September 8, 2026 - Coal miners from age 28 to 92 gathered Monday at Trailside Tavern at the Pocahontas Exhibition Mine for the 34th annual Coal Miners and Railroad Workers Reunion.

“We like to honor our coal miners and railroad workers because without them, Pocahontas would have never became or whatever or the surrounding area,” said Melissa Gibson, organizer of the Coal Miners and Railroad Workers Reunion.

History of the mine

What’s now an exhibition mine was the first place in the Pocahontas coal field where coal was mined. Later, the company that owned the mine came to own mines in Boissevain, Amonate, Jenkinjones, Bishop and Itmann.

Former miners reflect

Danny Williams worked at Bishop.

“It’s enjoyable to see your friends, you know. You also look back at your youth. You know what you done for it,” Williams said.

Homer Williby, who also worked at Bishop, said he appreciates the respect.

“They’s people that respect the coal miners. A lot of people don’t respect the coal miners anymore,” Williby said.

Williby worked with reporter Matthew Christian’s grandfather.

“I knew him. He worked at Bishop.... He was there on the hootowl shift when I started,” Williby said.