Interview with Paul L. Pratt, August 12, 2022

Interview Summary

Paul L. Pratt, who as the Vice President and General Manager, was directed in 1992 to “turn the lock, ” closing forever the coal mining operations of the Benham / International Harvester Company (IH), Benham, KY, which was IH’s only captive coal mine. During his 20 year career (1972-1992) with IH, Pratt rose through the ranks to serve as the highest ranking executive manager responsible for all aspects of mining operations, including underground and surface production, coal preparation, engineering, and shipment of up to 3 million tons annually. This interview highlights the mining operations and history of coal and steel production of the once giant International Harvester Company (IH) and its subsidiary, Wisconsin Steel, which produced the high fusion metallurgical coal that was critical to America’s decisive victories in WWII. Also chronicled is the critical decision by International Harvester to sponsor the Benham Credit Union, upon which the financial activities of daily life of the coal miners and their families were grounded, as well as IH contributions to community living. The interview concludes with the bankruptcy of the once critically acclaimed International Harvester Company, into Navistar International and Arch Minerals Coal Company.

Interview Keyword

Benham, Kentucky International Harvester Wisconsin Steel Benham Credit Union captive coal mine coal mining operations underground mining mine safety payment to coal miners Script coal miners’ houses family life community life Navistar Arch Minerals Coal Company

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Interview Usage

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