Jermyn

History

The borough originally named Gibsonburg, was named for John Jermyn, a businessperson in the mining industry. Jermyn is known as "The Birthplace of First Aid in America." In 1899, Dr. Matthew J. Shields conducted the nation's first training class on First Aid at the Windsor Hotel. He instructed 25 miners from the Jermyn Coal Colliery how to provide quick, effective medical care until a physician could reach the mine. After completion of the course, each of the miners was able to provide first aid to injured comrades—leading to dramatic reductions in serious mining injuries and fatalities. Unfortunately for numerous coal miners, a "silent killer" called black lung disease was caused by inhaling coal dust over time and this resulted in the untimely deaths of many former miners. Jermyn was incorporated as a borough in 1870 and celebrated its centennial in 1970 throughout the year, with a week-long celebration in July. A carnival and fireworks display were held in East Jermyn at the St Michael's Russian Orthodox Hall grounds.

Geography

Jermyn is located at (41.527806, -75.547147). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , all of it land. Elevation at Jermyn Community Center is 977 feet above sea level.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Scranton HS
  High · Scranton · 1,710 students · 19:1 ratio
• Abington Heights HS
  High · Clarks Summit · 1,127 students · 16.8:1 ratio
• Mid Valley El Ctr
  Elementary · Throop · 1,046 students · 16.3:1 ratio
• Northeast Intrmd Sch
  Middle · Scranton · 965 students · 13.4:1 ratio
• Mid Valley Secondary Center
  High · Throop · 811 students · 14.5:1 ratio
• Dunmore El Ctr
  Elementary · Dunmore · 786 students · 13.3:1 ratio
• Carbondale Area JSHS
  High · Carbondale · 778 students · 12.5:1 ratio
• Carbondale El Sch
  Elementary · Carbondale · 773 students · 14.6:1 ratio