![]() ![]() Many of the immigrant miners who died were recent arrivals to the U.S. ![]() After a march to the cemetery, there will be speeches from Italian representatives. For many years it was traditional for Cherry children to march to the cemetery on the disaster's anniversary. At 11:45 a.m., people will gather at the Cherry Grade School. On Sunday, November 15, the tours and displays will continue. Confirmation is still pending on other speakers. Preceding the dedication, labor musician Bucky Halker will sing coal mining and labor songs.Ĭonfirmed speakers for the dedication include Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan, United Mine Workers Vice-President Steve Earl, Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, State Senator Gary Dahl and State Representative Frank Mautino. In 1909, Chicago fire fighters came to Cherry to help extinguish the blaze. Chicago Fire Fighters' Local 2's color guard will lead the procession to the dedication. On Saturday, November 14, a new monument will be dedicated at Cherry's Village Hall. Videos on labor topics are scheduled, along with displays and genealogical workshops. On both days, there will be walking and trolley tours of the town, mine site and cemetery. A full weekend of ceremonies is planned, free and open to the public. This November 14-15, the Village of Cherry will commemorate the disaster and the miners. ![]() Thus workers would no longer have to simply rely on charity after an industrial accident. The next year, Illinois passed its first Workers Compensation Act. Approximately $1,800 was given to each surviving family in the summer of 1910. The United Mine Workers helped serve on that committee. As public donations came into the community, a review board was established, modeled after the recently passed British Workers' Compensation law, to hear claims from the bereaved families and survivors. The shock and outcry over Cherry led to political action and calls for mine safety legislation. ![]() Twenty men retreated deep in the mine and sealed themselves off, surviving for a week underground before rescue. Brave rescue attempts were made and a rescue crew also sadly perished. Before the day was over, 259 miners laid dead, either from asphyxiation or immolation. Because there was no quick action to extinguish it, the fire spread, as one misjudgment after another fueled the flames. Unfortunately, a small fire broke out in a hay wagon bringing feed to the mules underground. Miners went back to the old-fashioned method of torches and lanterns. On November 13, 1909, that electrical system failed. ![]()
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