Ballard, coal mine electrician, discusses mining and unions in DuQuoin and Dowell, Illinois: mining machinery, safety measures, company houses, stores and scrip pay in a company town; the UMW and PMA union conflicts; and the marches on Mulkeytown and Dowell. He also discusses growing up in southern Illinois, schooling, chores and childhood games.

3 tapes, 125 mins. Interview by Barbara Herndon, 1977 OPEN For collateral file see J9/5/24