Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Paper
Session Abstract or Summary
In my paper "The View of the Coalfields from the Corporate Headquarters, 1945-1960," I examine the attitudes of coal company managers as they considered whether to reinvest in or shut down mines in southern West Virginia. In particular, I examine the Koppers Company of Pittsburgh and Eastern Gas & Fuel Associates of Boston and their mines and employee communities in Kopperston, Wharton, and Beards Fork, West Virginia. This is part of a broader examination of the collapse of the coalfield economy through the lens of place and place values. The distance of decision-makers from their properties and the people who lived there adds another dimension to the class conflict that unfolded during deindustrialization in many communities.
Presentation #1 Title
The View of the Coalfields from the Corporate Headquarters, 1945-60
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This is an individual paper proposal. I'm hoping it can be combined with other papers to form a panel.
In my paper "The View of the Coalfields from the Corporate Headquarters, 1945-1960," I examine the attitudes of coal company managers as they considered whether to reinvest in or shut down mines in southern West Virginia. In particular, I examine the Koppers Company of Pittsburgh and Eastern Gas & Fuel Associates of Boston and their mines and employee communities in Kopperston, Wharton, and Beards Fork, West Virginia. This is part of a broader examination of the collapse of the coalfield economy through the lens of place and place values. The distance of decision-makers from their properties and the people who lived there adds another dimension to the class conflict that unfolded during deindustrialization in many communities.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Lou Martin is an associate professor of history at Chatham University and author of Smokestacks in the Hills: Rural-Industrial Workers in West Virginia.
The View of the Coalfields from the Corporate Headquarters, 1945-60
This is an individual paper proposal. I'm hoping it can be combined with other papers to form a panel.
In my paper "The View of the Coalfields from the Corporate Headquarters, 1945-1960," I examine the attitudes of coal company managers as they considered whether to reinvest in or shut down mines in southern West Virginia. In particular, I examine the Koppers Company of Pittsburgh and Eastern Gas & Fuel Associates of Boston and their mines and employee communities in Kopperston, Wharton, and Beards Fork, West Virginia. This is part of a broader examination of the collapse of the coalfield economy through the lens of place and place values. The distance of decision-makers from their properties and the people who lived there adds another dimension to the class conflict that unfolded during deindustrialization in many communities.
