Remember the South Renovo Chain Gang?

SOUTH RENOVO – In the summer of 1983, kids at the South Renovo playground created a colorful construction paper chain big enough to wrap around the entire borough. They called themselves the “Chain Gang” and on August 4, 1983 they stretched the chain out along the perimeter of South Renovo Borough. It was more than two miles long.

The area had experienced some tough economic times in 1983 and budgets were tight, leaving little to spend on supplies for the annual Summer Recreation program at the playground. Construction paper and glue were the only items leftover from previous years. Playground Director Debra “Deb” Burrows was determined to make the most of what was available and encouraged the children to begin creating links to form a construction paper chain. The idea took off, and the number of kids coming to the playground shot up. It seemed everyone wanted to help with the chain. Parents and other adults as well as kids from around the area stopped in to help and show their support. The kids had a lot of fun and after weeks of cutting and gluing, the chain was ready to go.

Much to everyone’s surprise, the wrapping of the chain attracted the interest of journalists and photographers, and was covered in local and national newspapers. A photo even appeared in the New York Times. The kids had done an outstanding job and they were commended for their efforts.

Burrows kept a scrapbook containing numerous photos, mementos, and even pieces of the chain. Now, more than forty years later, she has decided to donate the Chain Gang scrapbook as well as those from previous years at the playground to the Renovo Library so they are available to everyone, especially former members of the Chain Gang, who may want to show their children and grandchildren how much they accomplished way back in 1983.

Burrows said she welcomes the opportunity to hear from Chain Gang members and can be contacted at (570) 726-6598 or dburrows@embarqmail.com .