Mike Emden worked for Magma Copper Company in San Manuel Arizona underground as a trolley motormen from approximately 1969 to about 1979 or so. He worked mainly on Crew 4. Crew 4 was basically like a family while we were at work. At that time he was on the 2375 level. It was a new level that had opened up. Panel 4 Able and 4 Baker. It was not unusual to see the bright headlights of the trolley as it approached the North End of the Panel, lighting up total darkness. You could hear the air compresser of the trolley motor turning on and off. The crackle of the motorman calling the dispatcher (Hello Hollywood,or Hello Tony),stating "109 North End and Ready". (It was considered a "Cake" job. But at the same time it still had its dangers. Trolly moterman had to drive underneath at least 30 loading chutes that had water leaking down the raise and were possibly spitting rocks down below to the area where the motormen was sitting. He was controlled by flashing lights. Two lights pull forward, Three flashes bring it back slow). Then after recieving clearance to "Bring It on Down", or "Call me at 26 Cross Over" He would edge his 15 car train of 14 ton ore cars to the mainline, hoping the track switches were not split on the way down to the dump a mile away. Near the panels the track was slippery like ice and there was free floating dust to deal with. Dust that contained free silica. Once at the rotary dump he would pull the rope dumping 3 cars at a time. Then return to the panels to load up again. It was not unusual to make five or six round trips in a 8 hour shift. It was also not unusual to hear the dispatcher calling a motormen when he wasnt making fast enough time. "109 are you driving with the brakes on?" "Are you going to make it back to the panel today or are you pushing it by hand?" Everyone did the best they could possibly do, There were no valid excuses as to why you couldnt make another round trip. It was alot of work but also it was not unusual to share ones lunch box with your co-workers. Everyone treated each other with respect and looked out for them so they could go home to theyre families safe. Many miners drove 45 minutes from Tucson to San Manuel. Once a miner always a miner. Mike was a copper miner who provided well for his family.
Mikes home state was Ohio. He mentioned it often. He was married to Jane M Keeler. He was the father of a large family. He was a big fan of CB Radios. His call letters KJT1315 are forever etched in the skies. He loved to spend hours and hours talking radios and how best to improve his system. I first met him while working underground at Magma in about 1974. He was always willing to lend a hand to help someone in need. He was a member of REACT. And would provide free coffee for weary travelers on the interstate between Tucson and Phoenix. Or he would spend many hours searching for a lost person in the mountans near San Manuel. His home was always open for anyone that wanted to stop by and chat. After leaving his job at Magma he spent his remaining years in the Tucson area. Although he is not famous, he was a great friend and his good humor and jokes will live forever in my heart.