25TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT COAL MINERS PICNIC..DAVID A. LUCAS

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On August 8th, 2009 the 25th Annual Independent Coal Miners Picnic put on by the efforts of Coal Miner David A. Lucas will be held at Hegins Park. If you can make this picnic don’t miss it. Because you will be in the company of the finest people you will ever have THE opportunity To be in the company of. Men who have worked hard all their lives, and never complain about the work they do, men who stand up for themselves and the rights of their fellow miners.
In all my years I would rather spend my time with these guys than any of the so called important people this country has. And for me and my butty Tommy Symons “The Breaker Boys” it is the greatest honor of our musical and living history career to be accepted and part of their lives.

BELIEVE ME IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA DON’T MISS THIS EVENT.

WHEN COAL WAS QUEEN BY JAY LUKE

For the Coal Region History Buff a new and interesting book is out written by Mr. Jay Luke, It is entitled “When Coal Was Queen” by Tribute Books this book tells the story of Olyphant, Pennsylvania a town that was built upon the Anthracite Coal Industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The book is a collection of fascinating stories about the people, the various fire companies, the life and times of the people who worked in and about the mines and especially the coal miners from the area. Also included is a look at some of the interesting and notable personages of the town of Olyphant, Pa. And what interested me is the well researched history of coal mining in the region.
The author Jay Luke is a musician and artist he has complied an interesting well researched history of Olyphant. Jay is a graduate of Marywood University, and works as a graphic artist. His interests in history and the arts is well represented in this great book.

The book can be purchased at Amazon.Com
When Coal Was Queen: The History of the Queen City - Olyphant, Pennsylvania (Paperback)
by Jay Luke (Compiler), III Stephen Klem (Compiler), Steve Lichak (Compiler)

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List Price: $19.95
Price: $19.95

LAST TRIP FROM SCHUYLKILL HAVEN ON THE SCHUYLKILL CANAL

I FOUND THIS ARTICLE TODAY WHILE RESEARCHING AT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
IT CAME FROM A MARCH 12, 1952 ISSUE OF THE POTTSVILLE REPUBLICAN.




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NEW BOOK ABOUT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CIVIL WAR HEROES BY JOHN HOPTAK

Here is a new book by Schuylkill Civil War Historian, Author and Antietam National Park Ranger and Orwigsburg native, John Hoptak.
Also Check out John's Great Blog on the 48th P.V.I. at
http://www.48thpennsylvania.blogspot.com/

New Civil War Heroes of Schuylkill County Illustrated Guide Now Available. . .




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During the four years of the American Civil War, thousands of Schuylkill County’s sons served in Union blue. More than six hundred never returned home. From throughout Schuylkill County’s anthracite-laden coalfields to its fertile farmlands, volunteers, both young and old, from all social backgrounds and from all walks of life, willingly left their homes and families behind to fight for the preservation of the Union and the destruction of slavery. Schuylkill County soldiers fought—and died—in all of the war’s great campaigns and epic battles, from Antietam and Gettysburg in the East to Shiloh and Chattanooga in the war’s Western Theatre. Some served at the rank of general, several received the Medal of Honor for battlefield heroics, and many rose to great prominence while displaying uncommon valor and playing important roles both on campaign and in battle. Yet, from the highest-ranking general on down to the enlisted soldier, all who served were heroes.

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They Will Be Remembered By A Grateful People focuses on the lives of but a few of the thousands of Civil War heroes who served from Schuylkill County. In this illustrated guide, designed specifically for children and young adults but entirely suitable for all ages, I tell the stories of such notables as General James Nagle, Colonels Benjamin Christ, George Wynkoop, and Henry Cake, as well some lesser-known but still very important figures such as Major Lewis Martin and young Jeremiah Helms, one of the youngest soldiers to give his life during the Civil War. Told, too, is the tragic story of the Allison Brothers from Port Carbon, all four of whom served, and all four of whom died. And, of course, the book begins with a look at the famed First Defenders, the first Northern volunteers to reach Washington following the commencement of the war. Two of the first five First Defender companies hailed from Pottsville. The story of Nicholas Biddle, an elderly African-American and former slave, is told as well. Biddle was among the first casualties of the war, struck down in the streets of Baltimore as he made his way with the First Defenders toward Washington.
In all, They Will Be Remembered By A Grateful People focuses on the lives and service of fifteen notable Civil War heroes from Schuylkill County. In addition to biographical sketches of these individuals, there are excellent illustrations of each, drawn by artist and Civil War historian Jared Frederick. It is my hope that as you read about these soldiers and reflect upon their service and sacrifice, you will discover just a small portion of Schuylkill County’s distinguished Civil War history and become inspired to learn more.


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Although designed for a younger audience, They Will Be Remembered By A Grateful People is suitable for Civil War buffs of all ages, and especially for anyone interested in the history of Schuylkill County. Published by LuLu, the illustrated guide numbers 36 pages, and is now available for purchase. This guide makes for an ideal gift and would be an excellent addition to any classroom. Parents and educators are encouraged to purchase this book for their children and students.
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For more information on They Will Be Remembered By A Grateful People, click here
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/they-will-be-remembered-by-a-grateful-people/7190256

Also, if you are interested in purchasing a copy, or several copies (remember, they make for a great gift), you can either order directly from the website linked above, or you can simply contact me at:

johnhoptak@hotmail.com

I am hoping that the book will soon be available at locations throughout Schuylkill County.
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One more note. Jared's illustrations are simply incredible, and I cannot thank him enough for his excellent work. Below is his illustration of General James Nagle as it appears in the book, following that is the same illustration colored in by my sister, Angie. . .

A GHOST DELAYS A PENNSYLVANIA R.R. TRAIN NEAR PORT CLINTON

Pottsville Journal
June 3rd , 1915

“GHOST”
DELAYS P.R.R. TRAIN

Train No. 413 on the P.R.R., running from Phila. To Pottsville, was held up for about 10 minutes on Wednesday evening while the crew sought a “ghost” on the track along a big curve near Port Clinton. The train was making good time coming along the straight road and just as the curve was reached the brakes were applied and the speed reduced. After the curve had been almost passed the engineman J.A. Wells and fireman R. B. Schiottman noticed what looked to them like a man on the track swinging a lantern. Two passengers on the left side of the train also saw the light and jumped to the windows as the air was applied. The engineman, fireman and conductor Hugh O’Leary left the train to go ahead and they were unable to find anyone near. Then other members of the crew except the rear brakeman who went back to guard track searched the area and they were soon joined by some of the passengers. No one was visible and the crew are at a loss to know what the light was.
The “ghost” story at once arose and it fitted very well as the train in the morning going down struck Henry C. Reed some distance down and killed him outright. The crew say that as long as they have been employed on the railroad there has been nothing of the kind ever occurred to them and they are very nervous.

ST CLAIR YOUTH ELECTROCUTED IN SING SING PRISON NEW YORK 1940

THE ELECTRIC CHAIR IN SING SING PRISON

I FOUND THIS STRANGE STORY IN THE POTTSVILLE REPUBLICAN.

POTTSVILLE REPUBLICAN FEB. 17, 1940

Only 17 minutes were required to complete the triple execution of three convicted murderers in Sing Sing Prison’s electric chair.
One by one and in alphabetical order, the condemned men sat down in the seat of death after hearing prayers of the rev. John McCaffery, a catholic Priest. Each man was pronounced dead four minutes after entering the death chamber.
First to go was Franklin W. Jenner 22, formerly of Newbury Vt. Convicted of bludgeoning to death with a chair Mrs. Florence Ames of Pompey New York. While burglarizing her home.

The other men electrocuted John Kulka 24, and Bertal Thingstead 28 convicted of shooting to death a New York City Police officer, Humbert Moruzzi in a Manhattan Night club holdup 10 months ago.

Kulka was second to go to the chair, he had no visitors yesterday, but his mother and brother , both from St. Clair, Pa. visited him last week.

Kulka last words declared:” I don’t deserve the rap[ I’m getting.”

SING SING PRISON

He resided while at St. Clair in the lower Arnots Addition, attended St. Clair schools and then for a time was employed by the St. Clair Coal Co. About four years ago he went to New York to get employment and fell in with a bad crowd. On the occasion of one return visit to St. Clair, he exhibited considerable money and said he was getting along fine in New York.

When arrested for the Policeman’s murder a gun was found in his procession but it had not been fired. He asserted he had no part in the killing.

His father died and his mother has since married.

Kulka was buried in the St. Mary’s cemetery the parish cemetery of Holy Trinity Greek Catholic church, St. Clair. the service took place from his late residence, Para St, in Arnots Addition.


Editors Note: I did some researching Kulka and found this about the murder.

DEWEY SEEKS THE DEATH PENALTY FOR THREE.

New York April 18, 1940

DA Thomas Dewey said today he would seek the death penalty for three men held ion the death of Officer Humbert Moruzzi shot during a Greenwich Village night club hold up.

Lt. Martin Owens said a hold up at the club Howdy last Tuesday was one of at least 13 major robberies stayed by a gang blamed for the officers death.

1st degree murder was charged against Harry Kochs leader of the gang and Francis Degnan and John Kulka.

A total of 614 men and women died in the electric chair in Sing Sing, and since 1914,all executions in New York State were done there. The last execution at Sing Sing Prison occurred on August 15, 1963.

KULKA WAS THE 958 PERSON EXECUTED BY THE STATE OF NEW YORK

B-6A BOMBER CRASHES NEAR PINE GROVE APRIL 6, 1936

KEYSTONE B-6A BOMBER

ARMY B-6A BOMBER CRASHES ON MOUNTAIN
WEST OF PINE GROVE.
APRIL 5, 1936

The headline in the Pottsville Journal stated, “ARMY PLANE FALLS NEAR COUNTY LINE”
5 Airmen burned to death in crash on Blue Ridge Mountains not far from Pine Grove.

One victim was a Berks Countian,

Craft was driven far off course during Last night’s rain storm during training course.

Fredericksburg, Pa. April 6, …The bodies of five army aviators, charred beyond recognition, were removed today from the wreckage of a two motored bomber that crashed last night on the Blue Ridge Mountain.

Army officers from the Middletown, Pa. field listed the dead as Lieut Stetson Brown, St, Johnsbury Vt. Pilot, Cadet Paul Anspaugh , Cleveland, Ohio, Pvt. William Yost, Maine, Pvt. Arthur Metz, Chambersburg, Pa. and Staff Sgt. Ernest Endy, near Boyertown. The bodies were brought here.

The plane was enroute to Langley Field, Va. Via Washington from Pottstown.

Officers who arrived at the scene of the crash identified the plane as an Army B-6A by the aerial numbers on the engine. The remainder of the plane a mass of twisted and charred wreckage.

The fliers were on a routine training cruise.

Lieut. Brown had piloted the plane from Cleveland and had stopped at Pottstown to pick up Endy who was visiting his wife. Endy, the officers said was the only one married.

After leaving Pottstown the plane ran into heavy rain and was driven 60 miles off course. Officers said it crashed into the side of the blue Mt. between 8:30 and 9 P.M. an hour or more after leaving Pottstown.

An investigation will be undertaken by the army officers stationed at Middletown. It was said , failure of the ship to report by radio after it was apparently driven from its course led the officers to believe it had radio failure.




COUNTY FOLK VIEW THE WRECKAGE

Many residents of the West end of Schuylkill county today visited the scene of the fatal plane crash two and a half miles west of Pine Grove just over the county line.


photo from Pottsville Republican
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The plane nosed deep into the soft earth and its charred tail being discernable from a distance. Broken tree tops in a straight line about 500 feet from the wreckage indicate the course of the plane prior to its crash.

Many Farmers in the West End of the county heard the crash and saw the resultant flames.

When it was learned that the plane had come from :Langley Field, Va. Considerable concern was felt in Pine Grove since “Buddy Hartzel” of that town is a student flier there.

A detail of men from Middletown airport, under command of an Army officer, arrived at the scene and made an examination of the wreckage. The instruments were salvaged and then the wreck car from Middletown prepared to pull out and cart the remains of the plane back to Middletown.

Captain Derwister, USA was in command of the detail. He said the plane was flying by means of the Newark radio beam. Some charred personnel effects of the five men were found including several wrist watches.

A newsreel man took pictures of the wreck as did many photographers. Trees around the wreckage were not burned. State Police finally had to close the road to keep spectators from blocking the highway. Many motorists drove to the scene during the day.

Three of the bodies were found in the rear of the fuselage, the pilot and radio officer were in the forward part. The radio operator’s headphones were in place. Lieut, Brown was a newcomer to the service just receiving his commission only a short time ago.



Editors Note: Talk about being off course! This aircraft was about 50 to 60 miles off course. If it was heading toward Langley, Va. From Pottstown that had to be one hell of a storm. The B6A was the last bi plane bomber the Army flew.
Sometime this summer I will make a trek out to the area were this aircraft crashed and see if I can find any artifacts or parts of the aircraft.
A couple of years ago I went to the crash site up in Aristes, See my Blog {THIS IS AN EMERGENCY DESECENT THE CRASH OF UNITED FLIGHT 624). There I was able to still find parts of the fuselage of the DC-6, actually lying on top of the ground.

U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet
KEYSTONE B-6A







The Keystone B-6A was the last biplane bomber purchased by the U.S. Army Air Corps. The conservative Army leadership was slow to accept new design concepts in aircraft construction and tended to favor traditional and proven designs over radical unproven ones. This resulted in a design stagnation of about 10 years. The basic design and performance of the B-6A was little different from the Martin NBS-1 ordered in 1921.

The acceptance of the single-wing bomber would be slow. The B-7 and B-8 bombers were ordered in 1929, but they were originally designed as high-speed observation planes. The conversion to the bomber role was done while the prototypes were under construction.

Some Keystone bombers remained in service until the early 1940s, serving in secondary roles such as observation and reconnaissance.

Type Number built/
converted Remarks
B-6A 39 Production Y1B-6


Serial numbers: 32-142 to 32-180

SPECIFICATIONS:
Span: 74 ft. 9 in.
Length: 48 ft. 10 in.
Height: 17 ft. 2 in.
Weight: 13,350 lbs. gross
Armament: Three Browning .30-cal. machine guns and 2,500 lbs. of bombs
Engines: Two Wright R-1820-1 radials of 575 hp each
Crew: Five

PERFORMANCE:
Top speed: 120 mph at sea level
Cruising speed: 103 mph
Service ceiling: 14,100 ft.
Range: 825 miles (approx. 350 miles with full bomb load)