The Coal Castles of Schuylkill County

 
BEAR RIDGE PATCH   
                                                      
I'd like to see that dear spot, 
where the old breaker stood, 
In a place called Bear Ridge 
Where I spend my dear boyhood; 
The hillside and the valley, too, 
On them I long to gaze
In dear old Schuylkill County, boys, 
The place where I was raised.  

It makes me sad and lonely now 
When I think years gone by, 
That I spend at the old breaker, 
When I was but a boy.  
My youthful days are past and gone. 
Old Age is coming fast, 
The only thing that is left to me, 
Is a picture of the past.   

When I first went to Bear Ridge I mean to let you know; 
In eighteen hundred and fifty-six
Nearly forty years ago. 
I had no fear upon me then, 
My heart was young and gay, 
And around the hills of Bear Ridge, boys, 
I spend many a happy day.  

Years have brought on changes, 
To that dear little town; 
The slopes were drowned out 
And the breaker was torn down. 
The grass is growing fresh and green, 
O'er the place were I used to play, 
And the people who were living there, 
They all have moved away.  

I'd like to meet some comrades, boys, 
That were working with me there; 
When the place was shut down, 
We scattered everywhere. 
I moved to New Philadelphia, 
And others they went West; 
Some of them are now dead and gone
I hope they are at rest.  

I came to Luzerne County In eighteen sixty-seven; 
In the month of April, The date it was eleven.  
From there to Carbon County, 
Where I was born, you know; 
But my heart still clings to Schuylkill, boys, 
Wherever I may go. 
I must leave off writing, 
And bid you all goodbye; 
When I think of those happy days, 
The tears come to my eyes.  

I had no trouble on me then, 
No hardships, care, or strife, 
But since, like many a poor workingman, 
I've had my ups and downs in life.  

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