The Darr Mine Disaster

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  • Опубліковано 28 січ 2025
  • On December 19, 1907, a tremendous explosion shook the Youghiogheny River Valley at the Darr Mine in Van Meter, Westmoreland County, killing 239 men and boys. It remains the worst mining disaster in Pennsylvania history and led to important changes in the mining industry. Yet very few people know the story. With compelling interviews and rich archival images, the story focuses on a small, dedicated group of people - led by elderly Ann Toth of Bobtown, Pennsylvania - all determined to preserve the Darr's place in history. This documentary from writer/producer David Solomon and videographer/editor Paul Ruggieri originally aired on WQED December 19, 2007, marking the 100th commemoration of the tragedy.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 35

  • @samdeep1097
    @samdeep1097 3 роки тому +22

    Retired deep miner from mines in Somerset and Cambria County, Pa.. Never heard about this tragedy and this is so close to home. So so many gave their lives for coal. Thanks for this video and the step back in time.

  • @malamutehunter
    @malamutehunter 2 роки тому +8

    Found this video by accident. Amazing how important this was to so many people. I’m glad the history is still alive.

  • @hunterthomas8032
    @hunterthomas8032 2 роки тому +9

    I love walking the trail by there, cool to know so much more about the story, than just knowing it was a mine explosion, Rest In Peace

  • @janmcguire5268
    @janmcguire5268 8 місяців тому +2

    Thank you to all who work to keep history alive!

  • @bobwoww8384
    @bobwoww8384 Рік тому +2

    This is the most honorable tribute for the most honorable men, women and children that made this country what it is today.
    Thamk You and may God bless you.

  • @MVozar25
    @MVozar25 Рік тому +4

    Thanks for making this documentary. Rather somber bike riding through the area knowing how many lives were lost 😞

  • @Imnotlostimexploring
    @Imnotlostimexploring 11 днів тому

    This is heart wrenching! I’ve done a few videos on the coalfields in Eastern Pa. Including the Fosters Tunnel disaster in 1915. I only wish the Darr disaster had the same outcome :(

  • @Mullikia
    @Mullikia 2 роки тому +2

    2:40 There is an interesting object just to the right of her. It looks vaguely familiar.

  • @Deepblue466
    @Deepblue466 5 місяців тому

    Great video, Thanks for sharing.

  • @erict3032
    @erict3032 2 роки тому +6

    Used to live right by there. Fished right next to it. So sad

  • @alfreddeflorio7938
    @alfreddeflorio7938 2 дні тому

    My grandfather was a coal miner in West Virginia. I don't know which one, but he moved his family to South Greensburg PA in 1918 and worked in the foundry for the Walworth Valve Co.

  • @LiveFutureTrades
    @LiveFutureTrades Рік тому +4

    I grew Up in PA. I had no clue that it had this much history...... WOW

  • @gerardchapman8384
    @gerardchapman8384 10 місяців тому +2

    What a beautiful story,thank you and god bless.

    • @stretchlimo7275
      @stretchlimo7275 Місяць тому

      I would have to say tragic, not beautiful

  • @deanbolyard5345
    @deanbolyard5345 2 роки тому +7

    RIP Brothers.

  • @ChuckHussman
    @ChuckHussman Рік тому +2

    My great aunts were darrs raised in McKeesport 74 yrs now I just found this

  • @paranormaladventurer4922
    @paranormaladventurer4922 2 роки тому +4

    The hole has now been filled in even more completely. I guess the documentary gave it more publicity.

  • @lisamcdonald9792
    @lisamcdonald9792 Рік тому +2

    Watching this and realizing the date is 12/19. Chills going down my spine. God bless these miners and their families always ❤❤

  • @chriswilson5203
    @chriswilson5203 10 днів тому

    I fish the stretch of Yough along Jacob's Creek. Thank you for this show.

  • @cattinamarie6545
    @cattinamarie6545 4 місяці тому

    Great video! Wondering how I can help preserve the memory of these hard working people. My Mom and Dad both worked in the coal mines when I was a child and they worked very hard to earn their pay. I live pretty close to the Darr Mine area. I think I will go visit the site soon.

  • @mcmullenp4
    @mcmullenp4 Рік тому +1

    I live in Rostraver and never knew this. Unreal!

  • @DIZZYUPTHEGIRL34
    @DIZZYUPTHEGIRL34 7 місяців тому +1

    My great great great grandfather Mike Migo died in the Darr Mine Disaster.

  • @Ricardo-go7yu
    @Ricardo-go7yu Рік тому +1

    My paternal grandmother's first husband died in a Fayette County, PA. coal mine. He was run over by a coal car.

  • @reglabrum6928
    @reglabrum6928 Рік тому +1

    Reminds me of what happened here in the Beehive State Willburg Mine Fire Emery county in the Central Utah Dec 1984 25 men died due to a compressor left on my wife’s lds church ward in castle Dale Utah in was affected lost half of their membership

  • @ChuckHussman
    @ChuckHussman Рік тому

    Just found this my great aunts were darrs. In McKeesport pa. 14:20 14:28 14:47

  • @brt-jn7kg
    @brt-jn7kg Рік тому

    I have traced my linage back to the the founding of thus country. If not for my people coming to Texas during Texas independence this very well could have been my family. Theres justvsomethkinf so special about men who go under ground to make theie living.

  • @kennethcrowther2277
    @kennethcrowther2277 Рік тому

    239 men would just about have to be the worst mining disaster ever anywhere. I wonder if any have been worse anywhere.

  • @mottthehoople693
    @mottthehoople693 9 місяців тому +1

    coal companies have always been cavalier...and still are its about $$ nothing else