Once called the jewel of Pennsylvania’s middle anthracite coal fields, Hazleton grew up on a solid foundation of black diamonds and prospered in the coal industry. The city quickly became the financial, industrial, shopping, transportation, and entertainment center of the region. Mining gave rise to other businesses, many established to supply machinery to the numerous collieries. Silk mills and garment factories provided work to scores of people. By the close of World War II, the days of coal mining as a major industry were numbered. Slowly, the towering coal breakers fell silent, their machinery grinding to a halt. Not a single example remains standing today. Around Hazleton is an informative trip through this city and nearby towns.