On March 28, 1906, a Polish immigrant living in Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was instantly killed by a fall of slate at Short Mountain Colliery. Two other men were injured. His obituary described the accident and the referred to the deceased as belonging “to that better class of the foreign element.”
From the Lykens Standard, March 30, 1906:
JOSEPH LORECK INSTANTLY KILLED IN THE MINES
Joseph Loreck of South Second Street, this borough [Lykens], was instantly killed by a fall of slate, Frank Kramer of Wiconisco seriously injured and Frank Doulit of Coaldale slightly injured, while repairing a break-down in the new slope, East Side, White’s Vein No. 2 Counter, Short Mountain Colliery about noon Wednesday. The breakdown occurred in the morning and six men were detailed to make the repairs. When the noon hour arrived three of the men were permitted to eat their dinner, Loreck, Kramer and Coulit to have their dinner when the first three returned. The work was progressing very favorably when a second fall occurred and although the foreman noticed a threatening movement of the top and gave an alarm, it came so sudden that the men could not escape. A piece of slate 15 feet long struck Loreck and killed him instantly. A miner of 33 years experience said he never saw a miner crushed so badly. Kramer had both legs and one arm broken, and was also badly crushed about the hips. He was taken to the Pottsville Hospital that evening where he lies in acritical condition. Doulit, as before stated, escaped with slight injuries.
Joseph Loreck, (who was a Pole), belonged to that better class of the foreign element who who not only came to this country to work, but to make it the home of his remaining days. He quickly adopted American methods and by his industry and economy had at last arrived at that long-hoped-for stage of prosperity when he was enabled to own a home of his own. His children are being trained in our public schools for future lives of usefulness, and all was peace and happiness in the family, when in the twinkling of an eye, as it were, the joyous scene was changed to one of deepest sorrow.
Deceased was 49 years of age and was highly respected among his countrymen. He was a member of the St. Bonifacius Society of this place, and also of the United Mine Workers of America. The funeral will be held at 9 o’clock this morning, the services to be conducted by Father Charles J. Galligan at St. Mary’s Church, and interment will be made in the Catholic Cemetery.
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News articles from Newspapers.com.
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