THE REST OF THE STORY - LEAD IN FROM THE COAL MINER'S MUSEUM. PROPOSED CEMENT WORKERS MEMORIAL.

COPLAY CRIME WATCH COMMITTEE OF NINE

PROPOSED COPLAY CEMENT WORKER MEMORIAL

AND BRICK WALKWAY

ACTUAL MOSAIC INSERT FOR MEMORIAL IS

FROM ORIGINAL PHOTO CIRCA 1895

THIS IS NOT THE ACTUAL MOSAIC 

On the way back to Coplay from the No.9 Miners Museum on May 14, 2004, it dawned on Ann and Myself, that there was no formal Monument to Coplay Cement Co. or the Workers that made the Industry what it was.  The only remnants of a bygone era are the nine Schoffer Kilns which are located close to the Coplay Parkway and we have been made aware that they may be the only remaining kilns of this type in the world.  Word is that the kilns in Germany are no longer in existence.  The first Portland Cement in America was produced here.  At any rate, we decided to pursue the issue.  We contacted some Coplay residents that were also part of the Coplay Neighborhood Crime Watch.  From this, the Committee of Nine was formed. The individuals involved were, Helen Klement, Rosemary Mullner, Sonia Oleschak, Stan Reinhard Jr., Margaret Mayer, Al Recker, Ann Dickman and Frank Dickman.  The 9th member, Mel Billig is now deceased.  Mel prepared various graphs, sketches and dimensions of the project that evolved.  He left us a legacy in his own right.  The committee provided ideas as to what might take place and that is how the name "Coplay Cement Workers Monument and Memorial Brick Walkway" was decided on.  Most of the committee made a visit to the Panther Valley No. 9 Museum to factually see what could be accomplished as a Monument and Memorial to the the Cement Industry and Cement Workers in Coplay.  It was decided to price a Monument with a Mosaic Insert depicting Coplay Cement , circa 1895.  A quote received was $1900.00 for the Monument, installed, at that time. A member of the Committee offered to donate the cost of the proposed Mosaic of Coplay Cement. This individual did follow through on this promise and anyone who has seen this Mosaic Insert have commented on its' realistic picture of Coplay Cement, circa 1895. During discussions it became apparent that an area 16' by 40' would be more than sufficient to contain the Monument, which would be illuminated front and back, surrounded by the Memorial Brick Walkway.  Relatives and friends would be able to purchase paver bricks at a reasonable cost and the bricks would contain the names of cement workers and work location or specialty during employment.  Bricks could also be purchased and contain pertinent information of Cement workers who were employed at other locations throughout the region. The next step was a continuing discussion of an appropriate location for the monument.  There were a number of sites discussed but in the end, 2 possible sites were selected.  Taken into consideration was that the monument should be placed in a high visibility location and readily accessible at all times.  It was visualized that the area would be a passive location with benches and shrubs adorning the area.  The bricks would be sold at a nominal cost and all funds derived would be placed into an account which would be used strictly for the perpetual maintenance of the area.  One location was immediately adjacent to the Giant service station area, a part of the Coplay Memorial Plaza at Chestnut and Maple Sts.  This was shot down by the Coplay Mayor at that time, Bill Leiner, Jr., when he  stated "We have to save the Memorial Plaza for Future Wars". Nuff said.  The other location was the Green Patch, owned by Giant Market and Pharmacy, located at 2nd and Chestnut Sts.  A member of the Committee of Nine, Stan Reinhard, Jr., was authorized to contact the Giant Manager concerning the possible use of the area.  He submitted a letter, over the names of the Committee of Nine, to the Giant Market Manager, dated July 22, 2005, requesting the possible utilization of the Green Patch at 2nd and Chestnut Sts. for the Coplay Cement Workers Monument and Memorial Brick Walkway.  The availability of the Mosaic may depend on the location selected for the Monument. As of this date, May 28, 2010, no response has been received.  The project has been in Limbo since that time, but there is a possible light at the end of the tunnel.  Coplay Borough has recently authorized and accepted a 5 Year Comprehensive Plan for the community.  The Borough Engineer, after being made aware of the Monument Project, suggested to Council, the possible future inclusion of the Monument Project.  We will keep you posted of any progress.  God Bless,

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