Interview with Dusty Greenwell

Audio recording and transcript of Donald "Dusty" Greenwell's 1979 interview with Myrtle Bergren for the Coal Tyee History Project. Greenwell shares his memories of his family's time in the Vancouver Island coal mining industry and its involvement in union organizing and activities. He talks about his family history and about living in both Extension and South Wellington. He gives information about his father's jobs and how his father was blacklisted from the mines for a period of time, but eventually returned to work. Excerpts from several documents are read during interview, including a profile of Greenwell's grandfather, William Bowater, that appeared in a newspaper; the 1938 United Mine Workers agreement; and information about the Western Fuel Company's Sick and Accident Fund. Greenwell reflects on the Vancouver Island Coal Miners' Strike and how it affected families and generations of workers, some who became vocal unionists in the 1930s. He talks about racial discrimination in the mines, housing, and how even though some miners were not educated, they were very skilled. Greenwell also reflects on local politics, and sharing he viewpoints about socialism and reform. He concludes the interview by talking about the connections between the mining and logging industries on Vancouver Island.