A Question for the Lovely f-list

[drachenmina]

...specifically, the US citizens among you.

If I were in an unspecified US city, and wished to get hold of a lump of coal (and I mean proper old-fashioned coal, not those charcoal bricquettes you get for the BBQ which I can't spell), how would I achieve this?

Yes, this is for a story! *g*

Comments

[valkyrieblades.livejournal.com]

You would probably have to find a mine or a supplier, or go online. A store like the Tractor Supply Co. might carry coal, but I've never looked for it so I can't say for sure. And I have *no* idea where you would look for it in a large city. o_O

If I may ask, what is the coal going to be used for? It's a little early for anyone to be getting it in their stockings, isn't it? ^_^

[drachenmina]

I am guessing, then, that the Tractor Supply Co does not only supply tractors? *g*
I sort of need my character to be able to get hold of it somewhere fairly local. He needs it as bait for a magical salamander.

Obviously. ;D

[valkyrieblades.livejournal.com]

Oh, of course! ;D

Tractor Supply Co. is a fairly common store throughout the United States that sells a LOT more than tractors, including footwear, water softening salt, equine supplies... basically everything you need to run a farm. They also sell a lot of stoves and and other things that use coal, so I would think that they carry it. You can check out their website and store locator at tractorsupply.com.

Hope that helps! ^_^ I can just see someone going into a Tractor Supply store for coal and coming out with a pair of their crazy galoshes... especially Remus. *cracks up* Did I mention that the store also has some really good candy? ;)

[tripperfunster.livejournal.com]

I know that there is a little old fashioned steam train (like for kids and tourists) that runs in the park, near our zoo, and it uses coal. I'm sure they get it from a supplier, but I'm sure your characters could either bribe or steal a hunk from the conductor.

[drachenmina]

Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you!
And now I am conflicted. Over on IJ, Accio has been telling me I can get it from her local hardware store, and I was going to go with that, but the little steam train is such a lovely idea I am tempted to use it instead!
Hmmmm...
*ponders ponderously* ;D

[hpstrangelove.livejournal.com]

In San Antonio, I used to work for the power company here. We have several coal plants, and schools could tour them. As part of the community outreach, you could call the power company and have a spokesperson talk about the different methods of generating power. A big hit with the kids is the pieces of coal the spokesperson would bring with them to show off.

So if it's a large, unspecified city, no doubt the local power company would have a similar program. Many have coal on display in a little museum at their main office also.

[drachenmina]

Thank you! I love all the different ideas I'm getting with this!

Mmm, I'm not sure my character has time to get out to the local power station, but a main office in the city might just work! :D