The Avondale Mine Site - Worst Disaster In Anthracite History

[@jamesryan6224]

For those that dont know, Anthracite is very clean burning, hard coal. Thanks for the video.

[@BlueNeonLites]

It is a shame that teachers don't really teach local history. My HS was right down the street in Plymouth, and they never taught us about this, or much of any local history. The only mine disaster that I really know about is the Knox Mine Disaster, because my great, great uncle (who was a coal miner) took my mother down to watch the train cars being sent down into the area of the cave-in. (His brother was killed in a mine accident in Plymouth in the late 1940s.) Thank you. This was very intersting.

[@JPVideos81]

Thank you. I made a video if the Knox Mine Disaster as well.

[@BlueNeonLites]

@@JPVideos81 I have seen that one too! I love learning about the local history, but it seems like the info is harder and harder to get. Thank you again, bc videos like this keep the history alive!

[@timramich]

That's strange. Our school, pretty south of the coal region, taught us about a bunch of the coal region stuff, and we even took a field trip to Centralia and the Museum of Anthracite in Ashland.

[@scottyV1000]

@@timramich The Ashland mine is an interesting tour. There are some pretty interesting signatures down there. If I remember correctly Scott Crossfield is one. Also the fossilized trees where the coal came from.

[@ChiefCowpie]

Shame for folks not developing their innate curiosity to find out what is going on.

[@barbara-pigeonbray4579]

Great job explaining what we were seeing as you went along ...You and Mike were very respectful of the disaster site and I always appreciate your professionalism. It was an interesting if somewhat sad explore but the men who died are being honored all these many years later and their time on earth is documented and not forgotten ...good job , guys.The photo montage and music at the end was beautiful . ..you are an artist , Jay.

[@JPVideos81]

You're very kind Barbara. Thank you very much.

[@pamelahicks517]

It's heartbreaking that it takes a disaster with loss of lives before changes are made to make mining safer. I can't remember what mine it was, but I remember rescuers sending down food and water to men trapped in a mine. There was an effort made to dig a shaft from above to try to help the situation. They finally were able to send a narrow tube-like bucket for the men to get in, one by one, and hoist them up to the surface. They sent the men up that needed the most medical attention first. It took a lot of time and help from a lot of people to rescue those men. Mining can be a very dangerous occupation. They did a great job of making a very respectful memorial for those that lost their lives at this particular site. Stay safe, James.

[@RWJ127]

I think you're thinking of the Chilean Mine Rescue

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

Thank you guys for letting us learn about the mine & the brave man that worked & died there. You're helping their memorys stay alive, helping others to know what they did there, 167 or so yrs ago. Brave miners are still dieing today.

[@tamarawalker8973]

Extremely great video!! Very informative. Very respectful. Important piece of history. Thanks for showing us.

[@highatruthart]

The one thing l love about your video's is I learn something new every time I watch Thank you!🖒🤗

[@EllicottCity1]

Yes~ I agree! Always learning something new

[@lynnlopez3274]

Your explores are always informative. History of this area no longer just in books.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks lynn

[@SaltyNationalist]

Thanks for coming back to this location and shooting it during the day. Way cool history and splore..✌😉👌

[@edithdavis2848]

Very interesting. So glad you do this, it keeps history a live.

[@KflanntheRailfan]

Loved this video jay, I like it when you investigate these old historical spots the mines collieries, cause our regions history began with those mines, of course the railroads. Have to get up to see this site .

[@sharonlegnon427]

:( Men and boys!!!! So sad. You learn something everyday. Thank you for posting this piece of history.

[@carolsmith9728]

You have such a wonderful way of making me feel as though I'm right there with you. Thanks!

[@JPVideos81]

Thats my intention. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gmtawny7183]

How horrible for all the families! The workers and the owners I am sure too! Terrible tradegy. Interesting explore. Thankyou :)

[@CheapestGamer]

The workers and their families I can sympathize with. But the coal barons, who undermined our whole state and ran off smiling all the way to the bank after leaving so many with future health problems, so many dead (or maimed/crippled) via accidents and future fires and subsidences as an added bonus for the state's residents, are hopefully in Hell rotting at this point. Of course our state didn't do a thing until forced to and even then they did the bare minimum.

[@scottyV1000]

@@CheapestGamer The politicians never stick up for the little guy. They are always getting donations otherwise known as bribes to look the other way and it still goes on today. Why does PA allow soil considered to be toxic waste from NY and NJ to be dumped in PA - in many cases at old industrial sites?

[@ElectricalDynamo]

Excellent video JP some real history there excellent still shots 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JPVideos81]

Thank you

[@Gypsy839]

Thank you for the history of this mine!

[@pamelanoel8948]

I used to live at 89 West Broadway in Plymouth...there were...are some old coal buildings down the road. Great exploring.

[@stevetaylor2272]

awesome video. i watched a few and subscribed. I read through the comments of people i sub to and found you through some comments you made on a channel called rich discoveries. fantastic channel you have here, looking forward to back tracking through and watching more. thank you

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for subscribing steve

[@frankfrank1168]

So interesting!!! I’m a Mahanoy City boy, my dad was a miner at Gilberton coal. These men and boys were tough SOB’s. Keep up the Great work, even disasters have a place in history. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@pokemonhunter9409]

Cool explore, and thanks for sharing the history as well! How sad, a lot of lives.... Gave thumbs up as always!

[@vikkinicholson2300]

Awesome seeing the old "before" picture and how nature is taking it back. Good for you, nature. Seeing the before give you a whole new perspective. Thank you for doing the "heavy lifting" for us and going through the underbrush.

[@nadinechandler8898]

That was very interesting...thanks for the history. As always keep exploring and stay safe!

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks Nadine

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

Amazing video guys, I kept thinking about the men that died under ground with NO way out, it was really kinda sad, and A little bit creepy, nice job guys, HAPPY Holidays to the both of you and your families.☺💜⚫💙🎄🎄

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

To think of the tons & tons of coal on fire under ground in Pennsylvania today where the whole town left except for maybe 4 or 5 people, if that. ( Centralia, Penn.) Those poor men & their family & friends. Some women lost their whole familys. Why does stuff like that HAVE to happen before at least alittle safer ways could be made or found out how to do. In Edison, New Jersey we tried to get a rail road crossing up. Nope, would cost too much money ect . It took a whole young family, small kids to get killed one evening. THEN a rail road crossing was put up. Nothing seems to change.

[@alicefink1092]

Thank you JP. This was a interesting place, my dad worked in the coal mines when he was young so this sort of thing is interesting to me.. thanks for sharing

[@JPVideos81]

No problem

[@bigturboxr3i]

Great adventure, watching from Armadale in Scotland. Not far from the River Avon.. God bless y'all.

[@dorothyseltzer8989]

Great video and thanks for the history lesson. Very interesting.

[@rosemary-bn2di]

Thank you for sharing the history on this mine .. I found it interesting ...

[@JPVideos81]

You're welcome

[@dottiemccoy3123]

NIce video...my grandfather was a coal miner in PA. He died before I was born. He died at a very early age in his 30's

[@cullenosbourn3304]

Rest In Peace to all the brave miners who died in the cold black mines , from Pennsylvania to West Virginia, Kentucky , Ohio to the Powder River Basin in Wyoming , my hats off to you for the job you do. Thank you. 😞

[@EllicottCity1]

Really enjoyed this one! Thank you so much for all the time, effort & dedication that goes into your explores. I always look forward to your adventures 😊 ~ from Maryland

[@JPVideos81]

Thank you very much

[@rosemarykasper4001]

What a cool, historic place! Really enjoyed the explore, and thanks for including my favorite, ending montage!!

[@JPVideos81]

You're welcome

[@norandois]

I just can’t imagine the scenery back in time and live that kind of disaster, It should been crazy time back in 1860’s crazy stuff

[@billbest9483]

Back in the days there were miners houses before and after the site to the right of those tracks. Those concrete footings below the tunnel (mistakes and referred to as the ventilation shaft) are the breaker footings still visible in those photos(referred as foundations in this video).

[@anitae]

wow is your camera ever clear and crisp. nice!

[@anitae]

am I the only one that notices that? Almost feels like I am right there.

[@EllicottCity1]

I noticed that as well~ almost feel as if I'm there!

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks, i try to make you feel as if you're there with me.

[@anitae]

@@JPVideos81 that is a serious camera you have. I felt like I could reach out and touch your hat.

[@richdiscoveries]

Wow, incredible!!

[@lorrainekrauss5140]

Another good video with amazing history of the coal industry in the area!

[@obscureadventures5349]

Wow so cool! It is so tragic to hear about all the miners that lost their lives back in the day due to the dangerous work conditions. The old coal mining facilities and towns fascinate me. Great Video!

[@JPVideos81]

👍

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Jay, a place filled with memories and sadness, it was cruel back in those days to have kids as young as 10 working there and elsewhere too. Still quite a bit of the old buildings left which is testament to the building techniques of the day. The stalactites that hang down from concrete are called Calthemite, here is some information on it. - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calthemite Thank you for your hard work and sensitivity. x

[@joerae]

I was out doing a bit of exploring yesterday and took a walk out to the Avondale Mine site - fascinating place. I did not know about the wash houses a bit further up the trail - my next venture out that way, I'll have to go take a look. great video

[@JPVideos81]

Definitely a neat place. Thanks for checking it out.

[@loreleipetry3821]

Such a sad story, my husband's grandfather died in a mine collapse in WV and left behind a widow and 8 children. I always think about what those poor men must have went through down there :( Really great pictures and exploration of the site, I enjoyed this video.

[@JPVideos81]

Its in the news today about 3 people trapped in a west Virginia mine since Sunday. Can easily become a scary situation.

[@marybethsmith6458]

That was a very educational video on this disaster.Stay safe guys and God bless.

[@CheapestGamer]

Those steps in that building without a railing or anything under them reminded me of the one back set of steps in Boscov's from their upstairs stock rooms in the Mall At Steamtown back in the day. I worked there when they first opened and it was absolutely terrifying (especially for me with a fear of heights) walking down from there to the loading dock when you didn't want to wait for the freight elevator to come upstairs again.

[@disco5166]

Amazing that the buildings you showed us are still standing! Don't build like this anymore! Thanks for the video!

[@JPVideos81]

You're welcome!

[@marykondrad3741]

Steve here from the Plymouth Historical Society. Very nice informative video. I see you found the path with the yellow rope that leads to the Lamp House, after taking the long way around. I have a few additions to your descriptions. The tunnel in the Memorial Garden that is covered with a "bat grate" was excavated in the early 1800's, prior to coal mining at Avondale. It was dug in an attempt to reach the coal seams beneath the mountainside. The tunnel was abandoned with no coal being found. Decades later, the Avondale Mine shaft was sunk above the tunnel, intersecting the side of the tunnel. During the 1869 disaster, the tunnel was used as a means of carrying out the bodies of the victims. Many years after the disaster, the tunnel served as an alternate exist to Shaft No 3 which was located on the hillside above the highway... Following the disaster, a ventilation shaft was sunk in another location on the property. Throughout the 100 years of mining at Avondale, two other shafts were sunk, one for haulage and one for air ventilation. Today, all of the shafts are completely filled in. The only remaining opening into the hillside is the old original tunnel with the bat grate. The one black and white photo with the caption "Avondale Colliery in Plymouth, 1930" is actually a photo of George F Lee's Chauncey Colliery. It was incorrectly identified in the newspaper because it was located in the Avondale Section of Plymouth Twp. The Chauncey was located near the former Plymouth Twp. Recreational Field. Also, the Wash House was a wash house "shifting shanty" for miners to wash off after working in the mine. The building closest to the Memorial Garden was used as a Lamp House. Miners cap lamps were repair, refueled and in later years their batteries were recharged in this building. The Lamp House can be reached by taking the path with the yellow rope, above and to the left of the kiosk in the Memorial Garden. The Historical Society welcomes visitors to our Avondale Mine site property. Although, due to the hazardous terrain beyond the Memorial Garden, we advise visitors to use extreme caution and to stay clear of areas marked with signage or listed on the kiosk. Check out the kiosk first, sign our guest book, be careful, be respectful and enjoy your visit. If you have any questions about the Avondale Mine, please contact the Plymouth Historical Society on our website or on Facebook. Thanks for helping to inform people about the Avondale Mine Disaster !

[@JPVideos81]

Yes, that yellow rope made things easier, although my first time there it wasnt there. I knew i would probably incorrectly identify some of the info, there was alot to take it and sift through. Thanks so much for watching my video and giving the correct info.

[@porkturtle8321]

Wow! Thank you for the info, Steve. Very informative and very much appreciated.

[@cindycrawford5124]

loved this one, guys. never heard of this event before-those people need not be forgotten-thx-would y'all consider getting permission (and maybe a safe guide) to get closer tour public can't see sometime if possible?

[@melindaevans511]

Thank you for sharing this information, it's really cool that you go out and find these places for us, love your channel keep up the great work!

[@JPVideos81]

Glad you enjoy my videos

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Thank you for this Video The coalmining is one of the dangerous minings you can do. This mining is full of Desaster and dead miners . Thank you for the Respekt you bring for this brave man arround the World. They gave their livers for us . For the way of live as we know. Yours Frank Galetzka

[@donnicholas7552]

I saw Mike's slideshow video the other night. I was wondering what was the second building? It's cool to watch, but I felt very sad for all those miners who died. I'm glad it's now a memorial and seems to be taken very good care of.

[@marthasmith3498]

I watched video where you was wadding water in some tunnels that was awesome and the abandon houses I enjoyed very much.

[@JPVideos81]

Check out my playlists. I have my videos categorized.

[@jasonchristian5204]

Drove thru that area years back😎 Cool vid as always👌

[@JPVideos81]

I drove past it dozens of times since the 80s and never knew about it.

[@jasonchristian5204]

@@JPVideos81 yea Pennsylvania is filled with mysterious things😊

[@silviareginapasetto7985]

Very good. Thank you.

[@jodifryer7730]

Very interesting. Thank you 😊

[@scotabot7826]

You couldn't pay me enough to go down in that hole. That roof looks like it could go at any second!! Lol.

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

This is well done, thank you. I didn’t know anything about the Pioneer Mine Disaster now I’m going to research it on my own 👍

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks!

[@catwoman472]

Really nice video. Thanks for sharing. You guys are amazing

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks susan

[@catwoman472]

JPVideos welcome

[@cynthialinaweaver77]

Your State is just gorgeous and the history you share is fantastic thank you for your videos.Id love to leave Calif and move to Pennsylvania.

[@JPVideos81]

I'll come to cali to visit lol

[@cynthialinaweaver77]

@@JPVideos81 That would be awesome I will have to start studying about my own state lol it's been along time since I was in school , history class.😄

[@RJ-cu1nh]

how terrible... a father and 3 sons lost in one day

[@EllicottCity1]

Agreed, very sad

[@mr12341315]

great job

[@scottyV1000]

Is the filled in main entrance marked?

[@garrettkirby8348]

I just watched mine 9 on netflix and wanted to know more thank you for this good vid

[@HarleyBadger]

Just thinking about how big of a tragedy this really was. Geez.. 110 people.. with families, spouses, kids..

[@Couchflyer-NY]

Another great story. To put it in historical context, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States. Many miners were Civil War veterans.

[@mikerusso4312]

very sad story it must have been frightening for those men

[@calebshonk5838]

An excerpt from wikipedia: "Rescuers pierced the brattice, and encountered "a view which appalled the stoutest heart among them. Grouped together, in every possible position, laid the dead bodies of sixty-seven men and boys." Many victims appeared merely to be asleep; fathers embraced their sons, men assumed the attitude of prayer, others leaned against gangway walls. Some men had struggled for a final breath; their faces were buried in the coal dust of the floor or wrapped with their shirts. Eyeballs were protruded, and blood had foamed from mouths and noses." I can't imagine what that must have been like, suffocating in the dark, knowing there was no escape. Some of these miners were boys no older than 15 or so.

[@calebshonk5838]

Palmer Steele, a relative of mine died in this disaster. He was only 32.

[@nightmarecoins8265]

I enjoyed the tour but where is the mine

[@CatWhisperer570]

Before they closed it off I went in there. It was very creepy. Cold air comes out even when it's 90° outside. There is a few rooms in there but I only went back to like the 2nd or 3rd room. It was very dark even with flashlights. There was orbs everywhere! You could tell it was on fire years ago cuz alot of the wood inside was charred.

[@JPVideos81]

Oh wow. Do you have any photos or footage?

[@Pro2nd4life]

Awesome video. If i can make a suggestion? Can you do a video on the abandoned westside landfill in larksville pa.

[@JPVideos81]

Isnt a landfill buried underground?

[@Pro2nd4life]

@@JPVideos81 there is an old building and square pond to show on your channel

[@JPVideos81]

@@Pro2nd4life can you email me more details please.

[@Pro2nd4life]

@@JPVideos81 is your Facebook jpvideos?

[@JPVideos81]

@@Pro2nd4life facebook.com/jpvideos81

[@jafofubar3793]

when i herd old stories about mining it was called separation / washing house to get the most of the ore possible for refining and could be setup several yards away from entrance and with some of the old tracks and carvings looked like a possible system to get rid of the waste and keep the good - or a double rail system to keep thing moving on a steady pace // the second building looked like it was used for the shipping area of the ore // the two windows in the stall used to fill front and back of trailer and gauge total amounts loaded or shipped // just my thoughts and opinion on thinking of a industrial mind set // the way i see it is this - the true Americans that built America were the ones who put their lives on the line every day -- business men make money off hard labored people then claim fame - what about the fame for all those who made it possible ? - i like what they did to let those who wander what is around the corner - letting one know just what area is what and what kind of work took place and the live lost - great way to see this kind of thing turned into a point of interest as possible part of open public historical landmarks // when one works hard labor then they can call it work !! pushing a pencil is just for lazy thought but dynamic on paper // all recordings of the Past , the Present , and the Future

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@MsJhook]

Man that's really bad

[@edithdavis2848]

Is it just me or did the smoke stain on the wall in the big building look like the out line of a person. Jps hand almost touches it. Would think they would cover that well like place just to make sure nothing falls in.

[@chelseydeetta2847]

VERY INTERESTING. SO SAD OF SO MANY MEN HAVE LOST THERE LIVES IN MINING. THAT MINING US VERT DANGEROUS WORK, I WONDER HOW MANY MEN KNEW HOW DANAGEROUS IT WAS. THAT FIRE WAS SIMPLY VERT SKARY.

[@chrisautry1958]

I just ran across this, but when you show into the ventilation shaft it looks like a man's head looking out towards you, maybe it's me but I see a eye and a nose with the shape of a bald headed man, maybe I'm seeing things, great video

[@DiMaggio82]

Been there 1000s of times

[@karenmann1887]

Its awful what happened there

[@Less1leg2]

sad, anthracite coal is valuable in water treatment, and other stuff. its also extremely pure firing with fabulous heat low ash

[@toddwhitehair3378]

so wheres the main portal at?

[@JPVideos81]

It was a vertical shaft under the headframe which has been sealed up.

[@donnasilver940]

Cool

[@earthangel6480]

EARTH 😇 ANGEL. THE site is very eerie! These building remnants are a sad remembrance of the people who worked and perished here,and of the men who died trying to save others.You can almost “feel” the presence of all these “ghosts “ of the past as they clamor about black faced and empty eyed in a mass state of terror and confusion. Lost souls that have not yet been able to comprehend the reality of it all. Tragic. 👍😞

[@trukeesey8715]

Those men died because they did not learn their lifestyle from the Amish. Amish are 100% self-employed and never have to "look for a job" to support their families. And they don't need coal because they are totally happy without electricity.

[@chrislaunders8283]

Hardly the worst disaster in coal mine history, in 1942 one in China killed 1549. In fact not even the worst in the US, in 1907 362 died in the Monongah mine in West Virginia

[@pattyroosa1712]

Such a sad story. 🙁 Men just trying to make a living.

[@DiMaggio82]

They call that kapoch mountain now

[@thirdshiftsinger1729]

No one has called it that, I grew up in the neighborhood at the top of Avondale Hill.

[@JoseCarlos-pc2pf]

Em minas dos ratos RS BRASIL Na inchente de 1942 tinha 42 pessoas tirando carvao di baixo da mina de repente disabou i encheu toda mina de agua dos 42 mineiros si Salvou so um que vinha saindo na bouca do pouço i o resto ficou tudo enterrado di baixo da mina alagada

[@firemanjeffgg2440]

Wow! Those ages of the deceased. They weren't men, they were children.

[@andrewarndt4443]

I went there and there was bug soray

[@andrewarndt4443]

Spay

[@JPVideos81]

Bug spray at a memorial site?

[@joeblackman80]

We've had bad explosion in Washington state coal mines to