There have not always been machinery around to mine coal. The earliest form of mine machinery were wooden carts on small rail tracks. Coal was generally mined by pick and shovel, with the use of a small breast auger or drill. The coal was undercut to allow for a break-away point at the base of the coal face. Dynamite was inserted into the holes and detonated. After the smoke cleared, the coal was loaded by hand into the wooded cars, then pushed by hand to the mouth of the entry where a team of animals, usually horses, mules and even dogs, would pull the loaded trip to the surface.

A unique collection of breast augers used in drilling coal.

An early clothe "hardhat", provided no protection to the miner.

A more modern version of the miners safety hat.

A very nice collection of a miner's personal equipment.

Old photo of a miner drilling holes by hand for dynamite.

A turn of the century mining family and house.