The Mahanoy area in Schuylkill County is the heart of the anthracite coal region. It is quintessentially defined by hardworking individuals who made their livings around the mining industry, but the area was also the foundation of family fortunes, longstanding business ventures, and political intrigue. Real estate mogul Charles D. Kaier began the mostup-to-date brewery of the day here; early resident John Smith built his lavish fourteen-room mansion for $40,000 in 1908; and the controversial Mollie Maguires—a secret society of Irish coal miners who used violence against mining hierarchy—were based here.