Mine cave-in descendants carry deep emotion
Dr. Eugene E. Laigon Jr., grandson of rescued miner Joseph Laigon, stands at his kitchen table and sifts through original news stories and memorabilia from the 1915 Foster's Tunnel Mine Cave-In. DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS
Dr. Eugene E. Laigon Jr. of Coaldale is the grandson of Joseph Laigon, the final survivor of the mine collapse.
"He talked about it, about the despair, and how cold it was," says Laigon, who speaks of hardships few can imagine. But for those entombed, it was all about survival.
"They had to drink the yellow sulfur water. They tried to drink minimal amounts of it. Some would throw up," he says.
When the miners were finally rescued after nearly a week underground, they were caked with mud and their hands bloodied from digging.
Amazingly, Joseph Laigon, a Lithuanian immigrant, returned to the mines two months after being rescued, working Foster's Tunnel until it closed.
He passed away in November 1968.
Eugene Laigon, 64, maintains an extensive collection of articles and memorabilia related to the event. He says he's delighted to support the planned Oct. 3 centennial commemoration.
"I'll help in whatever way I can," says Laigon.
Organizer Michael Havrischak said descendants such as Laigon are essential to the event.
"They represent the final generation" with firsthand ties to the cave-in, says Havrischak.
