An August 1962 news report documents the early efforts to squelch an escalating mine fire at Centralia, Pennsylvania.
An August 1962 report warned of escalating disaster in Centralia
Oil-wick miner’s lamp – Patent model from 1879 at the Smithsonian
In 1879, John H. Gable of Shamokin, PA patented this oil-wick miner's cap lamp.
A 1919 history of the Short Mountain Coal Company – Wiconisco Township
Founded in 1851, the Short Mountain Coal Company grew rapidly during the Civil War in association with the Pennsylvania Railroad.
This 1864 map of Schuylkill County includes detailed illustrations of mining operations
This map from the Library of Congress collections includes fantastic illustrations of the Coal Region during the Civil War.
“Big Change Now At Hand” – The Coal Region in the late 1920s
In May 1929, some of the anthracite industry believed mining was about to make a comeback. They were wrong.
Grievances of Williamstown miners against the Pennsylvania Railroad Company – 1886
"We are men and all we ask is to be treated as such," wrote the miners in a public letter published during their 1886 strike.
Remembering the Stockton Mine Disaster – December 18, 1869
On December 18, 1869, six people were killed when a mine cave-in swallowed their homes in Luzerne County.
“The lonely valley was alive with workers” – The Mahanoy Valley in 1874
A newspaper correspondent gives a history of the mining industry in northern Schuylkill County.
Interview with a survivor of the 1904 Williamstown Colliery Disaster
David Watkeys was pulled unconscious from the Williamstown Tunnel on May 25, 1904. He survived to tell his story.
Incredible photographs document the Maple Hill mine near Shenandoah in 1938
As we've previously documented here at Wynning History, photographer Sheldon Dick came to the Coal Region in 1938 to photograph the people and places that made up the cultural landscape in this struggling industrial area. Dick centered his efforts for the Farm Security Administration project around the Schuylkill County community of Shenandoah. Read our story … Continue reading Incredible photographs document the Maple Hill mine near Shenandoah in 1938
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