Dancing for the Miners
The town of Gilman rallies to support the families affected by the catastrophic Roslyn mine disaster.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
GILMAN, May 29. — The citizens of Gilman gave a ball last evening for the benefit of the Roslyn mine disaster sufferers, and it was the most successful social event in the town's annals. The proceeds were over $100, which, together with the proceeds of other subscription lists, in themselves not inconsiderable, will be forwarded to the proper authorities during the coming week. An elaborate collation, furnished by the ladies of the town, was a feature of the affair. Neighboring communities were well represented.
“The proceeds were over $100, which, together with the proceeds of other subscription lists... will be forwarded to the proper authorities.”
Disasters in Washington's coal towns were frequent and deadly, often leaving families with no safety net. Community benefits like this ball were the primary relief mechanism before modern labor laws and workers' compensation evolved.
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