Shamokin Dam, Pennsylvania

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This article is about the community of Shamokin Dam, for the dam itself see Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam.

Shamokin Dam is a small borough in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, United States. The name is derived from a ten foot tall dam that was built across the Susquehanna River in the 1800s. The dam supported steamboat ferries run by Ira T. Clement, which transported goods and people between Shamokin Dam and the city of Sunbury on the Northumberland County side of the river. These ferries operated from 1772 until the Bainbridge Street Bridge was built in 1907. The dam also provided water to the Susquehanna Division of the Pennsylvania Canal System which was constructed on the western bank of the river. The dam was destroyed by ice in March 1904.

Map of Snyder County , Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Boroughs (red), Townships (white), and Census-designated places (blue).
Map of Snyder County , Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Boroughs (red), Townships (white), and Census-designated places (blue).

Contents

[edit] Geography

Shamokin Dam is located at 40°50′56″N, 76°49′16″W (40.848933, -76.821117)GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 4.9 km² (1.9 mi²). 4.7 km² (1.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (2.66%) is water.

Shamokin Dam sits on the western bank of the Susquehanna River just south of the confluence of the river's west and north branches. The borough is also bordered by the community of Hummels Wharf, Monroe Township, and Pennsylvania Route 15.

The Penn Central Rail Road passes through the borough between the Old Trail Road and the Susquehanna River.

There are several small unnamed creeks that cross the borough eventually draining into the Susquehanna River. Seasonal flooding occurs in the lowlands between the rail line and the river where the canal once passed. Some areas of the borough lie in the 100 year flood plain.

For many years addresses in Shamokin Dam were listed under the same zip code as Selinsgrove which was 17870. This lead to confusion by delivery companies, emergency services and visitors to the region. Additionally, tax funding that should have gone to Shamokin Dam was lost. The implementation of the GIS readdressing program required that several local communties rename streets so that there were no redundencies within the Selinsgrove zip code. This prompted Shamokin Dam officials to appeal to the United States Postal Service for a unique zip code. It was awarded. Shamokin Dam addresses became 17876.

[edit] History

Pennsylvania was, for centuries, the home of many native American tribes. During the 1600s the region was dominated by the Haudenosaunee Iroquois Confederacy, which included the Mohawks, the Onondagas, the Cayugas, the Tuscaroras, the Senecas and the Oneidas. Under the Confederacy the area was hunting grounds for the Delaware, Shawnee, Conoy, Monsey, Mohican and Nanticoke peoples. Allummapeed was a Delaware chief who lived in Shamokin (now called Sunbury).

Chief Shikellamy, of the Oneida people, came to the region. He negotiated with the white settlers on behalf of the native residents. In 1754, Chief Shikellamy negotiated with Conrad Weiser to set the Blue Mountains as the upper limit of the settler invasion of the native people's home lands. Weiser told the area's settlers they could not remain. The Six Nations Treaty of 1754 permitted settlements to move west of the Susquehanna River into lands that eventually became Snyder County. Many natives argued they had been cheated by the treaty. Conflicts between the settlers and the native peoples resulted in deaths on both sides. Eventually, the native peoples were pushed out by the white settlers after the French and Indian War.

Germans were among the first European settlers in the region. Their influence continues today in the presence of the Amish and Mennonite sects.

Shamokin Dam was founded by George Keen in 1745. At the time it was named Keensville. Most of the residents were canal workers, raftsmen, shad fishermen and eel fishermen. Restaurants and hotels provided support for the workers and travelers. A lock for the Pennsylvania Canal was located on the riverbank. Most of the local commerce revolved around transportation and supporting the canal. [1]

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 1,502 people, 688 households, and 436 families residing in the borough. The population density was 316.9/km² (821.7/mi²). There were 726 housing units at an average density of 153.2/km² (397.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough was 97.94% White, 0.60% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 0.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.87% of the population.

There were 688 households out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the borough the population was spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 28.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 84.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.1 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $34,514, and the median income for a family was $45,461. Males had a median income of $31,711 versus $21,917 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $19,923. About 3.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 12.2% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Economics

The coal fired Sunbury Power plant was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Power and Light company in 1949. It went into operation in 1953. The Sunbury Generation Station is located along the Susquehanna River in Shamokin Dam, Pennsylvania. The plant was purchased by WPS Power Development in November 1999 from PP&L Resources. The plant is part of the Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Maryland (PJM) market area. Power from the plant is sold into Pennsylvania’s deregulated electric market. In May 2005, the facility's emission allowances for both sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) were sold and a seasonal operation plan was announced. Then in July 2006 the plant was sold to Corona Power, LLC. The gross proceeds received by WPS for the 421.7 megawatt power plant were about $34.6 million, and were subject to certain working capital and other post-closing adjustments. In 2006, Corona Power, LLC sought and won a substantial reduction in the tax assessment of the property.

Pennsylvania Routes 11&15 passes through the borough. The highway is a major travel artery through the region. Flow is constant (truck and vehicle) with very heavy loads and serious backups on Fridays (especially in the afternoon) and holiday weekends. There is a proposed major highway bypass project. It is meeting with funding challenges that have delayed the project for decades. This thruway will cross Monroe Township just north of Shamokin Dam. Residents along the proposed route have expressed concerns about the negative impact on their quality of life that the thruway will mean. Pro development forces have been successful in overwhelming their objections. Others are concerned that, like the town of Selinsgrove which is in decline, the bypass will mean the loss of local revenue and jobs that the traffic on highway brings to the many local restaurants and hotels along the current highway.

[edit] Government

The borough is governed by an elected council of seven residents. The Shamokin Dam Borough Council meets the first Monday of the month at 7 pm (with exceptions), in the borough building. There is an elected mayor, a borough manager, a tax collector and a chief of police. Shamokin Dam Borough Office P.O. Box 273, 144 West Eighth Avenue, Shamokin Dam, Pa. 17876 570-743-7565 / 570-743-7910

The Borough levys the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax, an earned income tax, and a property tax.

Subdivisions are reviewed by the Shamokin Dam Borough Planning Commission and the Snyder County Planning Commission and are approved by the Shamokin Dam Borough Council. The Shamokin Dam Borough Planning Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Borough Office Building, if they have business to attend to. There is also a Shamokin Dam Borough Zoning Hearing Board.

Shamokin Dam Borough provides curbside recycling on the 2nd Friday of every month. There is a Spring Cleanup service that hauls away large trash items. Nearly all the borough's properties are served with public sewer. The Susquehanna River is the source of public drinking water supplied by Shamokin Dam Borough to its residents. The borough does not have sidewalks. Burning of trash is prohibited.

Snyder County is governed by a board of three County Commissioners elected every four years. Middleburg is the county seat. The courthouse is located there. General Information (570) 837-4207.

Shamokin Dam is in the 108th Legislative District for the Pennsylvania General Assembly held by Rep. Merle H. Phillips whose office is located in Sunbury. Pennsylvania Senate District 27 is held by Senator John Gordner. His office is located in the borough building. Shamokin Dam is in the United States House of Representatives 10th District held by Rep. Chris Carney. Pennsylvania is represented in the United States Senate by Senator Bob Casey, Jr. and Senator Arlen Specter.

Route 15 from Selinsgrove to Sunbury was designated Charles E. Attig Jr. Memorial Highway. Officer Attig was a member of the Shamokin Dam police department when he was murdered while on duty in 1983.

Voter Registration & Elections (570) 837-4209. Shamokin Dam's Polling place is St. Matthews Lutheran Church Social Hall located behind the church 30 Old Trail, Shamokin Dam. Mail in voter registration forms are available at the borough office, the U.S. Post Office on Rtes 11&15, Selinsgrove Community Library and the county courthouse in Middleburg, Snyder County, PA.

  • Pennsylvania Driver & Vehicle Services Rte 522, Selinsgrove. (570) 374-8320.
  • [Pennsylvania State Police] Snyder County barracks (570) 374-5793.

[edit] Schools

Selinsgrove Area School District is the local public school. There are approximately 3000 students clustered on a campus located in Selinsgrove borough. Selinsgrove Area High School has about 900 students in grades 9-12. The Selinsgrove Area Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 using a team teaching approach. Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School has students grades 3-5. Primary grades are at Selinsgrove Area Elementary School. Kindergarten is located at Jackson Penn School. Public School busing is provided. The district is working towards providing All Day Kindergarten in 2007-2008. Officials are using this as an opportunity to further consolidate the district by renovating and enlarging Selinsgrove Elementary School and closing Jackson-Penn Elementary School. Enrollment in the district is declining and is projected to continue to decline for the next decade.

SUN Area Career & Technology Center New Berlin, Union County, PA 17855 (570) 966-1031. SUN Tech is a regional school that provides area students with skills needed to compete in today’s job market and receive consideration for advanced college placement. SUN Tech also offers adult education classes, vocational education, and technical career training, serving over 1500 people annually. ISO9001 and Middle States Acredited. SUN Tech was presented with the Significant Achievement Award in Education for raising their Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program criteria score to 648 points, a 345 point increase from 303 points in August, 2000.

Residents also have a wide selection of alternative schools. By law, the local public school must provide transportation to schools within 10 miles of the borders of the school district at no charge to the student.

St Monica School 109 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801 Northumberland County Phone: (570) 286-5983 is a parochial school providing a first class education to grades: PreK through 8th grade. Their enrollment is about 180. Noncatholics regularly seek admission to this school.

Sunbury Christian Academy 135 Spruce Hollow Road, Northumberland, PA 17857. (570) 473 - 7592 An ASCI member school preK to 12th grade. This program is highly respected in the area as a sound alternative to the public system.

Northumberland Christian Academy 351 Fifth Street Northumberland, PA 17857 570-473-9786. NCS was founded in 1972 and is a ministry of the First Regular Baptist Church of Northumberland, Pa. The school offers a full educational program for students from preschool through high school.

SusQ-Cyber Charter School provides students in grades 9-12 with an electronically delivered accredited high school curriculum.

21st Century Cyber Charter School Modifications are made to suit individual student learning styles, varying academic levels and scheduling needs, among others. Most classes are offered in honors, college prep, and career paths. All of our classes are designed to help prepare our students for standardized tests such as the PSSAs.

Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation - CPDLF K - 12 program.

The Pennsylvania Distance & Electronic Learning Academy (PDELA) offers a complete K-12 academic program to assist families that want to educate their children at home.

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School provides a free and appropriate course of study to the children of Pennsylvania families. The school provides a high-quality, accredited courses of study, certified teachers, and state-of-the-art technology. PA Cyber has established the highest standards of student achievement and educational standards using both technology and regular contact among students, parents and staff. Parents of cyber school students do not pay tuition. The public school district where the student resides pays tuition with state and local tax money through a state formula.

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16 serves the region from Montandon, PA.

Triangle Tech Sunbury School located in Upper Augusta Township on Rt. 890 just off of Route 61. (570) 988-0700. A two-year college that awards associate degrees and courses toward a bachelor's program. Has about 200 students.

Empire Beauty School Orchard Hills Plaza RTE 11 & 15, Shamokin Dam, PA. (570) 743-1410. This school provides an accredited and licensed program to prepare students for a career in cosmetology.

Bucknell University a private university located in Lewisburg, PA. (570) 577-2000.

Susquehanna University a private school located in Selinsgrove, PA. (570) 374-0101.

[edit] Libraries

The Selinsgrove Community Library is a public library that is part of the Snyder County Library system. Patrons have free use of the PA Power Library and Access Pennsylvania which provide extensive onlline resources for children and adults. The library is on the corner of High Street and Pine Street, one block west of Market Street in downtown Selinsgrove. A small book exchange cart is hosted in the U.S. Post Office building on Rte 11&15, Shamokin Dam.

Snyder County Historical Society 30 East Market St., Middleburg, PA.17842 570-837-6191 Museum and Library Research services are provided for a fee.

Degenstein Community Library is located at 40 South Fifth Street, Sunbury, Northumberland County, PA 17801 570-286-2461. It has an extensive collection of back issues of the local newspapers.

The State Library of Pennsylvania Commonwealth & Walnut Sts., Harrisburg, PA. This library provides information for State Government and citizens, collects and preserves Pennsylvania's written heritage through materials published for, by, and about Pennsylvania.

[edit] Parks

  • Weller Field an upscale, community baseball field dedicated in honor of Dr. Carl A. Weller who served on the borough council. Dedicated 1990. Access from Garden Circle, Shamokin Dam, PA. 17876. Off street parking located in 11th Ave. Park.
  • 11th Ave. Park a public park with restrooms, benches, playground equipment and a walking woodland trail. Open dawn to dusk. Funding from Land & Water Coservation Fund, U.S. Department of the Interior 1989. Access from Garden Circle, Shamokin Dam, PA. 17876. Off street parking provided.
  • Attig Park Playground and Pavilion 8th Ave and Cherry Street, Shamokin Dam, PA. 17876. There is street parking.
  • Lions Club Playground located at the corner of Maple Ave. and 11th Ave. Fenced area with several pieces of playground equipment appropriate for young children. No restroom facilities. Minimal on street parking.
  • Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam State Park is located off the Old Trail near the Veterans Memorial Bridge to Sunbury, Northumberland County. There is a picnic shelter, playground equipment and woods to explore. Located along the Susquehanna River, there is access for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Off street parking is available. Care must be taken to avoid the dam area in the river as drowning as a very high risk.
  • Shikellamy State Park lies just across Rte. 15. It features picnicing areas and hiking with breathtaking panoramic views.

[edit] Churches

  • Brookside Ministries Church 11 Stetler Ave, Shamokin Dam, PA.17876 Office: (570) 743-5683. Offers a fresh charismatic experience with a purpose. Has an active youth outreach group which meets Wednesdays at 7pm. Handicapped accessible with childrens' church and nursery available at all services. Extensive off street parking provided.
  • Congregation Beth El 249 Arch Street, Sunbury, PA Jewish education and programming for children and adults.
  • Susquehanna Valley Baptist Church 11th Ave. Shamokin Dam, PA. 17876 (570)743-4577 Sunday school, morning and evening services and bible study offered.
  • St. Matthews Lutheran Church 30 Old Trail, Shamokin Dam, PA. 743-3052 Handicapped accessible The Church's Social Hall behind the church is the borough's polling place. It may also be rented for local gatherings.
  • Shamokin Dam United Mehtodist Church 104 Old Trail Road, Shamokin Dam, PA 17876 (570)743-8456. The little church with a big heart. Everyone is welcome.
  • St. Monica Catholic Church Front and Market Streets, Sunbury, PA. 286-0761
  • Westminster Chapel is a reformed church that meets in the Hampton Inn room 215, SHamokin Dam, PA 17876 10am worship

[edit] Cemeteries

  • Orchard Hills Cemetery behind the Orchard Hill Shopping Center on rtes. 11&15. Formerly known as West End Cemetery.
  • Hartman's Family Cemetery on Old Trail Road near the power plant entrance.
  • Schreiner's Cemetery Eleventh Ave. and Stetler Ave. Shamokin Dam. Located next to the Susquehanna Valley Baptist Church.

[edit] Emergency Services

  • Shamokin Dam Volunteer Fire Department Company 90 3343 North Old Trail, Shamokin Dam, PA 17876
  • Americus Community Ambulance Service based in Sunbury, is the primary ambulance service for those living in Shamokin Dam. Call 911 for all emergencies.

[edit] Assistance

  • Central Susquehanna Sight Services 570-286-1471 Serves Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union counties with services and employment to people who are blind or visually impaired.
  • CHIP Cover all Kids Pennsylvania's children's health insurance program.
  • C.O.R.E. Susquehanna AmeriCorps 713 Bridge St. Suite 10 Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570-374-8938. Members perform various community services in local schools, libraries, social service agencies, and environmental agencies.
  • Snyder County Assistance Office 570 South High Street P.O. Box 56 Selinsgrove, PA 17870-0056 FAX: 570-374-6347, Phone: 570-374-8126, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 570-374-8126
  • Snyder County Chapter American Red Cross 10 S Main Street, Middleburg, PA 17842 (570) 837-2150.
  • Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition (570) 374-7773. SVWIT offers counseling, shelter and other emergency services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally they provide educational programs to combat the pervasive spousal and child abuse in the region.
  • Union - Snyder Transportation Alliance Shared-Ride Program for Senior Citizens and individuals with Disabilities 570-743-0029. Graduated fee schedule.
  • Union-Snyder Community Action Agency works in partnership with consumers, agencies, and communities to address and alleviate the causes and impacts of poverty. 713 Bridge Street Suite 10, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 (570) 374-0181
  • Sunbury Community Hospital & Outpatient Center Is an inpatient and outpatient care facility providing personalized, caring, and efficient service to patients, with total satisfaction as a top priority. Has Behavioral Health, Diagnostic Imaging, 24 hour Emergency Services, Laboratory, Healthy Woman Resources, Sleep Laboratory, Radiology services. 350 N. 11th Street, Sunbury, PA 570-286-3431 286-3333.
  • The Daily Item is the region's daily newspaper. Offers events calendar, church directory on Saturdays, local assistance contact numbers.
  • Union-Snyder County Area Agency on Aging, 116 N. Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837; tel. 570/524-2100; 1-800-533-1050 toll free. Ensures the rights of older adults within Union & Snyder counties to live independent, meaningful and dignified lives in their own homes and communities, make informed decisions concerning their care, & stay active and productive for as long as possible. Many services provided.
  • Snyder County Housing Authority 103 Drake Court, Middleburg, PA. 17842. (570) 837-3979. Provides rental assistance to low income county residents in renting suitable housing. The Section 8 housing choice voucher program provided.
  • Pennsylvania State Police – Selinsgrove 570-374-8145 non emergency, 911 for emergencies
  • Tapline 1-800-222-9016 Provides emergency mental health services, support, and assessment. Should be contacted immediately when an individual (child or adult) expresses suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and/or intentions. Serves Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Union Counties.
  • ChildLine 1-800-932-0313 Pennsylvania’s statewide reporting center for child abuse and neglect. After taking reports, ChildLine refers this information to the *Snyder County Children & Youth Services Suite 15, 713 Bridge Street Selinsgrove, PA 17870 (570) 374-4570.
  • Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program is available to citizens with incomes up to $40,000 per year. Seniors 65 years of age or older, widows or widowers 50 years of age or older and the permanently disabled 18 years of age or older may qualify for this program. Only 1/2 of Social Security income is counted for qualification.
  • FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency - 800-621-3362
  • PEMA - Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (717) 651-2001
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Alert Frequency - 162.400 NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from a nearby National Weather Service office
  • Careerlink 713 Bridge Street Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570-374-5751 Provides job assistance including training and searching.
  • Salvation Army 570 742-4231
  • Better Business Bureau Covers Northeastern PA Email: info@nepa.bbb.org (570) 614-4222 4099 Birney Avenue, Moosic, PA. 18507
  • Habitat for Humanity Snyder and Union Counties 570-374-2437 Works with families to provide affordable housing.
  • Haven Ministry 570-286-1672 housing assistance

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Bittinger, John W.; Calderwood, Virginia; Gill, Frank C.; Good, Sherman E.; Herrold, Dewey S.; et al. (1976). Snyder County Pennsylvania from Pioneer Days to the Present, pp. 3-31. Snyder County Communities National Bicenntenial, Inc..

[edit] External links


 v • d • e 
Municipalities and Communities of Snyder County, Pennsylvania
County Seat: Middleburg
Boroughs

Beavertown | Freeburg | McClure | Middleburg | Selinsgrove | Shamokin Dam
Townships

Adams | Beaver | Center | Chapman | Franklin | Jackson | Middlecreek | Monroe | Penn | Perry | Spring | Union | Washington | West Beaver | West Perry
Communities and CDPs

Beaver Springs | Hummels Wharf | Kratzerville | Kreamer | Mount Pleasant Mills | Paxtonville | Penns Creek | Port Trevorton | Troxelville


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