COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township 175th Anniversary book has been delayed because of a lack of volunteers.
Rob Slaby, township manager and committee member, said last week the 256-page book is expected to be completed by Nov. 1 and delivered the first or second week of December.
Committee members initially planned to have the book done in time for the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts in May, but the book was delayed because of a lack of committee members to collect the information.
"We have very few volunteers," Slaby said. "A lot of people were busy doing personal stuff, and it was hard to get volunteers to work on it."
According to Slaby, about six people worked on the book, including local historian Garth Hall, who provided much of the information.
The hardcover book contains a wealth of information about the township, including photos and a complete history, he said. Also, sports, schools, parks and recreation are addressed.
The book will be published by Jostens Printing and Publishing, based in State College, and will cost $30 per book.
Currently, there are 25 pages of business and family-type advertisements. Slaby said the price is not bad, but he would have liked to see more people advertise to offset the cost of the book. He noted there is still time for businesses and families to reserve a space in the book. The deadline to be included in the book is Nov. 1.
Information about Coal Township 175th anniversary committee memorable items and ad sales can be obtained by calling the township municipal building at 644-0395.