First Posted: 8/13/2008
The date was September 6, 1869. 110 men and boys left their homes that morning to go to work at the Avondale Mine near Plymouth, PA. A fire started in the shaft which was the only means of escape. All lives were lost as well as two rescuers.
Sixty-one of these men and boys were of Welsh descent and from the Hyde Park section of Scranton. They were put in railroad cars, brought back to Scranton and buried in the Washburn Street Cemetery.
We would like to erect a marker near the burial site of the Avondale miners to honor their memory and noble deed. The tombstones that are knocked over, the broken ones and the ones with spray paint will all be repaired. In the future, we would like a state historical marker if approved erected near the cemetery entrance.
We are asking you to support this endeavor through a monetary donation. Donations can be mailed to the Lackawanna Historical Society 232 Monroe Ave Scranton, PA 18510.
Please indicate on the envelope that it is for the Avondale Grave Restoration as well on the memo line. Donations accepted until September 1.
Call Linda Scott at 570-586-9507 with any questions.