COALMINERS-L Archives

From: HIGHLAND FARM <>
Subject: "Once A Man, Twice A Boy"-by David Kuchta
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 16:18:10 -0500

Greetings,
For everyone that has enjoyed David's stories, I just found out
that he has a new coal mining book for sale ! "Once A Man, Twice A Boy"
I have just sent for a copy and can not wait to see it !
I would hope that everyone that has enjoyed his stories would support
his effort in keeping the memory of our coalmining ancestors alive !
Sincerely,
Diana Gately

ONCE A MAN, TWICE A BOY
The following is a brief synopsis of my new book.
The book, "Once A Man, Twice A Boy," starts out with two pages of a
descriptive explanation of the title of my book. I then go to the
discovery of coal in Pennsylvania and how it led to the opening of the
No.9 Mine, in Lansford, PA.
I wrote about a section from the State Mine Inspectors journal in
the 1800s about the dangers of working in the mines and how bad they
thought immigrants behaved in such dangerous conditions.
From there I write about how the mines were Dark, Damp, Dirty, Dusty
and Dangerous, but how the miners found time to have a little fun and
camaraderie There is a large section on horse play and pranks that was
never written about. Some of these shenanigans are hilarious and you
will enjoy reading them. They certainly are different!
I write about the closing of the No.9 Mine by Lanscoal. This is
interesting while sad. The mine operated for over a hundred years and
when it closed it was the oldest, longest operating coal mine in this
country. It operated from 1855 to 1972.
There is a section on how the miners as well as supervision tried to
cheat one another. I also wrote about kick-backs and pay-offs to the
fire bosses. This is very interesting, and it happened quite often.
This was something that was never spoken, no less written about.
The last section of the text is about mine mules. This is something
that everyone will enjoy reading. When you read this section you will
have a better understanding of this magnificent animal. .
There are over 30 pictures, which make the book very interesting and
enjoyable to read.
The front cover takes in a winter scene with the mine tunnel and all
the surroundings covered with fresh white snow. The setting is so
serene. It almost looks like a setting for a Christmas card.
I have tried to keep the book interesting and yet entertaining. The
price will be $9.95 PP. (I pay the postage)

David Kuchta
Kiwi Publishing
5 Tippets Rd.
Nesquehoning, Pa. 18240

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