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watermelonlovershigh · 8 months ago

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another sickfic/period prompt.. living together as friends/housemates and H finds her on the floor in the night feeling really sick from her period and sits with her + helps her out 🥲 changes her sheets for her, rubs her back and just holds her on the floor with a blanket round them. she's absolutely mortified with no choice but to be accepting of his help and all he wants to do is make her feel a little better :(

Period Cramps Are No Fun {part 1.} (housemate!harry series)

AN: thank you for this request. it's not exactly as the request said but i hope it's close enough. and i normally don't write harry as anything other than y/n's lover but made an exception with this story. please share your feedback with me and let me know how you liked it. enjoy. xoxoxoxo

This story contains: small period leak, severe period cramping, puking due to period cramps, crying due to pain and embarrassment, mentions of sex toys, comfort, fluff

{ housemate!harry - friend!harry - softrry - any harry era - au!harry }

word count- 1,956

You wake up in the middle of the night with severe period cramps and when your housemate and friend Harry happens to wake up for a glass of water, he sees you on the bathroom floor crying and has no choice but to be by your side and comfort you.

You were looking to be someones flatmate or housemate. You'd put offer after offer online and one day a guy named Harry accepted your offer. He had a pretty nice townhouse in London and from his brief description of himself, seemed to be an alright guy. You didn't want to move in with some lazy scumbag and you'd come to find Harry is the opposite of that.

He's probably the cleanest guy you've ever met. He enjoys keeping things organized and loves to keep the house smelling fresh with candles on every shelf and table. And you get along quite nicely. You'd even go as far to say over the six months of living in his townhouse that you've become friends.

Doing things friends do such as order take-out food together, watch movies on the couch, paint each others nails, share juicy details about your love lives (or lack thereof). Harry is a very fun guy to be around and if you're being honest with yourself, you'd say you've developed a slight crush on him. I mean how could you not? He has nearly all the characteristics of what every woman's ideal man would have. Physical characteristics and things through the actions he does.

Now even though you've became great friends over the six months of living here, there is still stuff you try to keep private. For instance, your periods. Harry's not dumb and obviously knows you get a period. Mainly from seeing your sanitary products under the bathroom sink or in the bin by the toilet. You don't try to keep your periods a secret, just private.

And though Harry knows you get periods, as do most females, he has yet to see the bad side of your periods. The periods that make you sob on the bathroom floor from the amount of pain your cramps are causing. The periods that make you nausous and throw up. Luckily those periods aren't a monthly thing but they do happen a few times a year for whatever reason and it sucks.

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Late last night as you and Harry were watching a movie on his sofa, you began to feel crampy in your lower stomach. You asked if he could pause the film while you went to the bathroom down the hall and he agreed. And that's when you realized your period had came and you'd leaked. It's not a bad leak but it's enough for you to need to change your underwear and your shorts. Which the shorts barely had any blood on them but still called for a fresh pair.

Once you got yourself situated, you returned to the living room where the first thing Harry commented on is your changed clothes. "Did you change your shorts or somethin'?"

Quickly, you answered, "Yeah, my period started and I kinda leaked. Okay, you can press play on the movie."

Harry nodded sympathetically but followed your orders. He would have said something else to try and comfort you but knew you prefered to keep your periods more private. He doesn't understand why though. All women get periods. It's not something you should be ashamed of and he wished you'd understand that.

Now it's four in the morning and you're woken up to what feels like the worst period cramps of your whole life. Fuck, you scream in your head, it's gonna be one of those months. The longer you lay in bed the more nausous you began to feel from how painful your cramps are and that leads to you stumbling out of bed and rushing to the bathroom down the hall.

After what felt like an eternity, you made it to the bathroom and literally crawled on the floor over to the toilet. Now that you're in the bathroom you feel less nauseous but the pain is still in full force. That's when the tears start flowing. With your back against the wall and your knees up to your chest, sobs roll out your body as you fight against the waves of your uterus contracting to release its lining.

Harry is a heavy sleeper and usually don't wake up unless someone outwardly calls his name or pushes him awake. What wakes him up right now though is a dry mouth and a craving for a glass of water. So he gets out of bed and heads to the kitchen. But before he can even make it to the kitchen, he hears what sounds like crying coming from the hall bathroom.

Rushing over to the bathroom door, the sight before him breaks his heart. You didn't have the strength to shut the door so from the hall, Harry sees you sobbing in front of the toilet, back against the wall, and a hand clutching your stomach. "Oh, Y/n," he steps inside, "what's the matter?"

You slowly lift your head and the first thought in your mind was you didn't want him to see you like this. This was too embarrassing and you were too vulnerable at the moment. "Harry, go. Don't look at me."

Taken back by your words, Harry retorts in concern, "Not until you tell me what's wrong. Are you sick? Why're cryin'?"

Realising it's no use to deny your housemates help in your condition, you answer through the pain and tears, "My.....my cramps are SO bad. It hurts so much, H...Harry. *sob* It's making me feel so sick."

Harry frowns sympathetically and kneels down beside you in just his boxer briefs, which is his usual sleep attire. He would have covered up a bit more if he'd known this is what he was going to be walking into on his trip for a glass of water. As soon as he kneels down, you get the real urge to puke.

You push yourself off the wall and hang your head over the toilet. A harsh dry heave leaves your mouth that makes him cringe but nothing more, yet. Harry quickly scoots behind you and collects your hair with one hand and runs his other hand over your back. He doesn't know if you want to be touched right now but knows that when he's getting sick he finds that if someone rubs on his back it makes him feel a little better.

"Shhh," Harry whispers gently, "it's okay. You're okay. I've got you." He patiently waits until your feel better or actually get sick. After a few more jarring dry heaves, you end up throwing up in the toilet. And though the act feels like hell and is gross, you hope it will also relive the sickness your belly feels due to your period cramps.

You slowly lift your head up, taking deep breaths, and start crying again. This time not from the pain but from embarrassment. Harry's quick to ask, "Hey, what is it, Y/n? The cramps again?"

A little more coherently then the last time you spoke, you answer, "No. Just embarrassed. I threw up in front of you." That has Harry throwing his head back with a laugh.

"Y/n, I don't give a single fuck about you throwing up in front of me. Everyone gets sick from time to time. Just want to make sure you're alright. I hate that your period cramps are causin' you so much pain."

While subconsciously rubbing circles in your lower tummy, you ask desperately in a near whispered voice, "H, can you please go get me some pain medicine. It's in my bedside table drawer in my bedroom. Once I have that I think I'll feel better. At least for a couple of hours."

"Of course." Harry agrees and gets up off the bathroom floor to head to your bedroom. Once inside, he walks straight to your bedside table and opens the drawer to find your bottle of pain medication. While rummaging through to find the bottle, Harry tries to ignore the assortment of sex toys you have in there; bullet vibrator, dildo, clit sucker. Shit, this is the wrong time for him to get all hot and flustered at the thought of you using those under his roof.

He finally finds the bottle of pills and heads back to the bathroom where you still are. Within the time it took him to grab your medicine, you've stood up off the floor, flushed the toilet of course, and now sit on a closed toilet seat. Harry opens the bottle and asks, "How many? One or Two or....?"

"Two please." Harry hands you two tablets and grabs a paper cup used for rinsing your mouths out by the sink and fills it up with tap water. You carefully grab the small cup from his hands and take the pills with urgency, just wanting to be out of pain as soon as possible.

Once that's over with, Harry annonces, "Well, I'll let you get cleaned up in here and I'll be out there waiting for you."

"Okay, thank you." you respond gratefully. Harry really is the best housemate you could have asked for. While he's gone, you change out your tampon and brush the taste of vomit from your mouth. Then you exit the hall bathroom, ready to try and get a few more hours of sleep.

As you step inside your bedroom, you're taken back. Harry has managed to change your sheets and duvet, claiming a fresh pair will help you relax and hopefully sleep better. He's also set an actual glass of water on your nightstand, as well as plugged in his heating pad for you to use. "Harry....... what's all this?"

Nervously, because he doesn't know if this is all too much to do to someone who is just his housemate and friend, Harry replies, "Um, just wanted to make sure you come back to a comfy room. Hopefully you'll get a few more hours of sleep. And if you get thirsty or need to take more medicine, there's a glass of water there. Then my old heating pad that you can use across your tummy to also help with your cramps. Hope it's not too much."

You turn around with a small smile on your face and reach out to hug him. He's startled at first but soon relaxes and hugs you back. You hug for a minute before you break away first and mutter your appreciation. "No, this is great, Harry. Not too much at all. Thank you for your kindness tonight. And thank you for putting up with me in the bathroom. I know that wasn't a pretty sight. So yeah, just, thank you so much."

Looking down at you, Harry gets the urge to kiss you, but instead, says, "Y/n, it's no big deal, really. I would have helped anyone in that situation. Just want you to feel better s'all. Now get back into bed and around ten I'll wake up and make us a brunch. Sound good?"

"Yeah, sounds perfect." You crawl back into your bed that now has fresh sheets and maneuver the heating pad over your tummy. The pain medicine has begun to work but your uterus is still quite achy. As Harry turns around and heads out your door, you yell out, "Night." even though it's five in the morning by now.

"Night, Y/n." Harry speaks as well before slipping back into his bed across the hall. Now laying in your separate beds, all you can think about is how much you would have loved if Harry was in your bed cuddling you. And all Harry can think about is how much he wishes you were in his bed, so he could cuddle you. Maybe one day that day will come. But for now, you're just silly housemates that's turned into friends.

(PLEASE REBLOG BECAUSE WRITING IS NOT EASY AND IT'S FREE SO JUST DO IT)

(no more tags are allowed because i've hit my number limit. sorry : ( )

tag list: @one-sweet-gubler // @harryscherrysugar // @hsfanficsrecss // @lollypopsx // @harrycanyonmoonn // @itfeelslikemytherapisthatesme // @damnasstyles // @mrsstylesharry // @softmullet // @meetmyblondemuffins // @thegirlnextdoorssister // @stanleystyles // @haarrrys // @michellekstyles // @skyangel57 // @the-gardener-31 // @lhharrylilpumpkin // @yousunshine-youtemptress // @clairestylessss // @kissmyaxe140 // @goldenmelonsugar-hi // @kaitieskidmore97 // @florencepughily // @alienorknight //@dancearoundthelivingroom // @swiftmendeshoran

// @luv-flor7777 // @alohastyles-x // @tenaciousperfectionunknown // @sleutherclaw // @siredtohybrid // @whoscamila // @a-strange-familiar // @golden-elodie // @mrspeacem1nusone // @goldenkhae // @lntwithhrry // @shadowygladiatorlight // @manifestrry //@mendesblurb // @sunshinemoonsposts // @depersonalizationsucks // @academiaghost // @zendayassimp // @reveriehs // @vsnnstuff // @dancinsunflowerkiwi // @quinnsgrapejuice // @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite // @justlemmeholdyou // @hsonlyangelxo // @luvonstyles // @howdey

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My Masterlist Masterpost

Arguments and Confessions {part 2.} (housemate!harry series)

#harry styles #harry styles fan fiction #harry styles fic rec #housemate!harry #housematerry #friend!harry #friendrry #soft!harry #softrry #harry styles x reader #harry styles period comfort #period comfort #harry styles sick fic #sick fic #harry styles one shot #harry styles blurb #one shot #blurb

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fairuzfan · 10 months ago

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Hi!! I love your page sm, do you know of any organizations i and others could donate too that help provided sanitary products like pads and tampons to woman and girls in Palestine? I hope you have a great night/day!!🫶🏼🩷🍉

so i'm in contact with the landowner for @helpgazachildren and he says that he's looking to buy sanitary products within the next run, if you're interested in helping!!

thank you for asking!!

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thegirlmirage · 10 months ago

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Hello my posts seem to be getting some attention, please consider donating and sharing to my current mutual aid goal for Queer Ugandan refugees. We've previously raised money for this lesbian refuge before, securing their fence and replenishing life saving supplies, now to avoid sickness - their latrine is about full and very likely to overflow from the rains, causing sicknessness amongst the camp, they need £315 for materials, labour, and sanitary products and this will also provide them with privacy.

Please donate (minimum £5) and share, share, share this campaign as it's the fastest way to get it fulfilled soon

£20/£315 !!

#queer solidarity #mutual aid #gofundme #lesbian safety #queer ugandan refugees #fundraising

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iamthatwhich · 2 years ago

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If you menstruate and are on a path of zero-waste, avoiding plastics, avoiding toxic chemicals, minimizing your footprint, or all of the above, then you’ve likely been faced with a frustrating conundrum: Menstruating is a natural part of your life, but there doesn’t seem to be too many ‘clean’, safe options to deal with it.

First off, let me say that I have been off and away from mainstream menstrual care for over 14 years, including birth control (wrecked my hormones), and storebought sanitary products (full of harmful chemicals like bleach, perfume and hormone-disrupting PFAs!). I have used silicone cups, discs, and cloth pads, and have a lengthy and thorough review of how they are used and what brands I prefer up on my Patreon.

However, for today I want to focus on one tried and true item: The pad.

Pads have been around for centuries- longer if you include their earlier predecessor, The Rag. However, in this time we’ve come pretty far to create a more secure, clean and manageable item— though the creation of the chemically-treated, plastic lined disposable pad has been a regrettable pit stop.

Cloth pads are great because they come in a wide range of colors and patterns (making them more appropriate for more kinds of menstruating people, including men and children) and can be reused for years if cared for properly. Over the past decade, they’ve gone from being available solely from independent sellers on sites like Etsy to being sold alongside menstrual cups in the ‘alternative’ period care section of many stores. You can also specifically buy pads made from organic or natural materials and avoid petrol-based textiles.

However, a downside here is that purchasing pads can still be expensive even if you aren’t buying direct from an indie seller. Now, it’s not that they aren’t worth every penny; having made 3 sets myself I fully understand the time, skill and materials that go into making them. But the fact of the matter is that under late-stage capitalism, paying the higher up-front cost for a set of reusable pads can be daunting, even if you know it’s cheaper in the long run (and it is). If you have access to fabric, a sewing machine, and sewing skills, you can half the price, and I’m going to show you how. The cost of fabric can even be lowered by recycling old towels and clothing and I’ll talk about what you need in the tutorial! As a set of good cloth pads can last from 4-6 years or more, this is a great, frugal and eco-friendly option!

Additionally, I’m going to tell you how to wash and care for your pads since working with reusable pads is way different than just wrapping them up and throwing them in the trash.

For the step by step directions, photos and care tutorial, click here to read for free on my Patreon. All of my content is Patron-supported and Patrons also receive private and early-release posts! If you appreciate my work, feel free to visit my membership page and choose the tier that works for you.

Free tutorial here.

Tips + Thank yous Insta

#menstruation #eco friendly #sustainability #zero waste #period care #diy #sewing #tutorials

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ana-bananya · 4 months ago

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$991/$30,000

"Go Forward_unity sphere , in partnership with BEL AV directly from Goma, launches this crowdfunding campaign 'Let’s Change/GoForward The Congo.' This initiative aims to:

Providing Scholarships: The financial constraints of the DRC's children make it challenging for them to obtain a high-quality education. By offering scholarships, we can assist these children in achieving their aspirations and establishing a brighter future.

Providing School Supplies: Education necessitates a desire to learn and the requisite resources. Our goal is to provide children with the necessary educational tools, textbooks, and writing supplies to guarantee their success.

Assuring Food Security: Your contributions will assist in the distribution of food supplies, the establishment of village gardens, and the provision of nutritional education to community farmers. This will provide sustenance for children and families, thereby decreasing their necessity to participate in hazardous mining activities.

Encouraging Environmental Sustainability: Donations will allow us to facilitate cleanups especially for the toilets, encourage recycling, educate individuals on the most effective environmental protection strategies, and cultivate a healthier, clearer community.

Supplying Sanitary Kits, Personal Hygiene and other essentials Items like: Your assistance will guarantee that women have access to menstruation kits, personal hygiene items, clothing, shoes, pads , diapers babies, tents for sleeping, tools, and other essential products from Chicago to Goma, Ituri and Bunia."

#Democratic Republic of the Congo #drc #dr congo #Congo is bleeding #free congo #goma #m23 rebels #mutual aid

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lemmebe7 · 6 months ago

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#pads #sanitary pads #large pads #large sanitary pads #Period Care #period care products #best sanitary pads #best sanitary pads in india #organic sanitary pads #heavy flow pads #heavy period pads #heavy flow period pads #Lemme Be pads #Lemme Be sanitary pads #Lemme Be's XXL sanitary pad #Xxtra Long Sanitary Pads #Pads for Heavy Flow

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gentlebeardsbarngrill · 7 months ago

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04/16/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Samba Schutte; Outtakes; Weekly Calendar; Fiber Arts Auction; Some Nonsense in Bristol; Glad Ranker; Fan Spotlight: Never Left Podcast; Cast Cards; Our Drag Means Slay, Our Flag Means Fanfiction Minisode; Our Flag Makes a Difference Fundraiser; Schadenfreude; Love Notes; Daily Darby/Tonight's Taika.

= Samba Schutte =

The big sighting today was Samba and his Outtakes BTS post!

== New Weekly Event Calendar ==

New event calendar is up! Check out the new Fiber Arts Brigade info below!

= SOFMD's Fiber Arts Brigade =

Some cool stuff is going on in SOFMD's Fiber Arts Brigade! There's an auction to benefit Sage, a US organization that provides amazing support and advocacy for queer elders! The Auction will be held June 14th . You don't need to be a member to donate items to the auction! Message @saveofmdcrewmates if you'd like to join in! sageusa.org

Jeff Art by @snejpowa

== **Big Sigh** in Bristol ==

I don't even know what to label this section. I'm just flabberghasted. The good news is they are not a member of the SOFMD team since there was a rumor going around that SOFMD was somehow involved. Link to the Bristol Post and SaveOFMD's Statement Below:

== Uproar Update! ==

Digital release moved up to April 23!

== Calls to Action ==

== GLAAD ==

Last day to vote for GLAAD!

Vote Here

Img Src: @AdoptOurCrew Twitter

== Ranker ==

Still looking to help OFMD stay up on Ranker? This is their main page and yo can choose from lots of different rankings going on and vote up OFMD and down other shows you think should be lowered.

== Fan Spotlight ==

== Never Left ==

Never Left Podcast has Hugo Pierre Martin on the show this week! Give them a listen on your choice of podcast platforms by visiting their Linktr.ee

Artwork was created by Amy Gleason, you can see more of her art @/AmysBirdHouse on IG.

= Cast Cards =

Our dear crewmate @melvisik has spotlighted one of the fisherman from the pilot episode that Stede pillaged the plant from! Ted Heyck!

== Our Drag Means Slay ==

For those of you not in the Chicago area, you can now sign up to see Our Drag Means Slay on livestream! Tickets are $5 for the Apr 27, 2024 7:00 PM show! All proceeds go to charity!

Ticket Link

Our Drag Means Slay Twitter

= Our Flag Means Fanfiction =

Our friends over at Our Flag Means Fanfiction have put out a minisode this week:

Minisode: Izzy Hands Ring Lore Fics Check it out on Spotify!

== Our Flag Makes A Difference ==

Great news! The eSIMS and Sanitary Products for Gaza fundraiser has finally reached it's goal! Thank you so everyone who shared links or donated, it makes a serious different in folks lives! For more info: Check out the campaign

== Schadenfreude ==

Thanks @seven_sugars on Twitter for spotting this 30% loss YTD!

== Love notes ==

Today was a tough one lovelies. I really want to thank all of you who reached out when I was struggling, it meant a lot to me. I know some of you said we didn't know each other-- but I just wanna throw out there that you're part of this crew, and even if we haven't talked or interacted much, your love means the world to me and everyone else you send it to. Every single one of you who's willing to reach out-- to a friend/crewmate who has asked, or hasn't asked and just looks like they need it, or you're just spreading a bit of joy-- you make this world such a better place. You take sadness and you turn it into solace and comfort. You share a little piece of yourself to make someone else's missing pieces start to be whole again.

I just want you to know how powerful that kindness is. It can mean the absolute world to someone when they are truly down, to know they are seen and cared about, even by the briefest of acquaintance. Seriously, thank you. You are a glimmer of sunshine on hard days and the impact you make is immense. Tonight, I just want to say thank you so so much for your kindness. Love you crew, I hope you're well.

== Daily Darby / Tonight's Taika ==

Tonight's theme is Freemanji, I don't know why, just felt like a Freemanji night. Look at Rhys in his little mustache and hat, and Taika in his goofy ass coat <3 Gifs courtesy of @neonpigeons and @ihadaweirdname

#ofmd daily recap #rhys darby #taika waititi #samba schutte #ofmd bts #ofmd outtakes #ofmd outtakes s2 #our flag means fanfiction #never left podcast #fundraisers #our drag means slay #glaad #uproar #save ofmd crew #sofmd fiber arts brigade

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stvrlightvngel · 10 months ago

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Feminine Kitty Tips 😺

If there's one thing the world is obsessed with, its making women feel ashamed of their normal and natural bodily functions. I'm going to give you a no bullshit girl talk today about your private parts - what smells are normal, and when to see a doctor.

"Normal" kitty typically has a mild, slight musky smell that is unique to each individual. It is typically described as heady, with a slight sweet scent, but it's important to remember everyone's body varies, due to your diet & where you are in your cycle. If your kitty doesn't hurt, itch, or smell that makes you uncomfortable - you're probably normal.

If your kitty has a foul, strong, or "fishy" odor, it is likely a sign of infection or bacteria that has gotten out of hand. Despite the misogynistic memes, a kitty infection does not make you gross, dirty, or disgusting. It is a very common medical problem. See a doctor and they will be able to prescribe you medicine to get everything all cleared up!

Other Signs You Need To See A Doctor

Burning or Pain When Peeing

Swelling or Redness of the Lip Area

Bleeding Outside Of Your Cycle

Foul Smelling, Odd Colored Discharge

Happy, Healthy Kitty Tips

Do NOT use Summer Eve's products. Your kitty is a self-cleaning organ! You don't even need to use any kind of soap directly on your kitty. Washes and douches kill off the good bacteria your kitty needs to keep your pH balanced and to help fight infections. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the EXTERNAL are. Remember to clean from front to back.

Wipe from front to back when using the restroom.

Wear 100% cotton panties. Breathable fabrics, such as cotton, will improve air circulation, allowing you to be more comfortable.

Change out of wet clothes as quickly as possible. Especially after swimming or exercising. Changing out of wet clothes quickly prevents bacteria from growing that would otherwise lead to unpleasant odors.

Incorporate probiotics in your diet. Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi are rich in probiotics, which promotes a healthy balance of bacteria in the body. This makes infections less likely while improving scent.

Change your sanitary pads and tampons often. Changing your menstrual products often will help avoid the build up of odor causing bacteria.

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beguines · 3 months ago

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Conditions were especially bad in company-owned towns, where a majority of the country's miners lived during the 1920s and 1930s, and remained that way to a large degree into the 1940s. Brian Kelly notes that in Alabama, epidemics caused by unsanitary conditions and unsafe drinking water ended up affecting productivity Hevener describes conditions in Harlan County, Kentucky, an important coal mining area. While housing varied considerably from camp to camp, "the county's provisions for sanitation, disease prevention, and health care were generally poor". Few of the outdoor privies were sanitary. Since these towns were controlled by coal companies, the responsibility and decisions were theirs. Hevener notes that it was only during World War II, when one-third of Harlan County's military draftees were rejected because of venereal disease, that the county became the last in Kentucky to form a health department.

However, the biggest grievances of miners and their families were over company control of all facets of non-working life. Company stores and payment in scrip rather than cash were major issues, especially in West Virginia and Alabama mining towns. Boyd notes that they played only a small role in Ohio and Illinois, places where mining camps tended to be closer to established towns. Although company stores were illegal in Pennsylvania, Rochester claims that many companies there got around the law by setting up subsidiaries. As John Brophy relates in his description of his upbringing in Pennsylvania coal country, prices were considerably higher at the company stores, "and if a miner got caught bringing in things he had bought out of town, he might get fired".

Company housing was also a central issue, even in those rare instances when its quality was good. Shifflett, whose work leans heavily on company-sponsored oral history, misses the point when he describes the physical conditions as often superior to those that rural families had experienced before they came to the mines. Yes, and slaves before the Civil War often ate better than northern urban workers—a "fact" that apologists for slavery often asserted in defense of the institution—though this did little to diminish slaves' desire for freedom. Company leases were draconian, although judges always ruled that they had been signed freely. If a worker went on strike, had visitors (especially unionists), died, went looking for another job, or did not buy enough at a company store, he was liable to eviction. The company always knew where you were. Occasionally, company agents and thugs pulled sick miners out of bed and sent them to work. In Alabama mining towns, they were called "Shack Rousters".

In virtually all mining towns, the control by the companies was absolute. The political offices of the towns, including that of the police chief, were almost always controlled by the mine owners. Policemen themselves were often subsidized by the mining companies. Police and company guards would force any stranger who could not explain his or her business sufficiently to leave town. In Verna, Harlan County, Kentucky, for example, the sheriff pistol-whipped a job applicant because he came from an adjacent union community. Companies also often controlled the post office. During a 1931–32 Harlan County coal miners' strike, owners cut off the delivery of "the miners' favorite newspaper, the Knoxville News-Sentinel, because it was critical of local operators". Companies also often selected the teachers, social workers, and ministers. Many company towns were surrounded by barbed wire with a single gate manned by guards. Union organizers when discovered were occasionally murdered. Needless to say, prominent among the stated demands of many mining strikes were the abolition of this pervasive control and the mine-guard system.

Michael Goldfield, The Southern Key: Class, Race, and Radicalism in the 1930s and 1940s

#michael goldfield #the southern key #labor #appalachia

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