Emilio came to Colorado in 1910 from Italy and began working the coke ovens. He describes this and other jobs in some detail, including working both with mules and machinery. He speaks of the bathhouse and union activities at the local saloon. After WWI he met Gertrude in occupied Germany and eventually they married, though they had no language in common. Cokedale did not experience the violence that other towns did during strikes. The couple doesn't mention any harsh treatment from the coal company. Gertrude remembers the close-knit community, baking bread in outdoor ovens, dancing at summer parties, involvement in school activities, and the Victory gardens of the Depression. People had good times in spite of having little money. Everyone was friendly and ethnic background played no role. Mining ended around 1947 and many inhabitants moved away, while others bought the company house they lived in and stayed.
description
Emilio came to Colorado in 1910 from Italy and began working the coke ovens. He describes this and other jobs in some detail, including working both with mules and machinery. He speaks of the bathhouse and union activities at the local saloon. After WWI he met Gertrude in occupied Germany and eventually they married, though they had no language in common. Cokedale did not experience the violence that other towns did during strikes. The couple doesn't mention any harsh treatment from the coal company. Gertrude remembers the close-knit community, baking bread in outdoor ovens, dancing at summer parties, involvement in school activities, and the Victory gardens of the Depression. People had good times in spite of having little money. Everyone was friendly and ethnic background played no role. Mining ended around 1947 and many inhabitants moved away, while others bought the company house they lived in and stayed.
Description
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