A newspaper photograph from the Pottsville Republican, December 2, 1965, picturing Clyde L. Machamer (left), president of the Independent Miners and Associates (IMA), issuing application forms for “black lung” benefits to David Batdorf (right), 82, of Orwin, and Earl Snyder (center), 43, of Mowry. The IMA lobbied for the benefits and then, when approved, assisted the miners in applying for them.
New articles are presented in this post showing some of the activities of the IMA under the tenure of Clyde L. Machamer as its president.
From the Press-Herald of Tremont, June 21, 1961:
IMA President Testifies Before Congressional Unit
Clyde L. Machamer of Reinerton, president of Independent Miners and Associates, testified before a Congressional Committee in Washington, D. C. on June 19 and 20.
Machamer testified before the sub-committee on the impact of Imports on American Employment in the House of Representatives Committee Room for the Committee on Education and Labor.
The invitation to the head of the 6,500 independent mine owners, operators and workmen in Schuylkill, Northumberland, Dauphin and Columbia Counties was extended to Machamer by Congressman John D. Dent of Pennsylvania.
The IMA president delivered a 20-page report on the effect of imports on the anthracite industry. IMA officials spent three weeks preparing report material for the committee hearing.
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Also, from the same newspaper, the Press-Herald of Tremont, June 21, 1961:
Protest Oil Burner Installation at Reading Railroad Station at Pottsville
The executive committee of Independent Miners and Associates has authorized the filing of a formal protest with the Reading Railroad over the installation of oil burning equipment in their Pottsville passenger station.
The committee, by resolution, directed Clyde L. Machamer of Reinerton, IMA president, to write to E. Paul Cangewere, Reading president, asking reconsideration of the heating fuel and the use of anthracite instead of oil.
In his protest, Machamer pointed out the Reading uses as advertising on their coal-carrying gondolas, “The World’s Largest Carrier of Anthracite,” Machamer said. “If you believe in your slogan then the use of coal to heat the Pottsville passenger station certainly belies your feelings.” He also pointed out the many millions of dollars the Reading has received from transporting coal from the mines of Schuylkill County to metropolitan markets. The IMA president said, “It seems very unusual that your railroad, which by its own financial statement, admitted obtaining more revenue from its freight business — including the hauling of coal — than from its passenger service, should not use coal, but a fuel alien to our region and in actuality, “start to bite the mand that had you fed for over a century.”
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From the Pottsville Republican, December 1, 1965:
PROMOTES COAL
Clyde L. Machamer, president Independent Miners and Associates [IMA], affixes “We Burn Coal” poster to store window in center-city Pottsville. The IMA is distributing over 25,000 window and car bumper stickers to promote the independent mining industry which currently has over 6000 miners employed.
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From the Pine Grove Press-Herald, January 15, 1970:
Miners, Widows May Apply For Black Lung Aid
Coal miners who are totally disabled by black lung disease, and the widows and dependent children of miners who died with this disease, may now apply for benefits under the federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act at any social security office, according to Thomas P. Rogan, Social Security District Manager at Pottsville.
“The important thing right now is for every single eligible person to make an application to avoid possible loss of benefits; if a claimant is found eligible, benefits will be retroactive to the date of filing an application.”
“Actual payment of benefits under the new Law cannot begin right away,” Rogan stated. “These are not social security benefits, and before payments can begin, Congress will need to appropriate money for them.” He also pointed out that additional information and medical evidence would be needed in each case. “The additional information can be furnished later,” Rogan said.
The amount of the benefit is about $136 per month for the disabled miner or widow, and a maximum of about $272 a month for a family with 3 or more dependents. “The application for benefits may be mailed to any social security office is a personal visit is inconvenient,” Rogan said.
Anyone who wants to apply by mail should be sure to state that he is applying for benefits for himself and his family under the Federal coal Mine Health and safety Act, and give the name and social security number (if it is available) of the coal miner. The applicant should give his own full address and his telephone number, if he can be reached by telephone. He should be sure to sign the letter, Rogan emphasized.
The address of the social security office serving Schuylkill County is: 201 East Arch Street, Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901. The telephone number is 622-1490. The office is open from 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. Monday through Friday of each week.
IMA HELP
Complete legal and clerical assistance is being made available by Independent Miners and Associates to assist miners crippled by “black lung” disease in applying for Federal benefits.
Clyde L. Machamer, president, of the IMA, said today his headquarters, located in the Masonic building, Second and East Norwegian Street, Pottsville, has an adequate supply of the necessary forms which must be completed and will furnish any necessary secretarial and clerical assistance in filling out the applications. Machamer also said legal counsel will be available if needed.
in urging prompt submission of applications the head of the IMA pointed out, “The sooner an application is filed the quicker benefits will be received. All applications which are approved will be made retroactive to the date of filing.”
Machamer said the facilities of IMA are being made available to all former miners now totally disabled by black lung disease regardless of whether they are members of the Independent Miners and Associates or not. Machamer also said widows and dependent children of miners who died of this disease my also apply for benefits and his office will render all possible assistance to these people too.
The benefits are being provided under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act.
The amount of the benefit is approximately $136 per month for the disabled miner or widow, and a maximum of approximately $272 a month for a family with 3 or more dependents.
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News articles from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.