From Dublin to Drummond- Mahon Family Reunion — The Series Part 7 — The Mica Mine

 

Dublin to Drummond 200th Mahon Family Reunion

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Did you know…
John Mahon was the owner of a mica mine in the early 1900’s. Located just north of Murphy’s Point Park it was along the cross-country ski trail and called the Mahon Occurrence. Originally producing phosphate John took over in 1908 mining mica. According to government records nearly $4000 worth of mica was removed in just a few months. In today’s dollars that is the equivalent of $89,000. Give or take a penny or two.
The exact location will be on the self-driving tour map distributed during the Family Reunion.
On a personal note, I remember mum talking about family rowing across Rideau Lake to work the mine. I wonder if they sang “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to work we go” during the crossing. —

Dublin to Drummond 200th Mahon Family Reunion

 

 

 

 

The merry men of the Mahon Mine Occurrence. I believe John Mahon is the fellow on the far left. Other faces look familiar but if anyone can provide names please do so. —

Dublin to Drummond 200th Mahon Family Reunion

Jo-Ann Rogers My Grampa, Joe Mahon used to bring me to the mica mine. I was fascinated with the ability to peel off the layers. Grampa was so proud of the mine and the family history that belonged with the mine!

 

 

Mahon Mine

Location: Lot 10, concession V, North Burgess township,

Lanark county.

Minerals

Present:

Development

Geology:

Apatite, phlogopite, pyroxene, calcite.

An old phosphate producer the mine produced

mica in 1908 under the direction of J. Mahon of

Rideau Ferry and continued intermittently until

1912. The mica workings lie a few hundred feet

southwest of the old phosphate pits, on a small

gully which has been worn out by water along a line

of pockets in dark green pyroxenite. A shaft

was sunk to a depth of 30 feet.

The mica occurs in pink calcite bodies in

fissures and pods in green metamorphic

pyroxenite. The mica is of good quality, but

small in size, the average being 2 by 3 inches.

The lead strikes N75OE.

Reference: de Schmid (1912, p. 166)

This property belongs to Mr. J. Mahon, of Rideau Ferry, and 

lies about a fourth of a mile to the west of Mr. Smith’s mine on lot 9. 

Formerly an old phosphate producer, the mine lay idle until 1908, when the 

present owner commenced work with three men, and has continued inter- 

mittently up to the present time. The present workings lie a few hundred 

feet southwest of the old phosphate pits, on a small gully which has been 

worn out by water along a line of pockets in a dark green pyroxenite. These 

pockets or chimneys connect horizontally by narrow fissures and are filled 

out with large bodies of pink calcite in which the mica crystals are dis- 

seminated. The latter are of fine quality, dark mottled-amber in colour, 

and of rather small size, the average being 2″ X 3″. A depth of some 

30 feet has been reached in a small shaft sunk on the largest of the pockets, 

and several smaller openings have been made along the line of lead. The 

direction of the chain of pockets is W. 15° S.,and indications tend to show the 

existence of similar cavities to a considerable depth. The fact that water 

never accumulates in the workings, but sinks away at once, is a very favour- 

able sign. A little phosphate accompanies the mica. The present operator 

lias taken out mica to the value of $4,000 in the space of a few months, and 

there is little doubt that the mine would repay more extensive development.

CLIPPED FROM

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
17 Oct 1899, Tue  •  Page 2

More tomorrow

Stay tuned for more as:

All are welcome, all are welcome,

All are welcome in this place.

 

 

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place and The Tales of Almonte

1. Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships SunScreamin’ Mamas (USA)  and The Sherbrooke Record

   

From Dublin to Drummond- Mahon Family Reunion — The Series –Part 1

From Dublin to Drummond- Mahon Family Reunion — The Series –Part 2

From Dublin to Drummond- Mahon Family Reunion — The Series –Part 3

From Dublin to Drummond- Mahon Family Reunion — The Series –Part 4 — The Family Photograph!!!!

 

From Dublin to Drummond- Mahon Family Reunion — The Series –Part 6– Do you Know These Unknown Folks?