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    2013 Mining History Association Tours

     

    Shullsburg and Mineral Point, WI

    Tour Leaders: Mark Langenfeld,

    Jim Jewell, and Tracey Roberts

    June 9, 2013

     

     

    PHOTO GALLERY – 4 of 6

     

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    Tracey Lee Roberts (left) leads the tour of Merry Christmas Mine Hill in Pendarvis.

     

    The group of MHAers gathers at the start of the trail to the Merry Christmas Mine.

    Along the trail, trees and other vegetation have covered the once barren mining area.

     

    The hillside near the Merry Christmas Mine is pocked with “sucker holes.”  Early prospectors found galena on the surface and dug holes to extract it, hoping to hit a fissure vein.  Some miners made crude shelters by covering the holes.

     

    The Merry Christmas Mine Shaft No. 1 is on the top of the hill.

     

    The exhibit at the shaft includes an ore bucket and a mine hoist.

     

    Another view of the electrically powered mine hoist.

    Tracey explains the operation of the early low-tech open roasting hearths or log furnaces.  Galena was melted using a wood fire.  Molten lead flowed out the hole in the front of the hearth.  Recovery was generally poor.


    Photo Credits: Mike and Pat Kaas, Susan Canty

    CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY – 5 OF 6

     

     


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