Christian C: Pana, IL: 1947-1957 Peabody #17 Coal Mine

(Satellite)

John W. Meachum posted
Here is a trivia question for you. How deep was (and probably is) the skip-hoist shaft at Peabody Mine #17 south of Pana pictured below.
Dennis DeBruler shared
John's comment: "According to Mine Superintendent John Abrell, the skip-hoist shaft was 800 feet deep. The reason the shaft was sunk so far below the coal seam was to accommodate the skips when fully lowered into the mine and I would guess a sump below them. See Taylorville Breeze Courier, Wednesday, October 12, 1949."
Gary Joe Hatfield: My father William “Bill” Hatfield Sr. Was Chief Mine Manager there until it closed I think around 1957-58. My brother and sisters graduated from Pana High School and we moved back to Taylorville and dad went back to Mine #10.

Comments on Dennis' share

Dennis DeBruler commented on his share

Dennis DeBruler commented on his share

I normally use the oldest aerail that I have access to. But this mine started after that. So I found this 1956 aerial. [ARA550330080748]

Dennis DeBruler commented on his share
This overview shows that the industrial spur went up to the C&EI+BigFour railroad as well as down to the IC.

Dennis DeBruler commented on his share
I'm disappointed that this topo map doesn't show the spur because it would have been built in 1947.
1949 Pana Quad @ 62,500

Comments on Dennis' share

The topo map shows that Paragon Lake was man made. Looking closer, one sees the tree line of a dam just west of N 2350 East Road and its spillway at the south end.

Satellite