The May 1, 1886, labor action wasn’t just any strike—it was part of what became known as the Haymarket Affair. On May 1 of that year, Chicago (along with other cities) was the site of a major union demonstration in support of the eight-hour workday. Time 1938
The story of Gillespie and our Coal Country communities was forever impacted by over 100 years of Union activities.
The City of Gillespie and The Illinois Coal Museum at Gillespie
invite you to attend the 1st. annual MAY DAY CELEBRATION.
Sponsored by
Mythic Mississippi Project, Illinois Route 66, Great Rivers and Routes,
The Mother Jones Museum Mt. Olive, and Grow Gillespie .
The story of Gillespie and our Coal Country communities was forever impacted by over 100 years of Union activities.
The City of Gillespie and The Illinois Coal Museum at Gillespie
invite you to attend the 1st. annual MAY DAY CELEBRATION.
Sponsored by
Mythic Mississippi Project, Illinois Route 66, Great Rivers and Routes,
The Mother Jones Museum Mt. Olive, and Grow Gillespie .
May 1st Event Outline
by topic (a timeline format to follow)
The following schedule, as well as the possible cancellation of the entire event, will be Covid19 guideline governed.
by topic (a timeline format to follow)
The following schedule, as well as the possible cancellation of the entire event, will be Covid19 guideline governed.
Historic Marker Dedication at the site of the Theatre Colonial, 1 block east of the Coal Museum, where in 1932 the Progressive Miners of America were born.
Welcome and introductions by Dave Tucker Colonial Giving Gardens by Dane and Tina PMA overview by Dan Fisher PMA Auxiliary by Joann Mythic Mississippi Project by Helaine and Devon Song(s) Kelly Hatlee Marker unveiling |
Museum Grand Reopening 121 S. Macoupin St., with a new floorplan and enhanced exhibits and displays.
Guest Speakers, Jim Marcacci- coliseum story, Steve Joyce - Howard Keel, "Mother Jones" reinactor TBD
Authors: Kevin Corley - labor overview from Sixteen Tons, Gangster overview from 13 Steps and Moonshine Empire
Harold Rauzi Coal Mines On The Prairie (TBD)
Museum tours (all day except for marker dedication) guided and unguided, Kelly Hatlee preforming period songs at various displays.
Guest Speakers, Jim Marcacci- coliseum story, Steve Joyce - Howard Keel, "Mother Jones" reinactor TBD
Authors: Kevin Corley - labor overview from Sixteen Tons, Gangster overview from 13 Steps and Moonshine Empire
Harold Rauzi Coal Mines On The Prairie (TBD)
Museum tours (all day except for marker dedication) guided and unguided, Kelly Hatlee preforming period songs at various displays.