PICKNDAWG ATTIC
a song about the
MONONGAH MINE DISASTER
On December 6, 1907 the worst mining disaster in US history occurred at Monongah, West Virginia. The official death count was 361, 362, or 367, depending on the source. It is agreed that the actual number was much higher, as the sons of the miners often worked alongside their fathers to increase their tonnage. Some place the death toll at 500 or more. Most of the workers had been recruited from foreign countries, Italians comprising the largest group of laborers.
"At 10:20 a.m., December 6, 1907, explosions occurred at the No. 6 and No. 8 mines at Monongah, West Virginia. The explosions ripped through the mines at 10:28 a.m., causing the earth to shake as far as eight miles away, shattering buildings and pavement, hurling people and horses violently to the ground, and knocking streetcars off their rails. Three-hundred and sixty-two men and boys died. It remains the worst mine disaster in the history of the United States." - U. S. Dept. of Labor
"At 10:20 a.m., December 6, 1907, explosions occurred at the No. 6 and No. 8 mines at Monongah, West Virginia. The explosions ripped through the mines at 10:28 a.m., causing the earth to shake as far as eight miles away, shattering buildings and pavement, hurling people and horses violently to the ground, and knocking streetcars off their rails. Three-hundred and sixty-two men and boys died. It remains the worst mine disaster in the history of the United States." - U. S. Dept. of Labor
-vintage photo above - US Dept. of Labor
The song cover uses an NARA photo of Henry Fain, a coal loader at the Inland Steel Company in Kentucky.
(The song) Monongah Mine Disaster was mixed and mastered by Mark Poole at Zone 8 Studio.
words and music by Dan Cunningham
c2015 pickndawg music
The song cover uses an NARA photo of Henry Fain, a coal loader at the Inland Steel Company in Kentucky.
(The song) Monongah Mine Disaster was mixed and mastered by Mark Poole at Zone 8 Studio.
words and music by Dan Cunningham
c2015 pickndawg music
Monongah Mine Disaster (lyrics)
- I ran to the window, felt the cold floor on my feet
The ground it shook and rumbled once again
Half an hour later Kate came running down the street
She said the Fairmont mines they blowed to kingdom come
- O you sons of Italy - Far from the country of your birth
You rode over the sea - To die beneath the earth
- Perry Vernon called to me, he said, “the mine caved on our men”
If you can help us dig we might see our friends again
You brave men grab your kerchief, follow me now if you dare
You ladies at the portal send your prayers
-O you sons of Hungary - Far from the country of your birth
You rode over the sea - To die beneath the earth
- All ye fruitful, all ye laborers
Look here at blessing and the curse
The coal in these mountains was mined with sweat and pain
Is worth this price - to fill another’s purse?
- The child and the widow unconsoled they kneel and weep
Coffins by the hundreds fill the street
The mothers look to Christmas - winter’s deeper chill to come
A thousand fatherless are at their feet
- O ye native sons - You share your fellow workman’s fate
You toiled beneath the earth - To stand at heaven's gate
The ground it shook and rumbled once again
Half an hour later Kate came running down the street
She said the Fairmont mines they blowed to kingdom come
- O you sons of Italy - Far from the country of your birth
You rode over the sea - To die beneath the earth
- Perry Vernon called to me, he said, “the mine caved on our men”
If you can help us dig we might see our friends again
You brave men grab your kerchief, follow me now if you dare
You ladies at the portal send your prayers
-O you sons of Hungary - Far from the country of your birth
You rode over the sea - To die beneath the earth
- All ye fruitful, all ye laborers
Look here at blessing and the curse
The coal in these mountains was mined with sweat and pain
Is worth this price - to fill another’s purse?
- The child and the widow unconsoled they kneel and weep
Coffins by the hundreds fill the street
The mothers look to Christmas - winter’s deeper chill to come
A thousand fatherless are at their feet
- O ye native sons - You share your fellow workman’s fate
You toiled beneath the earth - To stand at heaven's gate
©2015 pickndawg music
words and music by Dan Cunningham (ASCAP)
words and music by Dan Cunningham (ASCAP)
Utility building at Fairmont Mine #6 portal Monongah WV
Perry Vernon led the first rescue effort
photo source - U S Dept of Labor
photo source - U S Dept of Labor
Downtown Monongah West Virginia today
all content copyright 1997- 2023 Dan Cunningham/pickndawg music
unless credited otherwise
unless credited otherwise
Turmoil, tragedy, beauty, & humor with driving fingerstyle guitar.
Traditional tunes (Angel Band, John Henry, Amazing Grace)
with new tales of revival preachers, feuding clans, & fugitives.
APPALACHIAN SONG CD
