Welcome

This publication explores life in Marianna, Pennsylvania—its history, landscape, community, and local stories. Most posts focus on Marianna and Ten Mile Creek, along with wildlife, recreation, and recollections from residents past and present.

Occasionally, I also share personal reflections, commentary, or topics outside the immediate area. These posts are marked as blog/musings and represent my own perspective.

Purpose & Disclaimer

This is a privately run project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by West Bethlehem Township or Marianna Borough.

Some material is drawn from public records and historical sources, but this is not an official government archive. While I try to be accurate and properly attribute information, errors may occur and are corrected when identified.

About the Content

The goal of this publication is to document and preserve a broad picture of life in Marianna—past and present. That includes stories, photographs, historical references, personal memories, and occasional cultural or philosophical reflections.

I welcome contributions such as memories, documents, photographs, or newspaper clippings. If you’d like to share something, feel free to reach out via comments.

Ghost stories and local folklore are also welcome.

Notes on Scope

While Marianna is the central focus, some posts may extend to nearby areas or unrelated topics if they provide context or personal interest. This is a personal archive, not a strictly bounded historical record.

Additional Notes

I may use AI-assisted tools alongside books, archives, and personal research to help organize and explore material. All writing is reviewed and edited by me, and I remain responsible for the content.

Marianna spans both West Bethlehem Township and Marianna Borough. Official township and borough sites are:

• West Bethlehem Township: westbethtownship.com

• Marianna Borough: mariannapa.org

The 118 year old Marianna dam, built for a coal mining company in the 1900's.

Because of safety concerns, flood risks, and a lack of funding for repairs, the structure was scheduled for removal by American Rivers sometime in 2020.

Update: In September 2019, the new borough council overturned the dam removal project that the previous council had approved in 2018. As a result, the area lost access to free dam removal and restoration work for Tenmile Creek, including stream bank repairs, a new park, a wheelchair-accessible launch ramp, trails, and related improvements.

Sediment and sludge buildup from the dam extends upstream to the borough bridge and possibly farther. During the summer of 2020, very little water flowed over the dam because of extremely low rainfall, creating stagnant water conditions above the structure.

No borough document has been produced showing that a majority of residents in either the borough or the township support preserving the dam.

Many people say they will miss the dam and still want it preserved. For generations, it has been a place people visited for its scenery and historical character. Nevertheless, the aging structure presents ongoing safety concerns due to its deteriorating condition and numerous cracks, especially for those who fish, paddle, or live near the dam. The liability and long-term maintenance costs associated with keeping the structure are expenses the borough currently cannot afford.

There are also continuing concerns about flooding upstream from the dam, an issue that has yet to be fully addressed. Flooding can create additional safety hazards, including road closures and restricted access during periods of high water.

The reservoir has also outlived its purpose as serving as a local public water supply until 2014.

The dam waterfall is peaceful...

and at times downright scary.

One positive outcome is that the creek’s water quality is expected to improve once the dam is removed, allowing native fish species to flourish again. The removal of the structure could provide significant long-term environmental and recreational benefits.

2018 Preliminary species occurrence above, below, and in between Marianna Dam and Pump Station Dam (Deemston). For reference if and when Marianna dam is removed.

SOURCES

IUP Special Collections

Maps

List of Marianna Disaster Victims

The Literary Digest Volume 37

The Coal and Coke Operator and Fuel Magazine Volume 10 1910

Coal, Coke, Brick, Sewer Pipe and Builders’ Supplies 1911

Greene Connections

Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families by J.H. Beers & Co

History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men by Crumrine, Boyd, 1838-1916

http://www.chartiers.com/crumrine/twp-wbethlehem.html

History of the Bureau of Mines

Newspapers by Ancestry

A Bicentennial History of West Beth Township and Marianna Borough-1776-1976

Coal and Coke Works

Coal Camp USA

Marianna Mine Disaster

Marianna Library

Marianna, Pennsylvania- wiki

PittBuff.com

Ten Mile Creek Country

Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission Mine Accident Registers

United States Mine Disasters

Marianna Historic District

Report of the Dept of Mines of Pa-Hathi Trust Digital Library

The Black Diamond-Volume 44

Moorehead’s Quarterly Record-Volumes 1 -2

Report of bureau of 1900 Pennsylvania

Pa Annual Report of Mines by Year 1870-1979

Report of the Department of Mines of Pa Bituminous 2

Coal-mine fatalities in the United States, 1870-1914

Bugdust and Blackdamp Life and Work in The Old Coal Patch by Thomas H. Coode

T. R Johns Papers

Fire and Water Engineering, Volume 44 (Marianna Coal Mine Disaster)

Hellraisers Journal: Coal Miners Perish in Explosion at Marianna, Pennsylvania; Brave Rescuers Battle Flames

Hellraisers Journal: Report Continues from Gertrude Gordon at Marianna Mine Disaster: Story of Lone Survivor

Guide to the United Mine Workers of America, District #5 Papers, 1896-1984

Preventing “The Needless Peril of the Coal Mine”: The Bureau of Mines and the Campaign against Coal Mine Explosions, 1910-1940

Worker Solidarity, Judicial Oppression, and Police Repression in the Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Coal Miner’s Strike, 1910-11

The Charity Organization Review Page 351 1908

Rootsweb-Bulkley&Cottrell 15Jan10

The Fourth Annual Report of the Commissioner of the Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-1909 and 1911- Part 1 and 2

Mennonite family history January 2016

Marianna-Tribune Review

wikipedia.org

The Magazine Writer’s Handbook (2nd edition 1930)

Draper Manuscript Collection

HISTORIC SITE SURVEY OF THE GREATER MONONGAHELA RIVER VALLEY

Inter-state Convention of 1908

PittBuff.com

Diocese of Pittsburgh

Necciai, Terry, Brown, Mark M., Washington County History and Landmarks Foundation, Marianna Historic District, nomination document, 1984, National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places, Washington, D.C.

Obituary for James Jones, Coal Age, vol.1, 23 March 1912, p.794.

The Wise Family-Text taken from page 256 of:

Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Washington County Historical Society archives.

Other interests:

The Tower, North Ten Mile Baptist Church, March, 1972.

Bauman, John F. “Ethnic Adaptation in a Southwestern Pennsylvania Coal Patch, 1910-1940.” The Journal of Ethnic Studies, vol.7, no.3 (Fall 1979), pp.1-23.

Coode, Thomas, H., and John F. Bauman. People, Poverty, and Politics: Pennsylvanians During the Great Depression. Lewisburg, PA: Bucknell University Press, 1981.

“Disaster at Marianna is Cruel Stab of Fate.” Pittsburgh Post, 30 November 1908, p.5, col.1.

Enman, J.A. “The Shape, Structure, and Function of a Pennsylvania Company Town.” Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, vol.42, 1968, pp.167-170.

Hall, R. Dawson. “Collieries on the Ellsworth Branch.” Coal Age, vol.1, 21 October 1911, pp.34-37.

Hyser, Raymond, M. “Discord in Utopia: The Ellsworth Strike of 1904.” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol.106, no.3 (July 1982), pp.393-409.

Magnusson, Leifur. “Company Housing.” Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. 1921 ed.

“Mine Congress Will See Only Wrecked Show Plant.” Pittsburgh Dispatch, 30 November 1908, p.6, cols.2-3.

Munn, Robert F. “The Development of Model Towns in the Bituminous Coal Fields.” West Virginia History, vol.40, no.3 (1979), pp.243-253.

Cloud by Day by Murel E. Sheppard

United States Coal Commission, Report. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1925.

Coal Mining in the Progressive Period-William Graebner

One Hundred Years of Federal Mining Safety and Health Research by John Breslin, Ph.D

newspapers.com

Guide to the CONSOL Energy, Inc. Mine Maps and Records, 1857-2010

2025

October 2025

November 1st, 2025 On Grable Hill overlooking Oak Spring

November 8, 2025

September 17th, 2022

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Unfortunately, in Marianna, open burning still happens. Some days it is just wood smoke drifting through the valley. Other days, the smell changes. Sharp. Chemical. Plastic. Rubber. Melted insulation. On sunny days, it comes through open windows and settles inside homes. These fires show little thought beyond the flames themselves. No one seems to consider where the smoke goes, who breathes it, or what lingers in the soil and plants.

There is a hard question to ask. Is this ignorance, or indifference? Burning plastic, tires, and wiring ignores the consequences that reach beyond one yard. Lack of awareness or simple disregard, whatever the cause, the outcome is the same. Harm spreads to neighbors, children, wildlife, and the land, while the person burning walks away as if the damage ends at the barrel.

Tires have been burned here, sending thick black smoke into the air. Wires are burned to strip copper, releasing toxic fumes into nearby homes. These fires may be out of sight, but their effects are not contained to one yard.

Burning plastics, rubber, treated wood, or wiring releases pollutants such as dioxins, furans, heavy metals, and fine particles. These toxins do not disappear. They drift, settle in soil and on plants, and are inhaled by anyone nearby.

The health effects are real. Fumes can trigger asthma, headaches, nausea, and long term risks for heart disease and cancer. Children, older adults, and anyone with respiratory issues are especially vulnerable. Repeated exposure matters, even when each incident seems brief.

The damage does not stop with people. Toxins fall into the soil, altering its chemistry and harming microorganisms that keep it alive. Gardens nearby may unknowingly take up these contaminants, carrying them into the food grown there.

Insects are often first to suffer. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are highly sensitive to airborne toxins and contaminated plants. Fewer insects means fewer birds and wildlife. Ecosystems grow quieter and less balanced.

Birds are particularly vulnerable. Rapid breathing increases their exposure. Toxins enter through insects, seeds, and nesting materials. Over time, immune systems weaken, reproduction suffers, and lifespans shorten.

Many materials burned, including tires, plastics, and wiring, have safer disposal options. Burning them does not remove waste. It spreads toxins through air, soil, and water.

Smoke does not disappear when the fire goes out. It lingers in the air, settles into the ground, and becomes part of the place we all live.

Please. The fire may be yours, but the impact is everyone’s.

If you’re unsure about best practices or want to better understand the risks, you may find it helpful to review general information about the health and environmental impacts of open burning. The following resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with or tied to my posts:

~The Open Burning of Plastic Wastes is an Urgent Global Health Issue

~Disastrous Effects and Solutions of Open Burning on the Environment and Human Health

Comparing historic Pittsburgh-region snowfalls that have shaped winters in our area

Winters in Marianna are rarely gentle. Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, the community shares in the same powerful winter systems that have long affected the greater Pittsburgh region. Over time, a handful of major storms have come to define what “a big winter” truly means here.

Based on historical records compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the following storms rank among the most significant by recorded snowfall in the region.

“Each generation remembers the storm that buried everything.”

1884 — 18.0 inches
The Great Blizzard of 1884
(January 8–9)

1886 — 18.5 inches
January 1886 Snowstorm
(January 8–9)

1890 — 25.9 inches
The Great Blizzard of 1890
(December 16–18)

1927 — 17.8 inches
February 1927 Snowstorm
(February 18–21)

1950 — 27.6 inches
The Great Appalachian Storm / Thanksgiving Snowstorm
(November 24–26)

1993 — 25.3 inches
The Storm of the Century
(March 12–14)

2010 — 21.9 inches
Snowmageddon
(February 5–6)

2026 — ongoing event
January 23–27, 2026 North American winter storm
(sometimes referred to in media reports as “Winter Storm Fern”)

The 2026 storm was part of a massive winter system that affected much of the eastern United States, including Pennsylvania, bringing significant snowfall, ice, and widespread disruptions. Its final ranking among historic regional storms will depend on verified local totals once official data is fully compiled.

As with past generations, each major storm becomes a reference point—something people measure future winters against. Whether it’s the Blizzard of 1890 or Snowmageddon in 2010, these events remain part of the shared memory of life in southwestern Pennsylvania.

For now, 2026 may be remembered as the latest chapter in that ongoing story of winter weather in and around Marianna.

Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); WTAE Pittsburgh; National Weather Service regional reporting.

Note: Several people in Marianna who became ill used at-home tests or did not test at all. Those cases would not be included in official counts.

January: The Omicron Surge Continues

The year opened with another wave of infections, driven by the Omicron variant, though the tone of the pandemic was beginning to shift toward a slower, uneven decline.

On January 8:

• 37,642 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 535 deaths in Washington County

• 148 confirmed cases in Marianna

By mid-January, numbers continued to rise:

• January 16: 38,611 deaths in Pennsylvania, 548 in Washington County, 164 cases in Marianna

• January 20: 39,093 deaths in Pennsylvania, 557 in Washington County, 174 cases in Marianna

• January 24: 39,560 deaths in Pennsylvania, 565 in Washington County

March: Cases Persist, but at a Lower Level

By March, the pace of change had slowed compared to earlier peaks.

On March 15:

• 43,909 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 640 deaths in Washington County

• 203 confirmed cases in Marianna

While the virus remained present, daily life was no longer defined by shutdowns or emergency restrictions in the way earlier years had been.

May–June: Gradual Stabilization

By late spring, case numbers in Marianna and surrounding areas began to level out.

On May 21:

• 44,898 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 655 deaths in Washington County

• 208 confirmed cases in Marianna

By June 24:

• 45,657 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 667 deaths in Washington County

• 208 confirmed cases in Marianna

At this stage, COVID-19 was still present, but the intensity of earlier waves had diminished. Public attention had largely shifted, even as the virus continued circulating.

September: A Quiet Plateau

By September, reporting continued, but without the sharp spikes seen in previous years.

• 46,831 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 683 deaths in Washington County

Community life had largely returned to normal routines, though COVID-19 remained an ongoing background presence rather than a central disruption.

December: End of Year Numbers

By the end of 2022, the pandemic had entered a more stable, lower-intensity phase compared to 2020 and 2021.

On December 28:

• 48,892 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 706 deaths in Washington County

While COVID-19 had not disappeared, the emergency phase of the pandemic had clearly receded.

Looking Back

2022 marked a shift in the pandemic’s presence in daily life. While cases and deaths continued to accumulate, the urgency and disruption of earlier years had largely faded.

At the same time, official numbers likely understated the full extent of illness in the community, as many relied on at-home testing or did not test at all. Those experiences are not fully captured in formal reporting, but were part of everyday reality.

What remained was a quieter continuation of the same public health event—less visible, but still present in the background of community life.

The Transition into 2023

As the pandemic moved further into a post-peak phase, official tracking continued, though the public urgency had significantly declined compared to earlier years.

As of March 3, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Data Tracker reported that more than 1,117,856 people in the United States had died from COVID-19, with a weekly average of approximately 2,290 deaths.

During this period, federal policy continued to shift. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure to end COVID-19 vaccine requirements for foreign travelers, reflecting the broader rollback of pandemic-era restrictions.

Sources

Pennsylvania Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Regional news reporting and public announcements
Contemporaneous community observation

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January: A Heavy Start

The year began with the pandemic still firmly in place.

On January 1, Pennsylvania reported 16,214 COVID-19 deaths.

By January 6:

• 16,914 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 144 deaths in Washington County

• 9,774 confirmed cases in Washington County

The surge that followed the holiday season continued into mid-January. Washington County cases crossed 10,000, and deaths continued to rise steadily.

By late January:

• 20,664 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 177 deaths in Washington County

Vaccination efforts were beginning, but limited supply meant rollout was slow and uneven.

February–March: Early Vaccines, Ongoing Spread

By February:

• Washington County deaths: ~250

• Pennsylvania deaths: ~23,000

In March, cases and deaths continued to rise, though at a slower pace than the winter peak:

• 260–273 deaths in Washington County

• Nearly 25,000 deaths in Pennsylvania

In March 2021, the Delta variant was first detected in the United States, after emerging in India in late 2020. Public health officials began warning of increased transmissibility.

April: Vaccines Expand

By April:

• Pennsylvania deaths: ~25,600

• Washington County deaths: ~284

• Marianna confirmed cases: ~50

Vaccination rates were increasing, with roughly 29% of Pennsylvanians fully vaccinated by late April.

Globally, India experienced a severe surge in cases, drawing international attention.

May: Restrictions Ease

In early May, Pennsylvania announced plans to lift most mitigation orders by Memorial Day, while masking remained in place.

By mid-May:

• 297 deaths in Washington County

• 26,749 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 54 confirmed cases in Marianna

The CDC later lifted indoor mask guidance for fully vaccinated individuals in mid-May, marking a major shift in public health policy.

June–July: Summer Conditions and Decline

By June:

• 302–305 deaths in Washington County

• 27,259–27,643 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 56–59 confirmed cases in Marianna

At this time, mask usage had significantly declined across much of Pennsylvania (personal observation).

By July:

• Over 27,700 deaths in Pennsylvania

• Over 310 deaths in Washington County

• Approximately 60 confirmed cases in Marianna

• About 64% of Pennsylvanians had received at least one vaccine dose

August: Delta Surge Begins

In August, Washington County was again categorized as a substantial spread area.

By late August:

• 28,131 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 315 deaths in Washington County

• 67 confirmed cases in Marianna

The Delta variant began driving a new wave of infections across the country.

September: Schools and Mandates Return

In early September, Pennsylvania reinstated mask requirements for K–12 schools.

National Guard personnel were deployed to assist hospitals across the state due to increased hospitalizations.

By mid-September:

• 28,864–29,030 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 336–339 deaths in Washington County

• 74–79 confirmed cases in Marianna

Health officials reported that a large majority of new severe cases were among unvaccinated individuals.

October: Continued Spread and National Focus

By October:

• 30,228–30,587 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 375–380 deaths in Washington County

• 90–96 confirmed cases in Marianna

At the national level, deaths in the United States approached 720,000.

Discussions around treatment, including ivermectin, became widely circulated in public discourse and media coverage.

November: Omicron Emerges

In late November, the Omicron variant was identified in South Africa and the United Kingdom, signaling the next phase of the pandemic.

By late November:

• 33,251 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 425 deaths in Washington County

• 119 confirmed cases in Marianna

Washington County was reported as having one of the highest infection rates in the state during this period.

December: Another Winter Wave

By December:

• 34,616–36,504 deaths in Pennsylvania

• 466–512 deaths in Washington County

• 126–133 confirmed cases in Marianna

Hospitals prepared for post-holiday surges, as case numbers rose again nationwide.

The year closed with continued uncertainty as new variants spread and public health systems remained under strain.

Looking Back

2021 was a year of transition—moving from emergency shutdowns toward vaccines and partial reopening, while still experiencing waves of infection and new variants.

In Washington County and communities like Marianna, life gradually reopened, but the effects of the pandemic remained present in daily routines, public policy, and local health systems.

Not every number tells the full picture. Some reflect shifting reporting systems, and others were revised over time. But together, they form a record of how the pandemic continued to shape local life through 2021.

Sources

Pennsylvania Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Regional news outlets and public reporting
Contemporaneous community observation

March: The Sudden Halt

In mid-March 2020, daily life in Washington County came to an abrupt stop.

On March 13, the Beth-Center School District closed its doors at the end of the school day, expecting only a short, two-week disruption. Students were told they would return in early April. Marianna Borough offices also closed to the public.

Just three days later, on March 16, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 appeared in Washington County. That same day, Governor Tom Wolf ordered the closure of schools, libraries, and all non-essential businesses across Pennsylvania. The Marianna Community Public Library shut down. Schools quickly shifted to providing “grab-and-go” lunches, with distribution points at the elementary school and the Marianna fire hall.

By March 19, the state ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations. Workers left mid-shift as a deadline approached that evening. Streets emptied. Social life and travel came to a near standstill.

Local businesses adapted in small but telling ways. The Pizza Company stopped accepting coins to limit contact. Heritage Craft Butchers offered pre-packed “essentials” bags. The West Bethlehem Township building locked its doors, installing a drop box for payments.

Even then, uncertainty lingered. Shelves at Walmart and Aldi were cleared of basic supplies—especially toilet paper, which became difficult to find. Social distancing was encouraged, though not always consistently followed.

On March 28, a stay-at-home order went into effect for Washington County.

At that point, there were still no confirmed cases in Marianna.

April: Rising Numbers, Growing Tension

By early April, it became clear this was not temporary.

Cases climbed rapidly across Pennsylvania, and on April 9, schools were officially closed for the remainder of the academic year. Healthcare workers began speaking out about shortages of personal protective equipment, joining a nationwide call for support.

Face masks became mandatory statewide by April 19.

At the same time, frustration grew. On April 20, more than 2,000 people gathered in Harrisburg to protest shutdown restrictions. Similar demonstrations followed in Pittsburgh. The divide between public health measures and personal freedom became more visible.

Meanwhile, daily life continued in altered form. Fish fries became takeout-only. Stores marked six-foot distances on floors. Masks became part of everyday routines. Signs on doors reminded customers to keep their distance.

By the end of April, Washington County had surpassed 100 confirmed cases.

Summer: A New Routine

As spring turned to summer, restrictions eased slightly, but the virus did not disappear.

Masks briefly shifted from required to recommended, then back to mandatory again by July 1.

Case numbers climbed steadily:

• Early July: just over 300 cases in Washington County

• Mid-July: over 500

• End of July: more than 700

By mid-July, confirmed cases appeared in Marianna for the first time.

Businesses reopened cautiously, with guidelines in place. Large retailers required masks for entry. Tape on floors, limited occupancy, and visible sanitation efforts became standard.

Life resumed—but it was not the same life.

Fall: The Numbers Climb Again

By autumn, the virus surged once more.

September brought over 1,000 cases in Washington County. Nationally, deaths approached 200,000. The pandemic was no longer something happening elsewhere—it was firmly rooted in every community.

By October:

• Cases in Washington County continued to rise

• COVID-19 reached the White House, including President Donald Trump

• Mask mandates and public debate remained ongoing

Even small details reflected the moment—public statements, political tension, and the steady tracking of case numbers day after day.

November: A Difficult Season

In November, the numbers rose sharply.

Washington County cases increased from around 2,300 to over 4,000 within weeks. Deaths climbed alongside them.

Marianna, too, saw its case count grow steadily—from just over a dozen to nearly 20 by Thanksgiving.

Despite warnings from health officials, many Americans traveled for the holiday, gathering with family as they always had. The full impact of those decisions would become clearer in the weeks that followed.

December: The Deadliest Month

December 2020 became the most difficult stretch of the year.

COVID-19 was among the leading causes of death in the United States. By mid-month, the national death toll surpassed 300,000.

In Washington County:

• Cases approached 9,000 by year’s end

• Deaths reached 131

Marianna recorded more than 30 confirmed cases.

Yet, amid the loss, there was a turning point.

On December 14, the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered in the United States, marking the beginning of a new phase in the pandemic.

Even so, the year closed with uncertainty. Doctors warned of a post-holiday surge. In some parts of the country, deaths were occurring at alarming rates, and hospitals remained under strain.

Looking Back

What began in March as a temporary closure became a defining moment in modern history.

Schools shut down. Businesses struggled. Traditions changed. Daily routines were reshaped in ways few could have imagined.

Not every number tells the full story. Some deaths were never officially counted. Some experiences were never recorded. But together, these details form a picture of what life was like in Washington County—and in places like Marianna—during a year that altered everything.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Local government and school district communications
Regional news reports and public statements
Community accounts and contemporaneous observations

Highland Ridge Road

Midla Farm-West Bethlehem Township-2021

Grable Road-West Bethlehem Township 2022

View from Grable Road-Farm on Highland Ridge Road-West Bethlehem Township-2022

Oak Spring Road-West Bethlehem Township-2022

Little Creek Road-Earnest Barn 2023

Fischer Hollow Road

Garrett Road-West Bethlehem Township

Oak Spring Road-West Bethlehem Township-Torn down in 2017

Jefferson Avenue-West Bethlehem Township

Highland Ridge-West Bethlehem Township-2015

Grable Road-West Bethlehem Township-Barn built by Abe Phillips, George Ray Earnest, Bert Meeks. Helen Girdish barn at time of photo.

Topsail Road-West Bethlehem Township-2019

Topsail Road-West Bethlehem Township-2023-Torn down in 2025

Topsail Road-West Bethlehem Township-2022

Highland Ridge Road Barn-West Bethlehem Township-2017

Highland Ridge Road Barn-West Bethlehem Township-2022 "Winter Storm Izzy”

Fisher Hollow Road -West Bethlehem Township-2018 (Same barn 2020)

Information on Benjamin Bigler and Mary Ann Margaret Bigler (Gayman), gathered from various sources including books, ancestry records, and personal accounts.

Benjamin’s father was Michael Bigler, the son of Israel Bigler, who is buried at Franklin Cemetery. Benjamin was one of seven children, with siblings including David, Simon, Henry, Eleanor, Rebecca, and Amanda.

Benjamin and Mary Ann Bigler’s children:

• Michael H. Bigler: Birth 1869. He died at the age of 40 due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, indicating suicidal intent. He left behind a widow.

• Jesse F. Bigler: Born in 1873, passed away in 1962 at the age of 89. He was survived by his wife, Catherine.

To be continued

Last Will and Testament of Benjamin Bigler

In the name of God. Amen. I Benjamin Bigler of West-Bethlehem Township County of Washington And State of Pennsylvania, Being sick and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, do make and declare this to be my will and testament, in manner following that is to say. I order that all my just debts, funeral expenses, and charges of proving this my will, be in the first-place fully paid and satisfied. And after payment-thereof I give and bequeath to Mary Ann Bigler my lawful wife, All my Estate real and personal, for and during her life and after her death. I empower my executor to sell the said property and dispose of it Equally among my legal heirs And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint - G. G. Gayman Executor of this my will, hereby revoking and making void all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this only to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said testator, have to this my last- will and testament set my hand and seal the 12th day of March AD 1879

Benjamin Bigler.

Witnesses to Benjamin Bigler’s will are L. G. Garrett and Henry Bigler.

Resources:

The Bigler Book

ancestry.com

The bath house was capable of accommodating 1800 persons. It is located between what was Agnes and Rachel mine shafts, on the bank of Ten Mile Creek.

Hoist House

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Blight removed

Blight removed

An old house on Lone Pine Marianna Road was built from a Sears Modern Home kit, one of the mail-order houses sold between 1908 and 1940 for prices ranging from $452 to $1,096. Buyers could select designs to suit their needs, making each home somewhat personal despite its catalog origins. This particular house, once painted entirely white, was built in 1908 by Joe Phillips, known for his stairway work, and Sam Smith. It became the home of Tilden Sowers, born in 1875 in West Bethlehem Township, and later of Slim Sowers. The tin roof bore the name “Gayman” on the back. The house stood for more than a century before being torn down in 2021.

2021

2022

Old Hardware Store on Main Street-2021

Not long ago, my curiosity led me to explore what remains of the village of Van Meter, an old mining community reminiscent of Marianna Borough. The contrast was striking. This once-thriving place, which had been lined with company houses, now shows almost no trace of them. Most mining communities, after all, were built with simple materials rather than brick, and they have not endured the passage of time. Seeing this made me wonder about Marianna’s own future and the parallels that might exist.

Marianna still proudly holds its designation as a historic district, but recent developments have placed that status in question. A substantial infusion of funding led to the demolition of several dozen blighted homes out of the original 282, and the fate of many others remains uncertain.

What pushes a town toward the brink of disappearance? Financial strain is at the heart of it. Landlords who cannot afford major repairs, like failing roofs, lose tenants. Homeowners, once eager to restore their properties, often find themselves caught in cycles of deferred maintenance as costs mount. The problem is compounded by absentee landlords, disconnected from the day-to-day condition of their buildings. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: homes fall into disrepair, creating safety hazards, diminishing the town’s appearance, and sometimes inviting crime. In turn, property values decline and tax revenue shrinks, further limiting what the municipality can do.

Studies point to neighborhood disinvestment as a major driver of this kind of decline, as struggling areas are gradually neglected. Marianna is not alone in facing these challenges; many small towns contend with similar patterns, underscoring the need for thoughtful, long-term revitalization strategies.

Once a thriving mining town in the early 1900s, Marianna was filled with jobs and growing businesses. Today, however, residents are divided about its future. Some support large-scale redevelopment, while others advocate for preserving the town much as it is. Still others favor a middle-ground approach, one that allows for necessary change without sacrificing the character that defines the community.

There are ways to address blight and encourage renewal. Programs that offer grants or low-interest loans to homeowners can make repairs more feasible. Property registration requirements and targeted fines can help ensure accountability. In some cases, the careful removal of structures beyond repair may be necessary, but this should be strategic, not widespread, focusing only on buildings that pose safety risks and contribute most to decline.

As Marianna moves forward, it faces a delicate balance between progress and preservation. Ultimately, the town’s future will depend on the will of its residents. In the face of ongoing challenges, there is still reason for hope. Whether through preservation efforts, targeted demolition, or a combination of both, the central question remains: how much does this mining town’s history matter to those who call it home—and what are they willing to do to protect it for generations to come?

The houses in Marianna were sold after WW2 by Bethlehem Mines.

Oak Street 2022

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In Marianna in the early 1900s, trade tokens called “bottle checks” circulated in taverns, hotels, and bars, serving as credit for drinks and other items. One example, issued by the Marianna Hotel, is stamped on the front with “Marianna Hotel” and “Marianna, Pa,” while the back reads “Bottle 5¢ Check,” indicating its value and purpose. Typically made of aluminum or brass, bottle checks were privately issued and were not legal currency.

Patrons paid cash at the bar or hotel, received one or more tokens, and redeemed them later. The system reduced the need for small change, tracked informal credit, and fit the rhythms of communities where money often flowed unevenly. Tokens were sometimes given to guests with a room or meal, or distributed to regular customers before payday, based on trust rather than formal bookkeeping. Once in circulation, bottle checks rarely stayed with a single person, they were passed among friends, tucked into pockets, or sent home to be redeemed.

Bottle checks were common in coal-mining towns throughout Pennsylvania and other regions. Paydays were irregular, spending remained local, and company stores dominated some aspects of daily life, but many businesses, including hotels and saloons, operated independently. Tokens circulated alongside company scrip and other forms of credit, creating informal, place-based economies that relied on trust and routine. They were used by miners, laborers, railroad workers, and women alike, connecting communities through everyday exchanges.

Although a five-cent token may seem minor today, it held practical and social significance. Taverns and hotels were central to town life, providing spaces where news circulated, work was discussed, and residents gathered.

In Marianna and other coal towns, bottle checks offer a window into the rhythms of daily life, the informal systems that supported working communities, and the ways trust and routine structured local economies. The Marianna Hotel token, with its clear markings of both the hotel and town and its back indicating a five-cent credit for a bottle, embodies these patterns and reflects the ordinary acts that quietly shaped life above ground in a coal-mining region.

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The store offered far more than just the basics. Its grocery section included a butcher shop, where fresh beef and smoked pork cuts added variety and flavor to household meals. Alongside food, the shelves held a wide selection of dry goods—clothing, textiles, and household essentials—allowing families to meet their needs without having to always travel to distant towns.

Health remained a central concern. A dedicated pharmacy corner supplied patent medicines and other essential remedies, helping families manage illness and injury close to home.

Most purchases happened through company-issued scrip or credit, which tied miners to the company economically. However, this system also gave families flexibility to get what they needed during gaps between paydays—an unavoidable part of life with irregular mining incomes.

Life in Marianna revolved around the store. Beyond commerce, it offered a space to connect—a gathering point where residents exchanged news and maintained community ties. In good times and bad, the store remained just a short walk away for the families who called Marianna home.

The store also played a key role in hygiene, which mattered deeply in mining communities. It stocked soaps, shampoos, and grooming products typical of the early to mid-20th century. These items may have been basic, but they effectively supported cleanliness for miners regularly exposed to coal dust and grime.

Bar soaps made from tallow or vegetable oils dominated the shelves, often carrying simple scents like pine or lavender. Popular brands such as P&G’s Ivory Soap and various “laundry” or “toilet” soaps filled many homes. For those with rough or irritated skin, medicated soaps—often containing coal tar or other therapeutic ingredients—offered relief.

Though shampoo remained rare in former mining towns, by the mid-1900s, simple liquid shampoos and powdered soap products for hair washing appeared. Families often mixed soap flakes with water or diluted bar soap to create homemade hair cleansers. Company stores sometimes sold branded products like Drene (launched in the 1930s) or Wildroot Cream-Oil.

Other hygiene goods included hair tonics and scalp treatments—usually alcohol-based and infused with menthol or herbal extracts—as well as talcum powder to reduce skin irritation. These everyday items allowed families to maintain a sense of cleanliness and dignity despite the gritty demands of mining life.

Miners and their families could expect to find the following soaps and shampoos in stores like Marianna’s:

Ivory Soap (1900 & 1930): A staple of American households, prized for its purity and gentle care.

Pears’ Soap (1900 & 1928): Known for its refined formula and pleasant scent.

Vinolia Soap (1900 & 1920s): A luxurious option, celebrated for its distinctive fragrance.

Coconut Oil Soap (1900): Mild and versatile—suitable for full-body use.

Fairy Soap (1900 & 1920): A reliable, gentle cleaner for personal and household use.

Goblin Soap (1920): An affordable, multipurpose soap for both laundry and personal hygiene.

Shalimar Shampoo (1930s): One of the first mass-market shampoos, recognized for its cleansing power.

These products helped families preserve personal hygiene and comfort—essentials in an environment shaped by hard labor and harsh conditions. The company store ensured these items remained within reach, reinforcing the store’s central role in the life and well-being of the community.

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