Having stumbled upon this thread after recently relocating to Hazleton PA (the epicenter of the subject matter of this thread) my intent here is to extend my humble current local observations from ground zero possibly of interest to the researchers/posters above. Years ago I used to drive quickly thru this very depressing area with its mountains of tipple (waste coal and slag) while reflecting upon the horrid lives these people must have lived. I now find that the history of this company store coal region continues as nearly an every day experience even to only a casual observer. Local (very local because of the mountains) TV actively promotes organizations and historical societys dedicated to preserving the sorrid past. Nearby Eckley Miners Village (where the Molly movie was filmed) is a well maintained exposition of the original class separate dwellings, churches and company stores. Villagers in period dress still live here. Tours can be taken weekends during each summer with this summer including special celebrations of the villages 150 year existance. Excellent concerts and stage presentations run thruout the winter months. A newly built museum houses multitudes of local relics from the past and a plush theatre where presentations of songs mentioned in this thread are performed by local musical groups. The awsome "breaker" overshadowing the village is a large beam construction elevated conveyor where children worked twelve hour days sorting out coal/ tipple/slag. The existing breaker was built especially for the Molly movie. It suggests the awsome reality of the period! The village is presently trying to raise $200,000.00 for needed repairs to the aging breaker. VHS tapes of the Molly movie are for sale in the museum store.
Just down the road is the village of Latamer with a historical plaque at its entrance recalling the Latamer Massicre for all to see. This was another unionizing effort by the fed up miners who while retreating were shot dead in their backs by the local Company Store controlled authorities.
For additional reading/research I have found web links profuse just using some of the keywords i've used above.
cheers ? :)
MT