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Whiteash: fading coal town with violent origins and steady calm
Whiteash grew as a coal mining village of 181 on Illinois 37 north of Marion. Italians clashed with earlier residents in 1915 leading to mob violence and a lynching amid anti Italian tensions. After mine closures in 1922 population declined and poverty rose before World War II revived employment and town improvements. Residents today view Whiteash as a quiet, nice village with debates over a tavern near Illinois 37.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Whiteash
Illinois
Marion
Chicago and Marion Coal Co
Charles A. Gent
Sam K. Casey
George W. Binkley
Binkley
Chicago and Eastern Illinois
Tolbert Sanders
Sicily
W. E. Chapman
J. L. Schull
Chapman
Carbondale Free Press
Joe Stravo
Stranzo
Johnston City
Stravo
Sanders
William Sanders
Tolbert
Charlie Birger
John Dodd
The
Gan
Dodd
Cochran
California
Birger
Franklin County
Joe Adams
West City
Lory Price
Ethel
Price
VFW
Hickey
Domino Club
Kajo’s
Illinois 37