The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center recently presented the Coaldale Historical Society with a field medical exam table that was owned by a Panther Valley area doctor.

Jack Sterling, genealogist and historian at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center and John Drury, president of the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center, gave the table, previously used by Dr. William Clewell of the Summit Hill and Coaldale areas during the Spanish-American War to Bob Perrin, president of the Coaldale Historical Society. The table was donated to the Mauch Chunk Museum by Sylvia and Merrit Nash, relatives of Clewell.

Clewell lived and served the area from 1898 to 1939.

The Mauch Chunk Museum learned of Coaldale’s efforts to expand and preserve historic significance in their area.

Under Perrin, they aim to officially obtain 501(c)3 status and open their doors as the Coaldale Historical Society.

Perrin expressed interest in bringing the table to the town of usage but also offered a contribution to the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center’s collection.

A beautiful porcelain piece depicting the Switchback Gravity Railroad now resides in the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center.

The exchange was coordinated through efforts of Mauch Chunk Museum board members Vince Hydro, Jonathan Blackwell-Rodgers, Sterling and Drury in part through efforts of Perrin and the Coaldale Historical Society.

The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center is located at 41 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week until November.

Contact the Mauch Chunk Museum at Mauchchunkmcc@yahoo.com or mauchchunkmcc.org.

For more information on the Coaldale Historical Society, contact Perrin at privvydigger@yahoo.com.