The Omar Project: Not a Simple Story

Behind the men is the clubhouse. On the right is the big office. Miners could get paid with scrip or cash. They took in a slip with the number of hours and the amount of coal loaded. The “stoppage” was what was taken out for rent, hauling coal for home use, and electric.

The men were dressed up – they weren’t working that day. They all worked together and were close. They all belonged to the union. Their lives depended on one another.

“Scene in Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006202-M3

[Note that this photograph was later used as the basis for a painting by Ben Shahn; this painting has been identified as being in the collection of a museum in Japan.]

Bachelors boarded at the clubhouse. There were no blacks allowed. The man may be coming from the script office.

“Omar, WV”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006200-MI

The stables are in the back on the right. They held horses and mules. The mules were used inside the mines to bring out the coal, the horses were used outside.

“Untitled”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006204-M2

This is the entrance to the theater. Some of the kids saw the same movies several times in a week.

“Untitled”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006200-M3

The Junior Mercantile Company Store is in the background.

“Untitled”
Ben Shahn, October 1935
LC-USF33-006189-M3

Introductory notes | Photos 1 | Photos 2 | Photos 3 | Photos 4