Heading north from Athens on Rt 13 I came upon a sign that cryptically said "Ohio Mine Disaster Site" with an arrow pointing to the right. Being on vacation it only seemed proper to check it out. About a mile past the small village of Millfield was a historical marker and smoke stack.
On November 5th, 1930 a spark ignited the methane in the mine. Eighty-two people died in the explosion or were trapped and died of carbon monoxide poisoning. It was the worst mine disaster in Ohio history. Hours after the explosion nineteen miners were found trapped three miles from the main shaft. Millfield holds a memorial service every year on the anniversary of the explosion.
Closer to Millfield, and on a much lighter note, is the upcoming junk-van-into-the-creek disaster.
I have many questions about the van, questions that no one but the owners can answer.
Posted by: Dane | 28 October 2009 at 01:09 AM
This Saturday would be an excellent day to drive over there and ask.
Posted by: Joe | 28 October 2009 at 07:33 PM