Union High School - U Yearbook (Burgettstown, PA)

Page 11 text:

Industrial Development Continues Coal mining, although the largest in- dustry, was not the only source of income for the area. Other industries included meat packing, dairy products, machine shops, grain mills, and saw mills. The establishment of the American Zinc and Chemical Plant in Langeloth in 1912 provided a population increase. Com- pany houses became larger and more complex and other businesses were in- troduced. Following the closing of the American Chemical and Zinc Plant, AMAX built the Climax Molybdenum Company. Today this is the one major industry which keeps the area thriving. Sutherland Sawmill 7 Molybdenum Conversion-a backyard industry.

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“I Owe My Soul to the Company Store” As the mining industry expanded, various mining companies had to provide housing for their employees. Therefore, a mining company would provide farmland in the area for this purpose. The land was plotted and company houses were built in long rows. Each home resembled the next, with the same general structure be- ing used for all homes. In the vicinity of the company houses there also was a company store where miners bought anything from soup to nuts. A popular song during the coal mining days entitled “I Owe My Soul to the Company Store reflected the days of depression. Remnants ot a company store still stand in Langeioth and Atlasburg. Seventy-six percent of the homes in the district were constructed prior to 1939. 6 Company Houses Then and Now-Many houses are remodeled but they still have the same general structure

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Railroads In 1865 when the Pittsburgh and Steubenville Railroad was built north of Burgettstown. the public accepted the transportational advancement with open arms. The railroad was a great asset to the mining industry because coal could be shipped to outside markets. The railroad was also responsible for increasing pop- ulation by bringing in immigrants. Throughout the years, as mining became less important, the railroad's use dwindled. Today when the whistle blows and a train goes by it is usually hauling freight of some kind. Now the railroad seems to be coming into the picture once again and the passenger train may be available soon.