LEAD IN FROM THE No.9 MINER'S MUSEUM TO A FUTURE PROJECT IN COPLAY. PROPOSED CEMENT WORKERS MEMORIAL.

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Friday May 14, 2004, found my wife Ann and I on our way to visit the Panther Valley Coal Miners Museum which is located just off Route 209 at the border of Lansford and Coaldale Boroughs. There were a few cars in the parking lot and the people were in a festive mood. We were made aware that we missed the dedication of a Coal Miners Monument which was donated by the Cipko Brothers,who were  former miners and well known philanthropists. Both Cipko Brothers are now deceased.  We visited the museum which is housed in a former "Miners Wash Shanty" located at the former #9 Coal Colliery.  There are showcases filled with memorabilia of a bygone era when Anthracite Coal was King..  A portion of the building has been kept intact with the chains to access the baskets and hooks which hold boots, helmets and other equipment.  There is also a replica of a mine entrance in that area.  Another section has a sit down area with photo albums of the various colliery operations throughout Carbon and Schuylkill Counties. The dedicated Monument is located just outside the entrance and is surrounded by a Memorial Brick walkway.  Family members and relatives have purchased  bricks which have the names  of miners and other colliery employees and the occupation they were involved in. They also have a reclaimed mine, inspected and authorized, with a rail car to transport visitors where they can view the actual conditions of a mine environment in which the miners worked.  The cost for the full museum tour and rail car ride was less than $9.00.  One third of that amount to visit the museum only.  Ann and I purchased bricks in memory of our Fathers and other relatives and they are now included in the Memorial Brick  Walkway.  The facilities, including restrooms, are Handicap Accessible. It was a great day for Ann and myself.  I must mention that Ann's favorite spot during her youth was located just across Route 209.  The Panther Valley Swimming Pool, which was built as a tribute to all Servicemen of World War II.  Our next Post will reveal the connection of this Memorial and what we envisioned for Coplay  after this trip.  God Bless!!!

link http://no9mine.tripod.com/