The historical association is dedicated to informing the public about the background of their local area. They’ve hosted history fairs, such as this one, where they encouraged residents to bring forth any heirlooms or artifacts that would tell a story from the region.The Soddy, Daisy and Montlake Historical Association has published a 16-page booklet detailing the century-old coal mining history of Big Soddy Creek.
Association members put in months of research to compile the book, which is being sold for $3 apiece. The booklets are being sold at cost, with the funds going to the city of Soddy-Daisy, which paid for the printing services.
The sources weren’t easy to track down, said Association President Steve Smith, who spearheaded the effort.
In addition to historical documents, sources included former residents. Among them was 96-year-old Myrtle Davis, who still lives in the area and lived near the creek while the coal mines were in operation. Another resident, Virgil Crawley, also discussed his experiences concerning the mines for the book – just before passing away at the age of 90.
Smith was also able to uncover official documentation from the Durham Coal and Iron Company in a database at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville that had been transferred some years back from the UTC anthropology and archaeology departments.
The booklet details the history of the thriving community of coal miners and their families. The mines lasted under Durham until the company went out of business in the mid-20s.
“People aren’t taught local history anymore in school like they used to,” said Smith. “The folks that walk around Big Soddy Creek ought to know what it used to be. There’s a rich, 100-year-old history there, even if there’s very little evidence now.”
Smith said as more revelations and historical information are uncovered by the group, they will release more for the citizens of the area.
“We just want to let people know what we know. That’s the real goal,” said Smith.
For more information, contact the Soddy, Daisy and Montlake Historical Association at slsmith01@comcast.net.
Email Shane Foley at sfoley@timesfreepress.com.