|
Read News
|
Pocono News Section
Avondale Mine Disaster Victims Honored
Avondale Mine Disaster Victims Honored - Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 3:43PM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Sunday, Oct 19, 2008 @ 03:43pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Dozens of people gathered to honor the 110 victims of the Avondale Mine Disaster -- 61 of them are buried in the Washburn Street Cemetery in Scranton.
"I have in my family tree at least 150 deep mine workers," said Bill Hastie, a former mine laborer. His great-great uncle married a widow, whose husband, father, and brother died in the Avondale mine in Plymouth Township, Luzerne County.
Many of the headstones of the victims are topped over, or hard to read. State leaders announced a $5,000 grant to cover the costs of restoring the grave markers. Linda Scott, with the Anthracite Living History Group, is excited to unveil those restorations for the 140th anniversary next year.
"Most of the Avondale miners' descendants are long gone," said Scott. "It's just a way to remember them." | | |
|
|
|