Scope and Contents COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Fancher, Springfield resident, recalls the 1930's coal mine wars in Central Illinois. He discusses his disagreement with the actions of John L. Lewis, being barred from the United Mine Workers Union, formation of the Progressive Miners of America, violence between the two unions, the automobile caravan to Mulkeytown, and violence involving non-union miners. He also recalls mechanization in the mines and the tactics employed by members of the UMW. ...

Scope and Contents COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Gramlich, a Springfield area coal miner, recalls working conditions in the mines, mechanization, leadership of John L. Lewis, formation of the Progressive Miners of America Union, strikes and the violence between the P.M.A. and the United Mine Workers Union, Mulkeytown march, and the Peerless Mine Ambush. Also discusses Springfield in the 1920's, living conditions for the striking miners and their families, and his indictment along with 40 other...

Scope and Contents

COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Nickey, niece of John L. Lewis, recalls her uncle's career in coal mining union activities, political activities and his family life.

1 tape, 41 mins., 20 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Ozanic, coal miner, discusses various aspects of coal mining during the early and mid 20th century and especially mining unions: the conflict between the Progressive Miners of America and United Mine Workers of America, the mine wars and martyrs, John L. Lewis, Mother Jones, Frank Farrington, the American Federation of Labor, Virden riot, marches on Mulkeytown and Coulterville, mine work, mine conditions and disasters, improvements in the mines,...

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COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Poole, coal miner, discusses mine wars and unions from the 1920's through the 40's: PMA, UMW, prohibition, Charlie Birger and bootleggers, Eldorado and other southern Illinois towns, and his work in the mines.

1 tape, 90 mins., 27 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 RESTRICTED: Tape restricted, memoir open.

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COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Purcell discusses coal mining and unions in Franklin County, Illinois: the Mulkeytown march, conflict between the UMW and PMA, and the mine disaster in West Frankfort. Also discusses Charlie Birger and Shelton gangs, prohibition, the Ku Klux Klan, and the 1925 tornado.

1 tape, 70 mins., 21 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

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COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Singer recalls Italian miners and the company mining store in Riverton, Illinois, John L. Lewis, 1931 miners' march on Taylorville, and Springfield's business district in the late 1920's.

1 tape, 44 mins., 12 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Small, editor of the Harrisburg Daily Register, recalls mine wars and violence between the Progressive Miners and United Mine Workers in Illinois; the Sahara Coal Company in Saline County; and descriptions of the UMW and PMA. Also recalls gangsters and gang violence in the 1930's.

1 tape, 63 mins., 26 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

COAL MINING AND UNION ACTIVITIES PROJECT Wells, President of the United Mine Workers, District 12, discusses John L. Lewis, union activities, coal mining mechanization, and disasters.

1 tape, 82 mins., 20 pp. Interview by Rex Rhodes, 1972 OPEN See collateral file: interviewer's notes and photocopies of articles on John L. Lewis.