In September 1911, the foreign workers who were employed in the construction of the Midland Pennsylvania Railroad went on strike at Millersburg and were discharged by their employer, the Pinkerton Construction Company of Philadelphia. The strike resulted in panic in Millersburg whose residents believed there was a threat to order and safety.
The strike was reported on by the Reading Times of 27 September 1911:
ARMED MEN GUARDING STRIKE-RIDDEN TOWN
Millersburg Citizens Thrown in a Panic When Foreigners Threaten to Do Harm
Selinsgrove, 26 September 1911 — Because they wanted their wages increased from $1.50 to $1.65 per day, more than seventy-five foreigners employed on the construction work on the Midland Pennsylvania Railroad through Lykens Valley, from Millersburg to Ashland, kept the former borough in a state of tense excitement by laying down their tools and inducing other men to join their ranks.
A number joined the strikers and later all the men who quit were discharged by the Pinkerton Construction Company, which holds the contract for building the road.
Some of the discharged men who experienced trouble in getting their money are alleged to have threatened to burn down the buildings of the construction company on the outskirts of Millersburg.
Extra guards were put on the watch and the residents of Millersburg held an indignation meeting to formulate plans to protect the town. A general alarm of fire was sounded to call the people together and to see that everything was in good working order in case the department was needed. Armed men patrolled the town until daybreak ad others were on guard in the daytime, but the strikers quieted down and there was no further trouble.
The contractors expect to replace the men dismissed during the week and the work, they say, will be going on as usual during the next few days.
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News article from Newspapers.com.