Third cousins Gene Czambel and Rand Gee – who met through Gee’s genealogical research – have co-written the first history book of the Thoms Run coal era. “Forgotten Mines & Coal Towns of Thoms Run” chronicles the history of the mines, life in five coal towns, schools, merchants, hotels, taverns and beneficial associations from 1880 to 1930. The historic pictures and facts provide a panoramic view of life in the coal patches of Beechmont, Hickman, Federal, Burdine and Presto, PA.
Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Western Allegheny Community Library to meet the authors of the first history book written on the Thoms Run coal era that chronicles what attracted immigrant families (16 nationalities in all) to work in the 28 active coal mines that led to the creation of five towns of Beechmont, Hickman, Federal, Burdine and Presto. The extension of the Pittsburgh, Chartiers & Yough Railway led to the building of the Federal Hotel, the Federal Schoolhouse (now Federal Firearms and the Presto Hotel (which is still a working tavern today) among other essential establishments for the families and workers.
The Western Allegheny Community Library is located at 181 Bateman Road, Oakdale, PA.