Interview with Duane L. Bennett, December 8, 1988

Interview Summary

Duane Bennett was born in Harlan, Kentucky. His father was a carpenter who became involved in the coal business. Bennett discusses some of the local mines including the Harlan Central Coal Company, B.& C. Coal Company, and Dartmouth Coal Company, and the people who operated them. He describes the process of starting a mine in the 1930s in eastern Kentucky. Bennett states that the coal mining camps were close knit communities and he explains how eastern Kentuckians had a different lifestyle than other Kentuckians. He recalls how the coal mines would pay the miners in scrip and he describes the problems that this would cause. Bennett also remembers attempts to unionize the mines and discusses the importance of the unions at that time since some companies would take advantage of their workers. He recalls the Battle of Evarts at Bell Crossing during the push for unionization where several men were killed. Bennett states that the downfall of the unions were the sweetheart contracts that were offered to operators allowing them to pay the miners whatever they wanted as long as they gave money to the union. Bennett discusses changes in safety standards and the role of the foreman in keeping his workers safe.

Interview Keyword

Coal Operators

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Bennett, Duane L. Bennett, Duane L.--Interviews Coal miners Coal mines and mining--Appalachian Region

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Interview Usage

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