From the Archives - April 21, 2022

"Up in the Camp Nine country, some 14 miles north of Bonners Ferry, where logging was once a thriving industry, mining is now the order of the day. With fifty tons of ore per day running through its mill, the Regal Mine — more familiarly known as the Silver Crescent, and owned by Riegel Brothers, Spokane — is now one of the top producers of lead and zinc in the region.

Perhaps most impressive to this Herald representative was the trip back into the mine shaft, at the 200-foot level, with the trammers, miners and timbermen. It should be explained that the Silver Crescent has been developed on three levels, known as the 100-foot, 200-foot and 300-foot level. Water fills the 300-foot level, which is declared to be the richest of all in the grade of ore produced. Only the 100-foot and 200-foot levels have outside openings.

Back we went, then, 2,000 feet into the bowels of the earth, with the flames from our carbide lamps casting flickering shadows on the roughly chipped walls and roof. With so many turns, all trace of light is lost within a few feet of the entrance. Water is running between the rails on which the trams run; now and then a drop falls from the ceiling to penetrate the clothing of any who is so unwary as to enter the tunnel lightly dressed. But the miners say this is the best place to work — cool in summer, warm in winter." — Bonners Ferry Herald, Aug. 26, 1943

Photo of the abandoned ore loading building where trucks backed under to load.

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sponsors this column.

Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or go online to the museum’s website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.