Check out this link on the history of Parsons (Parsons History). The first successful coal mining in Parsons was done in 1866, when the Mineral Spring mine was opened. The first breaker was built by the Mineral Spring Coal company. The spring from which Mineral Spring Coal Company takes its name was on the lands of Calvin Parsons. It had gained notoriety for its curative qualities and an effort was made a few years prior to the opening of the coal mines to buy the property, in order to establish an infamous water cure. When the mining commenced in 1866 the source of the spring was tapped, and it was dewatered. The Laurel Run Breaker shortly followed and opened in 1867-68 by the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. Patch Town histories and where their names were often derived from can be found in this Citizen’s Voice article from August 9th, 2015.

Francis Dombrowksi, III Mineral Springs Mine Map Collection-Parsons, PA donated to EPCAMR

The dates on the maps range from 1905-1952. The Local coal vein names or Formal Names shown are the Skidmore, Red Ash, 3′ Vein, Lower Baltimore Vein, Upper Baltimore Vein, and the Checker Vein. The veins are all located in the Northern Anthracite Coalfield in Luzerne County and the majority of the map types are underground mine maps (12), cross-sections (2), plan map (1), surface maps (3), and a surface topography map (1). The scale on each of the maps are 1″=100′, except for the plan maps for the No. 2 Slope Extension, which is 1″=20′. 2 of the maps are original linens and 17 of the maps are paper copies. The datum is 500′ below tide. The maps were acquired from a Mining Engineer who formerly worked for the Mineral Spring Coal Company.

Upper Baltimore Vein Mineral Springs Coal Company-Parson, PA

The maps shows various stages of underground mining development during this period of mining activity. Various barrier pillars are shown. Other adjacent collieries and coal companies are also mapped, along with elevations, historic property owners, culm and silt banks, Water Company lands and reservoirs, slopes, stripping operations, Laurel Run, State Routes 115,  Engine houses, haulage roads, old mining roads, borehole locations, mined out areas, section lines, cross sections, and rock tunnels, drainage tunnels and single, double, and even triple compartment mine shafts. It is truly amazing what one can find on these historic mining maps, once they know what they are looking for. EPCAMR has developed a mine map symbology PDF key to assist the public with identifying many of these mining features above.

EPCAMR has given the distinction of naming this collection of mining maps the Francis Dombrowski, III Mineral Springs Mine Map Collection for archival purposes. It took 22 GB of storage to create the collection digitally to be properly archived at EPCAMR. EPCAMR Executive Director, Robert E. Hughes, stated, “We would like to thank and acknowledge Mr. Dombrowski, III for reaching out to EPCAMR and for seeing the value in the preservation and archival purposes of them for the future. EPCAMR is going to use them to update our regional underground mine pool models and to assist in identifying probable locations for mine subsidence. The maps also allow us to determine where surface water from our mountain streams, like Laurel Run and its’ tributaries are being lost to the underground mine workings where from the looks of many of the maps that were reviewed in this collection, have been mined out completely. We also want to make people aware of the PA Mine Subsidence Insurance Program and the benefits that obtaining coverage can offer to residents, particularly, in the Coal Region, and more importantly, in this case, in the Parsons area of the City of Wilkes-Barre and Plains Township.”

Mine Map showing various stages of mining advancement

The post Francis Dombrowski, III Donates Historic Mine Maps to EPCAMR Archive from the Mineral Spring Coal Company appeared first on epcamr.org.

Location of the whirlpool breakthrough into the Ewen Mine workings, beneath the Susquehanna River

The programs are sponsored by the Anthracite Heritage Museum, Anthracite Heritage Foundation, King’s College, Luzerne County Historical Society, Luzerne County Community College, Wilkes University, Huber Breaker Preservation Society, EPCAMR, Greater Pittston Historical Society, Anthracite Living History Group, Old Forge Coal Mine, and Knox Mine Disaster Memorial Committee.

All events are open to the public free of charge, except the first one.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR MINING HISTORY WEEK 2015

Jan. 10th, 8 am
Boy Scouts of America, “Mining in Society” Merit Badge Day, King’s College – open only to Boy Scout members of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council; program ends at 6 pm

Jan. 15th, 7 pm 
Msgr. John J. Curran Annual Lecture, Prof. Walter T. Howard of Bloomsburg University, speaking on “Socialist and Communist Labor Organizers in the Wyoming and Lackawanna Coal Fields during the 1930s,” King’s College, Burke Auditorium, McGowan School of Business – refreshments served at 6:30 pm

Jan. 17th, 2 pm
Knox Mine Disaster Annual Remembrance Program, Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park, Scranton: displays; music; special tribute to photographers, Steven and William Lukasik Sr., and news reporter, Jack Scanella; new segments of The Knox Disaster Documentary by David Brocca of Los Angeles, CA; commentary by Chester Kulesa, William Lukasik, Jr., and Robert Wolensky – refreshments provided

Jan. 18th, 10 am
Knox Mine Disaster Memorial Service, St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston

Jan. 18th, 11:30 am 
Knox Mine Disaster Public Commemoration, PHMC Historical Marker in front of Baloga Funeral Home, Port Griffith – coffee provided, courtesy of Baloga Funeral Home

Jan. 20th, 6:30 pm
Huber Breaker Preservation Society, Atty. F. Charles Petrillo of Wilkes-Barre will present and discuss two classic Anthracite-related documentary films at Earth Conservancy, Ashley – refreshments provided

Jan. 22th, 6:30 pm 
Luzerne County Historical Society, William Hastie and Robert Wolensky will speak about their book, “Anthracite Labor Wars,” Wyoming Presbyterian Church, Wyoming – refreshments provided

Jan. 24th, 2-4 pm
Meet and Hear Local Authors, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Wilkes-Barre Township: local authors will speak about their books, beginning at 2:30 pm, and meet and greet patrons before and afterwards; authors include William Conologue, John Dziak, William Hastie, William Kashatus, Kathleen Munley, Sheldon Spear, Kenneth Wolensky, and Robert Wolensky

The post Regional Mining History Week Events to take place January 10-24th appeared first on epcamr.org.