No 31 LAMP HOUSE

Built about 1920. At one time over 2,000 lamps per day were handled here. These illuminating devices consisted of a battery pack with a long electrical cord and a light fixture which could be attached to a miners hard hat. These devices were issued by check number. Each miner was issued an identifying number which was imprinted on a small round metallic disk. The miner was required to give this disk to the 'lamp house attendant' then he was issued a lamp collected the metallic disk with number was placed on an in board. This board of metallic disks could then be checked to see who was working at the time as well as a way to keep track of issued lamps. After his shift the coal mine worker would return the lamp and be given his metallic disk check number which would be used again and again as he returned for his work shift. The lamp battery packs were then connected to devices to be recharged for the next shift of work.