Scope and Contents Fancher discusses coal mining in Herrin and Springfield, Illinois, and in Alabama: coal mining work, uses of coal, union activities in Illinois and Alabama, UMW and PMA union conflicts, conflicts with management, organization of the Progressive Miners, union offices and resolutions, meetings, and members; John L. Lewis; the March on Mulkeytown, violence, and strikes. He also discusses growing up in Alabama in a coal mining family, hunting wild hogs, and prohibition. 5 tapes, 450...

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. ...