This book gathers stories of transformations, which occurred to the land, people, and communities of the anthracite coal region in general and Mt. Carmel in particular. It tells how Eastern Europeans were recruited by giant railroad companies to work (and often die) in their dangerous mines. It also shows how these people who were at first alienated by their new surroundings soon developed confidence and pride in their work, and built a supportive community that survived the boom and bust of anthracite mining. The Deppen Scholars share how they followed their ancestors' path as they first experienced alienation, then gained the confidence to ultimately graduate with pride from Bucknell University. "This is a fine job. There is nothing quite like this study, which is a contemporary interdisciplinary case study that cuts across history, sociology and education while mixing a bit of the economics of de-industrialization."
-Dr. Kenneth Wolensky, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
"Thoroughly enjoyable. You let the Deppens speak for themselves without trying to over-analyze their underlying motivations. An interesting exploration of the emergence of class consciousness. We didn't feel poor in Mt. Carmel so class consciousness resulted from our interactions at Bucknell and beyond. We appreciate your good, hard work and for having it read more like a novel than a treatise!"
-Julie Corrigan, Deppen Scholar, Bucknell , class of 1986
"An engaging exploration of transformations-geological, economic, cultural-presented in the context of a caring professor's quest to understand and connect with the people of a small Pennsylvania anthracite town."
-Dennis Baumoll, Professor Emeritus, Department of English, Bucknell University
