Collection on the Millfield Mine Explosion
Scope and Content
The collection on the Millfield Mine Explosion spans from 1930 to the 1990s and documents the history and impact of this event. The collection includes the official "Report of the Explosion" conducted by F.A. Ray and E.S. Bonnet; newspaper clippings from the time of the explosion and subsequent follow-up; and publications of the Millfield Mine Memorial Committee.
Dates
- Creation: 1930 - 1990
Creator
- Unknown (Person)
Language of Materials
The records are in English.
History of the Millfield Mine Explosion
The Millfield Mine Explosion was the deadliest mine disaster ever to occur in Ohio. It transpired at the Sunday Creek Coal Company's Poston No. 6 Mine at approximately 11:45 A.M. on November 5, 1930. The Sunday Creek Coal Company (SCCC) ran mines all over the Hocking Hills region, and the Millfield site, in Athens County, was the hub of hundreds of shafts. An accumulation of methane gas ignited by a short circuit between the broken trolley wire and rail caused the explosion. Of the 191 men working at Millfield that day, 82 lost their lives, including the SCCC's top executives who were there to inspect the new safety equipment. Officials concluded that, with the exception of two men killed buy burns sustained from the explosion, all those killed died of poisoning from carbon monoxide gas. However, inspectors of the Ohio State Mining Department (OSMD) concluded that the disaster had not resulted because of any inadequacy on the part of the SCCC to comply with current orders and recommendations issues by the OSMD.
Extent
1.3 cubic feet
Abstract
News clippings.
Statement of Arrangement
This collection remains in its original arrangement.
Description Note
Original, legacy collection inventories may contain inaccuracies or be incomplete. Collection descriptions may change or be updated as they are verified. Please contact Mahn Center staff if you note any errors or discrepancies.
- Title
- Finding aid for the Collection on the Millfield Mine Explosion
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Gracie Brainard.
- Date
- 2006 February
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
- Sponsor
- The finding aid was converted into EAD with funding support from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission
Revision Statements
- 5 January 2024: Subjects and other notes added from ALICE MARC records and Mahn Center Microsoft Office finding aids by Ohio University Libraries Metadata Services Department Python scripts.
Repository Details
Part of the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections Repository
