On March 1, 1977, water poured into the Porter Tunnel mine in western Schuylkill County. Emergency crews raced to the scene.
Remembering the local emergency response to the Porter Tunnel Disaster – March 1977
“Sever all connection” – A group of Civil War veterans boycotted a Coal Region newspaper in 1883
Civil War veterans in Tower City, PA were infuriated by an insulting story about them in a local newspaper. So they took action.
Fire at Kalmia Colliery in Schuylkill County nearly claimed lives – December 1871
On December 1, 1871, the Kalmia Colliery breaker burned to the ground, nearly killing a night crew of workers trapped inside by the fumes.
“Quite a surprise” – Tower City mine workers respond to beginning of 1902 strike
A look at the perspectives of the mine workers of far western Schuylkill County as the 1902 coal strike began.
An 1872 description of the Brookside Colliery above Tower City
In a story published in 1872, a newspaper reporter documented extensive mining operations above Tower City, PA.
Video shows Brookside Colliery at work in early 20th century
Film from the early 20th century shows collieries above Tower City, Pennsylvania in full operation.
The 1918 influenza pandemic tore apart this small Pennsylvania family
Influenza swept through the Hensel family of Sheridan, Pennsylvania in October 1918, leaving three dead and lives changed forever.
When the Klan came to Williams Valley – 1924
A recent visit to a cemetery in Schuylkill County inspired an examination of a dark chapter of local history.
Spanish Flu wreaked havoc in Tower City in October 1918, killed more than 110 people in three weeks
In the communities of western Schuylkill County, influenza caused terror and grief as it claimed dozens of lives in 1918.
Fire On the Mountain – The Brookside Colliery Fire of November 1869
On November 20, 1869, a massive fire swept through the Brookside Colliery above the growing village of Tower City, Pennsylvania.
Wynning History 