COAL TOWNSHIP - Organizers of the Coal Township 175th Anniversary Committee are seeking the public's help to fill the pages of a commemorative book celebrating the township's history.
Dave Sage said Sunday that photographs and stories are in need, as are advertisers.
"We're still looking for anybody who wants to put something in it," he said.
For example, if a family once ran a business, or if that business is still up and running, Sage said they should submit a story and accompanying photographs on its history. Same goes for those with simple memories of time spent in the township. Even simple photographs without much background information are being sought.
There is legend that Babe Ruth once visited the area and played in a game at Maysville Park, located on Route 61 behind where Vista Motors now stands. Anyone with anything corroborating "The Great Bambino's" visit would be of enormous help.
"We just can't nail anything solid down," Sage said of confirming Ruth having played a game in Maysville. "This basically lives in people's memories."
All contributors will receive full acknowledgement in the book.
Potential advertisers don't have to be from Coal Township, Sage said. Apart from creating revenue to help publish the book, along with spreading word of one's business, he said the advertising will add to the information to be preserved for posterity.
"I think a lot of people don't realize the historical significance of this," Sage said of information being recorded in the book.
Township firehouses, churches, volunteer and social organizations are also seeking photos and stories. Input is being sought from Coal Township High School alumni.
All that is collected will be published in a commemorative book that will be formatted like a yearbook, Sage said, with up to 270 glossy pages.
Committee members will begin organizing information for the book in March with its printing planned for April. The plan is for it to be ready to sell at May's Anthracite Heritage Festival.
There are Coal Township High School pennants and T-shirts on sale now, along with anniversary T-shirts and magnets, at the township municipal building.
Anyone interested in submitting information for the commemorative book should contact township manager Rob Slaby at 644-0333. Photos and stories for the book can also be sent to the Coal Township Municipal Building, Attn: 175th Anniversary Committee, 805 W. Lynn St., Coal Township, PA 17866.