A Coal Shortage in DeKalb in 1917

From the February 8, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"The coal situation in DeKalb is tighter right now than it has been for some time, especially as to coke and hard coal.  There is a fairly good supply of soft coal but hardly a wagon load or so of the other varieties.

"One local coal merchant informs the Chronicle that he has only a half a ton in his own celler and not a pound of coke in the yard.

"Others are also hard up for coal to supply their customers.  Another manager of a coke concern states that he will be having to use soft coal in his own house furnace within another day."

Of course, coal was the major heating source in homes and businesses back then.

Wonder If the Coal Shortage Was a Result of the War?  --Cooter