minewar.org documenting the 1930's Illinois Mine War
Falling Backwards
“It was not unusual for the mine executive to come to the mine and conduct an investigation if a mule was injured or killed. But no such investigation ever took place when a miner was killed.” ~ Jack Battuello describes 1920’s mining conditions in Illinois. Labor unions are commonly considered in a narrow light; organizations […]
“To Our Militant Leader…From Militant Admirers”
I had the great fortune to interview Sean Burns this week. Sean is a descendant of Agnes Burns Wieck, the first president of the Illinois Women’s Auxiliary of the Progressive Miners of America. Agnes was a legendary organizer, gifted leader and political visionary. In addition to providing a thoughtful and heart-felt interview, Sean was kind […]
Mine War Site – Mine “B”
In the 1930’s, Mine “B” was owned by Carl Elshoff, and was organized by the Progressive Miners following their split from the UMWA. The Progressives later struck the mine after the UMWA attempted to assert control over the labor force. FBI records indicate that John L. Lewis provided funds to Elshoff to help him break […]
Pressure From Below
When considering the political fallout of the Great Depression, one might wonder why the U.S. moved leftward, enacting a number of social and economic reforms. In Europe for example, the economic crisis provided an opportunity for fascist parties to win control in Germany and Italy. One reason was there was considerable organized resistance from […]
In Memorium ~ Evanell Williams (1925-2009)
Last week I was saddened to learn that Evanell Williams died on Christmas Eve, 2009. I had the good fortune to meet her late last summer when I conducted an interview with her husband, Ben for this project. (His father was a member of the United Mine Workers during the Mine War. Ben is a […]
Book Review ~ Reckoning At Eagle Creek
In Jeff Biggers’ new book, Reckoning At Eagle Creek: The Secret Legacy of Coal In The Heartland, he quotes a friend: “The abuse of the land is always connected to the abuse of the people.” This theme resonates throughout as Biggers entwines family history with industrial, labor, native and environmental histories of Southern Illinois. […]