Interview with Albert Steele and Bob Winthrop

Abstract

Audio recording and transcript of Albert Steele and Bob Winthrop's 1979 interview with Myrtle Bergren for the Coal Tyee History Project. Steele opens the interview by talking about his arrival on Vancouver Island in 1909, when both he and his father went to work in the Pacific Coast Coal Mine in South Wellington. He talks about some of the differences between coal mining in England and in Canada and about mining equipment and ventilation methods. Steele shares his opinions about reasons for the Vancouver Island Coal Miners' Strike, and both Steele and Winthrop talk about the Second World War's impact on mining and coal miners. The 1915 flooding accident at the South Wellington Mine is discussed, as are several other accidents that the men are familiar with. Steele and Winthrop share some of their memories of the working conditions they experienced in different mines on Vancouver Island, particularly Winthrop's recollections of the Extension Mine and Steele's experiences in the South Wellington, Morden, Granby, and Cumberland Mines. Both men share their understandings of the roles Chinese miners had, and Steele comments on the exploitation of Chinese workers who were hired by white miners. The difficulty of surveying coal mines is discussed, as well as what happened to the mules that died in the mines. Together, the group discusses different conditions in the mines, such as how lamps were used to detect gas and how some mines were worse than others for sulphur. The communities of South Wellington and Extension are also discussed, including the 1914 fire in South Wellington and nearby drinking establishments, social activities, and entertainment.