39º84/79º90. Covering about two square miles, Masontown, once a booming center of the Klondike coal region at the turn of the century is located along Route 21 in southwest Fayette County and borders the Monongahela River. Immigrants from southern and central Europe came to work in the mines and the coke ovens in the surroundings area. Their descendants make up a large part of the borough's population. The Jewish population was primarily involved in town-centered mercantile pursuits. Very few Jews remain in Masontown, though it had a sizeable Jewish community from the turn of the century until the late 1920s. For more history: see http://tribune-review.com/focus/masontown.html with a picture of the Beth El Synagogue building; now the town's library. The library holds some historical information about the congregation.
MASONTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Box 769, Masontown, PA 15461 published a book on the history of Masontown. The town has a website: http://www.pe.net/~rksnow/pacountymasontown.htm. Fort Mason Historical Society & Museum, 548 North Main Street (Route 166), Masontown, PA 15461, (724)583-2349. Has exhibits of local industries in turn of the century physician's office, and shows typical home life and a hands-on early school room. Open Sat and Sun 1 - 4. Admission fee. (724)583-9944. Source: Ellen Sadove Renck This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jewish Holy Society Cemetery: Bennington Road, Hopwood, PA 15445, (724) 437-5481, the adjoining hamlet. The current population is approximately 3,759 with approximately 1,646 families. The distance from Masontown to Washington DC is 176 statute miles. The cemetery is in Hopwood on the road from Masontown to Nemacolin and Ft. Necessity and difficult to find without help. Bill Parker is the caretaker. For more information, try Hebrew Cemetery Association 412/437-1009. Sol Michael in Masontown might be able to check records but suggested Mr. Kronick. Tree of Life Synagogue in Uniontown is Conservative: (412)438-0801.