Tucked along the Monongahela River between McClellandtown and Masontown, many "Patches" were built by Henry Frick. Palmer, where I have spent a few seasons, was once the busiest coal dock in the world...for over a decade. It sat at the end of my alley. This photo of the tipple was taken just before they built the dock. I often wonder who the coal miner was who lived in the company house here. What happened at dinnertime in my kitchen, a hundred years ago? Was the family from Europe? The over 150 patches in Fayette County were tiny towns, over 3/4 of them were controlled by Frick. Outsiders were often not permitted entry. It was a controlled world of labor.
Independence, Celebrate!
As I write, I try to understand the enormity of the changes that have taken place for women over the century. What was the lady of the house's daily routine in a coal patch? Care-taking, I assure you. I thank our ancestors who paved the way so that today, I can live along a cleaner river, peacefully. I can choose to be an independent woman and live it. I can travel, sail, write, play, and send out blog posts.
Of all the holidays, this is the most important to me. Independence is a treasure to embrace. CELEBRATE, appreciatively!
Soon, I will let you in on an upcoming coastal adventure, God Bless America!
Marci McGuinness
www.ohiopyle.info
Of all the holidays, this is the most important to me. Independence is a treasure to embrace. CELEBRATE, appreciatively!
Soon, I will let you in on an upcoming coastal adventure, God Bless America!
Marci McGuinness
www.ohiopyle.info