third place wins $25.
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