We were proud to see our recent donation to the Plymouth Historical Society’s Avondale Mine mural featured in Sunday’s Times Leader. The mural, to be designed and painted by artist Joel Carson Jones, will be installed at the Avondale Mine site along Route 11, a location deeply tied to Plymouth’s history and to the region’s anthracite legacy. The project commemorates the 108 miners who lost their lives in the Avondale Mine fire of 1869, one of the deadliest mining disasters in U.S. history. It also recognizes the generations of families whose work in the anthracite industry helped shape Plymouth and communities throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.
As EC’s President/CEO, Terry Ostrowski, shared, “We have long ties connecting us to both the Avondale colliery and the society, and this advances our shared mission to recognize and preserve our region’s coal mining history. The mural will be a powerful way to remember those who died and honor everyone who helped shape this community.” EC acquired the former DL&W property in the 1990s and later donated a portion of it – including part of the old colliery and the Avondale No. 1 shaft – to the Plymouth Historical Society, which has worked steadily to preserve the site as a place of remembrance.
What’s been especially meaningful to see is the community’s response. In addition to our contribution, local residents have already raised more than $1,500 to support the mural, a huge reminder that this history continues to matter.
From left: Helen Youells, Jim Youells, Plymouth Historical Society President Joe Slusser, Chris Pagoda, Peg Makos, Pat Smith, Terry Ostrowski (EC), and artist Joel Carson Jones