Milnesville: Church History and Traces of Mining

Milnesville reveals itself through tangible traces of its history: the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose building was destroyed by fire in 1876, and the Milnesville mine. A historic route description adds to the picture of the area. In the associated municipality of Hazle Township, recreational and historical themes also come into play. When choosing a vacation rental, you can consider whether your stay will focus primarily on Milnesville’s local history or also include themes and places of remembrance in the municipality.

Church and Mining History

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Milnesville was destroyed by fire in October 1876; afterward, services were held in the local schoolhouse. This turning point tells the story of more than a building lost: the congregation continued its services at another location. This gives local history a tangible temporal and community context.

The Milnesville mine also belonged to the Porter estate. The Penn State Libraries catalog also contains a section on Basin No. 11 in Milnesville. Those interested in local mining history can read these as two distinct historical traces: one concerns ownership of the mine, the other a named basin section.

A Historic Route

A route description from 1961 is also useful for understanding the area: it states that T329 began in Milnesville and extended for about 2.4 miles within the municipality of Hazle Township in Luzerne County. This describes a former route, not current driving directions. For current travel, use up-to-date route information.

Recreation and History in Hazle Township

A section of the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails runs through the municipality of Hazle Township. Access and trail conditions can change; check current conditions before including the trail in your plans.

The Hazleton Municipal Airport in the municipality is home to the Above the Poconos skydiving center. Operators and activity status can change. If skydiving is part of your plans, check in advance whether the center is currently operating.

Residents can fish and ride bicycles in Hazle Township Community Park; it also has trails, pavilions, and a playground. Lake Irena in the park was named on July 4, 1962, in honor of the late Mrs. Irena Correale, and is stocked with native fish species by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. If you have specific plans, check current use conditions and fish stocking, as facilities and stocking can change.

Also in the Community Park is a General Electric switcher locomotive built in 1956 and used by the Jeddo Highland Coal Company. If you specifically plan to see the locomotive, check its current location; its placement may change.

A memorial in the municipality of Hazle Township commemorates the Lattimer Massacre. On September 10, 1897, 19 immigrant miners were killed during a strike for higher wages and better working conditions. The commemoration broadens the focus beyond building and industrial history, connecting remembrance with labor and migration history.

Discover more destinations: Kingston, Freeland, Avoca, White Haven, Sugarloaf, Drums, Pittston, Nanticoke.

For the broader travel overview: Luzerne.