Pennypacker Mills - Porch Performance: “Fire in the Hole!”

Men like Irish miner Frank Kehoe’s back breaking work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, spurred the industrialization of America. Come to Pennypacker Mills to see historian Rich Pawling brings to life what it was like to work in the “patch,” shop in the company store, and move up from breaker boy to a “miner with papers.” “Fire in the Hole!” is a first-person performance with musical accompaniment.

Anthracite coal kept millions warm in growing cities, fired furnaces in the industrial northeast, spawned extensive transportation networks, and provided jobs for immigrants seeking better lives in the 1900s. The story of anthracite is about the spirit of capitalism, technology and the difficult lives of the men and boys who mined millions of tons of coal. Their hard, dangerous, and usually low-paid work made it possible to fuel cities and transform manufacturing, transportation and everyday lives.

Guests are invited between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to walk the property and complete a Treasure Hunt activity or tour the Pennypacker mansion to see what life was like in the early 1900s.  The performance will begin at 4 p.m. on the porch - attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on outdoors as Rich Pawling shares what life was like as a coal miner in Pennsylvania.  “Fire in the Hole!” is sponsored by the Friends of Pennypacker Mills.

To see a full list of upcoming events at Pennypacker Mills, click here.

About Pennypacker Mills - This historic site is open year-round for free guided tours of the home of Pennsylvania Governor Samuel Pennypacker and his family. Known for its collection of 18th and 19th century decorative arts, furnishings, personal and official documents, the story of this famous Pennsylvania family reflects the lives of those who lived in Montgomery County in the early 1900’s.

Pennypacker Mills is open Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sundays: 1 - 4 p.m., with the last tour at 3 p.m. daily. Pennypacker Mills is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Tours take approximately one hour and are free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person.

Pennypacker Mills is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. Pennypacker Mills is located off Route 73 (Skippack Pike) at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473.  Any questions, call (610) 287-9349.

[IVPL is not the host for this program]