1

John Sawchenko (Character representation)



Credits:
Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society

2

My name is John Sawchenko and my life started out like any other, until my fifth birthday. I'm still not really sure what happened to my folks. People said there was a fire but no one ever told me more. So, at age five I was sent to the orphanage. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise, as I received the privilege of going to school.

3

Kathleen Powell holding her first born child John Alfred Powell Jr.
1931
Drumheller, Alberta


Credits:
Carla Powell

4

Seven children at back door in winter
20th Century
Unknown


Credits:
Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society

5

Horses, driven by a child, turning hay
20th Century
Drumheller, Alberta


Credits:
Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society

6

You see, back then you weren't required by law to go to school. My two older brothers never went to school, so I figured that I wouldn't either. But I started school and continued my education until grade six. I was thirteen. I was old enough to work, and too expensive for the orphanage to keep. So they sent me to a farm nearby that took me on as hired help. This was my first job. I picked rocks from the field, collected eggs, milked cows, and cleaned the pigpens. I wanted to move on, but I was a good worker, and my boss offered me a raise and my own cow if I would stay. I didn't stay long though. A few months later I found myself travelling cross-country working for the railroad. The pay was not bad but I couldn't see myself going anywhere until I came to the valley.

7

Very early Drumheller, Whitehouse Hotel, train station, boxcars on track, Vickers Bros.
1912 - 1922
Drumheller, Alberta


Credits:
Town of Drumheller

8

When I arrived in the valley there were more jobs available than men to fill them. As luck would have it there were job openings at the Sunshine Mine just outside of Drumheller in a small town named Wayne. So I rode the rail, there was no road to Wayne then, and hoped off for good.

9

Bird's eye view of Wayne and the Rosedeer Mine
Between 1912 - 1934
Wayne, Alberta


Credits:
Town of Drumheller