By M.T. Burkhart

HAZLETON, Pa. – Volunteers in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Region have cosmetically restored and placed on display a small locomotive that worked for decades at a nearby coal breaker.

Jeddo-Highland Coal Co. GE 25-tonner 1 was built in 1956 and worked its entire life for the same company. Sister GE 35-tonner 2 remains on a siding at the Jeddo property in Ebervale, Pa., northeast of Hazleton.

Critter 1 was donated to Hazle Township in 2016. It was trucked a short distance to a municipal maintenance yard for a light cosmetic restoration by members of the community. In October 2020, it was painted green and black with yellow trim and moved to a short display track at the 170-acre Hazle Township Community Park. It joins a U.S. Army tank in the park that’s part of the veterans’ memorial, as well as ball fields, hiking trails and picnic facilities.