HEGINS - Albert N. "Ap" Shadle toiled in coal mines for more than 37 years.
This year, his portrait is featured on a memorial mug, which recognizes the grit and sacrifices of the region's coal miners.
Each year, the organizer of the annual Independent Coal Miners Picnic, David A. Lucas, Hegins, has a memorial mug designed in honor or in memory of local miners. The glassware features miners' names, the year they passed away and the date of the annual picnic with a design of a coal buggy at the entrance to a mine.
The Bootleggers' 28th annual Independent Coal Miners Picnic will begin at noon Aug. 11 at Hegins Park, and Shadle's family is expected to be among those attending.
"We were really close, and he taught me everything I know about mining," Darryl Shadle, Molleystown, said of his late father, Albert.
Shadle and his wife, Helen, grew up in the Lincoln area, lived in Molleystown and had four children, Darryl and Cindy, Molleystown, Steven, New Hope, and Michael, Elysburg, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Albert Shadle worked at Herb & Reed Coal Co., Tremont, and Zimmerman Coal Co., Lincoln. In the early 1970s, he started H&S Coal Co. with his brother-in-law, the late John Harman, in the Gap. By the 1980s, he had established an independent mine near Mount Pleasant. Albert Shadle then launched Shadle Coal Co. with his son, Darryl, in Molleystown. He continued to work with his son at DJT Coal Co. near Westwood until his retirement in 2000.
He died on April 29.
In addition to Albert Shadle's portrait, the names of others on the annual coal miners mug are: in memory of Albert Block, 2011; Clair M. Schwalm, 2011; Richard W. "Snook" Boyer, 2011; Lewis W. Graver Sr., 2011; Norman R. "Dick" Rothermel, 2011; Sterman E. "Stermy" Masser, 2012; William J. Kroh, 2012; Larry L. "Mouse" Schlegel, Sr., 2012; John C. Batz, 2012; Justin Ladick, 2012; Allen E. "Les" Tobin, 2012; Irvin H. Schreffler, 2012; and Marvin H. Klinger, 2011.
Many of the mugs were pre-ordered, but additional mugs will be available, Lucas said, and can be obtained on the day of the picnic for a $7 donation.
Lucas said a family member of the late William J. Kroh is scheduled to bring his race car to Hegins Park for display during the gathering. According to Lucas, others slated to attend are: Marc Brodcik, Philadelphia, producer of the movie, "Hard Coal"; Christian Abraham, Connecticut, who takes professional photos of the picnic for Lucas; and Rev. Curtis Zemencik, Sacramento, who will read the names of the men memorialized on the mug and offer a prayer before the meal.
For a $20 donation at the picnic, guests will receive a hot meal served at 4 p.m., which includes soups and cold cuts. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Gold Dust and The Breaker Boys. The event will be held rain or shine and everyone is welcome to attend.
For any other information about the annual picnic, call Lucas at 570-682-9140.
