◆ SpookStack

Fe: JOHN L. LEVIS, ET AL INT ‘ "] heard a rumor, source not knomm, that Elshoff — might operate Mine 4 through Mine 8. I did not continue think this was possible as Wine B could not handle ‘that volumn of coal as it had all it could handle already “hreugh the Mine B Tipple. "Jt vas talk at the mine that Eishof? would open Mine 4 on the condition that the mners would join the Wi:. I thought this was possibly true, knovring vhat had happened at Mine B, Elshoff opened Line B after the UN. got bargaining rights, Therefore, I thought I had better join the Wi. to keep my job. I mrde up ny mird to do this before any meeting. It uade no difference to me Yhich wnior. ‘id th: contract with the operators of Linc A. "I went to tvo union uectings during th. time of the discussions concerning Mince 4 employees joining the UT... One vas at the Puy Hall and the other vas hcid nt the Elks Club, Springficld. Some PM‘A momber presided et the necting which ras held at the Ml, Hall. I do not recall how I got notice of this mecting. They discussed whether tho mincrs” should join the Utf;. Some mincrs Wanted to and others did not. Thera werc no threats or fights but they argucd about the matter. I was not clected or appointed to any conmittec, Thore Were no Ii] orpanizers present to my knowledge. I also went to the mecting held at the Elks Club on Sunday, in September, 1941. I do not rember hor I got notice of this mecting. I do not know tho prosided et this mocting. There Was practically no discussion, and the vote vas taken by a standing votc and all I sav, votcd in fevor of UI.. No one influanced my vote, B8cfore this vote, I do not recall that therc vere any UM? organizers present. ftcor this votc, the Ris membcra askcd Avy Edmundson of the UMT to come over to teke them in ag a local of the Ul. Kdmmdson camo over with one or two mcn J did not knov, He made a short spcech saying Elshoff vould open Hine A in a short timc, date not recalled. I do not recall anything else that might herve heppcned at that accting. "J started vorking at Ifine /. as soon as it opened but only mrkod about three months which ¥as about Deceubor, 1941, und thon I quit. = 346 -