Coal mining was an extremely hazardous job in the U.S. during the first half of the 20th century. The Christmas holiday marked a dark day for Illinois mining in 1932. On the morning of Christmas Eve, an underground methane gas explosion took the lives of 54 miners.

The Moweaqua Mine was among those newly organized by the Progressive Miners. While donations poured in from across the state, Mark Sorenson notes: “John L. Lewis, head of the United Mine Workers, sent a check for $4000 (some reported $1000) that was refused by the Moweaqua Progressive Miner Union. They thought it was hypocritical to send money while the UMW was instigating beatings and killings of PMWA members just a few miles away where the PMWA were striking.” Although the union rejected the donation, it was accepted by local relief committee.

The Moweaqua Public Library District has created a great site on the history of coal mining in the town – Mining More In Moweaqua.

Here’s a two-minute trailer from a documentary produced on the disaster.

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