COALMINERS-L Archives

From: "william gordon" <>
Subject: [C-M] Miners Life
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 21:20:12 -0400

When I started my research of my wife's family a few weeks ago it took me into the eastern Pennsylvania coal mine area. I recalled a movie titled "The Molly Maguires" which was distributed in 1969-70 and became a subject of conversation with an Aunt who lived in the area and whose husband had been a miner at the turn of the century. I recently purchased it for my children and grandchildren to view as an authentic representation of what their ancestors endured when they emigrated to the USA from Ireland. The story line is about the negativity of the Molly Maguires terrorist activities which are alleged to be a sub organization of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The movie is based on a Hollywood version of a true story which can be read by accessing Molly Maguire on your search engine and specifically reading about JAMES McPARLAND, a detective charged with breaking up the Molly Maguire organization. There is enough depiction in the movie to provide an excellent understanding !
of the miners life and perils. I recommend anyone that is looking at mining or has ancestors who were miners to either rent this film or purchase it for their archives as I did.
The Molly Maguires may have only been active in Pennsylvania but their roots go back to Ireland centuries ago.
The comments cited by another subscriber about the rigged trial and the hanging of many miners in Pottsville Pa. are well documented for the students of history.
Hope you enjoy learning this sordid side of mining as much as I have.
Bill

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• [C-M] Miners Life by "william gordon" <>