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| The new memorial unvieled on Nov 14th, 2009 |

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| Photo by Ray T. |


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| Grandson of George Eddy seen viewing monument |

Wow! The 100th anniversary in Cherry was incredible. It was great to see thousands of people turn out for this. The many
people who were relatives of the miners had interesting facts to share. The unveiling of the new monument was quite a historic
moment for the little mining town.
I will be busy putting up pictures in the near future of this event.
I also want to thank folks for the donations to keep this website going.
The weekend was spectacular and i was glad to be a part of it!
This web site built and maintained by Ray Tutaj Jr.
Music from Cherry Sunset Recording available at:
DOn't forget to download the song you hear playing too. It is a single and can be found on my website
if you scroll down a ways from the Cherry Sunset album!
Now playing is an excerpt of the brand new song i wrote for the 100th anniversary memorial of the
Cherry Coal mine disaster. I performed the song at the Abe Lincoln presidential library on Nov 7th, 2009 for the first time.
For full download of song visit www.raytutajjr.com and scroll down through all the albums and single and you will see it at the bottom of page.
Click here to see the music video of this song.
| Looking north about where the tracks once were. |
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New Page! Nov 09, Cherry Mine artifacts!
NEW PAGE! Pictures from Nov. 7th 2009 Sprinfield IL., Remembering the disaster with authors held at Abe Lincoln Presidential
Library. Click here for details.
NEW PAGE! 100th Anniversary Car Cruise night Photos. (click here)
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Zip up hoodies (100th anniv. clothing-contact info here)
| Clothes with this logo are available to buy |
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| at the 100th anniversary in November 2009 |
Please note: Thanks to any donations to this website we can keep this site going (was free but now
they require a payment to add to it etc.) I now can keep it upgraded and add more info and pictures. Look for new things now and in the future. Feel free to use the donation link (at the bottom of
the page) to help make the monthly payments which are very reasonable! A little will go a long way. This site is for you!
| Model of the Cherry Coal Mine |
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| Built by Ray Tutaj Jr. |
| The day of the disaster, Nov 13th 1909 |
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| Compare with model picture above this one. |
| Dusk at the Cherry Coal Mine |
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| Photo of Model by Ray Tutaj Jr. |
Narration Excerpt
Note: Anniversary of Disaster is on the Sunday closest to November 13th. See regular library hours and contact
info on "More on the Subject" page on task bar at left.
The dramatic photo below was taken the following morning on Sunday, Nov 10th, 1909. Miners were
trapped below in the smoke filled mine. The next seven days would be a fight for twenty-one who would survive the disaster
while 259 would die. There were about 230 who made it out the day before on Saturday. Crowds of family and curious people
gather around to watch the drama unfold. Two newspaper boys carrying the headlines of the Cherry Mine Fire, can be seen in
the photo. (photo colorized by Ray Tutaj Jr.) Scroll down for more photos and text!
| November 10th, 1909, Sunday Morning |
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| Smoke billows out from airshaft from reversing the fan. |
Milwaukee Road Combine Car in Mendota
Report on Cherry Mine Site in Jan 03 Click here for story and pics
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The Cherry Coal Mine Disaster,
is filled with such dramatic interest thus making it tailor-made for a "big time" motion
picture that would make the Titanic story dwarf in comparison. The Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk in a matter of hours. But
in the Cherry mine disaster it was weeks before a final death toll could be figured. The Cherry mine tragedy has so many fascinating
sides to it and contains every human emotion from the highest heights of triumph over death to the lowest depths of sorrow
the heart, soul and mind can ever experience. Stories of heroism, sacrifice, love and romance, and the unforgettable story
of the eight-day men. Nerve-racking suspense it was, because of the quick decisions that would affect the miners young lives.
This Tragic story is deserving of a motion picture so people can learn about this moment in
time and how it had a profound effect on the mining industry and how it affected workers rights.
This site is packed with photos, diagrams, stories and more! You will find fascinating info
concerning the Coal Mining Disaster that took 259 young lives on Nov. 13th 1909, in Cherry IL. Use this site
for research and study. Ive got plenty of pictures and information for you so come on in! There are numerous images,
so please be patient while the pages load and enjoy what i have made available for you.
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