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Archiver > APPALACHIAN-LIFE > 2001-07 > 0994853359


From: (Nancy Rice)
Subject: [AppalLife] Unions
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 08:09:19 -0400 (EDT)


I'm new to Appalachian Life, but I have enjoyed reading all that's been
written about Appalachia and I just have to put in my two cents worth.

My Dad was President of the local union at Wheelwright, KY (Inland Steel
Corp.) in the 40's. He is 93 and also has enjoyed all that has been
written. He says you all know what you are talking about. According
to him there were radicals on both sides of the issues. Dad was and is
a very calm person and when he ran for the presidency some said he
wouldn't make it. When he won two men were over heard talking about it
and one said that he couldn't believe the men voted for him to which the
other replied that the women elected Dad because they were tired of the
strikes and never getting ahead. I have one of the old dinner buckets
they carried. In the bottom part of the bucket they carried water and
in the top was their lunch. It holds a lot of memories for me because
my brothers and I used to run to get his bucket because he always saved
us his cake or an apple. I know what you mean about being afraid. At
Wheelwright the elementary school was next door to the steps up to the
mines. I can remember the silence when the sirenes would go off. But I
also have good memories. After school I would wait on the steps for Dad
to come out of the bathhouse. He would cross the street to the "colored
fountain" (this was in the 40's) and get me an ice cream and then we
walk home. There was a school bus but I don't remember riding it too
often.
Of course about half way home I would get tired and Dad would put me on
his shoulders and carry me the rest of the way. We had it pretty good
because there was a swimming pool and play ground and my brothers and I
spent many hours there.

I have an appointment in a little while so I will have to write more
about the Union later if anyone is interested.

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