Westsylvania is the first magazine dedicated to telling the stories along the Path of Progress in Westsylvania. This study, designed to identify the physical characteristics of coal company towns in southwestern Pennsylvania, also addresses a wide range of subjects pertaining to coal towns, such as labor relations, ethnicity and lifestyle, with primary focus upon the coal towns of Star Junction, Windber and Colver. One of the most important railroad shop complexes in America, the Altoona Works grew from modest beginnings in 1850 to become one of the world's largest repair and construction facilities for locomotives and cars by 1945. This study traces the development and the significance of the shops, which successfully made the transition from steam to diesel and electric operations. Each site listing is accompanied by database information, a short history and description of the site, and a list of references.
Photographs accompany the more significant listings.
This study examines the refractory brick industry which produced the materials for the steel furnaces, coke ovens and locomotive fire boxes that powered this country to industrial greatness. The study examines eight towns scattered across the region that survive from the heyday of the brickyards during the first half of the twentieth century. A broad overview, this study examines the historic, cultural, recreational and scenic resources along the Monongahela and Ohio River valley corridors to provide a foundation upon which interested agencies can coordinate the interpretation and management of the area's significant resources. David Kreger, et al. This report gives a historic overview of the bituminous coal industry in the two states, with descriptions of how coal has been produced and used, the role of transportation and technology, and the relationship with coking operations in the Connellsville region.