Superior Anthracite Mines Fire Boss Reports

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Superior Anthracite Mines Fire Boss Reports, Ms2009-131, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.3 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Superior Anthracite Mines (1919-1958) (McCoy, Va.)
Abstract:
The collection contains daily fire boss reports for mining operation in McCoy (Montgomery County), Virginia, describing mine conditions.
Language:
The material in the collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Superior Anthracite Mines Fire Boss Reports, Ms2009-131, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains four bound volumes of daily fire boss reports for Superior Anthracite Mines, a coal mining company in McCoy, Virginia. Each report records the date and time of mine inspection and notes conditions found by the fire boss. The reports are signed by fire bosses C. D. McCoy (1929-1931), R. B. [Rufus Bayard] DeHart (1951-1953), W. L. Morris (1951-1952) and S. A. Whitaker (1952-1953) and countersigned by mine foremen D. E. Stanton (1929), C. A. McCoy (1929-1952), and H. H. Scott (1952-1953). Although the reports are variously headed "Big Vein Anthracite Collieries," "Big Vein Anthracite Corporation," and "Superior Anthracite Mines," it is likely that they all refer to the same operation. While most of the reports simply record the favorable condition of the mines in a single sentence, a number record the presence of gas and action taken to clear it. Beginning in late 1952, the reports also occasionally detail the exact sites at which air readings were taken.

Biographical / historical:

Superior Anthracite Coal Company, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, began developing the Big Vein Mine near McCoy (Montgomery County), Virginia around 1919. One of the largest mine operations in Montgomery County, the Big Vein employed more than 300 miners at its peak in the 1930s. The mine continued to operate until 1954, but complete shutdown did not occur until 1958.

Acquisition information:
The Superior Anthracite Mines Fire Boss Reports were purchased by Special Collections in 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Superior Anthracite Mines Fire Boss Reports commenced and was completed in October 2009.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard