The Concrete City was company housing built by the DL&W railroad to house miners and thier families. The Bliss and Truesdale and Loomis breakers were nearby. Both top and bottom floors were made from the same form so the top floor has a stairway that goes to nowhere.

The concrete held in the cold and dampness and was a factor in the closing of the housing, as this promoted the spread of TB. Also lack of sewers and subsidence from mines added to the reasons to close down the company houseing. While good for that time period, it seemed very primative, like living in a cave. The units had windows and doors and paint at time of use, but still it was spartan acommodations.

The courtyard had a wading pool and playground in it for the childern and the flowers and shrubs were planted along the housing units. The Concerete City is located in the Hanover section of Naticoke and the nearby breakers were served by the DL&W Hanover/Newport Branch. The Concrete City is famous as a major party spot. Many barrels were tapped there and many quarts were drunk there.

 

Of course we have the Historical Marker on the "Main Drag", from back in 1999. The rest of the shots are 35mm scans, taken circa 1997.

 

The flagpole is still standing is this view.

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Now this strange feature of the "Stairway to Nowhere" had confounded many people. It was not made by devil worshippers, drunks. druids or witches. They just used the same form to cast the first and second floors.

 

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It was very strange walking through those two houses. The whole complex feels like they are bunkers, not a residential area. It was very stark and primative.