Peale, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Peale, Pennsylvania is a ghost town located in Cooper Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1883. The town was named after S.R. Peale from Lock Haven.
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Peale, Pennsylvania: A Coal Town's Story
Peale, Pennsylvania, was once a busy coal mining town. It was built in 1883 and quickly grew. The town was named after S.R. Peale. It was a "company town," meaning the coal company owned everything in it. This included the land, the houses, and even the stores.
What Was Peale Like?
An old newspaper, The Raftman's Journal, described Peale in 1885. The town was located along the Beech Creek Railroad. This railroad was important for moving coal. Just two years before, the area was wild land. But by 1885, Peale had nearly 300 buildings. About 2,500 people lived there. Almost everyone worked for the coal or railroad company. Or they depended on someone who did.
Life in Peale
The town of Peale was built on a hill. A small stream divided it into two parts. The town was planned out very carefully, almost like a city. A reservoir behind the town provided clean water. This water was sent to every street and house.
Homes in Peale
The houses in Peale were two stories tall. They were made of wood and painted brick red. Inside, the walls were plastered. Each house had three rooms downstairs. There were two or three rooms upstairs. Rent for these homes was between $4.25 and $6.75 per month. This included the water. Miners earned about $9 to $12 each week. So, the rent was considered fair. These houses were known as some of the most comfortable for miners in the area.
Peale Today: A Ghost Town
Today, Peale is a ghost town. This means most of its buildings are gone. The town is no longer a busy place. One of the few remaining spots is the Oakwood Cemetery. But even the cemetery is hard to find. It has only one marked grave left. This grave belongs to Martha Renfrew. She was almost 15 years old when she passed away.
