McConnell Mansion

Local historical accounts identify this as the first Shamokin home wired for electric light. At the time it belonged to Catherine 'Aunt Kitty' Martz and later became the residence of State Senator W. C. McConnell.

Electric Light Enters the Home

Only the kitchen was wired at first because many residents feared that electricity might cause a fire. That cautious beginning makes this stop a vivid record of how unfamiliar the new technology felt.

A Cautious First Step

Here, electric light moved from machinery and public demonstration into daily household life.

A Cautious First Step

The exact address should be confirmed before production geofencing.

Why This Place Matters

The house belonged to Catherine Martz before it became associated with the McConnell family. Wiring only the kitchen shows that adoption came with excitement, uncertainty, and fear of fire. Electric light offered a controllable alternative to candles, oil lamps, and gas lighting.