Underground Miners

08/27/2026

Let’s talk the operation of a flame safety lamp.

08/27/2026

The Storrs Colliery was opened by the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company around 1880, with the sinking of a shaft. It was named after William R Storrs, the General Coal Agent of the company. A large wooden breaker was built on the site, with three shafts and many other supporting buildings. In 1919, a new breaker was built, nicknamed the million dollar breaker, with sides made of glass. It was known for being one of the most expensive in the valley, and the glass sides lowered the cost of interior lighting.

Learn More:

The Storrs Colliery was opened by the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company around 1880, with the sinking of a shaft. It was named after William R Storrs, the General Coal Agent of the c…

08/24/2026

We had a great time at the Brooks Mine Saturday for our second community cookout of the summer. The weather was nearly perfect as Mark grilled up nearly 200 hot dogs while we had just under 300 people tour the mine! It was a lot of fun once again to demonstrate our Whitcomb locomotive and show off some vintage lamps within the mine! Thanks to all that came out for a visit!

08/21/2026

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our second summer cookout at the Brooks Mine, Nay Aug Park, Scranton Tomorrow August 22! It looks like the weather is taking a turn for the better and it should be a great day of food and mine tours! we still have our Whitcomb Storage Battery Locomotive on display and we will be once again showcasing some vingage mine lamps in the mine. Stop on by for a hot dog and a trip in the mines!

08/19/2026

Transportation of coal inside the mine can be described by two types of haulage locomotives. The first being a main haulage locomotive, the second is a gathering locomotive. Learn more about the properties of each locomotive:

Transportation of coal inside the mine can be described by two types of haulage locomotives. The first being a main haulage locomotive, the second is a gathering locomotive. Let’s look at the prope…

08/13/2026

Mine Flushing

Due to the geology of the anthracite region in Scranton the room and pillar method was used. First a gangway would be driven into the bed, or vein of anthracite. Off of the gangway, rooms of anthracite would be mined. Separating the rooms, were pillars or solid blocks of coal left behind to support the roof, and overlying surface. Much of which had been built upon. Schools, churches, homes, etc. Once mining was completed at the boundary of the individual mine. Third or retreat mining would be conducted working back through the mine to the area where mining had begun. The pillars left to support the surface were reduced in size by 85 percent, or removed entirely. The roof and surface could be disrupted and cave immediately, or 100 years after mining had ceased. Causing great damage to the surface. The purpose of this was to mine or remove as much of the anthracite as possible. And although great damage was caused on the surface, the mining companies were protected by the laws in place at the time.

Learn More: https://undergroundminers.com/anthracite-mine-flushing-projects-in-scranton-pennsylvania/

We had a lot of fun a few years ago, going and researching the access borehole locations and capturing the "then and now" series of photos!

Due to the geology of the anthracite region in Scranton the room and pillar method was used. First a gangway would be driven into the bed, or vein of anthracite. Off of the gangway, rooms of anthra…

08/11/2026

In 1835, Richard Jones made and tested a steam powered boat in the Wilkes-Barre canal basin. A mill worker, Jones had created the small engine from drawings seen in books. He formed Jones Iron Works in 1849 (this year is referred to by Vulcan as when they were established). In 1867, he incorporated Vulcan Iron Works, located on South Main Street in Wilkes Barre. The company began making various products for the mining industry, and in 1874 produced their first steam locomotive. In 1883 they merged with Pittston Iron Works and Wilkes-Barre Iron Works, and in 1888 acquired Wyoming Valley Manufacturing Company. These moves greatly increased Vulcan’s product offering and production capabilities. Vulcan produced steam, gasoline, diesel, electric, and storage battery locomotives, as well as electric hoists, sheave wheels, and many other mine related equipment.

Learn More:

In 1835, Richard Jones made and tested a steam powered boat in the Wilkes-Barre canal basin. A mill worker, Jones had created the small engine from drawings seen in books. He formed Jones Iron Work…

07/30/2026

So…… who’s ready for a mine tour in Luzerne County?

Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat said he's working with the nonprofit Underground Miners to open a mining tourist attraction in the city.

07/22/2026

📢Please share!!

Also accepting baskets for the raffle!

07/21/2026