Live in NYC. As part of book research on 1877 violence in Scranton and Reading, I'm planning a week's trip through mine country (my second -- first was in July 2001; only fitting the second should be in winter, eh?). Must spend a day or two in Scranton and in Pottsville, for specific research needs. Otherwise, would like to view Sunbury, Shamokin and if I can locate it, Mt. Laffee. specifically the site of Gowen's mining venture there before he turned into the "Napoleon of American railroading" -- that is, when he was just one more bankrupt leaseholder of a mine property. (He's no friend of mine, I just hope to unravel some aspects of his particular monomania / megalomania, and the land everywhere whispers tales otherwise untellable, if only we listen....).
Any leads on locating any Mt Laffee mine(s) will be hugely appreciated; as well as any alternate suggestions of sites to take in during the limited time I have available.
Thanks to any and all in advance.
-- Doug
Planning Trip to Mine Country
I know this is a very old post, but I know a place that might be of interest to anybody else out there;
Just outside of Freeland Pa, about ten miles east from Hazleton, there is an old company mining villiage that the movie "The Molly McGuires" was filmed in. It is now a museum open to the public. I drove thru it a couple of years ago, boy those shacks were small, had to be a hard living out of the hole too.
For the life of me I can't recall the name of the place, but if you called any Gov't office in Freeland, they'll be able to tell you about it.
Just outside of Freeland Pa, about ten miles east from Hazleton, there is an old company mining villiage that the movie "The Molly McGuires" was filmed in. It is now a museum open to the public. I drove thru it a couple of years ago, boy those shacks were small, had to be a hard living out of the hole too.
For the life of me I can't recall the name of the place, but if you called any Gov't office in Freeland, they'll be able to tell you about it.
- Richard S.
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I believe you're thinking of Eckley...
Last edited by Richard S. on Thu. Jun. 08, 2006 5:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
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You might also stop by Jim Thorpe, and perhaps the LansfordNo. 9 mine and museum if you have time.