Coal Wars: Unions, Strikes, and Violence in Depression-era Central Washington

Strikes are a way of life for central Washington coal miners and their families, but Tuesday, April 3, 1934, is different. This time, people are afraid. Wives and mothers pelt cars with rocks, rotten eggs, and cow pies. They curse and assault anyone who dares to cross their picket line. On a normal shift, the striking laborers spend ten or more hours at the workplace. Dressing, preparing lights and equipment, and traveling into the mine shaft-as much as an hour each way-are all done on their …