- Last Updated on Monday, 01 April 2013 01:10
The Monongahela Area Historical Society held their February Meeting Thursday, February 28 in the Parlor of the First Presbyterian Church in Monongahela. President Susan Bowers called the meeting to order at 7 pm and reviewed old and new business.
 The "Monongahela Throw" on display at the Monongahela Historical Society. These 100% cotton throws are available for sale. (Photo Credit: Kathleen DeSantis)
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Dues of fifteen dollars for individuals and twenty dollars for families are being accepted by cash or check as well as PayPal via the MAHS website www.monongahelahistoricalsociety.com. Members were reminded the website also sells historical society merchandise, including the "Monongahela throw."
These one hundred percent cotton throws are American made and of the highest quality. They make excellent gifts for both residents and former residents. They are sold in Monongahela at the MAHS Museum, CJ’s Furniture, and Frye Funeral Home. Sales of these throws along with the autumn Ghost Walks are the primary source of MAHS funding.
These one hundred percent cotton throws are American made and of the highest quality. They make excellent gifts for both residents and former residents. They are sold in Monongahela at the MAHS Museum, CJ’s Furniture, and Frye Funeral Home. Sales of these throws along with the autumn Ghost Walks are the primary source of MAHS funding.
 Area residents and family members anxiously stand at the mouth of the Cincinnati Mine located near Courtney in Union Township in April 1913.
(Photo Credit: Library of Congress) |
The Speaker Topic for the February meeting was the Cincinnati Mine Disaster which passes its one hundredth anniversary April 23, 2013. Scott Frederick, retired Ringgold High School Teacher presented the program with the assistance of the Boy Scouts from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Monongahela, PA. The Cincinnati Mine (ca. 1889 – 1930’s) was a drift mine about 2 miles northeast of Courtney. Ninety seven men lost their lives in the mine explosion and fire that spring day of April 23, 1913. 96 were lost in the explosion and fire and a 97th life was lost when the mask of one of the rescuers failed. The explosion was so great as to be felt miles away. Students at the Central School where Niagara Bank now stands across from the Monongahela Post Office felt the vibrations and rushed of their classrooms knowing it had to be a mine explosion with loss of life.
Mr. Frederick introduced the topic stating his own family members including his grandfather were in that coal mine. Most of the miners were from Monongahela. He wove a fascinating tale of the history of coal mining and the disaster itself using copious visual aides distributed by the scouts. Scott transported the audiences from the Monongahela River side of Courtney Hill where miners entered the mine at over to the “mule entrance” on the Rte. 88 side, where one can see the Cincinnati Mine Historical Marker. Mr. Frederick’s vivid description of the darkness of a coal mine and men walking miles under ground and encountering victims sometimes their own family members gripped the audience. Scott gave his audience the list of names of the perished coal miners as well as an historical pamphlet on the Cincinnatti Mine disaster. There were over 200 men in the mine when it exploded and most of them did get out.
The Monongahela Area Historical Society meetings are free and open to the public, held 7 pm on the 4th Thursday of the month.
Mr. Frederick introduced the topic stating his own family members including his grandfather were in that coal mine. Most of the miners were from Monongahela. He wove a fascinating tale of the history of coal mining and the disaster itself using copious visual aides distributed by the scouts. Scott transported the audiences from the Monongahela River side of Courtney Hill where miners entered the mine at over to the “mule entrance” on the Rte. 88 side, where one can see the Cincinnati Mine Historical Marker. Mr. Frederick’s vivid description of the darkness of a coal mine and men walking miles under ground and encountering victims sometimes their own family members gripped the audience. Scott gave his audience the list of names of the perished coal miners as well as an historical pamphlet on the Cincinnatti Mine disaster. There were over 200 men in the mine when it exploded and most of them did get out.
The Monongahela Area Historical Society meetings are free and open to the public, held 7 pm on the 4th Thursday of the month.
