New guidebook highlights D&L Corridor

The "Stone Coal Way" features the culture, trails and towns along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

By: Linda Seida
   You don’t have to be a newcomer to the region to benefit from a reading of the "Stone Coal Way," a guidebook that highlights the culture, trails and towns along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
   Even longtime residents of Bucks and Hunterdon counties will find a treasure trove of fascinating facts and historically significant — and fun — destinations within its pages, perfect for families on day trips, hikers, bikers, history buffs and more.
   "They can find out about places close to home as well as plan day trips," said the book’s editor, Elissa G. Marsden. "Until I got involved with the corridor, I didn’t realize that so many interesting places lie to the north of us. It’s an eye-opener."
   The book is 6 inches by 9 inches and spiral-bound, a convenient size to take along as a companion on excursions. It was written by Tom Shealey, a former Rodale editor, and includes four maps designed by the Heritage Conservancy. Three of the maps unfold to a width of 18 inches.
   The book has been available for about a month. Already, its sales have surpassed 500 copies.
   The towns and areas featured are connected by their cultural evolution. Each was influenced by the discovery of coal and the growth of the coal industry.
   The discovery of anthracite coal in 1791 in Carbon County, Pa., spurred industrialization. Canals and railroads developed to serve a need for transportation of such goods as coal, lumber, slate, iron and other items.
   Today, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor links and highlights these cultural markers, the towns and places that live in the present but owe their existence to the Industrial Revolution.
   "Because of manmade intrusions, it’s hard to visualize how these areas are connected," Ms. Marsden said. "Yet they are, not only historically but by this trail system."
   In addition to serving as editor, Ms. Marsden contributed photographs to the publication. She also serves as development manager for the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
   The 165 miles that make up the trail span from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol. The communities along the route have "a really rich story to tell; the culture, the arts, the whole nine yards," Ms. Marsden said.
   The book is divided into three parts according to geographic regions: Wilkes-Barre to Jim Thorpe, Jim Thorpe to Easton and Easton to Bristol. Local sites featured in the southernmost section are New Hope, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Washington Crossing Historic Park and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
   There also is a listing of the six links between New Jersey and Pennsylvania that connect the Delaware and Raritan trail with the Delaware and Lehigh trail.
   Susan Taylor of the friends of the Delaware Canal called the book a valuable addition for local readers.
   The book is a "best of" compilation, according to Ms. Marsden.
   "What this does is really put this all together for the traveler," she said. "The other thing that’s really cool is this whole thing, from soup to nuts, was done in the corridor."
   The printer, Chernay Printing, is located in Bucks County. The graphic design firm, Workhorse Design, is based in Carbon County as Ms. Marsden is. Mr. Shealey, the author, is from Lehigh County. Kristi Cochios, the photographer, is from Northampton County.
   And the book’s fact-checkers are familiar with the region’s history because they are based throughout the corridor’s five-county area in eastern Pennsylvania, including Luzerne County.
   "We hope it’s very friendly, not dry history," said Allen Sachse, executive director of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. "We really hope it’s used by families that come to the corridor."
   Initial reports from readers are promising, according to Mr. Sachse.
   "They’re really pleased with the quality of it, and they find it very valuable," he said.
   Several college bookstores in the region ordered it for students as a helpful guide to becoming acquainted to the area, according to Mr. Sachse.
   "They are people that particularly want to get out and find things to do," he said.
   The National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided partial funding for the "Stone Coal Way." Proceeds from the book’s sale will go toward operations of the D&L.
   The "Stone Coal Way" is available for $19.95 through the D&L’s Web site, www.delawareandlehigh.org, or by calling (610) 923-3548.