On February 7, 1862, a roof collapsed inside the Short Mountain Colliery killing a respected miner and wounding several others.
“This community sustains a great loss” – A fatal mine disaster in Wiconisco Township during the Civil War
Williamstown Tunnel – A closer look at a Pennsylvania coal mine in the 1860s
Williamstown Tunnel began shipping coal from Northern Dauphin County in 1866 and became the most prosperous coal mine in the state.
Investigating the 1877 Lykens Mine Fire – The Pennsylvania Mine Inspector’s Report
The Pennsylvania Inspectors of Mines report details findings about the devastating mine fire in the Short Mountain Colliery in Wiconisco Twp.
“Lykens Valley and the Coal Region” – Journalist Predicts Bright Future For Northern Dauphin County in 1833
"None can tell what a busy scene will be presented near these mines."
Lawyer, Soldier, Writer – The death of Captain John T. Boyle, 96th Pennsylvania
Boyle acted as an unofficial historian for the 96th Pennsylvania. He died on October 11, 1912 at the age of 79.
Williamstown High School football star killed in the Battle of the Bulge in 1945
Private Joe Cooper died in combat on January 4, 1945 near the village of Flamierge, Belgium.
“A vivid flash of light” – An 1867 lightning strike electrocuted Wiconisco miners 1,000 feet below ground
In June 1867, a thunderstorm passed through Wiconisco, Pennsylvania and electrocuted miners deep within one of the town's coal mines.
Pennsylvania airman training for World War I writes home from his training camp in Texas
Victor Neiman penned a letter home to Lykens, PA from his training camp near San Antonio on December 26, 1917.
Wynning History’s most-read stories of 2017
A collection of the most popular stories from Wynning History in 2017 all in one place.
Christmastime at War in Harrisburg: 1917
Central Pennsylvania celebrated war-time Christmas in 1917 by welcoming soldiers on leave, big turkey dinners, and plenty of snow.