1873 - Old Forge Coal Mines

100 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
Ventilation is produced by natural currents, and results satisfactorily.
7 hands are employed; I horse and 2 wagons are worked on the premises.
Although these collieries are but small land sales it is but proper our time
and attention be given to ascertain the men's safety.
No. 43.
Mine Hill — William Anesty, Operator.
This is a small colliery, situated north of Minersville, on the estate of
the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. It had but lately
been destroyed by fire. It consisted of a slope sunk 50 yards deep on the
south in the Diamond or J seam. The mine is in good condition, but the
improvements are utterly destroyed. 2 engines=50-horse power were destroyed
;
4 boilers, 8 slope wagons and a lot of machinery and material
and several tons of prepared coal shared the same fate ;
no insurance whatever
;
15 hands are out of employment.
No. 44. York Colliery.— Llewellyn & Co., Operators.
The colliery is situated west of Pottsville, on the estate of A. Russel et
al. It consists of a single track slope sunk 55 yards deep on a west dip of
the Gate seam, with one gangway 800 yards long, with 4 breasts working.
The condition of the mine and ventilation is moderate, as ventilation is
produced by natural currents, and the openings are but small, yet they are
managed for safety and durability. 1 engine=20-horse power, with 2 boilers,
are in use; 12 hands are employed on the colliery; 2 mules and 4
mine wagons ; 850 yards of railroad track are laid for use
No. 45.
York Farm Slope.— Job Rich, Operator.
The colliery is situated west of Pottsville. It consists of a single track
slope sunk 150 yards deep on the south dip of the tunnel seam, on a 28°
angle. 300 yards of a west panel is opened into the basin ;
a gangway was
open on the north dip, but run too near the surface, and was abandoned
the coal is 7 feet thick
;
good red ash.
Ventilation has been retarded in consequence of the robbing of the pillar
coal ; the only difficulty met with is the trouble given by powder smoke.
Ten hands are employed ;
1 mule and 4 wagons are used ;
300 yards of
railroad track are laid ;
1 20-horse power hoisting and breaking engine with
2 boilers are in use.