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The Burdale Historical Association
Burdale's Defunct Businesses:
A Look At Burdale's Economic Past
Burdale, once a thriving coal mining town nestled in the hills, has undergone many transformations since its establishment in 1799. The town’s early days were shaped by the rise and fall of various businesses that supported the mining industry and its surrounding community. Today, the town’s economy is far less reliant on industry, yet the echoes of its former commercial activity remain in the buildings, street names, and memories of longtime residents. This article explores some of the now-defunct businesses that helped shape Burdale’s growth during its peak years.
The Burdale Coal and Iron Works (1810-1864)​
For much of the 19th century, Burdale’s economy was centered around its coal mines. The Burdale Coal and Iron Works, founded in 1810, was the town’s largest industrial enterprise for decades. The company initially started as a small coal operation, but by the 1820s, it had expanded into ironworks, producing iron for railroads, tools, and building materials used in the growing town.
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The works were located near the town's southern edge, not far from the mines in Conjure Mountain. At its peak, it employed nearly a quarter of the town’s population. Unfortunately, the Conjure Quake Event of 1864 led to the collapse of the coal market in the region, ending the operations of the Burdale Coal and Iron Works. The remnants of its smelting furnaces can still be seen on the outskirts of town, though they have long since been overtaken by the thickening forest at the base of Conjure Mounatin.
Harkins & Sons General Store (1835-1912)​
Opened in 1835 by local entrepreneur James Harkins, Harkins & Sons General Store was a cornerstone of Burdale’s economic and social life for over 75 years. Serving as both a place to purchase everyday goods and a meeting point for the townsfolk, the store was a key part of the community’s fabric.
James Harkins, originally from the neigboring town of Meadowville, saw the potential in Burdale’s mining economy and opened the store to cater to the growing needs of miners and their families. Over the years, the store expanded to include a post office, a small tavern, and even a makeshift bank where local miners could deposit their wages. When the coal mine closed in the 1860s, business began to slow down, but Harkins & Sons managed to stay afloat by shifting its focus to selling goods for farming and other small industries that had begun to emerge in the area.
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In the late 19th century, as summer months brought warmer weather and a growing demand for sweet treats, James' son Colin Harkins added an ice cream counter to the store. The counter quickly became a popular gathering spot, where townsfolk would enjoy homemade ice cream made from locally sourced dairy. Known for its rich vanilla, strawberry, and seasonal flavors, the ice cream served as a refreshing respite for Burdale's hardworking miners and their families. On warm evenings, children and adults alike would line up outside, savoring the simple pleasure of a cold treat after a long day. The ice cream counter remained a beloved feature of Harkins & Sons until the store closed, with many locals fondly recalling it as a nostalgic part of their youth.
The business was passed down through the Harkins family until 1912, when it closed its doors for good after being severely damaged by a fire. The site was later redeveloped into an oddity shop called The Spiral Staircase. Ironically, in 1964 The Spiral Staircase also burned down in a fire and the Burdale Historical Association Museum was built in it's place. Outside our front doors you can still see Colin Harkins and his children's initials carved into the slab of concrete that makes up the sidewalk.
McAllister & Finch Flour Mill (1842-1875)​
The McAllister & Finch Flour Mill was once the largest mill in the valley, established in 1842 to supply the town’s growing population with flour and other ground grains. The mill was located on the Burdale Creek (later named Casper Creek), harnessing water power to operate its machinery.
The mill was a vital part of the town’s agricultural backbone, grinding wheat, corn, and oats from two local farms into flour for bread and other staples. At its peak, the mill processed up to 80 tons of grain each year, and its products were even shipped to the nearby town of Meadowville via riverboat.
By 1875, the mill had closed, as the town’s economic focus shifted entirely away from agriculture and toward other industries. The remains of the mill can still be seen along Casper Creek next to Casper Dam, though much of it has crumbled or been reclaimed by the land.
Burdale Theater and Opera House (1882-1932)​
For nearly five decades, the Burdale Theater and Opera House was a center of entertainment and culture in the town. Located on Mill Street (later renamed Bridwell Ln), the theater was an elegant building designed to accommodate both live performances and later film screenings. Opened in 1882 by local finacier Frederic Whittaker, the venue initially attracted traveling actors, opera troupes, and musicians, providing much-needed entertainment for the hardworking residents of Burdale.
In the early 20th century, with the rise of silent films, the Burdale Theater shifted its focus to screening movies, with weekly showings drawing large crowds. The theater was also used for social events, political speeches, and community gatherings. Unfortunately, with the town’s population remaining relatively stagnant and the rise of cinema chains in larger towns, the Burdale Theater was forced to close in 1932. The building was later demolished, and in its place, Burdale's mall, the Bizarre Bazaar, was constructed. Ironically, in 1970 the Skin/Walker Cineplex and Drive-In was constructed as part of the Bizarre Bazaar bringing the silver screen back to Burdale.
The Burdale Tannery (1825-1870)​
The Burdale Tannery was a small but crucial part of the town’s industrial landscape. Founded in 1825 by Thomas Halley, an immigrant from Ireland, the tannery processed leather from the hides of animals raised by local farmers. Leather goods such as boots, saddles, and bags were produced here and were highly valued by both miners and farmers.
The tannery played an essential role in supporting the town’s labor force, providing durable leather goods that would withstand the rigors of work in the coal mines. However, in the late 1860s, the tannery’s operations dwindled as the demand for leather goods declined. After a series of floods damaged the tannery's infrastructure, it closed in 1870, and the building was eventually torn down. The site was located on what is now the northeast corner of Spellbind Park. A stone marker commemorates the tannery’s historical significance to Burdale.
While Burdale may no longer be the bustling industrial hub it once was, the legacy of these now-defunct businesses serves as a reminder of the town's rich history. From the towering coal works to the cultural institutions like the Burdale Theater, each business played a unique role in the town’s growth and its eventual shift from an industrial to a more rural, residential community. As Burdale looks to the future, it is important to remember the industries and individuals that helped shape the town, ensuring their stories are passed down to future generations.
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*The Burdale Historical Association Museum is a fictional place and does not actually exist.
The exhibits at The Burdale Historical Association Museum are made possible by the generous contributions from The Town Of Burdale and The Never County Sheriff's Office
The content of this website is fiction created for the purpose of lore expansion and is in no way related to any real person or organization.