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Show r By J. ELDON DORMAN, M.D. writer Carbon County is Utahs melting pot. At one time, its immigrants outnumbered native residents. Thirty-tw- o nationalities are recorded as having lived in Helper during the early part of this century. Because of its polygot refined and population tempered in the melting process the religious, social and cultural life of Carbon County has a broader, more tolerant cosmopolitan lifestyle that sets it apart from the rest of Utah. The Greek, the Austrian, the Italian, the Welshman, the Finlander, the Japanese, the Chicano and the Native American have all left their imprint as part of its rough, often cruel, yet proud heritage. Two hundred died in the explosion at the Pleasant Valley Coal Company mine at Winter Quarters in 1900. Another 172 died at Castle Gate in 1924, not to mention dozens of smaller life-takin- disasters 199435 Western Mining and Hlailroad Museum Remembering miners heritage Contributing Energy Edition, January, STom &7iiot4fi CJCi&toUf Don't Forget To Visit Our Gift Shop! Collector's Items, Maps, Books, Videos, Statues Made Of Coal, Butch Cassidy Posters, Trains How To Find Us Summer Hours 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Sal Mon. - black granite monument near Orangeville serves der of the Wilberg tragedy. A Carbon County is the Appalachia of Utah, the bastard child. But without its coal, Utahs industries and power plants would grind to g Winter Hours 11 a.m. 4 p.m. as a remin- an abrupt halt. Remember, you would be in the cold and in the dark if it were not for Utahs Carbon County and its coal industry. -- Tues.-S- at Tours Upon Request Call Ahead 472-300- 9 V J and countless of arms and shattered bones and amputations legs, broken backs. Life was cheap. Workmens Compensation did not exist. After the Winter Quarters catastrophe, families received $500 for the loss of each life. Amputation of an arm or leg sometimes if the brought $300-$50company decided to pay. In the early days of coal mining, it has been said the life of a miner approximated in value that of a prize mine 0, mule. These conditions no longer exist, but are still part of the coal miners heritage and must not be forgotten. Death still lurks in the mines. The Wilberg Mine fire Dec. 19, 1984 (six days before Christmas) killed 27 people, 26 men and one woman. This disaster cast a dark shadow over the entire community because the people were our friends and neighbors. Indoor Pool Sauna Whirlpool Restaurant Lounge Room Service Executive and VIP Suites Movie Rental Castle Country Adventures Full Banquet and Meeting Facilities L.Kji 838 Westwood Blvd., Price 637-888- Energy Edition j I ftA UU 0 Includes Mailing Ea. 76 West Main Price, Utah 84501 J |
