Interview with Marvin Thomas

Audio recording and transcript of Marvin Thomas's 1979 interview with Bernard McNicholl for the Coal Tyee History Project. Thomas's sister, Thelma Griffith, is also present and participates in the interview. Thomas talks about his father's job as a stationary engineer and how he worked in both the Number 5 Mine and Morden Mine in South Wellington. Thomas also worked in coal mines from 1926 to 1952. He talks about his various jobs on the surface and why he didn't like to work underground. The after-effects of the Vancouver Island Miners' Strike are discussed and Thomas and Griffith also talk about the 1914 fire in South Wellington. They describe South Wellington's main street, some of the stores, and the community's bootleg alcohol trade. Thomas reminisces about trips into Nanaimo for social activities, and he also talks about being called up for war service. He explains how he was not allowed to enlist because of his value as a coal miner. Thomas speaks about the use of horses in mines and about some mining equipment. He describes the Number 10 South Wellington Mine and he also talks about Morden Mine. After describing the Protection Island Mine cage accident, Thomas reflects on some mining safety precautions. He describes early union activities and meetings, and talks about some of the older mines near South Wellington including the Southfield Mine, where his grandfather worked as a weighman. Thomas and Griffith share their memories of different social events, and Thomas gives his opinion of the impacts on the community when the mines closed. To conclude the interview, Thomas is asked about transportation methods, his school days, his opinion of the red-light district in Nanaimo, crime, and recreational activities.