.
Although life was hard for the miners
and their families, there was time for leisure and recreation. Women often crocheted,
knitted, or sewed items for home or personal use. Italian immigrants enjoyed playing
bocce, an Italian version of outdoor bowling, as well as other Old World games such as
morra, a hand game of strategy played by two people, and
briscola, a card game. Children's games were simple and toys often homemade. A town dance hall,
movie theatre, and even tennis courts provided additional entertainment. Men hunted animals
for food or for their furs. The most popular form of entertainment for the townspeople was
baseball. Baseball leagues and teams were formed under the auspices and
with the support of the Coal Company. Baseball playing miners were
often given preferential treatment in their jobs by the Coal Company.
|