minewar.org documenting the 1930's Illinois Mine War
“We were not ladies. We were women.”
The Women’s Auxiliary of the Progressive Miners of America provided crucial support for the union during conflicts and strikes. Beyond its support function, it provided the impetus and backbone for much of the early militancy and commitment to organizing which characterized the early years of the union. Irene Allard was a founding member of the […]
Boyhood Recollections of Frank Maras, Part 1
Frank Maras is a retired coal miner who was raised on a farm just outside of Bulpit, Illinois. Bulpit is near Taylorville, Illinois which was the site of major mining operations for the Peabody Coal Company. Angered by the recent contract vote which was believed to have been subverted by union officials, dissident miners struck […]
Three Cheers for the Christian County Coal Mine Museum
Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Will Stone, the head of the Christian County Coal Mine Museum. Will is a retired miner who’s committed to preserving the history and lore of mining in the region. He has been very helpful in identifying folks in the Taylorville area who have […]
