September 20

According to folklorist John Garst, steel-drivin’ man John Henry, born a

slave, outperformed a steam hammer on this date at the Coosa Mountain Tunnel

or the Oak Mountain Tunnel of the Columbus and Western Railway (now part of

the Norfolk Southern) near Leeds, Ala. Other researchers place the contest

near Talcott, W. Va. – 1887

The Inventory of American Labor Landmarks is an attractive little (24

pages) booklet offering a selection from the Labor Heritage Foundation’s

comprehensive, ongoing inventory of labor landmarks across the country.

Nearly 200 monuments, plaques and other markers are described here, from 33

states and the District of Columbia, accompanied by historical summaries

and, often, by photographs. Great history, great inspiration, and a great

source of potential daytrips and vacation stopovers.

More info & ammo for unionists is available online

from Union Communication Services

http://www.unionist.com