David Emmi at Dimmick Memorial Library
"Divine Philly: Philadelphia's Vital Role in Christian America"
Author David Emmi will be signing copies of his book, "Divine Philly: Philadelphia's Vital Role in Christian America" at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Dimmick Memorial Library in Jim Thorpe.
The book has several ties to Mauch Chunk. In the mid-19th century, the Philadelphia Diocese was the largest Catholic diocese in America.
Labor unrest in the mining regions was trying to be quelled by Archbishop Wood of Philadelphia, who threatened excommunication of any Catholic found to be a member of the Molly Maguires or any other secret society.
Mine owners collaborated with the Archbishop and donated money for his assistance in defeating organized labor in the Pennsylvania Anthracite region.
Ultimately, 20 Irish miners were hung by the commonwealth for murder of mine bosses, including several who were hung in Mauch Chunk.
