Goodbye Wifes and Daughters

by Susan Kushner Resnick

One morning in 1943, close to eighty men descended into the Smith coal mine in Bearcreek, Montana. Only three came out alive. “Goodbye wifes and daughters . . .” wrote two of the miners as they died. The story of that tragic day and its aftermath unfolds in this book through the eyes of those wives and daughters—women who lost their husbands, fathers, and sons, livelihoods, neighbors, and homes, yet managed to fight back and persevere.

 

Susan Kushner Resnick has uncovered the story behind all those losses. She chronicles the missteps and questionable ethics of the mine’s managers, who blamed their disregard for safety on the exigencies of World War II; the efforts of an earnest federal mine inspector and the mine union’s president (later a notorious murderer), who tried in vain to make the mine safer; the heroism of the men who battled for nine days to rescue the trapped miners; and the effect the disaster had on the entire mining industry. Resnick illuminates a particular historical tragedy with all its human ramifications while also reminding us that such tragedies caused by corporate greed and indifference are with us to this day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

262 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

I am the author of Goodbye Wifes and Daughters, a creative nonfiction account of a 1943 coal mine disaster in Montana, published by the University of Nebraska Press. I will be touring all over the US all year, starting in Montana in Feb. I live in Massachusetts."

Reviews

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true account of the Bearcreek mine disaster in Feb, 1943.
Eighty men went to work on a Sunny morning in Feb. 1943. Only three came out alive.

This was a coal mine where the owners failed to make improvements to keep the workers safe.

The passageways in the mine were too narrow to get clean air through.

Miners ignored the doctors advice, about high levels of carbon monoxide.

Mice in the mine would run outside because of the quality of air.

When rescuers went into the mine to bring out the miners, they had inadequate safety gear.

The widows were never compensated for the deaths of their husbands.

The mine closed for good, tow years after the disaster.

[Amy Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a history of the 1943 coal mining disaster in Bearcreek Montana. The book begins just prior to the disaster giving the reader insight into the daily lives of the miners and their families. Once the disaster occurs, we see how it the families are affected when they find out whether or not their loved ones survived. It also gave an angering insight into the owners of the mine and how they lacked concern for the safety and lives of their employees. Given the latest mining tragedy in West Virgina, I wonder how much has really changed in the industry in 60+ years. I was amazed at the strenth of the families and how the persevered after the tragedy.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

true story but not an exciting read for me!

[James Dickas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutally honest and doesn't flinch away from the devastation that mining disasters inflict on both the miners themselves and the people who love them, while still remaining an informative and comprehensive account of how the Smith Mine Disaster unfolded. The grief of those she interviewed shone through the pages so clearly that I had to put the book down and take a break while reading it several times. A heavy but phenomenal read.

[Bert Stanaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan did a tremendous job of researching this terrible tragedy at Bearcreek, Montana that happened a long time ago in 1943. She was able to bring the victims, family members and investigators to life with descriptions of their personalities, homes, and even the way they looked. There were photographs included, which is always a help, when reading about real people.

[Jessica Slavensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read for those who love learning about true events

This book is not set on one persons point of view, but rather small the miners and their families points of view and more. You see how life was before, during & after the disaster and how the families lives went on after all the tragedy of the day of the disaster.

[Shaundel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Wife & Daughters~
A heart wrenching story of the Bear Creek Mining Disaster of the 40s, I love the way that you detail the lives of the miners and their survivors. You're a great narrative non-fic read and I really felt like I knew the families and had a personal peek into their experiences. An absolute must read for those who are local and/or familiar with the area!

[Machelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t rate a true story!

But I needed to get into a little History since we drove up to the Beartooth mine not too long ago!

A tragic event, and to think that many other mines are “probably” still as unsafe today, as they were in 1943!

The life of the 3 men that made it out, the families of those that didn’t & a town devastated with a tragedy. If you’re a history buff, it’s a good read!

[NikKayla J Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book twice. Living so close to the remnants of the mine I am drawn to learn more on this mining disaster. The unfortunate loss of lives that could have been prevented is why there is so many regulations on mining. I’ve walked the cemetery where many of these miners rest, tears and emotions are overcome now that I know the history.

Highly recommend for a mining history story.

[Donna]

“They bid their guests good-bye, put away the extra blankets, and may have begun to sort through their husbands’ belonging. Or maybe they couldn’t face that yet. Was it easier or harder to see his razor by the sink, his socks in the wash pile, his summer hat on a high shelf?”

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical events that are wrapped up in this story are tragic. Although the book is brief, I felt like I'd been in town on the evening of the events. I learned so much.

[Joyce]

So little is known of why, yet so many lives lost. May you all rest in peace and let us NEVER forget!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical account of a mining disaster near Red Lodge told through the stories of the miners families

[Kali Stender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book about a piece of Montana history that I hadn't known before. I highly recommend.

[Deidre Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history is amazingly honored. My great-uncle died in this disaster.

[Devin Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story surrounding the historical 1940s mining disaster in Bear Creek, MT. The author brings to life the community pre- and post the mine explosion.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Such an amazing, informative, eye opening read! Highly recommend!

[Annie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book.

[Elevate Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1943, as the world dealt with trauma and tragedy in Europe and the Pacific during World War II, another catastrophe unfolded in Bearcreek, Montana. The Smith Coal Mine was one of the largest employers for the town, and the men worked six days a week around the clock to help provide coal for the war effort. But one morning, a fire broke out in the mine and 80 miners were trapped underground with little hope for escape. The rescue effort took days, and many women and children of the town waited with little rest or food outside of the mine waiting to see if their loved ones would come out alive. Only three made it out. One small group of miners holed up in a passageway, trying to trap and save some precious oxygen and block the poisonous carbon monoxide. As they waited, they wrote messages, and one wrote “Goodbye wifes[sic:] and daughters.”

In the book of the same name, Susan Kushner Resnick tracked down the stories of what had happened. She interviewed family members and townspeople and tracked down newspaper reports, correspondence and other information to bring the 60+-year-old story to life. It reads quickly and smoothly. As a reader, you know what’s going to happen, the explosion is inevitable as is the death toll, and yet, Resnick keeps the book moving and engaging throughout.

The tragedy tore the community apart with the deaths of main earners in many families. Some women lost multiple loved ones: husbands, fathers, brothers, and uncles. Some men had to pull their fathers, grandfathers, or brothers bodies from the mine. But, it has also held the community together in a way. In present day Bearcreek, there are still anniversary events that commemorate the tragedy.

Resnick looks into those at fault for the fire and subsequent explosions. Faulty equipment, mismanagement, safety measures ignored in place of higher profits seemed to combine to cause the disaster, and yet the widows of the miners were given no money by the Montana Coal and Iron Company, who was, arguably, to blame.

I would have liked more information about the responses of the women after the tragedy, though the women are definitely mentioned and featured throughout. How did the women piece their lives back together? For those who left the town, were they ever able to leave the tragedy behind? For those who stayed, did they ever revisit the mine? Were all the deaths mourned? How did those who may have lost abusive or angry husbands or fathers responded (sadness, relief, and guilt, I would imagine)? Resnick touches on these questions, though I wanted more. Yet, perhaps it is unspeakable to sit and wait for days on end for the body of your husband or father. Perhaps some stories cannot be told.

Review by Kristin Conard

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye Wifes and Daughters by Resnick_ Susan Kushner
Story of a Montana coal mining accident. They used to have parades, dances and everybody enjoyed the outside. Recall stories of canaaries, this mine had mice to tell them when conditions were bad.
The morning of the inspection there are many things written down, safety issues and air was not fit for human consumption. Although he had a safety list nothing would ever be done during the time of war.
Always been fascinated by the mines but I'm not sure why=something to do with my father I think.
Story follows many of the families and what they are doing that day, along with past events of the town. Love where the location is, described so beautifully-hope to visit one day.
Politics, mine owners, mine operators, regulations and nothing gets done. Notes to their loved ones were written on walls, helmets, etc.
Enjoyed listening to the improvements via the inquisition and the followup on what the remaining members of the families had done after the devastation. Reminds me of the big disasters: JFK shooting, 911 invasion and what I was doing at the time. Same as the people here, they knew exactly what they were doing the day of the mine blast.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Connie Mayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction can be a tricky thing. Just about anyone can convey past events and facts about people - but who wants to read a history book? On the other hand, how do you get the reader emotionally involved in the lives of people who are long dead? And in the case of this book, how do you get readers who might have cushy indoor jobs and college educations interested in MINING?

Well, good thing Susan Kushner Resnick didn't let those challenges stop her. Goodbye Wifes and Daughters is a great read that really shows you who these people were and makes you care about them. By the time you hook into the men and women in this mining town, you start reading the stuff about methane and mine ventilation with gusto (really).

So little has changed when it comes to the safety of the coal miners - everyone who was on the edge of their seat routing for the last four miners in the Massey coal mine disaster should buy this book today.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title drove me crazy, until I found the context in the book....it was the last message from a miner trapped in the senseless Smith Mine accident, to his family.

This book about an obscure little mining town, it's residents, and a mining accident that nearly wiped out the population of that town is masterfully researched and written. Though it happened in 1942, Sue was able to interview a surprising number of people who experienced it and thoroughly examined all sides of the tragic event.

I thought it might be another dry, dates and facts sort of story, but she managed to weave a story that sucked me in right away....I ended up empathizing with many of the characters and mourning their losses, holding my breath with the miners who were trapped.

Loved this book and I hope she writes many more!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the account of a 1943 mining disaster in Bearcreek, Montana, author Susan Kushner Resnick points to the avarice and indifference of managers and owners in their disregard for the safety of the men working the mines. Judging from continued mining tragedies and near-tragedies throughout the world, one wonders if much has changed. The title Goodbye Wifes and Daughters is taken from the message one of the miners was able to scratch on his helmet before succumbing. As well as the accounts of the disaster itself, the author speaks to the resiliency and the repercussions of the families involved.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

(this isn't about earthquakes, that's my catch all catagory for earthquakes, floods mine disasters etc.)

i picked this up because there wasn't room on the shelf for Something, this started to go to the overstock room but i made the mistake of reading a few paragraphs - susan kushner resnick is an Author. this was too good to return to the shelf.
really depressing but kept reading because of resnick's writing. (there is also a photo of a young woman, virginia sommerville, that is among the most beautiful i've ever seen.)

[Nicholle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm descended from generations upon generations of miners, going back to the 1600s, so I suppose it's why this one really touched me. A beautifully told story that gives a human face to a terrible tragedy.

Reading #2:
My jolabokaflod book this year. Now that I live closer to the Bearcreek mine disaster, I may make a trip to go visit.

2021 Extreme Book Nerd Challenge - Title has double letters (goodbye)

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow going at first, but picked up after the actual mine disaster. So tragic and infuriating, especially in light of the recent mining accident in West Virginia. Now I know exactly what they are talking about and what can cause such a thing and how the people die. Business is business and money matters more than the lives of these men and their families. So sad.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read. It has sat on my book shelf for a number of years. Finally I picked it up and dusted it off...would suggest it for anyone interested in Montana history. Two days ago I picked up the Chronicle and a random obit caught my eye. Turned out the woman that had passed had was from Bearcreek and had lost her father in the mine explosion.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that needed to be told. In the summer of 2005, the same year the author came through MT and WY and found her inspiration to write the story, I too, was at Bearcreek searching around. I would have loved to write this story. what an amazing journey! And what a tragedy.

[Guna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book cover reads, "One morning in 1943, close to eighty men descended into the Smith coal mine in Bearcreek, Montana. Only three came out alive." This is a journalist's fair account of the tragedy, and was a runner-up for the Montana Book Award.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hosted a discussion with the author here: http://firedoglake.com/2010/05/02/fdl...