Citizens’ Voice: Local vet leading effort to honor region’s coal mining heritage

By Andy FreifeldNewsletter

PAUL GOLIAS / PUBLISHED: APRIL 4, 2016

 

Bob Alper is coal-country proud and he is championing an effort to bring out the pride in everyone connected in any way to coal mining.

Alper, long-time public relations officer for the Korean War Veterans, is hoping that the third Saturday in July can become Coal Cracker Proud Day. He envisions a celebration of anthracite history, focused on the coal miner, at mining-related venues in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“We should honor the miner, and ensure that younger generations honor the miner,’’ Alper said. “Our history is anthracite history. There are people living today who were coal crackers. We must remember the sacrifices of the coal miners and their families.’’

Alper, 83, has long been active in veterans’ affairs and he hopes to see Coal Cracker Proud Day encompass all segments of society, including vets, service clubs, mining and railroad historians, local governments and all other organizations already involved in anthracite history in one form or another.

Meeting with a small core committee in Kingston, Alper was full of ideas. He said music can be a key component of Coal Cracker Proud Day, possibly patterning the day after the Bethlehem MusicFest. He would like the Food Channel to come in and focus on “miners’ meals’’ that would be served and he envisions nationally-known speakers, such as Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, coming to the region.

Bill Best, president of the Huber Breaker Preservation Society, suggested the society’s emerging miners’ memorial park in Ashley for the first Coal Cracker Proud Day. Eckley Miners’ Village and the coal mine tour at McDade Park were cited as possible future venues.

Best said the Huber society, which fought for 25-plus years to save the historic Huber Breaker, has been considering a pig roast as an event and that could tie in to Coal Cracker Proud Day. The Huber has been razed but the park remains in development.

Alper and his committee want to include the Anthracite Heritage Foundation, developer of the miners’ Wall of Honor at King’s College, Public Square, as a partner. Individuals and groups that offer the annual Anthracite History Month programs every February also must be involved, he said.

Alper said state Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Kingston, will introduce a resolution supporting Coal Cracker Proud Day. Kaufer could not be reached for comment.

Constance Wynn and Joe Milcavage of the RACE Team (Rediscovering Ancestry Through Culture and Education) pledged support of Alper’s concept. Wynn and Milcavage are from coal-mining families.