That year my parents moved to Balkan so my father could stay home and be close to his work. Because of the proximity of our home to the Harkness home, Ruth and I became friends. In subsequent years, we occasionally saw each other at reunions, both at Balkan and Bell County High.

This community was a cohesive society, an ongoing process whereby the people worked together in every area of their life. It was a harmonious group of people sharing their time at work, play, church and entertainment . . .always aware of the welfare of others. Much emphasis was placed on the family. As a result, it was a place that afforded a safe haven to work and play for entire neighborhoods.

Before returning to college my second year- 1942-43, the county superintendent of schools asked me to teach in high school on an emergency certificate at Balkan, Kentucky. Obviously my fears surfaced since I was the same age of some of these seniors. Finally, I convinced myself that I should do it since there was a teacher shortage because of the war. Shortly after school had begun, I became involved in after school activities. I organized and coached a girl's basketball team. The parents became interested and involved. They were very supportive and began to invite me into their homes. Looking back, it seems this was never ending.

Apparently, the Italian families had a very active social life, which I became a part of, during this time. I learned to love and appreciate another culture completely opposite of mine. For the first time, I became familiar with their religion, their type of music, food preferences, and dialect. They also seemed to experience such joy and contentment even in the death of a family member.

During that first year of teaching at Balkan, incidents happened to remind me that I was being immersed in another culture-even if it were on a small scale. This experience gave me some cultural insight, long repressed, an understanding and tolerance of other ethnic groups I've encountered even today. Because of this opportunity, my love and appreciation for Balkan will always be engraved in my memory.

In July of the following year, 1942-43, 1 met a handsome man, Hobert Mink, whom I later married. After the war, we began our life together in a small home in Balkan -1946. We had electricity but no indoor plumbing. That did nothing to impede my happiness. While living there, we became the proud parents of a baby girt, Jennifer 1949. An unexpected problem occurred during her delivery which necessitated my stay at the hospital for a month, I refer to this only to further acquaint you with Balkan and its people. When I finally got home, I was embraced with open arms. The following weeks, people organized and assisted us in every possible way to make us comfortable. That included the following: baby sitting, cleaning, preparing food, running errands and monetary gifts.

As I reflect on how happy I was at that time,...l was accepted because of the people, I was drawn to the people, yes; but I was interested in them for what they were reading, interpreting, thinking, talking about, playing, worshiping, the values they embraced and their generosity.

Presently, the memories of Balkan are still vivid. It's been several years since I've lived there but the people definitely impacted my life and help mold my character. Those who came first, had the vision and leadership to instill in others to perpetuate the memory of this unique mining camp? because of their hard work and dedication. They truly have left a legend.

My dad began working in a mine loading coal. For a number of years, he worked at Molus, Kentucky. Later he got a job at Balkan, Kentucky and worked there until he retired.

Most of my siblings have achieved more than ordinary success as professional and business people. I attribute this to the superior character of John and Edna Davis.

Georgia Mink
June 10, 2000
Next page

Picture of Family during World War II
Davis Homeplace during 40s
Malmaws father James Calvin Hoskins -1954
Grandpa Jeams-J.C. Hoskins' children -around 1954
Malmaw and father around 1945
Malmaw dressed up 1945
Lum Greene Cemetery
Hoskins Cemetery
Balkan Cemetery
Hances Creek Map

Balkan (Coal Mining Town), Kentucky

Balkan School
Balkan Coal Tipple
Balkan Miner Homes
David, Kathy & Charlene at Balkan-1952