Forgotten People of Collier Township

The population was 1,697 in 1880, five years after Collier Township was formed.  The population grew as the iron and steel industry was burgeoning.  At its peak in 1950, the population had grown to 8,039, then slowly shrunk until an upturn started in 1990, and by 2018, the population reached another peak of 8,199.  Every day, for 140 years, thousands of people were creating history.  Yet, few people captured the crucial moments, the inventions, the kind deeds by shop owners, improvements in working conditions, and individual successes.

Finding and celebrating the individuals that contributed to the successful building of a vibrant community was the goal of writing this book.  The steel mills, railroads, and coal mines were substantial economic drivers.  Small employers and merchants provided needed jobs and employment for women.  Shopkeepers provided goods for daily living and a place where people created their communities through store and Post Office interaction.  The entrepreneurs like the blacksmiths, carpenters, the McDonald Tea Man, and small farmers provided services not found in the general stores.  The hotels, taverns, and eateries catered to traveling business people and provided places for entertainment.  The doctors, nurses, matrons, and teachers cared for the community.  These people “built” the township and, to us, seem forgotten for the essential roles they played.

This book is for the person who wants to know who built the township, companies, schools, hotels, taverns, stores, and farms, who worked in those businesses, and who the community caretakers were.

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Graphics by Ken Kuzia

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Forgotten Mines & Coal Towns of Thoms Run Memories of Collier Township Companion Appendix