Lackawanna Historical Society hosts ‘Revolution on the Rails,’ celebrates America250 – Scranton Times-Tribune - Pennsylvania News Beep

John Petry and Bill Lavelle climbed aboard the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Saturday, journeying back in time for a look back on the area’s ties to the Revolutionary War’s Sullivan Campaign.

For years, the two worked together at a Waverly-based business. The two retired friends now share some of their time together, sharing their love for America and its history.

Petry, of Clarks Summit, dressed as Olaus Petri and Lavelle as an American colonist for the train ride, which also served as an America250 semi-quincentennial celebration.

“Olaus is known as the Martin Luther of Sweden,” Petry said.

The two, along with more than a hundred others, boarded the train promptly at 10 a.m., settling into their seats before heading to Tunkhannock along Sullivan’s Trail. Revolutionary War reenactors, the Jersey Grays, provided passengers with details about the preparations and impacts of the Sullivan Campaign throughout the Wyoming Valley and into New York in 1779.

At about 11 a.m., the train arrived at Riverside Park in Tunkhannock for additional historical programs by the Jersey Grays, including demonstrations. Historical societies were also set up at the park to provide information and inspire those attending.

The group headed back to Pittston at 1:30 p.m., with reenactors finishing up with additional historical programming.

The tour was organized by the Lackawanna Historical Society and entitled, “Revolution on the Rails: The Birth of a Nation, the Rise of a Railroad.”

Attendees gather on the platform and wait to experience ‘Revolution on the Rails: The Birth of a Nation, the Rise of a Railroad,’ a historic Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad excursion departing from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

The locomotive powering ‘Revolution on the Rails: The Birth of a Nation, the Rise of a Railroad,’ a historic Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad excursion departing from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Reenactors greet attendees as they board the train for ‘Revolution on the Rails: The Birth of a Nation, the Rise of a Railroad,’ a historic Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad excursion departing from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Attendees board the train during ‘Revolution on the Rails: The Birth of a Nation, the Rise of a Railroad,’ a historic Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad excursion departing from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Look back at area history

James McKane, Commander of the 3rd New Jersey Battalion of the Jersey Grays, said the event was a great opportunity for area residents to learn about local history.

McKane said the nation’s celebration of America250 has put everyone in a patriotic mindset, making them eager to learn about the men and women who risked their lives for freedom, he said.

Reenactors planned the event depicting the Sullivan Campaign meticulously, providing an accurate picture of that period in history to participants.

Lenny and Kathleen Kasper found out about the event from a friend and were excited about the opportunity to participate in the historical event.

The two previously took a train from the Pittston site to Jim Thorpe, fueling their passion for train riding.

Dan and Donna Hill, Nicholson, were looking forward not only to the train ride and historical aspect of the event, but also the scenery.

“It’s really exciting and relaxing at the same time,” they said of the ride.

Lackawanna Historical Society hosts ‘Revolution on the Rails,’ celebrates America250 – Scranton Times-Tribune

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