On May 1, 1916, miners in the Coal Region earned the 8 hour workday, successfully ending decades of advocacy and protest.
May Day 1916 – When anthracite mineworkers earned the 8 hour workday
Online resource from Penn State allows easy access to mine inspectors’ reports from 1870 to 1979
Penn State University hosts a webpage that provides easy access to Annual Report of Mines from 1870 to 1979.
“A first-class breaker” – Photographs of Williamstown Colliery in the 1860s
Isaac Kunkel photographed the Williamstown Colliery in 1860s and documented the birth of a new town.
Failure and bankruptcy loomed over coal operators in 19th century Schuylkill County
Schuylkill County was the graveyard of dreams in the 19th century. Failure stalked coal operators at their every move.
“A Blazing Coal Mine” – Susan Dickinson’s account of the 1874 Empire Mine Fire
Writer Susan Dickinson provided the New York Herald with vivid updates of the 1874 Empire Mine Fire.
War Department film shows Coal Region in 1942
"Anthracite rallies" encouraged miners to produce more coal to help the American war effort in 1942.
U.S. Navy admiral: anthracite coal won the Civil War
In 1906, Admiral Robley D. Evans declared anthracite coal a vital strategic resource and used the Civil War as an example.
An author’s 1840 visit to Schuylkill County focused on natural beauty, growing coal industry
Elizabeth Ellet documented a trip to the Coal Region in her book, "Rambles about the country."
Fuel for Union victory – An 1861 U.S. Navy contract for anthracite coal
Pennsylvania anthracite became the exclusive fuel source for the U.S. Navy during the Civil War.
“In the mines of Avondale” – A Coal Region ballad
"The Avondale Mine Disaster" is a miner's ballad originally recorded by folklorist George Korson in 1946.
