Optimist Club Visits Coal Mine Museum
TAYLORVILLE — Pictured are Chuck Martin and Brian Hawkins who recently provided the Optimist Club members a tour of the Christian County Coal Mine Museum.
Submitted Photo
TAYLORVILLE — The Taylorville Optimist Club held its July 8 meeting at the Christian County Coal Mine Museum. A short business meeting reviewed club activities including the July 4 Fireworks at Lake Taylorville. Chuck Martin and Brian Hawkins then gave the club a tour of the recently opened facility.
Coal mining is a particu- larly important part of the history of Christian County Illinois and the museum is a tremendous effort to edu- cate all ages on that story. Various displays of pic- tures, coal mining equip- ment and artifacts, histori- cal records, and memora- bilia give a sense of what these workers did in the mine. Interesting informa- tion on the Christian County Coal Mine Wars (1932-1935) as well as other significant events involving mining are on display. There is even a mock coal mine to assist in the interactive experience. There is something that will interest all ages and the visit will take some time if you want to read many of the displays. Individual and group tours are available.
The next meeting of the Optimist Club will be at the People’s Bank meeting room on Thursday, July 22, at 7 a.m. The Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month and visitors are always welcome.
