minewar.org documenting the Illinois Mine War
In Memoriam ~ Gerry Allard
Today marks the 47th anniversary of the passing of Gerry Allard, a founder of the Progressive Miners of America, and life-long advocate for coal miners. The following biography is taken from The Gerry Allard Memorial Program. The event was held in Collinsville, Illinois, October 3, 1965: Gerry Allard, was born in Pas de Calais, Oignes, [...]
“Aided and Abetted by the Operators”
Following months of violence and his failure to negotiate any kind of settlement between the UMWA and the Progressive Miners, Governor Horner appointed a legislative committee to investigate and issue a report on the conflict. The committee’s membership included IL State Senators W.E.C. Clifford, Champaign; Louis L. Williams, Clinton; C.L. Ewing, Douglas; IL State Representatives [...]
Without Mercy, Let Alone Justice
After enjoining Governor Horner to protect their civil liberties a couple of weeks earlier, men and women lawfully demonstrating in support of the Progressive Miners of America were assaulted and severely beaten by Franklin County sheriff’s deputies and Lewis-Walker gun-thugs in the town of West Frankfort, IL on February 5, 1933. A contingent of injured [...]
Commemorating The Great March
On January 26, 1933, 10,000 members of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Progressive Miners of America assembled in Springfield, IL to march on the state capitol. Outraged by the wanton disregard for civil liberties, the violent abuse suffered at the hands of thugs and local law enforcement and the lack of basic economic relief for [...]
Christmas Eve, 1932 ~ Tragedy in Moweaqua
Beyond the battles of labor, government and industry, coal mining has always been an extremely hazardous enterprise. And in 1932 the Christmas holiday marked a dark day for Illinois mining. On the morning of Christmas Eve, an underground methane gas explosion took the lives of 54 miners. “Families of miners, sober faced and dry eyed, [...]
New Photos Discovered
Will Stone at the Christian County Coal Mine Museum recently received a donation of snapshots which document life in Kincaid, IL during the mine war. The photographer is unknown. In this photo members of the Illinois State Militia pose while enforcing martial law in Kincaid. More pictures coming soon…
