If you have ever been to Pine Lodge at Pine Ridge Park this historic photo of the Laird Cabin will give you an idea of what the building once looked like. Once the County acquired the property the foundation of the cabin was used for Pine Lodge but the building was torn down. The pine kitchen cabinets in Pine Lodge were made from pine paneling recycled from the inside of the Laird Cabin. Pine Lodge opened to the public in 1976 and remains a popular location for all types of events and activities.
This photo of the Lucernemines Coke ovens was taken in 1972 by Joy Fairbanks. Long-time residents of the area and travelers who traveled Route 119 near Homer City will remember the glowing nighttime skies when the ovens were in production. The photo was taken by Joy shortly before the ovens closed when they could no longer met stricter air quality standards.
A captivating group photo of a collection of miners employed at the Vintondale, PA coal mines. The Vintondale mines operated from the early 1890s until 1966. Note the youthful appearance of the young miners in this group. As you ride through Vintondale on the Ghost Town Trail you ride through an area that was a center of extensive industrial activity at one time. Coal mines, coke ovens and the hustle and bustle of a busy mining town once existed here. Today you will see just the peaceful scene of the bike path and a much smaller community than during its heydey. Photo courtesy of the Denise Dusza Weber Collection.
