Welcome to another bonus episode of Calm History, an extra treat for my Soak Plus members.

In Archive episode number 32, I covered the history of coal.

Well, now you get to hear the actual experiences of a coal mine worker in 1908,

and it's filled with curious details about fire damp, stink damp, oil lamps, coal blasting,

cave-ins, underground railroads, grinding machines, dwarfs, buried treasures,

and a phantom mule. Yeah, I said phantom mule. You'll also hear about a heartwarming

friendship, along with a tiny twist at the end, which

is 100% true.

In the near future, I'll stitch together both of my episodes about coal into a one-hour, extended

bonus episode for my Soak Plus members.

Not only that, but I also plan to do two more bonus episodes about coal.

One will highlight the struggles of coal miners in regard to mine safety, mine owners, and mine unions.

And then, in another bonus episode, I'll introduce you to the patron saint and protector

of mine workers, the brave and foul-mouthed Mother Jones.

So, stay tuned for that.

But for now, lean back, put up your feet, and settle into my time machine of tranquility.

I hope this episode distracts and relaxes your overactive brain squirrels.

A Coal Miner's Experience in 1908.

In July of 1908 at the age of 23, I began working in one of the largest

coal mines in the United States. My usual workday started at 6.30 a.m., along with about 400 other men.

Overall, we were a diverse-looking group, representing about 28 different nationalities.

Our daily journey into the mine began by exiting the wash house.

...