Archive Record
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1995.033.0020 |
Object Name |
Tape, Cassette |
Scope & Content |
Four men spoke about the slate industry. 1. Adam Maslack State of slate industry in 1997. 2. Bill Williams Welsh heritage in the Slate Valley and American slate industry. 3. John Kordiayak Will be 90 years old next week. Grew up in the Alley--about 13 families. Only 1 lightbulb. Used kerosene. Started working in quarry when he was 16 years old. Was a motion boy for the engine/quarry stick system. 54 hours a week--$16 cash! No income tax! Started at Briar Hill Quarry. It was taken by wagon by a team of horses into town to be loaded onto the railroad track. Everyone in the Alley got along. They all worked together. The food was delicious! Everyone had a garden. Kordiak went to the army, worked at the Granville high school, and Comstock prison before retiring. 4. Bernie Capron Grew up in Welsh home. Bought a house and renovated it. He only had to replace one slate. He did other things besides work in the quarries. He farmed. His first week's pay was $12.50 for 54 hours. Continues to work today in the quarries. Open question and answer period follows. Many questions about the slate industry then and now. They all say that they do not want their children or grandchildren working in the quarries. Dying industry. The labor is a major factor. People want an easy buck but in the slate industry, every day is a learning process. Adam Maslack talks quite a bit about the slate industry today. Discussion about slate makers' unions. Some do not need to be unionized because they are paid well enough, etc. Story about bicycle race in Granville and a glass eye. |
Creator |
Bob Bascom |
Title |
Bob Bascom Interviews- Audio tapes |