Today is St. Nicholas Day for those who recognize the Greek Orthodox calendar, particularly Polish Catholics.
During the Morning
In Palermo, Italy:
A powder explosion destroys several houses and 4 hotels. It is thought that a hundred are hurt and many will die. It is feared that many of the bodies will only be found as the wreckage is cleared. (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
In Huntington, WV:
A terrible accident at Holden results in the death of Harry J. Fitch, chief electrician for the U.S. Coal and Oil Company. “Mr. Fitch who is well and favorably known here, was testing some new machinery when his coat sleeve became fastened in a cog wheel and pulling his arm out of the socket. Death ensued within an hour.” He is survived by a wife and little daughter. (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
In Parkersburg:
The Parkersburg Mill Company is completely destroyed by fire. 300 men are thrown out of work. (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 5)
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as being: Fair tonight and Friday, slightly colder tonight.
The remains of John Neary are taken to his home in Latrobe, PA for interment. “His son and a friend, Edd. O’Neill, arrived here last night and accompanied the remains.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 4)
The Joint Legislative Committee prepares to make one more trip into Monongah and examine the mines. (Inquiry)
Mayor Arnett is introduced to the contractor for new bridge, Mr. Ed. A Meredith, who gives him a check for $50 to add toward the Monongah relief fund. (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
6 women from Fairmont and the Union Relief Association go to Monongah to give aid and distribute clothing. (FWV 12.19.07 pg.5)
In Monongah:
“Everything is very quiet around the scene of the great disaster and the people are trying to adjust themselves to the changed conditions as rapidly as possible.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
11:30 am
In Van Meter/Jacobs Creek, PA:
The Darr mine becomes #4 on Bloody December’s list.
“The Darr mine has been operated for twenty years and was known as a very gaseous mine.” (TS 12.20.07 pg. 1)
The mine had undergone “a brief shut down…having been closed down on Tuesday and Wednesday.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“There have been two Greek Church holidays and hence the mine was all but closed down for two days. Today was the first working day and many of the Greeks were not in condition to go to work.” (TS 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“It was just 11:30 o’clock, on the tenth trip of loaded cars to the tipple, and then came an awful rumbling sound, followed immediately by a loud report and a concussion that shook nearby buildings and as felt within a radius of several miles. At the same time there came out of the mouth of the mine an immense cloud of dense smoke and dust that floated across the Youghiogheny River.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“Intuitively, everyone in the vicinity knew what had happened. All started for one place, the mouth of the mine. The river separates the mine and the homes of many of the miners, so that only a portion of those who started for the scene were able to reach it there being scant facilities for crossing the stream. To those who could not cross the water the smoke and dust pouring from the mine’s mouth told a story of seething flames and death back in the workings and from this source came reports that were persistent until late in the day, that the mine was burning. Ventilation fans were kept in operation almost without interruption, however.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“400 men are entombed. The mine is on fire and it is believed all are dead.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
“In the observance of the church festival many of the 400 or more men regularly employed in the mine did not go to work this morning. Those who escaped through this reason are members of the Greek Catholic church.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“This makes the 3rd big disaster for this small mining town of late years.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
More on How Death Gloated!
The Monongah Disaster 