Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial Located in Girard Park, at Washington & Main Streets, Shenandoah, PA
570-622-7700
https://schuylkill.org/business/pennsylvania-anthracite-miners-memorial
https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=86761
Open: 24 Hours in the park
Admission: Free
My review on TripAdvisor:
The memorial in Girard Park in Shenandoah, PA just off the edge of downtown.
Plaque One
Plaque Two
Plaque Three
When I was visiting Downtown Shenandoah, PA I had read about this memorial dedicated to miners in the area and to stop by to see it. It is a very touching memorial dedicated to the hard working men and women who work in the mines in the area and the sacrifices they have made so that we could have heat and energy over the last 150 years. This is dangerous work and they do not get enough credit for it.
The Miner’s Prayer plaque
The memorial sits on the very edge of the northern part of downtown Shenandoah and the sad part is the condition of the both the park and the memorial like forgotten souls. Downtown Shenandoah has seen better days and with the mines not in production they way they once were, it is almost like a forgotten relic of the past. Still it is very touching to see this dedication to that hard work and determination of people who have performed this hard job and not given the credit for it.
Take time to read the names and see the inscriptions. It is a very moving place.
A piece of coal donated and dedicated to the monument
History of the Memorial (Zenos Frudakis website):
Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial relief bronze by Zenos Frudakis honors the thousands of hardworking and courageous coal miners who lived and worked in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania.
Comprised of three large bronze plaques, the monument’s left panel, titled “Life Underground,” tells the story of deep miners at work in coal pits. “The Passageway,” largest and central panel, illustrates four miners exiting a mine shaft. “Life Above Ground,” the right panel, shows row homes in Shenandoah in 1891. The monument is surrounded by bricks featuring the names of many of the miners, and benches where visitors can rest and reflect on the hardworking residents of the Upper Schuylkill Region who helped to build America.
The inscription on the Memorial (HBdg.org):
Their coal oil lamps dimly lighted the dismal tunnels while silhouetting their blackened faces that portrayed their exhausting labors and dedication to their families from sunrise to sunset. Only God knew their fate. As you walk this brick pathway toward the Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial. You will become a part of the miners’ world and the history they so painstakingly created with picks and shovels. Do not shed tears for them, but carry on the pride they chiseled with the sweat from their brows and each beat of their hearts. By Roseann Hall. Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial-Steven Souchuck, Joseph Baronowsky, Edward S. Kramer, Neil Delance, Albert James Sands Sr., John Lauritis, Bartholemew “Patsy” Swies, Stanley Rakowsky Sr., George Luscavage, David J. Roberts, Frank M. Twardzik, Gulden-Thompson Family, John J. “Jada” Grutza, John Bisco, Stanley Glinski, Christopher F. Casula, Thomas and Blanche Dower, John S. and Pauline G. Karlavage, Robert K. Ramsey, Adam Morris, Dyszel-Andrew, Barbara and Sons, Procuda-Steve, Nick, Russel, Albert Ritzo, B. Lewis and Shustack Family.
Artist Zenos Frudakis
https://cher-skoubo.squarespace.com/about
An interesting visit to the Memorial by “Exploring with a Coal Cracker” on YouTube.
The full memorial at the very end of Downtown Shenandoah, PA.
Visiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical 