Becoming a City Took More Than a Vote

Shamokin’s transition from borough to city was a process, not a single ceremony. Voters considered the change in a referendum on November 4, 1947. Reports in February 1949 then described Governor James Duff’s action on the city charter.

The next stage put people into the new government. In November 1949, Landy was reported elected mayor, with Persing, Kehler, Badman, and Wiest elected to council. On January 2, 1950, the organization of city government included oaths and the assignment of departmental responsibilities.

The appointments of solicitor Kearney and clerk Wary were part of that practical beginning. A change in municipal status had to become an operating administration. Seen together, the referendum, charter, election, and organization explain why more than one date appears in Shamokin’s story of becoming a city. Each marks a different step rather than a competing version of the same event.