The History of Coal Mining

1
The History of Coal Mining
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HISTORY OF MINING TOPICS

• SCRIP
• COMPANY STORES
• LIFESTYLES

• COAL CAMPS
• METHODS OF MINING
• EQUIPMENT

3
MINING SCRIP

• Miners were paid with scrip which could only be
  used at the mines company store. Each company
  had their own type of scrip.

4
Mining Lights

• Miners at one time wore carbide lights on their
  hats to see in the darkness of the mines. This
  was a dangerous practice as the open flame often
  caused explosions in gaseous mines. Flame safety
  lamps were used to check for dangerous gases.

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PURITAN MINES TIPPLE
Tipple located at Puritan Mines (Mingo County),
WV, which is no longer standing.
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SCARLET FLAMEISLAND CREEK 25
This tipple is currently in use at Ragland, WV
and is owned by Arch Coal.
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Oral History Interview

• Interview someone about mining in the past (use a
  video camera or tape recorder.
• Suggestions-
• Grandparents
• Neighbors
• Retired Miners
• Wives of miners

• Sample Questions
• What type of clothing and equipment did you wear?
• How were canaries used?
• How did you get the coal out?
• How were you paid?
• Where did you shop?
• Did you enjoy your job?
• What do you remember the most?

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Extra Credit Reports/Activities

• Baseball Other Pastimes of the Coal Fields
• Famous People in Our Area
• Find out-
• How were canaries used?
• Where did the term fire boss come from?
• Are there any company stores in your area?

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Burch Middle SchoolRt. 3 Box 4BDelbarton, WV
25670(304) 475-2141

• Jeanne Scott-Brewster
• Judy Smith
• Helen Browning Curry