ILLINOIS COAL MUSEUM AT GILLESPIE
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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 .
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.

​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
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​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 
       Museum tours (all day except for marker dedication) guided and unguided, Kelly Hatlee preforming period songs             at various displays.
Street Fair on East Chestnut St., connecting the Coal Museum and Historical Marker site.
    Welcome to Gillespie Tourism 2021 by Dan Fisher
    5K Fun Run/Walk
   (possible additional inclusion of coal mine and local history competition)   
    Food and artist booths TBD


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ILLINOIS COAL ASSOCIATION
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ILLINOIS MINING INSTITUTE
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