NO. 7 MINE HAS CEASED OPERATION - 1951 - Staunton Macoupin County IL
©2003-2010
contributed by Joan Miley 2003

STAUNTON STAR-TIMES, Staunton, Macoupin Co, IL, Thurs 15 Nov 1951 page 1

MINE NO. 7 HAS CEASED OPERATION

Mine No. 7, located about 2 miles east of Staunton, ceased operations Friday, that being the last day, and the fires under the boilers were drawn, and all the men employed there either have secured other positions, are looking for work, or are retiring to qualify for pensions.

Just what effect this shutdown will have on local economic conditions is problematic, but it is easy to arrive at the conclusion that the large semi-monthly pay days will be keenly felt, at least for quite a while unless all of the men find other lucrative employment and continue to reside here. However, it is hoped that the local business and professional men, property owners, and all others interested will work together in an effort to secure other means of employment for those who had been on the No. 7 payroll.

No. 7 mine was sunk about 65 years ago, and with the exception of a few years has operated continuously, most of that time by the Consolidated Coal Co. In March of this year the Consolidated properties, including No. 7 and No. 15, were sold to the Zeigler Coal & Coke Co., and the mines were operated by the Bell & Zoller Coal & Mining Company. No. 15 was shut down in May, and at that time it was hoped that the operation of No. 7 would continue. However, the general slump in the coal business, together with the high cost of operation, were given as the reasons No. 7 shaft was also closed.

With the 2 mines now shutdown, the Wabash Railroad has discontinued Karnes station, east of No. 7 mine, where coal trains were assembled for shipment to various markets.