Interview with John Pecnik

Audio recording and transcript of John Pecnik's 1979 interview with Myrtle Bergren for the Coal Tyee History Project. Pecnik not only reflects on his own career working in coal mines, but he also gives details about what it was like to be the child of a miner. He talks about his family's arrival in Canada, and how they lived in Canmore, Alberta prior to coming to Vancouver Island in 1914. He gives details about Nanaimo, particularly about the different beer parlours where miners spent their breaks and leisure time. He talks about various mines that he worked in and he shares his opinion about the differences in practices and attitudes amongst the various coal mining companies around Nanaimo. Pecnik shares several stories about working with mules, horses, and ponies in mines, highlighting how the animals often had an sense of impending dangers. Near the end of the interview, Pecnik shows Bergren some of his old mining equipment and clothing and they discuss various lamps that were used in the mines.