cuddles17981
Full Member
Schuylkill County History Comes Alive
http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=7093877
A couple in Schuylkill County is using a piece of uncovered history to help build their business. A recently-discovered secret tunnel is thought to be part of the bloody history of our area's coal heritage.
Click for larger image
This tunnel was discovered when the new owners of an old building in St. Clair remodeled. They believe it was used by the Molly McGuires.
Not much has changed over the last 141 years at the building near St. Clair. The exterior looks basically the same today as it did when it was first occupied in 1866.
Now it's a bar and restaurant owned by Jim and Jessica Croley. They plan to double the size of the place and will use history to attract customers.
"We have a lot of people coming in and asking about it and they're real interested in seeing what's down here," said Jessica Croley, owner of The Wooden Keg Tavern.
To get deep into the history of the place, you have to go downstairs. There you will see what was once a secret tunnel. Some believe it was used by the Molly McGuires.
According to historians, the McGuires were a group of Irish miners who fought against cruel mine owners with sabotage and murder. They were hanged for their crimes. It's believed the group would hold meetings in
"It was a way to transport alcohol easier and it was a great way for the Molly McGuires to escape from authority if need be, undetected," explained owner Jim Croley.
The Croleys want to turn the so-called tunnel room into a museum of sorts so people can dine and relive the area's past.
"The public is going to have access it, limited access. Along with the tunnel there are going to be things to read, anthracite coal maps and a lot of things to discuss," Jim Croley said.
The renovations continue and the owners hope those renovations will be done and the tunnel open to public inspection by Halloween.
http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=7093877
A couple in Schuylkill County is using a piece of uncovered history to help build their business. A recently-discovered secret tunnel is thought to be part of the bloody history of our area's coal heritage.
Click for larger image
This tunnel was discovered when the new owners of an old building in St. Clair remodeled. They believe it was used by the Molly McGuires.
Not much has changed over the last 141 years at the building near St. Clair. The exterior looks basically the same today as it did when it was first occupied in 1866.
Now it's a bar and restaurant owned by Jim and Jessica Croley. They plan to double the size of the place and will use history to attract customers.
"We have a lot of people coming in and asking about it and they're real interested in seeing what's down here," said Jessica Croley, owner of The Wooden Keg Tavern.
To get deep into the history of the place, you have to go downstairs. There you will see what was once a secret tunnel. Some believe it was used by the Molly McGuires.
According to historians, the McGuires were a group of Irish miners who fought against cruel mine owners with sabotage and murder. They were hanged for their crimes. It's believed the group would hold meetings in
"It was a way to transport alcohol easier and it was a great way for the Molly McGuires to escape from authority if need be, undetected," explained owner Jim Croley.
The Croleys want to turn the so-called tunnel room into a museum of sorts so people can dine and relive the area's past.
"The public is going to have access it, limited access. Along with the tunnel there are going to be things to read, anthracite coal maps and a lot of things to discuss," Jim Croley said.
The renovations continue and the owners hope those renovations will be done and the tunnel open to public inspection by Halloween.
