Miner's Award Box

These belt buckles are part of an award box which was given to Lyle Frederich Parks after completing a thirty-year career in the Peabody Mine. He received this box when he retired in 1989. The items within were given to commemorate a long career with the company, and it shows Lyle’s commitment to his career. 

The exact Peabody Mine Lyle worked for is unknown, but the history of Peabody Energy is tied to Illinois. Its first mine, opened in 1895, was in Williamson County. The company survived the market’s shift from solely coal as the main fuel by getting contracts with electrical utilities.This allowed it to open mines throughout the state, such as Peabody Mine No. 10 in Pawnee, IL. This mine, deemed the largest coal mine in the world, has been closed since 1990. Later in that decade, Peabody saw a strike by the United Mine Workers due to advancements in technology and nonunion competition.

Sources: https://sangamoncountyhistory.org/wp/coal-mining-boom-to-bust/
https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/peabody-energy-corporation-history/