The first funerals following the East Brookside Disaster in 1913 marked a beginning of mourning rituals following Schuylkill County's deadliest mine disaster.
First funerals for the victims of the East Brookside Mine Disaster | August 1913
The East Brookside Mine Disaster | August 2, 1913
Discover the story of the East Brookside Mine Disaster on August 2, 1913—the deadliest mining accident in Schuylkill County's history. Learn how a series of explosions at the East Brookside Colliery near Tower City, Pennsylvania, claimed 20 lives and impacted the entire Coal Region community. Explore the investigations that followed and the lasting effects on local mining practices. Read the full story.
Schuylkill County town criticized for poor effort to spot enemy aircraft during World War II | 1942
Tower City was criticized as its volunteer air raid spotter tower was left unattended at key moments in the summer of 1942.
Private Harvey L. Adams | Killed on D-Day, June 6, 1944
Private Harvey L. Adams was killed-in-action just hours after his son was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Ivan C. Lewis | Pearl Harbor survivor lost while serving with the 8th Air Force in 1943
Ivan C. Lewis, a Pearl Harbor survivor from Tower City, Pennsylvania, narrowly escaped death in the 1941 attack only to later fall while serving as a tail gunner with the 8th Air Force in World War II. His B-17 was downed over Germany in 1943. Read the Full Story.
Protest blocks the streets of Tower City, Pennsylvania | 1958
Women in the Schuylkill County community locked arms and blocked streets to prevent coal trucks from navigating the town's streets.
Remembering the local emergency response to the Porter Tunnel Disaster | March 1977
On March 1, 1977, water poured into the Porter Tunnel mine in western Schuylkill County. Emergency crews raced to the scene.
“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
In December 1871, a devastating fire nearly claimed lives at the Kalmia Colliery in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Flames swept through the breaker, trapping miners and sparking rumors of arson by the Molly Maguires in this turbulent era of coal industry violence in Pennsylvania history. Read the Full Story.
“In Scarlet Fever’s Grip” – This 1910 epidemic crippled Lykens and closed schools and businesses
In 1910, an epidemic of scarlet fever spun out of control in the Coal Region community of Lykens and left a trail of bodies in its wake.