Kansas Coal Mining Occupational Photos

(Kansas) Attributed to John Tackett, a well-known, Coffeyville, Kansas photographer, these two coal mining photos are interestingly showing the integration of the coal mining labor force in Kansas the first half of the last century. Both black and white photos are 4 ¾ x 6 ½ inches and 8 x 10 inches mounted. The first is a group of six miners, including three African Americans sitting within the mine. The second image is of seven miners, including four African Americans.

Coal mining has traditionally been a dangerous occupation. The historic significance of African Americans working in the coal mines cannot be overstated. As a sign of the times, African Americans filled many of the unskilled jobs, such as coal loaders, mule handlers and coke oven workers. In many parts of the country, miners were highly mistreated by coal operators who shrugged off deadly mining accidents, offering the widow a one-time box of groceries. Coal miners often lived with their families in “coal camps” owned by the mine operators. In the early days, miners were paid in script which could only be spent at the company store. In the 1930’s, activists like Mother Jones made their reputation traveling throughout the coal fields and organizing miners to join labor unions. The coal mines became highly politicized with politicians vying for votes, while coal mine operators tempted to skirt safety responsibility by paying off unscrupulous union bosses and politicians.

As an aside John Tackett gained national notoriety in 1892 when he photographed the Dalton Gang. He later collaborated with Emmett Dalton and wrote, filmed, produced and distributed a movie about the famous raid that starred Dalton.

One photo has a chip out of the top left corner of its mount. Overall in vg cond.