Historic cones from breaker sold for scrap
By Paul Golias (Correspondent)
Published: March 4, 2014
The Menzies cones are gone.
Workmen for Paselo Logistics LLC of Philadelphia, which is razing the historic Huber Breaker in Ashley, removed the cones and sold them for scrap, according to Bill Best, president of the Huber Breaker Preservation Society.
The society hoped to obtain one of the cones, along with other artifacts from the site, for use in a small museum at its Miners' Memorial Park east of the breaker.
"This is quite sad," Best said Monday. He and Ray Clarke, chairman of the board of the preservation society, said they are also worried about the status of the two coal mine cars that Paselo previously offered to donate.
Attorney Jonathon Comitz, who has been the spokesman for Paselo Logistics, said he was not aware of the Menzies cone issue. He attributed the loss of the cones to miscommunications and he said he would speak to Paselo staff at the site. He also said he would reach out to Best.
Comitz said Paselo's demolition plan still calls for the breaker to come down "in the spring" and that only an unstable rear section has been razed.
"We still have a long way to go," Comitz said.
Best said he was scheduled to enter the breaker over the weekend with Paselo workmen to tag items of historic value, but the appointment was canceled by Paselo.
"We didn't get even one (Menzies cone)," Best said. "They were scrapped."
Paselo promised to donate two mine cars and some trackage for the park and artifacts from the breaker, Clarke said. In addition to the cones, those artifacts include a gear assembly, a winch on the top floor of the breaker, a warning buzzer used to alert breaker employees when machinery was starting up and signs from the entrance to the breaker property.
The Menzies cones were coal separators invented in the 1930s by engineer William C. Menzies, Sr. Water was injected at high pressure into the cones. Culm waste and wastewater flowed from the bottom of the cones.
Site demolition continues at a rapid pace, and only the main breaker building, the powerhouse, smoke stack and water tower remain.
The coal pocket building, foot house, a large coal conveyor and the rotary dump building have been demolished and hauled away. Paselo trucks laden with scrap steel have been seen leaving Ashley and going south on Interstate 81.
Paselo workers have removed steel, old vehicles, tires and other debris that covered the ground at the 26-acre site. The company remains mum on its plans for the land.
Paselo sent the Huber Breaker Preservation Society a check for $500. Clarke said he is not sure if that is a donation or payment for some steel that Paselo cleaned up from the society's small tract.
Best said the mine cars, if obtained, will be taken on a rollback truck to Penn State Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Plains, where they will be restored.
_________________ Scott K
"Watch Your Top"
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