Part 1.

SOURCE: History of Coaldale - Re-printed from Joseph H. Zerbey History of Pottsville and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. As published in Full in “Pottsville Republican” and “Pottsville Morning Paper,” 1934, J.H. Zerbey Newspapers Inc., Print, Pottsville, Pa.

NOTE: “The Senior Class, 1934, of the Coaldale High School, gathered this material under the direction of Wilbur E. Berger, of the Social Science Department. It was written by the same students as an English project under the direction of Oscar S. Keebler, head of the English Department. Committees were appointed to do the research work, and the students responsible for each particular phase of the borough’s history will be noted as the matter is printed.”

COALDALE - EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS - SCHOOLS

(Committee: Boris Kudrikoff, John Bench)

Before there were any schools in Rahn Township, the children received only what little educstion they could get from their parents. But because many of the parents had no schooling, many children received no education at all.

For many years the people felt the need of a school but, because money was lacking, they were unable to build one. In 1849, however, the people contributed material and labor with the result that a small school was built on Jackson St. (now First St.). Although it was a small one-room building, it served its purpose well.

Some time was spent in finding a teacher and finally Graham Kennedy, of Summit Hill, was appointed its first school master. He was paid a salary of $20 a month for a term of six months a year. The money with which his salary paid was raised by taxation.

The opening of the school found about forty scholars, all anxious to learn. Three days a week they gathered around the large stove to learn the subjects which they considered important: reading, writing, and arithmetic. This building served as a school for many years. Recently it was razed and converted into a dwelling place.

In 1858 another school was built. It was located in Centerville. This school provided for the education of the children of Springdale, Centerville and North Jackson St.

This was also a one-room building. In the center of the room was a large store which supplied the heat during the cold weather. The first teacher of this school was William McLaughlin, who received a salary of $25 a month. After teaching a few years, he retired and lived in Summit Hill until his death about three years ago. He was succeeded by Mrs. Hannah Davis Jones, who is now a resident of Philadelphia. Her successor was Leticia Early.

The three “R’s” were the only subjects taught in this school until about 1885. At this time spelling and a little geography were added. There were no regular hours—school was dismissed when the stage-coach came.

In 1903 this school was used as a pest house during the small pox epidemic. In 1904, it was destroyed by fire.

About 1860 the “red school house” on Phillips St. was completed. It was also a one-room building but in 1875 it was razed and made into two rooms. About this time it was called East Ward School. David Mathers was its first teacher. His salary was $25 a month. This was later raised to $30. This school was torn down a few years ago.

In 1870, Seek boasted of a school of its own. Unlike the preceding schools, it was a two-room building. A few years later it was razed and made into four rooms. Samuel Motzer was appointed its first teacher. His salary was $30 a month.

Among the earliest teachers of this school were Edw. McElroy and Dr. M.C. Ryan.

A few years after the completion of the school at Seek, a four-room structure was built on Fifth and High Streets. Only two rooms were used as a school while the other two served as a home for Jeremiah Foley, its first teacher. A few years later the four rooms were used as a school. Among its earliest teachers were Mrs. Annie Stuart and Miss Margaret A. Bonner. Miss Bonner is the oldest teacher in Coaldale. This school was recently converted into a two-family house.

There were no janitors in any of these schools butthe teacher took the place of them. It was their duty to clean the room, make the fire and do other things as well as teach. The boys usually brought in the coal and wood.

When a child first entered school he began to learn the alphabet until he mastered it. After this he was given a primer. This was a book containing pictures of common objects with the name above it. The child had to spell the name over and over until he knew it perfectly. This system was discarded soon after 1885 and the and the phonogram (word systems) was used instead.

The year 1889 marked the construction of the first large school in Rahn Township. It was the present East Ward building on Phillips Street. There were eight rooms with as many teachers.

The School Board at this time was composed of: Bernard Boyle, Pres; James A. Mundy, Secy.; John McLean, Samuel Boyle, Wm. Mitchell, Jno. Elliott. Samuel Boyle is the only one of these still living.

In 1906, Coaldale became a borough. At this time the school directors were: Neil J. Boyle, Pres.; Dennis J. Boyle, Secy.; Paul Cavanaugh, Treas.; Edward Cavanaugh, and John Boyle.

The Middle Ward school on Ruddle and High Streets (sic) was completed in 1908. There were eight teachers when it opened. Later another teacher was appointed.

In 1915, a two-room school was completed in Seek. There were two teachers in this building until 1933. In that year, the old four-room structure was razed because it was condemned by the authorities and considered unsafe for school purposes. Because of the crowded conditions in these two rooms it became necessary to appoint four teachers.

The High School

A high school course was first given in the East Ward building in 1900. It was a two-year course. The first graduating class was in 1902. The graduates were Dora Davis (now Mrs. Paul Kirchner), Samuel Boyle, Jr., (cashier of the Lansford Dime Bank), and Frank Jones, (drug salesman).

In 1908, when the Middle Ward school was completed, two rooms were used as the high school. In 1909, however, the high school was again in the East Ward building. Nine persons graduated from the high school in the Middle Ward.

Another teacher was added to the high school’s faculty in 1909. This made a total of three teachers.

The last year that a high school course was given in the East Ward building, 1922, there were 25 graduates.

The number of high school students kept increasing and a new high school was needed for them. The matter was voted upon.

The vote showed the majority was in favor of a school. The School Board made a loan and issued bonds. The building of the school was soon under way.

John T. Simpson was the architect and engineer. His assistant was Brown Ralston. The School Board at that time was made up of Chas. Watkins, Pres.; Wm. J. Clements, V. Pres.; Thos. J. Evans, Treas.; Burk Harvey, Secy.; Jacob Berger, Thos. J. West, and David Yemm. Bernard Duffy was the solicitor. John E. Gildea was the supervising principal. The cost of the building, with equipment, was $225,000. The building was completed in 1923.

The last graduating class in the East Ward building was in 1922. They completed their three year course. The next year they came back to the new high school building and were the first to complete a four year course in Coaldale. There were 23 in this class.

Ten teachers were appointed in 1923 to teach in the new building. Now there are 20. The first principal of the high school was R.B. Morgan. He was succeeded by Samuel W. Miller. A.C. Moser succeeded Miller in 1929. John E. Gildea is the supervising principal.

In the senior high school, in 1923, there were 123 pupils. In the 7th and 8th grades there were 151. A total of 276 pupils came to the new school. In 1933, the enrollment was 567.

At present there are four school buildings in Coaldale. There are 50 teachers, 30 in the grades and 20 in the high school.

This term (1933-34) 1,454 students are enrolled in public achools first opened in Rahn Township.

In 1932, the total amount budgeted $181,964.91. The total expended was $160,286.47. The cost of keeping each pupil in school was $96.40.

Vocal music was introduced into the Coaldale High School in December, 1916. The first music teacher was Miss Burke. She received a salary of $40 a month, teaching three days a week. She was succeeded by Miss Mame Richards. Miss Griffiths was the next music teacher. Miss Ada Meredith succeeded her. In 1932 Miss McLean, the present music supervisor, was appointed. In 1928, Oscar S. Keebler organized an orchestra in the high school. The orchestra had 22 members.

Although the high school had an orchestra it was not until 1930 that instrumental music was introduced into the high school curriculum. A.C. Moser was responsible for it being added.

John J. Horn was appointed instructor of instrumental music. Coaldale is known for its band which Mr. Horn has organized.

The first year, 1930, the band had 145 members. Now there is a junior band, with 133 members, and senior band with 102 members. The present orchestra has 31 members.

SOURCE: History of Coaldale - Re-printed from Joseph H. Zerbey History of Pottsville and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. As published in Full in “Pottsville Republican” and “Pottsville Morning Paper,” 1934, J.H. Zerbey Newspapers Inc., Print, Pottsville, Pa.

NOTE: “The Senior Class, 1934, of the Coaldale High School, gathered this material under the direction of Wilbur E. Berger, of the Social Science Department. It was written by the same students as an English project under the direction of Oscar S. Keebler, head of the English Department. Committees were appointed to do the research work, and the students responsible for each particular phase of the borough’s history will be noted as the matter is printed.”

COALDALE - POST-OFFICES

(Committee: John Sofsky, Mike Bench)

The first post-master was Charley Gosliey. Charley had been previously a clerk at the Lansford Supply Store, one of the Valley’s first business places. On becoming postmaster, Gosliey opened a small store in Coaldale, corner of First and Water Sts. where J.M. Pislak now resides. This served as the first post-office; here the mail was received from the stage coach. Gosliey held the postmastership for two terms.

The second postmaster, Rev. D.E. Hughes, was the preacher of the First Welsh Church in Coaldale (located at the northeast corner of Third and Ridge Sts.), and was also the first squire of Coaldale. When postmaster Hughes took office, he lived at the S.W. corner of First and Water Sts. (across the street from the first post-office) and here, in addition to the usual small store, he conducted the activities of postmaster, squire, and preacher. The stage coach carried the mail during the first two years of his term, after which it was supplanted by the first railroad. Just before his term was over Postmaster Hughes moved the post-office to its original location across the street.

Tom Bradbury, the third postmaster, moved his post-office (and incidentally a cigar store) to the center of the town, then about what is now 126 E. Ruddle St., a gesture of convenience to the townsfolks. The post-office-store was later moved to the property of Patrick Bonner, near the present site of 104 E. Ruddle St. Postmaster Bradbury served two terms.

The fourth postmaster was Captain Winlock. He retained office at the Bonner’s residence for a short time, but later moved it to the Peter O’Donnell property at 148 E. Ruddle St. Here at first he also had a small grocery store, but, as the postal business increased, he dropped the latter. Postaster Winlock served two terms.

Succeeding Captain Winlock was Frank Barrett. Mr. Barrett retained his office at the O’Donnell residence for a short time, butthisproved inadequate and in the second year as postmaster he established an office for the mail only. This was located at what is now 40 E. Ruddle St. Mr. Barrett installed mail boxes and made many improvements which helped the post-office secure a good rating amongthe third class offices of Penna. Mr. Barrett was postmaster for eleven years.

Then came the terms of Edward Cavanaugh. He at first had his office at the John R. Boyle property, at 116 E. Ridge St., but, after a few years here he moved it to where he now lives, near the corner of Second and Phillips Sts. Here he made improvements, installing new, improved mail boxes and securing free delivery. The first mail carriers were Leonard Melley, and Paul Ryan, both appointed in 1921. Postmaster Cavanaugh served two terms.

The seventh Postmaster is Daniel Jones. For his first term he kept his office at the Cavanaugh residence. At the beginning of his second term, however, he moved it to where it now stands, 124 E. Ruddle St. During Mr. Jones’ second term another mail carrier was added, this making a total of three. Mr. Jones is now serving his third term.

SOURCE: History of Coaldale - Re-printed from Joseph H. Zerbey History of Pottsville and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. As published in Full in “Pottsville Republican” and “Pottsville Morning Paper,” 1934, J.H. Zerbey Newspapers Inc., Print, Pottsville, Pa.

NOTE: “The Senior Class, 1934, of the Coaldale High School, gathered this material under the direction of Wilbur E. Berger, of the Social Science Department. It was written by the same students as an English project under the direction of Oscar S. Keebler, head of the English Department. Committees were appointed to do the research work, and the students responsible for each particular phase of the borough’s history will be noted as the matter is printed.”

COALDALE - NEWSPAPERS
(Committee: Michael Bench, Grace Delay, Andrew Hedash, John Bench)

The Toiler’s Defense saw the light of day in Coaldale on Oct. 20, 1904, and led a stormy career until 1919, when it became part of the Panther Creek News, which gave up the fight at the end of a few years’ struggle.

The Defense was given birth as the mouthpiece of the United Mine Workers; its sponsors were men identified with the organization in an official capacity. John F. McElhenney was president of the cooperative venture, while Harry F. Blaney, was secy.-treas. Victor J. Dougherty, identified with a daily newspaper venture in Perth Amboy, N.J., was imported to guide the enterprise.

It soon assumed a high place in newspaperdom by the aggressiveness of its editorial spirit, and was widely quoted. Mr. Dougherty severed his connection with The Defense in 1912 to return to the daily newspaper field in Scranton and Hazleton. He returned to the management in 1915, only to resign in 1919 to be associated with the Lansford Record.

“New Russia”—the only Russian newspaper in Coaldale—was established by Rev. Jos. Federonko, in 1914. The paper was edited in Coaldale; the printing was done in New York City. It was a semi-monthly publication. Many prominent Russian journalists in the United States contributed articles on politics, religion and literature.

This newspaper was the organ of the “Russian National Organization,” composed wholly of immigrants from Russia, Carpatho-Russia and Galieia. The newspaper and the organization, however, existed only about three and a half years. There were approximately 1,500 subscribers to the publication as long as it lasted.

The Panther Creek News was a continuation of The Toiler’s Defense. It was organized bythe United Mine Workers of America, two and a years after The Toiler’s Defense was abandoned. In order to make sure of a sound start financially, the miners assessed themselves a day’s wages, which were put into a general fund to be used to pay all necessary expenses. It was called “The Panther Creek News.”

At one time the people of this valley were constantly in danger of being attacked by the panthers, whose haunts were centered in this valley. The Panthers became so numerous that it was necessary for one to be alert every moment he was out of the house. Soon this valley became known as the Panther Creek Valley, therefore the title, “The Panther Creek News.”

The staff that putout the first issue of this paper was as follows: Edw. Donahue, Jas. J. Furey, Sue Boyle, Margaret McElhenney and Patrick Kelley. Edw. Donahue acted as editor-in-chief.

The paper continued to be issued daily for a number of years until it was transferred to Hazleton, where it now continues as a weekly paper under the title “The Anthracite Miners.”

SOURCE: History of Coaldale - Re-printed from Joseph H. Zerbey History of Pottsville and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. As published in Full in “Pottsville Republican” and “Pottsville Morning Paper,” 1934, J.H. Zerbey Newspapers Inc., Print, Pottsville, Pa.

NOTE: “The Senior Class, 1934, of the Coaldale High School, gathered this material under the direction of Wilbur E. Berger, of the Social Science Department. It was written by the same students as an English project under the direction of Oscar S. Keebler, head of the English Department. Committees were appointed to do the research work, and the students responsible for each particular phase of the borough’s history will be noted as the matter is printed.”

COALDALE - IMMIGRATION AND GROWTH

(Committee: Theodore Pavlick, Jennie Jezz, Arlene Fudge)

Rahn Township was named after Judge George Rahm, and was organized in 1860.

It is almost exclusively coal territory, although some attempts have been made at farming in Owl Creek Valley. Owl Creek is located south of Tamaqua.

This township was greatly reduced in size and importance by the incorporation of the borough of Coaldale.

Rahn Township included Coaldale, Tamaqua and Seek Villages. Coal was mined in this township as early as 1858, but up to 1860 the output was small. In 1860, Chas. F. Shoener and Wm. Carter purchased the Greenwood Breaker property and commenced extensive developments. Mr. Shoener soon bought his partner’s interest and invested a million dollars in perfecting the improvements which subsequently became very valuable.

During the first year the property yielded an income of $50,000 a month. It was sold in 1866 for $50,000. The breaker was burned in 1874. In 1878 the Lehigh Navigation and Coal Co. purchased this property.

The villages formerly in Rahn Township were: Bull Run, now included in Coaldale as one of its streets, and Gearytown, which is now Miner St., and Greenwood St. Centerville was located on the south side of Coaldale but has recently been abandoned because it is undermined. Spring Tunnel is located north of Centerville. Dry Hollow is located on the eastern part of Rahn Colliery. All were mining hamlets of transitory existence but of little commercial importance. Now all are included in the borough of Coaldale.

The buildings of the mining villages were principally frame. The first houses were erected in 1864 in what was known as Bugtown, which is located on the main highway directly below the Coaldale State Hospital. Two years later, houses were built at old Coaldale, which is located on the extreme eastern part, now the east ward. New Coaldale, which is now the middle ward, was begun in about 1849. New Coaldale, or New Wales, began to attract attention in 1868 and buildings were erected on the line between Schuylkill and Carbon Counties in 1870.

Gearytown was named in honor of Governor John W. Geary. Its first dwelling was erected in 1866 and was occupied by Richard Boyd.

Coaldale has been noted as the center of extensive mining operations since 1864. Many developments were made in this prolific field at Coaldale, in the Panther Creek valley, in Dry Hollow nd elsewhere. One opening on the mammoth vein reached an average thickness of 34 feet though in places this vein is 249 feet thick with apparently an inexhaustible supply of coal.

Coaldale village had a population of 1,849 in 1890 and Seek village had a population of 658 in 1890. Most of the early immigrants were German, Welsh, English and Irish. In later years the Slavs, Polish, Lithuanians and Russians came. The first Slav coming here was John Shigo. The first Polish immigrants were Joseph Costello and Peter Jabbo. The first Lithuanians were Adam Adamaitis and Frank Bugeravage. The first Hebrew was Jacob Rochman. The first Russian Orthodox was Wasil Palansky.

In the 1930 census the population of Coaldale was 6,921; Male, 3,591; Female, 3,330; White, 6,921; Native Total, 5,411; Native Parentage, 1,777; Foreign or Mixed, 3,634; Under five years, 747; between five and 14 years, 1,956; between 15 and 24 years, 1,340; between 25 and 34, 826; between 35 and 44 years, 1,013; between 45 and 64 years, 907; 65 years and over, 130.

NOTE: “The Senior Class, 1934, of the Coaldale High School, gathered this material under the direction of Wilbur E. Berger, of the Social Science Department. It was written by the same students as an English project under the direction of Oscar S. Keebler, head of the English Department. Committees were appointed to do the research work, and the students responsible for each particular phase of the borough’s history will be noted as the matter is printed.”

COALDALE - SCENIC BEAUTY

(Committee: Eleanor Livingood, Miriam Jones, Gwen Lewis)

Coaldale and environs, in the year 1871, constituted as beautiful a sight as one might wish to see. It nestled between two beautiful mountains, Pitch Mountain and Sharp Mountain.

Pitch Mountain, situated north of Coaldale, was covered with oak and maple trees, with an odd pine here and there.

Sharp Mountain, situated south of Coaldale, was also called Pine Mountain because most of it was closely grown with pine trees. It had an odd oak tree growing on the summit here and there. Underneath the pine trees grew mountain grass. This was dotted with bushes of baby laurel which grew about a foot high and which bore flowers of a deep rose color. It was also thickly grown with huckleberry and elderberry bushes which were intermixed with rhododendrons.

On the east end of Sharp Mountain was a large ice cave where people procured ice to preserve their food. The ice was said to be pure, which is the reason for its being used so extensively. Everybody procured their own ice when they needed it. It was carried to and fro in dishpans, buckets, etc. The cave remains to this day, but it is condemned, because it is undermined. However, the ice is just as abundant as ever and is just as good.

East of Coaldale was situated a large forest consisting of pine and spruce trees which grew tall and stately. It was a great recreation center where the schools and churches held most of their picnics.

West of Coaldale was a large amusement park called Manila Grove. It received its name from the battle of Manila which was fought about the time the park was opened. Manila Grove was developed by the Eastern Pennsylvania Traction Co. The park contained many amusements.

In the park grew many ok and pine trees together with a berry called the “haw” which the people frequently picked. The berry was the fruit of the hawthorne bush, and at that time was considered very palatable. Due to the frequent pickings, this berry has become almost extinct.

On the east exit of Manila Grove was a most gorgeous array of mountain laurel which covered the western part of Coaldale.

The color of these flowers was rose. They were the size of a full grown peony, with a background of mountain grass which made one think they were mounted on green velvet. They were so pretty that people came on excursions (when transportation was possible) to pick the laurel and see the beautifule picture they presented. The laurels were sent to New York to the sick and unfortunate who otherwise would never have had the opportunity of seeing them. Because of these laurels, the hill was called Laurel Hill. The hill extended east as far as Fifth St., and west as far as Seventh St. It also extended north as far as Ruddle St., and as far south as Lehigh St.

At the foot of this hill, a spring cut its way down into the creek. This spring, used as a water spout by the inhabitants of Coaldale, was a great gathering place as it was the only place for the people of Coaldale to obtain water.

The previous paragraphs describe the scenery before it was marred by the coal industry.