Heisley/Bethlehem Mine 31 history

For some time I've been unintentionally perpetuating an untruth on the Home Page which it would be well to correct as quickly as possible. In the process of correcting the existing error, I'd like to create a new page dedicated to the history and legend of Heisley Mine/Bethlehem Mine 31 - Nantyglo. About a month ago I learned (or relearned...if I'd ever known it before and had forgotten) that Heisley Mine was founded and long owned by the founder-owners of the Colver and Revloc Mines. More recently, I received this:

I worked for Heisley and then Bethlehem Mines for 37 years. I would like to enlighten you on the fact that Mine 31 portal was moved to Leidy Lane in Jackson Township. The mine at Ebensburg was #33, a completely new mine. Later, mine 33 and mine #32 (Revloc) were connected under ground and mine 32's coal was brought to the surface on the main belt of mine 33 and fed directly to Cambria Slope Preparation Plant.

I hope you can use this information, as I know it first hand. Just thought you'd like to know. I enjoy the home page; keep up the good work.

Indeed, such correction is greatly valued and, despite any embarrassment it might create to have gotten my claims wrong, it's better to correct them whenever I can, rather than continue to perpetuate them and further confuse "future historians." I "thought" I "remembered" having been told, when the Ebensburg mine was opened (and I believe that was when I was editor of the Nanty Glo Journal, 1962-64, but wouldn't swear to that, either), that it was a new entrance for the old Nanty Glo mine. Obviously I was in error...nor is this the first time!

The false information is given on the Boomtown Myth "historical marker" that I've created, and before I change it (which is quite a job as web pages go), I'd like to have the "real" facts to use in their place. Can anyone, then, let me know definitive answers to these questions, which I will use not only to correct the "Myth" page but to create a special Heisley/Bethlehem Mine 31 page?

1. What year did Heisley Mine open? Was it a totally new mine then or another that was taken over and expanded?

2. In what year did Bethlehem Mines take over Heisley? I'd guess from what appears above that Bethlehem also took over the Revloc Mine at that time. What about Colver...was it closed by then or also acquired by Bethlehem...?

3. What year did Nanty Glo Mine 31 finally close?

4. Are all the coal reserves of the mine (or any of those others related to it as described above) depleted, or are there still considerable reserves left underground?

5. Is there any reasonable hope that underground mining will some day resume to a large scale in the area, given the growing prices for electrical and petro energy?

Any additional facts contributed about the history of mining in Nanty Glo and the Valley will also be appreciated and put to use. Scans of any photos of the mine or its operation would also be greatly appreciated.

Careful where you step

Three guys die together in an accident and go to heaven.

Just after they arrive, St. Peter says, "We have only one rule here in heaven...don't step on the ducks."

They enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first guy accidentally steps on one. Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest woman he ever saw. St. Peter chains them together and says, "Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this woman!"

The following week, the second guy accidentally steps on a duck, and St. Peter quickly appears with another ugly woman, chaining them together for eternity.

Since the third fellow observed the punishment dished out to the other two guys and not wanting to be in their situations, he is very, very careful where he steps.

Months pass and he has managed to avoid the ducks. However, one day St. Peter comes up to him with the most gorgeous woman he has ever laid eyes on...a very tall, tan, curvaceous, sexy blonde.

St. Peter chains them together without saying a word. The guy wonders outloud, "What did I do to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?"

She says, "I don't know about you, but I stepped on a duck!"

Three to grow on

"Facing the media is much worse than bathing a leper." Mother Teresa

"Human intelligence has definite limits, but there is no end to stupidity." J.R. Nyquist

"It's easy to curb the freedoms of others when you see no immediate impact on your own." Malcolm Forbes