Material Type

Recording

Date Range

1992

Physical Description

1 audio cassette (digital file)

Physical Condition

Excellent

Acquisition Source

Sir Alexander Galt Museum

Scope and Content

1 90 minute audio cassette tape.interviewee: john and oral boychuk.interviewer: lori jarokosky, museum Programmer.date: 10 November 1992.length: Approximately 75 minutes. Side A - John was born 4 April 1927 in Lethbridge to Mr & Mrs Charles Boychuk. Charles was employed for 40+ years in mines in the Lethbridge area. - John started at the Kerralta Mine when he was 16. Shortly after he started, an explosion occurred in the mine and 4 men were killed. The mine closed about a year later and he went to work at No. 8. - At Kerralta he made $2.50 per day driving a pony. - Talks about the explosion at Kerralta and the mine rescue. , - At No. 8 one of his jobs was driving the miner's bus. They had 3 buses that made a total of 5 trips. He describes the route. - Talks about the miners changing clothes and showering at the mine. - Describes how the loading and coal cutter machines work. « - Describes the tipple operation and mentions that both a union and a company employee had to be present to witness the weighing of the coal cars. - Talks about the mine ponies. No. 8 had about 40 horses. - Describes the start of his shift - moving the coal cars in and out of the mine. Side B (Approx 30 minutes) - Continue with moving the cars - Talks about the cable the cars ran along and explains how a miner could signal the cable operator if there was a problem or emergency. - Lists various equipment he has operated and explains the mane & tail machine. - His last position at the mine was locomotive operator. He talks about the dust and the fumes. Describes the locomotive as being a 5 cylinder that started by air (open flames and sparks were not allowed in the mine). - Oral describes how she felt the first time she went underground in the mine. - Talks about the gripper position and how the cars were secured when stopped. - Talks about strikes and how it was illegal to strike during war years. - Describes the cutters job.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

19971067002

Collection

Archive

Less detail