On November 13, 1909, a fire broke out at the Cherry Mine in northern Illinois. Of the 450 miners working underground, 259 men and boys succumbed to flames and smoke. The labor force was predominantly composed of immigrant workers. As with most industrial accidents, the Cherry Mine disaster was avoidable. The calamity inspired public outrage, resulting in a new workman's compensation law and stronger mine safety regulations.
259 people were killed in the Cherry mine disaster.
On November 14-15, the Village of Cherry will commemorate the disaster and the miners. A full weekend of ceremonies is planned, free and open to the public. Featured speakers and performers include UMWA Vice President Steve Earl, and singer and labor historian, Bucky Halker. Walking tours of the cemetery and mine site will also be conducted.
Here's a download link to a PDF flyer for the event.
Here's a short video on the disaster:
Download ]
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Cherry Mine Centennial Commemoration
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2 comments:
Thanks for helping to commemorate the US's worst coal mine fire's 100th anniversary.
I got chills reading Steve Earle's quote on why no coal is clean. Too much blood has been shed to bring this precious commodity from the earth.
People today don't realize that 50% of our electricity still comes from coal.
I hope to see many of you in Cherry for the Centennial, and at the Lincoln Presidential Library on November 7, 2009 as we remember the 259 men and boys who lost their lives in this disaster.
Karen Tintori, author
TRAPPED: THE 1909 CHERRY MINE DISASTER, Atria Books, 2002
Hi Karen -
Thanks for the additional information about these upcoming events.
I hope readers of this blog will also check out your book. It's very good.
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