Retired miners share memories and anecdotes from their coal mining days. They recall stopping trains during strikes to catch scab workers and losing their jobs for belonging to the union. The coal company controlled every aspect of their lives. They describe newer mining methods with machines. There is some discussion about the on-going strike. The leadership of Lohn L. Lewis is lauded -- in contrast to that of current union officials -- and they explain that not until Roosevelt's administration did coal miners get empowered. They look through photographs of people, mines and camps, first aid classes, canaries, and oil lamps. The last quarter of the video is outdoors near Pictou Mine, where the former owner talks about running the saloon and store during the Prohibition. The abandoned mine's dump heap, mostly rock, is in the background and they explain that the coal content smolders for many years.
description
Retired miners share memories and anecdotes from their coal mining days. They recall stopping trains during strikes to catch scab workers and losing their jobs for belonging to the union. The coal company controlled every aspect of their lives. They describe newer mining methods with machines. There is some discussion about the on-going strike. The leadership of Lohn L. Lewis is lauded -- in contrast to that of current union officials -- and they explain that not until Roosevelt's administration did coal miners get empowered. They look through photographs of people, mines and camps, first aid classes, canaries, and oil lamps. The last quarter of the video is outdoors near Pictou Mine, where the former owner talks about running the saloon and store during the Prohibition. The abandoned mine's dump heap, mostly rock, is in the background and they explain that the coal content smolders for many years.
Description
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