Dagus Mines, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dagus Mines, Pennsylvania
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Country | United States |
State | Pennsylvania |
County | Elk |
Township | Fox |
Elevation | 1,906 ft (581 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
ZIP codes |
15831
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GNIS feature ID | 1213086 |
Dagus Mines is a small, unincorporated community located in Elk County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a recognized place, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's part of a larger area called Fox Township.
This community was once a busy coal town, meaning its main purpose was to support the coal mining industry. Its post office first opened way back in 1880.
A Town Built for Coal
Dagus Mines was specifically created by a company called the Northwestern and Mine Exchange Company. They built the town to house their many workers who dug for coal. The company opened several mines in the area. The very first mine they opened was named Eureka.
One of the most important coal seams in the area was about 36 inches thick. This particular section of coal was known as the Lower Kittanning seam. Sometimes, people in the local area called it the "Dagus seam."
Life in Dagus Mines
Life in a coal town like Dagus Mines revolved around the mines. To support the miners and their families, a special place called the "Company Store" was opened. J.H. Steele was the person who first opened this store.
The Company Store was very important because it sold almost everything people needed. You could find mining supplies, clothes, shoes, groceries, and even food for farm animals there. Later on, the store became known as G.H. Gatto's store.
After serving as a store for many years, the building was turned into apartments. However, in December 2016, the building was destroyed by a fire and then taken down.
Dagus Mines also had other important buildings. There was a hotel where visitors or new workers might stay. The town also had a union hall. This union hall was located where the Fox Township Medical Center stands today. Besides holding important union meetings, the hall was also used for fun events like medicine shows. Right across the street from the union hall was the Hau Hotel.