Oral History with Joe & Betty Beranek -A

Description

Mr. & Mrs. Beranek Listed names of several families; Talked about some of the businesses owned by people on the W side of Lafayette. Per Mary Miller, all taverns were on W side; not allowed on E side. Talked about businesses on Public Road and on Baseline going West. Would have been in late 30’s and the 40’s and 50’s. Talked about large grocery store that had a charge system. Sometimes miners did not receive paychecks on time. Clothing store also had charge system. Talked about Graham family. Talked about neighborhood gatherings/events. Several families had boys; got along well; played baseball on empty lots. Talked about the first Catholic Church. Got married there 1/14/1950. 1954 built new Catholic Church. Had fundraisers in basement. Money hard to come by during strikes. Raised their own vegetables; many had chickens and raised rabbits for food. Some rivalry between E and W Lafayette. Seemed like everyone knew everyone. Didn’t lock houses. Helped each other when fires or someone ill. Black Diamond mine was on the curve of Hwy 287 and Baseline. Talked about various mines. Had a HUGE sinking/cave in on Longmont Ave and Kimbark St. Came close to front steps of a home – late 1950’s. Filled with old pieces of concrete and junk cars, etc. People came from all over to see the big hole!