A week in the life of a coal town

By: 
Sandy Vasko

    One hundred and forty-three years ago everything was different, or was it? How do we know what life was really like? We can at least guess after reading the July 7, 1874 Joliet Signal. For a short while the Signal had a correspondent in Braidwood who “told it like it was” or at least as he saw it. Let's see if we can see Braidwood through those lenses.
    “We have at last concluded our celebration of the Fourth, which passed off quietly and pleasantly. When we consider the large numbers in attendance on the national games, which were the principal features in the entertainment, throughout the two days' celebration, we feel like congratulating ourselves that we have so orderly community. There were but 2 arrests for drunkenness; further, there was no disturbance of any kind.”
    “Early in the day, the Miners' band marched through the streets, playing music appropriate to the day, then to the Grove, whither the population, almost as a unit, followed. The games consisted of base ball, foot ball (soccer), quoiting, pigeon shooting, foot racing, for old men, young men, boys and girls, horse racing, leaping, vaulting, etc.; at the same time music and dancing made perfect harmony.
    “Notwithstanding the extreme heat, this was kept lively and interesting up to Monday night. Friday evening, July 3rd, the Ancient Hibernian Society gave a ball at Nells' hall. Saturday evening, the Star base ball club held a club dance at Odd Fellows hall. There were present 120 couples, and all passed off very pleasantly.”
    “Such in brief, was our manner of observance of the great national holiday. While in comparison with the American custom it was novel, none who witnessed the sports will doubt the patriotism of our foreign-born population.”
    “The week past has brought no material change in the strike. A few black legs have been put in. The men still seem determined not to go to work on the terms proposed, and the company is equally firm in their refusal of an advance. The men have been very quiet and orderly, but the women of the prairie are not so docile under their grievance. Tuesday morning three or four of the old bosses went to work; this was noised about during the day.”
    “The women were wild with excitement, and when the men came up they went for them. At first, only scoffs and jeers were hurled at the men, but were followed by brickbats, etc. 2 of the bosses received a severe drubbing.
    “The amazons then proceeded down Main Street, a band that would have put any of the modern crusaders in the shade. They seemed in good spirits, and went merrily along with many a friendly whoop. In this little game, clubs were trump, and they held a full hand. After a time, they gathered around Mr. Pearts' house, one of the bosses. They seemed quite anxious to hold a little friendly conversation with that gentleman.
    “Nothing came of this warlike demonstration. After a little time, Deputy Sheriff  O'Donnell arrived at the scene of action and soon dispersed the women, a feat which several of the special police had failed to accomplish.
    “This lawless act is regretted by many of the citizens and miners, and steps have been taken to prevent anything of the kind in the future.
    “The only serious results of the women's raid was caused by one Cleary, a man in the company's employ, finding himself closely besieged by the females, showed fight and hit one woman a severe blow on the head. It is stated by witnesses of the affair that the woman hurt was not taking part in the proceedings.
    “Many seem to think the man not justified in resorting to violence. Cleary was arrested and gave bail in the sum of $500 to appear for trial the 10th inst.; the day arrived but no Cleary.
    “The Odd Fellows had a public installation of officers on Wednesday evening and a dance. Every thing was nice and it was decidedly an enjoyable affair despite the hot weather.”
    “The Free Gardners were out on a grand parade the 9th inst. They made a fine appearance. The Stars and Stripes were borne at the head of the procession then followed the band, and next the Order, some 50 strong, wearing a regalia of blue and red, with white gloves and carrying bouquets of beautiful flowers. Prominent in the procession was the banner of the Order, a blue field with emblems.”
    “The base ballists played a match game in Braidwood the 9th inst - the Riversides of Wilmington an d the Stars of Braidwood. The Stars were victorious by 17 tallies in nine innings.”
 

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