The morning chill still clung to the valleys of black rubble in central Pennsylvania, creating a slight mist in the thick and humid air. Traffic lights clicked through their cycles in Manahoy City, yet the streets were barren of both pedestrians and cars. Soon the old St. Nicholas breaker loomed into view; a filthy skeleton of an industrial giant from years past. I was surprised to see equipment left behind that hadn't been scrapped, and very little vandalism, considering its closure way back in 1963.

It wasn't very long until the overcast atmosphere seemed to magnify the sun rather than obscure it, and the upper floors of the building turned into a dusty sweat box. I felt driven to reach the top to see the apex of it all, and was glad I did; the height offered a great view of coal country.