Water fountain and coal-exposure monument on the Main Street, Mount Hope. Photo circa-1990s.

In the days of "hand fired" burning of coal over open grates "lump" coal was highly desirable vs. fine, powdery coal that would quickly fall through the grates and be wasted. Coal that retained its (lump) form while in transport and storage, and exposed to the elements (esp. winterly weather) was very marketable.