Slovak World -- Slide:
Pictured is Dave Kuchta, our own 'Miner Dave,' working in America's oldest coal mine--oldest in the world.
Six years ago, at age 62, Dave got a mining certificate;for him it has been a labor of love!
Dave Kuchta, president of the Lansford, PA. No.9 Mine and Museum, informs us,
"The mine will have a grand opening on June 1st of this year. The Coal Museum has been opened for about 10 years.
The mine and museum was opened to save and preserve our mining heritage. It will be for future generations to see and learn
how their grandfathers and great grandfathers earned their living. I would venture to say, that the bulk of the miners working in the No. 9 Mine were of Slovak and Rusyn descent.
The mine was driven in 1855 and closed in 1972. At that time it was the oldest and longest operating Anthracite Coal Mine operating in the USA or for that matter, the world."
Dave, thank you for an outstanding photo!
Copyright, Slovak World, 2002 |