Stirling Mine 1930's - The above is a copy of a photograph taken by Norman MacLeod, Photographer circa 1930's. Photo may be subject to copyright. Norman was a well known photographer who grew up in Stirling next to the mine property.
Construction of Stirling mine 1929. Photo retrieved from Beaton Institute, Cape Breton. It was donated to them by the mining society.
Stirling mine 1930's. Looks like it is still under construction but operating.
1930's Stirling mine photo of the garage as seen in above photo but from a different angle. Thanks to Pearl MacLeod MacDonald for providing photo provided by her late husband Alistair given to him by his father who worked in the mine when the photo was taken.
1930's mine, The above photo was provided by Bernie MacEachern. This was a photo that belonged to his mother Madeleine Presseau. This photo was copied and Madeleine's notes were added by editor. Click on Madeleine & Bernie to read her story.
The three houses seen in previous photo but from a different angle. Manager's house (to the left), House (middle) which later became the home of Arthur (Superintendant) and his wife Exilda and their children. Duplex (right) where Albert Manny who was "Le Comptable" the accountant lived. It later housed the Presseau children.
This photo was submitted by Elisabeth Marier whose grandfather Albert Manny was the accountant (le Comptable). She notes the picture has " words on it: From left to right: gérant (manager), Deringer, notre maison (our house), bureau d'Albert (Albert's Office), réservoir d'eau (water tank), réservoir d'huile (oil tank)". This is the view of the mine from the rear of the mine. You can zoom in to enlarge the three houses on the hill that you can see in the previous picture. Also on the fore left is John G (and Florence) MacLeod's home. In the lower field you can see the back of John G's Store and another out building beside it. Thanks Elisabeth for the great photo. Click here on Memories to read her story about her grandfather.
Stirling mine 1930's. On the back of the photo is written " chemical shop and store room." Thanks to Pearl MacLeod MacDonald for this photo.
Stirling mine 1930's. Bunkhouse as seen in previous photo. Thank you to Pearl MacLeod MacDonald for proving a copy of this photo. It was given to her and her late husband Alistair MacDonald's by his father who worked at the mine at the time.
Photo submitted by Elisabeth Marier of her grandfather, Albert Manny's car. She notes, "in the car I can see my mother. It is written (on the back) that the car was named ''César. I see that it is from 1936 because of another picture from the same style of frame and age of my mother Suzanne".
The two photos above are of the Stirling Mine site, 1950's, front and back.
John G's (MacLeod) store. This is a copy from "The Story of Framboise" and I believe it was taken by John G's brother Norman MacLeod, photographer around 1930. See John G's house in the background.
Spinner's leased John G's store when the mine ran in the 50's.
Spinner's leased John G's store when the mine ran in the 50's.
Strachan's (Superline then later PetroFina) Garage, Stirling, owned and operated by Soutter Strachan, Framboise in the 50's. Soutter worked as a Carpenter at the mine from when it started up to when it was demolished. He hired people to work the garage during the day. Duncan (DK )MacLeod, Stirling, worked there as a young man. Edwin Severance, Fourchu, worked as a mechanic in the garage. Stay tuned for Donald Strachan and Elmer MacGillivary's interviews with reference to Edwin and Soutter's garage.
Three pals out behind the mine buildings. Everyone I spoke to so far loved working there. I think this picture was taken beside the cook house (on the left) and in front of one of the bunk houses. The man on the right has been identified as Gerry Ames by his daughter Bunny. Thanks to Brian Ames for providing this information. Does anybody know who the other two men are? If so leave a Comments. JS
Max MacLeod Manager, Assay office (Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke)
Mary Ann MacIntosh Troke working in Assay Office, Stirling Mine
Mary Ann MacIntosh Troke adding chemicals to the samples.
Mary Ann MacIntosh Troke working in Assay office "cooking" the samples. Chrissy MacLeod MacMillan says the ovens they used were very hot.
Duncan MacLeod working in the Assay office. Duncan was eighteen in this picture. Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke.
Mary Ann MacIntosh Troke, Duncan MacLeod and Leonard Burke. Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke
Working at the Assay office. Analyzing the core sample. Notice the sweatshirt with the Mindemar logo on it. This man has been identified as Jim MacNeil, Soldier's cove. He was nineteen at the time. Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke.
Working in the Assay office. Mary Ann MacIntosh Troke notes this man was the second in command of the Assay office and lived in one of the mine houses behind John G MacLeod's. She notes he went to Ontario with the Assay Boss, Max MacLeod when the mine closed. He has been identified by Duncan MacLeod as Harry Bayers from Germany. Thanks to Mary Ann for the photo.
This man has been identified by Mary Ann and others as Martin MacNeil (Soldier's cove). Mary Ann notes that he had red hair. He is likely heading out for more core samples to have analysed in the Assay office. Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke.
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Ray Dunphy, Reserve Mines, NS; Assay Office. Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke. Thanks to Charlie Cash for identifying this man. Charlie also noted that Ray had a brother John who he believes worked at the mine too. Wendell Holmes said that two brothers from Reserve Mines worked at the mine and this man was one of them.
The man standing by the Mindemar Metals truck is thought to be Angus Archie MacQueen. The man sitting on the truck is unknown. According to Wendell Holmes, they are in front of the old shaft that was used until the new shaft was sunk. The white building behind them is where the generators were housed and according to Alex Angus MacLeod may have served as the dry, when this this shaft was being used.
The old mine shaft #1 from a different angle. This photo was copied from Facebook page with permission of Annie MacDonnell, contributor. Looks like this pic may have been taken the same day as the one above.
This is thought to be Martin MacNeil, Soldier;s Cove, again with glasses in the assay office analizing samples.
Leonard Burke in the Assay office. Looks like he's doing some figuring or recording. Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke.
West side of mill where the two silos were located. The ore would go up the conveyor after being classified and stored. This picture shows the ore being loaded on a truck preparing for transport to St Peter's where it was shipped out by train. See Wendell Holmes and Murdock Morrison's interviews for details about this process.
1950's . This is the west side of the mill and is where they stored the ore coming from the mill until it was loaded on the trucks bound for St. Peter's train station. This man is likely one of the carpenters carrying a plank. Anyone recognize him?
Back of the mine buildings. According to interviewees, the building on the right is the back of the main office and the building on the left is the warehouse.
Similar photo as previous but further down the mine road. You now can see the other long building on the left. Interviewees have identified this building as the machine shop (likely other shops were in that building). The building on the right is the warehouse. According to Elmer MacGillivary's recollection, the white building in the background left with the slanted roof would be the building where they operated the hoist. The building, to it's right, would be where men, like George MacGillivary, kept the fire going to fuel the boiler, the steam from which heated most of the buildings in the mine. Photo provided by Mary Ann Troke.
Hoist room - Thanks for permission from Gerald Aucoin who took this photograph.
In back of "the Dry"where the miners would go after they came out of the mine to get washed and changed. The lamp room was also housed in this building.
Behind the mill. I believe the buildings in the forefront were constructed by Roddie MacLeod, Lewis Cove Rd with assistance from Angus A MacLeod, formerly from Framboise. I have deducted from information received that the bigger light colored building on the right was the Assay office.
Hooper's store, Stirling, 1950's. You can see part of Danny Shaw's store to the left. Photo provided by Douglas Landry, Sampsonville.
Photo #26- The Mindemar kids team. Notice the back side of Morrison's store in the background. In comparison to the high school students picture I'm thinking that the lad on the top, second from left is Wayne Power and front right is Fraser MacDonald, Gabarus. Photo provided by Doug Landry.
Photo # 27 - This photo was provided by Douglas Landry. This may be Marta Michaelson and her youngest child standing close to the entrance to the mine road.
The building on the left has been identified by Duncan MaLeod and Chrissy MacMillan as the house where May and Hughie MacDonald lived (Babcock's) when the mine was working in the 50's. They ran the post office after Spinner's gave it up.
The building on the left has been identified by Duncan MaLeod and Chrissy MacMillan as the house where May and Hughie MacDonald lived (Babcock's) when the mine was working in the 50's. They ran the post office after Spinner's gave it up.
(1953) Gertie and Willie A Landry's home in Stirling. It was the first house on the left going down the mine road (behind Morrison store which was on the left corner before going down the mine road. The front of Morrison's was on the main road). I believe that is Gertie in the doorway. Looks like the visitors were coming from some event - a wedding perhaps- as they were up dressed up.
Youngster enjoying a soda outside Gertie and Willie D Landry's home in Stirling 1950's. Notice the back of Morrison's store in the background. Douglas notes that was likely one of Morrison’s delivery trucks pointing out the single wheels on the back of it. Photo provided by Douglas Landry.
Photo #30 - Wooden shoes made by local Dutch family in Stirling in the 50's. These are a pair that Soutter Strachan had bought in the 50's when the mine was operating. The man who made them lived across from his service station. The family name was Devriendt. Click here on Elsie Munroe and Donald Strachan
interviews to see what they said about this family.
Gerry MacDonnell said in an email Jan 23/20 - "I can remember walking to town and passing by a Dutch family’s house and you would see the wooden shoes on the step outside of the house".
Thanks to Walter Martell, Grand Greve for providing the name of this family. Walter said that they had three sons whom Walter was friends with. Walter said that when they left Stirling they gave him 300 comic books.
interviews to see what they said about this family.
Gerry MacDonnell said in an email Jan 23/20 - "I can remember walking to town and passing by a Dutch family’s house and you would see the wooden shoes on the step outside of the house".
Thanks to Walter Martell, Grand Greve for providing the name of this family. Walter said that they had three sons whom Walter was friends with. Walter said that when they left Stirling they gave him 300 comic books.
"The High school students students", Stirling Mine. 1950's. Photo and names provided by Irene Carter. Thanks to Pearl MacDonald for a lot of the last names. She was a student at the time and is in this picture.
From left to right
Top row -Leona (Sampson), Martha MacLeod (Holmes), Pearl MacLeod (MacDonald), Alex MacKenzie, Billy Bardswick, Freddy Chan, George Morrison and Freddy MacDougal.
Second Row from the top - Marilyn, Irene Sampson Carter, Phillip Gaudet, Twain, Kenny Chan, Christopher MacLeod, Junior (Chan) and Walter (Power)
Third Row from the top - Lena MacAskill, Bunny (Mary) Ames, Fraser MacDonald and Richard MacLeod.
Bottom row - Marilyn "Malli" (MacDonald-sister to Fraser), Margaret MacLean, Donnie(MacLeod), Henry Gaudet, Wayne Power & Errol MacLeod.
From left to right
Top row -Leona (Sampson), Martha MacLeod (Holmes), Pearl MacLeod (MacDonald), Alex MacKenzie, Billy Bardswick, Freddy Chan, George Morrison and Freddy MacDougal.
Second Row from the top - Marilyn, Irene Sampson Carter, Phillip Gaudet, Twain, Kenny Chan, Christopher MacLeod, Junior (Chan) and Walter (Power)
Third Row from the top - Lena MacAskill, Bunny (Mary) Ames, Fraser MacDonald and Richard MacLeod.
Bottom row - Marilyn "Malli" (MacDonald-sister to Fraser), Margaret MacLean, Donnie(MacLeod), Henry Gaudet, Wayne Power & Errol MacLeod.
Junior students Stirling School 1950's. Photo and names provided by Irene Carter.
From Left to right
Top Row: Miles Fornier, Yvonne Pottie, Marie MacDonnell, Patsy, Anne, Sharron Fanning, Roy Elliway (maybe), Peter, Billie Bardswick, Leo Sampson, & Francis MacDonnell,
Third Row- Ramond, Bobby, Nazaire Pottie, Walter, George, Patsy Chan, Louise Barswick, Mona Sampson, Jackie MacLeod. & MIchael.
Second Row - Donnie, Amy Bardswick, Renald, Patsy MacRae, Roddie MacQueen, Kenneth (Strachan?), Donnie and Roddie (Gabarus)
First Row Donnie (MacDonnell?), Glen, Kenneth (Ames?), Jane Chan, Tyron Power &Angus Chan
From Left to right
Top Row: Miles Fornier, Yvonne Pottie, Marie MacDonnell, Patsy, Anne, Sharron Fanning, Roy Elliway (maybe), Peter, Billie Bardswick, Leo Sampson, & Francis MacDonnell,
Third Row- Ramond, Bobby, Nazaire Pottie, Walter, George, Patsy Chan, Louise Barswick, Mona Sampson, Jackie MacLeod. & MIchael.
Second Row - Donnie, Amy Bardswick, Renald, Patsy MacRae, Roddie MacQueen, Kenneth (Strachan?), Donnie and Roddie (Gabarus)
First Row Donnie (MacDonnell?), Glen, Kenneth (Ames?), Jane Chan, Tyron Power &Angus Chan
Stanley McPhee, River Bourgeois in his home in River Bourgeois, September 21, 2020, holding a picture his son Gerard took while he and Stanley and Monica were down to Stirling in 2018. The school, once a one room school, had three rooms added on in the 50's to accommodate the increase of students whose parents came to Stirling to work in the mine (see Douglas . Landry's interview). Stanley noted there were two classrooms. As you can see in the picture, not much was left of the building in 2018. Since their visit to Stirling, the remainder of the building has fallen down.
Stanley notes that Stirling school was his first teaching position. He graduated from St FX University, Antigonish in 1953 and started teaching in Stirling in 1954. He taught there for a year and would have taught many of the students in the pictures above. Stanley's career spanned 35 years. In regard to Stanley's past students, Monica says that, "everybody who sees him, they all know him. He never changed his looks. They all say (to him), "you were my best teacher." In reference to a recent outing Stanley says a woman said to him, "Hi Stanley". Stanley laughs and adds, "she was at Stirling!" Monica notes this woman was Irene Carter. Click on Irene Sampson Carter to read her interview.
Stanley notes that Stirling school was his first teaching position. He graduated from St FX University, Antigonish in 1953 and started teaching in Stirling in 1954. He taught there for a year and would have taught many of the students in the pictures above. Stanley's career spanned 35 years. In regard to Stanley's past students, Monica says that, "everybody who sees him, they all know him. He never changed his looks. They all say (to him), "you were my best teacher." In reference to a recent outing Stanley says a woman said to him, "Hi Stanley". Stanley laughs and adds, "she was at Stirling!" Monica notes this woman was Irene Carter. Click on Irene Sampson Carter to read her interview.
This is what the school would have looked like when Stanley taught there. The above photo and caption was taken from the book, “School Days: The one Room Schools of Maritime Canada”, page 136. written by George Peabody and published by Goose Lane Editions. Permission received from George to use this photo and caption on this site.
Stirling school -side facing the road. Thanks to Zane Fanning for providing this photo taken 1968.
Photo taken from facebook site which was submitted by Vicki MacLeod, granddaughter of Dan Alex MacLeod who converted the school to a saw mill. Note the impression on this side of the building where a section was removed. Philip MacLeod grandson of Dan Alex notes this section was moved by Dan Alex.
Stirling school. This is a scanned copy from John Presseau's booklet "a diversified Journey as factual as I remember". John took this picture on one of his visits to Stirling. This is what remained of the building after the front section (added in the50's) was removed. Thanks to John for permission to use this picture. John went to school in Stirling in the 30's when it only had one room. Click here on John Presseau to read his interview. Philip MacLeod, Framboise, notes that his Grandfather, Dan Alex MacLeod, moved the front of the building. You can see the outline of it in this picture.
Photo 33 - The man on the left is thought to be Charlie Angus MacLeod or his brother Ramsey. The man next to him, though his face is out of focus, is thought to be Soutter Strachan given his height, stance and facial structure.
This is the conveyor which took ore up from underground to the mill. The light colored building in the near foreground to the left is likely the Assay office. Notice the old shaft in the far foreground and the building that housed the generators and possibly the dry for the old shaft. See Wendell's story about the old shaft and the mill process. There is another picture showing another angle of the old shaft and this building. It has the Mindemar truck in front of it.
Morrison's Store, Stirling. The store was located on the left hand corner of the road going down to the mine. The store front was on the main road (Stirling Rd) across from Strachan's Garage. Thanks to David Stone for providing this photo from his Facebook site.
One of the houses from "Dogpatch" was bought by Wilma Strachan and moved to Morrison Rd, Framboise. Dogpatch was a nickname given to this stretch of the Stirling Road as there were several homes in a large open field. The homes were often temporary with several people coming and going depending on what their job was at the mine. At the time there was a popular cartoon strip "L'il Abner" and the place they lived was called Dogpatch, thus the nickname. The similarities stop there as the people who lived in this subdivision in Stirling were ambitious, content and agreeable folk. This house was used as a summer home for Wilma and her family up until recent years.
See Gerry MacDonnell's sketch of Stirling subdivision #1 for the names of the people who lived there.
See Gerry MacDonnell's sketch of Stirling subdivision #1 for the names of the people who lived there.
This man has been identified by Chrissy MacLeod/MacMillan as Alex Hector MacAskill from Loch Lomond (Neilly Hector's uncle). As far as I understand he didn't work at the mine but stayed with his nephew Neilly Hector in Stirling (by the lake on the main road). Thanks to Douglas Landry for the photo.
The front of the main office. To the left in the back ground is the dining hall/cookhouse. The building that you see to the right (partial view) is not present in more rccent mine photos so likely was temporary. Bessie Morrison and Dolena MacLeod MacLean were Secretary's in the main office. See their interviews about their work there and others who worked with them.
Picture of Stirling Mine taken in 1952 which hangs in Foodland grocery store, St Peters, NS by the cash registers. It presents as a testament to the people of St Peters and surrounding communities who worked at the mine or were affiliated with it.
Photos provided by Bill MacLean. He notes, The photo "is from the collection of Albert MacDonald who grew up in Gabarus Lake and now lives in the Halifax area. They are shared with his permission."
Photo provided by Douglas Landry, Samsonville. This is the road leading to the mine from the main road. Notice Danny Shaw's store on the right. It is difficult to make out what the sign says. Perhaps someone reading may know. if so, please click on "Share the memories" and make a note on the contact form.
You can see the top of the roof of the Chinese restaurant above Danny's Shaw's roof. Danny Shaw's was a small store with a small building in back for accommodations.
The small white house next on the right according to Wendell Holmes, was MacDougall's house. MacDougall worked in the Crusher and there is a picture of him beside the crusher provided by Wendell Holmes.
On the left are two old bunkhouses. The first one was likely the building they used as a theatre after the big bunkhouses (in the foreground to the left) were built. Straight ahead is the third old bunk house later used as an overflow bunkhouse and, according to Allister MacLeod, after the mine closed, was moved to Framboise and converted into a home by his parents, Margaret and Norman Alex MacLeod.
You can see the top of the roof of the Chinese restaurant above Danny's Shaw's roof. Danny Shaw's was a small store with a small building in back for accommodations.
The small white house next on the right according to Wendell Holmes, was MacDougall's house. MacDougall worked in the Crusher and there is a picture of him beside the crusher provided by Wendell Holmes.
On the left are two old bunkhouses. The first one was likely the building they used as a theatre after the big bunkhouses (in the foreground to the left) were built. Straight ahead is the third old bunk house later used as an overflow bunkhouse and, according to Allister MacLeod, after the mine closed, was moved to Framboise and converted into a home by his parents, Margaret and Norman Alex MacLeod.
This is a similar scene to the above taken during a winter storm and from a slightly different angle allowing a glimpse of Hooper's store, first building on the right going down the road to the mine. Notice there are additional buildings in the foreground. Though they are blurry from the storm, you can vaguely see the boiler house (and stack) and the hoist house to the left of the third old bunkhouse. You can also see the tip of the office building across from them further on the left. Looks like someone is stuck in the snow or has a flat tire. See beside them - looks like someone is riding a bicycle!!!
Douglas Landry said that there was a man who worked at the mine who rode a bicycle all the time. Maybe it was him. Thanks to Douglas for the picture from his family's collection.
Douglas Landry said that there was a man who worked at the mine who rode a bicycle all the time. Maybe it was him. Thanks to Douglas for the picture from his family's collection.
Mine road in winter some time around 1952 or later, similar to above photo however the mainframe and shaft house are apparent. Thanks to Zane Fanning for this picture. Zane's grandfather, Eddie Langley, had a barbershop in one of the buildings on the way down the road. He remembers that there was an area in the back of the building where people played pool. It may have been in one of the old bunkhouses shown in the picture.
Stirling mine Rd -Heading up towards the main rd. Old bunkhouse on the left . MacDougall's house next on the left and the Chinese restaurant next before the pic gets blurred. From the collection of Alex Gillis, Mabou.
These are two of the three Managers houses that were on the hill left side of mine road up behind the new bunkhouses. You can see the shadow of the third one to the right. The one you can see on the right looks like that of Alex Angus MacLeod, formerly of Framboise, moved to Marion Bridge where he and his wife Alice live today. Angus has done some repairs on his house over the years but except for some replacement windows and an addition on the back for a sun room for Alice, it remains pretty much the same. Click here on Angus A. MacLeod to read about how he obtained his house.
Doug Landry believes this house was likely the Michealson's as his mother used to babysit their children and she would have taken this picture.
The one on the left has been identified as being The Bardswich's home.
Gordon Michaelson, Henry Bunclarke and Tony Bardswick were the Managers who lived in these houses. Thanks again to Douglas Landry for this photo from his family collection.
Doug Landry believes this house was likely the Michealson's as his mother used to babysit their children and she would have taken this picture.
The one on the left has been identified as being The Bardswich's home.
Gordon Michaelson, Henry Bunclarke and Tony Bardswick were the Managers who lived in these houses. Thanks again to Douglas Landry for this photo from his family collection.
Back side of mine. likely temporary buildings. seen in one backside photo but not in the other Photo copied from "Cape Breton Roots" submitted by Annie MacDonnell. Looks like they are in the building stage. The conveyor system is not covered in yet. See the water tower on the upper right side of picture.
The other Manager's house which is in the above picture to the left. Notice there are two people standing at the doorway. They have been identified as being Billy Bardswich and his mother Dell. Thanks to Aldona Liutkus, niece to Tony for this information.
Not sure about this picture but this may be the framing for the shaft house and that may be the main office across the road that you can see through the framing. Thanks to Douglas Landry for this pic. Douglas said there was always construction going on, right to the end, when the mine closed down. See his interview for details.
This is 1951 and another new bunk house on the hill is being built in front of the existing bunk house and the dining hall (far right). Someone is taking a stroll. Can anyone identify this man? If so, click on "Share your memories" page and fill out the information form.
Above photo. Heading from the stores building, miner all geared up to go underground - lamp/cap and oilers. Picture provided by Bill MacLean from the collection of Albert MacDonald with permission. Anyone know who this is?
Two miners from Quebec. The man on the left has been identified as Armand LaBelle by Gus Sampson, Samsonville. Gus notes he lived on the Five Island Lake (AKA - Stirling Lake) Rd. up on the hill where a group of families from Samsonville lived. He was said to be a very friendly and comical man.
Basil Campbell on "the motor" Notice the mine signal sign in the background.
See Angus MacLeod's interview about "the motor" and his injury in the mine.
See Angus MacLeod's interview about "the motor" and his injury in the mine.
The above photo was provided by Bill MacLean (Gabarus) He notes, "On a visit to the mine when we were kids my brother and I brought back a metal sign indicating the various levels of the mine."
This would be like the one in the previous photo.
This would be like the one in the previous photo.
Unknown person, Henry Pottie, Norman MacPhee.
Thanks to Gerry MacDonnell, St. Peter's for identifying Henry Pottie, who Gerry said lived in Thibeauville before moving to Stirling and then to St.Peter’s when the mine closed. Previously I listed the person to the left as Basil Campbell but I was mistaken. Does anybody recognize this man?
Thanks to Gerry MacDonnell, St. Peter's for identifying Henry Pottie, who Gerry said lived in Thibeauville before moving to Stirling and then to St.Peter’s when the mine closed. Previously I listed the person to the left as Basil Campbell but I was mistaken. Does anybody recognize this man?
Basil Campbell, student miner. Basil was studying at St FX University at the time and worked for two summers at the Stirling mine as per info from Father Norman MacPhee. Thanks to Father Norman MacPhee for the picture.
Norman MacPhee and Basil Campbell were students at the time and studied at St FX University and later became Priests. They worked at the Stirling mine for two summers. They are sitting on the motor. Thanks to Father Norman MacPhee for this photo.
These pics are different angles of one of the big bunk houses likely under construction as one of the pictures is dated 1951. This building was on concrete posts which remain in the ground on site. All the wood was removed from the buildings and perhaps taken to another site (or sold) as were the valves and metal pipes. The Absestos siding, however, was left on the ground and eventually crumbled to pieces. This is very evident around the mill site where there is little vegetative growth.
Full view of the dining hall /cookhouse from the mine road. It was on the left hand side, past the new bunk houses as you go down the road. The foundation remains on site but is hard to find because of the thick growth of trees. Thanks to Douglas Landry for the photo.
Backside of the mine in winter. Looks like construction is going on at the mill (left). See the two silos are not enclosed. Thanks to Mary Ann Troke for the photograph.
Backside of the mine - mill to the right, crusher house to the left with the shaft house next to it. Conveyor is in the middle running from Crusher House to Mill. Thanks to Wendell Homes for photograph from his collection. Notice the two silos at the back of the Mill. They are enclosed in this picture. See Wendell's interview for details re the milling process.
In this picture, Wendell Holmes is monitoring the feeders that put chemicals into the ore to help separate out the minerals. See Wendell's Interview for more details.
MacDougall standing in front of the crusher. Click here Wendell Holmes to read what Wendell says about the crusher process.
This is a picture in the mill where the conveyor belt brings the ore up from the crusher. See conveyor with ore to the right. The walkway shown in the picture would go all the way down to the other end of the conveyor to the crusher house.
This is a picture down in the mill. See the two classifiers to the left pulling the ore down from the two ball mills. You can see one of the ball mills on the right. See Wendell's interview for more details about this process. The man in the picture may be Charlie Sheppard as Wendell noted that he worked in that area of the mill.
Lawrence Morrison and Alex Graham, shift boss in the mill locker room.
Malcolm MacDonald and Laurie Fanning in the locker room in the Mill. Thanks to Wendell Holmes for the picture.
This is down in the mill. Front view of the two ball mills and two classifiers shown in earlier pic.
The two big bunkhouses. Office to the right. The lady walking down the road looks like she is dressed for the office. I wonder who she is. Thanks Wendell for the photo. Gus Sampson notes he believes the 1953 Chev in the picture was his.
A few guys getting together after shift.
Same men in a larger group enjoying a bottle of ??? Wendell Holmes says that this was an after work get together after the closing of the mill April/1956. It was in the mill change room. Other people working around the mine at the time heard about it and joined in. Zane Fanning has some photos of the same get together and I will post them soon.
This is a note from Glen Sampson, Martin Sampson's son. "My father Martin Sampson is the man sitting on the floor in front on the right side. He is wearing dark framed glasses. I do not know anyone else in the photo.
I know it is only a decade or so after WWII but he hasn't changed much from his old war photos. He saw combat in the war with the North Shore, (New Brunswick) Regiment"
I believe that is George (Norman Alex) MacLeod (Mill) to Martin's left and Alex Graham (mill) - (identified in photo above) is to George's left. Wendell Holmes behind and a little to the right of George, Phillip MacLeod (Fourchu) to Wendell's left, Angus MacQueen to Wendell's right, and Lawrence Morrison behind and in between Wendell and Angus. Laurie Fanning 4th person in on top row as per his son Zane and Wendell Holmes. Billy Man on third row, 3rd person to the right, in front of Laurie Fanning. JS
This is a note from Gordon Sheppard, son of Charlie Sheppard notes, "On the right hand side in front there is a man holding a bottle of beer, behind him is a man drinking from a bottle of beer, and I believe the man behind him is my Dad, Charlie Sheppard. The man in front of him is his brother Havelock Sheppard, my uncle"
This is a note from Glen Sampson, Martin Sampson's son. "My father Martin Sampson is the man sitting on the floor in front on the right side. He is wearing dark framed glasses. I do not know anyone else in the photo.
I know it is only a decade or so after WWII but he hasn't changed much from his old war photos. He saw combat in the war with the North Shore, (New Brunswick) Regiment"
I believe that is George (Norman Alex) MacLeod (Mill) to Martin's left and Alex Graham (mill) - (identified in photo above) is to George's left. Wendell Holmes behind and a little to the right of George, Phillip MacLeod (Fourchu) to Wendell's left, Angus MacQueen to Wendell's right, and Lawrence Morrison behind and in between Wendell and Angus. Laurie Fanning 4th person in on top row as per his son Zane and Wendell Holmes. Billy Man on third row, 3rd person to the right, in front of Laurie Fanning. JS
This is a note from Gordon Sheppard, son of Charlie Sheppard notes, "On the right hand side in front there is a man holding a bottle of beer, behind him is a man drinking from a bottle of beer, and I believe the man behind him is my Dad, Charlie Sheppard. The man in front of him is his brother Havelock Sheppard, my uncle"
The above is a picture of Glory Hole before being pumped out in preparation for the Stirling Mine to start up again in the 50's. Work started around 1949. Thanks to Chrissie MacLeod MacMillan for this photo. Chrissie's husband, John MacMillan, worked for the Dept of Mines and was involved in this process. In these two pics you can see that the area around the Glory Hole was fenced off (for safety reasons no doubt). As of 2019 the Glory Hole was not fenced off. In conversation with Don Marchand, Richmond County Clerk, 2019, he indicated that the County owns the property and that people shouldn't go down there as it is a dangerous place (open shafts,etc) and that he believed there was a locked gate to the entrance of the mine.
Click here Chrissy & Duncan to read her story about pumping out the glory hole.
Click here Chrissy & Duncan to read her story about pumping out the glory hole.
The above picture of the Glory hole after being pumped out by Dept of Mines. Around 1949.
Mobile Pumping Plant used by the Dept of Mines to pump out the glory hole and existing underground tunnels, shaft . Time frame is around 1949. Thanks to Chrissy for the pictures.
This is the Reginato family home (picture above) being moved from Stirling. Donald Reginato notes that it was moved to Trout Brooke Rd. in Mira, by his father Lawrence (RENZO) Reginato and his mother Ann (Tootsie) Reginato. See Donald's memory of his family home on the memory page.
James and Beatrice Kelly's home on Grand Lake Road taken from Stirling mine when it closed in the late 1950's
Email from from their son Gerald Kelly May 11, 2022. I am sending one picture of the house. It was located at 1043 Grand Lake Road. It was next to the Nova Scotia Power Victoria Junction Sub Station. The building was separated into two halves and transported to Grand Lake Road and reassembled with the use of a crane. The first time I saw it I was 3 years of age and it was not completely reassembled as the roof structure was not in place. We moved into the house in very late 1958 or very early 1959. The house does not exist now but it remained in that location until about 6 years ago. My father was James Kelly from Old Town West Louisbourg. He worked as a carpenter at the Sydney Steel. My mother was Beatrice (Simoneau) Kelly from Perce Gaspe Quebec. Feel free to use the information and picture.
Email from from their son Gerald Kelly May 11, 2022. I am sending one picture of the house. It was located at 1043 Grand Lake Road. It was next to the Nova Scotia Power Victoria Junction Sub Station. The building was separated into two halves and transported to Grand Lake Road and reassembled with the use of a crane. The first time I saw it I was 3 years of age and it was not completely reassembled as the roof structure was not in place. We moved into the house in very late 1958 or very early 1959. The house does not exist now but it remained in that location until about 6 years ago. My father was James Kelly from Old Town West Louisbourg. He worked as a carpenter at the Sydney Steel. My mother was Beatrice (Simoneau) Kelly from Perce Gaspe Quebec. Feel free to use the information and picture.
Ian & Rhodena's house, Grand River 2020. Note the addition to the original house on the right.
Above see a picture provided by Norman Bartholomew of Ian and Rhodena MacLeod's house being moved from Stirling Mine to Grand River.
Thanks to Gerry MacDonnell for his sketch of the homes on the left hand side of the road going toward Stirling. As you can see in his sketch there were 14 houses. I was quite amazed that Gerry was able to provide all those names. I've named it Stirling Subdivision 1, the idea of which I got thanks to Gerry. There were three subdivisions in Stirling as well as several other clusters of homes. Keep checking for maps of homes for this stretch, the Mine Rd and around the Five Island Lake (aka Stirling Lake).
Gerry MacDonnell's home that was sold and taken from the Stirling Rd to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Notice the similarity to the house that Wilma Strachan bought and moved from the Stirling Rd.
Angus MacQueen and Walter MacDonald in front of the main office. This picture was given to Donald MacQueen by Winnie MacLeod. Walter MacDonald worked in the main office.Thank you Donald for the pic.
Site map Stirling mine showing foundations of structures from 20/30s mine and 50's mine. Obtained from Dept of Natural Resources "Stirling Mine Shaft Capping Demonstration Project"
Click here on Links to access this site and read about this project.
Click here on Links to access this site and read about this project.
These photos were taken summer 2019.There was a project conducted in 1996 and is outlined in the Dept of Natural Resources "Spillway Design/Construction Report, Stirling Mine Site, Richmond County, Nova Scotia". The first picture was of the most recent spillway and the second picture is of the dismantled pipe still intact after all these years. See concrete form in background where the pipe was previously placed. Click here on Links to access this site and read about this project.
This picture was taken in summer 2019 and shows the covered shaft #2. As per introduction in the Dept of Natural Resources report on "The Stirling Mine Shaft Capping Demonstration Project", after the mine closed in 1956/57, " two abandoned open mine shafts and two serve/ventilation raises remained". Click here on Links to view this project.
Map of the Stirling Mine site 1950's which includes the stores
Map of Stirling Rd from Mine Rd to Corner. Thanks to Gerry MacDonnell for his detailed sketch of Subdivisdon #1.
This is is a map I constructed of the homes around the Stirling Lake when the mine ran in the 50's. i used the information from the interviews. To see the list click here on Interviews.
This is a picture of an old miners hat with a carbide lamp. This image was taken off the internet.
Picture of two old carbide lamps. Thanks to Wendell for allowing me to take this picture. Click here on Wendell Holmes interview to see what he says about these lamps being used in Stirling when the old mine shaft was being used in the early 50's.
Here is an old shoe horn. It's hard to make out the inscription in this picture. It reads- Spinner's Mens Shop, the home of famous brands. Sydney, NS Stirling, NS. Thanks to Wendell Holmes for allowing me to take these pictures.
Brass badge owned by John Joe MacEachern, Grand Mira South. "Mindamar Metals Corp'n, LTD" Thanks to Bernie MacEachern for allowing me to take this picture.
Michael Morrison with children Phyllis and Les at the mine in Stirling 1950's. Given Les' description of where they were standing at the time the picture was taken, the picture may have been taken beside the Mine Dry or another building facing the glory hole.
Zane Fanning Jimmy and Judy Mitchel (next door neighbours) in front of June and Laurie Fanning's family home in Stirling standing in front of the Fanning's 1953 Chevy Bellaire. Notice the Davie Crocket hat that Zane was wearing, popular attire for kids in the early 50's. Thanks to Zane for the photo.
June and Laurie Fanning's and children, Zane and Sharron''s home in Stirling (around the Five Island (Stirling) Lake). Thanks to Zane Fanning for the pic. Their 1949 Ford is parked in the yard.
Four men, Stirling. Looks early on. Probably in the development stage. The men have on rubbers and dress shoes so they may have been management.
Stirling Mine - The writing on the picture belonging to Alex Gillis says Johny, Dan Beaton (Mabou) and Lee (Hawley -Mabou). The Dry is on the right under construction, the temporary #2 shaft is behind Lee. The building that is just getting started may be the crusher house.
Stirling Mine. The back of The Dry in the forefront - the mainframe and shafthouse across the road. the hoist house in the middle, You can just see the stack for the boiler house to the right of the hoist house. the Shops building to the right in the picture. It housed the machine shop and the electrical shop.
Stirling Mine -Alex Gillis, Mabou on the right.
Wendell Holmes has identified the man on the left as possibly being Danny Farrow, linesman from Antigonish. Wendell notes that Nova Scotia Power brought the electric lines into the mine but the mine employed linesmen/electricians to install the electric lines in the mine.When he first came to the mine in 1951 until he started working in the mill in 1952, he worked with the lines crew tying on lines. He said it was very cold doing this job in the winter months.
Wendell Holmes has identified the man on the left as possibly being Danny Farrow, linesman from Antigonish. Wendell notes that Nova Scotia Power brought the electric lines into the mine but the mine employed linesmen/electricians to install the electric lines in the mine.When he first came to the mine in 1951 until he started working in the mill in 1952, he worked with the lines crew tying on lines. He said it was very cold doing this job in the winter months.
Stirling Mine - the elcctrician's I assume. Notice the temporary #2 shaft in the close background and what I believe is the side of the hoist house to it's right.
Wendell Holmes notes that Nova Scotia Power brought the electric lines into the mine but the mine employed linesmen/electricians to install the electric lines in the mine. When he first came to the mine in 1951 until he started working in the mill in 1952, he worked with the lines crew tying on lines. He said it was very cold doing this job in the winter months. Some other members of the crew were Alex and his brother Joe Sullivan from St Andrews and Danny Farrow from Antigonish.
Wendell Holmes notes that Nova Scotia Power brought the electric lines into the mine but the mine employed linesmen/electricians to install the electric lines in the mine. When he first came to the mine in 1951 until he started working in the mill in 1952, he worked with the lines crew tying on lines. He said it was very cold doing this job in the winter months. Some other members of the crew were Alex and his brother Joe Sullivan from St Andrews and Danny Farrow from Antigonish.
The old #1 Shaft Words on this photo once owned by Alex Gillis, Mabou are written "Lee Hawley 1951 Sterling".
Stirling mine. Looks like work being done on the boiler house. Stack being positioned into place. These men are likely Consruction foremen guessing by the way they are dressed. They look like they are consulting about something.
Stirling mine another photo of the stack going up, a closer look at the men working there. They are dressed more for hands on work, workboots short jackets.
Stirling Mine -Writing on back of this photo belonging to Alex Gillis: "Left Captain Jim MacLeod - Right Alex A. Gillis Saw Fileing 1951 &-52. I think The writer (likely Alex) meant that they were in front of the building where the saws were filed. I think this because the the machine shop is in the building behind them and likely saws were filed there. They are standing beside The Dry. They are dressed exactly alike, and not in work wear, so I assume Alex, like Jim, was a boss or foreman.
Stirling Mine - Writing on this photo belonging to Alex Gillis: " Alex Gillis (left) and Ronald Beaton (right)"
Wendell Holmes has identified this vehicle as a "Mack" truck.
Wendell Holmes has identified this vehicle as a "Mack" truck.
Stirling Mine.The dry under construction to the right, one of the older bunkhouses in the back ground and looks like the beginning of the temporary #2 shaft being built across from the Dry. Notice the bulldozer in front of The Dry. Wendell Holmes notes that was the machine that Joe MacLean drove.
Stirling Mine. Loading snow with the Payloader which according to Wendell Holmes was also used to load the ore onto the trucks. Wendell says that Billy Mann usually drove this machinery but may not be the man in this picture.
This picture belonged to Alex Gillis Mabou and he likely wrote this on the picture: "White Gold". Alex obviously had a since of humor. I have figured that this is the south side of "The Dry".
This picture belonged to Alex Gillis Mabou and he likely wrote this on the picture: "White Gold". Alex obviously had a since of humor. I have figured that this is the south side of "The Dry".
The writing on the above photo says "The mill, all wood frame".
Stirling mine, mill under construction western side. See the water tower in the background.
Stirling Mine, the mill, Writing on the back of this photo belonging to Alex Gillis, Mabou says "men I knew working in Sterling"
Wendell notes that the machine in the background behind the men would be a transformer and they were likley in the process of installing it in the mill (likely through that doorway)
Wendell notes that the machine in the background behind the men would be a transformer and they were likley in the process of installing it in the mill (likely through that doorway)
The mill almost complete - no ramps installed yet. From the collection of Alex Gillis, Mabou.
Wendell Holmes notes the crane in this picture would be one that Norman Johnson would drive. Norman later went to work at the Machine Shop.
Wendell Holmes notes the crane in this picture would be one that Norman Johnson would drive. Norman later went to work at the Machine Shop.
The conveyor system where the ore is taken to the mill. See the mill in the background fully completed. The above photo was provided by Bill MacLean (with permission) from collection of Albert MacDonald.
Stirling mine Eastern side of mill almost completed. No ramps (to the left) yet. From the collection of Alex Gillis, Mabou.
Wendell Holmes notes that this road went up and around the back of the mill and that's where the explosives were stored. He notes that Malcolm S MacDonald trucked the explosives in from St Peters from the railway station.
Wendell Holmes notes that this road went up and around the back of the mill and that's where the explosives were stored. He notes that Malcolm S MacDonald trucked the explosives in from St Peters from the railway station.
Stirling mine - A Loading ramp under construction (same ramp two different angles - attached to the side of the mill facing southwest. The man in the picture to the right has been identified by Dan Archie Cummings as Alex Gillis, Mabou.
I believe this is where Ramsey MacLeod, Framboise fell from either during construction or during dismantling as per account of Wendell Holmes. He fell 57 fell onto a concrete foundation.
I believe this is where Ramsey MacLeod, Framboise fell from either during construction or during dismantling as per account of Wendell Holmes. He fell 57 fell onto a concrete foundation.
Above is the Mindamar Mine song sung to the tune of "Oh my Darling Clementine" Thanks To Douglas Landry for the copy. I believe they are singing about Collie MacKenzie.
The Stirling Bus above. Photo provided by Bill MacLean, Gabarus. He notes, "This photo was taken behind Tena's store in Gabarus Lake, the family home of Hughie Mac Donald, the bus driver. Tina was Hughie's sister. After the mine closed Hughie moved to Quebec and would visit every summer. The photo is from the collection of Buddy Mac Donald, Hughie's nephew."
Editor's note: The words for this song "the Rattling Stirlling Bus" were given to me by Donald Morrison, Pearl MacLeod MacDonald also has a copy of this song. Chrissy MacLeod MacMillan and Duncan and Greta MacLeod have told me that this song was written by Harold Langley, formerly from Guysborough County. It may be sung to the tune of "The Wabash Cannon Ball" or perhaps "Aunt Martha's Sheep".
The Rattling Stirling Bus
1
Gather round the comrades
And listen while I tell
Of the good old Rattling Stirling Bus
The people know so well
It was driven once by Leo
Who was handy at the wheel
And afterwards by a classy young guy
Whose name was known as Neil
Now she's driven by Hughie who is liked by all of us
For the whole year now he's driving the Rattling Stirling Bus
2
She travels in from Sydney
To Stirling she will roll
You think the roar and rattle
Some night would take it's toll
And when she's seen coming
Oh what an awful fuss
and what a terrible drive is made
For the Rattling Stirling Bus
3
Sometimes there is a dozen lights
A gleaming oh so bright
But often there is only one
On the Rattling Stirling Bus
4
Sometimes Hughie blows the horn you'd think
the thing would burst
and now there isn't any on
The Rattling Stirling Bus
5
So Grab yourself a seat boys
And sing a song for us
We're heading for a good old time
On the Rattling Stirling Bus.
The Rattling Stirling Bus
1
Gather round the comrades
And listen while I tell
Of the good old Rattling Stirling Bus
The people know so well
It was driven once by Leo
Who was handy at the wheel
And afterwards by a classy young guy
Whose name was known as Neil
Now she's driven by Hughie who is liked by all of us
For the whole year now he's driving the Rattling Stirling Bus
2
She travels in from Sydney
To Stirling she will roll
You think the roar and rattle
Some night would take it's toll
And when she's seen coming
Oh what an awful fuss
and what a terrible drive is made
For the Rattling Stirling Bus
3
Sometimes there is a dozen lights
A gleaming oh so bright
But often there is only one
On the Rattling Stirling Bus
4
Sometimes Hughie blows the horn you'd think
the thing would burst
and now there isn't any on
The Rattling Stirling Bus
5
So Grab yourself a seat boys
And sing a song for us
We're heading for a good old time
On the Rattling Stirling Bus.
This would be a photo of the mine when it ran in the 20/30's. This is Kenny Angus Morrison and Norman Mac (Dermid ?). Thanks to Donald Morrison for the photo taken from his mother's album.
Side view of the pumphouse foundation showing the footer for the wooden stave piping that would have taken the water from the Stirling lake (background) to the mine.
About the CBR
J. William Calder Author of “All aboard” wrote in regard to the prospects of the railway continuing from St Peter’s.
There were those "of better mind; with an eye to the future, they could sense the benefit the railway would bring; easier access to the outside world; the inward movement of goods and people.
Towards the east, along the rugged coastline to Louisbourg, there was anxious anticipation; there were those with monetary aspiration, offering right of way through bushland and pasture. The original plan of the promoters was to continue the railway to Louisbourg and the Sydneys tapping the bountiful coal fields.
The people along this route had a right to be optimistic, for the line had been twice surveyed and ties had been placed along certain sections. Editors note: Soutter Strachan recalled as a youth seeing railway ties stacked up in open fields in Loch Lomond. That would be around the early 1920's.
In the districts of Loch Lomond, Ferguson’s Lake and Stirling, descendants of the Scottish immigrants who had arrived in numbers at the turn of the 19th century; from the misty isles and the hills of Scotland, were for the most part well settled. There were farmers, fishermen and lumbermen. There were tradesmen and merchants; the clergy and the school masters. But the promise of economic advancement was bleak. Members of families were forced to gain a livelihood in other lands. A railway might very well change this.
On that September morning in 1903, some five miles from the -village of St. Peters, two young Scotsmen, Donald (Rory Dan)...along with his friend Angus (Malcolm Hughie)…were shingling the roof of a barn…
Donald Rory Dan got off his knees and sat on his rump…”What in hell are we doing here, when we should after be in St. Peters for the big do?" Donald R. asked….
''Bv God," Angus M. replied with profane emphasis: "I'm all for it; but your old man will be booting our ass if we are not finishing the roof."
Donald R. spat: "Ach, to hell with him, Angus. Look here boy; you know, that prospector has found zinc, copper and a trace of silver around Stirling. Well with that there, the train will damn well be pushing through."
Angus M'. stroked his bristled chin: "Well, well, that will be good indeed. Let’s get to hell out of here."
Thev quit the roof.
Editor's note the CBR never did get extended from St Peters to Louisbourg through Loch Lomond as planned, In the 30's the mine ore was stockpiled and shipped from Fourchu. In the 50's the mine ore was shipped by rail from St Peters westwards.
J. William Calder Author of “All aboard” wrote in regard to the prospects of the railway continuing from St Peter’s.
There were those "of better mind; with an eye to the future, they could sense the benefit the railway would bring; easier access to the outside world; the inward movement of goods and people.
Towards the east, along the rugged coastline to Louisbourg, there was anxious anticipation; there were those with monetary aspiration, offering right of way through bushland and pasture. The original plan of the promoters was to continue the railway to Louisbourg and the Sydneys tapping the bountiful coal fields.
The people along this route had a right to be optimistic, for the line had been twice surveyed and ties had been placed along certain sections. Editors note: Soutter Strachan recalled as a youth seeing railway ties stacked up in open fields in Loch Lomond. That would be around the early 1920's.
In the districts of Loch Lomond, Ferguson’s Lake and Stirling, descendants of the Scottish immigrants who had arrived in numbers at the turn of the 19th century; from the misty isles and the hills of Scotland, were for the most part well settled. There were farmers, fishermen and lumbermen. There were tradesmen and merchants; the clergy and the school masters. But the promise of economic advancement was bleak. Members of families were forced to gain a livelihood in other lands. A railway might very well change this.
On that September morning in 1903, some five miles from the -village of St. Peters, two young Scotsmen, Donald (Rory Dan)...along with his friend Angus (Malcolm Hughie)…were shingling the roof of a barn…
Donald Rory Dan got off his knees and sat on his rump…”What in hell are we doing here, when we should after be in St. Peters for the big do?" Donald R. asked….
''Bv God," Angus M. replied with profane emphasis: "I'm all for it; but your old man will be booting our ass if we are not finishing the roof."
Donald R. spat: "Ach, to hell with him, Angus. Look here boy; you know, that prospector has found zinc, copper and a trace of silver around Stirling. Well with that there, the train will damn well be pushing through."
Angus M'. stroked his bristled chin: "Well, well, that will be good indeed. Let’s get to hell out of here."
Thev quit the roof.
Editor's note the CBR never did get extended from St Peters to Louisbourg through Loch Lomond as planned, In the 30's the mine ore was stockpiled and shipped from Fourchu. In the 50's the mine ore was shipped by rail from St Peters westwards.
All that is left. Though the caption indicates April 27, 2020, this aerial photo was probably taken in 1990's as the former Strachan's garage which later became the NS Highway garage and Stirling school buildings were still standing.