Evening
At the Darr mine in Pennsylvania:
“One remarkable feature of this disaster is the almost complete absence of the harrowing scenes usually enacted by women and friends and relatives of the victims on such occasions. Conditions preventing easy access to the mouth of the mine are partly responsible for this, and those in charge of the work are doing everything possible to keep the women and children away from the scene. So far as possible all who approach are turned back to their homes, after being assured that they can do absolutely nothing to benefit their loved ones, and that the company will do everything possible to bring out the men, dead or alive, at the earliest moment.” (NYTb 12.20.07 pg. 4)
“The only means of reaching the mouth of the mine from Jacobs Creek, where most of the miners’ homes are, is by means of a ‘sky ferry,’ a basketlike car suspended from a cable in which the men pull themselves back and forth. This car accommodates only six persons at once and there is almost a riot every time it starts. An enormous crowd is awaiting opportunity to cross and many are ready to fight for position.” (NYTb 12.20.07 pg. 4)
“On the Jacobs Creek side of the river the widows of the dead miners are detained. They have not been permitted to enter the car to go across, and the water is so high and swift that a boat cannot be paddled over.” (TS 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“Probably more potent than all else in this improved condition was the arrival from Kittanning of the Rev. Father Lawrence A. Carroll, former rector of St. Timothy’s Catholic church here, of which a majority of the victims were members. The priest is beloved by all of the miners and they are ever ready to heed his counsel and advice. During the day he visited one after another of the stricken homes, giving spiritual consolation to the widows and orphans, and talked to the men along lines to make them sober and reflective.” (PPG 12.21.07 pg. 2)
In Fairmont:
High School vs Alumni basketball game in Fairmont. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 1)
High school defeats alumni 23-18
7:30 pm
In Fairmont:
The weekly Teacher’s meeting is held at First M.P. Church
Night
At Darr mine in PA:
“When rescue operations were suspended at the Darr mine late tonight the net result of the hours of labor was the recovery of 12 of the nearly 200 men caught by yesterday morning’s explosion. The struggle of the rescuers has been made against great obstacles. The interior of the mine is badly wrecked and every step of the rescue worker’ progress means a battle against barriers.” (PPG 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“The last three bodies to be recovered were found 6,500 feet back from the mouth of the mine. General Manager Armstrong tonight said that many more had been seen but would not be disturbed until daylight.” (PPG 12.21.07 pg. 2)
“There is a big fall of rock blocking the path of the rescuers and it is believed that behind this the majority of the victims will be found. In the meantime, another danger threatens, that of fire and a second explosion. Some members of the rescue forces admitted tonight that a fire may be raging in the farther recesses od the mine. There are known to be heavy accumulations of coal dust and gas and if the fire strikes these the likely result will be an explosion of even more terrific proportions that the one of yesterday which caused such sacrifice.” (PPG 12.21.07 pg. 2)
In Monongah:
The remains of Bodis Powiski, “a Pole”, are recovered from No 8, bringing the total up to 341. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 1)
More on How Death Gloated!
The Monongah Disaster 