In the latter half of the 19th century, Augustus Salasavicius immigrated from Lithuania to the United States. They settled in Mahanoy City. The name became Savage. Some other things happened, and here we are today.
This project is guided by a desire to understand how my ancestors in the region lived, and what things might be like for me if they never left.
Mahanoy City has been hit harder than most surrounding communities by the decline of Anthracite mining. Abandoned shops and rowhouses almost rival the number of solvent businesses and lived-in homes. This photo from 2012 shows an empty supermarket– the building has now been demolished. Although there are a few smaller markets and discount stores, the city lacks a full-service supermarket. (35mm film, Pentax ME Super)
Miner’s boots on display in a vacant Mahanoy City storefront
The Kaier Brewery building, October 2016 (a few months before it was demolished).
Mahanoy City once had the highest density of drinking establishments in the country.
Occasional Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern trains still pass through town.
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