Food for Thought: Remembering the Scotia Mine Disaster

Food for Thought kicks off Thursday, September 17, with two St. Francis parishioners sharing their personal accounts of one of the worst mine disasters in the United States, an event which helped change federal law.

Just a little over fifty years ago, on March 9, 1976, a violent explosion and fire ripped through the Scotia Mine in Letcher County, Kentucky. Fifteen miners were killed. Two days later a second explosion killed 11 rescue workers. The 26 killed left behind wives, children, families, and neighbors whose lives were deeply affected.

Although not directly involved in the accident, St. Francis members John Donan and Vicki Receveur’s lives were touched by it. John was involved in the litigation for the widows of those killed, while Vicki was a young woman growing up in Letcher County, seeing the effect on her community. John and Vicki will share their experiences after the tragedy. Assisting John will be his son, Lyle, who will set the scene for the accident.

Cost is $15, which includes a box lunch from Gracious Plenty. Sign up today to reserve your spot!