Hazleton Paranormal Society
Avondale Mine Disaster
Marker Text
On September 6, 1869, a fire broke out at the nearby Avondale Colliery, trapping
the miners. The eventual death toll was 110. This included five boys between the
ages of twelve and seventeen, and two volunteers who were suffocated while
attempting rescue. As a result of this disaster, Pennsylvania's General Assembly
enacted legislation in 1870 which was designed to enforce greater safety in the
industry.
Take one. We say that because Avondale is a very interesting location that HPS
will definitely be taking more trips to this area. Our first investigation, along with
Pennsylvania Valley Paranormal Association (PVPA), was a great time and we
were awed by the history of the place. The night of the investigation was a very
quiet one for paranormal activity. The only thing experienced by our members
was a faint smell of burning wood. We were aware about the history and the fire
that almost consumed the entire area so we were sure to check far and wide for
any kind of odor of burning wood, such as nearby fires, campfires etc..  Which we
were unable to detect except for one building. Paranormal? Maybe.....maybe not!
We will surely find out in future investigations!