The Burdale Historical Association
Burdale's Defunct Businesses & Institutions:
Exploring The Places That Once Shaped Our Daily Life
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 only some of the now-defunct businesses, as well as institutions, that helped shape Burdale’s growth during its peak years.
The Burdale Mining Company (1810-1864)​
Founded in the early 19th century, the Burdale Mining Company oversaw coal extraction in Conjure Mountain during the town's formative years. Under the management of Tripp Loch, one of Burdale's earliest land brokers, the company became central to Burdale's grown, providing both employment and resources for the community.
However, it is also remembered for the tragic Conjure Quake Event of 1864, when a methane explosion caused a mine collapse that claimed the lives of 23 miners. The disaster marked the decline of coal mining in the region, and the Burdale Mining Company never fully recovered.
The Burdale Coal and Iron Works (1865-1931)​
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Established in the mid-19th century, Burdale Coal & Ironworks represented the town’s effort to recover from the decline of its mining industry following the Conjure Quake of 1864. Unlike the Burdale Mining Company, which had overseen the extraction of coal from Conjure Mountain, the Ironworks focused on processing and refining coal and iron brought in from surrounding regions, including our neighboring town of Meadowville.
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Though never as central to Burdale’s economy as the mines once were, the Ironworks became a familiar landmark with its tall smokestacks and steady rhythm of machinery. For a time, it stood as a symbol of Burdale’s resilience and ambition, even appearing on postcards and tourist brochures that highlighted the town’s industrial progress.
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By the 1930s, however, larger regional operations and the rise of hydroelectric power from Casper Dam rendered the Ironworks increasingly obsolete. The facility eventually closed, leaving only scattered foundations and rusting remnants as reminders of Burdale’s brief foray into industrial prominence.
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 mid 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 its place. Outside our front doors, you can still see Colin Harkins' and his children's initials carved into 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 mall, 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.
Arcanum Of Christ Church (1867-1984​)
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In the aftermath of the 1864 Conjure Quake, a preacher named Anselm Greaves declared the disaster a divine summons and established the Arcanum of Christ Church on the outskirts of Burdale. He gave the church its name and its emblem: a stylized “A” encircled by a ring. To his congregation, Greaves taught that the “A” and the ring represented Alpha and Omega, Christ as both beginning and end - that the circle stood for eternity and the seal of Ascension that would open at the world’s end - and that together they marked the revelation of hidden mysteries - the very arcanum of Christ.
Following Greaves’ death, the church passed into the care of Clara Whitlock, one of its earliest and most devoted parishioners. Leadership of the congregation continued through her descendants, who guided the small flock for nearly a century. Attendance gradually waned, and by the late 20th century services had ceased altogether. Though long out of use, the building still stands, fenced off from visitors.
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The modest stone structure was best known for its striking stained-glass windows and the unique Candle Vault located beneath the nave. In this crypt-like space, parishioners practiced a long-standing tradition of carving loved ones’ names into votive candles - a custom meant to symbolize remembrance within the community.
Burdale Schoolhouse (1852-1948)
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Constructed in 1852, Burdale’s original schoolhouse stood as the town’s center for education for nearly a century. The modest wooden building hosted classes for grades one through twelve, with a single teacher often instructing multiple age groups at once. In addition to its role as a classroom, the schoolhouse served as a meeting hall for the community during Burdale’s early years.
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By the late 1940s, with Burdale’s population growing and educational standards evolving, the schoolhouse was retired in favor of the larger Burdale Elementary-Middle School and Burdale High School. Following the school's closure, the building was preserved and repurposed as a small community center, aptly named The Old Schoolhouse Community & Recreation Center, or The Old Schoolhouse for short. Today, it continues to host town meetings, workshops, sporting events, and occasional historical exhibitions, ensuring the building remains a place of learning and connection, much as it was originally intended.
Jazz Handz (1942-1977)
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Opened in 1942, Jazz Handz quickly became one of Burdale’s most celebrated nightspots. At the height of swing music’s popularity, the club hosted countless performances throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. The venue is perhaps best remembered as the favored stage of Tommy Hart & The Swing Set.
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With its neon marquee, lively atmosphere, and intimate cabaret seating, Jazz Handz was regarded as both a performance hall and a community hub, offering residents a place to gather and enjoy music together for more than three decades.
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By the mid-1970s, however, changing tastes and declining audiences brought an end to the club’s era. The building itself still stands, though in far less distinguished use. In certain circles it has been referred to as The Rabbit Hole, an informal basement venue of little note. While such reinventions may appeal to some, they are a far cry from the sophistication and cultural significance that defined Jazz Handz in its prime.
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 entity 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.