Seniors Visit Historic Pottsville

Pottsville, with a population of just over 14,000, lies along the west bank of the Schuylkill River, 97 miles northwest of Philadelphia and not too far west of Allentown, yesterday’s blog. Senior travelers will find Pottsville in the coal region of the state. History dating to the early 1700s abounds in and around Pottsville.

Pottsville’s anthracite coal history began in 1790 when a coal seam was discovered by a hunter named Necho Allen. Legend has it that Allen fell asleep at the base of the Broad Mountain and woke to the sight of a large fire; his campfire had ignited an outcropping of coal.

By 1795 an anthracite-fired iron furnace was established on the local river. In 1806 John Pott purchased the furnace and thus the name Pottsville.

 Seniors Run Into Lavender, Breweries and Classic Cars

If you like highly scented flowers, cars from the early 50s, local beer and classic theater, Pottsville is for you. I would start off with a visit to Hope Hill Lavender Farm. I love lavender and the scent associated with those purple flowers.

At the Yuengling Brewery, America’s Oldest Brewery, senior visitors can enjoy a tour and a free sample at the end. Jerry’s Classic Cars and Collectible Museum is not your typical car museum. If you enjoy reliving the days of the past when cars were classically designed, Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles museum can take you back in time and provide you with an unforgettable auto experience. Over 20,000 collectibles are housed in this old Studebaker dealership.

The Majestic Theater, one of two reverse-screen theaters remaining in the state of Pennsylvania, is the sole theater remaining in downtown Pottsville. Built in 1910, the Theater is an eclectic style, two-and-a-half story building with a Beaux Arts-classical façade.

Upstairs in Mud & Maker is a full-service ceramics studio where folks of all ages and abilities are able to learn hand-building, wheel-throwing, casting and more. And for your grandkids, TripBuzz found 68 things to do with kids in or near Pottsville.

 Seniors Enjoy Elegant Old Home

The Frank D. Yuengling House, constructed in 1913, is a fine example of early, twentieth century Tudor-Jacobethan Revival architecture and well worth a visit. Originally it was the home of the Yuengling family, the owners of the local brewery.

The formal living room paneled in solid mahogany with ornate tapestry wall hangings epitomizes the elegance of the neo-Jacobethan architecture. I know that my wife and I would really enjoy that visit.

The Schuylkill County Historical Society in Pottsville has a priceless collection of historical materials. Pottsville hosts over 100,000 tourists annually visiting Yuengling Brewery, Martz Hall, Pottsville Cruise, Block of Art, Jerry’s Classic Cars and Collectibles, Sovereign Majestic Theater and the Schuylkill County Historical Society, the city’s principal tourist attractions.

Perhaps a stay at The Maid’s Quarters B&B and Tearoom or Partridge House B&B, two classy older homes turned Bed and Breakfast would interest you.  I know it would us.  -jeb