Good info Sandy.

I'd also watch the movie "Matewan"...a favorite around here....as its one of a very few where there is a bit of accuracy at least in the telling of history through film. There is a CD through Rounder you might try to get also and I located it at the the Matewan site.....CLICK HERE. Florence Reese that Sandy mentions is also on that one with "Which Side Are You On"....worth the time in listening!

Related to living with the mines and around them is the great song by Jean Ritchie, "Black Waters" which speaks of the uncaring coal and steel companies who raped and pillaged like Attilla because they owned the mineral rights.

I'll check back in later.

Spaw