Alexander Patton envisioned "a town of importance" with an existing base of mills, farming, lumbering, vast coal deposits, a water source (Chest Creek) and an imminent extension of the railroad through and beyond Markstown. Mr. Patton gathered like-minded investors together to form the Chest Creek Land & Improvement company whose primary purpose was to spearhead the development of Markstown, the small rural community, into "Patton," the town. As early as 1891 the name "Patton" was established for the former community or Markstown. In 1893 Patton would petition for and receive official borough status.

On April 1, 1892, Alexander Patton sold the land on which the Miners' Rest sits to the Chest Creek Land & Improvement Company. It is most likely that sometime during the building boom of 1892-1893 the development company constructed the building as a hotel for the purpose of attracting out of town investors potential home owners, and new business owners. However, an exact date of construction is not noted in the deed records.

On April 19, 1893, Chest Creek Land & Improvement Company sold the property to Joseph and Mary Pryzgoda. Eight years later on March 8, 1901, they sold the property to Axel and Clara Frycklund. They owned the property only two years and sold it to James M. Galliece. The Patton Courier makes reference in a 1905 issue to the hotel being "owned and managed by James M. Galliece, Who Purchased it Three years ago." This shows that the building existed during the Frycklund ownership as well. On March 15, 1906, the property once again was sold to Matt Collar (Kollar), an Austrian immigrant, who along with his wife and children ran The Miners' Rest as a hotel, restaurant and bar for the next 66 years, the longest single ownership on record.

On June 1, 1972, Tony and Annette Masci purchased the property and renamed it the Lakeway Inn. For a time, the business remained essentially the same as it had been, with the addition of a beauty shop in the basement and a barbershop on the main floor. After several years the Masci family discontinued the traditional "bar business" and focused on Italian foods. During this change the original 27-foot bar was removed and sold and the business name was changed to Tony's Pizza Inn & Six Pack.

In June, 1995, The Miners' Rest began its rebirth at the hands of its new owners Cory McNutt and Scott Scheirer. During the three months that followed the purchase they renovated the kitchen facility, expanded the menu and transformed the dining area with Victorian-era decorative touches and displays of local coal mining and Pennsylvania railroad memorabilia.

On October 3, 1995, The Miners' Rest reopened for business to rave reviews from local residents, as well as out-of-town travelers. After extensive renovations, 3 rooms were opened for overnight guests. The largest of the three bedrooms has it's own gas fireplace.

Future plans for The Miners' Rest include exterior renovations and restorations and soon we will be offering the "Honeymoon Suite" complete with private bath and three-person jacuzzi.

LEGEND
Local legends indicate that The Miners' Rest has had a colorful past. The name originated during the heyday of the coal mines when miners would rest on the wrap-around porch awaiting their pay at the doorway. Upon receiving their pay they would get a drink (or two) at the bar and depart through another doorway on the other side.

During prohibition the "Pig's Ear" butcher shop in the basement was a front for a speak-easy. We have even heard that on occasion the upstairs rooms were used for "brothel activities."

And yes, The Miners' Rest has its' own "spirit" which appears to be pleased with the new owners and their changes.

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