The final building directly related to anthracite mining at the Huber Colliery site in Ashley is coming down.
Workmen for Paselo Logistics LLC, owner of the former breaker site, are razing the powerhouse that once generated electricity necessary for the large operation.
The breaker itself, the coal pockets, a water tower and various outbuildings have been torn down for their steel value. Three concrete silos that held coal for the powerhouse boilers also have been razed.
A large smokestack remains and there are reports that it may be converted into a cellular phone relay tower. Attorney Jonathan Comitz, spokesman and counsel for Paselo, is on vacation and was unavailable for comment. The Paselo firm has not announced any plans for the 26-acre site.
Ray Clarke, chairman of the board of the Huber Breaker Preservation Society, said the Paselo firm has agreed to do some land grading for the society at its Miners’ Memorial Park east of the breaker site on South Main Street.
Paselo also donated two underground railroad cars, the sign that sat over the entrance to the Huber Colliery and various artifacts.
Clarke said the society continues to prepare for a fundraising appeal on indiegogo.com. The goal is $95,000 in 90 days, Clarke said.
Clarke said the long-term funding goal is $250,000. Projects include the filling and grading underway, erecting a museum-theatre building, planting more flowers, a road, parking lots and a walking trail.
The society hopes to locate the No. 5 shaft from which millions of tons of anthracite were extracted. The shaft is believed to be on the northeast corner of the Miners’ Memorial Park.
Bill Best, society president, said that even if the slope can’t be located, it can be rebuilt and one of the mine cars donated to the society can be placed on tracks to re-create the mine entrance.
The society will hold its annual chicken barbecue on Sunday, Sept. 21 from noon to 5 at the Ashley Firemen’s Park, Ashley Street. Income from the barbecue is used to provide electricity and water to the park. Tickets are available from society members or at Clarke’s Floral, Ashley.
Sue Hand of Dallas, well-known area artist, has created a 2015 calendar featuring coal mining scenes. The society will sell the calendars as a fundraiser.
Donations can be mailed to the society in care of the St. Nicholas Federal Credit Union, PO Box 1213, Wilkes-Barre PA 18703.
First Published: August 13, 2014, 12:00 a.m.
Updated: August 13, 2014, 5:01 a.m.
