(72 miles to Tassel Ridge Winery)
The John L. Lewis Memorial Museum of Mining and Labor
John L. Lewis was born February 12, 1880 to Welsh immigrant parents, in the coal mining camp of Cleveland, Iowa—a mile east of Lucas. John L. began work in the “Big Hill” Mine in Lucas as a teenager, joining UMWA Local #799 in 1900. He moved to Illinois, where he began to rise to power in the United Mine Workers of America. He served as their president for 40 years and was a founder of the Congress of Industrial Organizations.
The museum also includes subjects on coal mining, labor unions, and local area history. There are many mining tools, photos of mining, labor, and local history, as well as many related items on display. The museum has a library with books on those subjects, including local genealogy and a theater where visitors may watch videos relating to those topics.
102 Division Street
Lucas, Iowa 50151
641.766.6831 or 641.766.6443
www.coalmininglabormuseum.com
