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LUCERNE, PA
The Rochester and Pittsburg Coal and Iron Co. opened the Lucerne Mines operation and patch town in 1907. These coke ovens were some of the last beehive ovens built
in America. They were constructed in 1952. They operated until 1972, when the Pennsylvania D.E.P. closed down most of the beehive coke works in the state at Lucerne Mines, Shoaf, Alverton, and
Calumet.
A 1975 lawsuit regarding these ovens - Rochez Brothers vs. Pa. D.E.R. - was basically the legal precedent that slammed the door for good on beehive coke production in Pennsylvania.
This tipple at Lucerne Mines was standing just a few years ago, but it must have been destroyed. Who would do such a terrible thing?
Ruins of the refuse conveyor,with the slate dump in the background, at Lucerne Mines.
Part of the large Lucerne Mines patch.
Allen was nice enought to contribute this picture of the refuse conveyor that has been demolished at Lucerne Mines. In the background is Penelec's coal-fired Homer
City Electric Generating Station.
Abandondoned refuse conveyor, railroad trestle, and slate dump.
NEARLY TWO DECADES LATER I REVISITED LUCERNE MINES.
This industrial structure on the edge of Lucerne Mines was Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal & Iron Company's
power house for not only the Lucerne mines, but also to power their coal mining operations at Iselin,
Aultman, Ernest,
McIntyre, Coal Run,
Luciousboro, Yatesboro, Waterman, and Tide.
Electric lines were also extended to Indiana, Pa., where it powered the local street car system.
This end of the former power house shows an addition that was added in 1940. The power house gave 54 years of
service before being shut down in 1964. By that time the power house's 25-cycle current had become an anachronism.
Sections of an old coal conveyor sitting next to the power house.
Most of the company houses are still extant in various stages of alteration.
These "patch" houses appear to be slightly smaller than the ones shown above.
Even smaller coal town homes.
I have seen this wood siding on several company houses at Lucerne Mines. It may have been installed by R&P many years ago.
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church was founded in 1912. As of 2021 it is still active.
A Marian shrine behind the church.
Next to the church can be found the Saint Louis Cemetery.
Sources:
Rose, Kenneth, editor. Indiana County, Pennsylvania; An Inventory of Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites. 1993.
Circa 2016 image by James Sears
Apr. 1991 image by Jet Lowe, Historic American Engineering Record (HAER)
Nov. 2002 image by author
Nov. 2002 image by author
Image courtesy of Allen
Apr. 1991 image by Jet Lowe, Historic American Engineering Record (HAER)
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author
Mar. 2021 image by author