Miracles & Heroes

The theme of miracles and heroes runs deep in the coverage of the Springhill Mine Disaster.  Through newspaper articles and editorials as well as news coverage like the idea that a miracle might happen was common.

Why?  In 1956 an explosion occurred in the mineshaft of the neighbouring No. 4 colliery.  Those miners who survived the initial explosion and onslaught of gasses were trapped below for days before they could be rescued. In the end 88 men were rescued while 39 perished including workers on the surface.  Throughout coverage of the two disasters, the drägermen are always heralded as the heroes.  The drägermen are rescuers who wear special breathing apparatuses due to the possibility of toxic gases below ground.  They are the heroes who figure prominently, yet work hard and remain largely silent in newspaper reports.  They are men, just like those trapped, and they stick to their Miner’s Code and don’t give up on one another.

The Ottawa Citizen described them and commented on the "Miracle in Springhill" on November 3, 1958: "The Heroes of Springhill"
Of the draegermen they said that "no name will shine forth more brightly"
"They continued their frantic efforts two miles beneath the surface of the earth, without pause, throughout the weekend.  Working around the clock, they sought still more survivors."

The double miracle of the 1958 Springhill Mine Disaster can be interpreted as an answer to the grief and sorrow and tragedy that had affected the town through previous mine disasters, a fire and then the bump of October 23, 1958.  It can be seen as an answer from some higher being to the question Why Us? Why so many times? Why so much sadness?

Although the double miracle can answer this difficult question for the 18 families whose ‘menfolk’ were found alive (Percy Rector died on October 28) it could not for the 75 whose men came out of the mine under cloaks of death.  In moments of mass trauma and grief, how do those who experience loss deal with the fallout?  Is it through believing and hoping for these miracles?  Does the hope alleviate the pain?

I like to believe in looking on the bright side during moments of intense grief or trauma.  It’s not always possible, or easy, and I’ve tried many times in the last few years to tell myself that things will get better, it’s all for the best and that life does go on.  It’s one thing to tell yourself that when something personal happens but it’s another to tell yourself that amidst a massive trauma that affects groups you will be able to stay strong.  How did 75 families even attempt to look on the bright side?  It must have been incredibly saddening to hear of the found men, not only once but twice, and not see your husband, son or father’s face among them.  This is something I cannot imagine and have no desire to experience first hand.

Am keen to hear your ideas and reactions.  And your own thoughts on the miracles and heroes of the Springhill Bump as this project wraps up,

Best,

Rebecca