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Yesterday, my grandson played me a song he found on YouTube. It wasn't new to me as I remembered it from my youth. The song sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford was Sixteen Tons. It is interesting that the kids are unearthing folk songs recorded before I was born.
The lyrics prompted a talk about the subject matter. My grandson thought company towns were related to coal mining. I informed him that at least three company towns were operating in Humboldt when I was a kid. I also pointed out that one was recently added to the registry of historic places. I explained that the lumber and agriculture industries found that business model very appealing. It certainly gave the companies maximum control over workers and their families.
I suggested a field trip to visit the towns that I know about here and to make sure the kids are informed about a business practice that I hear is coming back around again.
It is good to have an understanding of such things and how company towns can be used to exploit workers.