A program on the history of coal in Summit Hill, headlined by a descendant of the pioneer who discovered anthracite here in 1791, will be held on Saturday in Ludlow Park.

William Ginder, great-great-great grandson of the Philip Ginder, will be at the gazebo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Folk singer Jay Smar, who has penned a song about Philip Ginder, will be there as well.

There will be free hot dogs and soda for the first 50 attendees, according to William Ginder.

Anthracite coal was discovered by Philip Ginder while he was hunting in the area. After discovering the coal, he helped form the Lehigh Coal Mine Company in 1792.

He was also instrumental in the creation of the Lehigh Canal, which was used to transport coal to Philadelphia.

William Ginder, who resides in Allentown, said he has made several visits to Carbon County and has seen the historical marker for the discovery of coal. He said he has also brought his children and grandchildren here.

There is a monument made of a large piece of coal at the west end of Ludlow Park depicting the discovery of what was arguably the most valuable fossil fuel in Pennsylvania’s early history.

William Ginder said he learned that Philip’s grandson made the photo that’s etched in the stone.

Another tidbit of info that he recently discovered is that Philip’s wife and son was killed by Indians.

William Ginder’s grandparents had lived in Weissport. His grandfather, the late Clayton Ginder, owned a bakery in Weissport until his death in 1951.

William Ginder said of the upcoming Saturday event, “As far as I know, this is the only time anybody did anything to celebrate” his great-great-great grandfather’s discovery.

The program will open with the singing of the national anthem.