On January 26, 1933, 10,000 members of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Progressive Miners of America assembled in Springfield, IL to march on the state capitol.  Outraged by the wanton disregard for civil liberties, the violent abuse suffered at the hands of thugs and local law enforcement and the lack of basic economic relief for miner’s families, these women demanded an audience with Illinois’ new governor, Henry Horner.

Here’s an excerpt from the demands issued to the Governor on that day by Illinois Women’s Auxiliary President, Agnes Burns Wieck.  It’s performed by Champaign-Urbana theater talent, Diane Pritchard.

Agnes Burns Wieck Speech

This audio clip is an excerpt from audio documentary on Agnes’ work in the Illinois Women’s Auxiliary to be released soon.

Here are links to some past articles on Agnes and the remarkable Women’s Auxiliary of the Progressive Miners of America: Coal Field Hell Raiser and “To Our Militant Leader…From Militant Admirers”.

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