Rock Pond Mine

[wkies]

Was wondering if anyone had the history of the old Graphite mine at Rock Pond in Pharaoh Lake Wilderness? I visited the spot this past weekend. Very cool. Old stone work that supported the smelter, an old quarry where they got the stone from and a mine shaft. i didn't venture too far into the shaft b/c of safety and water issues. I'm just looking for some info. Has anyone explored the shaft? Thanks

[Kevin]

The shaft eventually ends, maybe 500 feet back (or less). Friend I was hiking with that day reached the end. The iron water stains stuff real easy. lol

Loved the rock quarry at the top of the hill. The color of the water (clear but slightly green) was pretty neat. Little falls pounring in was a nice touch as well.

Can't help with the history. There's just so much of it in the dacks I guess I gave up trying to keep track of it all.

Here's a link to my pictures from a few years ago...

http://www.the-boogiemen.com/hiking/2003.htm#Putnam

[Gray Ghost]

wkies - There is a book out there about the history of the mining on Chilson, and i believe it includes that mine. I wish I could give you the title, but I can't think of it right now. The Discover Series of books has a lot of background about the history of the entire wilderness. It is really cool to explore that area. There's just no place like the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.....I even named one of my golden retrievers Pharaoh.

[Dick]

wkies - There is a book out there about the history of the mining on Chilson, and i believe it includes that mine. I wish I could give you the title, but I can't think of it right now. The Discover Series of books has a lot of background about the history of the entire wilderness. It is really cool to explore that area. There's just no place like the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.....I even named one of my golden retrievers Pharaoh.

This is not a mining history per se, and I'm just guessing, but could it be "Up On Chilson Hill" by Lois Moody Gunning? Info is here.

[Gray Ghost]

Dick, that's it. I haven't read it but only heard about via word of mouth. Thanks for pointing that out.