Scope and Contents ILLINOIS COAL: THE LEGACY OF AN INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY Gobel, Christian County coal miner, recalls his duties in the mines, working conditions and hazards, formation of the Progressive Miners Union, mine war violence, and relations between ethnic groups working in the mines. Also discusses his family background as immigrants from Belgium; family living conditions; bootlegging; and the mechanization of the mines. Also mentions John L. Lewis, WWII home front, and black lung disease. 2...