American Life Histories
Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project
1936-1940

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"A Railroad "Bo" Story"; "Miner's Lore"
(Washington)

Folklore

FORM A

Circumstances of Interview

Washington

J. J. Stauter

Seattle, Washington

December 20, 1938

"A Railroad "Bo" Story"; "Miner's Lore"

1. H. House and anonymous

2. December 19, 1938

3. A.F.of L. Union Hall, Seattle, Washington

4. None

5. None

6. None.

Folklore

FORM B

Personal History of Informant

Washington

J. J. Stauter

Seattle, Washington

December 20, 1938

"A Railroad Bo Story"; "Miner's Lore"

H. House and anonymous

1. Not known

2. Not known

3. Not obtained

4. Not obtainable

5. Not known

6. Old-time coal miner; member of United Mine Workers.

7. Not obtainable

8. Not given

9. Not given

10. None

"In 1928 times was pretty good, and the "boes" (tramps) were getting scarce -- they could make good money almost anywhere. I run across one feller near Cincinnati that was ridin' the brakes west. He looked like he might be the kind that took a job once in a while so I told him that there was lots of work in Kansas City if he was interested. He said: 'Brother, I hain't worked for eleven year. And what's more, brother, I hain't never goin' to work again -- until there's a red flag flyin' over the Post Office."

Told by anonymous

_________________________

A bit of Miner's folklore

"Most every coal mine in the country has got rats in it. Mice, too. You don't see no livin' creature in a shaft coal mine savin' rats and mice -- and men. The old timers say that if a mine ain't got no rats nor mice, it ain't safe for nobody. They can smell even the least bit of gas. If there's gas formin', they'll leave in a hurry. 'Tis said the rats can tell afore men if there's goin' to be a cave in. They can hear the timbers creak when there's too much strain on 'em. They can feel the top begin to give when it's weak. So a miner always says: 'Look out when the rats leave a mine-- they know better'n the company experts when it ain't safe."

Told by H. House, one of the United Mine Worker's Union. An old coal miner.

Text from: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, WPA Federal Writers' Project Collection