2025 HISTORICAL PRESENTATIONS
The Historical Association of Tobyhanna Township will host monthly historical presentations from April through November this year.A variety of significant historical, educational and entertaining accounts are planned to present to HATT members and guests. Professional historians and experts present their areas of specialty that reveal the secrets of local, regional, national and even international histories. All of our programs are open to the public and free.
All presentations, held in conjunction with HATT meetings, are the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines.
Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025
Tuesday, Oct 7, 2025
Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025
Click on the event name to navigate to details about the event.
“The History of Stroud Mansion” — Amy Leiser
“The History of Baseball” — Mark Riccetti Jr.
Martha Capwell-Fox
“The Lenape and Medicinal Plants” — Shelly DePaull
“An Evening with the Presidents” — Larry Cook, presidential historian
DINNER MEETING: “Beyond St. Paul’s Headstones: Exploring the Past” — John Layton
Program to be announced — William Lewis
“John Summerfield Staples” — John Abel
“The History of Stroud Mansion” — Amy Leiser
“The History of Baseball” — Mark Riccetti Jr.
Martha Capwell-Fox
“The Lenape and Medicinal Plants” — Shelly DePaull
“An Evening with the Presidents” — Larry Cook, presidential historian
DINNER MEETING: “Beyond St. Paul’s Headstones: Exploring the Past” — John Layton
Program to be announced — William Lewis
“John Summerfield Staples” — John Abel
Tuesday, April 8 • 5:30 p.m.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“The Stroud Mansion: Past, Present and Future,” by Amy Leiser
Join us on a captivating journey through the history and current state of the Stroud Mansion in Stroudsburg.
The 12-room house, an imposing structure for its time, was built in 1795 by Jacob Stroud, founder of Stroudsburg and a Revolutionary War colonel, as a home for John, his eldest son.
John Stroud lived here for only a few years before moving to another home outside of town. Jacob Stroud's next oldest son, Daniel, moved in next and lived here with his wife and family for years.
The property remained in the Stroud family until 1893, and has served as a family home, boarding house, store and the town library. Since 1921, it has been home to the Monroe County Historical Association. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and features such classical details as a symmetrical facade, flat-arch window lintels with pronounced keystones, simulated stone walls and quoins that accentuate the corners, plus tooth-like dentils beneath the cornice.
Amy Leiser is executive director of the Monroe County Historical Association,.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“The Stroud Mansion: Past, Present and Future,” by Amy Leiser
Join us on a captivating journey through the history and current state of the Stroud Mansion in Stroudsburg.
The 12-room house, an imposing structure for its time, was built in 1795 by Jacob Stroud, founder of Stroudsburg and a Revolutionary War colonel, as a home for John, his eldest son.
John Stroud lived here for only a few years before moving to another home outside of town. Jacob Stroud's next oldest son, Daniel, moved in next and lived here with his wife and family for years.
The property remained in the Stroud family until 1893, and has served as a family home, boarding house, store and the town library. Since 1921, it has been home to the Monroe County Historical Association. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and features such classical details as a symmetrical facade, flat-arch window lintels with pronounced keystones, simulated stone walls and quoins that accentuate the corners, plus tooth-like dentils beneath the cornice.
Amy Leiser is executive director of the Monroe County Historical Association,.
Tuesday, May 13 • 5:30 p.m.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“The History of Baseball,” by Mark Riccetti, Jr.
Mark Riccetti, Jr., takes us through the very different-looking national pastime of the mid-1800s, and shows how the game evolved into its current form, using a slideshow and actual period equipment.
Mark Riccetti is the Luzerne County Historical Society’s director of operations and programs.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“The History of Baseball,” by Mark Riccetti, Jr.
Mark Riccetti, Jr., takes us through the very different-looking national pastime of the mid-1800s, and shows how the game evolved into its current form, using a slideshow and actual period equipment.
Mark Riccetti is the Luzerne County Historical Society’s director of operations and programs.
Tuesday, June 10 • 5:30 p.m.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
Program to be announced — by Martha Capwell-Fox
Martha Capwell Fox is a life-long student of American and Lehigh Valley industrial history, and serves as the archivist and historian for the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
Martha has been managing the archives at the DLNHC and National Canal Museum since 2012; she helps to create and maintain the museum exhibits and takes an occasional turn aboard the canal boat, Josiah White II. She loves going out into the communities along the corridor to meet people and tell its stories with talks, photographs, and films.
A native of Catasauqua, she is passionate about preserving and presenting local history. She has been a professional writer and editor and has written nine books on historical topics ranging from swimming, auto-racing, Catasauqua, Whitehall, Coplay, the Lehigh Valley cement industry, the Vatican, and the DLNHC’s book on the industrial history of the corridor, “Geography, Geology and Genius.”
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
Program to be announced — by Martha Capwell-Fox
Martha Capwell Fox is a life-long student of American and Lehigh Valley industrial history, and serves as the archivist and historian for the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
Martha has been managing the archives at the DLNHC and National Canal Museum since 2012; she helps to create and maintain the museum exhibits and takes an occasional turn aboard the canal boat, Josiah White II. She loves going out into the communities along the corridor to meet people and tell its stories with talks, photographs, and films.
A native of Catasauqua, she is passionate about preserving and presenting local history. She has been a professional writer and editor and has written nine books on historical topics ranging from swimming, auto-racing, Catasauqua, Whitehall, Coplay, the Lehigh Valley cement industry, the Vatican, and the DLNHC’s book on the industrial history of the corridor, “Geography, Geology and Genius.”
Tuesday, July 8 • 5:30 p.m
MONTHLY MEETING | Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“The Lenape and Medicinal Plants” by Shelly DePaul
Lenape Chief Shelley DePaul will present a workshop on her research and knowledge of Lenape horticulture, conservation landscaping and medicinal plant practices.
DePaul sits on the council of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania as clan mother, keeper of language and treaty signer liaison. She has published three books: “Conversations in the Lenape Language,” “Ethnobotany of the Lenape People,” “Other Eastern Tribes Book One: Herbs and Flowers” and “Book Two: Trees, Nuts, and Berries.”
She teaches Lenape language classes and workshops and has presented lectures and educational programs on Lenape history and culture to schools and universities, environmental organizations, churches, historical societies, and youth groups.
She has worked for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania since 2002 as genealogy researcher, historical researcher, Lenape language specialist, and educator. In June of 2009 she was appointed assistant chief, and in 2015, she was appointed chief of education and Language.
She has developed the Lenape language curriculum for use in schools, universities, and home school associations. DePaul has transcribed a variety of works into the Lenape language and composes original music and poetry in the language as well.
MONTHLY MEETING | Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“The Lenape and Medicinal Plants” by Shelly DePaul
Lenape Chief Shelley DePaul will present a workshop on her research and knowledge of Lenape horticulture, conservation landscaping and medicinal plant practices.
DePaul sits on the council of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania as clan mother, keeper of language and treaty signer liaison. She has published three books: “Conversations in the Lenape Language,” “Ethnobotany of the Lenape People,” “Other Eastern Tribes Book One: Herbs and Flowers” and “Book Two: Trees, Nuts, and Berries.”
She teaches Lenape language classes and workshops and has presented lectures and educational programs on Lenape history and culture to schools and universities, environmental organizations, churches, historical societies, and youth groups.
She has worked for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania since 2002 as genealogy researcher, historical researcher, Lenape language specialist, and educator. In June of 2009 she was appointed assistant chief, and in 2015, she was appointed chief of education and Language.
She has developed the Lenape language curriculum for use in schools, universities, and home school associations. DePaul has transcribed a variety of works into the Lenape language and composes original music and poetry in the language as well.
Tuesday, August 12 • 5:30 p.m.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“An Evening with the Presidents” — by Larry Cook, presidential historian
Dr. Larry Cook is a nationally recognized presidential historian, award winning author and political commentator. He specializes in the personal side of the presidency and comparing presidential history to current news and events. He is the author of Presidential Coincidences, Amazing Facts and Collectibles and Symbols of Patriotism: First Ladies and Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as numerous articles.
Collecting presidential memorabilia since childhood, Dr. Cook has amassed one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the United States. His collection exceeds 8,000 pieces, and he is a respected expert in presidential artifacts.
Dr. Cook has been a historical memorabilia consultant to President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. Over the years he and his wife Diane have worked on many projects with the Carters and have had a close personal friendship with the former first couple.
He conducts lectures, events and keynote speeches across the country and has done multiple programs for the National Park Service, Daughters of the American Revolution, historic sites, libraries, museums, historical societies, conventions and corporate organizations.
He frequently appears in various local and national news media. He has been a guest on NewsNation, Spectrum News, Bill O’Reilly No Spin News, Fox News and NPR as well as many other networks, radio shows and podcasts. He has also been quoted in Reader’s Digest and in newspapers across the country. Dr. Cook is regularly featured on WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness News in Northeastern Pa.
Dr. Cook is on the board of directors for The National First Ladies Day Commission and is an active member of The American Historical Association, The Luzerne County Historical Society and The American Political Items Collectors.
Larry Cook Historian
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“An Evening with the Presidents” — by Larry Cook, presidential historian
Dr. Larry Cook is a nationally recognized presidential historian, award winning author and political commentator. He specializes in the personal side of the presidency and comparing presidential history to current news and events. He is the author of Presidential Coincidences, Amazing Facts and Collectibles and Symbols of Patriotism: First Ladies and Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as numerous articles.
Collecting presidential memorabilia since childhood, Dr. Cook has amassed one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the United States. His collection exceeds 8,000 pieces, and he is a respected expert in presidential artifacts.
Dr. Cook has been a historical memorabilia consultant to President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. Over the years he and his wife Diane have worked on many projects with the Carters and have had a close personal friendship with the former first couple.
He conducts lectures, events and keynote speeches across the country and has done multiple programs for the National Park Service, Daughters of the American Revolution, historic sites, libraries, museums, historical societies, conventions and corporate organizations.
He frequently appears in various local and national news media. He has been a guest on NewsNation, Spectrum News, Bill O’Reilly No Spin News, Fox News and NPR as well as many other networks, radio shows and podcasts. He has also been quoted in Reader’s Digest and in newspapers across the country. Dr. Cook is regularly featured on WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness News in Northeastern Pa.
Dr. Cook is on the board of directors for The National First Ladies Day Commission and is an active member of The American Historical Association, The Luzerne County Historical Society and The American Political Items Collectors.
Larry Cook Historian
Tuesday, September 9 • 5 p.m. Cocktails and appetizers • 5:45 p.m. Dinner
ANNUAL DINNER PROGRAM –
Lake Naomi Club, 135 Miller Dr., Pocono Pines
“Beyond St. Paul’s Headstones: Exploring the Past”— by John Layton
John Layton is vice president of the Paradise Historical Society in Paradise Township, Pa., and was one of the founding officers when the group formed in 2010.
He has produced a large-format, 68-page book detailing the history of the Ace Store and the East Swiftwater, called “Life on a Pocono Subsistence Farm.” The book describes the families that lived and worked there as well as the buildings and grounds and includes dozens of period photos.
DINNER: Choice of entrees: Grilled Atlantic salmon, herb-roasted chicken breast, braised short rib, or stuffed Portobello mushroom (VG/GF). Includes bread and butter, dessert, soft drinks and coffee. | $55 • Cash bar. Click on invitation at right for reservation information.
ANNUAL DINNER PROGRAM –
Lake Naomi Club, 135 Miller Dr., Pocono Pines
“Beyond St. Paul’s Headstones: Exploring the Past”— by John Layton
John Layton is vice president of the Paradise Historical Society in Paradise Township, Pa., and was one of the founding officers when the group formed in 2010.
He has produced a large-format, 68-page book detailing the history of the Ace Store and the East Swiftwater, called “Life on a Pocono Subsistence Farm.” The book describes the families that lived and worked there as well as the buildings and grounds and includes dozens of period photos.
DINNER: Choice of entrees: Grilled Atlantic salmon, herb-roasted chicken breast, braised short rib, or stuffed Portobello mushroom (VG/GF). Includes bread and butter, dessert, soft drinks and coffee. | $55 • Cash bar. Click on invitation at right for reservation information.
Tuesday, October 7 • 5:30 p.m.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
Program to be announced — by William Lewis
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
Program to be announced — by William Lewis
Tuesday, November 11 • 5:30 p.m.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“John Summerfield Staples” by John Abel
John Summerfield Staples was born in Stroud Township on August 14, 1845. When the Civil War began, Staples enlisted in the 176th Company of the Pennsylvania Infantry. Actually, Staples enlisted on November 3, 1862 as a substitute soldier for Robert Barry. It was not uncommon in those days for a man to fight in another’s place. Staples served only a few months, for he suffered with a lingering fever (most likely typhoid), and he was medically discharged on May 5, 1863. Staples returned home to Stroudsburg for a long recovery, and in 1864, he traveled to Washington D.C. to work as a carpenter with his father.
While working in D.C., Staples and his father were approached by the president of the 3rd Ward Draft Club who had an order to find a substitute to fight in the Civil War for President Abraham Lincoln. Larner brought Staples to the White House where President Lincoln met with him on October 1, 1864. Lincoln paid Staples $500 to serve as his “representative recruit.” Staples saw little action during his year served on behalf of the president. He was stationed in Alexandria, Va., and worked as a clerk for the provost general and as a prison guard. John Summerfield Staples was mustered out on September 12, 1865.
Staples returned to Monroe County with little fanfare. There were no newspaper articles or celebrations for this local man who had served for President Lincoln. It was not until Staples’ death in 1888, that Stroudsburg and all of Monroe County recognized Staples and his service to the United States. He is buried in Stroudsburg Cemetery.
John Abel is a local history enthusiast, having researched and written many articles of history in Monroe County.
He serves on the board of the Monroe County Historical Association and has conducted its History Challenge for county high school students. Both his book and his play of “The Murder of Theodore Brodhead” have been local hits. This is John’s third appearance at HATT.
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Rd., Pocono Pines
“John Summerfield Staples” by John Abel
John Summerfield Staples was born in Stroud Township on August 14, 1845. When the Civil War began, Staples enlisted in the 176th Company of the Pennsylvania Infantry. Actually, Staples enlisted on November 3, 1862 as a substitute soldier for Robert Barry. It was not uncommon in those days for a man to fight in another’s place. Staples served only a few months, for he suffered with a lingering fever (most likely typhoid), and he was medically discharged on May 5, 1863. Staples returned home to Stroudsburg for a long recovery, and in 1864, he traveled to Washington D.C. to work as a carpenter with his father.
While working in D.C., Staples and his father were approached by the president of the 3rd Ward Draft Club who had an order to find a substitute to fight in the Civil War for President Abraham Lincoln. Larner brought Staples to the White House where President Lincoln met with him on October 1, 1864. Lincoln paid Staples $500 to serve as his “representative recruit.” Staples saw little action during his year served on behalf of the president. He was stationed in Alexandria, Va., and worked as a clerk for the provost general and as a prison guard. John Summerfield Staples was mustered out on September 12, 1865.
Staples returned to Monroe County with little fanfare. There were no newspaper articles or celebrations for this local man who had served for President Lincoln. It was not until Staples’ death in 1888, that Stroudsburg and all of Monroe County recognized Staples and his service to the United States. He is buried in Stroudsburg Cemetery.
John Abel is a local history enthusiast, having researched and written many articles of history in Monroe County.
He serves on the board of the Monroe County Historical Association and has conducted its History Challenge for county high school students. Both his book and his play of “The Murder of Theodore Brodhead” have been local hits. This is John’s third appearance at HATT.