West Pittston claims the distinction of being the home of a veteran Odd Fellow in the person of William C. Van Sickle, who since the 12th of May 1841, has been a member of that order. In that year being a resident of Branchdale, N.J., he traveled fourteen miles to join Mazeppa Lodge No. 83, I.O.O.F., at that place and later transferred his membership to the Utsiantha Lodge, at Port Jervis, N.Y., in which lodge he is still a member in good standing. Mr. Van Sickle makes his home with his son, C.W. Van Sickle on Warren street, and is enjoying fairly good health, having reached the advanced age of 85 years. Only three times during the period of his long membership has Mr. Van Sickle drawn sick benefits, being a member of the order for fifty-one years before a cent was drawn. This is a record probably unsurpassed.
Source: Wilkes-Barre Record, January 15, 1906.
Carol Ann Hilton 