The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-01-25

"One of the noteworthy incidents
in connection with the city history will
be recalled Tuesday, Feb. H. when
Weiss Bros, proprietors of the Old Fell
house, will celebrate the one hundredth
anniversary of the day coal was first
utilized as fuel in LuZerne county,"
says the Wilkes Barre News. This
important discovery was made by
Jesse Fell, at that time proprietor
of the log tavern on Northampton
street 1t happened, so history says,
in the usual way, by accident. Several
patrons entered the log cabin. 1t was
decidedly cold. Some one suggested
that the proprietor erect fire place.
He hesitated for a while as little
money was greatly priced, but being
pioneers. they We're willing to try. and
if it proved a failure they would try
again. The old crate, which is in good
state of preservation. was put together
by blacksmith named Hurst. Others
completed the fire place.
"On the 18th day of February, 1902.
a large crowd gathered in the tavern
and the fire place was tested.
The chimney had a good draught
and in less than few minutes
the flames We're tlickering. Very
soon the Goals became warm, some
cracked and later they reddened,
much to the delight of the spectators
1t is needless to say that an evening
of jollification followed. The news
soon spread and in less than a month
the wood fires We're discarded and coal
substituted.
HONOR BELONGS TO FELL.
"To Jesse Fell belongs the credit,
though some others claim the honor,
but historians as we'll as family his
tory have proven beyond a doubt, that
this was the first place where coal was
used as fuel in Luzerne county.
THE crate on which the coal was
used was made out of wrought iron
and was never burned or mutilated by
the fire. 1t is now historical relic and
deeply priced, but the proprietors of the
Old Fell house, the Weiss Bros, are
not selfish, but allow the CRATE to re-
main in the old fire place. where it can
be seen by all who visit the ancient
building. The room in which it is To-
Gated is another historical landmark
as within this modest structure the
first session of the Luzerne county
court was held. James Cadden was
tried for the murder of Daniel Gilligan
and convicted. This was in 1S49.
Organizations were very seldom
heard of at that time, but there were
a few, who We're habitual callers at the
inn, who did not forget the Masonic or
der, and one day decided to organize
a branch in Luzerne county. 1t did not
f.,lE
for no better one could be selected than
the old inn, where the bright glowing
Goals Illuminated the roughly fur
nished room. An organization was
perfected and it is now one of the
most flourishng lodges in this city.
''lt must be understood that this was
a public house. The license was very
cheap. One could be procured for
$S, A copy of the document is now in
the possession of the present proprie-
tors, and they treasure it very highly,
1t is peculiarly worded, having ancient
legal phrases.
UNIQUE BUILDING.
"The building itself is a unique one
and there is no other like II in the
city. The ceilings are very low. The
NSlS VI lOSS
the woods in their rude shape, put to-
gether with hatchet and saw. There
have been some changes, however, as
it has been deemed advisable from time
TO time by the various proprietors
Jesse Fell built a small addition in the
rear This was in 1868. People began
to emigrate to the valley and he de-
cded to add another building ten
years later. This made the tavern
more commodious. Further improve-
ments We're made in 1923 and 1850. Dur
ing the latter year the rear portion
was torn down and a blacksmith shop
was erected which was occupied for
some time by Robert Zimmerman.
This was finally torn down in order
to evade the fire limits, A high fence
was erected in its place.
I'm the year 1873 the building was
occupied by Jacob Ruffer. He erected
another large fence, and built a roof
overhead, making a pleasant concert
hall. There was plenty OF wholesome
pleasure during these memorable days.