Santi, Lawrence 1967, 1980

Lawrence Santi, former president of the Thurber mine workers’ union, discusses his views of workers and management and relates events in his life and the history of Thurber and Mingus in the early 20th century.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Lawrence Santi

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: August 1, 1967; April 22, 1980

Location: Mingus and Houston, Texas

Interviewer: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spoede and Richard Mason

Length: 2 hours 40 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Mine workers’ wages discussed, Attitude toward labor unions discussed, Cites origin of union activity, "Strike" of 1921 described as a "lockout", Tribute to John L. Lewis and denial of Lewis’ visit to Thurber, Anecdote concerning the firing of a union worker, Discussion of physical fence around Thurber, Immigration from Italy discussed, Need for two unions explained, Mentions quality of Thurber coal, Description of ethnic relationships, Criticism of management made, Survey of career after 1921.

Tape 1, Side 2: Comments on "layoff" of workers, Opera productions and other recreation remembered, Dallas meeting (1933) recalled, Meeting with New York Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia in Wichita Falls, Texas, Discussion of early life in Italy, Meeting with LaGuardia (continued), Relates robbery anecdote, Present status of Texas Pacific Oil Company, Philosophical views presented, Origin of Mingus, Texas water system described, Recalls union officials.

Tape 2, Side 1: Born: Pievelogo, Italy (August 2, 1893), Sante Santi, father, Maria Benassi, mother, Siblings, Father, Stone cutter, Immigration to United States (1910), Ocean voyage, United States, First Impressions, Colorado, Mining, Miners, Work area, Dangers, Coal prices (1918), Miners’ union, To Thurber, Texas, Granttown, Texas, Thurber, Population, Coal mines, Texas Pacific Coal and Oil Company, Pay decrease, Wilbur Grover, Coal miners’ strike, Strawn Coal Company, Miners, Thurber, Fence, Lawrence Santi, Union positions, Union names, Local #2763, Italian Workers Union, Work days, Length, Labor convention, Mexico City, John L. Lewis, New York Hill, Houses (1916), Mining, Typical working day, Whistles, Trains.

Tape 2, Side 2: Mines closed (1921), Mingus, Texas, Drug store, Brick company closed (1933), Texas Pacific, Offices moved, Company store, Closed (1935), Scrip, Profits, Thurber, Christmas, Blacks, Henry Clay, Albert Whitehead, Polish people, Nationalities, Thurber, Arrival (1913), Learning to speak English, Wine making, Grappo, Labor unions, Miners, Characteristics, Job fatalities, Thurber, Entertainment, Bocci ball.

Range Dates: 1893-1935

Bulk Dates: 1910-1935

Access Information

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