Williamsport is a vibrant city and birthplace of Little League

Story by Anna Weist

Since officially becoming a city in 1866, Williamsport has grown into a diverse community with a flourishing metropolitan atmosphere. There is some discrepancy regarding the origin of the city’s name. Some believe William Hepburn, a judge and important figure in the founding of Lycoming County, named the city after himself. Others believe it was named after the son of another founder or the owner of an inn within the city. Williamsport experienced major growth in the mid- to late-1800s thanks to the leadership and guidance of Peter Herdic, one of the lumber industries earliest millionaires. The area’s resources, combined with the growing need for lumber across the nation, made Williamsport the Lumber Capital of the World in the 1870s. The lumber business also created the opportunity for wealth among city residents and resulted in many millionaires.

Having focused their efforts in the lumber industry, businesses took a hit with the flood of 1889. The disaster forced them to diversify. Today, businesses in the city range from apparel to furniture to airplane motors to baseball — among many others.

Williamsport offers two opportunities for higher education. Lycoming College, a private, liberal arts institution, and the Pennsylvania College of Technology, ranked No. 6 in Regional Colleges North 2022-2023 by US News.

Other attractions include art, history, recreation and a plethora of community events that draw people from miles around to this welcoming community. However, Williamsport has one “claim to fame” that no other city around the world has. Williamsport is home to the Little League World Series.

A RECREATION AREA, BUILDING OR PARK HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM, 100 BORDERLINE ROAD,

The Little League Baseball World Series was born in the city of Williamsport at a field constructed over a number of years from 1942 through 1951. Carl Stotz Stadium, once known as the Original Field, is named in honor of the man who developed the field dimensions, equipment and rules for what would become known around the world as Little League. In 1947, the first World Series Tournament was held at the field on 4th Street with 17 teams participating. At the time, all but one of the competitors was from Pennsylvania. From that humble beginning, Little League Baseball reached every state and, today, more than two million kids around the world participate in the games leading to the Little League World Series in Williamsport. This year, the 76th Little League World Series (LLWS) will take place at the complex in South Williamsport — which includes Lamade Field and Volunteer Stadium — from August 16 to the 27. Admission to the LLWS is free and seats are first-come, first-serve. However, if you aren’t lucky enough to secure a seat in Lamade Stadium, you can head out to the “hill” where you can sit and watch the game or you can join the other “kids” and slide down the hill on your cardboard sled. Major League players and coaches have made that ride.

For two weeks in August, Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport is where every Little Leaguer worldwide is hoping they will be playing.

For more information: littleleague.org/worldseries/2023/llbws/

Historic Location

THE TABER MUSEUM, 858 W. 4TH STREET

With diverse exhibits, the Thomas T. Taber Museum provides a close look at the unique history of north central Pennsylvania. The Lycoming County Historical Society has been collecting artifacts for the museum for more than 100 years. The collection, which has been housed in several locations throughout the years, is now showcased in the heart of Millionaires Row where the two-level brick building was constructed in 1968. Exhibits within the museum include “A Walk Through Time,” “Lumbering Heritage,” “American Indian Gallery,” “Fine and Decorative Arts Gallery,” “Farming, Crafts and Industry,” “Lycoming County’s Military History” and the “Shempp Model Train Collection.” Taking an in-depth look at the history of the Valley is the perfect way to spend a rainy day.

For more information: tabermuseum.org/index.php

An Interesting Location

THE PAJAMA FACTORY, 1307 PARK AVE. While its name may lead you to believe that this 300,000 sq. ft. building is where your pajamas are made, just about everything except pajama-making is done inside. The Lycoming Rubber Company built the Pajama Factory between 1883 and 1919. Rubber goods were made in the building until the company moved out in 1932. Shortly after, the Weldon Pajama Company moved in, creating the largest pajama factory in the world. In 2007, Mark and Suzanne Winkelman bought the property and have since transformed it into a “building for all” with more than 130 tenants. Available for lease in the factory are studio spaces, commercial spaces, as well as residential lofts. Among an array of businesses within, the Pajama Factory is a one-stop-shop to find photographers, retailers, craftspeople, artists, and more. Visitors will find a diverse array of shops — one of them will fulfill your need for coffee.

For more information: pajamafactory.net/

For Kids Of All Ages

KAOS FUN ZONE, 315 HEPBURN ST.

With five different activities to choose from, Kaos Fun Zone really does have something for everyone. The attractions, ranging from bowling to laser tag, are guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. Other options include the arcade — with 50 games, including the classics — trampoline park and golf simulator. “Jump times” in the trampoline park begin every half hour, with pricing based on a posted schedule. Kaos Fun Zone might be the go-to on rainy days this summer. There are certainly plenty of opportunities to release some of that built-up energy in an indoor setting.

For more information: kaosfunzone.com/

A QUIRKY/UNUSUAL PLACE

THE HATCHET HOUSE, 362 MARKET ST

The Hatchet House gives visitors the opportunity to let off some steam and have fun in a unique way — by throwing hatchets at wooden targets. Throwing metal axes can become competitive among friends, as points are accrued based on how close to the bullseye the thrower hits. The facility is also BYOB and offers food and nonalcoholic beverages at the “SNAXE” bar. Even kids, as long as they can handle the hatchet safely, are allowed to throw at The Hatchet House. The family-owned business is owned and operated by four outdoorsy, fun-loving ax throwers. The business also offers three portable hatchet throwing units that are perfect for outdoor events.

For more information: pahatchethouse.com/

A MEMORIAL OR MONUMENT: MARKET SQUARE

In August 2022, the final addition to the “Bases Loaded” statue project which includes eight Little League players, one umpire and, on the park bench, Carl Stotz. The final addition of three people watching the game includes Cy Young, George W. Bush and Jackie Robinson. There are seven figures on the home plate corner and, on the other three corners, are two players. The crosswalks are painted to resemble baselines. The statues commemorate the history of Little League and are representative of the diversity that is Little League Baseball. The placement of the series statues, which began in 2014, is now complete.

For more information: littleleague.org/news/ williamsport-to-welcome-president-george-w-bushrachel-robinson-to-celebrate-the-unveiling-of-the-finalbases-loaded-statue/

Things To Know

Wilkes-Barre

How it began: Immigrants in search of work in the coal mines swelled the early population of the community

Incorporated as a city: 1806

Population: 44,453

Mayor: George C. Brown

Distance from Harrisburg: 104 miles

Scranton

How it began: Laborers came to work in coal mines and ironworks and to operate railroads and textile mills.

Incorporated as a city: 1866

Population: 75,874

Mayor: Paige Cognetti

Distance from Harrisburg: 121 miles