SILVER ISLET — Striking It Rich In Lake Superior by Elinor Barr. A Natural Heritage publication, first of its planned Canadian Shield series. 160 pages with excellent archival photographs and memorabilia. $14.95 from Natural Heritage Inc., P.O. Box 69, Station H, Toronto, Ont. M4C 5H7.
One of the earliest mining operations in this country (1870-1884), this remarkable little mine turned out 2,605,786 oz of silver under extremely trying circumstances. While its story has been told before, this one relates in authoritative detail the remarkable job that those early and daring entrepreneurs accomplished.
Among the many problems that had to be overcome after the discovery on a tiny rock outcrop in the world’s greatest body of fresh water (Lake Superior) was finding experienced miners for that unique operation — mostly Cornishmen from Wales. The conditions under which they had to live and work were quite bi zarre by today’s standards.
Pumping the mine, too, was another major job replete with problems which eventually forced its closure — a story in itself.
Author Barr, who certainly did her homework, has made that historical story interesting reading from cover to cover.
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