Recollections and reflections on growing up in Williamstown, Pennsylvania | 2025

Posted on by Jake Wynn
Williamstown Pennsylvania in the 1950s

In this heartfelt reflection, Pat Bettinger vividly captures the spirit of growing up in Williamstown, Pennsylvania in the 1950s and 1960s. Walking familiar streets evokes memories of childhood adventures, family warmth, community festivals, and simpler times, offering a nostalgic and touching glimpse into life in this former coal-mining town. Though I grew up in Williamstown in the 1990s and early 2000s, this piece touched my heart and invoked my own warm memories of my hometown. Read the full story.

A family connection to Coal Region history

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Discover how one photograph from 1940, featuring my great-grandfather in the independent mines of Williams Valley, reflects my own lifelong interest in Pennsylvania’s anthracite heritage. Learn how his passion for mining lore became part of my own. Read the full story.

Company housing for mineworkers in Williamstown, Pennsylvania | 1860s

Posted on by Jake Wynn
Company housing for Williamstown Colliery in Williamstown Pennsylvania Coal Region history

By the Civil War’s end, the Summit Branch Railroad Company built these simple miners’ houses, transforming remote forest land into a bustling coal town called Williamstown. At its peak, thousands relied on the Williamstown Colliery for work. A few of these early homes still stand, silent witnesses to the region’s industrial heritage. Read the full story.

Charles “Kelly” King | World War I soldier from Williamstown, PA

Posted on by Jake Wynn
Charles Kelly King, a World War I soldier from Williamstown Pennsylvania

Charles E. King traded Pennsylvania’s coal veins for Europe’s battlefields in 1918. Discover how this Williamstown miner-turned-cook served with artillery forces before returning home to build a life shaped by wartime experiences. Read the full story.

Mineworker succumbs to a traumatic brain injury | January 1889

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Francis Reilly, 25, died after being struck in the head while working in the Bear Valley Shaft at the Williamstown Colliery in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania in 1889. Read the full story.

Major Joseph Anthony | Civil War veteran and mining superintendent

Posted on by Jake Wynn
Major Joseph Anthony 96th Pennsylvania Civil War Williamstown PA Coal Region

Major Joseph Anthony was severely wounded during his Civil War service, but later took up a job leading mining operations in Dauphin County, PA.

A walk to the long abandoned rail junction on Big Lick Mountain | Dauphin County, PA

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Today, it doesn’t look like much. A forked path in the woods on State Game Lands in northern Dauphin County. Not much else. We are looking west, the trail on the left headed toward the village of Wiconisco and the right headed one mile to the long forgotten Big Lick Colliery. Behind us, the trail … Continue reading A walk to the long abandoned rail junction on Big Lick Mountain | Dauphin County, PA