Life at the Emerald camp

The Emerald mine camp, on the southwest slope of British Columbia’s Iron Mountain, was at an elevation of 3,600 ft. and at the mercy of the weather. However, during the Second World War, Cominco built a hospitable camp to offset the isolation of the site.

The main camp was built on a meager slope devoid of dense tree growth, owing to fires caused by frequent lightening storms. A substantial cookery dominated the setting: it had two floors, the top being the living quarters for the staff. Adjacent to the cookery was the office, which also had two storeys. Facing the office were two bunkhouses, one of which had washroom facilities. Beyond the cookery was a row of small, bungalows built to accommodate senior staff and families. There was even a guest house.

Overall, the designs of the buildings were simple, providing the bare necessities for occupants. However, a major concession was their colours: in order to make the camp attractive, the company painted the buildings white with red and blue trim.

Along the mountainside, about half a mile away, was the main mine installation, with a compressor building and shops. Opposite this service centre was the mine dry and shift office. A small portal in the mountain face provided access to the upper level of the underground workings. Another access portal was developed farther down the mountain, near a large service building. This building also housed an ore bin and enclosed part of the tram-line, which transported the ore down the mountain to the mill in the valley. A short road extended around the mountainside to the Jersey zone, where the powder magazine was erected.

The principle features of the Emerald camp were the simplicity of its design and its proximity to the mine. All facilities, including the mine, were within walking distance of the camp. The West Kootenay Company provided power for the site, but an emergency power plant was maintained at the mine.

There were no frills at the camp, and this simplicity was conducive to an atmosphere of work. In addition, the facilities and living conditions created a remarkable spirit of co-operation and sharing, which made life there worthwhile. The local community was encouraged to use nearby Salmo as a shopping centre. The cookery also served as a movie hall and entertainment centre.

One of the most popular activities at the camp was bridge. Sessions in the staff quarters were usually held on Sunday. Swedish miners Sig Nelson and Jack Anderberg were always partners. Al Lonergan, Joe Adie, Shorty Tobler, Phil Graham, Col. Perry, Harvey Cohen, Doug Little and myself all played.

Al and I would challenge Sig and Jack, with a modest prize on the line. From the start, it was war. Jack would argue every hand, and threats accompanied the bids and plays. Jack and Sig were a spirited team to say the least.

The family bridge tournaments were held at the houses of employees, where the atmosphere was quite a bit different. The Magees, Christies, Leggs, Trews and Balls all hosted these family events, which were low-key compared with the tournaments at the staff quarters. Al and I loved to see Jack acting quiet and humble in the mixed company of the family games.

— The author, a retired mining engineer, resides in Vancouver, B.C.