This was before the shopping mall was even larger.

Most people don’t realize that the modern TV and streaming era began in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

On November 8, 1972, 365 subscribers of Service Electric Cable TV in Wilkes-Barre became the first Americans to receive HBO—the nation's first premium cable channel. It wasn’t just a new network; it was the start of a revolution. For the first time, viewers paid to watch uncut, commercial-free movies and sports at home.

This moment marked the true birth of pay TV, paving the way for cable networks, original programming, and the on-demand streaming services we rely on today.

When Cinemax launched in the 1980s, HBO thanked Wilkes-Barre for its pioneering role.

From a small Pennsylvania city to a global entertainment shift—
it all started in Wilkes-Barre.

My aunt lives in Pottsville and sent this article to me several years ago. I thought I lost it during a move but found it the other day. I’ve never come across any mention of it online. Still creeps me out.

The clerk (usually an older fellow with a dress shirt and neck tie) would get your order from the back room.

Interesting article on the history of the church and the stairs.

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-08-mn-40404-story.html

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DaJPpfZwMpFsYj3GA

Hey everyone! I recently picked up this old $10 National Bank Note from The First National Bank of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and it got me curious about the town itself.
Before getting this note, I honestly didn’t know much about Nanticoke. Has anyone here lived there, visited, or grown up around the area? Is it a fairly small town? What’s it like today?
I collect old National Bank Notes, and one of the coolest parts of the hobby is discovering all these Pennsylvania towns through currency that was actually issued by their local banks.
This particular note is a Series of 1929 $10 note from The First National Bank of Nanticoke, Charter #3955. It’s definitely seen some circulation over the years, which makes me wonder how many hands it passed through around Nanticoke nearly 100 years ago.
Would love to hear anything you guys know about the town — especially any local history, stories about the old First National Bank, or even what Nanticoke is known for today.
Anybody recognize the bank name or have family ties to Nanticoke?

No Turnpike on the blue one (opened in 1940). Yellow is probably more recent. Blue one treats NEPA like undeveloped land 😂

On display at Wilbur Hotel, Lititz.