Built between 1913 and 1914 by the DL&W RR for its anthracite coal miners was Concrete City, northeast of Nanticoke, PA. Twenty double family homes were built in the Lackawanna tradition of reinforced concrete. The railroad loved the stuff and was a preeminent developer of concrete use in its landmark Paulins Kill, Delaware River, Martins Creek and Tunkhannock Viaducts, interlocking towers, stations and even a coal breaker. Instead of the Road of Anthracite, some jokingly called it the Road of Reinforced Concrete. The concrete homes were fireproof, easily cleaned and the white concrete brightened life in an otherwise drab environment. The only wood used was for windows and doors. Unfortunately, the effects of mine settlement were underestimated and by the early 1930s, Concrete City had to be abandoned as severe cracks in foundations and walls rendered the homes unsafe. Some still stand today, crumbling and covered in the inevitable graffiti.
