Moffat Breaker

In a very unexpected part of the Scranton area, we discovered the remains of the first all reinforced-concrete breaker, the Moffat Breaker. Originally known as the Taylor breaker, it was built by the DL&W in 1915. Its concrete design is reminiscent of Concrete City. Both were considered revolutionary designs in architecture and were built by the DL&W. In 1920, the Moffat Coal Company purchased the breaker and its name was changed accordingly.

Today, all that is left of the actual breaker is a pile of concrete and metal. The breaker was demolished in 1980 with a host of spectators looking on. The pile of rubble has since been sitting in Taylor, mostly unnoticed by the casual passerby.

Above, a large gear from the machinery that broke up the coal sits among the rubble. Below is the remains of another building related to the brealer.

One building still stands at the site - the boilerhouse. It is a large red brick building and seems structurally stable.

Outside, a stationary steam engine sits idle.

The inside is mostly covered with graffiti and garbage. A large moving beam still remains up near the ceiling.

Unfortunately, as of June 2009, the remains of the breaker are beginning to be removed. A housing development is planned for the site.

Recommended links for more information:
Moffat
Moffat Breaker Remains
Taylor Borough Mining