Formerly Pleasant Valley, is in the northern part of Pittston township, and is a flourishing borough. Settlement commenced here in 1871 and grew with the development of the collieries, and at this time has a population estimated at over 3,000. The name Avoca was adopted in 1889—changed from the old name of Pleasant Valley, under which it was incorporated to agree with the post-office name. It has in the way of facilities for transportation four lines of railroads. There are four churches in the place, a board of trade and an excellent fire department. The town is well supplied with excellent water by the Spring Brook Water company; has telegraph and telephone communications with all the outside world. It has 1 clothing house, [p.534] 5 breakers, 3 confectioners, 2 druggists, 1 dry goods store, 2 furniture dealers, 5 general stores, 3 grocery stores, 2 hotels, 5 meat markets.