Adventure, Ridge, and Evergreen Bluff Mines
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Collection, 1848-1988, of the Quincy Mining Company of Hancock, Michigan. Documents the development of the company from its humble start in 1846 through the cessation of underground mining in 1931 and the sale and disbursement of its Michigan properties in the 1970s and 1980s. Includes corporate records, administrative correspondence, financial and legal documentation, employment and medical records, property and miners’ housing records, as well as operational records from the company’s underground, surface, stamp mill, reclamation, railroad, and smelting operations. Also includes records of several mining companies related to the Quincy Mining Company which operated in Houghton, Ontonagon, and Keweenaw Counties and on Isle Royale.
Arranged in 8 series: 1. Corporate Records, 1848-1970. 2. Correspondence, 1872-1986. 3. Financial Records, 1852-1988. 4. Operational Records, 1860-1971. 5. Other Related Companies' Records, 1859-1988. 6. Employment and Medical Records, 1851-1988. 7. Property, Dwelling and Rent Records, 1859-1988. 8. Municipal Records (now part of State Archives Collection), 1867-1978.
Dates
- 1864 - 1927
Access
Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.
Historical Note
The Adventure Mine conducted operations along the Evergreen, Butler, Knowlton and Ogima lodes. The Adventure was originally opened by the Adventure Mining Company in 1850, but was purchased by Quincy Mining Company president Thomas F. Mason in 1863. The mine was worked by the Adventure Copper Company (1863-1898) and the Adventure Consolidated Copper Company (1898-1938), both with strong ties to Quincy. A comparison of boards of directors identifies Charles Devereax, T. Henry Mason, William R. Todd, and W.A.O. Paul serving in varying capacities for both companies. In addition, both S.B. Harris and Charles Lawton filled superintendent's offices at both mines. The Adventure was liquidated in 1938, though Quincy returned to analyze its copper deposits in 1974 for possible work.
The Ridge Mine was opened along the Evergreen Bluff lode in 1850. During the 1860's and 1870's, however, the Ridge shared many links with Quincy. T.Henry Perkins, D.T. Charles and S.J.W. Barry served on the two company?s boards, with Thomas F. Mason and S.B. Harris working as president and superintendent, respectively. The Ridge was turned over to tributors during the 1880's and was lost for failure to pay tax in 1896. The Ridge became part of the Mass Consolidated Mining Company in 1898.
It is not clear if the Evergreen Bluff Mine shares any direct links to the Quincy Mining Company. The mine operated intermittently between 1853 and 1890, often on tribute. It may have been worked by the Ridge Mine whose property lies adjacent to it.
Extent
From the Collection: 435 Cubic Feet (910 boxes)
Language of Materials
From the Sub-Series: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Quincy Mining Company (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections Repository