Economy | Wynning History

Toxic gasses from a burning coal mine claimed the lives of two Tamaqua mining officials in 1858

Posted on September 9, 2020September 9, 2020 by Jake Wynn

Pennsylvania's anthracite coal fields have long been known for long-lasting mine fires. The most famous of these environmental disasters continues burning today beneath the empty town lots known as Centralia in Columbia County. Mine fires were a feared menace dating back to the first underground mines in the region. One of the early mine fires … Continue reading Toxic gasses from a burning coal mine claimed the lives of two Tamaqua mining officials in 1858

“As tempting…as California” – A traveler’s guide to Pottsville in 1852

Posted on August 29, 2020August 29, 2020 by Jake Wynn

A travel writer vividly described Pottsville and the surrounding region of Schuylkill County in 1852.

A New York Times reporter documents the turbulent situation in the Coal Region – 1863

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Jake Wynn

In the spring of 1863, a journalist documented the chaotic and changing situation in the Coal Region as the Civil War raged on.

“The most populous and thrifty town in northern Pennsylvania” – Scranton in 1861

Posted on May 5, 2020May 5, 2020 by Jake Wynn

A profile of Scranton in 1861 describes a rapidly industrializing community on the eve of the Civil War.

“Due for a comeback?” – An address on the Coal Region on eve of Great Depression

Posted on March 31, 2020March 30, 2020 by Jake Wynn

Mining engineer Max Fredericks gave a prediction of a bright future for the anthracite industry the day before the stock market collapsed.

A powerful editorial from Pottsville’s black community – 1940

Posted on February 8, 2020February 4, 2020 by Jake Wynn

In the summer of 1940, a new minister at Pottsville's Bethel AME Church sought to reach out to the Coal Region's white community for economic cooperation.