Swallowed by the Hole (The Knox Mine Disaster)

On January 22, 1959 the Susquehanna River broke through the Knox Mine in Port Griffith, Pennsylvania killing twelve miners. The water also filled adjoining mines effectively marking the end of anthracite mining in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This event took place near my home, where I was nine years old at the time.

© 2008 Tom Smith

For more details about this song and the Knox Mine Disaster, please see:
http://tomsmithmusic.com/?p=271

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Folk
• Knox
• Mine
• Disaster
• Coal
• Mining
• Anthracite

[NRUDOWSKI]

Are you a from PA, sir? Just curious...My grandfather used to talk about how how mining statutes were so ignored that, if a man were so possessed, he could probably walk from the northeastern part of PA right into a main street of Scranton. 6 feet seems awful thin.

[TomSmithMusic]

Hello and thank you for the comment. Yes, I grew up in the Scranton area. I also heard that statement about walking from one part of the state to another completely underground via connected mines. Given the sink holes I saw growing up, I suppose it might also be possible to walk right up out of the mines and into Scranton for a cup of coffee. - Tom

[blkngldnj]

My Grandfather lived in Port Griffith and worked in the number 12 mine for 25 years. He was asked to be a foreman in the Knox mine and thank God he declined and worked instead at a cigar factory in Pittston. I think about this every time I visit NEPA. Thanks for the song. If we don't remember who will?

[thcthc]

@mikeverdetto RESPECT!!! in srečno knapi!!!

[wordweaverlynn]

My cousin Olive's husband died in that disaster. Thanks.

[mikeverdetto]

Hello my friend i worked in the mines in sugar notch when the knox came in. we had to move up to the higher veins because the water was coming in. i put 10 yrs in the mines mcdade park was 190 slope was my last in the mines. i use to send the cars of coal outside. my father put 40 yrs in the mines . my pic hangs in the lamp room with 10 others when 190 slope closed. nice song. keep up the good work. i am in the pa coal mine in laflin pa check it out.. mike verdetto

[Tony2581]

B/t/w Tom, I just listened to your talking blues song about PTSD. Congratulations on a brilliant song! My best buddy is a now-retired PhD psychologist who devoted his life to working with Vietnam vets suffering from PTSD, so I have forwarded your video on to him. You're a very talented guy! Best wishes, Tony from Kentucky

[Tony2581]

Tom -- Did you write this song? What a moving performance! I'm a collector of coal mining songs, so I'd be interested to know if you have recorded any others?

Best wishes, Tony from Kentucky

[StatenIslandFolkie]

Beautiful. Your style of guitar accompaniment is perfect for the song.

[kkwuzhere67]

great song! my grandfather was in this and was lucky to be a survivor :)

[steveinnepa]

Nice song... My late father worked as a coal miner for Glen Alden for 20 years, between 1940 and 1960. He worked in Loomis, Avondale and Wanamie. He often talked about how the Knox Disaster.

Thanks for posting.

[321PALOG]

Very nice song and nice to make an appearance at Mcdade Park Sat.- George Wanyo(fireworks)