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The Kelayres Massacre: Politics & Murder in Pennsylvania's Anthracite Coal Country
Politics in Kelayres turned deadly on November 5, 1934. When Republican boss "Big Joe" Bruno sensed his grip on Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region slipping away with the night's election, he and a few family members opened fire on a peaceful Democratic parade passing Bruno's home. The carnage was shocking--five men gunned down and nearly two dozen other victims wounded but alive. Convicted and sentenced to the Schuylkill County Prison, Bruno quickly escaped, allegedly with help from the guard. It took authorities eight months to put him back behind bars. Author Stephanie Hoover delves into this true story of politics, murder and deceit.
"...the most definitive piece on Kelayres. It's pure history, without the wasted artificial drama that some writers add to historical publications."
Thomas Memmi, Pennsylvania State Police Historian
"...the most definitive piece on Kelayres. It's pure history, without the wasted artificial drama that some writers add to historical publications."
Thomas Memmi, Pennsylvania State Police Historian
128 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2014
7 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Hoover
11 books13 followersSTEPHANIE HOOVER is a traditionally published non-fiction author, freelance journalist and professional researcher.
She has appeared on-air on the Travel Channel, and conducted research for NBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, PBS's Finding Your Roots, and Canada's Ancestors in the Attic. In addition, she conducted archival research for a SyFy Channel special on the Kecksburg, PA UFO incident.
Her tenth book, Pretty Evil Pennsylvania, releases August 2021 from Rowman & Littlefield imprint Globe Pequot. Sign up for her mailing list to receive special updates on its progress.
Stephanie's ninth book, Spiritualism and the Supernatural: An Entertaining Encyclopedia for Believers and Skeptics Alike, is currently available for purchase.
Stephanie's historical true crime books include:
• The Kelayres Massacre: Politics & Murder in Pennsylvania's Coal Country
• The Killing of John Sharpless
• Philadelphia Spiritualism and the Curious Case of Katie King
All are available from the publisher, History Press/Arcadia, and all major book retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.
In addition to her own books, Stephanie is contracted by publishers and packagers to write and/or ghostwrite non-fiction works. Projects include two titles in the Our Basic Freedoms children’s book series (religion and press); A Taste of Latin America main and chapter introductions; ghostwriting and copyediting on Viva Mezcal; and, Fold & Fly Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals that Fly: Over 25 Paper Creations that Fly.
Stephanie is also called upon to assist other writers. Her research was recognized in North South Trader's Civil War, and she has provided background for several published biographies including one on business magnate Charles J. Harrah.
She is the creator and publisher of the popular "history-tainment" websites:
• Clouded in Mystery - Mysteries, Myths and Crimes from the U.S. and U.K.
• Hauntingly PENNSYLVANIA™ - Where History & Hauntings Meet
Stephanie is a proud member of The Authors Guild, National Writers Union and American Crime Writers League. She also supports other reading and writing programs and organizations.
For media inquiries, or to schedule a book signing, presentation or other personal appearance, send an email to: hoovercomms AT gmail DOT com.
She has appeared on-air on the Travel Channel, and conducted research for NBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, PBS's Finding Your Roots, and Canada's Ancestors in the Attic. In addition, she conducted archival research for a SyFy Channel special on the Kecksburg, PA UFO incident.
Her tenth book, Pretty Evil Pennsylvania, releases August 2021 from Rowman & Littlefield imprint Globe Pequot. Sign up for her mailing list to receive special updates on its progress.
Stephanie's ninth book, Spiritualism and the Supernatural: An Entertaining Encyclopedia for Believers and Skeptics Alike, is currently available for purchase.
Stephanie's historical true crime books include:
• The Kelayres Massacre: Politics & Murder in Pennsylvania's Coal Country
• The Killing of John Sharpless
• Philadelphia Spiritualism and the Curious Case of Katie King
All are available from the publisher, History Press/Arcadia, and all major book retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.
In addition to her own books, Stephanie is contracted by publishers and packagers to write and/or ghostwrite non-fiction works. Projects include two titles in the Our Basic Freedoms children’s book series (religion and press); A Taste of Latin America main and chapter introductions; ghostwriting and copyediting on Viva Mezcal; and, Fold & Fly Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals that Fly: Over 25 Paper Creations that Fly.
Stephanie is also called upon to assist other writers. Her research was recognized in North South Trader's Civil War, and she has provided background for several published biographies including one on business magnate Charles J. Harrah.
She is the creator and publisher of the popular "history-tainment" websites:
• Clouded in Mystery - Mysteries, Myths and Crimes from the U.S. and U.K.
• Hauntingly PENNSYLVANIA™ - Where History & Hauntings Meet
Stephanie is a proud member of The Authors Guild, National Writers Union and American Crime Writers League. She also supports other reading and writing programs and organizations.
For media inquiries, or to schedule a book signing, presentation or other personal appearance, send an email to: hoovercomms AT gmail DOT com.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 6, 2021
Outstanding local history. I was astounded that I had never heard of this story, though in live in an adjacent county. Detailed and thoroughly researched, with bizarre (perhaps not so bizarre) parallels with 2020 and 2021 America.
May 12, 2025
As someone who lived a block away before I knew of this history, I was very interested in this book. It's very informative, but written in an interesting way that doesn't feel like you're watching a boring documentary and it's pretty engaging!
November 4, 2022
Well written, entertaining and informative. It's the story that time forgot. What a wild piece of Schuylkill County history!
January 22, 2024
Joe Bruno was my grandmother’s cousin!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews