"Awww..you're lyin' !"

There is no question that in the local history of coal mining, the town of Mather plays a major role. We have covered some of Mather's history before and plan to return to cover more. Today, however, we did a quick stop to check out another Mather landmark, the Liar's Den.  The Liar's Den is a circular gazebo-type structure that has sat in the center of Mather since 1919 (according to the steps).  For as long as I can remember, folks gathered there to hang out.

      
I suppose that the name Liar's Den came from the fact that it was the perfect spot to hear a tale or two. I can only imagine 94 years worth of stories the little concrete and wooden structure has been the stage for! Since today was the first time in my life I've actually stepped foot on the Liars Den, I would be ...well...lying if I told you I knew a lot about it. 

     We're leaving this one up to you! Share any stories or memories you have of the liar's den ( and any real history,too!)  As always, let us know if you have any old photos of the Liars Den, we'd love to post em up!

Is summer here yet? A visit to the Belvue Pool, Beallsville,Pa

Summertime, and the livin' is easy... How can you think of summertime without thinking of a dip in your favorite swimmin' hole?   Back before backyard swimming pools were the norm, folks had to rely on other places to cool off. Some relied on spots like a local creek or even the river.  Nothing beats a great rope swing into the Mon!   Some, however, frequented the local public pool.

Public pools were far more common from the 1940s to the 1980s, when they seemed to start disappearing.  It seemed most towns had a pool.   Even the coal patch town of Nemacolin had a pool, which you can see the remains of here.  A few public pools still remain but most fell victim to rising upkeep costs. Many communities just can't justify a pool in their already tight budget. 

 Another common problem here in coal country was damage to the pools from ground subsidence. The concrete pools just couldn't survive the often unsteady ground and harsh PA winters. A Facebook message from our friend Ina Finn sent us on a mission to find the remains of the Rosefield Swimming Pool. This large pool was located in Richeyville,  Pa along historic Route 40. From what we understand, it was a popular spot. It closed many years ago, possibly in the late 1940s. Some remember seeing the pool as they drove Rt. 40 but few remember when it was open.It was even frequented by original Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller!   We don't believe there is much, if any, left of this pool...but we're not done researching just yet.    

On a cold, rainy afternoon (for some reason,we always seem to be out in the rain!) we located some swimming pool remains...on Route 40 no less! Is this it...the Rosefield Pool!?  Well...no. We were close. It seems we found the remains of what I believe was called the Belvue Pool in Beallsville, Pa.   Not at all far from Richeyville.  

The Belvue Pool also closed, however I believe it was open not long ago. The fence and some lighting remains as well as one unfilled corner of the pool.  I remember back in 84, when my girlfriend's Grandmother would drop her off there, so it hasn't been closed THAT long.   So, until we find more info on the Rosefield Pool, here is what we found of Belvue. I don't believe there will be any left before long. One or two more loads of dirt and it's gone!  

As always, please email or comment with any more info on either of these pools.  We would love some old pics, too! A few notes about the video...although I correctly refer to the pool as Belvue,  I confused the details about Johnny Weissmuller swimming there.  Most often, we shoot the videos and then learn the details.  We count on you guys and gals to set us straight. Also,Evan isn't really peeing in the beginning...its a 'pee in the pool' joke...Get it?

  

 

 

Party at Taylors!

Our blog covers a wide variety of interests.  Coal mining history, Mon River history...local towns and historic buildings. We've discovered, however, that many folks dig our posts about the 'off the wall' stuff.  Things that may not be known to everyone but to some, bring back great memories.  This is one of those. Taylor's Bridge is an old wooden decked bridge that sits in the hills between Jefferson and Waynesburg,Pa.  The plaque giving information about the bridge was knocked into the water years ago.  It was rescued and put aside...so, we'll pull it out soon, when my cousin Brian is home from Arizona.  So you history/bridge buffs need to stay tuned for the actual history of the bridge.  The history we're here to discuss is far more interesting... My cousin Brian is one of a kind.  Anyone who knows him knows him to be a hard partying, hard rockin'guy who loves his heavy metal, his friends and the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Those who really know Taylor know he has a heart of gold and is a fun guy to hang with.  This bridge sits, literally, in his backyard.  Over the years, Taylor has hosted many a party at the bridge. Many locals can, and hopefully will, tell tales of good times on the old iron span.  I mean...how cool would it be to have your own bridge!?   So this post is dedicated to Brian and all who have partied at Taylor's Bridge.  I'm thinking with the right amount of plywood, we could fit the band on there....Hmmmmmm...

Bridge Talk........

 

Monongahela National Bank - Brownsville, PA

 

The Monongahela National Bank

The Monongahela National Bank is one of the many buildings along Market Street in Brownsville, PA that has a troubled future. Currently located beside the old Monongahela Hotel (or Towne House apartments), it’s one of many buildings on Market Street that could be facing demolition if no one comes in to save it. The current Market Street location is the last in a line of four locations for the Bank.

 

Monongahela Bank, as viewed from Union Station

 

The first bank was opened in 1812 on 221 Front Street in mixed commercial/residential zone. It’s first President, Jacob Bowman, lived only a short distance from the small brick building. The bank would stay in this original location for 61 years, moving to its new home at 320 Market Street in 1873. The bank moved again in 1902, to a two-story, Italian Renaissance style brick building located at 41 Market Street. The President at this point was Charles Snowdon. The building at this location still resembles the original – however, it is missing its first-floor façade. This façade was taken to be used for another Brownsville building – the Brownsville Public Library on Seneca Street.

 

The third location of the bank.

 

The Brownsville Public Library, with the Monongahela National
Bank first-floor facade

 In 1923, bank was ready to move again – this time to 46 Market Street – its last move before it would close. The owners of the Monongahela National Bank, still under Bank President Charles Snowdon, approached Samuel Leff, the current owner of the Monongahela Hotel (rebuilt in 1911) about selling to the bank. An agreement was reached, and the new bank and hotel were both finished in 1925. The bank had an upstairs annex to the hotel – twenty rooms for overflow guests – and was reached only through an enclosed tunnel/bridge that extended from the top of the hotel to the bank. When the Monongahela National Bank became insolvent and closed in April 1931, these rooms were closed off from the hotel to cut back costs on insurance.

Located in the right part of the bank's facade is the opening to an old soda shop. Currently the bank and soda shop are used for storage - like the buffet and other pieces of the former Uniontown Rax.

Outside of the current location

Outside of the current location

 

 

 

Depository

  



The open vault



The open vault

 

 

Stools in the soda shop

 

 

 

The No-Cart Go-Cart Track Uniontown, PA

We took advantage of a warmer than usual January day to hit the Flea Market at the old Laurel Mall. After some Pechin's Firehouse pizza (yum!) we headed back to old Greene County. On the way home, we decided to make quick stop the old abandoned go-cart track along Rt. 21. I vaguely remember when the track was open; it seems like it has been empty for years. The amazing thing, upon a closer look, is that that concrete track itself is in amazing shape. Anyone who works with concrete in this area knows it's rare to see sections this old unbroken.We figure the carts were lighter than cars or trucks, so it never really held much of a load. The track looks as if it could be re-opened with minimal effort. Does anybody remember the name of the track or who ran it? If you do, please leave a comment.