IRISH HISTORY

IRISH HISTORY -  THE MOLLIE MCGUIRES

South of Scranton are the counties of Carbon and Schuylkill. In 1870 these counties were home to many Irish coal miners. The work was physically demanding, dangerous, and with very few labor laws. The area was also rife with violent assaults, arsons, and murders.
The upheaval was due to the Irish being forced to accept the dangerous jobs, and the men and their families forced to live in overcrowded, company-owned housing. They were also forced to buy goods (and their tools) from the company-owned shops. The shops often pushed the miners into debt. In 1875, the miners rebelled with the “Long Strike”. Reports say that both the unions and the coal companies were responsible for numerous violent acts during the strike. To combat the violence, the companies contracted with the Pinkerton Detective Agency to infiltrate and destroy a miner organization known as the Molly Maquires. The name Molly Maquire can be traced back to a widow in Ireland who fought against English landlords. The English
were forcing Irish Catholics off their land. When the Irish fought back, sometimes with their fists, the shout was often heard, “Take that from a son of Molly Maguire!”.
The Pinkertons inserted a spy into the Molly Maquires who lived alongside the miners for over 2 years. As a result, over 60 men were arrested, and a series of trials were held in Pottsville. The Mollies were demonized by the national media, often referring to them as a gang of ruthless murderers. It is now recognized that much of the testimony was skeptical, inconclusive,
and circumstantial. Today, most historians agree that the trials and executions were an outrageous perversion of justice. In 1979, John Kehoe, the so-called “King of the Molly Maguires”, was granted a full pardon by the state of Pennsylvania. However, on June 21, 1877, twenty men were hung as punishment. After the hangings, coal miners and much of the Irish community regarded them as heroes. Today, the Mollies are remembered by a monument in Mahanoy City. Also, by the 1970 movie The Molly Maquires, and the Irish-American Folk song, The Sons of Molly.
The case can still be disputed. Abuses were shown on both sides. However, the miners probably weren’t all guilty. But for sure, the mine owners were all guilty, of using unsafe labor practices and attempted destruction of the dignity of the Irish.

– Bill Burke.

Sources: History.com,L.Schumm 2025/Pennsylvania Center for the Book, M.Loy 2010/Sons of Molly by Blackthorn Music.

AOH FINANCIAL NEWS

The 2025 AOH membership cards will be arriving shortly. We’d appreciate you paying your dues at your earliest convenience. The dues are $40.00. Drop off or mail your payment to: AOH Hall, 148 Main St., Binghamton, NY 13905. Attn: Mark Kadlecik. If you have an address change, please let us know. It’s the only way we can keep our records straight and ensure you’ll get all the mailings.

 Parade Committee.

Parade Day 2026 is March 7, 2026

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​ CORPORATION NEWS

  Thanks to all who supported the Hall during our St. Patrick's events. Special thanks to Diane Durgin and the kitchen volunteers who worked hard preparing, selling the food, and cleaning the kitchen.

  Thanks also to Cookie Luke for ensuring the Hall was ready for the many music, St. Patrick's, and funeral events.

Corporation President Bill Burke.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

  Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. is confined to men 16 years and older who are practicing Roman Catholics of Irish birth or descent and who are citizens of United States of America or who have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States of America.

Associate memberships are also available to those who do not meet the aforementioned qualification.

It is a standing rule that Applications for Membership that languish without action for longer than 6 months are discarded.

Notifications for induction dates and times, through the Shamrock Degree, are sent to all applicants.
Those who have applied prior to this 6 month period, and are serious about joining the A.O.H., need to reapply for admission and make arrangements to attend a Shamrock Degree ceremony within the next six month.

Those interested in membership must stop into the Hall to submit an application as they must have an active member sponsor them and sign the form.

Please check the Bartender Schedule page here for days and times the hall is open.

LAOH Juniors & LAOH County Board Notices

are now located on the LAOH page of this website. 

2024 Event Pictures, click here.