My name is Anthony Ruby; I am pursuing degrees in History and Geography at the University of Missouri-Columbia. To complete the requirements of my degree programs I am writing an honors thesis covering the recent history (Since WWII) and geography of select areas in Missouri’s former mining belt in Washington, Iron, and Madison Counties. Through travels and personal interest in the area I have fallen in love with the people and towns that once supplied labor for Missouri’s mining industry.

I am certain that many of you who have been residents of the area and have unique perspectives on life in Washington County and in the community as a whole. I will be traveling through Washington and Iron Counties on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of this month and would greatly appreciate meeting with anyone willing to discuss their personal history and the history of mining in the area.

I hope to gain a general knowledge of life and society in these regions through talking to you. The ultimate focus of my thesis will be determined through reactions and information gained in fieldwork and through interviews with those who have lived in the areas I am studying and have a local knowledge, so any information you could share with me would help immensely. The concentration of my research is focused on the life and communities surrounding mining operations, but specific knowledge of the mines is not necessary. Personal stories, experiences, and observations of residents of the area are a large part of what I hope to incorporate into my thesis.

Any other information, contacts, or suggestions are also greatly appreciated. I have included my email and personal information below so you can contact me any way that is most convenient for you. I will be checking e-mail until the morning of Monday, November 22nd before traveling through the area if you find this to be the easiest method of communication. Please e-mail if there are any suggestions for before I come to Washington Co. I would love to talk to everyone that is interested in telling some of their life story and adding to the published history of the mining belt in Missouri. Personal meetings are the best for my research, but e-mail and telephone conversations are also perfectly acceptable.

Thank you again for your time and help in this matter.



Sincerely,
Anthony Ruby
aorf26@mizzou.edu