Parallel Lives

Harlan Shankle arose every morning during the '30s at 4 AM and caught a bus from Hartford to R. A. Young's Mine 18 near Jenny Lind. Leo Cretnik from Greenwood/Jenny Lind made it to that mine by the 7:00 o'clock starting time. The men were lowered with their dinner buckets down deep into the mine shaft. They walked the quarter mile from the "drop" to their worksite and labored in low-ceilinged "rooms" to mine the high quality coal that was transported to blast furnaces at steel mills back east. At 4 PM each day the men slowly made their way home. Leo recall that he and his father earned a combined $30-35 dollars for two weeks arduous work.

The day came when Harlan decided to pursue other work; Leo did the same. Harlan became a postman in Tulsa. Leo became a postman in Fort Smith.

Despite their parallel lives, Harlan and Leo did not know each other until very recently when these neighbors discovered their commonalities.

Fast forward to March 11, 2013. Harlan and Leo, along with friends including Ravenelle Arnold, Melba Martin, Gordon Jorden and family members are celebrating Harlan's 99th birthday. At 99, Harlan is one of the young crowd. Others in the group are centenarians. It was a treat to meet Harlan and his friends. Long time Historical Society member Leo tipped us off to this very special occasion. Many thanks to Leo for this opportunity to meet some wonderful folks and document this event. Happy Birthday, Harlan!

 Harlan Shankle, left, Leo Cretnik, right.

 Birthday cake with the image of the Coal Miner's Memorial. 

The late George "Bud" Lewis was the model for the coal miner.

Harlan says he remembered him as "a kid."

May all your wishes come true, Harlan.

Many happy returns of the day.