Interview with Clifford Childers, July 20, 1988

Interview Summary

Clifford Childers talks about his ancestors and family background. He was born in Auxier and describes growing up in the company town run by the North East Coal Company. He talks about women's role in church, as well as their duties in the home.

He discusses the power the company held over the miners, including restricting their trading to the company store. Childers talks about some of the dangers involved with mining, including accidents as well as health issues, and says his father died of black lung. He talks about his own work in the mines, and discusses the importance of the union in improving the quality of life for the miners.

Interview Keyword

Coal mine accidents Company stores Families. Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969. Rural churches Traditional farming--Kentucky Whitehouse Kentucky Women--Appalachian Region Womens' role in coal camps Work culture

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Auxier (Ky.) Childers, Clifford Childers, Clifford--Interviews Coal miners--Kentucky--Auxier Coal miners--Labor unions--Kentucky Coal mines and mining--Kentucky--Auxier Coal mines and mining--Safety measures Company towns Mine safety Strikes and lockouts--Coal mining United Mine Workers of America

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.