tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21246142483905590322023-11-16T02:49:42.792-05:00Coal Region History ChroniclesThe Coal Region in Eastern Pennsylvania has such a rich history in stories and tales. This blog will cover a lot of interesting events, Coal Mining, Mollie Maguire’s, People and Historical Events etc that happened in the region. Just a fun place to record some good information..Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-60548574631102096042018-05-25T11:27:00.000-04:002018-05-25T11:27:52.772-04:00MAN DANCED AT THE GUNS OF JESSE JAMES AND THE YOUNGERS TELLS STORY AT TUMBLING RUN THEATRE<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">During its heyday, at the turn-of-the-century, the tumbling
run theater presented many an interesting program.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">One August<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, 1904 the
headliner for the theater was Sen. Frank Bell, who had an experience with the
famed James and younger brothers, way back in the 60s that he’ll never forget
at the close of the war, Bell who had served in Company D, first Pennsylvania
rifles, folktales found himself up against an economic proposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In St. Louis he <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>met a man who had $500 and wanted to go into
the show business. Bell, who had $500 possessed of a similar yearning, agreed
to do a dancing at got a magician and a violin player the aggregation was then
turned loose on the public of southeastern Missouri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">At a little town about 100 miles from St. Louis the company
late one night to a seven dollar house, Bell, lightly discussed it was just
packing up after the performance when there was a clatter of foods outside the
hall and seven or eight tall men rough looking men strode in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Where’s the wooden shoe dancer?” Demanded the leader. New
sentence none too pleasantly, Bell confessed his identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“We want you to dance for us”, said the man. “Can’t. You’re
too late, when you come to the performance?” Answered the actor .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Guess you better shake your feet”, coolly answered the big
leader; and Bell, looking up, so half a dozen Army revolvers pointed at his
feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Delighted to oblige you,” said the thespian, hurriedly
digging his shoes out of the carpet bag<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">the senator gave them every dancing new the strangers wants
to invert terribly and retaining their revolvers in their hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Will that do?” He asked at the end of his quarter of an
hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, that’ll do,” were much obliged to you, Mr., it ain’t
often we get a chance to see the actor people, sorry we had to trouble you.”
And, lifting his sombrero politely, and action that was imitated by his
followers, the leader and the after a $20 gold piece walked out, followed by
his men<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bell returned to his hotel in a state of some excitement and
told the landlord of his experience, including by exhibiting the gold piece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“They, like the drink here for you, too.” Replied the tavern
keeper. “You can get it at the bar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Well, where they, anyway?” Demanded the senator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“You’ve been dancing for the James and younger brothers,”
replied the host.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A few years ago Bell, was flying engagement at St. Louis
theater and after a few days was told that Frank James, who became a useful and
law-abiding citizen after the breaking up of the band, was a doorkeeper at the
house. He met James and asked him if he remembered the incident related above<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Are you the fellow that danced <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that night” asked the ex-desperado ,for and
when answered in the affirmative he shook hands heartily and assure the senator
that he had never had forgotten him, and was glad to meet him again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The senator carries in the back of his head a bullet that he
received at Fredericksburg it entered at the corner of the eye and came near
terminating his career, the scar is quite discernible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he lay in the hospital, Pres. Lincoln
visited the Army and walked about among the sick and wounded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I’ll never forget Lincoln face” said Bell to the Miners Journal
man I had seen him sometime before at Antietam and the chance was startling,
his features bore deep burrows that had not been there before, and there was an
expression of intense agony that awed me, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>why I could have laid a finger in some of the
lines of his face I know that just, in that time of uncertainty and
discouragement the president was suffering tortures of the damned.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-67750527635575006872018-05-25T11:24:00.000-04:002018-05-25T11:24:22.352-04:00
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: red;">Mules, Drivers, and Spraggers<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnANrn7uI37sx_ZUEbvokADLcpIh_6dno24yk_hBCzTliiAsHGD5MsZI6eATsY7pQGMSaSbvy70jl_Y27xQQTndWTcsRlnCqgsz5tcDdQtBmEoWVLMu8zIl1oB5SuEr6pQJgxUvKA-zMf/s1600/nate+miner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="722" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnANrn7uI37sx_ZUEbvokADLcpIh_6dno24yk_hBCzTliiAsHGD5MsZI6eATsY7pQGMSaSbvy70jl_Y27xQQTndWTcsRlnCqgsz5tcDdQtBmEoWVLMu8zIl1oB5SuEr6pQJgxUvKA-zMf/s320/nate+miner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">An Anthracite Coal Region Legend<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
</h1>
</span><h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnue65aNFL8MVd43Hinh_uBAAqKtXi_H9mdDWCX686ToIBPl9xe8SELQYZ_WZbeG0zER1PGBG4r2gZCwGor4-sGNM-aZc0U-NBsdXoyjTHxBVH00I4i_JNoO8opZ69UbYEwJf0wrJBzYj/s1600/coal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnue65aNFL8MVd43Hinh_uBAAqKtXi_H9mdDWCX686ToIBPl9xe8SELQYZ_WZbeG0zER1PGBG4r2gZCwGor4-sGNM-aZc0U-NBsdXoyjTHxBVH00I4i_JNoO8opZ69UbYEwJf0wrJBzYj/s320/coal+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span> </h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dedication<o:p></o:p></span></span>
<br />
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In preparing this work on the mine mule, I came across a
very wonderful book written in 1904 entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Colliery Jim</i>, written by Nora Finch. In dedication, I would like to
use what Ms. Finch wrote in her preface as I feel it states the way I have
always felt about this wonderful animal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Quote Ms. Finch, “I wish to state that the principal motive
which led to its production was a sincere sympathy for that most abused and
downtrodden of all animals, the mine mule. While man furnishes the brainpower,
which directs the workings of the great coal industry, the mule constitutes its
bone and sinew. Without this patient, homely drudge the coal industry could
hardly be carried on; yet few persons realize his worth or take into account
his sufferings.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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To all those men and boys who spent their life working
underground. I dedicate this book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mules, Drivers, and Spraggers<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">An Anthracite Coal Region Legend<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By, J. Stuart Richards<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sweetheart’s the mule in the mines<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drive her without reins or lines<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On the bumper I sit, where
I chew and I spit<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All over my sweetheart’s behind.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
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The sweetheart of the mines was well remembered in both song
and verse. The famous ballad shown above was sung by many a mule driver in the
mines, while he led his mule along the dark gangways. Mule drivers were known
to sing throughout their shifts. Another lively little poem about the mules and
boys was written early on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If the mules were in a
patient mood,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And meekly jogged along,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The boys enlivened
every hour <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">With merry jests and
song.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
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For well over a century, these wonderful animals lived,
worked, and died inside and outside of the anthracite and bituminous coal
fields. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mule was an intricate part
of the process of mining coal during the 19th and early 20th centuries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The miners depended upon them for hauling away
the coal that they mined, the transporting of timbers, and especially for their
uncanny method of staying alive deep underground. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some mules knew the inside of the mine better
than most of the miners or drivers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
a story relates how mules lead trapped miners to safety during an emergency. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 1940’s, a miner by the name of Vince
Gately from Port Carbon, worked in a mine along with his brother and another
miner named Hank Holley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their method of
haulage was with a mule named Charlie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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‘We paid $125.00 for Charlie; he was dark brown and black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very high strung, for whoever had him
before us didn’t treat him right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t like my brother to much, for he would always put a squeeze on him every
chance he got. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always treated him
pretty good, would give him carrots, and talked to him nicely and he would
always walk back to the stable for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
always took care on putting on his harness and traces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would adjust them so he was comfortable. My
brother and Holly would throw gravel at him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, you get more with kindness than
slurs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“One day we were in the mine and I found an old heading and
I went to explore it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used a rod to
push through the wall and made a hole big enough to put my head in and when I
shined my light in there all I saw was water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked like a lake in there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well we were working near the heading one day.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was after a couple of days of heavy
rain when Charlie, who was standing near and chained down, started acting like
he was getting shocked. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked like
he was doing a dance. He kept looking at me and shaking his head up and down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now when a mule starts acting funny you take
heed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I unhooked him and he galloped out
of the mine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew some thing was
wrong. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t only run out but went
to the high ground above the stable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
all of a sudden, the wall in the old heading broke loose and the lake of water
came rushing at us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just barely got
out, but thanks to Charlie, we did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had him for 3 years and sold him to a miner in Branchdale. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a good mule.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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First, just what is a mule? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breeding of horses and wild asses have
been carried on for centuries for the purpose of producing a good, reliable
working animal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mule developed as a
hybrid cross between an ungelded male ass called a Jack and a mare horse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mule dates back a thousand years to the <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A mule’s physical characteristics are large ears, a very
heavy muscular neck and large head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are one of the most sure footed animals known. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are relatively disease resistant,
tolerant of heat, live quite long, and have great endurance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their use in the mines has proven very
satisfactory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are very quick in
their movements, they adapt well to stress, especially in the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In comparing them to a horse, they have better
eyesight, carry their heads lower to avoid obstacles better, and move with
steadiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rarely become ill or
suffer wounds, and can withstand extremes of temperature living on meager
rations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their stamina is excellent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mules are known to have a reputation of being bad tempered
and stubborn, but this characteristic is just related to the mule’s knack for
self-preservation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mules are also very
sensitive and many times untrusting of humans. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until they learned to trust the miners and
drivers, they would take a defensive action of a good swift kick. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can kick fast and accurately. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, if a mule misses with the kick, it is
because he intended to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the Mine Haulage Systems Manual written in 1927, one
section describes what one should look for in a mule when the agent is
purchasing the animal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heavy mules are
preferable but they should not be thick about the hocks, but should have good
feet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the coal beds are thin, the
mule should be purchased to work the haulegways. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The animals should be young, that way they are
more easily broken into mine work. The ideal age is less than four years old. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some mules are better adapted to mine work
than others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, some are so
nervous or stupid that they are useless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The training of the mules should be the
responsibility of the stable boss or one thoroughly accustomed to handling
mules.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The average mule weighed around 900 pounds and was capable
of exerting six times that weight at about 2.5 miles per hour or 220 feet per
minute on a level track. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following
example shows how strong a mule is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
coal car weighed about 2,000 pounds empty and loaded with 4,000 pounds of coal
and rock required the animal to exert over 1,200 pounds of energy just to start
it moving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This number would change
depending upon the age of the track, the angle, and other factors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The most common disease of the mule was an aliment called
Lampers and Scratches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not taken care
of, it could cause lameness, although, with the mule’s tendency for being very
tough and durable, it was mostly just an annoyance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The major problem associated with mine mules
was from the carelessness of the drivers not checking the harness, collar,
hames, and traces for proper fit and chaffing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most dangerous thing the mules had to
contend with was the same as anybody who made their living working deep in the
bowels of the earth, that of gas explosions, falling roofs of slate and rock,
and coal falls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This great animal shared
all the same dangers as the miners and drivers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no listing of how many mules died in
the mines, but the ratio would certainly be on the high side for the number of
years that they worked the mines. Following is a good example of the dangers
the mine mule was subject to and how tough and durable they were.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Mule<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Men generally fail in their estimate of the enduring
characteristics of the mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
heard a mule can kick, and that the mysterious law of gravitation has been
outrageously violated when the mule has exercised in this particular. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some say the mule can reason and that its
logic is remarkably penetrating; whether the animal is all as represented, we
cannot with any degree of positiveness, state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we have always been inclined to the
belief that the mule is very philosophical in its ways. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conceding it being possessed, intuitively or
by acquirement, of these worthy qualities, a late incident justifies us in
adding to the role of the mules virtues; that of wonderful physical endurance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a certain colliery the other day, a mule
employed in drawing cars to and from a counter chute on the surface, through
some mysterious manner entangled its foot in the track and unwillingly
precipitated itself hind-foremost down the deep, dark chasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would unbecome us to estimate the number
of revolutions made before its dark destination was reached-we allow the mule
to tell its own story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much anxiety was
experienced for the mule by his astonished driver who saw him disappear from
view. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a woebegone countenance
expressive of a deep care and concern the agitated driver speedily made his way
to the dark abyss prepared to shed a kindly tear over the remains of the late
departed, when to his surprise the mule in question was found possessed of all
the live qualities so characteristic of his specie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On being led to the stable, he relived himself
of the dust and dirt acquired in his two-hundred eighty feet descent by a
natural mule shake, par-took of a hearty meal, reposed in undisturbed slumbers
throughout the night and in the morning awoke as hale and hearty as if he had
been romping over a green field with his muleine relatives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This incident deserves to be added to the long
catalogue of events illustrating the progress of science. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Investigation has proved that the interior of
the chute has in no way been damaged. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
cannot explain the mystery, except that irresistible forces met the
irresistible substance and the result was as stated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is presumed that the colliery will continue
its mining operations despite its possession of this remarkable scientific
factor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The mine mule had many interesting, inherent
characteristics. Some would lie down and not get up no matter how much coaxing
was done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others would stop dead at
quitting time and would not move no matter how hard they were pulled, pushed
and coaxed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed to know how many
cars they normally hauled, and adding any more to the trip would cause them to
stand fast and not move an inch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good
example is Vince Gately’s mule Charlie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie
could pull up to three cars on the little pitch but he only wanted to pull two.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie could feel the jerks in the
number of cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would pull and if he
felt more than two jerks, he would sit down on the track and not move. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I would place a stone under the first car
and then let them drift back, and he wouldn’t feel the jerk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he would pull the three cars out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
An interesting story of the strange behavior of a mule was
given to me by my father in regards to my grandfather, George Richards, known
to his friends as “Gigi’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a
driver, miner, and barn boss in his 40 years in the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While working as barn boss at Indian Head
Colliery, he had a mule by the name of Duke. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke was an inside mule who spent the majority
of his time underground. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point,
Duke got injured and was brought to the surface to recuperate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gigi treated him with kindness and a good relationship
developed between them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke would
follow my grandfather all over stable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gigi
would share his lunch with him and groom him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, Duke had one of those strange mule
characteristics that stumped Gigi. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
he was brought to the surface, he would not drink any water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first Gigi, was not concerned, for, like a
horse, a mule will only drink when it wants to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after a while my grandfather became
concerned. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would get him fresh
buckets of water, but Duke would just turn his head and walk away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, Gigi went back into the mine and down
to the inside barn and brought up a bucket of water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that, Duke ran over, dipped his head into
the bucket, and drank it empty. The only thing my grandfather could think of
was he wanted water that smelled like sulfur. Gigi was kind to his mules and
always related the fact that he never hit them with hand or whip. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He always cracked the whip over their heads. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could always tell a mule that was hit by
the drivers by rubbing his hands over their backs and finding the tender spots
and rubbing them with ligament. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would
always approach his mules from the front and pet and rub their heads and talk
nicely to them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His favorite method
involved giving them some sugar or tobacco. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His favorite mule was a small mule called
“Little Joe.“ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a dark bay color
and stood no taller than himself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little
Joe worked in the Evert Tunnel on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Red</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> in 1933.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vince Gately also shared that mules very
rarely had worms, most likely because of them drinking water tainted with
sulfur inside the mines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another great mule story was written in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pottsville Republican</i>, <st1:date day="8" month="3" w:st="on" year="1915">March 8, 1915</st1:date>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a story of a stubborn mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He escaped from the Bell Colliery stables, was
known as a veteran of the mines, and was now on the surface because of an
injury to three of its legs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Stubborn Mule Fought Fireman<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When the 7107 Reading
Railway train, bound for Tamaqua from Pottsville Monday morning, was commencing
to ascend Tuscarora hill, shortly after 8 o’clock, the engineman, Geo. Paul was
astounded to see a large black mule coming down the track between the rails and
apparently determined to dispute the right away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whistling “Down Brakes.“<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul sent ahead fireman Jim Riegel with
instructions to drive away the belligerent mule, and Jim, armed with the wire,
bread and steak toaster, approached the mule which at once turned tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
time Jim hit it on the rump, he let fly with a viscous kick using its one good
leg, and hee-hawed loudly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Engineman
Paul followed with the passenger train, slowly of course, until Jim’s toaster
broke, and then he went to the tender and getting a scoop shovel returned to
the combat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the mean time, Conductor
Jim Gately and a number of passengers joined the attacking column. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mule now turned around head toward the
locomotive and refused to budge an inch. Finally, executing two flank
movements, the mule was made to turn tail toward the locy and then, engineer
Paul put on the steam while Riegel belabored the mule with the shovel, and at
the psychological moment the conductor signaled Paul and the port side front
bumper struck the mule on the starboard hind quarter and the stubborn animal
was tumbled into the snow “Hee-hawing” loudly at the mean trick played on it.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In this story, a mule’s stubbornness caused its death. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shamokin
Times,</i> <st1:date day="14" month="5" w:st="on" year="1880">May 14, 1880</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The other day, a mule
started to walk up the slope of the <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:state>
Colliery and about the same time a wagon started down the slope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
mule and wagon met and both were stubborn and refused to turn to the right as
the law is supposed to direct, something had to happen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wagon was the victor in the collision and
the mule was reasonably dead in about four quick seconds.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The mule was also known for its mysteriously strange memory
and would remember the driver or miner who mistreated them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could become extremely agitated quickly
and strike out with their front legs or turn around and give you “Both Barrels,”
as it was known. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many drivers and miners
were injured severely or killed by the kick of an angry mule, and many a mule
suffered pain and injury from angry drivers and miners. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a real love hate relationship within
the colliery sometimes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In mine
inspectors reports there are hundreds of examples of injuries received by
miners and drivers while working with the mules. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An interesting article was reported in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mahanoy</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> newspaper on March<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
4, 1890.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Killed by a Mule<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fred Kershner, aged 19
years, employed as a driver at Elmwood colliery, was fatally kicked by a
vicious mule while at work Saturday morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the Coroner’s inquest last evening,
Joseph Copley, a l7year-old boy who was the only witness of the accident,
stated that Kershner was going toward the bottom with a trip of loaded cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was standing on the front of the trip when
his hind mule, a vicious and ungovernable animal, began to kick. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard Kershner cry “ Whoa” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or “<st1:place w:st="on">Ob</st1:place>,” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he could not clearly distinguish which, and
then saw him fall off the trip into the ditch aside the road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The witness was frightened and ran to the
bottom of the slope to summon help. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evan
Reese who was one of the men who ran to the assistance of the injured driver,
testified that when he arrived at the spot, Kershner was found lying in the
ditch with his head covered with blood, and his body convulsively twitching in
agony of pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was picked up and
carried out to the bottom, dying on the way up the slope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There could be no doubt that the mule kicked
him, as he could not have been squeezed between the car and the timber at this
point, as some had supposed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kick
was received in the face making a frightful wound. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deceased was a son of Mrs. Elizabeth
Kershner, residing on <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">West Centre
Street</st1:address></st1:street>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The miners always stated that the company favored the mule
over the miner, which was true because the mule was company property just like
all the drills, picks and cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any
known damage to company property by an employee demanded immediate dismissal
and the possibility of being black balled throughout the coal region. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good example of this type of incident
occurred on <st1:date day="13" month="6" w:st="on" year="1891">June 13, 1891</st1:date>,
at the Brookside Colliery, in the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pottsville</st1:place></st1:city>
district. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Maguire, a <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:city> and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Reading</st1:place></st1:city> company
superintendent, was called out to investigate a mule that was cut by an axe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following is taken from Maguire’s notes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">June 13, Brookside,
saw bosses and John Monahan and told me that Owen Langton had cut a mule with
an axe and by reports that driver says he did it purposely. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Told bosses to suspend him.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June 19, Brookside saw John McKurk driver of
the mule that Owen Langton cut with the axe, he says Langton was standing on a
scaffold and was knocked down when he hit the mule with his axe, and said it
was not accidentally as Langton claims. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also
saw a laborer who was working with Langton and he says he must tell the truth,
that Langton hit the mule purposely. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is evident that Owen Langton lost his job at the <st1:place w:st="on">Brookside</st1:place>
Colliery, as damaging company property was an offense.’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mules were kept either in underground stables or above
ground stables. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were well taken
care of for the time period in which they were used. They were well feed and
watered daily. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had veterinary
services and their aliments were treated with great care. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The average daily feed for a mule weighing
1000 pounds is 12 pounds of grain and 15 pounds of hay. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hay is digested in the intestines and grain in
the stomach, so it was important for the drivers to water them first then give
them hay and grain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was important for
mules to have as much water as possible through out the workday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one requirement for the drivers was that
the mule should have plenty of water in the morning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the stables, the drivers were responsible for properly
harnessing the mules. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They paid
particular care to the shoeing and mule’s legs were washed down when in the
stable. According to the Mine Haulage Systems Manual, stables on the surface
should be well ventilated and drained. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Underground
stables were some elaborate places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
were cut right out of the rock with individual stalls for each mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pottsville
Journal,</i> <st1:date day="11" month="10" w:st="on" year="1911">October 11,
1911</st1:date>, an article was written that described a new method of keeping
the mules in good health.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mine Mules Bathe<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Have Tubs of Their Own and Shower Too.<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Concrete bathtubs are
the latest addition to the mule stables of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal
and Iron Co. and according to Chief Veterinarian Newhard, who originated them,
they help to keep the work animals in good health and spirits. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These concrete basins are set into the stable
yard to a depth of four feet and filled with water, which is heated in winter
by a jet of steam. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dimensions of 6
feet by 27½ feet are ample for the mules to enjoy a good dip, while
corrugations on the bottom of the tank keep them from slipping. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The inclines at both ends are likewise ribbed
for the safety of the animals. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
six-foot shower is suspended over the center of the tank and all the coal dirt
and dust is quickly removed.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In 1894, Stephen Crane, the famous author, wrote an article
for McClures Magazine entitled “In the Depths of a Coal Mine.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one part, he describes the underground
stables of a mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Over in a wide and
lightless room we found the mule stables. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There we discovered a number of these animals
standing with an air of calmness and self-possession that was somehow amazing
to find in a mine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little dark urchin
came and belabored his mule “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>”
until he stood broadside to us that we might admire his innumerable fine qualities.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stable was like a dungeon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mules were arranged in solemn rows. They
turned their heads toward our lamps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
glare made their eyes shine wondrously like lenses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They resembled enormous rats. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About the room stood bales of hay, and straw
the commonplace air worn by the long-eared slaves made it all infinitely usual.
One had to wait to see the tragedy of it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not until we had grown familiar with
the life and the traditions of the mines that we were capable of understanding
the story told by these beasts standing, in calm array with spread legs.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
At some of the collieries, the underground working mules
were taken in and out every day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other
collieries kept mules underground for very long periods of time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some mules lived years underground before they
were brought to the surface. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
stories relate how the mule, after being brought to the surface, would run,
snort, and kick the air madly with the happiness of its new found freedom, and
upon being made to go back into the mine would not move, or become very mean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stephen Crane continues his story of the mine
mule and his life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It is common affair
for mules to be imprisoned for years in the limitless night of the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our acquaintance, “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>,” had been four years buried.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon the surface, there had been the
march of the seasons the white splendor of the snows had changed again and
again to the glories of green springs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>F
our times had the earth been ablaze with the decorations of brilliant autumns. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>” and his friends had remained
in these<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dungeons from which
daylight, if one could get a view up a shaft, would appear in a tiny circle, a
silver star aglow in a sable sky. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually,
when brought to the surface, the mules tremble at earth radiant in sunshine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later they go almost mad with fantastic joy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The frill splendor of the heavens, the grass,
the trees, the breezes, breaks upon them suddenly. They caper and career with
extravagant mulish glee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A miner told me
of a mule that had spent some delirious months upon the surface after years of
labor in the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, the time came
when he was to be taken back, but the memory of a black existence was upon him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that gaping mouth that threatened to
swallow him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No cudgeling could induce
him the men held conventions and discussed plans to budge that mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The celebrated quality of obstinacy in him won
him liberty to gambol clumsily on the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>surface.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mules were used inside and outside of the colliery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The typical method utilized underground
started when the mule was brought in either by way of a caged car, which was
lowered down the shaft, or slope or they were walked in by the driver boys. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside the mine, the mules hauled loaded or
unloaded cars from the working faces and breasts by way of the gangways. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were areas called mule ways where the
mules were taken off the gangway and distributed to other gangways or headings.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some miners had many working faces and
required numerous cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One driver and
mule was assigned to a number of miners. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the car was loaded, it was taken up to a
parting or siding in a given amount of time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cars were held there until a trip was made
up to go to the surface. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most common
trip consisted of 10 or 12 cars using three mules and three drivers, with the
mules hooked in tandem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One of the most interesting jobs the mule had was that
reserved for a special mule, one with a little bit more intelligence than the
norm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This mule was called the
“Breechin’ Mule.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was this mule’s job
to work at the base of the shaft where the cage was located. As a trip of cars
was being readied for the lift to the surface the bottom man would take each
car and one by one take a hook on one side of the spreader chain attach it to
the Breechin’ Mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mule would pull
forward, at the right time, with quick legwork step out of the way, and allow
the loaded car to move forward into the cage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once in the cage the door would shut and the
cage rise to the surface. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was said
when the mule did the maneuver, it looked like he was dancing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The normal speed of the mule hauling a loaded car is about
2.5 M.P.H. depending mostly on the pitch or grade of the haulway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drivers were taught never to work the mules at
a fast pace. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The animals would tire and
in the long run it would just exhaust the animals. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they were used too hard, they became
winded, so the advantage of using them to gain more movement of cars and coal
was lost. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the mule was tired, the
chance existed he could stumble or lag behind and on a down pitch, the car
could easily run into the mule and injure him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Care was needed when using the mule on a
descending grade. Anything above a 3% grade was not supposed to be used in fear
of hurting the animal. Cars were supposed to run down the grade without the use
of the mule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The mule’s effectiveness came from the fact that an average four-mule
string could haul nearly 500 tons of coal in a 10-hour shift. Barring
unforeseen circumstances, and the distance traveled was not more than a half
mile. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to statistics, this
method of haulage was more cost effective per ton than any mechanical haulage
system. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although using mules for haulage
was cheaper for the mine owners than other methods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas keeping and owning mules required more
money for their daily maintenance, feed, care, harnesses, shoeing or any
temporary injuries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money was also
expended in just keeping spare mules on hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The dangers a mule experienced in a mine were constantly
around them, the possibility of a roof fall, or explosions, water coming into
the mine and of course, all the gases they were ex posed to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the <st1:date day="10" month="8" w:st="on" year="1882">August 10, 1882</st1:date>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pottsville
Miners Journal</i> was found this tragic news item.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘The water from the
red ash workings at Preston no.2 Colliery broke through into the lower workings
on Tuesday and drowned 27 mules, the miners escaped.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sometimes tragedy was averted at the collieries as
exemplified by this fire that consumed the stables at the Otto Colliery near
Branchdale. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pottsville</i></st1:place></st1:city><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Miners Journal</i> <st1:date day="1" month="1" w:st="on" year="1913">January
1, 1913</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Otto Colliery Stable Burned 58 Mules Rescued-Work of Rebuilding Started at
Once.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A fire of unknown
origin destroyed the stable connected with the Otto Colliery Branchdale shortly
after <st1:time hour="8" minute="0" w:st="on">eight o’clock</st1:time> on
Wednesday evening. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stable was two
stories in height, of frame and was about 40 feet wide by 200 feet long. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So suddenly did the flames burn forth that the
colliery employees residing in the vicinity had a great difficulty in rescuing
the 58 mules quartered there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although a
number of the volunteer fireman had a narrow escapes from serious injury and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a number of the mules received slight burns,
all were rescued in safety and taken to stables and barns in the vicinity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 30 tons of hay with the harness was
destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loss is estimated a
several thousand of dollars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time
the fire broke out, neither one of the stable bosses were near the scene and
neither one of them is known to smoke, as Wednesday was a holiday and all the
mules were kept in the stable during the entire day, with the exception of one
team which was returned to the stable shortly before four o ‘clock. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colliery whistle sounded the alarm and
several streams of water were soon playing on the burning structure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fire however, had too great headway and the
barn burned to the ground.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Safety for the mules was a constant problem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times anyone caught hurting a mule would
be immediately terminated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
introduction of electricity into the mines and the use of high voltage for the
new electric mine motors, produced another type of problem for the mules. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some operations were in the process of
converting their haulage system from mule power to electric power but were
still using mules in conjunction with the new mine motors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So with electric wires running down the
gangway and the constant wet ground any mule whose head and ears were tall
sometimes had the misfortune of coming in contact with wires and were
electrocuted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, for the mine
mule the Pardee Company came up with an invention. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On <st1:date day="3" month="12" w:st="on" year="1919">December 3, 1919</st1:date>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pottsville
Journal</i> printed an article concerning this problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Heading1Char"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Maude
The Mine Mule Will Wear Stylish New Bonnet</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old mine mule Maude is
to wear a bonnet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re going to put
one on her as an experiment and if she shows any signs of appreciation gets to
realize that’s she is putting one over on her half-sister above ground who only
gets a straw lid during the Summertime, and acts with judgment, all of her kind
laboring inside will have there measures taken for headgear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No bulletins will be issued by mining
companies and in this way they hope to avoid disappointment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blonde mules and black mules will all wear
black no favoritism will be shown at the bargain counter in the underground
barns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pardee and company are
responsible for the innovation. An official of the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hazleton</st1:place></st1:city> company discovered Maude had the
habit of perking her ears every time she heard an unusual sound in the darkness
of the gangways. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No body seemed to care whether
she did or not until it was discovered the habit was costing the company
hundreds of dollars.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nine times out of ten,
when Miss Mule planted her feet on a rail or a wet spot on the roadway and pointed
her ears heaven ward she came in contact with the overhead wires furnishing power
to the mine locomotives well then another was sent in to haul out the carcass
after the electrocution. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wire always
held a heavier kick than the mule, and as she always carried around four legs
and two ears as circuit makers the odds were always against her.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The new bonnets will
be made of rubber; and cover ears and top of head. As there are few mirrors in
the mines and not every miner carries a brand new dinner pail no unnecessary
time will be lost in adjusting the new toggery to take satisfaction of the
wearer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The company doesn’t care what
the driver boy thinks about it. If it means longer life for the mule, he is
expected to overlook any unexpected air of vanity or pride she may display.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mayhap she’ll get
rubber soles and heels on her shoes and a chemically prepared powder puff later
to make her immune from the dangers of everyday labor of life where daylight is
unknown.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The number of mules used in a colliery varied greatly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main factors affecting the number included
the size of the workings, the amount of money expended by the companies etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to find the total number of mules used
is almost impossible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
accurate records kept for some years, and others show no listing at all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this work, I will indicate the number of
mules used in the anthracite region for a few selected years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the year 1879, in the Shamokin District, there were 64
collieries working, with 3,525 miners employed 505 drivers and 1,345 mules were
being used. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A typical large colliery
such as the Luke Fiddler colliery near Shamokin employed 150 miners, 30 driver
boys inside and 66 mules, 35 inside and 21 outside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While a small operation such as the George
Fales colliery owned by the Philadelphia Reading Coal and Iron Company employed
216 miners, 7 drivers and they owned 16 mules. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the total number of mules used in
1879 all districts was 4,108 mules.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As the years progressed, the number of mules would rise with
the number of operations. In 1895, there were 7 districts working in the
anthracite region and the number of mules used was 13,253. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1900, there were 15,708 mules being used,
1905 saw 17,125 being used in the anthracite districts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even into 1920, with electric locomotion
and steam driven engines, the anthracite coal region was still employing 11,062
mules. The highest number of mules used came in 1907 with 17,500 being used
throughout the anthracite coal region.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In 1880, a survey was done to show the cost of using a
powered locomotive to that of a comparable number of mules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Ebervale colliery, using one
steam-powered locomotive with an engineer and fireman, it cost the company $
5.35 to haul 10 cars of loaded coal per trip. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In comparison, it required 15 mules to do the
same amount of work in the same time, and also cost the company $ 16.00 for the
use of the mule requiring feed, harness, shoeing and attendance, plus the wages
of the driver. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference in cost
per day was in favor of the locomotive, by the value of $10.65 per day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the value of the locomotive was $ 3,000.00
and that of 15 mules was $ 1,920 dollars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cost of one mule in 1880 was $160.00. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, there is a limit to the use of the
mine locomotive for underground haulage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can only be used for the hauling of coal
from the inside turnout to the bottom of the slope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also in the year 1880, only one engineer was fatally
injured while six drivers were killed in the mines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Beginning in the late 1880’s, technology was starting to
take over the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the
introduction of the locomotive, the mule was in danger of being removed from
the mines. Although the locomotive would eventually replace the mule as the
major form of haulage in the mine, the mule still worked for many years in the
dark damp bowls of the earth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On <st1:date day="25" month="10" w:st="on" year="1898">October 25, 1898</st1:date>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miners Journal</i> printed an article
concerning this subject.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Festive Mine Mule has Lost His Grip<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coal operators look for economy and speed<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success of the New
Haulage System. Compressed air locomotives will eventually be introduced in all
the mines of the Anthracite Region. A million and a half of money invested in
mule flesh now. It costs a fortune every year to haul underground in the<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">old way.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The mine mule, that
much abused object of alleged humor in public print and the common enemy of
every man and boy employed in collieries, is at last about to realize his hopes
of an earthly paradise. That is if a mule ever has any hopes and also if there
is such a thing as a paradise of any kind for the long-eared beast of burden.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ever since the first
coalhole was sunk, the mule has been the favorite, though oft times expensive
means of locomotion in mining coal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
turned the gin at the top of the slope, he pulled the cars of dirt and rock
onto the dump and he felt his way along the narrow gangway at the head of a
string of cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And outside of his daily
ration of oats and hay his only recreation was an occasional roll in the dust
of the barn yard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His only pleasure was
an occasional sly uplifting of his hindquarters, while his sharp shod hoofs
flew out at right angles and planted themselves firmly on the bosom of some
poor door boy’s pants. No man whoever worked in the mines can forget his first
experience with the mine mule, when as a boy he conceived a spite against the
quadrupled, and later on felt the caressing touch of the left hind hoof. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will never forget the fiendish delight
expressed in that mule’s gleeful braying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, he has ever since considered every mule
in the mines his personal enemy.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But, there is to be a
change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it has already been
inaugurated. The miner and the mine boy will still drive for a livelihood in
the dark caverns of the earth, but the mine mule will breathe the air of heaven
and feed on the green pastures of picturesque hillside.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The </i>Journal<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> noted last week that the Reading Coal and
Iron Company is preparing to introduce the air compressor locomotive as a means
to haul the cars underground at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Shenandoah</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> Colliery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Reading Company is not in the habit of
making radical changes such as this without first knowing all about it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, the officials of the company do know all
about it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have weighed well the
advantages consequent upon parting company with the old slow going, sometimes
stubborn but generally faithful mine mule.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It was about a year
ago that the company first began to make preparations for this change. Alaska
Colliery, near <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Carmel</st1:placename></st1:place> was selected as
the place for making the experiment. The necessary changes were made and the
machinery secured. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air compressor
engine has been working there for several months and has been a great success
far beyond expectations.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">After all, it will be
the mule trade that will be affected the most. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some years, the coal region has been the
most extensive market for the mule dealers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many dealers in the Anthracite
region alone and then there are soft coal districts, which also use mules. Few
mules die, it is true, but they wear out and are crippled and killed by
accidents in the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These cases
result in a continuous steady market and most dealers make money.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From the reports of
the inspectors of mines, it is estimated that over 15,000 mules work in and
about the mines of the Anthracite region of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:state>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prices of mules run from $100.00 to
$125.00 a head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Averaging the cost, we
have the total investment of $1,400.000 in mule flesh in the Anthracite region.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No attempt has been made to figure out
the cost of feed and other expenses necessary to keep the livestock up to the proper
standard, but it must be a tremendous item in the expense account of such a
large corporation as the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Reading</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And so the mine mule
must go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His day is done and his usefulness
in the mines is discounted by the invention of the modern man of brain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one will ever regret the side kicking of
the mine mule more than the driver boy and his colleague the door boy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will have nothing to swear at and the
festive lump of coal will not make any impression on the sides of the air
compressor as it glides, smoothly over the rails with its long train of loaded
cars.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Part2<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Drivers, Spraggers and Barn Bosses<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Driver<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The most coveted job within the mines for an unskilled young
man was that of the driver. He was usually a boy in is teens although some young
men in their twenties still drove the mules. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were totally responsible for the movement
of the loaded and unloaded trip of cars inside and outside the mine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys started out with one mule and worked
their way to 6 or more mules. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
drivers were the idol of the younger flippers and slate pickers and almost
every young boy around the colliery couldn’t wait until he was old enough to
become a driver.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The driver boys were a breed unto themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They chewed tobacco, smoked cigarettes and
used some rather foul language. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
early years of mining, 1850’s thru 1870’s, their ethnic back grounds were
mostly Irish, Welsh, Scottish and German. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the 1880’s and 1890’s, the immigration
of Slavic and Italian people into the coal region changed the ethnic make up of
the drivers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big problem the
Italians and Slavic people had was the language barrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many fights occurred between the various
groups. The one thing that maintained continuity among the boys was their work.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cleaned the stables daily. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They watered and feed the mules daily. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys also curry combed the mules so that
the mule’s hair would not knot and cause chafing under there traces and
harnesses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the boys knew how to
perform different remedies to help care for an injured or sick mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First aid was one of their primary concerns.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the 1881 Reports of the Inspectors of mines, the duties
of a driver is described. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It states:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It shall be the duty
of a driver to take proper care of his horse or mule, and see that it is
properly fed and watered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must not
whip or abuse it unnecessarily, or allow any person to do so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shall drive it carefully, and when
ascending steep grade allow it to rest frequently. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he leaves his mule or horse at any time,
he must be careful; to leave it in a place of safety, where it will be secure
from run away cars or other danger. When drawing cars into a place he must be
careful not to drive his mule or horse any further than the track is laid, nor
into a pile of coal at or near the face, or to leave the car at a place where
he has no room to pass it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the road
is in bad condition for want of filling, he shall be careful to sprag or block
the cars sufficiently to prevent them from running upon himself or mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If head or stopping blocks are used at certain
points upon the gangway or main road, he shall see that they are properly
placed upon the road when going up with the empty cars, so that they may be in
a proper position to stop the cars before they go onto the steeper grade. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any person abuses his mule or horse he must
report the same to the mine boss, nor will they be allowed to delegate any
other person to take out or return their mules to the barn, nor drive their
mules to or from the barn faster than a walk.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
These rules were published in almost all the collieries, and
in almost all the mine inspector reports. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys were supposed to obey them to the
tee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, with youth you have bravado
and not a lot of fear of danger and the boys sometimes paid no attention to the
rules. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 1873 Inspectors report
under the heading of “Accidents by Mine Wagons” (wagons is the early name used
in reference to a coal car) it is stated that mine wagons are principally
handled by irresponsible, wild youths, that become inured to the fast driving
of mules upon inclined grades as well as upon levels in the different lifts of
the mines, having no retreats or loopholes along these roads for safety, but
take there chances at best. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These boys
are subject to many disadvantages, as follows: A boy of 16 years of age may be
put in charge of three or four mules, there may be three or four such teams
used inside, and the haulage is generally managed under their own rules, but
subject to perform duties required of them by bosses, loaders, miners etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To a stranger this is one of the most
intricate employments of man. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In large
mines of extensive excavations, where 250 men are at work, these brave fellows
are obliged to forward the miners timbers in the morning or at the miners will,
and in their passage through these wild caverns the rumbling commotion created
by these trains, the firing of shots, the impenetrable powder smoke, black and
fire damp, the bustle of miners and loaders, bosses and track men, these worthy
boys rush on in the gloom when, in a number of cases, the space between the
gangway timber will hardly admit of the passage of a wagon, over ill
constructed railroads and sloughed gutters they fly at full speed, standing on
the spreader chains or traces, carrying an armful of sprags at each trip to
slacken speed in case of danger, yet without the slightest pity for their lot,
they are hustled about by the older folks, as boys generally are. The slightest
derangement to a train may cost him his life by being crushed to death by
wagons, timbers, or jammed by trains, and commonly in a gloomy passage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is without a doubt a prolific source of
accidents.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In collieries that produce say 12,000 tons of prepared coal
per month, it must be evident these drivers appear to be fully occupied and evidently
content, with their work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The drivers were probably the most rambunctious boys in and
around the colliery, as there are many photos and picture post cards to attest
to this. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were known to ride the
mules bare back to and from the barn, as was usually against regulations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many accidents happened because of there
playing and Tomfoolery with the mules.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The boys learned to drive the mules without the aid of
reins. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They used voice commands and the
crack of a whip. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While standing on the
front bumper of the lead car or walking close beside the animal they used the
commands of “Giddup” meaning to move forward, “Whoa” to stop “ Gee “ means to
turn to the right, WaHa “caused the mule to turn to the left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Driver Boss or Barn Boss<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The driver boss shall see that the drivers are at the
stables in proper time in the morning, and ready to begin work at the appointed
time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must see that the mules are
regularly feed and watered, and properly attended to, and must see that the
mules are not driven up steep grades without frequently resting them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shall see that the mules are not
unnecessarily whipped or abused.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If the safety of persons or animals require a safety block
or latch to be thrown across the track, near the face of working places, he
shall see that one or the other be put on at once. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shall not allow door boys to leave their
doors except by permission of himself or the mine boss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Spragger or Runner<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The spragger or runner was the boy who assisted the driver
in the movement of the loaded and unloaded cars in the colliery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to be a very alert and fast acting boy
who moved with the quickest of reactions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was loaded down with an armful of sprags
that he could insert in the moving wheels of the cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This job was very dangerous as the boy could
easily be run over by a car or trapped between the car and the side of the
gangway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Some Mule Reminisces<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Local Schuylkill County Canal Historian, John Butz Bowman,
interviewed some drivers and wrote an article entitled “The Mule In The Mines
“and gives a wonderful account of what their lives were really like. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Nicholas Neider from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pottsville</st1:place></st1:city> told Bowman this story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Courtesy of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the files of the Schuylkill County Historical
Society.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Nicholas was a driver at the Lincoln Colliery and at one
time had charge of a team there. Mine mules are generally brought in from the
western states ‘Green.’ (What is meant by that is, not harness broke.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is taken into the mines and left in the
stable for a few days, to become accustomed to darkness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he is harnessed and left stand for a day.
Next day he is put in a team. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All teams
in the mines are in tandem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is left
to walk alone for a few days, before being urged to put any pressure against
the collar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many cases, they try it
themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As time goes on and he begins to work, he is taken out of
the team, taught to pull an empty car, and then two empties, once he masters
that, he pulls a loaded car around. Drivers must use patience, for a loaded car
is much harder to start than two empties. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once he handles the one loaded car, hang the
second one on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More patience is to be
used, for he knows the difference, and in many cases he refuses to pull. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give him plenty of time, and keep the cars
bumped every time he stretches them, and finally he will take them away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
All this is done by walking along side of him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you step back, he will turn around
looking for you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As days go on and he
gets confidence in you, you can start to ride the cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next move is to teach him Gee and Haw. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he is real intelligent, he is put back in
the team, to be the leader, which is very hard work; for he is asked at all
times, to start the trip. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows when
the rest of the mules behind him have to do their part. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the trip is under way, he takes it
easily, until he finds it slowing up, then is when he goes to work again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mule of this type looks for kindness, always
and will never refuse his driver if it is in his power.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A strange driver for a day may spoil him, and it will take
days to bring him around again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, in
many cases, he is spoiled for good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
mules, that are bad, can never be brought back, due to the abuse from the
drivers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mine mule can find his way in
the dark for miles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never use a whip
unless absolutely necessary and then coax him so that he knows that you are
still his friend.’<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mr. Bowman asked Mr. Neider whether he ever had any serious
trouble with the mules, during his experience. He replied, “Only in one
instance.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been given a green
mule to train, a big fine, valuable one. After having put him through the
regular routine, and the time came to put in a team, he was astounded to find
the mule work as though he had been trained to mine before, which seemed almost
impossible, there were no body marks of collar, britchen, or traces to bear out
that fact. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was gentle, friendly, and
confiding, showing no signs of viciousness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Neider took a short vacation and upon
returning, found the same mule now was mean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would try and kick him off the bumper, so
that he could not ride the trip, bite kick with both hind legs and cut with the
front ones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, he became
impossible and was left to stand in the stable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time went by, when the superintendent called
Mr. Neider into his office. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Nick,” he said, “There is a mule in the stable eating his
head off and I understand he came here a good mule, and now you can do nothing
with him?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘That is correct. He must have been abused while I was
away.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Well, everything, as you know, at the mines must pay, so
manage to get him out and then kill him.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Nick secured an iron bar, struck the mule back of the ear
with all his might; he collapsed to the floor, whereupon he jumped upon his
body, striking him with all his force. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead
of dying, the mule began to scream. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
let him up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For weakness and fright he
could hardly stand, showing no signs of viciousness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick coaxed him, took his face between his
hands, showing the mule they could still be friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He immediately put him in a team and the mule
worked, but in after days, when Nick didn’t work, the mule did not work either.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the approach of the drivers, he went
up in the air, front and back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another story told to Mr. Bowman was from Robert Allison of
Port Carbon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Mr. Allison was a
young boy, he went into a mine to watch what it was like to work in the dark
depths. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mr. Allison said, “We were then taken to a loaded trip going
out, and told how we must not walk behind the cars, keep together and by no
means fall back, should any one’s lamp be extinguished by the dampness.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Water dripped everywhere, my light went out, but I plodded
along through the slush. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a bend of
the gangway, the trip came to a large wooden door, which was used in regulating
the draft of air in the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mules
had to stop until this gate was opened to let us through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When ready to start again, the mules were
unable to budge the cars, try as they would. The gatekeeper went back into the
mines, and from out of the darkness came another driver, with a large gray
mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or not, at the given
command of both drivers, this mule stood up on his hind feet, placed his breast
against the rear hindmost car, and pushed, walking on his hind legs until the
team was well out of its difficulty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And finally, from Mr. Bowman, a story of wonderful kindness and
caring.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mules were always trained at the mines, inside in the dark. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good mule, inside, was not always a good one
outside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One boy was told by his father
to take a mule to the surface and do some outside work with him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they came to the daylight, he wouldn’t
work. The boy tried everything he could think of, but to no avail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then his mother came and she tried, exhausting
all her efforts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Finally, she said, ‘Well, I’ll fix him.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went into the kitchen, secured a hot
potato, lifted the mule’s tail and slapped it under. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told a grand-daughter of this woman, that
her uncle told me this story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Well,” she said, “‘I am not at all surprised, as grandmother
was a very capable woman.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sometime later, this mule was horribly burned in the mines,
and was brought up to be shot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
mother protested, ‘You dare not kill him/” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The father said, “It will be up to you, he’s yours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wash my hands of him.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
She bathed the mule in sweet oil, padded him with cotton,
attended him like a child, and finally healed all his burns. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they wanted to take in back into the
mines, she said, ‘Oh, no. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He belongs to
me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He became quite a pet in the neighborhood, and the children
had a good time riding him about the patch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When let out of the stable each morning, he
would first go to the back gate and bray for the woman, who would come out, pet
him and wash his scares.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For the most part, the boys treated the mules with love and
affection and in return the mules had their favorite drivers like wise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One of the most famous stories about a driver and his mule
is the story of the 11-year-old mule driver named Martin Crahan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty worked in and out of the mines for over
two years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1871, while working in the
<st1:place w:st="on">West Pittston</st1:place> mine, there was a major shaft
fire. Marty could have escaped the fire by riding up the cage, but elected to
return deep into the mine to alert 19 miners of the fire. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty told the miners and ran to the cage,
which to his dismay had been consumed by the fire. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He once again went back to the miners who had
barricaded themselves against the deadly fire and fumes, he begged to be let
into their safe haven, but they refused. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty then went to the stables were he found
his mule and they both died together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
other 19 miners also died from the effects of the fire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The danger drivers and spraggers encountered is listed count
less times in the reports of the mine inspectors, from the 1870’s through the
1930’s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most common type of accident
was being squeezed by mine cars, kicked by a mule or run over by cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drivers and runners are the principal
sufferers of being crushed by mine cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1876, the Annual Report of the Inspectors
stated, “These accidents are generally the result of reckless daring on the
part of the boys, and the narrow main roads, which are frequently obstructed by
rubbish.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
How often the inspector is notified that a driver has been
killed or seriously injured by being crushed between cars and the pillar,
between cars and props or by falling under cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then again, the drivers very often attempt to
couple cars while they are in motion. This they should never do and the driver
bosses should prohibit the practice at once. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If these boys were outside, in broad daylight
then, the practice might be excusable, for then they would be able to see any
obstruction that might be lying in there way and avoid them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, underground they are comparatively in <st1:time hour="0" minute="0" w:st="on">midnight</st1:time> darkness, and cannot see but
a few yards in advance at best, and they are hence liable to be thrown under or
between the cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every effort should be
made by our colliery managers to save these boys lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Listed in the Reports of the inspectors of the mines for
1883 are some of the accidents that drivers and spraggers endured. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike Contra, an Italian driver was fatally
injured by being thrown from a mule near Milnesville. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was riding his mule from the stable when
the animal became frightened and made a sudden plunge. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was thrown and in falling, became entangled
in the harness; the mule becoming thoroughly frightened ran away dragging him
about a half mile before being caught. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
he was released from the harness, his head was reduced to a soft mass by the
bumping against the ground. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In another
accident, George Nesbitt a 14-year-old driver was fatally injured at Ebervale No.
3 colliery on the 20th of September. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was driving empty cars from the foot of the slope and was walking behind his
mule when he was suddenly kicked in the abdomen. His injuries were not
considered severe at the time, but after a few hours his condition betokened
internal injuries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The inspector also
added. I am of the opinion that some of the small boys about the colliery
bothered the mule so that he became ugly, and endeavored to kick them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Many boys were injured by the direct interaction of the mule.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike Grady a 16 year old driver at the
Diamond Shaft was severely injured by having both legs crushed when his mule
stomped all over him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James Walker, 14
years old, was injured at the Eddy Creek Shaft, when his mule’s head hit him on
the arm and breaking it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was holding
the mules head while being shod at the blacksmith shop.At the end of this part
will be found a listing for the 1880 and all the driver and spragger accidents
that occurred in the Anthracite districts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driver boys sometimes became heroes as this
article of The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Pottsville Republican</u></i>
stated on <st1:date day="26" month="3" w:st="on" year="1914">March 26, 1914</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bold Driver Boy Saved Six Lives<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The bravery of a
driver boy, who although severely burned by an explosion of gas in the Buck
Ridge Colliery near Shamokin Friday morning drove a long distance to the foot
of the slope and informed the foreman that six mine workers were lying in the
bottom of the gangway probably overcome by the afterdamp of the explosion,
resulted in bringing out of the six men senseless and the saving of there lives.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the plucky boy, whose name is Tom
Swabusky, is looked upon as a hero and lies bandaged and brushed in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Shamokin</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Hospital</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tom was riding on the
top of a car directing his team of mules when he saw a ball of fire ahead in
the gangway, and knowing that it meant an explosion of gas he shouted an alarm
to six workmen in the gangway nearby and saw them throw them selves face
downward on the bottom but he himself had tarried too long and was caught by
the flash before he could get down to the bottom and his face and hands were
scorched severely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing daunted he
drove the mules, also suffering from burns and gave his alarm as stated.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Listed below is a list of all the driver boy accidents for
the year 1880 in the Anthracite districts of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:state>. The accidents are basically
the same for every year from 1870 thru 1930.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Driver Boys and Their Accidents<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Mar 15/ Joseph Dix/ 15 Wadsville/ Fell from the front end
of a wagon on which he was riding and dragged underneath injuring him
internally.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Apr. 16/ Daniel Oakman/ Top driver/ Wadsville/ Thumb
caught between car wheel and sprag. And cut off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Apr. 16/ John Murphy/ Phoenix Park Caught between wagons
and injured internally.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Apr. 17/ William Weakman/ <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pottsville</st1:place></st1:city>/ Wagon ran over his leg injuring
it severely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ May 24/ George Wagne/ Dirt Bank Driver/ Glendower/ Fingers
caught in a wheel and mashed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ May 26/ Thomas Wilson/ Diver/ <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pottsville</st1:place></st1:city>/ Kicked by a mule and head cut.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ June 7/ William E Price/ Driver/ Wadesville/ Kicked by a
mule and nose broken and chin cut.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ .June 14/ James Hayes/ Driven Beechwood/ wagon ran over
his fingers cutting off at first joint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 28/ James McCreedy/ Driver/ Glendower/ Kicked by a
mule and leg injured.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 15/ David W. Peregrine/ Driver/ Mine Hill Gap. Kicked
by a mule hip hurt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 23/ George Jenkins/ Driver/ Richardson/ While
spragging a car thumb caught between sprag and wheel and broke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">1880 2nd District<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ May 14/ Peter Cleary/ Driver/ Ellangowan/ In attempting to
un couple cars on a curve, his head was caught and crushed causing death.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ May 18/ William Henderson/ Driver/ 16/ Packer No. 4/
Supposed to have been tramped to death by a mule. A breast closing in caused
the mule to turn suddenly around passing the car to which he was hitched and
catching the driver, Henderson.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 18/ John Dyer/ Driver/ Indian Ridge/ 22/ Married/
Crushed between Cars on side of the gangway on trip from counter chute to top
of plane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Feb. 3/ Charles Maloy/ Elmwood/ Fell under cars and arm
broke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Feb. 11/ Mike Coyne/ Driver on dirt bank/ Ellangowen/ Foot
caught between rails and shoulder broke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Feb. 12/ John Hendricks/ Driver/ Thomas/ Hurt on the dirt
bank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Mar 18/ Oscar McCord/ Driver/ William Penn/ Jammed between
cars by Mule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Apr. 26/ John Preston/ Driver/ Kohinoor/ Fall of coal,
small bone of leg broke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ June 7/ Edward Williams/ Driver/ Girard/ Explosion of gas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ July 7/ Mike Gallagher/ Driver/ Honeybrook/ Foot crushed
by mine car.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 18/ Martin Fahey/ Driver/ Plank Ridge/ Jammed
between cars and head injured.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 8/ John Snedden/ Driver/ Plank Ridge/ Wagon Jumped
the track, knocking the prop, causing a piece of slate to fall arm badly
injured.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 24/ Thomas Ellwork/ Driver/ <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Stanton</st1:place></st1:city>/ Fell under<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
wagon between slope and breaker; body crushed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 26/ Peter Ditchman/ Driver Ellangowan/ Run over by
dirt dumper, leg broken in two places.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">3<sup><span style="font-size: small;">rd</span></sup> District<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ May 3/ Mike Douglas/ Driver Lykens Valley slope/ 20/ The
driver coming in with a mule for loaded wagons, having come to a point on the
gangway beyond which the use of naked lamps were prohibited and seeing men
ahead with open lights, called to them if it was safe, to which they replied to
him, “To come on” which he did; the men were eating their dinner, and while he
was hitching his mule wagon, the men started turning a fan to remove gas that
accumulated in a chute they were driving, this brought the gas down in the
gangway and contact with the naked lamps. Burning the three.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 1/ William Wolfe/ Driver/ 18/ <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>/
Run over by loaded mine cars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 15/ Patrick Finnegan/ Driver/ <st1:place w:st="on">Preston</st1:place>
No.2/ 21/ Run over by loaded mine cars, died the following day<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 23/ Daniel E. Liebey/ Driver/ 17/ Peerless/ Caught
between loaded mine cars and gangway timber at mouth of the drift. He was
coming out loaded wagons accompanied with two other boys and when outside the
mouth of the drift, being ahead of the wagon he turned back going towards
approaching cars, passing the young men who were with him , supposing as they
have stated, to jump<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ June 14/ James Hayes/ Driver/ Beechwood/ wagon ran over
his fingers cutting off at first joint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 28/ James McCreedy/ Driver/ Glendower/ Kicked by a
mule and leg injured.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 15/ David W. Peregrine/ Driver/ Mine Hill Gap./ Kicked
by a mule, hip hurt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 23/ George Jenkins/ Driver/ Richardson/ While
spragging a car thumb caught between sprag and wheel and broke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 26/ Daniel Kennedy/ Driver/ 15/ Luke Fidler/ Caught
between loaded mine cars and crushed to death. He hitched his mule to two
loaded mine cars to haul out of the mine, having started the mule, he became
obstinate and refused to go further. While the driver was urging him on he
turned around and started inwards on opposite side of the car to the driver,
the latter jumping between the cars to drive him back, he was caught and jammed
by the front car to which the mule was hitched, coming back on one next to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
NOTE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some
collieries, drivers, spraggers and door boys are using a villainous compound
called lubricating, or black oil to fill their lamps, which is producing a
heavy black smoke producing unhealthy air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Jan 23/ Edward McHugh/ Stable Boss/ Locust Spring/ Kicked
by a mule in the stomach.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Mar 8/ David Moire/ Driver/ Henry Clay Drift/ Caught
between mule and mine wagon/ jaw bone broken and face badly damaged.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ April 7/ Sebastian Kohl/ Spagger/ Burnside/ Hand caught
between chain and side hook of the wagon. Tops of the fingers cut off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ April 19/ Charles Frank/ Driver/ Reliance/ Spreader fell
on his wrist dislocating it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ May 5/ Jerome Reed/ Driver/ Henry Clay shaft/ caught in
explosion of gas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ .Aug. 8/ John Henry/ Outside driver/ <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Buck</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ridge</st1:placename></st1:place>/
Fell on bell plane while trying to ring bell wrist broken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 23/ William McKinney/ Driver/ <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>/
Fell of wagon while running down the plane arm broken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Oct. 13/ George Krammer/ Driver/ North Franklin No.2/
Caught between cars leg fractured.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Oct. 21/ Patrick Coyle/ Driver/ Stuartsville/ Fall of top
coal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Oct. 25/ Christopher Robsertson / door tender/ Luke
Fidler/ Fell while riding on mine cars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Middle District<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
William J Warren, a driver, was instantly killed on the culm
bank. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was fifteen years old. At No. 2
shaft <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Plymouth</st1:place></st1:city>.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was making one of his usual trips to
the culm bank with loaded cars. John Nesbitt was on the hind car, attending the
brake, and John Warren, the deceased’s brother was riding on the side of the
car. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When about halfway to the dump
Willie struck the mule with his whip and started him on faster, then he
attempted to step on the front end of the car, and missed his hold, fell under
and was instantly killed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
James Danahey, a driver age 16 was almost instantly killed
at Shaft No. 2 Nanticoke on Dec. 11. The deceased, against all instructions to
the contrary, undertook to run a loaded car from the gangway by a brake. To do
this he was obliged to stand on the front end of the car, as the lever of the
brake was on that end. The brake proved to be a bad one and the car ran pretty
fast and when near the bottom of the run jumped off the track and threw the
driver against the prop with such force as to fracture his skull. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mine boss stated that the day before he
caught him running a car and charged him not to do it again, for he considered
it to dangerous for a boy of such light weight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, he had employed a runner for just such a
job. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, he was an active boy,
ambitious, and anxious to earn more wages, and had asked several times for the
job of running cars, which he was refused to him on the grounds stated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On that fateful morning another boy told him
the brake was not safe and to be careful, he replied that he would risk it, he
did and sacrificed his young life in the attempt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thomas McGlynn, a driver age 16 was fatally injured at the
Diamond Shaft, November 29. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
walking out carelessly on the gangway, along with his mule and a trip of cars
and thoughtlessly set his foot between a latch and the rail, his foot was
caught fast and failed to release it until the cars were upon him, they crushed
his leg fearfully, between foot and knee. Hope was entertained of saving his
life by amputating the limb, but the surgeons had hardly begun the operation
when he expired.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
John Dunstan, a driver age 14, was instantly killed at Shaft
No. 2 Nanticoke, December 21. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
just pilled an empty car into the chamber, which was pitching about four
degrees, was leading his mule back and the trace chain caught in the corner of
the car, Jerking it over the block. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
same time the mule swung against the boy and knocked him down on the track. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The laborer, who stood by, held the car almost
instantly, but as the boy was rising he received a thrust (kick) in his side,
which caused his death in a few minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a very unfortunate accident,
occurring in a safe place and could have been easily avoided with little care,
as there was plenty of room to pass the mule without touching the car.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ July 30/ Patrick Welsh/ Driver 23/ Midville/ Kicked in the
mouth by a mule losing two teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ July 20/ Gomer Lewis/ Driver/ 15/ Nanticoke Tunnel no. 1/
Kicked by a mule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 6/ John Hughes/ Driver/ 14/ Old Slope <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Franklin</st1:place></st1:city>/ Slopped under
loaded cars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ July 10/ Leo Dutch/ Driver/ 13/ Hollenbach/ Kicked by mule
teeth knocked out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Sept. 13/ William Devlin/ 17/ Henry Coil./ Kicked in the
head by a mule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Nov. 19/ David Evans/ Slope No. 4/ severely injured, his clothes
being caught in the trace of a mule the mule was fright ened was frightened and
dragged the boy for some distance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Eastern District<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Edward Watkins, a driver at the Brisbin shaft, was fatally
injured by being caught under a trip of empty mine cars. He was driving a team
of mules and had them hitched to a trip of eleven cars, when the mules started
and ran away down a steep grade that required two sprags in each car. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mules ran until they reached the chamber,
Watkins hanging on the harness of the hind mule all the way, but he finally
lost his light and fell before the trip, and the two forward cars ran over him
and he was found lying under the third car. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men who were present made all haste to
free him from under the car, not with standing that the roof was cracking
fearfully over their heads and they had just moved him when a large portion of
the roof fell just were the boy was lying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
These mules or rather one of them was in the habit of
running away, they would balk, and when they started they would run as hard as
they could. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as possible, all such
factious mules should be banished out of the mines, and if I could I would do
so this at once. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy to state
that some of our most efficient superintendents do not keep unruly and
fractious mule in their mines for an hour after they find they are dangerous
and unsafe for the boys to handle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1894<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ 1,136 drivers employed in mines<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Yates 18 fatally injured while falling under a trip
of cars while hitching his mule. Maitby Shaft<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ August Sheffler driver 19, Shaft No. 1 G seam <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nanticoke</st1:place></st1:city> A piece of
scrap steel penetrated his body when riding on front of car.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John McLaughlin Driver 19 Ashley, Kicked in the abdomen by
mule walked home and died a couple of days later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ George Mashinko driver 31 killed by having his head
smashed between timber car<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1895<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Emry Jones was killed when he was kicked by the mule in a
manway he was 16 years old. The Hollenback colliery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Griffth was instantly killed when he was trying to
spragg a car and it ran off the track and crushed him he was 20 years old
worked at the Franklin Colliery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ James 0 Connell was instantly killed when he slipped and
was crushed by a car when he was unhooking his mule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 17 and worked at the Shaft No. 5 in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Plymouth</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Thomas Duffy a driver’s helper was injured and had five
teeth kicked out by a mule he was 17 and worked at the Plymouth Colliery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ 29 drivers and runners were injured in the 4 district
during this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Trsco or Freda and John Martin 25 and 35 both out
side drivers at the Milnesville colliery were instantly killed by a landslide,
they were taking a trip of cars to the bottom of the slope or to the outside
plane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ William Lilly a spragger was injured when he slipped and
fell underneath a car his arm was badly injured this happened at the No. 1
breaker in Lattimer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Joseph Coulon was struck by a bale of hay and his leg was
injured he was 18 years old and worked at the No. 2 Hollywood breaker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Adam Trimble a 22-year-old driver was struck on the head
by a door when a gust of air blew it open which was caused by a heavy fall of
rock. He suffered a brain contusion. This happened at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sandy</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Run</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Colliery</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Luzerne</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Harry Reilley an Irish driver 19 years old who worked at
the Maple Hill colliery was injured when his clothes were caught and he was
squeezed by a car and the brattice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Chisnell 22 working at the Bear Ridge Colliery skull
was fractured after he was kicked by a mule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Everman 19 a driver at the Packer No. 4 Lost Creek
was had his arm cut off he left the switch misplaced and coming on to the turn
out the loaded car ran into an empty truck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ There were 855 drivers and runners in the 7 anthracite
district in 1895.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ 8th district of Schuylkill county had 433 drivers and
runners employed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ They also had 1,258 mules and horses in the mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ William Dunlap 17 working at the Eagle Hill colliery died
from the effects of being caught between two mine cars at the bottom of the
slope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Thomas Gauntlett a driver at Blackwood colliery was in
jured by being crushed up against a prop by his mule collarbone broken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Roberts a driver at Morea colliery was injured when
his hand was crushed while unhooking his mule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Harmony <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Richardson</st1:place></st1:city>
at the St. Clair Colliery had three ribs broken when his mule turned and
crushed him between the cars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1896<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Patrick Hughes a driver 18, was injured in the jaw when a
mule kicked him. <st1:place w:st="on">Hyde Park</st1:place> Colliery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Ratchford was injured when a mule kicked him in the
face, he was 17 at the Manville Mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ James McAndrew was injured at the Archablad mine he was 15
years old, his leg was fractured while riding a mule and drove up against the
mine car.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Ben Morgan was injured when a mule kicked him in the head
his scalp was cut this happened at the he was 16 at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Pleasant</st1:placename></st1:place>
colliery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ August Speyler a 20-year-old driver was driving a team and
they ran away and in trying to catch them he became in tangled in the harness
and fell under the car giving him severe bruises.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Max peel 23-year-old runner was injured at the Dickson
Shaft when he was caught by a moving car while trying to hitch a team of mules.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ The 3 district had 2,270 mules and horses during the year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Joe Macusky 20 at the Maple Hill colliery was fatally injured
by being kicked from the mule he was driving.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ Matthew Brennan a driver was severely injured at the Eagle
Hill Colliery on May 5th and died from the effects on May 17. He was engaged as
a driver at the bottom of the slope and side hitched two empty cars into the
back switch, while he was taking some coupling chains from the front end of the
empty cars, another driver ran three loaded cars into the back switch, which
bumped against the empty ones and caught Brennan between the ends of the empty
cars and the face of the back switch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ John Harrison, 17 a driver was killed at Eagle Hill
colliery on August 12. He was employed as a driver at the bottom of the slope
and commenced work only the day before. In pulling the empty cars into the back
switch at the bottom of the fifth lift he hitched a mule to the back end of the
second car, the front end of which was filled with short timber. The light end
of the car swung off the track and caught his head between the end of the car
and the timber.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ August Dunhammer 20-year-old driver at York Farm Colliery
had his leg broken by the mules falling and throwing him under cars.1897<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
§ William Wolf a driver was killed at The Good Spring
colliery. He was employed on the bank, and while bringin’ an empty car his mule
took fright at cars running on overhead trestle and ran away. While trying to
unhitch the mule from the car, he fell in front of the car, which ran over him.
Injuring him so severely that he died on the way home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Mule and Driver Boys in Song and Verse<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The mule and the driver are well known in both song and
verse, the traditional song of “My Sweethearts the Mule in the Mine,” listed on
the first page is probably the most famous of the songs and known for many
years. But, there are other versus related to the driver boy’s and the mules.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the sad old song entitled Old Miners Refrain, the old
miner sings about his life in the mines and in one verse relates about his time
while driving mules:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I next became a driver
and thought myself a man <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The boss, he raised my
pay as I advanced<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In going through the
gangway with the mules at my command.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I was prouder than the
President of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But now my pride is
weakened and I am weakened too.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tremble till I’m scarcely fit to stand<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If I were taught book
learning instead of driving teams<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today kind friends I’d be a richer man.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On <st1:date day="23" month="4" w:st="on" year="1879">Wednesday,
April 23, 1879</st1:date>, at the No. 10 slope of the Lehigh And Wilkes-Barre
Coal company at Sugar Notch a gang of men were driving a gangway into a seam of
coal when the roof caved in and blocked their only means of escape. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trapped inside this tomb were five miners and
a 13-year-old door boy and a young mule driver by the name William Kenney. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After five days, the miners were forced to
kill the mule for its meat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using a
hammer the driver hit the mule on the head and killed him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They then checked for any gas left in the
mine, and finding it clear, they cooked the meat on the top of a dinner pail.
The seven men were finally rescued at <st1:time hour="9" minute="0" w:st="on">9
o’clock</st1:time> on Monday morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following
is a couple of stances from this song about their ordeal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Sugar Notch Entombment<o:p></o:p></span></em></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It was in the month of April in 1879,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When seven men from Sugar Notch came to work down in the
mine,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The night shift was before them and honest they began;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The driver came and told them that the mine was cavin’ in<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Pricey held the safety lamp and Harper he was last,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mackkie he put up his hand and shut off the gas,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The rocks stood on their edges up against the roof <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
and here we stand for proof.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We walked in the gangway and there we sat down,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We held a conversation and it went all around,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Some were very hungry and some were very weak,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Says Johnny Glynn, “We’ll kill our mule and have a jolly
feast.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The driver went and got his mule and tied him to a prop,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The tears came rolling from his eyes, saying<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Harry you must drop.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On picking up the hammer he found the hammer to be dull-<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He hit the poor mule ten times on the head before he broke
his skull.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Harry, you’re dead and gone, your life is gone astray.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But many a hundred wagons you’ve pulled out of this gangway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Many a driver’s drove you but now you’re drivin’s at an
end.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And then the mine began to cave in around the seven men.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Driver Boys of Wadesville Shaft written by Bill Keating<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
the famous <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Schuylkill</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place> poet and balladeer
, is the best of the songs written about the boys and their mules and is a fine
tribute to the boys who drove the mules.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Driver Boys of Wadesville Shaft<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Now, boys I’ll sing you a little song,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And I think that when I’m through<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Yu’ll say this song is well composed,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And the words are very true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It’s about a bunch of driver boy’s,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They worked in Wadesville shaft,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And when I tell you how they toiled <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I think ‘twill make you laugh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, now to start this little song,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’ll begin with Henry Flynn,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For when it comes to driving mules<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He thinks he’s the real thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He’s the first driver from the barn,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With Collie-mule in lead,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But when he gets back, at quitting time, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
he hasn’t earned their feed<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He leaves the seven foot turnout,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With six or seven cars,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They’ll run out to the spragging place, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And there he’ll be stuck for hours!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He’ll drag them then by ones and twos <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
to the bottom of the shaft;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then he’ll catch his lead mule by the head, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
and go for another draft.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, then he’ll start from the spraggin place, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And run right through an open switch! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With two stiff cars and a jammer in, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And his lead mule in the ditch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, then he’ll drive them up the grade, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Collie runs on the high side,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Johnny Loftus with an armful of sprags <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Is what saves the breechin’ mule’s hide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then Henry’ll say that Collie-mule<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And Charley ain’t worth a bit;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I hate to call the man a liar,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But they’re the best two mules in the pit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It takes us door boys all our time,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
To keep Henry Flynn in hemp,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And with weaving lashes for his whip <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Our fingernails are bent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So that’s the way he’ll run all day, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He’ll tally about fourteen cars;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For the longest shift he ever works <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In six or seven hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, then there’s Oweny Loftus, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With a team of mules he’s slick;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And when he chirrups for the signal light, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then look out for a big trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When Oweny’s team leaves the Primrose bend, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Their shoes begin to pound,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And until he hits the top of the grade, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He’ll never utter a sound.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘Twould do you good to stand upon <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The crossroads at the bend;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And watch the curb boy count Oweny’s trip- <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Twenty cars often mark the end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He has Fox and Dick and Paddy and Mike;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lively Lark- Mule
leads the way,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If all the teams pulled trips like Oweny’s <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Wadesville colliery would surely pay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, here comes Jack McNulty, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Out along west Skidmore line;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With his feet stretched out on the tail chain, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Old John Garrity nippin’ behind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When Jack’s team nears the terminal, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jack hopes he’ll get a through light,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But when he rounds the Skidmore bend <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then there’s no curb-boy in sight!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then Jack jumps off sprags up his trip, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
At dumb door boys he’ll rage and swear;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And if the nipper opens his lip,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jack hauls him around by the hair.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You see, nearly every trip Jack brings, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He has tunnel-rock cars mixed in,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So. of course, we have to red light Jack, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So’s to white light Henry Flynn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jack drives Punch mule, Pete, Pet, Prince, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Lazy Mary Mule leads the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If Jack would haul more coal, less rock, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then the breaker could work a full day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well then there’s Johnny Baltsis, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He drives the shifting team;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He pulls the cars from the tender shaft, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
and keeps the bottom turn out clean.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Johnny Baltsis’ the busiest boy about, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The way he slaves is a sin!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Pullin Jack McNulty’s rock cars out, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And side hitchin’ Henry Flynn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They talk about the Altoona Yards, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Altoona</st1:place></st1:city>
yards are tame,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You should see John Baltsis shifting cars!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With Jerry mule and Jane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Some other time, I’ll sing some more, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Bout the busy driver boys.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
At present, I’ll page the stable “Maids” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Stable bosses are mostly noise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Willie Brennan is quiet, seldom gets in fight, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Bossy Donnagan, he’s a darn crank! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They worry me from morn till night,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With there rollin’ feed cars and water tank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They chase me to get the water turned on, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then they race me to get it turned off<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But when drivers take their teams for a drink, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There’s never a drop in the water trough!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They haven’t the nerve for stable work, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If a mule shakes his tail they are scared!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And in case of an emergency,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They never are prepared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If a hame strap or a tail chain happens to break,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
That a team driver’s tally will sink,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There’s no harness parts in the barn,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Not even an open link.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Poor mules must stand knee deep in dung!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So the company’s greatest loss,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Is payin’ sixty dollars a month<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
To a lazy stable boss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The fire bosses, foremen and driver boss,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Took a seashore vacation trip;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Willie Brennan carried the bootblack box,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jim Donnagan juggled the grips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The driver boys and the stable boss,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
from my song should learn a lesson,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And now I’ll begin with the bottom men,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For some of them need a dressin’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There easy going fat Jack Betzs,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jack jokes and loafs all day,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
While old “Dutch” Hen is humpty backed<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Pushin cars from the cage away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Matt Reddington, a butty to Betzs,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And though Matt’s a first cousin of mine <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Matt goes to dances and balls every night;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the mines he’s
asleep most of the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mike McNulty gets stuck with an empty trip,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jack Betzs bawls all hands out<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Matt Reddington lets a coupling slip<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Onto Dutch Hen’s left foot gout!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“The breaker is waitin’; this won’t pay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Move those empties, “Betzs will say<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then Dutch Hen will say in his Dutchy’ied way,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Be der lawd Kyist der twack is blocked out!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In insane asylums madmen rave,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But where sensible men go daft,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You’d go nutty too with that bug house crew,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On the bottom of Wadesville shaft.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Bunker John Kelly and Joe Morley,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They’ve the meanest job in the mine;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Double oil cloth suits and high gum boots,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Yet they’re drowned wet all the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
No moon, no stars, no sun ever gleams<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Through the gloom of the underground;<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here danger death, and darkness reign,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Yet humor here is found.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It’s quittin’ time, I’ll close my door,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Just one request, I pray:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My supper will be crust, no more,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Please boost a poor door boy’s pay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The driver boys are long gone, their mischievous behavior,
their tobacco chewing, their swearing and wild antics are all just memories
now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should honor the boys who worked
in the dark of the mines, bent and stooped, damp and wet, inhaling mine gases
and coal dirt and sometimes giving up there young lives for the coal companies.
Today, there are no mules working in the mines of the anthracite region. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They no longer bear the burden of pulling cars
loaded with coal through the wet and muddy gang- ways, in the endless darkness
of the mines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They no longer are subject
to being crushed in a cave-in or being burned in a gas explosion, or drowning
in an outburst of water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although there
are sad stories concerning the boys and their mules, there are also many good
stories about their lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driver boy
and mule spent many years together and what they sacrificed for our comfort
should never be forgotten. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, it
took an act of Legislature in December, 1965, to make it illegal, in keeping
mules in underground stables.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bibliography<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pottsville</st1:place></st1:city>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miners Journal</i> Newspaper<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:date day="11" month="10" w:st="on" year="1911">October
11, 1911</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:date day="1" month="1" w:st="on" year="1913">January 1,
1913</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:date day="3" month="12" w:st="on" year="1919">December
3, 1919</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:date day="25" month="10" w:st="on" year="1898">October
25, 1898</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
2. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pottsville</st1:place></st1:city>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daily Republican</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:date day="8" month="3" w:st="on" year="1915">March 8,
1915</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
March26, 1914.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
3. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shamokin Times,</i>
<st1:date day="14" month="5" w:st="on" year="1880">May 14, 1880</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
4. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mahanoy</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> Newspaper, <st1:date day="4" month="3" w:st="on" year="1890">March 4, 1890</st1:date>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
5. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">McClures </i>Magazine
1894 “The Depths of a Coal Mine” Stephen Crane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
6. Mine Haualge Systems Manual 1927.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
7. “Songs and Ballads of the Coal Miner,” George Korson. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">United Mine Workers Journal</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:date day="15" month="11" w:st="on" year="1926">November,
15, 1926</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
8. “Anthracite Mine Ballads and Legends Recalled” Shenandoah
Evening Herald <st1:date day="8" month="5" w:st="on" year="1924">May 8, 1924</st1:date>.
Tom Barrett.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
9. Inspector Reports of the Mines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1872<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1879<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1880<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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11. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When Coal was King,</i>
Louis Poliniak.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12. “The Mules in the Mines,” Article by John Butz Bowman,
Held in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Schuylkill</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place> Historical
Society.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Why does Anthracite History matter?<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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It is very hard to make a young person understand why
history matters. After all, they have their whole lives ahead of them. There is
only the future. The young still feel invincible, immortal, and in charge. It
is not until we come to grips with our mortality that we begin to care about
who we are and what we have done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will it matter that we were here at all?<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have not cared about history, so who will care about us?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once faced with these questions, it becomes important for us
to know where we came from. To search out our past and discover what made us
the way we are. This is why Anthracite his tory is so important. We have coal
in our blood and thus the collective history of producing that coal becomes
important. We get a burning de sire to remember those who worked so hard to
give us what we have today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For all we have, we remember them and thank them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For all we want, we record it for the time when our children
are ready to hear it. <o:p></o:p></div>
</h1>
Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-85764058446944043402013-08-23T01:10:00.001-04:002013-08-23T01:10:21.927-04:00TERRIBLE ACCIDENT AT THE MINE HILL SLOPE 1865.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FYIKWa1hD7H7CPUdHZzVv4NKz307uK3EgwsozOdgNLfnqxQeEUgqZfWFNC0FXRXsGSzJ9PNFiaC-zzoJcrIilMBoKzdvNs98ojMUPoOVY7VKYs2F77EGUpU7pLy-qNdfqvYZk4Fy776d/s1600/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FYIKWa1hD7H7CPUdHZzVv4NKz307uK3EgwsozOdgNLfnqxQeEUgqZfWFNC0FXRXsGSzJ9PNFiaC-zzoJcrIilMBoKzdvNs98ojMUPoOVY7VKYs2F77EGUpU7pLy-qNdfqvYZk4Fy776d/s320/car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<h3 class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
April 29, 1865<o:p></o:p></h3>
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</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p>Pottsville miners Journal .<o:p></o:p></h3>
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</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
There was terrible mining accident Six men killed by the
breaking of a slow change. On Tuesday afternoon last a terrible accident
happened at the colliery of Mr. John Doherty, Mine Hill, this County. By the
breaking of a slope chain, by which six miners were instantly killed, and one was
seriously injured. It seems that the unfortunate men were being hoisted to the
top of the slope in a wagon, and when it reached to within 15 yards of the top,
the chain broke. The wagon descended with frightful velocity during the this
decent the door opened in consequence of the wagon striking the timber, and the
men were thrown out. The names of the men who were killed our, William Sharp, John
Hodges, Alfred Hodges, John Mitchell, Michael Shannon and Thomas Ferguson. The
injured man is Michael Gaynor who is. though <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>badly injured it is thought that he will
recover. Inquests were held by the corner, and verdicts rendered in accordance
with the facts.<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-78837669505227530712011-09-22T16:55:00.003-04:002011-09-22T17:00:57.712-04:00Mine Mule, the best photo ever!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEsmsmAMNuRnbmJ5yaXDHEmUkXE_2NW-qMNB_gvMLlSLyBKridWaxOl28fLWI023SCPBnngacp-pxDkID8nWEfTkamVq5g45LlapDWz2AAcz602kbuL4IuVYx-3fDNgiXxnF6dcgEArma/s1600/mule.tif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEsmsmAMNuRnbmJ5yaXDHEmUkXE_2NW-qMNB_gvMLlSLyBKridWaxOl28fLWI023SCPBnngacp-pxDkID8nWEfTkamVq5g45LlapDWz2AAcz602kbuL4IuVYx-3fDNgiXxnF6dcgEArma/s400/mule.tif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655290868364599858" /></a><br /><br />Just found this photo of a unique Mine Mule taken in the anthracite region of Eastern Pa. This is the best photo of a mine mule I have ever come across. It was in our archives at the Historical Society of Schuylkill County.<br />Only wish I new its name and at what colliery. Damn!!!!!!!Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-46410373777335049352011-09-20T22:14:00.005-04:002011-09-20T22:20:14.139-04:00Mule Revealed Death Of A Miner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCeuA67oqg0jWbrmLgB2DJRw0ftlDWliFyYJl7LqhRC2l-6IJ5KKAEpoZtWvLBU9N_G8CidogFuyixJrfgF5TIrxODqjpBEWEVBZs1GnX-JyPi3ZJQHbd09uk7Ye0aTDGzgMhOfnhCAPD/s1600/mule3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCeuA67oqg0jWbrmLgB2DJRw0ftlDWliFyYJl7LqhRC2l-6IJ5KKAEpoZtWvLBU9N_G8CidogFuyixJrfgF5TIrxODqjpBEWEVBZs1GnX-JyPi3ZJQHbd09uk7Ye0aTDGzgMhOfnhCAPD/s400/mule3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654631852814990514" /></a><br /><br /> Anybody who reads this blog will note that I like Mules, especially mine mules those wonderful animals that worked for years in the depths of the anthracite coal mines of eastern Pennsylvania.<br />Here is an interesting story from March 6, 1907 issue of the Daily Pottsville Republican newspaper.<br /> There is a superstition about the mines that the mule is able to give warming of an impending accident and is also gifted with a sixth sense whereby it can tell when a fatality has occurred, which superstation has taken a further hold on the employees of the Glendower colliery as is the result of the display of this sense given by a mule when John Zerbe of Mt. Pleasant was killed at that colliery.<br /> The mule was at work on the surface while Zerbe was deep in the mines. Suddenly the animal; broke loose from a post of which he was tied, ran to the mouth of the slope and again and again repeated a loud hee haw, which could be heard about the entire colliery. It was with difficulty that the animal could be taken away from the mouth of the slope and when it was finally forced to do so it threw itself flat on the ground and pawed wildly, refusing to get up. The actions of the animal were so peculiar and so unexpected that the employees were unable to surmise the cause when a foreigner solemnly walked up and said, “Must be a man die inside.”<br /> This superstition was known to all and an investigation was made with the result that the body of Zerbe was discovered crushed to death, the accident having happened about the same time that the mule ran to the mouth of the slope.<br /> Zerbe has volunteered to do some measuring in a small offset, which was so small that the other men could not get in to do it, and it was while engaged at this that the fall of coal occurred which resulted in his death.Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-40559495021805081722011-09-06T13:23:00.003-04:002011-09-06T14:13:59.623-04:00Murderous Assault on The Captain Smith of The Canal Boat.Virginia 1865<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaI5v-l38F38KJhW-QDtfKJZt-roqnFwABh_xyAkxkG2SBbE1IIPIW-RFD4NYfo77dkPWeUeEp18L1wHTEXnlV5fsq8ouOwo72Dcl9QVMtGmejOB38Elrjd-zfvBy_pveDfbQiTIXyESU/s1600/canal6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaI5v-l38F38KJhW-QDtfKJZt-roqnFwABh_xyAkxkG2SBbE1IIPIW-RFD4NYfo77dkPWeUeEp18L1wHTEXnlV5fsq8ouOwo72Dcl9QVMtGmejOB38Elrjd-zfvBy_pveDfbQiTIXyESU/s400/canal6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649311330841022994" /></a><br />Pottsville Miners Journal<br />September 23 1865<br /><br />On Monday morning last about 3 o’clock, as the boat Virginia, owned by the Schuylkill Navigation company, and commanded by Captain Smith of Reading, was passing through the guard locks at Landingville, this County, four Irishmen boarded the boat, two seating themselves at the bow of the boat, and two at the stern. As the boat was passing up the dam, the men gathered around the Captain, and demanded his money... The Captain replied that he had but seven dollars, and they could have that. The robbers were dissatisfied, and one of the ruffians named Owen Mullen, struck the Captain on the head with a billy, and threw him on the hatchway. The Captain’s son, a small boy, who had loaded a gun by his father’s direction, came up the cabin steps, and placing the gun near Mullens head, fired the contents through the head of the robber, killing him instantly. Malloy, lived on “The Flat”, Schuylkill Haven. And was known to be a desperate character. After Mullen was shot the rest of the men attempted to seize Captain Smith, but he sprang overboard and swam ashore. His son followed him by jumping through the cabin window. When the Captain jumped in the water the ruffians threw the tiller at him, but fortunately it missed him. The Captain and his son succeeded in reaching Orwigsburg Landing. Without further molestation. The robbers pulled the boat tothe shore, and escaped. Every good citizen will feel a sense of relief that such a scoundrel as Mullen has been disposed of, and earnestly hope that other wretches in this county, when caught in crime, may be sent the same road quickly.<br /> On Monday Coroner Johnson held an inquest, The jury rendered a verdict of Justifiable homicideStu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-78523835266224236932011-07-26T20:57:00.000-04:002011-07-26T20:57:29.504-04:00Old Pottsville Photo<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnfhkIXmXD_H6bIp-Oq9jAEuErievJvQ5Sec6xIAKo7aa9T7ceF-6syodv_vhKWkDXkSvFLdcYz9Xx3pv3u2yharXKQQ4XEyaaVF9rQeTH5_PYcDVamSpEO50CaqUd6g2m_8WmvqhD8Hp/s1600/pottsville.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnfhkIXmXD_H6bIp-Oq9jAEuErievJvQ5Sec6xIAKo7aa9T7ceF-6syodv_vhKWkDXkSvFLdcYz9Xx3pv3u2yharXKQQ4XEyaaVF9rQeTH5_PYcDVamSpEO50CaqUd6g2m_8WmvqhD8Hp/s320/pottsville.jpg' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;' /></a> <div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-26321932568542315732011-05-04T11:44:00.008-04:002011-05-04T11:53:23.322-04:00THE OLD YORK FARM TUNNEL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUM8fmDOOtGdcCd7RWwzsCO2IigNojT9WsmhrASf901t7r7lwmyCk2nLrLW3Nmxne0wseV2W-uCE0mBAfHtPAx284nMWjFygeLMGZUWCGEvh37fmYitTEAL3-BHQGDi60k3Gv5jUX6eAu/s1600/IMG_9451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUM8fmDOOtGdcCd7RWwzsCO2IigNojT9WsmhrASf901t7r7lwmyCk2nLrLW3Nmxne0wseV2W-uCE0mBAfHtPAx284nMWjFygeLMGZUWCGEvh37fmYitTEAL3-BHQGDi60k3Gv5jUX6eAu/s400/IMG_9451.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602889314843756194" /></a><br />The Palo Alto Cut<br /><br />THE OLD YORK FARM TUNNEL<br /><br /> There are seven coal veins that lie under the conglomerate rock strata in the Pottsville basin, or under Pottsville itself.<br /> The York farm breaker once stood northwest of the Pottsville High School veteran’s memorial stadium. Back in the old days, (1880’s and 90”s) the big black structure could be seen from all parts of the town. <br /> The Tunnel was bored southward in the direction of sharp mountain. It was done in the late 1890’s. It went under the hill on which the high school stands, under a section of town near 19th and 20th Sts., and right up into Sharp Mountain. <br /> It cut acr4oss a lot of veins, most of them twice, on the north and south sides of Pottsville basin. What that means is it cut them on the hill where the colliery stood and again where they came up on Sharp Mountain.<br /> There was an air hole drilled from one of the veins to the surface, and it is said to have come out near the southeastern entrance of St. John Cemetery at 20th street, and then known as Broad Street.<br /> The tunnel was driven at an elevation of 485 feet above sea level. And if the elevation of Center and Norwegian st., is 618 plus, as we always have been told, (Actually GPS Verifies this) Then it is easy to conclude that the old York Tunnel is some 133 feet or 44 yards lower than Pottsville’s busiest intersection, though still not low enough to cut the shallowest vein in the basin.<br /> But it apparently deep enough to have pierced all the veins on the south slope of Sharp Mountain, had it been driven farther south through the mountain. If it had been driven all the way, all arguments about coal on the southern slope of Sharp Mt. would have been settled;. As they really never knew if coal extended below the Sharp Mountain.<br /> In the 1950’s the Boulevard or Route 61 was cut through Sharp Mountain in 1950, from Palo Alto to Mt. Carbon, we now have the opportunity to view the last of the southern veins of coal in the Anthracite region on the south side of Sharp Mountain. It is apparent that they were not workable, but you can still see them when you get off 61 and head into Palo Alto. Maybe they could have been worked, who knows.<br /><br /><strong>A FEW SHOTS OF THE LAST VEINS OF COAL IN THE LOWER ANTHRACITE REGION ON SHARP MOUNTAIN NEAR PALO ALTO </strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckw51jjFZgPXxrqt0awEfJ4zAf0hI2eBDfEkhKsKWy423LgaZRgqp6-XzOyvacitLz3AgrcbLoAyyq5O8OU0R-XKOYCraMet4bwV1s8ezNMGBCBqaB1vjT0FpT5l3B30xOQYpW3120KHQ/s1600/IMG_9453.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckw51jjFZgPXxrqt0awEfJ4zAf0hI2eBDfEkhKsKWy423LgaZRgqp6-XzOyvacitLz3AgrcbLoAyyq5O8OU0R-XKOYCraMet4bwV1s8ezNMGBCBqaB1vjT0FpT5l3B30xOQYpW3120KHQ/s400/IMG_9453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602889056707290354" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rBM0XlONBwlCDJH7T7rdTmWfzC15y8eGWke_YKK-jZqskjbjeFSG4rs3qc83FxNkPtjSHi-IKvg46PLux4ooeifGRn3jxIq4IIPOFBszTyf_L_UywKQNc62O7_mlh7eoqBdmRVR4bZTF/s1600/IMG_9442.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rBM0XlONBwlCDJH7T7rdTmWfzC15y8eGWke_YKK-jZqskjbjeFSG4rs3qc83FxNkPtjSHi-IKvg46PLux4ooeifGRn3jxIq4IIPOFBszTyf_L_UywKQNc62O7_mlh7eoqBdmRVR4bZTF/s400/IMG_9442.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602888909671471282" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6_qtpOuIhLrVBpgBu_bm6guPDsfuZ3gDTv8VUZ1cXiOFgU4TQ1qO4ej0qVPLcnGmR1XpH-1rk0Q6k6yp6KUEvhPJr9I2AlrZtTtMiOOIWUwt8sSrsC_26AMYOVJRuQ5-3nmPwL_tpYtD/s1600/IMG_9446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6_qtpOuIhLrVBpgBu_bm6guPDsfuZ3gDTv8VUZ1cXiOFgU4TQ1qO4ej0qVPLcnGmR1XpH-1rk0Q6k6yp6KUEvhPJr9I2AlrZtTtMiOOIWUwt8sSrsC_26AMYOVJRuQ5-3nmPwL_tpYtD/s400/IMG_9446.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602888404276125234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxa_DvhxU_OLDlF6RSp2Fs5EGpHnGF82j3gB_Zyd0Zk7WGEm-4hRxPv75mn2CscpiZtVQ3Ffn-xnaKwhl54_iAIZQTV-VAjKLyKZ4CU0TmHZNBAHITuhzC0dbja3p3T1qfMQrgiI9o0h9-/s1600/IMG_9447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxa_DvhxU_OLDlF6RSp2Fs5EGpHnGF82j3gB_Zyd0Zk7WGEm-4hRxPv75mn2CscpiZtVQ3Ffn-xnaKwhl54_iAIZQTV-VAjKLyKZ4CU0TmHZNBAHITuhzC0dbja3p3T1qfMQrgiI9o0h9-/s400/IMG_9447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602888214965103058" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJID3SH9M7Hx2IQMBbpwAeSiC0OLg-TmWJkQylqfCOokylCMZVmm4Ty1NriBR-VN5Z14qjURZCpQbkE1wts3x3J7lBBcmd14mmQpWRFJYxI6gxN1mvJLCnDN5VKHR1w3P0e3mqibMFz0lL/s1600/IMG_9445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJID3SH9M7Hx2IQMBbpwAeSiC0OLg-TmWJkQylqfCOokylCMZVmm4Ty1NriBR-VN5Z14qjURZCpQbkE1wts3x3J7lBBcmd14mmQpWRFJYxI6gxN1mvJLCnDN5VKHR1w3P0e3mqibMFz0lL/s400/IMG_9445.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602888013487643794" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYzE8iSrjtF-3mugtoHsKYCKQOHK78qx7_3pMURtH0ZkSBtv3Cp3-cFXBJieD5mTOGw9SZT9ztli3a6hLJOowLCQkaLTiil5hBK1RZ63_4hDfY0EvxZxDVwUmd3HlHFk1fc20A_N_Vfb_/s1600/IMG_9443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYzE8iSrjtF-3mugtoHsKYCKQOHK78qx7_3pMURtH0ZkSBtv3Cp3-cFXBJieD5mTOGw9SZT9ztli3a6hLJOowLCQkaLTiil5hBK1RZ63_4hDfY0EvxZxDVwUmd3HlHFk1fc20A_N_Vfb_/s400/IMG_9443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602887855813180626" /></a>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-39984368744819013882011-04-23T12:00:00.006-04:002011-04-23T12:12:25.404-04:00A Deadly Disaster At The Chamberlain Colliery in St. Clair, Pa. 1887<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH1Q4SMRc4_HEHPTL6zW2fYe2h5x8nI1rCYfUCkw2nPUk56NOpDAvViGbC2Iu8jLdqeOGdkvZ7anI5CpckLKw-yz-NoKuRHXK3jaK4lWN03T6fQWrnR9p9R3cXM-adm-r5i82LjEJqZZQ/s1600/coal1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH1Q4SMRc4_HEHPTL6zW2fYe2h5x8nI1rCYfUCkw2nPUk56NOpDAvViGbC2Iu8jLdqeOGdkvZ7anI5CpckLKw-yz-NoKuRHXK3jaK4lWN03T6fQWrnR9p9R3cXM-adm-r5i82LjEJqZZQ/s400/coal1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598810200754927906" /></a><br /><br /> <strong> A Deadly Disaster At The Chamberlain Mine in St. Clair, Pa. 1887</strong> <br /><br />On April 17, 1887 Easter Monday,, in the town of St. Clair, Pa. A hearse pulled by two black horses led two curtained horse carriages toward the cemetery bearing the body of a young girl.<br /><br /> On Saturday, April 16, 1887 disaster struck the town of St. Clair. The week before Miss Minnie M. Keiter came home from Vassar College to spend her Easter Vacation., bringing with her Miss Verlista Shaul, a college friend.<br /> The two young girls visited with many of Minnie’s friends in town, celebrating the Easter holiday. Miss Shaul like a lot of people who were not from the area desired to see the interior of a coal mine. Minnie knowing many who worked in and around the mines arranged fro her to have a look.<br /> Minnie was well acquainted with the workings of a coal mine having grown up in the area she had been down many times. Living next door to the Keiter family was Mr. Hiatt one of the owners of the Chamberlain Colliery, Minnie asked him if he could take Verlista down for a tour.<br /> Mr. Hiatt Agreed to do give the girls the tour. He introduced Minnie to Harry Short who was always willing to entertain visitiors and went along for the tour into the mine.<br /> Full of frolic and good humor the group started off for the mine. Mrs. Keiter talked to the girls and told them to be careful that no accidents would befall them. Minnie and Verlista talked with Mr. Keiter about the up coming tour and he gave his consent.<br /> The girls arrived at the mine entrance which was about thousand yards below the Borough line; they soon had a mine car placed at their service. The party consisting of Minnie, Verlista and Harry Short descended the slope accompanied by Peter Harrison the engineer of the mine who had just surfaced to retrieve a piece of pipe for the exhaust pipe of the Allison pump he was working on down in the mine. The engineer notified Daniel Thompson who was also working on the pump that some ladies were in the mine for a tour.<br /> After finishing the work he was engaged in Thompson went out to the bottom to receive the visitors, show them so light and escort them to the mouth of the tunnel and entertain them until his brother Edwin would arrive and take over the tour. While waiting for Edwin Thompson the group was engaged in merry banter and laughing like young people would do having no worry of the danger that they were exposed to.<br /> Edwin Thompson arrived and had his safety lamp with him as he had been working in the Little Vein where he knew there was gas. The visit was to be made to the big vein where he was confident that there was no gas. (Fire Damp).<br /> Mr. Thompson started out ahead of the group carrying his safety lamp, Minnie and Harry Short were given regular miner’s lamps. As they started walking Dan Thompson called to his brother Edwin that he should be careful for he was responsible for the safety of the young ladies.<br /> Through the tunnel and into the Big Tracey vein the party tramped until they came close to the turnout. Mr. Thompson in the advance.<br /> What happened next know one can say for sure, Apparently one of the open flame miners’ lamps was raised high enough to reach fire damp that was hovering above them. Quick as lighting the gas ignited and a flash, flame reached the main body of the gas causing an explosion for over a hundred and fifty yards ahead and back of the gangway with the force and velocity of cannon fire. <br /> In this case the fire did little damage, but the blow mad sad havocs of those in the gangway. Edwin Thompson saw none of the lights of his companions, but he saw for a split second a ball of fire through the gangway and then he was unconscious, being hurled by the force of the explosion and dashed to the ground.<br /> In other parts of the mine Daniel Thompson and George Frantz felt the wind from the expulsion and knew something dreadful had happened. They immediately rushed through the tunnel to the Big vein where they feared the explosion had occurred.<br /> Daniel Thompson soon came upon Minnie Keiter who lay bruised and bleeding, who was crying and begging to be taken home for she was dying. Giving her all the attention he could, he ran over to Harry Short who he found lying with his neck across the rail and his low back toward the gutter unconscious. Grabbing a piece of board Mr. Thompson took off his shirt and making a pillow of it placed it on the board and put it under Harry’s head so that he could breathe. Moving forward Mr. Thompson found Miss Shaul about two yards further. She was wearing a gossamer and it had rapped twice around her head from the force of the explosion. She lay unconscious. Mr. Thompson thinking her dead leaned down and listened for signs of life. Finding a faint heart beat, he quickly tore the gossamer away and gave here a chance to breathe.<br /> By this time Edwin had regained conscious ness and crept toward the sound of the voices. Before he reached where Miss Shaul lay, he fell over through weakness caused by an ugly gash in his hip. Leaving Edwin to fend for himself as he was the least injured of the party, Daniel ran back to where Minnie lay and as the other men had reached her they immediately set to work to get the suffering victims out before the poison after damp sets in that always follows a gas explosion.<br /> They carried Minnie to the bottom and retuned with a car for the others and brought them to the bottom also. They worked fast ahead of the dangerous and deadly after damp before more people would die.<br /> The victims were carefully hoisted up the slope. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt being there to receive them.<br /> Dr. A.P. Carr, a skilled surgeon was on hand to do what he could for the victims. He found all four of them in very bad shape. Harry Short especially being battered and bruised beyond recognition. By this time the colliery whistle had blown and half the town flocked to the scene of the disaster. The ladies were hauled home, Miss Shaul laid perfectly still bearing all the pain and agony she endured with courage. Miss Keiter’s injuries were beyond all endurance and her excruciating pain made her scream so that her screams could be heard a square away. Those terrible screams from the dying girl carried horror to all who heard them and brought back from the hearts of the most earnest sympathy for the poor young sufferer.<br /> Dr. Carr examined the three victims and found that Miss Keiter suffered a compound fracture of the left thigh, a completely crushed ankle with the left foot hanging by a few shreds of skin. Serious burns of the face and several ugly scalp wounds. Miss Shaul, covered with coal dust had a fracture of the left thigh and sever burns. Mr Thompson’s head and hands were burned and a long deep gash on his hip.<br /> Harry Short had four sever gashes of the head and one a dangerous fracture at the base of the brain, his left arm was broken, but no burns were found on his body.<br /> Minnie Keiter, who’s screams guided the rescuers to the party died in the evening. Harry Short suffered for three more days and then passed away. <br /> Verlista Shaul, lame and disfigured returned to her home where it was said she lived by day in the curtained attic, and walked at night in her garden. Verlista would have graduated valedictorian of her class at Vassar. <br /> Mr. Thompson recovered and, except for infrequent bouts with disturbing sleep.Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-89498904602984997622011-04-09T11:16:00.004-04:002011-04-09T11:21:43.582-04:00Samuel W. Williams P&R Fireman On Engine 303 Tragically Killed on The Railroad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7DHnBfp82P6UG1XaVK1CV6EaiSfE9yEprM7R5DR45YQVSCo2gRD1i55u8_qMZbVEMdUTgOPmTJ11Ejoyrio8VQUgyf14ciX6X_DMOMMdU6gSKvLgJKmYLJhyiVEA0yhP1UUJAin44cyi/s1600/IMG_5515.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7DHnBfp82P6UG1XaVK1CV6EaiSfE9yEprM7R5DR45YQVSCo2gRD1i55u8_qMZbVEMdUTgOPmTJ11Ejoyrio8VQUgyf14ciX6X_DMOMMdU6gSKvLgJKmYLJhyiVEA0yhP1UUJAin44cyi/s400/IMG_5515.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593603733820504418" /></a><br />Tag to Enlarge<br />While checking out Civil War graves at the Odd Fellow Cemetery in Pottsville I came across this interesting tombstone for Samuel W. Williams.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhusHIcduS9h4bfWR2v-Pu6hDIhGxq3EDkNIPAgWwW7SDiRRhN60pExtGg2cLkGdwm87gjh6Lu_KSDF0vmkYxCkoq0QpPWPU7uVyrLbem-geSrhyphenhyphenBl929GU_mZw_O29RIEo97oQUij0rT/s1600/IMG_5516.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhusHIcduS9h4bfWR2v-Pu6hDIhGxq3EDkNIPAgWwW7SDiRRhN60pExtGg2cLkGdwm87gjh6Lu_KSDF0vmkYxCkoq0QpPWPU7uVyrLbem-geSrhyphenhyphenBl929GU_mZw_O29RIEo97oQUij0rT/s400/IMG_5516.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593603995947702978" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yesterday while I was at the Historical Society Of Schuylkill County I found out what happened to Mr. Williams.<br /><br />POTTSVILLE EXPRESS LEFT THE TRACKS<br /><br />Pottsville Republican <br />August 25 1900<br /><br />Fireman Samuel W. Williams of Pottsville, Instantly Killed.<br /><br />Passengers Injured, Shaken Up and Scared!<br /><br />Reading: August 25-Over 150 people made a marvelous escape from death here this morning. The Pottsville Express on the Phila & Reading R.W. due here at 8 a.m. left the rails two miles north of this city, and ran into an embankment. It was making 50 miles an hour, and passengers were thrown from their seats in promiscuous confusion. The entire train excepting the engine was derailed and the four cars were thrown against the embankment and were badly damaged. The supposition is that a coupling dropped from the tank and derailed the train.<br /><br />Killed And Injured<br /><br />Fireman Samuel Williams of Pottsville was caught between the cars and literally cut into pieces. Portions of his body were buried nearby.<br /><br />These passengers were slightly hurt:<br />Solomon G. Siegelman, Tamaqua.<br />Mrs. William Shollenberger, Auburn<br />P.H. Hadesty, Tamaqua<br />Edward M. Shepp Tamaqua<br />Miss McFall, Wilkes Barre<br /><br />Train No. 2 which leaves Pottsville at 7:05 o’clock in the morning was wrecked at Lightheisers Crossing about two miles this side of Reading. The tank left the main track and ran a distance of about 200 feet before the engine was stopped. Fireman Samuel W. Williams, of Pottsville was instantly killed his body being strewn along the track for a distance of 50 feet. The engineer W. I. Leiby also of Pottsville was un injured. The passengers although badly shaken up escaped uninjured excepting a woman and child from Auburn who’s names could not be learned.<br /> After the train came to a halt Mr. Schrader walked up the track to where the tank lay. Scattered along the road portions of a man’s body were found and were unrecognizable. The engineer greatly overcome by the dreadful occurrence identified the body as that of his fireman. Mr. Schrader thinks the accident was caused by spreading rails. The rails for several hundred feet were torn up and the ties snapped of like pipe stems. He transacted his business at Reading and then returned home.<br /> The same train was the one wrecked at Shoemakersville at the time of that terrible disaster caused by the train running over a high embankment. John White was the engineer on the train, and was instantly killed. The train is known as No. 2 while on its trip to Philadelphia and No. 7 on the return. He was on the return trip that the Shoemakersville wreck occurred.<br /> Fireman Williams who is single was born in Pottsville 28 years ago. He is the son of Thomas Williams, the well known conductor on the Fr4ackville and Tamaqua branches of the P&R road and resides at 313 W. Arch St. After receiving a thorough education in the public schools of town he went into railroading... About 2 years ago he was made a fireman and was considered as one of the best men on the road. When the flyer was first put on he was made its fireman but later transferred to No 2. With William Lewis as the engineer. This morning as was the custom he arose early and went Palo Alto and fixed the fire in his engine, returning home for breakfast before starting on his run. He was very popular in town and had a wide circle of friends. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Firemen and also the Good Intent Fire Co. His body was taken to Reading to be viewed by the Coroner.Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-26153546097720775072011-03-24T22:10:00.022-04:002011-03-24T23:37:59.554-04:00Joesph Christock Last Man Hanged In Schuylkill County Prison March 30, 1911<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BiiG8VlGMmosLE6y13KVlYqMId2jX1ngOwxLanRQuZt4NaCbrtA-5wz61Z_aD6NnOB0ZSJzmFCE3TSzsoqBRJaExi8M7Z1tGUbVMbA97P0m1RHcXExwMA4lQkv2fzZY3BBmfryeZvFB1/s1600/chris2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BiiG8VlGMmosLE6y13KVlYqMId2jX1ngOwxLanRQuZt4NaCbrtA-5wz61Z_aD6NnOB0ZSJzmFCE3TSzsoqBRJaExi8M7Z1tGUbVMbA97P0m1RHcXExwMA4lQkv2fzZY3BBmfryeZvFB1/s400/chris2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587835298031673506" /></a><br />March 30, 2011 will mark the 100th anniversary of the last man hanged in Schuylkill County. This is the story of Joseph Christock.<br />The last man hanged in Schuylkill County<br />March 30, 1911<br /><br />THE LAST MAN HANGED IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY<br />The execution of Joseph Christock was the third hanging in two years held in the prison yard of Schuylkill County Prison. On March 16th , 1909 Charles Warzal was executed for the murder of Mary Bolinsky at Shenandoah. Mary Bolinsky expressed love for Warzel and after he spent his last dollar on her she elected to marry his brother. So incensed at her loss of affection he secured a revolver and followed her to her place of work and shot her to death.<br />On the day of his execution he walked as far as the scaffold, evidently holding his nerve but when allowed to talk to the assembly of witnesses he became so excited he fainted on the scaffold. He had to be tied up with ropes so that the trap could be sprung. Death was due to suffocation and took 21 minutes till Warzel was pronounced dead.<br />Felix Radzins, the next to last man hanged in Schuylkill County. Radzins brutally murdered his boarding mistress Mrs. Cherwinski, at Shenandoah and after throwing her body into a cellar dragged her three year old son into the cellar and cut the child’s throat. When captured he admitted he had done the horrible murders and plead guilty. He was executed May 28th, 1909 and walked to the scaffold without a tremor, even holding his head erect to enable the Sheriff to place the noose. His neck was broken by the fall and he died in 15 minutes.<br />According to the newspaper Joe Christock went out of this world satisfied. He died as he wished to die, game and self possessed to the last. Hundreds of eyes were upon him as he swung off into eternity and that he wished it. If he had been hanged in the presence of only a few witnesses Christock would have quailed in some particular. Having an audience he was a cheap actor right to the end.<br />“No thespian in his dressing room with powder and paints and grease ever made more careful preparations to go to the stage when his call came than Christock did on the morning of his execution. He even asked for sand paper and rubbed the soles of his new shoes with it so as to eliminate, the possibility of slipping while on the gallows.<br />In this dramatic fashion, the Pottsville Journal reported the death of Joseph Christock., Alias Frank Mitchell, on the gallows in the prison at Pottsville on March 30, 1911, one hundred years ago. This will be the last execution in Schuylkill County.<br />Christock died in the atmosphere of a carnival before a laughing, joking crowd of 1200 witnesses and who began banging on the prison door for admission at eight a.m. more than two hours before the execution.<br />More of the bizarre occurred when a dozen women banged on the prison door and begged to be admitted. The Journal stated that they were all of foreign descent. They were refused admittance, although several of them tried a number of times to be admitted.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFSXAwk4KW6UgCDLQOJa3_LSS5TE9ICSij8YZNvy5UhuVne5csBCNA2jQJpxvrN28bR_znjg2R6TmQYt1SI9wHn7EYsAQmWS5JymfmEgt5Sn7RIL8W7nqIL3wBHGAEwQUpaHxKjYqrJRQ/s1600/chris1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFSXAwk4KW6UgCDLQOJa3_LSS5TE9ICSij8YZNvy5UhuVne5csBCNA2jQJpxvrN28bR_znjg2R6TmQYt1SI9wHn7EYsAQmWS5JymfmEgt5Sn7RIL8W7nqIL3wBHGAEwQUpaHxKjYqrJRQ/s400/chris1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587835651702303810" /></a><br />Joe Christock Sitting in the prison yard against the wall he will be executed against. Christock is sitting in front along with a fellow Prisoner and Prison wardens.<br />From an original Post Card<br /><br />THE MURDER<br />Joseph Christock was born in Mahanoy City although some said he was born in Russia ? By the time he was 24 he had quite a criminal record. He had been in prison for at least half of his life. Each time he got out he committed a crime greater than the preceding one until he reached the climax of his career with the murder of Mrs. Richards and the robbery of the Faulds home.<br />The murder for which Christock was hanged occurred on Wednesday November 17, 1910. Christock was employed by Peter Faulds who lived at Auchey’s Station near Auburn. Peter Fahl was aware of Christock’s reputation, but he was in ill health and needed help around the farm. On the 16th November Peter Faulds was away from the farm working at the sand plant on the Summit Station –Auburn road. Early in the day Christock began drinking cider endlessly. Drunk, he gathered a shotgun and went hunting for awhile. Having no success he returned back to the farm and began mending torn strips of leather for a harness. Christock claimed he heard a hound howling in the stable yard. He was frightened by the hound howling and knew this was a sign if death, he feared it meant his death. Instead it meant death for Mary Ann Richards, 65, who was at home with her daughter, Mrs. Faulds<br />Christock slowly walked to the lower floor of the Faulds house, saw Mrs. Faulds there and threw the leather horse line he was cleaning and repairing over Mrs Faulds He fastened her arms, and began to carry her up the stairs when Mrs Richards started after him At the top of the stairs he found a shotgun and shot and killed Mrs. Richards. He brutally beat Mrs Faulds on the back of her neck with his fist, pulled a mattress over her and continued beating her nearly to death.<br />He robed trunks in the house of $30, stole a gold watch, a revolver, a shotgun and some clothing. He then walked to Port Clinton where he bought a train ticket to Reading after laughing and joking with the station hands who he treated to cigars and drinks.<br />Peter Faulds came home about 6 p.m on November 17th , with a load of farm produce. As he tried to enter his home he found his house door was locked and the house dark. He then broke in his cellar door and climbed the stairs to find his mother in law Mrs. Mary Ann Richards lying in a pool of blood dead on the kitchen floor. He then found his wife beaten into unrecognizable condition also lying on the kitchen floor. <br />After the State Police were notified they went out searching for Christock they learned from the Reading operator at the station below Auburn that a man fitting his description bought a ticket for Reading. The State Police missed the train. Checking hotels in Reading the police the police noticed the name of Martin Ritter, on the register of a city hotel. Arousing suspicion as it was known that Ritter was a friend of Christock and was currently in the Schuylkill County Prison. They searched the room and found clothing articles corresponding to those missing items. Christock went to the movies and back to<br />the hotel about midnight. The police waited and arrested him there,<br /><br />THE TRIAL<br />Christock pleaded guilty before Judge Arthur Shay and Charles N. Braum. On November 22, 1910, He was defended by attorneys E.W. Bechtel and A.C. Sherman. This was the first time ion county history a murder case was heard and disposed of without formality of drawing a jury.<br />Judge Shay in his opinion said: “Joseph Christock, your confession here on the witness stand for bold effrontery, cruelty of heart and mind devoid of all the better attributes of humanity is unparalleled in the annals of crime,” <br />On November 22nd , 1910 Joseph Christock was sentenced to hang..<br />Between then and his end Christock was a confused picture of self pity, contradiction and boast.. He bemoaned that he was only a few months old when his mother died, and a few years old when his father died, and he never had a parent’s love, he urged young men to go to Sunday school.<br />He admitted he lied when he said Mrs. Richards came at him with a butcher knife. And he boasted he shot a Cumbola woman and a Norristown toll gate keeper, and then repudiated this “Confession” because he was afraid his sentenced would be commuted to life and he wanted to and deserved to die <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQEIrE3yhDFi2N55CJ99E8JJCWbzrubiFxcy91y-Lv_X4meNE6QSwcQerv-2fW778tvzU6FeLaoHEboUHO2wOq3_nROnZVyNg6gT4K9jKd6ZOBdPis6Bhzh01S8veXpCFkGl9U-x1QBk8/s1600/chris4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQEIrE3yhDFi2N55CJ99E8JJCWbzrubiFxcy91y-Lv_X4meNE6QSwcQerv-2fW778tvzU6FeLaoHEboUHO2wOq3_nROnZVyNg6gT4K9jKd6ZOBdPis6Bhzh01S8veXpCFkGl9U-x1QBk8/s400/chris4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587836840071493666" /></a><br /><br />THE DEATH WARRANT.<br />On March 2nd ,1911, Christock was read his death warrant. The Journal reported, without a tremor or change of countenance Joseph Christock heard his death warrant read to him in his cell. He with stood the ordeal with greater nerve than did the sheriff whose voice quivered and hands shook as he read the document that means death on the scaffold for this young self confessed murderer.<br />Christock stood to the right side of the sheriff in his cell and his eyes were fixed on the warrant.<br />After the warrant was read, Christock with a light and steady tread stepped to the corner of his cell and took from the top of a rude and primitive closet a sheet of paper from an envelope which contained a note addressed to the sheriff. It was in his hand writing and was a round and plain style of penmanship, It read as follows.<br />“ Sheriff, I am indeed very sorry for what I have done to Mr. Fawls and family. I know that I must die and am preparing for the same. I feel very grateful to Doctor Flaig and his good wife for what they have done for me in my present trouble, I hope and pray that the almighty God will pardon me, my sins and also all of the people will for give me for what I have done.”<br />While in prison Christock tried three times to commit suicide the night of the 17th . First, tried to hang himself with a strip of his shirt. Next he set fire to a mattress. Third, butted his head against a cell wall.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD55FQZAaW6ShH0Cny8cGQXPEyGmLwGET1UBdrYXcUvsORCVZrrUjjoppBKoiAtsXSXzCB8wLDdPpW8BzAGXn-NQ_Z3wmgH0gqHQAQnZfynKkLpvT_uUVQDZ_3Aw8bvd8wdMES2awhs3H/s1600/chris3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD55FQZAaW6ShH0Cny8cGQXPEyGmLwGET1UBdrYXcUvsORCVZrrUjjoppBKoiAtsXSXzCB8wLDdPpW8BzAGXn-NQ_Z3wmgH0gqHQAQnZfynKkLpvT_uUVQDZ_3Aw8bvd8wdMES2awhs3H/s400/chris3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587836324866253298" /></a><br />Christock's last photograph on the morning of his execution. Note he is still wearing prison striped trousers.<br /><br />THE EXECUTION<br />The day before the execution Christock joked with the under Warden Mike Schoenman, Christock said: “Hey Mike give me a job helping you tomorrow will you Mike” I won’t need any help, “was the reply. When a Reporter visited him in the morning he said he was “cleaning up his cell for he was getting rid of everything he did not need.” He was impatient to get a glimpse of the grim instrument of death which was taken fro the prison cellar in the morning of the 29th and placed in the northeast corner of the prison yard. In order that he might get an advance view of the instrument he complained that the cell was to warm and he would like to have the window opened. This is always done by allowing him to be lifted up to the window on the hands of the under wardens. The warden was called and Joe climbed the wall of his cell and opened the window. When he slid down he remarked the warden that the scaffold was half way up. “No it isn’t” replied the warden, Where upon Christock replied, “Yes it is I saw it when I opened the window.<br />Sheriff Murphy visited the prison yard in the afternoon to check the scaffold. The ropes that pull away the swinging platform were tested several times. The rope was also tested to insure its strength and the various duties given to the deputies were also practiced. <br />Peter Faulds the son in law of the murdered Mrs. Ann Richards was admitted to the prison yard and studied the wooden scaffolds frame closely. He left the prison without viewing Christock and will not be present for the execution, but showed a keen interest in the preparations for the execution. <br />On March 29, 1911, Christock’s last night alive he spent it in writing letters to his friends and in preparing for his morning. He wrote until nearly one o’clock A.M. and then lies down and fell fast asleep. At 5:30 he arose and almost immediately dressed himself in his death clothing. He expressed a wish for an egg sandwich, a cup of coffee and a glass of milk, but did not want the same until after the arrival of his spiritual; advisor. Reverend Vincent Dargius, of New Philadelphia.<br />He walked the floor of his cell until nine o’clock engaged in prayer. He would mutter short prayers and ask for mercy, and at the same time expressing pity and remorse at his misspent life and his terrible crime. After the arrival of the priest, no visitors were admitted to his cell.<br />Crowds came in early, actually before 8 o’clock. The crowd was thick along the steps and the yard of the prison.<br />Turnkey Samuel Wall spent last night with Christock in his cell and before retiring, Joe stated that he wanted to make a will and leave his cell and stars to the county.<br />He smoked his last cigarette shortly before midnight . He said he was not going to smoke after midnight and upon being told he had 29 minutes he hastily rolled a “whiffer” and started to smoke, stating “this is my last cigarette,” He puffed away for a short time and then threw the paper roll into the corner of his cell and stated, “I am done smoking”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgey6PiVUOyQUSRSMBbuSciAVQlqMDHtqxRdVDIYFbUOo0MUsiAiWbJLBWfuPwESzQeSxK6l63l2OiWI5iVNqvnTJL4_EXH2vx2jhiTEFOTjQPHQTW4QomMRgzxXxgQF3yiuMj9FJDxrm1/s1600/chris5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgey6PiVUOyQUSRSMBbuSciAVQlqMDHtqxRdVDIYFbUOo0MUsiAiWbJLBWfuPwESzQeSxK6l63l2OiWI5iVNqvnTJL4_EXH2vx2jhiTEFOTjQPHQTW4QomMRgzxXxgQF3yiuMj9FJDxrm1/s400/chris5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587837215085334578" /></a><br />The famous Schuylkill County gallows that executed Joseph Christock and many others.<br /><br />At 10:18 A.M. March 30, 1911 Joseph Christock took up the death march, There were no formalities in the cell number 14, the prisoner simply being told the time had arrived for the fatal march. First his spiritual advisor Rev. Dargius, the Deputy Sheriffs followed. The party emerged from the side door of the prison and walked briskly down to the scaffold which is located about 130 feet from the door.<br />As they wended their way down the brick walk way a hush fell upon the assemblage. When they reached the gibbet Sheriff Murphy ascended first followed by the prisoner and the prison physician. The noose was placed around the neck of the condemned man and straps adjusted to his sides biding his arms, his legs were then strapped, down. A broad leather belt was placed about his body; the arms extended downward and locked in place. Two similar belts bound his legs, one at the ankles and the other just below the hips. The prisoner clicking his heels together with a military style when told to do so. Under the direction of the prison physician the noose was adjusted under the left ear.<br />He was asked by the Sheriff if he had anything to say and he replied:<br />“I am sorry for what I done, and I hope everyone will forgive me. Goodbye to all.”<br />The black cap was then adjusted and Sheriff Murphy took the prisoners hand and bid him goodbye, Joe’s last words were “Goodbye, pray for me”, which he whispered to the Sheriff.<br />The officials left the scaffold and at 10:33 A.M. Christock’s body swayed nervously for a time until with a dull thud the sides of the platform fell and the body of Christock shot down through the opening and for a moment swung around slowly. The State Police immediately told everyone that the execution was over and directed the visitors to leave the prison yard.<br />The prisoners nerve was admired by everyone in his last moments, but the nerve of the visitors was enough over a hundred said they would never want to see an execution again.<br />After the body had been hanging for some time a veritable horde of physicians swarmed about the corpse and with stethoscopes and other instruments tested the heart until the final beats ceased and he was pronounced dead at 10:34 A.M. At 10:38 A.M. he was cut down and the body moved to the prison morgue. Where the remains were viewed by the sheriff’s jury and concluded that Christock died of strangulation, the neck not being broken because the rope slipped around the back of his neck. There was then a bit of a scramble for pieces of the rope that still encircled the neck. and turned over to the undertaker for burial.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RoAAmZa0XnIRS7fbeaB6ijdjpwok24RBW10PVZMmOcevNWwELXArcHzKkwvPVlkvtf6KHr5cBaEqV_tcVvD6ulZXuzzr6jSQ11wEaMsrXqxtbQBPnymj_7yZhlglYTNpTzWNQ-FB3R_o/s1600/chris6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RoAAmZa0XnIRS7fbeaB6ijdjpwok24RBW10PVZMmOcevNWwELXArcHzKkwvPVlkvtf6KHr5cBaEqV_tcVvD6ulZXuzzr6jSQ11wEaMsrXqxtbQBPnymj_7yZhlglYTNpTzWNQ-FB3R_o/s400/chris6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587837854379813154" /></a><br />Schuylkill County Prison, Could this be the pole the lineman climbed to witness the execution?<br /><br />Outside the prison a lineman climbed to the top of a light pole and called out bulletins of what was going on inside.<br />According to the officials the execution went off without any incidents and was accomplished in the presence of over 1,000 persons, some estimates placed the number of people in the prison yard at 1,500/<br />The remains were given to the undertaker in charge and taken to New Philadelphia by A. Tobac of Shenandoah. Christock’s body was taken to New Phila to the home of his stepmother from which the funeral will take place on March 31, 1911.<br />So ended Schuylkill County’s last hanging.<br /><br /><br />Shown below is Joseph Christock's hand written story as told to a State Policeman days before his execution. This is a fascinating read. This confession is from the files of the Schuylkill County Historical Society. <br />TAG ALL PHOTOS TO ENLARGE <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3VtMMXOAT7j25E7obMbCndc5n4uZ0yAL9no3iqdISt8BFnmw9BOiicGg57mknyJgaq6jC9ZJZXtPOxJCfNW6LvfJZjlWkPMzGOYI6jZHoQ2yGMfzCPDOwzDfpqDJ6l8oExuKmZivKLst/s1600/cristock12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3VtMMXOAT7j25E7obMbCndc5n4uZ0yAL9no3iqdISt8BFnmw9BOiicGg57mknyJgaq6jC9ZJZXtPOxJCfNW6LvfJZjlWkPMzGOYI6jZHoQ2yGMfzCPDOwzDfpqDJ6l8oExuKmZivKLst/s400/cristock12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587842641053938546" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhA_sIB6MC_ecE4Gl8c1XMKHsKX3vybdFx0oFKsI4a_5hYPTszcATUyUJWfos2N29nbhjU9DP8Q1AZ9A88g2mi6XaUZUiMjcOl15MiMlpApY2_O51Hln_wSSgzlMkram_Q8A-8g6SVNo4/s1600/cristock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhA_sIB6MC_ecE4Gl8c1XMKHsKX3vybdFx0oFKsI4a_5hYPTszcATUyUJWfos2N29nbhjU9DP8Q1AZ9A88g2mi6XaUZUiMjcOl15MiMlpApY2_O51Hln_wSSgzlMkram_Q8A-8g6SVNo4/s400/cristock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587838316826537394" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeVKBbdvpls9e749LlBGNUVvC3AZ0DlIuAPleajjrQ9PGjmD3H3mM10E8XcVROypGahfISE6N28U9H0lRCBgtHI7qefh6H2e-V2Dou3AHmaCe8m4Hx4TtBP48iCK3N4Q0pFbU5zVL9iX7/s1600/cristock1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeVKBbdvpls9e749LlBGNUVvC3AZ0DlIuAPleajjrQ9PGjmD3H3mM10E8XcVROypGahfISE6N28U9H0lRCBgtHI7qefh6H2e-V2Dou3AHmaCe8m4Hx4TtBP48iCK3N4Q0pFbU5zVL9iX7/s400/cristock1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587839042324095874" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMlswCNNysTb8kjpDPN09T4XWWvNBkV9n46dWQFOBCJ14klG9REZFPo6QT9yJ7FazHqQTJOcFem4D7QX5BoGlbotfGVVJq7zDaxRqmHAuPEOyLnnFrtRZXNot3AATH2lLJPk8g3W0h8VV/s1600/cristock2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMlswCNNysTb8kjpDPN09T4XWWvNBkV9n46dWQFOBCJ14klG9REZFPo6QT9yJ7FazHqQTJOcFem4D7QX5BoGlbotfGVVJq7zDaxRqmHAuPEOyLnnFrtRZXNot3AATH2lLJPk8g3W0h8VV/s400/cristock2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587839331677679346" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyIsbd2wv-bCwzBzmv97WNixQXcFnUFGmpKvdU3rUbY5EL0sXkPmlK0KyhXdKRePv-UvUWk1D9N6heQ_igcyBjZlR41Jjv3ikeqL39GH5MlvACPVUASK9ZAMXZUntKg9E7JqnC3hAn29s/s1600/cristock3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyIsbd2wv-bCwzBzmv97WNixQXcFnUFGmpKvdU3rUbY5EL0sXkPmlK0KyhXdKRePv-UvUWk1D9N6heQ_igcyBjZlR41Jjv3ikeqL39GH5MlvACPVUASK9ZAMXZUntKg9E7JqnC3hAn29s/s400/cristock3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587839716861665682" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcOz_vjN6UgCeKZ9nEY6pGcMDN7l273Zj7PXgrJ6Z47OvwGfOaXN_bO_L6pZfkJJO0wFyttguEqGMe5_qik7cXalc6CDLWUtpQB5bk99E_BlTuQt5SyTfSa_e4zXudZ_ZeY-9KfDHr9IC/s1600/cristock4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcOz_vjN6UgCeKZ9nEY6pGcMDN7l273Zj7PXgrJ6Z47OvwGfOaXN_bO_L6pZfkJJO0wFyttguEqGMe5_qik7cXalc6CDLWUtpQB5bk99E_BlTuQt5SyTfSa_e4zXudZ_ZeY-9KfDHr9IC/s400/cristock4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587840003465793842" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbencVI0WzsPiOgAe_Ko2XO7AJ3PwjuMIthxSjl3hz8XISD2ZYazvBlJkg2kWh7a-43FJyiuOxFzLrn-En99i1r7wHU1x5-VM4DsjPWN3NgnB4x_zccJsY4iANxhwKD4Rich_gsgDK74j/s1600/cristock5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbencVI0WzsPiOgAe_Ko2XO7AJ3PwjuMIthxSjl3hz8XISD2ZYazvBlJkg2kWh7a-43FJyiuOxFzLrn-En99i1r7wHU1x5-VM4DsjPWN3NgnB4x_zccJsY4iANxhwKD4Rich_gsgDK74j/s400/cristock5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587840259661152418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevrj0lGVawIadtvzZHb7HhW39qoO01GXRKo6UCG8W57nyvVKBSZswp3Zr3TNOW4AFx9JydRjQTvo2uJgCqLj_V8mpEUeGIxw8Hz_wCdZc9sjmwbRqCSGcmYHiqSOo3wte-u9IzP0CMBU8/s1600/cristock6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevrj0lGVawIadtvzZHb7HhW39qoO01GXRKo6UCG8W57nyvVKBSZswp3Zr3TNOW4AFx9JydRjQTvo2uJgCqLj_V8mpEUeGIxw8Hz_wCdZc9sjmwbRqCSGcmYHiqSOo3wte-u9IzP0CMBU8/s400/cristock6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587840560274960722" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3oSTfYI3BH0gdW1DoofN1fxKfkLfwgth-IEOCbXn8EoUfUdwt4vPkWLxylDZbUIPE2CbkTP5WX9mFUGY36ALKauVA7jq2QN5Wdmv7Qsck8IwG3QVa9Bl7KbV9pOLg3MsXqSRmeXA9y8b/s1600/cristock7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3oSTfYI3BH0gdW1DoofN1fxKfkLfwgth-IEOCbXn8EoUfUdwt4vPkWLxylDZbUIPE2CbkTP5WX9mFUGY36ALKauVA7jq2QN5Wdmv7Qsck8IwG3QVa9Bl7KbV9pOLg3MsXqSRmeXA9y8b/s400/cristock7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587840837403769618" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DGtpcFJrPOJVmtG-bRfPtQ9vxODz96-W0dBltKfPUhzIKvrFNnXtUSrKcJ_xjBzsBEtHx3eMhvzlyWrMukd_7O6KG_5UN52kfsFng4sv33pN3qifWOxgXYaXIJqgnhVt2oq2hdNlGcuh/s1600/cristock8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DGtpcFJrPOJVmtG-bRfPtQ9vxODz96-W0dBltKfPUhzIKvrFNnXtUSrKcJ_xjBzsBEtHx3eMhvzlyWrMukd_7O6KG_5UN52kfsFng4sv33pN3qifWOxgXYaXIJqgnhVt2oq2hdNlGcuh/s400/cristock8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587841086602582290" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7YpWa9O-9gnx4Dteih5JsWA2418pBKT2SUqDZKpf5I2bRksEjkMAC2nP_PCvFHk_n1RI7cJ3VdEmwu5j7swPJxmgYBc4RI8y0lSXx5Ewy1LrBEK0iRCDTHF_PeSxX-zj3Ls9icvQHAwD/s1600/cristock9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7YpWa9O-9gnx4Dteih5JsWA2418pBKT2SUqDZKpf5I2bRksEjkMAC2nP_PCvFHk_n1RI7cJ3VdEmwu5j7swPJxmgYBc4RI8y0lSXx5Ewy1LrBEK0iRCDTHF_PeSxX-zj3Ls9icvQHAwD/s400/cristock9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587841884568840338" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiiO-nz59sq-tyB6H4hAEzZwoLfZdln4Y06s2A6Rj-2JAtRuqVvo8A-iQbF7_vPGn9WiSnYO-9k5HzVAyJ-xsF7PVddZ_IC8lhtoF2mTNRHxIiDuWU1bjiDmPQe51nCvwYMRumdV5hMOv/s1600/cristock10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiiO-nz59sq-tyB6H4hAEzZwoLfZdln4Y06s2A6Rj-2JAtRuqVvo8A-iQbF7_vPGn9WiSnYO-9k5HzVAyJ-xsF7PVddZ_IC8lhtoF2mTNRHxIiDuWU1bjiDmPQe51nCvwYMRumdV5hMOv/s400/cristock10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587842118193206690" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZnqoLV1yx3k_v1qUkPg75nz8aOlXgFU70JBPx7UtUaH2J-efkFr7ZhjlxTbUBvlRNgAohrJEmXo7Ee01FZ9LPm8An3iwDbJchDCUiGT-d4bjL3rvKg40Z72FVLA1YWkG3QauBgOgOC53/s1600/cristock11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZnqoLV1yx3k_v1qUkPg75nz8aOlXgFU70JBPx7UtUaH2J-efkFr7ZhjlxTbUBvlRNgAohrJEmXo7Ee01FZ9LPm8An3iwDbJchDCUiGT-d4bjL3rvKg40Z72FVLA1YWkG3QauBgOgOC53/s400/cristock11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587842414896018530" /></a>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-68097471224026193432011-02-06T11:04:00.005-05:002011-02-06T11:15:01.304-05:00A VICTIM OF JESSE JAMES<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuAWbiBdJDzRgwQ4thNlB1hgtZKDEEJAstzqG8JFvUBTuGT2-BXtEPY0x749qXbs_t_wad0uRN1feVGLAoPTm27ar8cEkiTK-Q1MFhWpn5OWnkP36osoA2BNohXBa99dnYaL3XnWYe7AC/s1600/jj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuAWbiBdJDzRgwQ4thNlB1hgtZKDEEJAstzqG8JFvUBTuGT2-BXtEPY0x749qXbs_t_wad0uRN1feVGLAoPTm27ar8cEkiTK-Q1MFhWpn5OWnkP36osoA2BNohXBa99dnYaL3XnWYe7AC/s400/jj.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570608443358621474" /></a><br />Jesse James<br /><br />While doing research at the Schuylkill County Historical Society, my second home. I came across an interesting article about the son of a Shenandoah resident who was robbed by the famous outlaw Jesse James. <br />The article was written in the <em><strong>Pottsville Evening Chronicle</strong></em>. On July 31, 1882.<br />Prior to finding this article I was interested in how the local papers were reporting the death of the outlaw Jesse James.<br /><br />“JESSE JAMES SHOT DOWN”<br />St. Louis, April 3, A dispatch from St. Joseph, Mo. Says Charles and Robert Ford who, at one time belonged to the James gang and were engaged in the Winston and Blue cut train robberies, have been in St. Joseph for a week for the purpose of arresting Jesse James, but being afraid, as it is alleged, to make the attempt they shot him down at 13th and Lafayette streets today and then surrendered to the authorities and were lodged in jail. There is tremendous excitement over the affair, several thousand people being on the street.<br /><br />For the next couple of days the paper ran stories about the shooting. “END OF JESSE JAMES”, …”THE DEAD OUTLAW”…”THE DEAD TRAIN ROBBER” but the most interesting of the articles was entitled:<br /><br />A VICTIM OF JESSE JAMES<br /><br />The Highwayman’s Widow Returns a Stolen Watch<br /><br />During the year 1880 John J. Dovey, formerly of Shenandoah, now diseased was the owner of a coal mine in Kentucky which was in charge of his son Charles, of Philadelphia. One day while young Mr. Dovey was sitting in his office he heard the tramp of horse’s feet outside, and the next moment four men entered and one of them presenting a revolver at his head demanded his money. Mr. Dovey replied as the funds to pay off the hands had not yet arrived there was no money about the premises. This did not satisfy the road agents, the leader who demanded that the safe be opened. Their direction being acceded to the ruffians were rewarded by finding some change, amounting to about five dollars and a box of cigars. After each had lighted one of the latter they pocketed the money with as much relish as though it amounted to thousands of dollars. As they were about to leave one of them noticed Mr. Dovey’s watch chain. “Hold on Boys, here is something we have overlooked”, said he, and Mr. Dovey was politely requested to hand over his gold time piece. After which the quartet took their departure. A short time afterward Mr. Dovey visited the Rogues gallery in Louisville. While looking over the pictures he came upon one which he recognized as that of the leader of the band who robbed him. Below the picture the name of “Jesse James” was inscribed. Mr. Dovey went south last week and while away a messenger from the Adams Express Company arrived with a package at his home. Mrs. Dovey upon opening it was surprised to find the watch stolen two years before. The watch was accompanied by the following note:<br />Mr. Dovey: Dear Sir: Included you will find your watch; please send me by return mail a receipt for the same.<br />Your, respectfully<br />Mrs. Jesse James.<br /><br />The watch was in good condition as when stolen. Mrs. Dovey immediately wrote to her husband relating the story. And restoration of the time piece who thereupon sent a letter of thanks to Mrs. James for restoring the article. The watch had the name of Mr. Dovey and his address inscribed upon it so he widow knew where to send it.Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-9200372836306625502011-02-01T23:49:00.003-05:002011-02-01T23:55:11.226-05:00THE OTTO COLLIERY BRANCHDALE 1913Shown below is a clipping from the December 13, 1913 issue of the Pottsville Republican Newspaper concerning the Otto Colliery at Branchdale.<br /><br />TAG THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50WnJAx2OrPfUqufN8T0IVx9rhT30HxiiAX1HVEzhbkRqtYYhmG63-Ao9W3PwwE_UTSkA13c1FMedWTUmvs1Qi3dqQuYa0lEAhHp8lQhFuSlf4oBhDWsQBpI-FsxjPwXSZ7EgsGPKMiI/s1600/otto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50WnJAx2OrPfUqufN8T0IVx9rhT30HxiiAX1HVEzhbkRqtYYhmG63-Ao9W3PwwE_UTSkA13c1FMedWTUmvs1Qi3dqQuYa0lEAhHp8lQhFuSlf4oBhDWsQBpI-FsxjPwXSZ7EgsGPKMiI/s400/otto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568950623186708658" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ13T5wRFHTJ2FgoWOM-pSnI-l-f5vOiWMsLXj5XmX3_Qu-lzS_3FaK9YozIQopAC2wvToGYM_d8kQtwjDuKmwX0qj7W8yZ59_RSSv3ON-piQjakujAQCrTtdtTbjYun3dOXDkRijQ4_X/s1600/otto1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ13T5wRFHTJ2FgoWOM-pSnI-l-f5vOiWMsLXj5XmX3_Qu-lzS_3FaK9YozIQopAC2wvToGYM_d8kQtwjDuKmwX0qj7W8yZ59_RSSv3ON-piQjakujAQCrTtdtTbjYun3dOXDkRijQ4_X/s400/otto1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568951100033363618" /></a>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-31147812236538970602011-01-31T19:51:00.002-05:002011-01-31T19:54:17.671-05:00FIRST AIRPLANE THAT WAS SEEN FLYING IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY 1918FIRST VISIT OF AN AIRPLANE<br /><br />THE OLD THEORY THAT FLYING COULD NOT BE DONE HERE BECAUSE OF AIR POCKETS IS SMASHED<br /><br />Pottsville republican April 13, 1918<br /><br />This is an interesting article telling about the very first visit or over flight of an airplane in Schuylkill County... The aircraft type is not identified. But knowing the year and that it had two occupants can probably be shown to be a Curtis Jenny. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3WA1Zf3BPtKYhvjitVkVqBrOeG8GSfkp5_AVGscHtkkC8j1A84oMc1TfFpZCrK-WBuxEOfipflIlpVQAHrJsGlLGussWhY4WlTCYfaJRDJzzuqMlJk2rWaV1doLvwdu8byqKO6CDKDVD/s1600/jenny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3WA1Zf3BPtKYhvjitVkVqBrOeG8GSfkp5_AVGscHtkkC8j1A84oMc1TfFpZCrK-WBuxEOfipflIlpVQAHrJsGlLGussWhY4WlTCYfaJRDJzzuqMlJk2rWaV1doLvwdu8byqKO6CDKDVD/s400/jenny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568517942986903762" /></a><br />The Jenny<br /> The airplane which flew over this city (Pottsville) on Monday afternoon was the first to appear in this region. It caused considerable excitement, many flocking to the house tops to get a better view. From all appearances the plane was red in color and contained at least two occupants. There is significance to the appearance of the plane here, and on that it is now definitely proven that the old story about air currents and air pockets and the impossibility of operating a plane here because of them is ridiculous.<br /> There is no better landing and starting point anywhere than Lawton’s Hill, the case with which the plane navigated over the hill yesterday, proving this.<br /> The plane is traced as coming from Reading and flying directly over Centre Street, at about 2:30 p.m. It circled around the Court House spire and then turned to the east and appeared to be seeking a landing place on Lawton’s Hill, but instead of landing turned upward, just skimming the hill. The plane then proceeded above the Pennsy tracks to St.Clair and hovered over St.Clair yards for a considerable time. It then continued to New Philadelphia, but veered to the north passing over Silver Creek. From there it went to Frackville and Ashland flying right over Broad Mountain. It passed over Ashland, Mt.Carmel, Shamokin, Sunbury and Berwick where it was last reported.<br /> It was not known who was the driver, nor where he started from. Many stories were in circulation. One had it that the machine had landed on Lawton’s Hill and that gasoline had been taken to it. Another story was that it was driven by a Port carbon boy and that it landed there. Neither story is tStu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-30420933060906475032010-08-20T09:04:00.006-04:002010-08-20T09:30:03.633-04:00THOSE DAMN 'HEX CATS'' IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ....The Albert Shinsky Story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZM1fuMC654Iker-bEADUWATxrcvbX1Trd5PYMJORDqZnGWbCQfYtBwWmC89-4EYuiH2GwsHWvtPp_Hk2aUU-IKofsSfEcDz-o4FEH_8mnkgVOVPrtXWzOmXN57TEbO1nuZFyuwbtxn8K/s1600/shinsky.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZM1fuMC654Iker-bEADUWATxrcvbX1Trd5PYMJORDqZnGWbCQfYtBwWmC89-4EYuiH2GwsHWvtPp_Hk2aUU-IKofsSfEcDz-o4FEH_8mnkgVOVPrtXWzOmXN57TEbO1nuZFyuwbtxn8K/s320/shinsky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507481129031407266" /></a><br />Pottsville Republican Headlines<br /><br />Here is an interesting story from 1934..actually the case was pretty famous and made national news.<br /><br />AGED WOMAN OF NORTH UNION TOWNSHIP VICTIM OF ASSASSIN’S BULLET.<br />Pottsville Republican March 19, 1934<br /><br /> Mrs. Susan Mummey, 64, of Ferndale, near Ringtown was shot and killed at her home early Saturday evening by an assailant who fired a shotgun at her through a first floor window.<br /> The murder was not reported until daylight Sunday morning when her adopted daughter “Totty” and a boarder Jacob Rice telephoned for a Ringtown doctor who in turn notified the Tamaqua detail of the State Police.<br /> The killing is surrounded by what the police term an element of mystery, coupled with genuine fear upon the part of the residents of the section that they too may be made a victim of the killer’s bullets.<br /> Buried behind the actual details of the killing are all the elements of a mountain feud and deep rooted hatred that has cropped to the surface time and time again during the past decade or more that has marked the appearance in the county courts of several trivial cases which only served to fire the hatred of the persons into the flame of what reached the proportions of a “Hill Billy Feud.”.<br /> Mrs. Mummery and her family lived in deadly fear that something would happen and they hid behind a reserve of fear and determination to keep their troubles to themselves.<br /> County Detective Buono said the killing bore all the ear marks of a “killer” hatred that finally culminated in one attempt to shoot the woman as she was in the house alone, and was followed by a successful when the person who did the shooting fired directly at the woman from the window as her adopted daughter stood beside her, holding a lamp.<br /> The blast of the shotgun was sufficient to extinguish the oil lamp and the two survivors waited until dawn until they gained sufficient courage to venture out of the house.<br /> According to County Detectives Louis D., Buono, and John I. Ferns who are investigating the crime. The shooting occurred at 8 o’clock Saturday evening the bullet a pumpkin ball fired from a 12 gauge shotgun entered the front window of the living room. Shattering the window glass in its course. It struck the victim in the right side passing through the lung and heart and finally lodging in the stomach. The woman was bending over a couch at the time with her daughter ministering to a lame foot of Rice.<br /> Chief Detective Buono said this morning that there was no question the women had been the victim of an assassin’s bullet and the police hoped to get the killer.<br /> The Mummey house is located two and a half miles north of Ringtown and was occupied by the dead woman, Rice and the adopted daughter “Totty”. Totty is a victim of spinal meningitis is a cripple and Rice was suffering from an injured foot. Both were so thoroughly frightened that they feared to go out side of the house dreading they to would be shot. And it was daylight before Rice ventured out and made his way to a neighbor’s home. Where he was given an auto ride to Ringtown.<br /> The police announced today that Mrs. Mummey had been threatened upon numerous occasions and they are convinced she was deliberately shot.<br /> One suspect a resident of the section was taken into custody and is being grilled by the police, who refused to revel his identity.<br /> <br />WITCH LORE MOTIVE FOR KILLING.<br />Pottsville Republican March 22, 1934<br /><br />SHENADOAH YOUTH SAYS HE SHOT AGED WOMAN BECAUSE SHE HEXED HIM.<br /><br />SHORN OF STRENGTH BY A “SPELL” CAST UPON HIM SEVEN YEARS AGO HE PLANNED TO KILL MRS. SUSAN MUMMEY<br /><br />CENTURIES OLD STRAIN OF EARLY SETTLER WITCHCRAFT FOUND BY DETECTIVES IN NORTH UNION BACKWOODS.<br /><br /> Albert Shinsky 24, of 215 E. Lloyd St, Shenandoah, confessed early this morning that he shot and killed Mrs. Susan Mummey, age 63, of Ferndale, near Ringtown. He says he did so free himself from a spell she had cast upon him seven years ago as he worked in a field a cross from the Mummey farm. The youth is a clean cut, intelligent chap in all except his hallucinations except that he has been hexed as he calls it.<br /> This morning in his cell he told a member of the republican staff. He told a weird and unbelievable story asserting that he felt hex spell leave his body immediately after when Mrs. Mummey died.<br /> Shinsky said he tramped over two miles to the house and how at last he wanted to rid himself of the hex.<br /> In her coffin Detective Bunon said she looked like a million dollars, explain that the golden hair of the elderly woman framed an attractively peaceful face.<br /> “Yes I thought she would look nice with her eyes closed,” said Shinsky, “but ,Oh those eyes when she looked at you! I could not stand them.”<br /> Several times during the examination he suddenly stopped talking looked straight ahead fixedly at the wall, then his face became clouded with the most grotesque grimaces as though of fear and pain. He appeared to be in the throes of an epileptic fit. In about eight minutes he came out of the spell and was weak., but apparently normal otherwise. He explained that whenever he saw some sharp object he could not take his eyes from it, and then it developed into a huge black cat with flaming eyes which snarled and spat at him, and continually threatened. He said he could not take his eyes from it. And in the face of the cat he could see the face of the woman he accused of hexing him.<br /> It started seven years ago, he said, when he was working on the farm. Mrs. Mummey with whom they had been having trouble over the land, came to the fence near where he was working and stood looking fixedly at him. A cold perspiration came over him. He felt a hand drop heavily across his shoulders. He could not work. He went back to the house, and since then he has been bewitched.<br /> For years he dreaded to climb the stairs to his bedroom, for, unless he trod evenly on each step, the cat sprang out at him. So it was that he has climbed into his room for years over the shed in the back of the house, and in through the window.<br /> “Those eyes!” he repeatedly murmured half to himself, “Oh, those eyes, oh how I wanted to have them closed! I could not stand them!”<br /> SOUGHT AID POE WOW DOCTORS<br /> Prior to the actual killing, Shinsky stated he on numerous occasions visited the Mummey home with the intention to kill her. Each time he drew close to the home her spell became stronger and each time he went away afraid that in killing her he was apt to bring dire results to himself.<br /> For seven years he thus suffered. He visited pow wow doctors, seven in number, each of whom gave him very little help, with the exception of one. A pow wow doctor in Hazelton seemed to have been the only one that could give him relief. This man urged him to repeat “God The Father ,God the Son, and God The Holy Ghost” each time the spell seemed to move him.<br /> This was the only help where he visited at night by a great big black cat with piercing green eyes that he said had a face resembling that of Mrs. Mummey’s. As he lay in bed this black cat visited him. It slowly crawled thru his closed bed room window and towards his bed. There it would rest itself on the side of his bed and claw at his side. It was painful torture and continued until he could gather strength enough to utter “God the Father, etc.”<br /> CAT VISITED EVERY MONTH<br /> Once a month and sometimes more often, this huge black cat would visit him and make it impossible for him to sleep. He would become ice cold, so cold that he had to get out of his bed and run around and around in his room to keep warm.<br /> After a visit from the cat he would be completely lost and bewildered. He was actually helpless and unable to work. He complained to his parents and brothers and sister, but they claimed that it was his imagination and he was to lazy to work. They tried to help him but no matter what they would do it all proved useless.<br /> When first stricken with this spell he was forced to quit his job as a miner at West Shenandoah Colliery. This, he had to do because he was without physical power and unable to do a days work. After a short vacation at home during which time he rested hoping that might help him regain his strength he went to Newark to work.<br /> Figuring that separating himself many hundreds of miles fro Mrs. Mummey might help him, he accepted a position with the Western Electric Company of Newark. He had a responsible position there, but after<br /><br /><br /><br />SCENE OF ‘HEX’ KILLING L;OCATED IN REGION ONE OF EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS<br /><br /> The scene of the Mummey killing is in the heart of a region that was one of the earliest settlements of Schuylkill County and one which owes practically all of its early blood to Berks county immigration among which class is found much of the old “Hex” folk lore. In the foothills of the Mahantongo mountain range extending from the Susquehanna to the Lehigh, the North Union Twp. Tracts are directly in the territory of “Line Mountain” so called because it marked the southern boundary of Indian settlements and the northern early treaty arrangements for the white man incursion in what is originally labeled as Impenetrable wilderness.<br /> In the Northeastern corner of Schuylkill county near the headwaters of both the Little A Schuylkill and the Catawissa, the early migrations made their way into what is now Union Twp. And settled with saw mills and grist mills the chief means of occupation.<br /> Residents of the territory say evidence of the “Witchcraft” days still abound. “Hex” markings are to be found at intervals and the county detectives have been regaled with stories of spells and counter spells being placed on the cows, horses, mules chickens and other farm attributes.<br /> It was a spell of this type that Shinsky claims was cast upon him as he worked on his farm and which caused him the eight years of visitations by the Hex Cat” and culminated in murder.<br /> The detectives working on the case class the general conditions as one of illiteracy mixed with a wealth of folk lore and a combination of the early Dutch beliefs and the “Hill Billies” of the Southern Appalachian chain.<br /> The case is the second one of its type to develop in Schuylkill county the famous “Hex Cat” case of the Tumbling Run Valley also an early trail of the settlers, causing much attention a quarter of a century ago. This case was marked chiefly by arson outbreaks or threats of arson and “silver” Bullets” were molded to ward off the visit of the evil animals. The site of this outbreak to this day is known as the Hex Cat and is abandoned.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQNMYNmFdPrLz_7odhSxr7NaamgOhlFFPR_YTt8-0dzCZ3pmgv-MSnWHEyhuEVfChWPkKtKtCYdJ355rJIQfUFXj64A2mxwheV4RnkM7w3gC0_VTRjp0c6zV614euRGQol3Sy1i128jS7/s1600/blkcat2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQNMYNmFdPrLz_7odhSxr7NaamgOhlFFPR_YTt8-0dzCZ3pmgv-MSnWHEyhuEVfChWPkKtKtCYdJ355rJIQfUFXj64A2mxwheV4RnkM7w3gC0_VTRjp0c6zV614euRGQol3Sy1i128jS7/s320/blkcat2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507479162851691906" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>HERE IS ANOTHER STORY...I WANT TO DO MORE RESEARCH ON THIS ONE!</strong><br /><br />Pottsville..September 28, 1911<br /><br />HEX CAT DODGES BULLETS OF GOLD<br />Feline Blamed For Casting Spell Over Family<br />________________________________________<br />PEOPLE STIRRED BY STORY<br />________________________________________<br />While Hex Tales From Tumbling Run Have Created Derision, the Authorities Are Suprised at Number of Weird Complaints<br /><br />In the gray of the early morning a score of the more intrepid farmers of Tumbling Run Valley and a few interested ones, on invitations given by Miss Mary Isabella Thomas, who alleges that a “hex” or witch has placed a spell on the family through the machinations of a relative living in Orwigsburg, watched in vain for the appearance at the farm house of the black cat, which the young woman says has assumed gigantic shape, at times reaching the maximum height of four feet. They waited with a gun loaded with a gold bullet, but the feline for the first time in many weeks failed to put in an appearance.<br />Spirit Frightened Away<br />Some of her waiting guests believe the evil spirit was frightened away by reason of the fact that they carried Bibles, crucifixes, and talismans to break witches’ spells. Miss Thomas says that the big cat will surely appear some morning, and then either she or her uncle will shoot it with the golden bullet. They have great faith in the precious metal messenger of death, although lead bullets tailed them on other occasions. Miss Thomas has taken up her residence with a neighbor, and the haunted farmhouse has been deserted.<br />Since she made public her statements that a “hex” is following the family, she has had five offers of marriage. She has decided to accept none of them. Mrs. Sarah Potts has offered to give her sister, Mary, a home with her, despite the fact that she is named by the latter as being the author of the family’s misfortunes. Miss Thomas still possesses charms sent to her by a California witch doctor, and she says that she will guard them closely for future use.<br /><br /><br />Farmers Wrought Up<br />The farmers of the Tumbling Run Valley are greatly wrought up over this mysterious “hex” case and want the strange affair thoroughly sifted to the bottom. The Republican, of Pottsville, the largest daily, in an editorial asks for an investigation.<br />While the “hex” stories from Tumbling Run have created derision and laughter in Pottsville, the authorities were surprised at the number of weird complaints which came in from that vicinity. One farmer, who has brought a large quantity of milk from the Tumbling Run Valley for many years, declares that the fresh fluid was discolored as he brought it to market. There were also three automobile accidents in that vicinity.Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-71183078016244591822010-08-15T09:28:00.032-04:002010-08-15T11:14:45.513-04:0026TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT COAL MINERS PICNIC, HEGINS, PA. AUGUST 14, 2010While performing as the “Breaker Boys” Tommy Symons and I have had some great times. We have made many friends, and have had the pleasure of meeting many people. But nobody, compares to the wonderful friendship that the anthracite coal miners and their families have given us.. As we have always said, the greatest honor we ever had was to be asked to perform at "The Independent Coal Miners Picnic" in our home area.<br /><br />The “Breaker Boys” want to thank David A. Lucas and his family for giving us the opportunity to perform songs about the coal miners, and to sing and write their stories back into history..<br /><br />This Years Posters...Tag all photos to enlarge<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDqUffj6S36ciL0rgxLyW3KU_si21BWOmPyaqXxs7ydBgcFRl_lsqtvVlrEqwspQqAt3aAZJZZzTlmYJsPORfQxKlYYjOGkiwGQULHj43AW9NC1ouW8CPxqTyDjROc4WDHHnSGlSvYRZp/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDqUffj6S36ciL0rgxLyW3KU_si21BWOmPyaqXxs7ydBgcFRl_lsqtvVlrEqwspQqAt3aAZJZZzTlmYJsPORfQxKlYYjOGkiwGQULHj43AW9NC1ouW8CPxqTyDjROc4WDHHnSGlSvYRZp/s400/IMG_7471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505649050312456754" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS0AN2MYf1PgQ53ZifKOD8BeAfXkSivm1NSv3GoAnGxhr71PK7qp8m2dAqEgT1ySLAo57lJSsGCL3QdkkZqc5-xXJQQ4uzKEBEVr3GV8RVHNpdrRuLjiODWGjMhsTEvGjfBYrDS9Abqie/s1600/IMG_7472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS0AN2MYf1PgQ53ZifKOD8BeAfXkSivm1NSv3GoAnGxhr71PK7qp8m2dAqEgT1ySLAo57lJSsGCL3QdkkZqc5-xXJQQ4uzKEBEVr3GV8RVHNpdrRuLjiODWGjMhsTEvGjfBYrDS9Abqie/s400/IMG_7472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505649475417856898" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0reCTaTILMVEvkg3iV1ISHD6eAnFTg7izGKPs3Z2seKO_gIp6zvInHivrg2fJGXm6eLTWm5EvzH6EfVLpPKm3hp12qlbULrjXxfXeeNIn2GGHKxfzVYoauW4W7i4G66RB3Y46y5GiohqD/s1600/IMG_7473.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0reCTaTILMVEvkg3iV1ISHD6eAnFTg7izGKPs3Z2seKO_gIp6zvInHivrg2fJGXm6eLTWm5EvzH6EfVLpPKm3hp12qlbULrjXxfXeeNIn2GGHKxfzVYoauW4W7i4G66RB3Y46y5GiohqD/s400/IMG_7473.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505649860133046322" /></a><br /><br /><br />A few Scenes From The 26th Annual Independent Coal Miners Picnic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cUH4ja35SNdVoUZ46Fyr3NkKpojFpI0x726QhaeDN70mxV1qiU6Uq3fOWjGOYUnce04u5QYE1J6lejzbfMsD17WvUJXXw5Kt7Z7jBlXE2ngXw0IpVhDeix_x-HDI6Nh5tBM-FGZ_5win/s1600/IMG_7426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cUH4ja35SNdVoUZ46Fyr3NkKpojFpI0x726QhaeDN70mxV1qiU6Uq3fOWjGOYUnce04u5QYE1J6lejzbfMsD17WvUJXXw5Kt7Z7jBlXE2ngXw0IpVhDeix_x-HDI6Nh5tBM-FGZ_5win/s320/IMG_7426.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505628481081261826" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn70emV98U79tRpM3FllS9_oJy8ao9zS585dL7iH8ODHsDYfpx2qP4alJqSY_kJ3QcShT7x0Ao36LPupV7gNio0tuTqChlAXAd_5KRmoLiDUIxHHlpH1GxKu_FyPruBWozS2PvYtgu-Qe/s1600/IMG_7425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn70emV98U79tRpM3FllS9_oJy8ao9zS585dL7iH8ODHsDYfpx2qP4alJqSY_kJ3QcShT7x0Ao36LPupV7gNio0tuTqChlAXAd_5KRmoLiDUIxHHlpH1GxKu_FyPruBWozS2PvYtgu-Qe/s320/IMG_7425.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505629191163998034" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNIvjBD2ZSzDWiXcfWGt64KvqIjLgd3Dt-zhadr_i2oQehSzEVesy2VLqkYnJTYgKoqBSEp-PFrf8n7osx3_aHUwfRpcVytWIS-dCOgmyIqecLjSknUzDDTXULaIom6VlOsBqxDtYs8Gy/s1600/IMG_7427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNIvjBD2ZSzDWiXcfWGt64KvqIjLgd3Dt-zhadr_i2oQehSzEVesy2VLqkYnJTYgKoqBSEp-PFrf8n7osx3_aHUwfRpcVytWIS-dCOgmyIqecLjSknUzDDTXULaIom6VlOsBqxDtYs8Gy/s320/IMG_7427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505629517456344114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKqoW7THgtaj7W9zB068ykyZ5Ctn7hVwyRno3V1vxDMKP_-CCptLExZBeTVuBEyh4_AeBXIsxMHsgBNFu3hzDWvmax1ud_QbC6Qplrh3i51NUwxuGyDlUiiDh82WoUMt_Mv8tE4hO44Jv/s1600/IMG_7459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKqoW7THgtaj7W9zB068ykyZ5Ctn7hVwyRno3V1vxDMKP_-CCptLExZBeTVuBEyh4_AeBXIsxMHsgBNFu3hzDWvmax1ud_QbC6Qplrh3i51NUwxuGyDlUiiDh82WoUMt_Mv8tE4hO44Jv/s320/IMG_7459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505634267632793106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV9EEIVczb0-YK4GJp1Hg2YUZTPyoB2O7M6dr64Dq87BfLly75Kx4t36qdI0DlsqagxEB7YRbnb-QjnjIy6xcdehtx0V-wiHxZvhbowTh-8B5GPIxJEavJE8h9q6TesPn4joizsiyFQOz/s1600/IMG_7458.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV9EEIVczb0-YK4GJp1Hg2YUZTPyoB2O7M6dr64Dq87BfLly75Kx4t36qdI0DlsqagxEB7YRbnb-QjnjIy6xcdehtx0V-wiHxZvhbowTh-8B5GPIxJEavJE8h9q6TesPn4joizsiyFQOz/s320/IMG_7458.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505634900926878994" /></a><br />The Breaker Boys Tommy Symons and Stu Richards with David A Lucas, and State Senator David A. Argall who came and pledged his support to the Independent Coal Miners.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7C3aBIdrShb6Qqof3ndtyR8xaqJiK8Pxbm7PXdD1JlRpF5gHILrKDPFv3FdkLSikfmcS7NKNM8t_NmYGDVl7HCjhjFj_lQBj8TUnBODcP2fE1GQlWQ61boAwE9rX9k70Ms2hSI_mVXvZ/s1600/IMG_7462.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7C3aBIdrShb6Qqof3ndtyR8xaqJiK8Pxbm7PXdD1JlRpF5gHILrKDPFv3FdkLSikfmcS7NKNM8t_NmYGDVl7HCjhjFj_lQBj8TUnBODcP2fE1GQlWQ61boAwE9rX9k70Ms2hSI_mVXvZ/s320/IMG_7462.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505635474159967346" /></a><br />The Breaker Boys and Senator Argall singing "When The Breakers Go Back On Full Time"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-coMKf94MQv_2psx_uEMDBtVwKib_9AuNP4vFoohqiTBPgaMBvX1BM9zU6Z210S8wz3fLz2V3Cc7OjpWD3yeROfLvifYUt4VUyGQeJ4hKvmMMZX1gHzj8tv0jHfYY9J2jhlgzWjMqwnuv/s1600/IMG_7444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-coMKf94MQv_2psx_uEMDBtVwKib_9AuNP4vFoohqiTBPgaMBvX1BM9zU6Z210S8wz3fLz2V3Cc7OjpWD3yeROfLvifYUt4VUyGQeJ4hKvmMMZX1gHzj8tv0jHfYY9J2jhlgzWjMqwnuv/s320/IMG_7444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505636197008414274" /></a><br />The Boys With David A....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPG2w2rrnbWC6k9xEi5ZXyVvmJpBVbe_-FTqj6J9Vhde4k__DZ1BzT-rcp_gg3KfUouaIipmfYnfgIVHpy3Qdb9pawxWLoRCxDMleRZtF6imwffSiC2kDrdCa6EfMBIPQJiLBilI_9m82/s1600/IMG_7452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPG2w2rrnbWC6k9xEi5ZXyVvmJpBVbe_-FTqj6J9Vhde4k__DZ1BzT-rcp_gg3KfUouaIipmfYnfgIVHpy3Qdb9pawxWLoRCxDMleRZtF6imwffSiC2kDrdCa6EfMBIPQJiLBilI_9m82/s320/IMG_7452.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505641558710318690" /></a><br />David Listening to our Song about him.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xdY4x26GlGAoVeTBvwzPETMIGrsnv5LaCt7qH80t0de0r2eqjgPrhH1IWZD88Cq9sZ-eRIkW2gq8u894BB7DFIC9DuF7Qa0Gdh03ZPZuEuCjk502F1KRtiZrlNY62JTlSB8E-c6waTfn/s1600/IMG_7454.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xdY4x26GlGAoVeTBvwzPETMIGrsnv5LaCt7qH80t0de0r2eqjgPrhH1IWZD88Cq9sZ-eRIkW2gq8u894BB7DFIC9DuF7Qa0Gdh03ZPZuEuCjk502F1KRtiZrlNY62JTlSB8E-c6waTfn/s320/IMG_7454.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505642106634551202" /></a><br />Tommy Symons Takin about "Intelligence"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o6r-l_35P7PB9J7gW3XG1uqkpzqqB8YGclci4yPpUsJ7EPwV-ns4-f4rzuNLaiwAHB7gEKgmQnf5vr2Suyd8PWGcwnX1efW7sBSoWtdv4vHB0xCe9iq-JgVDrWhsbU_4tRa_8ZiPt5Ot/s1600/IMG_7456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o6r-l_35P7PB9J7gW3XG1uqkpzqqB8YGclci4yPpUsJ7EPwV-ns4-f4rzuNLaiwAHB7gEKgmQnf5vr2Suyd8PWGcwnX1efW7sBSoWtdv4vHB0xCe9iq-JgVDrWhsbU_4tRa_8ZiPt5Ot/s320/IMG_7456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505642856221210866" /></a><br />Acting out the song, The Star of the County Down"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqir6f7yt24F-UPDrJ0F-Q4EqIKrWJMDh5qaGoXL7vyaqTSpn1MulrJMFL1IuYSfOHccpEuJXWUk0dcVNGCl1if4zmI4ISM9WslVoUrtM6irlbbUcLt8Bhz4DQDU7tI-i-z-gyHJ66t26p/s1600/IMG_7463.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqir6f7yt24F-UPDrJ0F-Q4EqIKrWJMDh5qaGoXL7vyaqTSpn1MulrJMFL1IuYSfOHccpEuJXWUk0dcVNGCl1if4zmI4ISM9WslVoUrtM6irlbbUcLt8Bhz4DQDU7tI-i-z-gyHJ66t26p/s320/IMG_7463.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505643475662990578" /></a><br />Tommy teaching the young lad "Steve Forgotch" how to play the banjo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwFYT8pOYgQtB0OjQ8doYwgrdnXadCOOlrb0zt1m2ni23HgczpzQF8bJgzkWLUfT4wX-Ixxh1Ga9FnAPFtvE1WDY5ZeHRuZmYE6N6AZRHxOKv82N8Pm9poMgNrhygFnEHaUAIlmZqra7Y/s1600/IMG_7467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwFYT8pOYgQtB0OjQ8doYwgrdnXadCOOlrb0zt1m2ni23HgczpzQF8bJgzkWLUfT4wX-Ixxh1Ga9FnAPFtvE1WDY5ZeHRuZmYE6N6AZRHxOKv82N8Pm9poMgNrhygFnEHaUAIlmZqra7Y/s320/IMG_7467.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505644689309163074" /></a><br />Tommy playing Nose Music????? Don't ask me!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH9SjvnV7a_1cljZNFjDnhkgnyZrQ-h9mse1xThYdtc2TCdT0_7sk2NJ3-APMsUTuoeLsM5L-bUi90-O6b4V46LJHgn1uULLDUgp0cRa1bRKMezk0cMEncRE8KILwRZFW1745o7WVL5yt/s1600/IMG_7468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH9SjvnV7a_1cljZNFjDnhkgnyZrQ-h9mse1xThYdtc2TCdT0_7sk2NJ3-APMsUTuoeLsM5L-bUi90-O6b4V46LJHgn1uULLDUgp0cRa1bRKMezk0cMEncRE8KILwRZFW1745o7WVL5yt/s320/IMG_7468.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505645232297062690" /></a><br />Pastor saying the prayer for the miners and the traditional reading of the names on this years glass mug.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytDgd3bZOfoAkKbAmA2uBgsgLrzqjt3lu5X_Mseh3OXf5JpRz4JxoT1YCRKW5f_mK-SSaepgbLzvwGx6eul6V40wOg9Ug1WS9AfGktJxCNBIPvalS98tNNcKhDotqmQla9D4qKR0h03c/s1600/IMG_7431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytDgd3bZOfoAkKbAmA2uBgsgLrzqjt3lu5X_Mseh3OXf5JpRz4JxoT1YCRKW5f_mK-SSaepgbLzvwGx6eul6V40wOg9Ug1WS9AfGktJxCNBIPvalS98tNNcKhDotqmQla9D4qKR0h03c/s400/IMG_7431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505651152010113218" /></a><br /><br />Me, With the one and only David A. Lucas, without his hard work and efforts there would be no Miners Picnic.<br /><br />Anthracite Coal Miners, family and Friends at this years picnic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlH0tZEpaH9rUXD1JBFqNeP2g4eE576qKoBGoEKS6RSyxrXi6ONE_Xl3GVwqNjER2Ugeb3nQ1TmUCrJRdOIHUnNC478w5fkV6g-m8K5ecCJlZEOH8FjWxiwL9L4FZIQdG8U6_hsvopnlE/s1600/IMG_7418.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlH0tZEpaH9rUXD1JBFqNeP2g4eE576qKoBGoEKS6RSyxrXi6ONE_Xl3GVwqNjER2Ugeb3nQ1TmUCrJRdOIHUnNC478w5fkV6g-m8K5ecCJlZEOH8FjWxiwL9L4FZIQdG8U6_hsvopnlE/s320/IMG_7418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632727282074418" /></a><br />When you get asked to do your thing at this event..You have to be good!<br />DJ Golddust...Some Great Music<br />IF YOU NEED A DJ THIS IS THE GUY.EXCELLENT.....IF YOUR LOOKING TO BOOK DJ GOLDDUST <br />YOU CAN CALL DJ GOLDUST @ 717 365 0901 <br />570 682 9248<br />CELL 717 856 5006<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3q0wGZcCCBCHvwU6Ku7zfI12-Eba-X2L0Hdm4amnN5ldxKNdh_HFv8zKfFmqInR_QmfQQtvHQcnOKqqCehijE00FouQh-1IEYZh-S-ilK0n-cDZnIv3zPDDtPfC8olZVwb4dKO-BZn9m/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3q0wGZcCCBCHvwU6Ku7zfI12-Eba-X2L0Hdm4amnN5ldxKNdh_HFv8zKfFmqInR_QmfQQtvHQcnOKqqCehijE00FouQh-1IEYZh-S-ilK0n-cDZnIv3zPDDtPfC8olZVwb4dKO-BZn9m/s320/IMG_7433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505630427770802802" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-KxD58DFTGzNo9rcNOVngHRGuPkyl6b9k72YqUG998jPPW6PqUiaFbBZPgwX3Cspn7gXEug7sZ3zIbxoEg355gAWCApuJR_lwt1FhviAAG8EgTuxlYfGUyW565a_6hqPRjf3cYaFtIOy/s1600/IMG_7422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-KxD58DFTGzNo9rcNOVngHRGuPkyl6b9k72YqUG998jPPW6PqUiaFbBZPgwX3Cspn7gXEug7sZ3zIbxoEg355gAWCApuJR_lwt1FhviAAG8EgTuxlYfGUyW565a_6hqPRjf3cYaFtIOy/s320/IMG_7422.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505631003722376178" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyivoQIgEu_2vf5YbrrDV62PimcTYHoHdXqBCvrMDHMjXX3q20D3g4ZjBXRPK8Fw79pTKN1SAn7TfBpwvEDz-t27rAbGRk2wWkDfsw1mJ6N_XE1c1kzhrTeiZ9ApAV4RONTnnb3NDQufW/s1600/IMG_7437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyivoQIgEu_2vf5YbrrDV62PimcTYHoHdXqBCvrMDHMjXX3q20D3g4ZjBXRPK8Fw79pTKN1SAn7TfBpwvEDz-t27rAbGRk2wWkDfsw1mJ6N_XE1c1kzhrTeiZ9ApAV4RONTnnb3NDQufW/s320/IMG_7437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505631400857397378" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfNm0XoY0G0fjfQdAx_BO5WQwCrIFt5KcXwGe0YRHIBbgFSWBV9odQc_7GG4CQJR08Ty6-DU6iXi5Ueu8Kq1VKrNxszqhIEvulgsxF28ZRVkcpl8lqADYDZqxJFf7fP88eAfz-k7CANV-/s1600/IMG_7417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfNm0XoY0G0fjfQdAx_BO5WQwCrIFt5KcXwGe0YRHIBbgFSWBV9odQc_7GG4CQJR08Ty6-DU6iXi5Ueu8Kq1VKrNxszqhIEvulgsxF28ZRVkcpl8lqADYDZqxJFf7fP88eAfz-k7CANV-/s320/IMG_7417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505631709722790018" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMk9Nbmz4vNC_pQGw_IpWd6EACPP_nd7ZuQBg6h8g1FhvppY-YffYgWWtkcuVPhJhNurZ_0n2blNpvTfp_xsYmhFAeTlxEVsW6hS6gTKXwA_kGXRJjhliSkB5Ao5wLnzh_CW8ZXV_Y9ys/s1600/IMG_7439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMk9Nbmz4vNC_pQGw_IpWd6EACPP_nd7ZuQBg6h8g1FhvppY-YffYgWWtkcuVPhJhNurZ_0n2blNpvTfp_xsYmhFAeTlxEVsW6hS6gTKXwA_kGXRJjhliSkB5Ao5wLnzh_CW8ZXV_Y9ys/s320/IMG_7439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632087006600658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ84JwpTVv_Qu-VvKjpeVKKDEOASM_zPZgTLRNxBmpcy6i81NTo11yTxVxZ0PQW4JEVJZr_Q7Jlvvv6PaVL1a7PBN_njHKUoBSIb_wTtFFmD3bEy_IG-2JCwSl1onF0Mo-m0a0GX7TkgU/s1600/IMG_7443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ84JwpTVv_Qu-VvKjpeVKKDEOASM_zPZgTLRNxBmpcy6i81NTo11yTxVxZ0PQW4JEVJZr_Q7Jlvvv6PaVL1a7PBN_njHKUoBSIb_wTtFFmD3bEy_IG-2JCwSl1onF0Mo-m0a0GX7TkgU/s320/IMG_7443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632400821498706" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxpe__ejX0q5-wwy02JBh0iC8K-Jo8XfWAvkny_U9vCzMTwidMTusPMWQM5aK6Tybd8csMZ8TNK-sQKTlm5UNb7IjzQUFraiP-ZiUdoWL3teinccRnKHLiIhkTw7A5z_CmmDOwRnAbUNh/s1600/IMG_7450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxpe__ejX0q5-wwy02JBh0iC8K-Jo8XfWAvkny_U9vCzMTwidMTusPMWQM5aK6Tybd8csMZ8TNK-sQKTlm5UNb7IjzQUFraiP-ZiUdoWL3teinccRnKHLiIhkTw7A5z_CmmDOwRnAbUNh/s320/IMG_7450.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505633348768431106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mTaTDuxZOmEglnR-r0_vGW7ssZvzHrnILHSoMNzlpeoB0u6tZo07WhHlZW_VoCxn3JZeY9X96Vz2kmD4UmsM6AaKj9gHptVMvQVNPtDjQ2qwP81JuMtURCMQIfy86l-v4IfIZ7Q8Nq2B/s1600/IMG_7451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mTaTDuxZOmEglnR-r0_vGW7ssZvzHrnILHSoMNzlpeoB0u6tZo07WhHlZW_VoCxn3JZeY9X96Vz2kmD4UmsM6AaKj9gHptVMvQVNPtDjQ2qwP81JuMtURCMQIfy86l-v4IfIZ7Q8Nq2B/s320/IMG_7451.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505633932594558610" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0-teE0uG-KKy84XvTn2ZxKJF1xOLdeNrnBzxHCGfd4m51x8IoxtP5o3RUdlXt7GYSRNL7qCkYenihg_7NyWMVnuPGqu9nDK8dmgU9puBGIP3NDTShc7V6TGRDAfF89frU5lebZYI-xwY/s1600/IMG_7435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0-teE0uG-KKy84XvTn2ZxKJF1xOLdeNrnBzxHCGfd4m51x8IoxtP5o3RUdlXt7GYSRNL7qCkYenihg_7NyWMVnuPGqu9nDK8dmgU9puBGIP3NDTShc7V6TGRDAfF89frU5lebZYI-xwY/s320/IMG_7435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505651762686003298" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDylh40KptaXyb5FbzVs7dWpfVP4J3CRGLetyN8QB7S39KH8hRZ3Ja04hmTO9DS3YrCnY5sfaJDY66pOL3kyyVDLKtOitqHJpT_WDhBDHUpjNesERyvZXBbOPnGMrtxtH7jyx1HSsiGmo/s1600/IMG_7443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDylh40KptaXyb5FbzVs7dWpfVP4J3CRGLetyN8QB7S39KH8hRZ3Ja04hmTO9DS3YrCnY5sfaJDY66pOL3kyyVDLKtOitqHJpT_WDhBDHUpjNesERyvZXBbOPnGMrtxtH7jyx1HSsiGmo/s320/IMG_7443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505652054596791906" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFNOPQeO8vDXxqz5wPh1AEfGCAo7MMn-_peCoZV3XbuDToo-iE286ebc98AWDIXqLc9TmiBf68PI1RGgsSYPSTRFKD65d39pnMvzWyGosltXwfieFIGtn-mhBEbbRNI6ppRtqGCbXPBQW/s1600/IMG_7464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFNOPQeO8vDXxqz5wPh1AEfGCAo7MMn-_peCoZV3XbuDToo-iE286ebc98AWDIXqLc9TmiBf68PI1RGgsSYPSTRFKD65d39pnMvzWyGosltXwfieFIGtn-mhBEbbRNI6ppRtqGCbXPBQW/s320/IMG_7464.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505652461110931730" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoWaJIm79Ro3K3v6OSu6GC9J-c8GQYaW3g2TRsbghn_70WNb29ECummMagJcDYeqlER4_XfeCccatqsaYEAQ4T31EO6cD9kN-Gctls8XMw5kHT4pvjMKao1Q9CtRPYwRdniwxSjB1TFmQ/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoWaJIm79Ro3K3v6OSu6GC9J-c8GQYaW3g2TRsbghn_70WNb29ECummMagJcDYeqlER4_XfeCccatqsaYEAQ4T31EO6cD9kN-Gctls8XMw5kHT4pvjMKao1Q9CtRPYwRdniwxSjB1TFmQ/s320/IMG_7429.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505652957221674002" /></a>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-78665894529178435232010-07-28T19:42:00.005-04:002010-07-28T20:13:35.544-04:00Miner Folklore And Superstitions ...And Pay Scales For Luke Fiddler Colliery 1877<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZyinzUuLDZ4kjGXEfEGBK14Yb4Z5Dtgbdk662LmjjPGqc8Unt-Wu15nSXronTAbGB2dtdWgDTxjvx8QUwHVr0eY-AjH3o3mjlbjEpMo3O-MuVOqdrI51Iobb5LvbF-4OB3sFdkpFCxqT/s1600/coal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZyinzUuLDZ4kjGXEfEGBK14Yb4Z5Dtgbdk662LmjjPGqc8Unt-Wu15nSXronTAbGB2dtdWgDTxjvx8QUwHVr0eY-AjH3o3mjlbjEpMo3O-MuVOqdrI51Iobb5LvbF-4OB3sFdkpFCxqT/s320/coal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499106974144791762" /></a><br /><br />Some Interesting Miner Folklore.<br />And Superstitions.<br /><br /><br />1. It was bad luck to enter a mine if you met a red headed woman on the way to work.<br /><br />2. You never changed your job or moved your family on a Friday.<br /><br />3. The howling of a dog meant the death in a family the next day.<br /><br />4. Whenever a miner was killed in the mines, all the employees went home and did not return to work until after the funeral.<br /><br />5. The crumbs left in a miners dinner pail were supposed to be gifted with supernatural powers.<br /><br />6. Powder smoke was recognized as a cure fro whooping cough.<br /><br />7. Pow wowers and Hex women were supposed to be gifted women.<br /> A. If they blew their breath into the mouth of a child they could cure a sore throat.<br /> B. The seventh child of the seventh son had the power to cure a fever.<br /><br />8. Early miners celebrated the " Feast of Mary Goes Over The Mountain " and believed if it rained on that day it would rain for 40 days.<br /><br />9. June 25 was " Mid Summer Day " and bonfires were built on hillsides and young girls would see the vision of their future husbands in the dancing flames.<br /><br />10 White rats in the mine had talents unknown they got into the feed of the mules and stayed under ground their whole lives. They stole and thrived on the food from the miners.<br /><br />11. The mine rat knew of impending danger, when they ran for safety so did the miners. If a man had six senses then the mine rat had seven or eight. Every time they ran there was either a fall of coal or a gas explosion.<br /><br />12. They say a miner killed underground, his ghost will return to finish the job.<br /><br />13. When an Irish miner died professional criers were hired to wail and howl at the miners wake. There was a saying " That to hear the Irish cry is to never forget it."<br /><br />14. It was also bad luck for a woman to enter the mine, because certain women could put a curse on the mine.<br /><br />15. Miners believed that mules could see ghosts and spirits, that the miners couldn't see.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlyR9CJosuzHvCkVNk8KFFYBub-4iWxBpgM-tEKnvivzfKh8jHcLjcrNIqi_T3JGpaXnK2hGDBDRrErWlgTaqWi8Xzh9lw2UQnhcJyrQqn09RjJzSdSLaTBLudODRPcolaynY44UjZaVG/s1600/Luke%2520Fiddler%2520Colliery.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlyR9CJosuzHvCkVNk8KFFYBub-4iWxBpgM-tEKnvivzfKh8jHcLjcrNIqi_T3JGpaXnK2hGDBDRrErWlgTaqWi8Xzh9lw2UQnhcJyrQqn09RjJzSdSLaTBLudODRPcolaynY44UjZaVG/s320/Luke%2520Fiddler%2520Colliery.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499114460560898434" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Below is the pay scales for the Luke Fiddler Colliery. Included are the occupations/ the number employed/ and the pay scale.<br /><br /><strong>The Luke Fiddler Colliery<br />Near Shamokin, Pa.<br />August, 1877<br />Payroll</strong><br /><br /><strong>OUTSIDE</strong><br /><br />1. Outside Boss 1 $ 66.64 per month.<br />2. Clerk 1 48.00 per month.<br />3. Civil Engineer 1 30.00 per month.<br />4. Stable Boss 1 40.00 per month.<br />5. Stable Helper 1 28.00 per month.<br />6. Watchman 1 1.08 per day rate.<br /> 1.50 per day rate.<br /><br />7. Teamster 1 1.00 per day rate.<br />8. Blacksmith 3 1.83 per day rate.<br /> 1.58 per day rate.<br />9. Blacksmith Helper. 1.13 per day rate.<br /><br />10. Chief Carpenter 1 30.00 per 1/2 month.<br />11. Carpenter Repair 2 1.46 per day rate.<br /> 1.37 per day rate.<br /><br />12. Engineer 1 1.58 per day rate.<br /><br />13. Fireman 2 1.25 per day rate.<br /> 1.08 per day rate.<br />14. Laborer 7 .83 per day rate.<br /> 1.00 per day rate.<br /> 1.17 per day rate.<br /><br />15. Car Loader 1.17 per day rate.<br /><br />16. Dirt Bank 9 1.04 per day rate.<br /> .67 per day rate.<br /> .91 per day rate.<br /> .79 per day rate.<br /><br />17. Rock Bank 2 .83 per day rate.<br /><br />18. Tipman 2 1.17 per day rate.<br /> 1.00 per day rate.<br /><br />19. Rollerman 5 1.04 per day rate.<br /> .97 per day rate.<br /> .67 per day rate.<br /><br />20. Chute Boss 1 1.58 per day rate.<br /><br />21. Slate Pickers 68 .42 per day rate.<br /> .50 Per day rate.<br /> .65 per day rate.<br /><br /><strong>Luke Fidler Colliery<br />August 1877</strong><br /><br />During the month of August most of the pickers only worked a total of 8 days.<br /><br />22. Mason Repair 1 $2.00 per day rate.<br /><br />23. Hauling Timber 2 4.00 per day rate.<br /><br /><strong>INSIDE</strong><br /><br /><br />24. Inside Boss 1 80.00 per month.<br /><br />25. Repairman 6 1.50 per day rate.<br /> 1.33 per day rate.<br /> 1.20 per day rate.<br /><br />26. Bottom Slope 2 1.04 per day rate.<br /><br />27. Runner 2 1.04 per day rate.<br /><br />28. Plane Man 2 1.33 per day rate.<br /><br />29. Driver Boss 1 1.50 per day rate.<br /><br />30. Drivers 18 1.04 per day rate.<br /> .84 per day rate.<br /> .92 per day rate.<br /><br />31. Oiler 1 .94 per day rate.<br /><br />32. Door Boy 2 .67 per day rate<br /> .62 per day rate.<br /><br />33. Switch Boy 2 .62 per day rate.<br /><br />34. Shaft Engineer 1 1.58 per day rate.<br /><br />35. Pumpman 1 1.57 per day rate.<br /><br />36. Top of Shaft 3 1.12 per day rate.<br /><br />37. Bottom of Shaft 1 1.12 per day rate.<br /><br />38. Miners in Gangway 4 1.25 per day rate.<br /> 1.04 per day rate.<br /><br />39. Miners in Airways 2 1.21 per day rate.<br /><br />40. Coal Car Pushers 17 .58 per day rate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Gangways</strong><br /><br />41. East No. 9 Vein 3 <br /> Miner 2.50 per yard.<br /> Miner Slate 2.00 per yard<br /> Miner 33 cars @ .50 /car<br /> Laborers 4 1.17 per day rate.<br /><br />42. Short Plane 1<br /> Miner 2.00 per yard. 22 cars @ .45 /car.<br /><br />43. West No. 8 Vein<br /> Miners 2 2.00 per yard.<br /> 31 cars @ .41 /car.<br /> Laborers 2 1.08 per day rate.<br /><br />44. Long Plane East No.9<br /> Miners 2 1.75 per yard<br /> 29 cars @ .45 /car.<br /><br />45. Breasts Chutes and Headings.<br /> 103 Miners.<br /><br /> .50 per car load.<br /> .45 per car load.<br /><br /> Heading 1.50 per yard.<br /> Chute 1.00 per yard<br /> Platform .75 per yard.<br /> <br /> Laborers 1.17 per day rate.<br /> <br /> Breast 14 Chute 2.00 per yard.<br /><br />46. Swamp Counter<br /> Miners 3 .45 per car load.<br /> Laborers 2 1.04 per day.<br /><br />47. Car Agent 1 40.00 per 1/2 month.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOIyxvySquSUIpq29yhmXU0hN_zBQMvFnzPLv8tfMm2XOIZ69FNMwxId1tul7JGfESX_w3U_pwek1VFoPbHTYQnndokiPy5igB5T1XENFn9tZYPZuAONh6StwmoaW3n5azYex-8S2S_AC/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOIyxvySquSUIpq29yhmXU0hN_zBQMvFnzPLv8tfMm2XOIZ69FNMwxId1tul7JGfESX_w3U_pwek1VFoPbHTYQnndokiPy5igB5T1XENFn9tZYPZuAONh6StwmoaW3n5azYex-8S2S_AC/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499112383907342754" /></a>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-54926688760266008152010-06-23T13:31:00.002-04:002010-06-23T13:33:46.386-04:00CALL ME KATE....Meeting the Molly MaguiresA Great New Historical Novel About Coal Region History<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosfZCB1Rlrw9f0X2MsDdVciaZKFJvoTuPWmkVFdz-aj7F1gxzGNXJLWGFT0cWY4FiHbPxcydiFxwSPqE0-A0FDIVmuIPSbz5b7sHe55HH3TXkQZ7Ft9kD8ApKh0mpw2OfLIXMjvGx6H_z/s1600/call+me.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosfZCB1Rlrw9f0X2MsDdVciaZKFJvoTuPWmkVFdz-aj7F1gxzGNXJLWGFT0cWY4FiHbPxcydiFxwSPqE0-A0FDIVmuIPSbz5b7sHe55HH3TXkQZ7Ft9kD8ApKh0mpw2OfLIXMjvGx6H_z/s400/call+me.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486023507312292834" /></a><br /><br />Call Me Kate: <br />Meeting the Molly Maguires by Molly Roe is a young adult novel published by Tribute Books in November 2008. <br /><br />The plot, set in Pennsylvania's hard coal region, interweaves events of the early Molly Maguire era with the coming of age of a young Irish-American girl.Molly was born in Philadelphia but was raised in Schuylkill County. She is a 1972 graduate of Marian High School in Tamaqua, a 1976 graduate of Penn State University, and she later attained her Ph.D. in education from Temple University. About her motivation for writing, Molly says, "After years of genealogy research, I decided to put my thoughts into writing for future generations. The family stories I heard while growing up in northeastern Pennsylvania amazed me; the stoicism of the people was astounding. I found many of my "ordinary" relatives mentioned in the historical records and Molly Maguire trial transcripts and wondered how they survived the extraordinary events of the time. The "what ifs" led to Call Me Kate, my first novel." <br /><br />Call Me Kate is available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com in hardcover, paperback, or as a Kindle download.<br /><br />Thanks again!Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-524480687843631952010-05-04T20:23:00.006-04:002010-05-04T20:35:45.136-04:00HOW SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ANTHRACITE MINERS FELT ABOUT THE CHILD LABOR LAW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwnjXkzIwMNqYcbWamMNphaipHsRB4qBOTXiAhsF01CYlewRbP9oQxZpzTYnFTcrB4D_hTp8VSkJrHSkBDEJaT8aZgzxMfoqYh7DVLRecwyeWAFFoJ0tp6h2PFLvspJ4ro9X-XpUsGN2P/s1600/dike+nate+5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwnjXkzIwMNqYcbWamMNphaipHsRB4qBOTXiAhsF01CYlewRbP9oQxZpzTYnFTcrB4D_hTp8VSkJrHSkBDEJaT8aZgzxMfoqYh7DVLRecwyeWAFFoJ0tp6h2PFLvspJ4ro9X-XpUsGN2P/s400/dike+nate+5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467575752985807922" /></a><br />Photos of Me and My Grandson Nathaniel Breaking the Labor Law of 1918..Actaully a Living history program at Pioneer Tunnel.<br /><br />HOW SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ANTHRACITE MINERS FELT ABOUT THE CHILD LABOR LAW<br /><br />On May 3. 1918 the Child Labor Bill passed. Gov. Brambaugh won his fight on the Cox Child Labor Bill.<br />The bill as it stood on the 28th provides that no minor between 14 and 16 years shall be permitted to work more than 51 hours a week or more than nine hours a day. Such children shall also be compelled to go to a vocational school at least eight hours each week, the time they spend in such school to be counted in the 51 hours.<br />Here in the coal region the bill was not liked.<br /><br />On April 25th , 1918 the Pottsville Republican ran an article entitiled:<br />MINERS OPPOSE THE CHILD LABOR MEASURE.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LN_fSE0lhVaeva9YIvYxTKEc9kgNvs1xk4ysOnBIVrwGN-JGkExQ8tS3BN3N9B53TG7aFFYB99xZSYFCJtsAYnrbUGKD2FxLa560DfG0wcNWvSBDGSdoY6wJD9-dMuyMA4CI_UFO824g/s1600/duke+nate3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LN_fSE0lhVaeva9YIvYxTKEc9kgNvs1xk4ysOnBIVrwGN-JGkExQ8tS3BN3N9B53TG7aFFYB99xZSYFCJtsAYnrbUGKD2FxLa560DfG0wcNWvSBDGSdoY6wJD9-dMuyMA4CI_UFO824g/s400/duke+nate3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467576875684636866" /></a><br /><br /> It has been erroneously spread through the state that the miners of the anthracite region are favorable to the new child labor law which has been introduced at the behest of Governour Brumbaugh, and that they are using their influence to have it enacted. The truth of the matter is the miners are bitterly opposed to the law because it will have the effect of robbing their children of all forms of employment until they reach the age of 16 years. They will not be permitted to have their boys do any work of any kind around the mine or breaker until they have reached the age of 16. Many of them are satisfied for their own individual preferences to have this condition exist but they recognize that it is going to work a fearful hardship on the widows and families of their comrades who have been killed in the mines and who have left a family to support itself in the best way it can find. They know by contact and actual experience with their neighbors in these mining towns that the new law will have the effect of breaking up the family of almost every mineworker who was killed in the mines or who has passed away from other causes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuzvW54g5yvtu68b1yUUzF-6vh7W6jOrHD7TdmpnaD4PPiu4p98CpK8Rg17cyLfEKWR8e9B7ul2nIkHT0DDyyNfJVZ72gGwoMT9PHYinBCgV8Y9v-L4HV154TGJcKMn8b9CduRHGjIee3/s1600/duke+nate.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuzvW54g5yvtu68b1yUUzF-6vh7W6jOrHD7TdmpnaD4PPiu4p98CpK8Rg17cyLfEKWR8e9B7ul2nIkHT0DDyyNfJVZ72gGwoMT9PHYinBCgV8Y9v-L4HV154TGJcKMn8b9CduRHGjIee3/s400/duke+nate.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467577613766439298" /></a><br /><br /> Around the small mining town there is absolutely no work to be found except in or around the breakers and mines. The occupations are usually not too laborious and are not harmful as is attested by the fact that many of the richest, brainiest and most able men of the coal region today are men who worked in the breakers and mines when they were boys under the age of that provided by the new child labor law.<br /> It is true the miners do favor the eight hour day for the boy, but they also know that it is an economic impossibility to have the working day restricted for the boy at the colliery as long as the other employees are obliged to work more than eight hours. They favor an eight hour workday for everyone, but an eight hour day for boys while the collieries or mills work longer hours will simply have the effect of driving away employment from every boy under 16 years of age.<br /> There is much resentment being expressed everywhere because of the undue influence of the governor being exerted to force this measure through against the best thoughts of the members of the legislature and the citizens of practical experience throughout the state. It is going to work a hardship everywhere, and it is felt that members of the legislature should be left to act according to the wishes of its constituents without having this executive influence held over their heads, which may rob them of all the prerogatives unless they act in accordance with the wishes of the governor.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsL3acZKAPalYYLCIrlsFBJflhMAdUbQA0bvYdAU-LQJVAk63aGuEnqNMmEoOddAuaoFZ2TlR0tKePAfiW6a_k6L1gPuci02MLTQ_9P9r3mx_kQ1f2xqibaEP-Ltm9FvEbcoZQhD5GQFm/s1600/duke+nate2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsL3acZKAPalYYLCIrlsFBJflhMAdUbQA0bvYdAU-LQJVAk63aGuEnqNMmEoOddAuaoFZ2TlR0tKePAfiW6a_k6L1gPuci02MLTQ_9P9r3mx_kQ1f2xqibaEP-Ltm9FvEbcoZQhD5GQFm/s400/duke+nate2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467578072635723442" /></a><br /><br /> While the child labor law was not amended at the committee hearing last week, it is probable that amendment will be made to it before it is reported out of the committee this week. It is probable that a vote on the measureStu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-15351055608677052282010-04-29T18:29:00.005-04:002010-04-29T18:37:30.060-04:00"HURRY BOYS GET ME OUT!"....The April 27, 1918 Accident At Sharp Mountain Colliery, Pottsville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA95tLAaruzROO2pEZ9Y0XtJtGbUjt1bYYw-Qg4qzJl-gKMqEvT-Ztd8sN7CT2Wci854fmjRSzGtWCmfoexWFs3tI2KiSCWYECM3zN9Xz65a-lsbbdMVOceUHRztnJKBjaQnCdbUxeKucq/s1600/coal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA95tLAaruzROO2pEZ9Y0XtJtGbUjt1bYYw-Qg4qzJl-gKMqEvT-Ztd8sN7CT2Wci854fmjRSzGtWCmfoexWFs3tI2KiSCWYECM3zN9Xz65a-lsbbdMVOceUHRztnJKBjaQnCdbUxeKucq/s400/coal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465690832790958514" /></a><br />Miners At Work<br /><br /><strong>HURRY BOYS GET ME OUT</strong> <br /><br />Working in the anthracite coal mines of eastern Pennsylvania has always been a dangerous and deadly job, and continues to be to this day. In 1918 the anthracite coal industry was working at or near its peak in coal production. Mines were working hard to supply coal for the military and its involvement in World War 1.<br /> On April 27, 1918 David Daub and his butty Irvin Umbenhauer and fellow miners were working in the 36 foot heading of the 30 foot mammoth split vein in the Sharp Mountain Mine of the Sherman Coal Corporation, Pottsville. Daub and another miner were cutting upward on the 36 foot heading, when a rush of coal had enveloped him. Near by was the inside foreman Thomas Hawkin, who heard Daub shout out, “Hurry boys, and get me out.”<br /> For three quarters of an hour, from 4:10 until five o’clock, Friday afternoon the miners were working grimily and silently. They could hear Daub repeat his cry for help over and over. Then after an hours time they heard him no more. It was after 7:00 o’clock a.m. Saturday morning when the lifeless body of Daub was uncovered. He was taken to the Pottsville Hospital where a doctor examined him and said that he had been dead for 12 hours or more.<br /> Cuts and bruises covered the 55 year old Daubs body, and both his shoulder blades were broken. David Daub was your typical anthracite coal miner who braved death every day he went into the anthracite coal mines, earning a meager livelihood for his wife and six children, the oldest not yet 14 years, and the youngest only an infant, who waited his return in vain. <br /> During the rescue attempt, hope was expressed to the wife and family until the last. Daubs body was taken in charge by Undertaker Shoener and was later removed to his home , at 731 E. Norwegian St. Pottsville.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqMvgVGd_KYYViaKQN7S1ddXkSK_ZGBarn9ywsXBW90JYPFc41sZu-cR2btmrRGxgKITLhPq2r7RZcoljlXBtjjC5mf7e8gsqxfPdPzdVi-pnsMKox6FsH0Cnwcgk_-NHnNJZgUnqLvba/s1600/CoalMiningTypes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqMvgVGd_KYYViaKQN7S1ddXkSK_ZGBarn9ywsXBW90JYPFc41sZu-cR2btmrRGxgKITLhPq2r7RZcoljlXBtjjC5mf7e8gsqxfPdPzdVi-pnsMKox6FsH0Cnwcgk_-NHnNJZgUnqLvba/s400/CoalMiningTypes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465691131843451618" /></a><br />Types of Mines<br /><br /> During the valiant effort to save Daub none of the miners worked with greater determination than that of Irvin Umbenhauer, a brother miner, who had been working with Daub. The manway was about three feet square, and was being driven up through the center of the pillar and the work had gone on to the point where the second set of timber was to have been put in. Daub was standing on the ladder built to carry the men forward and upward almost perpendicular or straight as the pitch runs from 70 to 80 degrees. Several small rushes of coal dust and broken coal dropped and were cleared away. Then when Umbenhauer was down on the heading, and Daub was was standing on the ladder rungs his feet about four feet from the heading which is a little tunnel between the breasts or mine chambers, a big rush of coal came down and jammed Daub in the narrow manway.<br /> Umbenhauer immediately sent in an alarm for help and started to pull down the manway coal but fast as it was removed at the bottom more kept coming and filling up the space about the form of Daub, which seemed wedged to ladder, so that he could not be drawn down. With frenzied effort the men redoubled their endeavors under the direction of Foreman Hawkin, especially when the hear the pleading voice of Daub, urging them to hurry, words the men who heard him can still hear, and which makes them feel the cost of mining coal never can be measured in dollars and cents. The miners operated in relays.<br /> Finally other miners set at work driving a counter manway or opening along the side the one in which Daub was pinned, and by a strenuous effort it was pushed to a point above the end of the other manway, and then a hole was cut above where the body of Daub was, and timber placed there blocked any further rush of coal. The debris was removed and the body extricated.<br /> General Manager Paul Heinze and his son, worked hard to rescue the entombed miner, and when hope was gone helped to recover the body. Other miners engaged in the work were Fireboss, John Lishman, Outside Foreman John Schablein, Henry Umbenhauer, Joseph Womer, Andrew Mulson, Edward Montag and others.<br /> David Daub came to Pottsville from Ashland some years ago, and looked upon as a careful and efficient, coal miner and a good husband and father. The coal is of a friable nature. This is the foirst fatal accident at this colliery, which is located near S. Second St, and the Cressona Hillside Road.Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-14816676007301643682010-02-10T10:29:00.002-05:002010-02-10T10:36:27.534-05:00JOURNAL GIRL FLIES OVER SOUTHERN SCHUYLKILL 1919Here is a bit of aviation history for the coal region.<br />In one of my previous posts on this blog I reported on the flight of an aircraft over Schuylkill Haven, the article from the Schuylkill Haven Call from October 31, 1919<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk3UIQ0mS32wnavonMgGD7qNJBGBg2tKFRClWzolCC1w8weZyJqmfllwNxxGN9l6Fp2UWDAP-0QC1_I-HrLHOZHayIF9eJXfAmjtMq8wBFWBW6JW-m9Xc8suAITOvUlfEyZnfP2FnHmVn/s1600-h/_jenny_cropped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk3UIQ0mS32wnavonMgGD7qNJBGBg2tKFRClWzolCC1w8weZyJqmfllwNxxGN9l6Fp2UWDAP-0QC1_I-HrLHOZHayIF9eJXfAmjtMq8wBFWBW6JW-m9Xc8suAITOvUlfEyZnfP2FnHmVn/s400/_jenny_cropped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436638949049835186" /></a><br /><br />AEROPLANE ATTRACTS MANY PERSONS<br /><br />The aeroplane that visited our town Friday, Saturday and Sunday certainly proved a stellar attraction as thousands and thousands of children as well as adults were attracted to the landing field which was in the field near the brick plant. The owner of the machine was Audrey Stewart and the pilot was Lieutenant Bishop of the British aerial force. A number of local people enjoyed the sensation of flying over the town at one dollar per minute and all report enjoying the same very much. The biggest crowd of spectators was on hand Sunday. Not only did the Schuylkill haven people walk out to the fields but it is said there were several hundreds of automobiles and motorcycles coming from all sections that brought many more <br />hundreds of persons to the scene. Only a few flights were made on Sunday on account of the heavy atmosphere. Among those persons known to have taken flights were: Frank Deibert, Mrs. Reuben Hoffman, Jacob Rudy, Earl Stoyer, Charles Oberley, Joseph Mulholland, William Schuckers and Miss Clementine Tobin of Pottsville. It is understood the aeroplane will pay this section a return visit probably this Friday and Saturday, the machine having been taken to Allentown for several days <br />In the Pottsville Miners Journal I found a follow up on the aircrafts visit to the region.<br />The article in the October 25, 1919 Pottsville Miners Journal Read:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKze3Bs6AHT_5q0O-caic0asohxJT7tlk1_mnOWW4Hq-3mHMc7xVn-OXUqk93KkuwEBOf4CdZlJemfhlz-BwABQBz0VUZxk1WoKzRddEZm0ufYmKseNx4YE_UgldvXFuVMUHR2Ieaepqg/s1600-h/journa;girl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKze3Bs6AHT_5q0O-caic0asohxJT7tlk1_mnOWW4Hq-3mHMc7xVn-OXUqk93KkuwEBOf4CdZlJemfhlz-BwABQBz0VUZxk1WoKzRddEZm0ufYmKseNx4YE_UgldvXFuVMUHR2Ieaepqg/s400/journa;girl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436637987891910578" /></a><br /><br />JOURNAL GIRL FLIES OVER SOUTHERN SCHUYLKILL<br />FIRST WOMAN HERE TO GO UP IN AEROPLANE AND SAYS IT’S GREAT!<br />IN AIR HALF AN HOUR.<br />By Clementine Tobin.<br /> “Gee it was great”<br /> With Lieutenant Bishop I this afternoon at about two O’clock flew over Schuylkill Haven and Orwigsburg and the southern end of Pottsville in a Curtis aero plane. I was up one thousand feet and we stayed in the air for half an hour.<br /> I am the only girl who ever flown over Schuylkill County and I am some proud girl, believe me. I enjoyed every minute of the flight. Scared? Not a bit. The sensation upon rising is rather pleasant instead of being distressing and “scarry” as most people suppose. We went up gradually and after we had attained a height of 300 feet I looked down. There was Schuylkill Haven pike unwinding like a great white ribbon. All of a sudden a yellow streak flashed along it and I knew it was Couch’s automobile. I yelled “hello” Couchie, but of course he couldn’t hear me.<br /> Then we went up and over Orwigsburg. I always did like that place but looking down from a height of 700 feet it looked like a little French village in miniature. It was beautiful. Then we went up some more and Lieut. Bishop, who is some aviator, said “take it from me “”were up a thousand feet now and I’m going to speed some” Then he let her out at the rate of 120 miles an hour. We’d have gone up higher but we had gotten into the clouds and I said I wanted to see something so the Lieutenant, always obliging, dropped down. That dropping business gets you a little but you get over it. Then we flew over the gap, Schuylkill Haven and the southern end of Pottsville.<br /> You have no idea of the sensation, gliding along up there with the mist below you and the air rushing past you. I was sorry when my half hour was up.<br /> When I landed I was snapped in my seat and then it was all over except the recollection which will be treasured by me for a long time to come.<br /> Fly if you get a chance. Its great.<br /> The Journal added another scoop to it already long list today when it sent Miss Clementine Tobin, a member of the United Press telegraph force on the first aero flight ever made in Schuylkill County by a girl. <br /> Miss Tobin clambered aboard the big Curtiss plane in front of Lieut. Bishop, at the aviation field just across from the Half Way House between Schuylkill Haven and Orwigsburg shortly before two o’clock this afternoon and viewed the towns in the southern end of Schuylkill county from the clouds.<br /> And the clouds they were. Lowering so that anything more than 1,000 feet, te peak of the flight, was impossible at that hour of the day, with senery visible below the plane.<br /> The little aviatrix, clambered aboard the big plane like one to the manner born; and Ruth Law or no one else never did better on there madden trip. She was calm and collected throughout the experience and as soon as she again set foot on terra firma vowed that some day she will be a regular patron of the aero taxi. Or else become a driver.<br /> Miss Tobins, story of the flight which appears herewith while very enthusiastic was no more so that the ground which watched her put that stunt over.<br /> “Gee, but she has nerve” and kindred expressions were freely heard and they were warranted too: As Lieutenant Bishop at the completion of the 20 mile trip said he never had a passenger who gave him less concern than did this fair passenger from the Journal office.<br />GO TAKE A FLIGHT<br />The Curtiss plane is in charge of Sudrey Stewart. Flights for passengers are made very day. The plane is alongside the road opposite the Half Way House Hotel between Schuylkill Haven and Orwigsburg. Ten and fifteen dollars is the charge for a flight. Absolute safety is guaranteed and Lieut. Bishop is a careful and thorough driver.<br /><br />Again on November 7th , 1919. Clementine Tobin made another flight on the Curtiss. This time over Pottsville.<br />JOURNAL GIRL MAKES FLIGHT OVER POTTSVILLE<br />TRUE TO HER PROMISE SHE GOES UP TO AN ALTITUDE OF 4,000 FEET;<br />DOWN IN A NOSE DIP.<br /><br /> True to her promise Clementine Tobin, the Journal girl who was the first girl to fly over Schuylkill County, this afternoon at about 1:00 o’clock went up with Lieut. Bishop and flew over Pottsville, attaing an altitude of from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. The plucky little aviatrix showed no fear at all, not even when the Lieutenant brought his machine down in a dip, just west of the Henry Clay monument.<br /> The trip was started from the aviation field near the Half Way House, and at 12:50 the plane left the ground, after several other air passengers including Manager Hall of the Traction Company and Walter Farguhar also of the Journal staff had taken in the country from a reasonably high altitude.<br /> Miss Tobin, made today’s trip, not as an experiment but because of her promise to take a high flight with Lieut. Bishop, her first trip ten days ago being made in inclement weather which was not conducive to high flying.<br /> Her gallant pilot brought her west, over Schuylkill Haven and up over sharp mountain at an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet, a nose dip over the end of the mountain brining in the plane down to within the sight of the residents of streets on the high points of the city. They sailed north over the Steel Mill and made a turn which took them over Lawton’s Hill, and then south to the aviation field where a quick descent was made with a nose dip which would have scared a less nervy person nearly to death. After the trip Lieut. Bishop said he was very much impressed with the nerve of the darling little flyer. The trip lasted 35 minutes.<br /> Bishop and Steward have been here for the entire week past battling with the weather, but conditions have been against flying. They will remain all day Saturday and Sunday at the aviation field and will take a number of flights. Many passengers have booked but those who desire to take a flight may arrange to do so. The weather is now ideal. The plane has been overhauled and the opportunity to view Pottsville from the heights is here for those who have the desire and the nerve to enjoy such a pleasant sensation.<br /><br />MR. HALL’S FLIGHT<br /> C.A. Hall, general manager of the Eastern Penna. Railways Co. is the first civilian to have circled over Pottsville in an aeroplane. He made the flight Friday at noon, starting from the Half Way House, with Lieutenant Bishop.<br /> If you noticed a plane circling over Pottsville about 12:30 o’clock, it was the one in which Mr. Hall and Lieut. Bishop were seated.<br /> While in the aeroplane, Mr. Hall dropped three souvenirs, over different parts of the city. The souvenirs were tie pins, in the form of a miniature electric globes, Mr. Hall’s card was enclosed together with a brand new Lincoln Penny, for ballast.<br /> The plane soared over the city at an altitude of 2,000 feet.<br /> The sensation, as described by Mr. Hall, was like driving in an automobile, on a bowling alley, at the rate of 60 miles per hour. Trees and houses looked like specks and the fields looked like squares on a checker board.<br /> A flight of this kind causes no fear, once free of the ground; the smooth motion eliminates all sense of danger. Occasionally, a gentle rise of the plane, gives a sensation similar to yachting.<br /> Lieutenant Bishop is an army aviator, with a wonderful service record. He downed two German planes, while in France and performed other meritorious service. His control of the aeroplane is wonderful so that no one need fear going up with him.<br /><br />November 9th , 1919 the Pottsville Journal reported :<br /><br />TWENTY TWO PEOPLE ENJOYED FLIGHTS OF AEROPLANE<br /> Twenty-two Schuylkill Countians enjoyed flights in the big aeroplane from its base at the Half Way House at Schuylkill Haven, Sunday, and the number would have ben greater but for the drop in temperature late in the afternoon and an aversion to making trips at dusk. Many Pottsville people were among the number and others arrainged to go to the field to day and enjoy their first experience soaring.Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-55896113620411360562010-01-06T19:10:00.005-05:002010-01-06T19:19:49.627-05:00THE “IMPS” OF THE BREAKER..A STORY OF TWO BREAKER BOYS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUxlih2TWBJt6dCT4S5fNyXstZpMQfoLL0tsvFJJjZH6nT_KQjW2TlrQsF0edRgtf2eLK4EDO7oZWmoruAGVXhRnm-ODpCNQJ649VS1aS9oRpWk9MVZgnpmQ66EJqmBYmei6cup1fT7cA/s1600-h/BREKBOY1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUxlih2TWBJt6dCT4S5fNyXstZpMQfoLL0tsvFJJjZH6nT_KQjW2TlrQsF0edRgtf2eLK4EDO7oZWmoruAGVXhRnm-ODpCNQJ649VS1aS9oRpWk9MVZgnpmQ66EJqmBYmei6cup1fT7cA/s400/BREKBOY1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423784898609717986" /></a><br />THE “IMPS” OF THE BREAKER<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZTDLEkhPuRHMq3qgZCyZ7jNnqVpsD2cyYb4Zxpq_DKmqGe2DnC3Vm4t68O9Oiw_QU_LBvrboMrhnVtSl2PtK2zVXmyRaGlukgS3DHT1DQxGLFintfKufu0JOMGFeLxYgIEC4zUByzvZs/s1600-h/BREK+BOY.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 367px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZTDLEkhPuRHMq3qgZCyZ7jNnqVpsD2cyYb4Zxpq_DKmqGe2DnC3Vm4t68O9Oiw_QU_LBvrboMrhnVtSl2PtK2zVXmyRaGlukgS3DHT1DQxGLFintfKufu0JOMGFeLxYgIEC4zUByzvZs/s400/BREK+BOY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423785074932840162" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Remarkable Descent of one of them into the Chute <br />and his recovery from a pressure of <br />six tons of coal after quarter of an hour burial.<br />1876</strong><br /> <br /><em>That the boys “down in the coal mines underneath the ground”, have the same hold on life as a cat, was instanced yesterday in a remarkable accident which befell two of the “impls” in the Plank Ridge Colliery. As it resulted without doing any special damage to either, excepting to give them a first class scare, the relation of it cannot but fall to raise a laugh. The breaker being stopped these two youngsters, each about the size of Tom Thumb, indulged in a favorite pastime among them when the “boss” is not around of sliding down the “Telegraph” upon which the coal runs from the screen to the bins below and thence the cars. But yesterday the speed made was so great that they did not stop until they got down into the chute and just at that moment when a car was being loaded of coal. The suction caused by the coal falling into the care drew the boys down and they were huddled into the coal as if they were pieces of “black diamonds” themselves. The alarm was immediately given by their companions to the front of the breaker and soon one of the boys was rescued unhurt from his dangerous position. But fifteen or twenty minutes elapsed before the other could be discovered. He was as much lost to the world as Dr. Livingstone was in the heart of Africa before Stanley, of the New York herald, discovered him. The loads of six cars were as rapidly as possible drawn out of the chute upon the track, but was not until nearly thirty tons had been that the little drawn legs of the youngster were discovered coming out of the chute. Everyone thought they were surely pulling out a corpse when they seized his feet and handed him out. But as it turned out he was mighty live one. After Captain Hoskins had stood over him on his feet, shaken him well and got the coal dust out of his mouth, ears and eyes, the young imp set up a hearty laugh. “How did you get in there, “demanded the superintendent when he saw the youngster sound in life and limb. The “original sin” could not help sticking out even at this moment of a rescue from death. “A boy pushed me in.” replied he, to whom lying was as natural as eating. He may live to be a member of the legislature or congress yet or at least a delegate to a county convention.</em>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-14220117441431056752010-01-02T19:56:00.006-05:002010-01-06T19:24:42.568-05:00Panthers Pottsville Midget Football Team 1961<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1NeCUHQxHUUtDOh0Z2PUu4Hx0JE_RVfHYIIRLsfvHMxf03LCC9bdp7f-QKoT0fW7yr1k1ZnR4-jCf0JHNeRdHHKxtHIDrQs5pRPxTGAo-ScX09GGzaxLHYeurUmFzN06POvljurilOK8/s1600-h/panthers1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1NeCUHQxHUUtDOh0Z2PUu4Hx0JE_RVfHYIIRLsfvHMxf03LCC9bdp7f-QKoT0fW7yr1k1ZnR4-jCf0JHNeRdHHKxtHIDrQs5pRPxTGAo-ScX09GGzaxLHYeurUmFzN06POvljurilOK8/s400/panthers1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422315050304853842" /></a><br />TAG PHOTO TO ENLARGE<br /><br />While going through some of my photo's I came across this great old team photo of the Panthers Midget football Team from Pottsville. The teams in the league were the Panthers, Falcons, Tornadoes, Rockets and Bulldozers, I am trying to remember the names of the guys, if anyone knows the names of the players I missed or got wrong let me know.<br /><br /><br />Front Row L-R Harry Haughney, unknown, unknown Les Paine, Bill Baldwin (Judge Baldwin), Jack Dolbin, (NFL Denver Broncos, Dr, Chiropatric) unknown, Lynn unknown<br /><br />Second row, Andy Basaniski, Joe Hopkins, unknown, George Cicero, Ronnie Rose, Ed Ginther, unknown.<br /><br />Third Row, Bruce Brown, Joe Unknown, Frank Mills, Brud Dolbin, Jim Wallaeur, Joe Purcell, <br /><br />Forth Row, (Me, Stu Richards) Hummel, Charlie Hopkins, unknown, unknown Rick Daldeo,<br /><br />Coach Wally Mills, Coach Shuster, Coach Fred Lewis,Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-89011232227100481082009-12-19T09:39:00.028-05:002009-12-19T10:35:28.851-05:00Schuylkill Counties Gardens of StoneBelow are some of the interesting tombstones I've found while doing research in our local cemeteries.<br /><br />Charles Baber Cemetery Pottsville, Pa.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil4wnpFMPgB4RZvUgKb8wFtFjV3iqe9Guq8usVOadHXITJHfq6LdZaLQ_GygrONk1RiQlX78RPcFif6sDGhyphenhyphenJgVHv3I_8NYfIHMydIZsNlC3yOv7pOU0stReSMJ8bFBf459DHEYI0tWtb/s1600-h/IMG_3664.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil4wnpFMPgB4RZvUgKb8wFtFjV3iqe9Guq8usVOadHXITJHfq6LdZaLQ_GygrONk1RiQlX78RPcFif6sDGhyphenhyphenJgVHv3I_8NYfIHMydIZsNlC3yOv7pOU0stReSMJ8bFBf459DHEYI0tWtb/s400/IMG_3664.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416958085308328226" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8HJxKWc6cWmDHhXBgJ7YG1DM1VvAwHERGRUW8khTyBcp1YLtdbg8ABQyAfJCbuLA4EX3tQ1Zr7-75EZl1TgeNQUXMzgLCtfVAVoNU9Xf5Z-NSOfQadwrWxJpJNSduHszu6ALO4Zyu0zI/s1600-h/IMG_3658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8HJxKWc6cWmDHhXBgJ7YG1DM1VvAwHERGRUW8khTyBcp1YLtdbg8ABQyAfJCbuLA4EX3tQ1Zr7-75EZl1TgeNQUXMzgLCtfVAVoNU9Xf5Z-NSOfQadwrWxJpJNSduHszu6ALO4Zyu0zI/s400/IMG_3658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416957772076661602" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mWzQ-krkemFftUCS9yb97oTfH9nEOIA0uHx17_4PKHQmr0KVKIKS_e1aQxnMBtD0qNj74qDi9EsEu8fz16TnaMQTvic8kWF6YsSYp_HGZK-dcSMi8gl-bLpzIwghMdnQRyNwtA-jXD64/s1600-h/IMG_3668.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mWzQ-krkemFftUCS9yb97oTfH9nEOIA0uHx17_4PKHQmr0KVKIKS_e1aQxnMBtD0qNj74qDi9EsEu8fz16TnaMQTvic8kWF6YsSYp_HGZK-dcSMi8gl-bLpzIwghMdnQRyNwtA-jXD64/s400/IMG_3668.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416958426318874962" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9DRg5yXW9f7-K8xkjc75Dgo-0rR0bnSM5UeKhHW61hy9cZXdkrao3JdNezHc_W-NKqjah9WsJvWf9SsybbeuBgoY4UTrwtJSDFuU3pU8SMq7YhNHVSo6U9zKF7tnV-09gXBLR09QAaHB/s1600-h/IMG_3669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9DRg5yXW9f7-K8xkjc75Dgo-0rR0bnSM5UeKhHW61hy9cZXdkrao3JdNezHc_W-NKqjah9WsJvWf9SsybbeuBgoY4UTrwtJSDFuU3pU8SMq7YhNHVSo6U9zKF7tnV-09gXBLR09QAaHB/s400/IMG_3669.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416958904509267538" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqkn6Vog5QcZR00_k5BOzCI7ZNOP0xjNhd3qFE7-UlNJ0CY3tTrm6N11yS5JuAibQQbpXSoOhLHqPaxwp1UXPQEdjwSRBdaQ-edRMqBi02KEqbNTlm_bZGvux-y6BeDsmci_LuZVjF1wQ/s1600-h/IMG_4784.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqkn6Vog5QcZR00_k5BOzCI7ZNOP0xjNhd3qFE7-UlNJ0CY3tTrm6N11yS5JuAibQQbpXSoOhLHqPaxwp1UXPQEdjwSRBdaQ-edRMqBi02KEqbNTlm_bZGvux-y6BeDsmci_LuZVjF1wQ/s400/IMG_4784.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416959547804817154" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshjkDntg5jbMqqyK8KXNGJbtlf7oFVCDbNTgte06HliKRxYYtYb_paTwBk-r0eAZq1n_s7tr_PVW1AxpbJcoCgLNdrA1B-aJYwXPK5LaoBpeF3d3ZobwvH4bS0dOduRX1SdNxk9xh-sVL/s1600-h/IMG_4972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshjkDntg5jbMqqyK8KXNGJbtlf7oFVCDbNTgte06HliKRxYYtYb_paTwBk-r0eAZq1n_s7tr_PVW1AxpbJcoCgLNdrA1B-aJYwXPK5LaoBpeF3d3ZobwvH4bS0dOduRX1SdNxk9xh-sVL/s400/IMG_4972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416962371242444162" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJk8XZKyMmj9D-ucu5O_bbbXhAKaBNKAtODDYdx4spnl-D7utukQbmKhw_zmqRRVfdWHS4ywql-rRZI5kzzNJ9mTRnY8YGlVdInBihr75iWQamDgiJPmvy-FzKp4tQl_NErKur-VWP66O/s1600-h/IMG_4874.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXR76GZHrlypQKa5ohkEtigMb0HwceE0jdv85JkiPiPjdomyi_pHxL0WhOETzpe2Wvnuoya7UHPO0dK-MsdjOG9jp-qzymmHKq4S_4hf0JUk34dG1_1S8lPOobTyahcsocUOYv9Nk-3-N/s400/IMG_5578.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416963817605850386" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1W3MqHoUI-JQztxukgf4disLiFlW2766Kri-mm-YNy-7WRt30f0-3AroAqXgYpuzVxp07d18fHIjyhQp45Yl-ng5jKluyhQKUF5elRkWujGiA4tkkjKoo2pKWtxlsRQyWhIPb4EhgSW1/s1600-h/IMG_5509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1W3MqHoUI-JQztxukgf4disLiFlW2766Kri-mm-YNy-7WRt30f0-3AroAqXgYpuzVxp07d18fHIjyhQp45Yl-ng5jKluyhQKUF5elRkWujGiA4tkkjKoo2pKWtxlsRQyWhIPb4EhgSW1/s400/IMG_5509.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416963594871155298" /></a><br /><br />ST.CLAIR AREA<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0EvRhBnAHAJOTcizMHVijMNqsiq_Ye5wJ1ejWFAZMMGZ5sCr0futL1LW21nT5qlFuY2ekf4KJ4ecVXTYWtkZALzP0XTgVn_LWeouy5ot0VESspioYPqTbuNHmPDzB4Sl4yUr2qhlsuj4/s1600-h/IMG_4466.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0EvRhBnAHAJOTcizMHVijMNqsiq_Ye5wJ1ejWFAZMMGZ5sCr0futL1LW21nT5qlFuY2ekf4KJ4ecVXTYWtkZALzP0XTgVn_LWeouy5ot0VESspioYPqTbuNHmPDzB4Sl4yUr2qhlsuj4/s400/IMG_4466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416970164384391890" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO_93mzF57ppGMN51EtcmWzKG18Ac2ykIc2isV24tKEhKfT172eujKlWXZCq66GXmlwjqclEp7g3kIebjMKJUB0RM7nv_D-NgW4l5iY1rIDjsmzQaNlazLkpkS4RHCXqZPGoZFNQ2Q1q_/s1600-h/IMG_4465.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO_93mzF57ppGMN51EtcmWzKG18Ac2ykIc2isV24tKEhKfT172eujKlWXZCq66GXmlwjqclEp7g3kIebjMKJUB0RM7nv_D-NgW4l5iY1rIDjsmzQaNlazLkpkS4RHCXqZPGoZFNQ2Q1q_/s400/IMG_4465.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416969691398879362" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsokiDHaFIUeFg4At_M0SnPyIu58WQ9A7ul_hmzVT9HmTqOPuFUMWgxvmWRYUd9sqqnAql5vVU_mikhz50FMWuZ_0_zV6_mcx6zX1pJ16IRB79spi3wJjP18CxV6j47MEJWiPJyYouauQ7/s1600-h/IMG_4455.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsokiDHaFIUeFg4At_M0SnPyIu58WQ9A7ul_hmzVT9HmTqOPuFUMWgxvmWRYUd9sqqnAql5vVU_mikhz50FMWuZ_0_zV6_mcx6zX1pJ16IRB79spi3wJjP18CxV6j47MEJWiPJyYouauQ7/s400/IMG_4455.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416969152981457218" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11CVjJJlSR0tlW76CHY5QOhXthaEgp8HDqLOJ_w5W7iEE042RH9N0JatS3UHLm_PABX0WIYyH3JSfKo05mGK49ErDVkH0VE1tPsBesx4XEI-ca8Oyb6gBzKNw2WWAbmBu-HF2H_TFV-hG/s1600-h/IMG_4446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11CVjJJlSR0tlW76CHY5QOhXthaEgp8HDqLOJ_w5W7iEE042RH9N0JatS3UHLm_PABX0WIYyH3JSfKo05mGK49ErDVkH0VE1tPsBesx4XEI-ca8Oyb6gBzKNw2WWAbmBu-HF2H_TFV-hG/s400/IMG_4446.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416968784081473090" /></a>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2124614248390559032.post-31768129651732108742009-11-30T20:13:00.010-05:002009-11-30T20:30:28.103-05:00THE WESTON COLLIERY...SHENANDOAH, PA.I WONDER IF MANY PEOPLE REMEMBER THIS OLD COLLIERY, I FOUND THIS GREAT OLD PAMPHLET ON THE WESTON AT A FLEA MARKET...ENJOY THE PIC'S.<br /><br />TAG PHOTO'S TO ENLARGE<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_szZy42qrRqzg5pkO3CSK2MXXKDsPwonoFBuwjEUagNRqpjWmPGDV4K1rWbqBODZyhZHiy3BHM5BvtFX8Pa7_uJ5hYOT-FhjV925bTljGKNpd4k9XRtTC_9R7IBhGAm7aSlOBbHS1XOX5/s1600/weston.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_szZy42qrRqzg5pkO3CSK2MXXKDsPwonoFBuwjEUagNRqpjWmPGDV4K1rWbqBODZyhZHiy3BHM5BvtFX8Pa7_uJ5hYOT-FhjV925bTljGKNpd4k9XRtTC_9R7IBhGAm7aSlOBbHS1XOX5/s400/weston.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410070482159923170" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrDT2njFtJ2FZ_PaD8ToVuHf9CTR-ayE1GyIQ7PgR8rLEQIFtD12GYk5UvmgtWg0i8CY24od8zRSkBPLJks1JwaEJJJrZJs3YYBSaYdSDDiqo9lwjwwv5YUcdle3pWh8fPbooroO88YoD/s1600/weston2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrDT2njFtJ2FZ_PaD8ToVuHf9CTR-ayE1GyIQ7PgR8rLEQIFtD12GYk5UvmgtWg0i8CY24od8zRSkBPLJks1JwaEJJJrZJs3YYBSaYdSDDiqo9lwjwwv5YUcdle3pWh8fPbooroO88YoD/s400/weston2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410070896106435058" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjdd3F47yXfJWOoXKV34f89wOVmfht0YwxWE6ZVTyW3nCOo8hkvnNRdquMhluxNhQYfXWtqWThf5YiyIbB8RKOmmw1vAyBz3Xagq9avsCnMLnf6Qa85QkjvPtBi_DrE9s01hvYKNKTzs6/s1600/weston3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjdd3F47yXfJWOoXKV34f89wOVmfht0YwxWE6ZVTyW3nCOo8hkvnNRdquMhluxNhQYfXWtqWThf5YiyIbB8RKOmmw1vAyBz3Xagq9avsCnMLnf6Qa85QkjvPtBi_DrE9s01hvYKNKTzs6/s400/weston3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410071311243720114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdedthlJ7zd9dDiHBItVqI0t7HjyuyP1kFoZL5V24bBFbdgso3fA3oLmLI0d5S5KBdVB0hPozx5Ts1sbT_B3_-9ktGom9QXxZ2y16gBrm8Jt_Ggu2o-q91RNZHkLcPUf3P9u9BMDsbP8Ve/s1600/weston4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdedthlJ7zd9dDiHBItVqI0t7HjyuyP1kFoZL5V24bBFbdgso3fA3oLmLI0d5S5KBdVB0hPozx5Ts1sbT_B3_-9ktGom9QXxZ2y16gBrm8Jt_Ggu2o-q91RNZHkLcPUf3P9u9BMDsbP8Ve/s400/weston4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410071963069683218" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDJI0U3YwBDnjULNHuJCJoWrx6xMr2ehviovnugaTx7MvkhI7CWW1iiqW1kzXpHqdAdg1iUgWmYQD8OYXg-A9QK-T1UrySV6qziRlg4Atft_4wrySf9oeV0IsHNnVQcOG4-t5em5KlExs/s1600/weston5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDJI0U3YwBDnjULNHuJCJoWrx6xMr2ehviovnugaTx7MvkhI7CWW1iiqW1kzXpHqdAdg1iUgWmYQD8OYXg-A9QK-T1UrySV6qziRlg4Atft_4wrySf9oeV0IsHNnVQcOG4-t5em5KlExs/s400/weston5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410072630482040466" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Sae7u6QmJPOgzbQh9nw1sVWaq3APb6RoUPgzrJ6dB0t8YSuLV_gtMd6iaY2dXePukne_i9TLPJeNtNxoK2eODNnN9i-EVUiM-qMbn_cEFEz1t3pTVklbTXtFaQsHopEvz4n0A64S5w7V/s1600/weston6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Sae7u6QmJPOgzbQh9nw1sVWaq3APb6RoUPgzrJ6dB0t8YSuLV_gtMd6iaY2dXePukne_i9TLPJeNtNxoK2eODNnN9i-EVUiM-qMbn_cEFEz1t3pTVklbTXtFaQsHopEvz4n0A64S5w7V/s400/weston6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410073153527595954" /></a>Stu Richardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910562902134649779noreply@blogger.com4