TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

This page within the site will contain information on
the various modes of transportation important to
the town of Schuylkill Haven. The first was the
Schuylkill Canal, so important in the early
development of town. The second will involve the
railroads, economically influential from the late
nineteenth century until their collective demise by
the 1970s. The trolley system will also be featured.

A Reading freight train at
the Union Street crossing
in 1957. Note the signal
tower at the right.

A view of the Reading
Freight Station in 1958.

A Reading steam engine
passes through the
Schuylkill Haven-Cressona
yard in 1951. Note the
shops in the background.

The "J" office in the
Schuylkill Haven
yards in the 1950s.

This engine was
receiving service in the
shops at Schuylkill
Haven in 1926. The
engine is now part of the
collection of the Franklin
Institute in Philadelphia.

Reading diesels pull
into Schuylkill Haven
at the Williams Street
crossing in 1960.

A diesel pulling cars
through the Schuylkill
Haven yards in 1953.

An early image at the
Mine Hill Crossing in the
Schuylkill Haven yards.

It should be noted that all color
photos above were reproduced
through the kindness of the late
Bruce Kantner of Cressona.

LAST UPDATED: JUNE 9

This image captures the construction of the Lehigh Valley Railroad
trestle at Connors Crossing in 1890. Zoom in and note the men
working on the iron pier in the foreground. In May of 1890 the
Pottsville Republican offered the following:

Preparations are almost completed for the putting up of the Lehigh's
big new iron bridge which will cover the turnpike, the Pennsylvania,
the canal, the flat, and the Reading at Schuylkill Haven. The iron work
is being received and will be unloaded from the Pennsylvania tracks
by means of large derricks, three of which are already in position.
The turnpike is being widened just west of the arch at Warner's old
lock, to make room for a bridge pier. All the work is being pushed to
complete the bridge as rapidly as possible.
Several days the later the paper reported: Twenty one car loads of
iron for the Lehigh's new bridge have already been received at
Schuylkill Haven and this is just a "sample" invoice.

Pottsville Republican December 3,1891
Coal Storage Chutes
The Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company have erected and are using coal storage
chutes below Schuylkill Haven. Considerable of the unloading of coal is done at night and to make it
more convenient and to afford plenty of light and facility for the performance of the work, the
company proposes erecting an entire new electric light plant for that purpose. The machinery and
fixtures are now under construction and will in the near future be in full operation. The storage
house is located about one mile below the Schuylkill Haven borough line and are about four to five
hundred yards in length. The day and night employees have to walk this mile, very frequently in the
dark, and it has been suggested that the whole distance from Schuylkill Haven to the storage
chutes should be lighted which would no doubt be an immense benefit to the crews on trains who
have to wait along the line. In conversation with an officer of the company he stated that for the
present only a sufficient number of lamps would be erected to throw sufficient light around the coal
chutes.

Pottsville Republican February 9, 1894





At about 7:58 o'clock last evening the jig house at the Philadelphia and Reading Company Coal Storage Yard at Schuylkill
Haven was completely destroyed by fire and the coal stored near by, 6000 tons in one pile, was only saved by the hard work
of the men employed by the company and neighbors. The jig house is a complete wreck and all the breaker machinery,
including the engines and the 50 arc light electric machine, was ruined. The loss will reach $30,000.
By 8:05 the flames had burst through the siding and the interior was a mass of flames. Crowds of people began to gather
from Schuylkill Haven and Landing ville shortly after and above the roar of the flames could be heard the shouts of men who
were endeavoring to confine the fire and prevent it's spread to the trestle and immense piles of coal that lay along the
mountainside within a few yards of the building.
At 8:10, amid a shower of sparks that resembled some gigantic pyrotechnic display and rose straight up in a column high
above the surrounding hills, the roof fell with a crash distinctly heard a mile away.
As soon as the fire was discovered H. B. Zulick, the superintendent of the yards sent word to Pottsville, and from that time
until they left on a special, General Superintendent Luther was kept posted on the progress of the flames. His first thought
was for the coal stored in the yard and he sent word that every effort should be made to prevent it from catching. The yards
have a capacity of 200,000 tons, but they have been shipping from that point recently and there are only about 100,000 tons
in stock. Of this all but a pile of 6000 tons was at a safe distance from the fire. This small pile was less then twenty five
yards from the jig house and if the shipping wharf had burned this coal would have been a total loss.

Supt. Zulick and his men, with the assistance of the people living in the vicinity, worked hard. They could not save the jig
house so they turned their attention to the office, the boiler house, the wharf and the coal pile. They had large pumps there
that supplied better streams then fire engines, but the hose gave out and this left them helpless with the fire eating its way
toward the coal. Mr. Luther was notified of this and he immediately sent word for the Humane steamer. A special train was
prepared and Chief Engineer John Bushar ordered out the Good Intent instead of the Humane. This engine was promptly
placed on board of a flat car together with a lot of hose. About twenty five members of the company went down, the train
had a passenger coach and General Superintendent Luther was accompanied by Master Mechanic Mulhoff, Repair Shop
Foremen Hoopes, Boss Machinist Frank Leib, Electrician John Sterner, Inspector Edward Cake and Trainmaster Gallus.


The train left shortly after 10 o'clock and on it's arrival in Landingville, the closest station, it was found that the people had
succeeded in getting the fire under control and there was no more danger. The special returned home at 12:30 o'clock.
The jig house is located nearer Landingville then Schuylkill Haven. It is on the west side of the railroad against the hill. Here
the coal is screened and washed before it is sent to market. The coal is stored here to relieve the shipping points and the
markets. The works were very complete and at night the building and yards were well lighted by a splendid
Thompson-Houston plant. This plant like all the rest of the machinery is destroyed.
The origin of the fire is a mystery but it is possible that a defective electric light wire caused it. The yard employs thirty men.
It is more then likely that the jig house will be rebuilt as soon as possible as this is an important shipping point.
There was great excitement in the central portion of Pottsville when the word of the fire reached town and the steamer
was ordered out and hundreds of men hurried to Union Street to see the apparatus off and see the special pull out of the
yards. Everybody was interested and wanted to help the company save its property.

A TROLLEY RIDE THROUGH SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

The trolley enters town on Willow Street passing homes lining the way.
Note the passing siding on the left.

This series of eleven images shows the line of travel through Schuylkill
Haven as it would have appeared on a trip on the trolley.

The trolley turns south onto Dock Street

The trolley continues on Dock Street past the ice cream parlor.

Continuing on Dock Street, it passes the Christ Lutheran Church.

The tracks turn west from Dock Street onto Main Street through the business district.

The tracks now turn left from Main Street onto St. John Street moving south.

The tracks as seen coming from Main Street as they approach Union Street.

The trolley begins the slight grade up St. John Street from the Union
Street intersection.

The trolley continues past the Methodist church on St. John Street as it nears
the crest of the grade.

The tracks now descend toward the intersection of Williams Street.

The trolley now travels around the bend onto Liberty Street after which it
will exit Schuylkill Haven and proceed to Adamsdale.

The trolley rounds the turn at the intersection at Adamsdale.

In February 1907, the Pottsville Union Traction Company announced that
the fare for a trolley trip from Pottsville to Smoketown (Liberty Street)
would be raised to a nickel.

THE DEMISE OF THE PENNSY STATION
These three pictures taken in April 1968 capture the end of the Pennsy Railroad station on
Pennsylvania Avenue. The station was located on the high ground where the Senior Citizen
building now stands.

These two images show the Pennsy station in it's glory days.

To the left and below are
pictures of the Lehigh Valley
Railroad trestle which existed at
Connor's Crossing on the edge
of town. Portions of the
stonework still exist.

Part of the story of the
construction of this bridge is
related on this page as reported
by the Pottsville Republican.

This pictures captures the employees at the Reading Car Shops in Schuylkill Haven
circa 1900. My great grandfather, Dorie Nagle, is one of these hard working men.
Perhaps one of your ancestors is here too.

This set of five pictures depicts the
last days of the Pennsylvania Railroad
arch that crossed Dock Street at the
intersection of Haven Street.

This set of seven pictures was taken in June 1964. They
show the remains of the once massive coal storage
yards located just southeast of Schuylkill Haven.

Two aerial shots of unknown date show the Reading railroad yards at the northern
edge of Schuylkill Haven towards Cressona with the Alcoa plant on the left.

The four images below show the removal of the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge that
spanned Route 61 (Centre Avenue) at the northern end of town.

Pottsville Republican of March 22, 1906

HE MET DEATH IN THE ENGINE CAB

Two engines sidewiping each other at the Mine Hill crossing at Cressona last night resulted in the
death of William Stauffer, engineer on the storage yard engine No. 718 which was running on the
main line. Uninjured and the engineer and fireman of the engine on the Mine Hill road also escaped
without injury. When taken from the cab of his engine, Stauffer was unconscious and was removed
to his home on Chestnut Street in Cressona, where he died about two o'clock this morning.
The main line and the Mine Hill tracks meet at the crossing where the accident occurred and about
8:30 last night the two engines came along at the usual rate of speed and were unable to stop when
the danger was noticed. The cab on the engineer's side of the main line engine was crushed in like
an egg shell and valves broken permitting the steam to pour in volumes into the cab. Stauffer was
caught in the wreckage and badly injured, his leg being crushed and he being rendered
unconscious. With difficulty he was taken from the bath of scalding steam. The scalding he
received was the cause of his death. Had he lived it would have been necessary to amputate the
leg.
Deceased was 48 years of age and is survived by a wife and two sons, William and Henry. He was a
member of the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Jr. O.U.A.M. and one of the best engineers in the
employ of the Reading Company. Mr. Stauffer was very highly respected and esteemed by
Cressona people.

Pottsville Republican of June 18, 1923

PENNSY BRIDGE BURNED DOWN

Fire believed to have been started by engine sparks completely destroyed the bridge over the
deep cut a quarter of a mile east of Schuylkill Haven on Sunday at noon, tying up automobile traffic
on the short cut to the State road.
The bridge which was almost forty years old and spanned the Pennsylvania railroad collapsed after
the fire and for several hours blocked traffic on the Pennsy.
The Schuylkill Haven fire department responded to a call for aid but the fire had reached such
proportions before it was discovered that the department could do little or nothing to prevent its
destruction.

Pottsville Republican of June 28, 1887

At about twelve o’clock last night flames were discovered issuing from the large stables of the
Schuylkill Navigation Company, situated on Canal Street, Schuylkill Haven. The alarm was given and
promptly responded to by the Rainbow Hose Company, the only fire organization in the town, and
the citizens generally, who at once set to work heroically to stay the devouring element. But their
efforts proved futile and within the short space of an hour the great wooden structure, together
with its contents, was a smoldering mass of ruins.
There were six mules and one horse in the doomed building all of which were roasted alive. It also
contained a large quantity of hay, straw, feed, harness and one or two wagons, all of which shared
the one common fate. The stable was very large, capable of accommodating two and three hundred
head of stock and was in excellent repair. The loss is estimated at about eight thousand dollars. The
fire was the largest that has ever visited our neighboring borough, and the peculiarly inflammable
nature of the building precluded the possibility of staying the flames which illuminated the country
for miles around, attracting the attention of people in Pottsville who happened to be on the street
at that hour. The stables being somewhat isolated no damage was done to other buildings. The
Hose company was highly commended for the promptness with which they responded to the alarm
and the manner in which they worked to stay the flames and prevent their spreading to other
property. It is not probable, under the circumstances, that the stables will be rebuilt.

Many new railroad, trolley and canal stories including a
ghost in town are on this page, highlighted with yellow
background. New photos of the Bausman Lock Number
12 before redevelopment have been added.

Pottsville Republican of June 22, 1888

Fatal Collision on the Pennsy

A terrible and fatal collision occurred on the P. S. V. Railroad directly in front of the Schuylkill Haven
freight depot this morning at three o'clock. It appears that freight train number 674 bound for
Philadelphia, Lew Seiders engineer, had orders to take the siding there and allow an empty coal
train for Pottsville to pass. It was necessary to unload two consignments of freight at the depot and
this was done. The engineer was at work under the engine and one of the brakemen had run for
the switch when the coal train was heard coming around the sharp curve at Spring Garden. It is
presumed that a brakeman had been sent to guard the track, but this will be brought out positively
at the coroner's inquest. The fireman called for the engineer to get from under as he did not think
the approaching train could be stopped. He did so and after blowing down brakes to warn the
trainmen running to destruction the men took refuge behind the freight depot.
Some of the people living nearby assert that the train was going thirty miles an hour when it
rounded the bend, at any rate the engineer, fireman and the passenger stuck to it, not having time
to alight, or from a sense of duty. The crash was terrible, two locomotives locked in deadly embrace
and then as if tired of the battle rebounded at least fifty feet , the empty coal cars coming over the
top of the coal engine and blocking up the space between the two iron monsters. The awful crash
over the groans of the wounded resounded in the early morning air, and the work of rescuing them
from the ruins was begun.
John D. Smith, the engineer, twenty five years, was killed. It was 6:30 o'clock this morning before
his remains were taken from beneath the fourteen trucks piled on them, his left leg was broken, his
right eye gashed, his feet scalded, but death was probably caused by a heavy squeeze of the
breast; he leaves a widow and children who reside on South Street in Philadelphia. Deceased was
engineer of the "Dinkey" here for four months when the Pennsy first opened. He boarded at Mrs.
Van Horn's South Coal Street, and was universally liked. He belonged to Pottsville Council, Number
17, Order of Chosen Friends, in which his life was insured for $2000, and also to the Brotherhood of
Locomotive Firemen, who will give $1500 to his heirs. Deceased was tall, of fine physique, dark
complexion and dark mustache. Mr. Smith was a favorite with everyone who knew him and his
death causes much sorrow.
On the engine was Frank Hirshey, a young man about 28 years old, an ornamental painter, whose
home was in Philadelphia. He was a friend of Smith's and rode up on the engine in order to see the
county. Being sickly, his intention was to spend six weeks in Pottsville for the benefit of his health.
Arrangements had been made for his reception at Mrs. Van Horn's. He lived but a short time. His
lower limbs were broken in several places.
Charles H. McHenry, or Ettinger, the fireman, was badly scalded from the feet up to his armpits. He
was taken to the County Almshouse, as better facilities for treatment were afforded there. Dr.
James Carpenter was down this morning and has hopes for his recovery. He was a hostler at the
Mount Carbon station and boarded at Mrs. Frank Gibbons at the Mansion House. This was his first
trip. He is a young man, probably twenty three years of age and has lots of friends who hope for his
entire recovery.
William Martin and George Kirk, both of town were brakemen on the ill fated train and sustained
severe bruises. Deputy Coroner Dr. Palm empaneled a jury and is investigating the accident.
Undertaker Robert Waldron went to Schuylkill Haven this morning early and brought both bodies to
his Railroad Street establishment, from whence they were shipped this afternoon to Philadelphia.
The wreck was not cleared away until noon, and not a main line coal, freight or passenger train
arrived or left Pottsville since last night. Both engines were complete wrecks and at least fifteen
coal and freight cars were piled about promiscuously. The coroner's jury will endeavor to put the
blame where it belongs. It is best therefore to withhold judgement until they speak.
A later report regarding McHenry as beyond doubt. His home is in Reading and he will be ready to
move there tomorrow. When found he was pinned to the ground by a car truck which rested upon
his breast. It is stated that he was not scalded as severely as first reported. The testimony of both
crews was taken by jury. William Bossler was conductor of the freight train. It appears from the
evidence that the freight train was ordered to enter the siding then and allow the other train to
pass. The coal train had orders to "meet and pass" the local there.
William Martin, Joseph Martin hostler for C. M. Atkins who was front brakeman on the train gave
very intelligent evidence before the jury. He was sitting on the left or foreman's side of the engine.
Engineer Smith was standing and Hirshey, the passenger, was sitting to the rear of Smith on the
same side. The fireman was standing on the tender with a hook in his hand puddling the fire. As
they rounded the curve Martin saw the headlight of the other engine and looking over to Smith saw
him make an effort to reverse which apparently failed as the reverse lever again flew ahead and the
locomotive made a fresh spurt just as it struck the freight engine. Martin saw no more of the
engineer after that. He felt the cab go to pieces about him and he went over the left side of the
engine with it. One of the fragments struck him on the bridge of the nose breaking a small bone.
He lit on his feet and ran just in time to escape the piling cars which landed exactly where he did.
He helped to recover the bodies and afterwards reported his injury to Dr. Dechert who attended to
it. He was about town today receiving the congratulations of friends on his narrow escape.
The testimony of the freight crew show that it was the fireman who ran ahead to turn the switch and
also that no one had been sent ahead to flag approaching trains. The men except the rear
brakeman were hard at work unloading material. The tracks were cleared at one o'clock.

The business of the canal was also beset by tragedy at times
as the news article below reveals

This is John Bausman, the lock tender at Lock 12
in Schuylkill Haven. Weighing over 400 pounds,
he died in the shed adjacent to the lock, built
especially for him since he was unable to fit
through the door of the lock house.

The offices of the Schuylkill Navigation Company were located on Coal
Street. Here officials of the company pose for a photo in front of the
building. The photo is from the early 1880s.

This postcard shows a canal lock within the borough.
It's exact location is not identified.

This view looks south down the Schuylkill River toward the
Reading Railroad bridge which still stands. The bridge in
the foreground is a foot bridge which connected the end
of Saint Peter Street with the Irish Flat or the Island as it is
now known.

This picture was taken from behind the former Saint
Matthew's Church on Dock Street looking north.
There are three church steeples on the right
belonging to from left; Saint James Episcopal, the
former Saint Ambrose Catholic and the former
Christ Lutheran churches.

This view is of an old canal lock located in the area of the
current Hess Concrete business. On the left you can see
the former Christ Lutheran Church.

In the section below are pictures, information and historical articles on the:
SCHUYLKILL NAVIGATION COMPANY
OR
SCHUYLKILL CANAL
and it's relationship to Schuylkill Haven

Canal boats in Schuylkill Haven near the
Reading Railroad bridge near Main Street.

The three images below show the canal
as it passes through Schuylkill Haven.

Canal boats crowd the
river at the Broadway
bridge circa 1878.

Another scene near
the Broadway bridge.
The iron structure's
life span was from 1872
until 1930 when it was
replaced with the
current structure.

More canal boats on
the section running
through the town.

The street now known as Parkway was once called Canal
Street. This image shows the canal as it existed in that
area in about 1885.

This photo by H. S. Deibert in about 1882 shows
a boat ready to launch after construction in the
boat yard of Michael Shadel whose location
was in the area of Meck's Mill today.

This photo taken on November 9, 1912 shows work being done on the trolley tracks
in Schuylkill Haven on Willow Street.

When one thinks of railroads in Schuylkill Haven,
the Reading Railroad is most prominent. Officially
called the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, it
had a passenger station, freight station, yards and
shops located in town. Below are some images of
its presence.

The two pictures above show the car shops located in the
northern area of town. Below are two images of the rail yards
located along the edge of the Island area.

Two views above show the passenger , current home of Borough
Hall while the picture below shows the previous station on that spot.

Two bridges of the Reading Railroad in town were the stone arch bridge
near Main Street and the Red Bridge behind the Liberty Street area.

The shipping receipt above was issued by George H. Potts & Company at Schuylkill Haven.
This 1863 order was for egg and stove coal shipped on the canal boat, "Daniel Healy".

Pottsville Republican of February 24, 1923

PINE GROVE BUS HIT BY ENGINE AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, ONE KILLED, TWO HURT

Clyde Mars, aged 17, of Pine Grove, was killed and Roy Shollenberger, Pine Grove mail carrier, and
Curtis Moyer, driver of the Pine Grove bus, were injured and burned shortly after ten o'clock Friday
night when a fast freight train struck the Pine Grove bus at the intersection of the railroad and
Union Street, Schuylkill Haven. The crossing watchman at this crossing of the P and R is off duty
after seven o'clock and there is a slight hill leading to the railroad. It is necessary for autoists to
get up speed to make the grade and there is no view of the railroad until the tracks have practically
been reached. Schuylkill Haven residents have been trying to have this crossing better protected
for several years as a number of accidents have happened at this point.
Moyer, the driver of the bus, says that he did not see the freight approaching, as his view of the
racks was obscured until he was right in the middle of them. He says that he knew nothing until the
train hit him and then the gas tank exploded. He received a bad cut over the left eye and body
bruises and was taken to the office of Dr. Lenker where his injuries were dressed and then
removed to his home in Pine Grove. He is a son of Edward Moyer, of Pine Grove, who has been
making his home with Mrs. Daniel Phillips, of Schuylkill Haven, a sister, for several months.
The fact that Moyer turned the bus to one side saved him from death as the engine pushed it aside
instead of it being thrown underneath, in which case it would have been ground to pieces before
the engineer was able to stop.
The engine struck the bus almost squarely in the center and the car, a Dodge equipped to carry
fourteen passengers, was hurled against the side of a loaded freight car near the crossing. Moyer
and Shollenberger were thrown clear of the wreckage by the impact but they were caught by the
flames which burst from the machine as the gasoline tank blew up.
The blaze spread to the freight car which was loaded with autos and it was necessary to call out the
fire department to prevent the flames from spreading to the depot and starting a conflagration. The
freight train consignment of autos for Harrison Berger, Schuylkill Haven, and the cars were badly
damaged by the fire in the freight car. The exact amount of damage to the freight is not yet known.
James Knarr, a railroader of Schuylkill Haven, who was standing on the corner waiting to catch a
train, said the accident happened so quickly that it was all over before he knew what had occurred.
Charles Guertler, the engineer, said that the first he knew of the auto was when he saw a light flash.
He immediately applied the brakes, but felt the engine strike the bus a minute later. He got off his
train and went to see what had happened and found Moyer, the driver, on the engine. He and his
crew helped him down, but were unable to get any information from him as to whether there were
others on the bus.
They went to search and could find only Shollenberger, who was removed to the home of George
Schaeffer for treatment. Shollenberger was burned about the face and neck and also sustained
injury to his leg. He was taken to the Pottsville Hospital for treatment while Moyer who was not so
badly injured was removed to his home in Pine Grove.
The presence of a third man on the bus was learned after they had been taken away and a search
was started for him. As soon as the fire department had extinguished the flames an examination of
the car was started and Mars' body was found underneath. He was found under the right mudguard
of the blazing bus. He had evidently been eating an apple when the accident occurred as the apple
was tightly clutched in one hand. One leg and an arm were practically burned off and he was
horribly burned about the body. He was taken first into the P and R depot and then removed to
Bittle's undertaking establishment.
Dr. Santee gave out the crew of the train as Charles Guertler, engineman, Francis Heffner, fireman,
George Kanes, conductor, John Mease, brakeman and Frank Benseman, flagman. James Cantwell
of Pottsville, proprietor of the bus line put on another bus on Saturday morning and is maintaining
his schedule. The bus which was struck was a wreck.
Word was received from Pine Grove shortly after midnight that Mars, a seventeen year old orphan
who was living with W. H. Daubert, his guardian appointed at the death of his parents, went along
with Moyer for a ride. He had asked Mr. Daubert if he could go along with Moyer on the bus but Mr.
Daubert refused to let him go, but when he went out, he met Shollenberger who was of his own age
and the two went off with the driver, thinking they would be back shortly. He is survived by two
sisters, Mrs. Charles Sweigert, of Pine Grove, and Mrs. Argall Sweigert of Cressona.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN CUT IN TWAIN

Pottsville Republican of January 7, 1915

Failure to put a blue signal on the track in front or behind the car on which he was working as
required by law, Francis Emerick of Schuylkill Haven, aged forty five years, was cut in twain at the
Pennsylvania railroad yards in Mount Carbon on Sunday morning shortly before nine o'clock. He
died in five minutes. Emerick was behind the car and the shifting engine threw two cars against the
car under which Emerick was working and he was pinned beneath the front wheels which went over
him. Working with him was Charles Dress, also of Schuylkill Haven, and Dress went away for a
simplex tube and while he was gone the accident occurred. The car under which Emerick met his
death was shopped for having a defective lock pin. Emerick, a car inspector and general handy
man, considered one of the most valuable men at the yard, noticed the marks of defects and started
to work in repairing the car. Emerick is a widower and has two married sons, one living in Schuylkill
Haven and the other in Tamaqua. Yardmaster C. R. Hughes conducted an investigation and the
coroner will hold an inquest within a few days.

The new Reading Railroad car
shops finished and dedicated....

Pottsville Republican of May 30, 1899

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN SHOPS FINISHED

The Schuylkill Haven Philadelphia and reading car shops were finished on Monday and turned over
to the company. The tracks are now being ballasted by Supervisor J. E. Turk. The shops are
located on the old Schuylkill Navigation landing, which allows plenty of room for repairs and new
work. Three thousand cars are to be equipped with air as soon as the shops are underway, which
in itself is considerable of a job. It is expected that work will commence here in a couple of weeks.
David Runkle will be the foreman. He holds the same position now at the old shops.

Pottsville Republican of July 3, 1899

A FLAG RAISING - Old Glory Hoisted Over the New P $& R Shops at Schuylkill Haven

The citizens of Schuylkill Haven and Cressona and their vicinities have additional cause to
celebrate at the anniversary of our nation. The new P & R shops recently erected were formally
dedicated this afternoon at three o'clock. One of the exercises upon that occasion was the
unfurling of Old Glory to the breeze above the buildings. Speeches were made by C. E. Berger, Dr.
Daniel Dechert, Dr. Charles Lenker, A. A. Hesser, superintendent of the Mine Hill Division of the
Reading and Isaac Paxson, another official of that company. The Schuylkill Haven band was present
to render music appropriate to the occasion. The many patriotic sentiments expressed by the
speakers and the patriotic strains of the band were vociferously applauded. But when the folds of
the emblem of the free were unfurled and its beautiful colors, which signify so much, were
displayed, the cheers of the assembled throng filled the air. The exercises were given under the
auspices of the employees of the Reading headed by David Runkle and C. V. B. Deibert, foremen.
Prominent officials of the company were present to witness the ceremonies. Refreshments were
subsequently served.
This shop is a structure covering an area 400 by 30 feet. It is of frame and is two stories high. Work
was begun on the excavations early last spring and the work of erection was rapidly pushed to a
completion. Here repairs will be made to cars and engines in the future. The shops will give
employment to hundreds of men in their several departments. It is located at a point near the Mine
Hill crossing and runs parallel with the main line. Everything is now completed and its early
operation is expected.

Pottsville Republican of May 1, 1899

HORRIBLY MANGLED - Unknown Man Cut to Pieces by a Pennsy Near Seven Stars

A horrible accident occurred on the Pennsylvania Railroad early this morning by which an unknown
man was killed instantly and his body mangled in a most horrible manner, by being struck by a
freight train that was booming along at a lively rate. The body was strewn along the track and
presented a sickening sight. The pieces of body were gathered and taken to the county almshouse
at Schuylkill Haven. In the man's vest pocket was found a note with the name "Stykes of Shamokin"
written on it. Deputy Coroner C. A. Veith has taken charge of the remains and will hold an inquest
tomorrow afternoon.

The unfortunate man was run over by the local freight that leaves Mount Carbon yards at 2:50 but
she was over a half hour late. A portion of the remains were carried on the track from the Seven
Stars to the Lehigh Bridge. A letter was found in the pocket addressed "Dear Father", and signed,
Nerva Sietz, 1014 Washington Street, Shamokin. The deceased had stiff gray hair, small eyes and
small features. Deputy Coroner L. W. Brown, of Cressona, empanelled a jury, reviewed the body
and ordered the remains sent to the almshouse, where the inquest was finished this afternoon.
Yardmaster Deissinger sent a message to Shamokin asking for information.

Pottsville Republican of July 11, 1895

ONE MAN KILLED - And Two Probably Fatally Injured at Schuylkill Haven

Daniel Dailey, aged sixty years, was instantly killed, Frank Schwartz, aged sixty, had two legs
crushed and George Berger, aged forty five years, had one leg mangled by an accident at the P & R
railroad shops, Schuylkill Haven this afternoon at three o'clock. They were putting in a draw dead
when a draft of cars, being pushed on another track, jumped the track, striking the car upon which
the men were working, with the above result.

The old canal near Schuylkill Haven
reveals a ghastly discovery...

From the front page of the Pottsville Republican of August 14, 1895....

A SUICIDE UNEARTHED

A Ghastly Find by Three
Young Boys
CAUSED BY A COPPERHEAD SNAKE
The Dead Body of a Middle-aged
Man in an Advanced state of
Decomposition - Near the Seven
Stars in North Manheim Township

One of the most shocking cases of suicide ever revealed in this vicinity was brought to the light
of day by a copperhead snake this morning about nine o'clock at the second canal lock above the
Seven Stars and almost opposite the site of the late foot bridge heading from the pike across the
Schuylkill River.
Three boys, William and Clifford Fisold, of 309 Schuylkill Avenue, and Richard Morrison, of 319
Schuylkill Avenue, were picking elderberries along the old canal berm bank, when their attention
was attracted by a copperhead snake, which they followed. The serpent crawled over the old lock
wall just where the upper gate was located, and the boys, peering over after it were horrified to see
the body of a man hanging by the neck to a strong leather belt strap, one end of which was fastened
to an iron eyelet projecting from the lock wall.
The stench was terrible and flies hovered about in countless myriads. Part of the hair had fallen
from the head, one eye hung out and the whole tongue protruded; in fact, the whole head was one
mass of unrecognizable and blackened putrification.
That it was a most deliberate suicide or murder was proven by the bent knees, which were within a
half foot of the ground, and the extended hands held out at an angle of forty five degrees,
indicating agony and determination. The place is a most lonesome one and people might pass and
repass within a few yards and never suspect anything of the kind, the old canal bottom being thickly
covered with bushes, trees, and undergrowth, so that it was necessary for the Coroner and his jury
to cut their way to the scene.
The man wore a common flannel overshirt, with a pocket on the left breast and cheap cheviot black
pantaloons. The strap was evidently run through the buckle, and the knot rested back of his left
ear, the right side of his head being pressed against the lock wall. He was of splendid physique
and evidently a workingman or blacksmith. No trace of his hat or coat could be found.
The boys ran to Pottsville and notified Deputy Coroner James J. Clemens, who summoned Robert
walker and John J. O'Connor, the latter of the "Republican", and with them proceeded to the scene
where they found the facts as above stated, and adjourned until Thursday morning at nine o'clock
to hear further testimony.
Coroner Clemens notified the almshouse officials to remove the body, telling them to bring plenty
of disinfectant. George Rourke, of Palo Alto, Matthew and Joseph Skelly, of Pottsville, John Grady,
Martin Goulden, and Edward McAvoy, of Mount Carbon, were also summoned as witnesses.
The man was about fifty years old and had brown hair and mustache, and at first glance appeared to
be colored. He has been hanging there anywhere from two weeks to two months.
This afternoon, Steward Hartman, Keepers John W. Reese and Edward Hughes, of the almshouse,
proceeded to the spot with a dead box and wagon. Plenty of Werther's disinfectant was used to
subdue the sickening stench, after which the body was loaded up and taken to the almshouse
cemetery. Coroner Clemens furnished his jurymen with cotton and they plugged their nostrils with
it.

Pottsville Republican of December 1, 1919

KILLED AT LANDINGVILLE STORAGE YARDS

Adam Burkert, a highly esteemed and well known resident of Schuylkill Haven, was instantly killed
this morning at the Landingville storage yards of the P and R Company. How the accident occurred
is not definitely known, but it is thought that Mr. Burkert attempted to board a draft of moving cars,
fell under the wheels and was crushed to death. He was foreman at the yards and his lifeless body
was found by other workmen.
Mr. Burkert was respected by all who knew him. He was a consistent member of Grace U. E. Church,
having been treasurer of both the church and Sunday school. He lived on Saint John Street and
was sixty five years of age. He had three sons and one grandson, in the recent war, one son Isaac,
having been killed in France. His wife died a number of years ago. He is survived by the following
children: Mrs. Frank Batdorf, Reading, Mrs. George Downs, Philadelphia, Mrs. Harry Becker, Mrs.
Ralph Jacoby, Charles, Harry, Frederick, Warren and Miss Eva, all of Schuylkill Haven. He had been
in the employ of the P & R Company for many years.

Pottsville Republican of May 7, 1919

BOY KILLED IN COSTLY WRECK AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

A boy, about fourteen years of age, believed to be from Virginia, and who had come to Saint Clair for
the purpose of seeing the coal regions, was killed when a disastrous wreck occurred Wednesday
evening about five o'clock below the Williams Street crossing in Schuylkill Haven.
Engine 1605, with a Port Richmond crew on it, coming from Saint Clair with a loaded train of sixty
five cars for Bridgeport, while rounding the curve below the crossing, burst a wheel on one car,
derailing the car and eleven or so other cars behind it, scattering them all over the railroad. The
ties on the north and southbound tracks were torn up for a considerable distance. A number of the
loaded cars were thrown bodily on the opposite track and dumped the contents of the cars on the
railroad.
The boy who was riding on the train between the cars was caught and badly mangled. The body had
the appearance of being crushed and he must have been killed instantly when the cars left the
rails. There was nothing found upon the body that would lead to his identity, nothing but a small
Sunday school paper, with large letters, "Jesus Saves". Coroner G. H. Moore of town was
summoned to view the remains of the boy and O. A. Bittle, undertaker, removed it to his
establishment on Main Street. The boy seemed to be a stranger in this part of the country and it is
said that some of the railroad men asked him where he was going when he was discovered riding
on the train. He gave the name of his home somewhere in Maryland.
The Reading and Mahanoy Railroad wreck crews were called to the scene of the accident, but the
work of clearing the tracks was very slow and difficult on account of the position some of the cars
were strewn into. The big steam derricks broke several heavy chains trying to throw the cars from
one track to the other making it very dangerous to be in close proximity of the wreck.
The Pottsville express trains came up the line as far as the wreck and transferred their passengers
to a train waiting for them at Williams street crossing. The 9:34 passenger train also came up the
line as far as the wreck and transferred their passengers, having Company H on board. While the
transfer of Company H was being made, and the Pottsville boys were marching up the street, they
were instantly recognized by the large crowd of people looking at the wreck and a general rush was
made for the boys to shake hands with them and give them a royal welcome, but the time was
limited. They were entrained and on their way to Pottsville in a few minutes after leaving the local
station. Both tracks being blocked by the wreck, the midnight trains, called "The Buffaloes" had to
be detoured and got around by way of Little Schuylkill and Tamaqua to get to Pottsville.

THE END OF AN ERA

Pottsville Republican of January 30, 1888

At last the Reading Company have decided to abandon that portion of the Schuylkill Canal
between Schuylkill Haven and Port Clinton. This will be a stunning blow to our neighboring
borough, Schuylkill Haven, although its severity is neutralized by the fact that the company have
been gradually withdrawing business from the canal for some time past and many of Schuylkill
Haven's boatmen have drifted away to other localities. It seems a pity that so much valuable
property of the company is to be abandoned and the boat yards above Port Clinton are to be
wiped out of existence. But the fiat has gone forth and so it must be.

The canal remained a danger for
local residents and was the scene for
tragedy for years after its closing...

Pottsville Republican of June 7, 1888

Frank Palsgrove, employed by the P & R Company as a telegraph operator of Philadelphia, came
to Schuylkill Haven, his former home, to spend a short vacation. He was last seen about a week
ago and this morning at eleven o'clock his dead body was fished out of the canal near the lock
into which he had no doubt fallen unobserved. He was about thirty years of age, married and lost
a leg on the railroad some years ago. The remains were taken in charge by his brother, James
Palsgrove, and will be interred at Schuylkill Haven. Deputy Coroner Palm empanelled a jury, who
will examine the circumstances of the occurrence, which is believed to have been accidental.

Pottsville Republican of August 3, 1920

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BOY DROWNS IN DOCK

The youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward McCord, of Schuylkill Haven, was drowned between six
and seven o'clock Tuesday evening. He with several other children were swimming in the old dock,
at that place. The boys had finished their swim and were getting ready to go home and noticed his
clothing lying there. They gave the alarm but it was too late. When John Henry plunged in to save
him, he brought out his lifeless body.

Pottsville Republican of June 28, 1926

DRAG CANAL FOR MURDER VICTIM, FOOT IS FOUND

Do the remains of a human being lay buried deep in the silt of the old Schuylkill Canal at Schuylkill
Haven? That is the question which is bothering the officials of that thriving borough, as well as
Coroner L. T. Heim. Early Sunday evening, Samuel Yeich found a foot buried partially in the mud
near the car shops at the old docks. Realizing the gruesomeness of his discovery, he immediately
notified the borough officials and Coroner Heim in turn was called. He removed the foot from the
water and after careful examination pronounced it as that of either a boy or a man of exceedingly
small stature.
It was taken to the morgue at the county almshouse where it is being held pending an attempt at
identification. There are however, no marks of any nature which might lead to some person
identifying the member.
Several theories have been advanced as to how the foot came to be where it was, but no definite
developments along these lines have come about. The first thought is that a murder has been
committed and that the foot is a part of a dismembered body lying buried in the mud of the canal.
The other is that the foot may have been brought to Schuylkill Haven in a carload of dirt. The
Reading company is filling in the old canal bed and it is possible that the foot was in one of the cars.
Asked as to whether efforts would be made to drain or drag the canal, Dr. Heim stated that neither
plan was feasible. Lying on the bottom of the canal is the wreck of at least one old canal boat and a
lot of other debris which would interfere greatly with any efforts of dragging. As far as draining the
ditch is concerned, this hardly is possible. The nearest a fire engine could be taken to the stream
would be about 300 feet and would necessitate a lot of work to get the pool clear.
While the investigation is virtually at a standstill at the present time owing to the difficulties which
face the authorities, Coroner Heim and the other officials are following their investigations and are
hopeful of getting results which will lead to the solution of the mystery of the foot.

SAD
DEATH
OF
FRANK J.
HEIM

Pottsville Republican of March 19, 1926

Just after realizing a life's ambition to be a railroader, Frank J. Heim, 44,
of Schuylkill Haven, met his death on duty on Thursday night on his run
between Philadelphia and Rutherford. He was found on the top of a box
car, fatally injured, having been struck as the train passed under a
bridge, and died before he reached a hospital.
Since a boy, Heim's ambition had been to become a railroader, and
though he worked at various other occupations, he always had his aim
before him and was working toward this end. For a number of years he
was employed at the Doutrich's store in Pottsville where his cheerful
and likeable disposition made him a favorite with the patrons. About
ten weeks ago he applied for a position on the railroad and was told if
he underwent a slight surgical operation, he could pass a physical
examination and be entered in the service. He was operated upon and
six weeks ago passed the examination and entered the passenger
service, his run being between Philadelphia and Rutherford. Thursday
night however he was on a freight train.
Thursday afternoon, his father, I. B. Heim of Schuylkill Haven, celebrated
his 69th birthday and Frank and his family were at the father's home for
the celebration, which was a doubly happy one, for it also marked the
attaining of the son's ambition and there was much rejoicing. Frank left
for Philadelphia at two o'clock and his train had just started out when
the accident happened. He had started toward the engine and
evidently did not notice the approach to the bridge and was struck as
he was on the boxcar. He was still alive when found but died a few
minutes later. His new uniform arrived at his home this morning and he
will be buried in it.
Heim was very popular in church and fraternal circles. He was a Past
Master in Page Lodge F. and A. M., a member of Carroll Lodge of
Oddfellows and of the Royal Arcanium. He was a member of Saint
Matthew's Lutheran Church and of the church council and took an
active part in church work.
Surviving are his wife, who was Miss Mamie Kirkpatrick, and three
daughters; Alva wife of William Yoder of Schuylkill Haven, Edith and
Ruth at home. His father and one brother, Harvey R. Heim of Schuylkill
Haven survive.

At left is a picture of a stock
certificate issued for the Mine
Hill and Schuylkill Haven Railroad
Company in 1869.

Pottsville Republican of February 14, 1916

PETITION FOR OLD EMPLOYEES

Preparations are being made in Schuylkill Haven to have a petition issued in that town to ask
Superintendent Keffer, of the Reading Company, to provide work for the old employees at the car
shops and also to have some work for those at work at the present time there who are in poor
circumstances. It is said that there are a number of men now employed at the car sops who have
large families depending on them, and even though they were to secure work at the Saint Clair
shops, where the largest part of the work on repairing cars is to be done hereafter, their salaries
would be comparatively small after the car fare and other expenses were deducted. It is expected
that the petition will be issued some time during the early part of the week, and every merchant and
resident of that town for any length of time will be asked to sign the petition.
The merchants and general public in Schuylkill Haven and Cressona understand the conditions as
explained to Superintendent Keffer, that there is not the proper equipment at the Schuylkill Haven
car shops for the repairing of steel cars and as the greatest number of the cars are now steel, it is
admitted that the only thing left for the company to do is to move a part of the work to the saint Clair
shops. But it is asked that those employed for so long a time at the Schuylkill Haven shops and
known as veteran employees be given some work there, and that the company establish as large a
plant there as they can possibly do under the conditions.
A great deal of sympathy is expressed for the residents of Schuylkill Haven who were employed at
the shops. It is a hard blow for many of them who know no other trade. Many, some years ago,
purchased their own homes in that town and have been for years and are at the present time paying
off amounts each month in an effort to a clear title in a few years. The car shops, when they are on
full working time, are a great boon to the town and the cutting off of even part of the shops will be a
severe jolt to Schuylkill Haven.

Pottsville Republican of February 19, 1914

WATCHMAN SMOTHERED BY GAS IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BOX

Chief Burgess Terrence Goulden, of Mount Carbon, employed as an extra crossing watchman by the
P and R Railroad Company, was found dead in the watch box at the Main street crossing in Schuylkill
Haven at 5:50 o'clock Thursday morning by Watchman Petery of Connors Crossing, who happened to
be passing at the time on his way home and was attracted by the smell of gas apparently coming
from the watch box. Opening the door, he saw watchman Goulden in a lifeless condition, not
responding to the efforts made to arouse him. The day watchman, also an extra man, arriving at this
time, Watchman Petery turned the body over to him and going to the office of ex-Burgess Hartman,
nearby gave the alarm Coroner Moore, who lives in Schuylkill Haven, was notified and quickly
responded at the same time as Dr. Lessig. The small structure is about eight feet square and the
same height.
Investigation led to a statement that gas entered the watch box from beneath the floor and that it
came from a break in the gas main which was discovered only Wednesday, and the belief of some at
Schuylkill Haven, Thursday morning was that the gas worked its way underground to the watch box
with the fatal result to the watchman, while a few adhere to the stove coal gas theory. Not only that
but it is said the gas was responsible for the illness of the two regular crossing watchmen, both of
whom are off duty. The coroner fixed upon Friday evening as a time for an inquest, after selecting a
jury and he determined to hold an autopsy for the purpose of ascertaining whether death was due
to natural causes.
Terrence Goulden was about thirty five years of age, and had been a railroader for some years
before he was caught in a storm and cripples by the freezing of his feet. He was unmarried and an
agreeable, popular man, who had many friends. He made his home with his sisters, Miss Annie and
Miss Catherine Goulden, of 948 South Centre Street, Mount Carbon, in the Goulden homestead,
where their parents, the late John and Annie Goulden lived for many years. The father was a
railroad engineer for years. The body was brought to Pottsville on the passenger train and was
taken in charge at the Reading station by undertaker Heiken who removed it to the home of the
Misses Goulden, from where the funeral will take place with requiem high mass in saint Patrick's
church, Terrence having been a member of that congregation and the Holy Name Society.
Those who adhere to the theory that death was caused by illuminating gas say that when the old
hotel building which stood at the southwest corner of the crossing was torn down to make way for
the new coal yard, one of the gas pipes was plugged after being cut and that this plug probably
became loosened through the hammering of constantly passing trains and that the gas in escaping
found an entrance into the watch box, the flow probably increasing as the plug became more and
more loosened.
Wednesday evening was the first shift that Goulden worked. The other two watchmen, one by day
and the other by night, were taken off on Wednesday and Goulden was sent to take the place of the
night man. It took the call boy several hours to locate Goulden and it was only a short time before
regular working time that he was located. In the last election in the borough of Mount Carbon,
Goulden was elected Chief Burgess. A brother John met death through a railroad accident on the P
and R several years ago.
Coroner Moore went to the Heiken morgue, to which place the body had been taken instead of to
his late home and that of his sisters in Mount Carbon. The coroner and Dr. J. A. Lessig of Schuylkill
Haven, examined the body and according to outward indications, Goulden had been a robust
healthy man aside from the fact that he had lost both feet some years ago in the manner described.
D