Interview with George Edwards

Audio recording and transcript of George Edwards's 1979 interview with Myrtle Bergren for the Coal Tyee History Project. Edwards shares stories from his time working in coal mines and also from his job at the Hamilton Powder Company explosives plant. He talks about accidents, explosions, and working conditions in both industries. An avid hunter, Edwards recalls spending his Sundays hunting to provide meat for not only his own family, but also for other community members during the Depression years. Throughout the interview, Edwards gives details about various strikes and labour issues during both his and his father's time as coal miners. He repeatedly remarks on the benefits of unions, and explains some of the tough conditions in place before unions were formed on Vancouver Island. Edwards talks about his school days and the some of the social activities he enjoyed, particularly dancing. Edwards's wife, Mary, and his daughter, Ethel Smith, also contribute to the interview, and the transcript includes "Their Liberty" by Canadian poet Ethel Imrie Cuthbertson.