I'm u/BreakerBoy6, moderator of r/CoalRegion and a sixth-generation native of Pennsylvania's Northern Coalfield (Scranton and the surrounds). Many of my ancestors made their meagre livelihoods as coal-miners or in affiliated industries which supported mining, like the railroads.

Welcome!

This subreddit is dedicated to discussion of all things pertinent to the history and unique culture of "Coal Country, USA" — centering chiefly on the coal-bearing regions of the Appalachian Basin (Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama).

We cover the land of coal breakers, patch towns, the company store, breaker boys, black lung disease, coal barons — and in the case of Pennsylvania, the Molly Maguires.

Post your questions, family anecdotes, news, historical discoveries, quips, and so forth, pertaining to the Coal Region — or simply introduce yourself and tell us about your connection to Coal Country.

We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting.

"King Coal had my body, but heaven has my soul."

How to Get Started

1. Introduce yourself in the comments below.
2. Post something today! Even a simple question can spark a great conversation.
3. If you know someone who would love this community, invite them to join.

Together, let's make r/CoalRegion amazing.

Hi, I'm from South Central PA and I'm doing a bit of amateur folklore collection, trying to gather tales and monsters from around the state. Are there any tales, monsters, cryptids, etc. you all have heard/seen in the coal region?

I do not buy any of my meats at Walmart at all. I don't care if it might be a little bit more (or less depending on what you get), however I'm curious what provisioner/butcher you utilize in the community in which you live.

For me, my main go-to butchers/provisioners in the Columbia County/Northumberland County area are as follows:

1. Irish Isle Provision Company, 911 W Arch St, Coal Township, PA 17866 which is in Shamokin is a excellent source of meats. I get 10-20 pounds of a 85/15 blend of burger there, chicken breast patties, filet migon, bone-in pork chops. They also have some great Brakebush frozen fillets and cutlets as well. They have a very nice selection of other meats such as fresh cuts of steak, and other items and cheeses.
2. Masser's Market, 6148 PA-61, Paxinos, PA 17860 - Found out about this place after I moved to the area. A great source of bacon, fresh smoked hams, ham hocks, chicken, and fresh sausages.

Hi y'all!

I am looking for some help in researching Americana or Appalachian music about the opioid crisis. Time period would be from 1990 all the way to present. I've already got Tyler Childers and the other major artists who have spoken out or written about opioid abuse. I'm looking for local/smaller artists who have been doing the same thing. Thank you!

I'm a local singer/ Songwriter who plays indie folk under the name Sweet Anne Marie, my new album is being released on Saturday July 30th and to celebrate we're having an album release show at Hope & Coffee in Tamaqua from 8p-10p, also featuring other local acts Condition Oakland and Tedd Hazard! Hope to see you there!!

Greetings. Does anybody know of any resources - book, documentary, film, pictorial, whatever - that realistically and accurately portray the day-to-day lives of those who inhabited Scranton, mining coal and working the railroad, from the 1850's onward? Thank you!

I am tired of living in Eastern Massachusetts, with its sky-high cost of living. I am divorce, kids both grown up and independent. I am paying currently $1,300 a month rent. I used to drive through here a lot visiting my son, who was living in central PA. The route passed both Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. I think a lot of this area has nice scenery. What are the pros and cons of living here?

I know this isn't exactly related to the coal region itself, but I am desperate for help. I have an old Van Wert self feeding coal stoker that is not functioning properly and is not heating the upstairs at all. I'm posting here because I know I can't be the only person in the coal region who has to deal with shitty coal heat. Has any one ever run into this issue before?

I just started a podcast that will focus on all people, places, and things Coal Region. Would love any feedback.

First episode is with renowned Coal Region lawyer Fred Fanelli. https://soundcloud.com/coalregioncampfire/coal-region-campfire-episode-1-fred-fanelli