This photo came from Jimmy Nickels posting on the Scenic Harlan Co. And Surrounding Area Facebook page. People in the coalfields have long memories. The strikers at Brookside were heroes of mine at the time, and the still are today. Mr. Nickels wrote:
The beautiful family of Jerry Rainey, taken in front of their four room coal camp house that they rent from Brookside Mining Company in Harlan County, Kentucky.
Mr. Rainey, whose father was also a miner, was born in the same mining camp.
The mine operation can be seen in the far background.
Even though a Kentucky law prevents miners from being evicted during a strike, Brookside had ordered them to leave. They were refusing to leave, citing the Ky law, as many other paper evicted miners were also doing.
After 13 long months for the miners, 1973/1974, the UMWA and Brookside’s mother company Duke Energy reached an agreement.
Many hardships had been suffered by the miners and their families, and one death, but the strike line was held firm.
Notice all the UMWA stickers on Mr. Rainey’s truck.
These children would possibly be in their 50’s by now.
Photo credit unknown. Circa 1973/1974.
Photo by Rick Burgess at Dolly Sods in Tucker County, West Virginia.
Please follow Rick on Facebook.
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