Magpie Memoirs
Name/Title
Magpie MemoirsEntry/Object ID
2022.210.01Tags
Mining History, Mining Industry, Logging History, Lumber History, Wawa, Ontario, Iron, Iron Mining, Algoma Eastern Railway, Magpie MineScope and Content
Book, collection of memoirs from Florence Marion Schenck Clarke, who lived in Wawa during the early days of the Magpie Mine.Context
The Magpie Mine was discovered by three prospectors, by the names of Blackington, Burke, and Gibson, who discovered a iron deposit north of the Helen Mine in 1909. The Algoma Steel Corporation then purchased this new property and began trenching the main exposed vein, which was 60 feet wide and 2000 feet long. Diamond drilling indicated there was a large quantity of ore, averaging at least 33-37% in iron content. By 1911 the Algoma Central Railway, built a 12-mile spur line from Magpie Junction, so that equipment for the new mine, and smelter could be transported with ease. The mine, smelter and town site were all constructed in 1912. The site included the Magpie's head frame, the roasting plant, boiler house, a large machine shop, a storehouse, assay office and chemical lab, as well as the hoist house. Large beds were also prepared for the storing of coal and roasted matte. The mine continued to operate until 1922. The book is a compilation of Florence Marion Schenck Clarke's memories of the Magpie Mine and early Wawa between 1912 and 1914. The memories are as follows: 1. Paris to Lake Superior 2. The Wedding Day 3. New York to Northern Ontario 4. Passage on the "Manitou" 5. Micipicoten Harbour to Magpie 6. Home Sweet Home 7. Coal-Stove Cooking 8. Magpie Christmas 1912 9. Christmas Trip to Helen Mine 10. Harvey and Alice Sidford 11. Mail Delivery: Jack Legend 12. Sled Dog Ride with Jack 13. Murphy the Lone Husky 14. Winter at the Magpie 15. Log Rides 16. Woman's Social Life 17. Alcohol Free Magpie 18. Easter 1912 19. Weekly Events and Neighbours 20. Spring at the Magpie 21. Camping Trip 22. Mother Clarke Visits 23. Gardens and Livestock 24. Marion and Elizabeth Clarke 25. The Trials of Parenting 26. Ailments and Remedies 27. The School Teacher 28. Vicky 29. Forest Fire 30. The Irwin's 31. World War I and Mine Closure 32. Going Underground 33. Farewell to MagpieCollection
Mining History, Sault Ste. Marie HistoryCataloged By
unknownCategory
Secondary Source