Generations of families built lives around coal in Girardville
Girardville runs on coal. The small Schuylkill County borough is named after Stephen Girard, a wealthy Philadelphia philanthropist and banker who invested heavily in Pennsylvania’s coal country. Established at the height of the anthracite coal boom in the 19th century, the community grew rapidly as mining became the lifeblood of the region, drawing thousands of Irish and Eastern European immigrants to work in the collieries. “Generations of families were built on coal in Girardville,” says Realtor Jill Saunders with Saunders Real Estate, who has sold many homes in the region. “A lot of people were first or second generation and stayed in town.” The coal mining industry is still active outside of residential Girardville, where companies use open-pit mining and other methods to extract the fuel source.
Early 1900s row homes priced well below national average
Detached and attached row homes from the early 20th century are the most common housing type in Girardville, and costs are significantly lower than the national average. They typically range in price from $30,000 to $100,000 and may require repairs or updates. “There’s a lot of redevelopment happening throughout Schuylkill County,” Saunders says. “The redevelopment hasn’t quite hit Girardville yet.”
Girardville’s location offers access to playgrounds, forests and lakes
Small parks are scattered throughout Girardville. On B Street, Girardville East End Park features a playground with swings and a picnic pavilion. Across the street, there are basketball courts and the Girardville Little League Complex. There’s also a playground on Preston Avenue and two on Oak Street.
With a location in the mountains, Girardville is near scenic natural areas. Big Mine Run Geyser, Pennsylvania’s only geyser, is just west. Visitors shouldn’t expect Yellowstone; instead, they will find a small spout from an abandoned coal mine. It’s about a 13-mile drive southeast to Locust Lake State Park, where an over 50-acre lake separates two campgrounds and hardwood forests shade hiking trails. Weiser State Forest is about 14 miles northwest. Spanning about 30,000 acres, it offers hiking trails, reservoirs, hang gliding opportunities and more.
North Schuylkill schools serve Girardville
The North Schuylkill School District, which includes two schools, serves Girardville. North Schuylkill Elementary School gets a C from Niche, and North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School receives a C-plus. The high school offers students a range of clubs and activities, from Art Club and Yearbook to Robotics Club and Spanish Club.
Limited local dining and shopping with essentials nearby
Girardville has a few local restaurants and shops. Tony's Lunch is known for "The Screamer," a hamburger topped with chili sauce, unmelted cheese and marshmallow fluff. Nearby Centiole’s Pizza is a go-to for takeout, while Guntown Bar & Billiards is popular for drinks. Unity Food Mart offers limited grocery options. For a more comprehensive shopping trip, there’s a Boyer’s Food Markets about 6 miles away in Frackville. In case of emergency, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street is about 13 miles south.
Coal trucks and debris are part of daily traffic flow
Girardville features sidewalks, and its streets have a small grid pattern, making the community somewhat walkable. However, folks will need a car for regional travel. Pennsylvania state Route 54 runs east-west through Girardville and leads to nearby small towns. Coal trucks often drive through the community, potentially leaving behind debris or wearing down roads. It’s a roughly 6-mile drive to an entrance to U.S. Interstate 81, which leads throughout Appalachia. Allentown is about 60 miles away, Harrisburg is about 62 miles away and Philadelphia is about 110 miles away. For air travel, Harrisburg International Airport is about 70 miles away.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
