New to the Heritage Silver Trail!
Since 1999, the Cobalt Historical Society, along with our municipal partners from Coleman Township and the Town of Cobalt, have been the caretakers of Heritage Silver Trail – a self-guided tour of the former mine and mill sites throughout the silver mining camp.
Over the years, as resources and needs dictated, the trail has changed. Some of the changes were related to safety requirements, others to change in land ownership. Aging, too, has had an impact – not only on the former mining structures, but on the core group of volunteers who contribute to the trail’s success.
Mostly? The trail has gotten smaller.
But today, thanks to a generous donation from the Calder family, we are delighted to say that the trail is getting bigger!
It began a few years ago.
We were at a meeting with Agnico Eagle. Their local representative, Ken Korman suggested that we might turn the old switchback road that runs behind the McKinley Darragh mill into a side trail. At the time we were unable to do so, but agreed it was a great idea.
Then, we received a message from Bob Beckett – he told us about the passing of his good friend John Calder and that John’s family were looking to honour their father somehow.
We suggested a metal bench.
John’s son Keith had something more significant in mind.
Water seeping in the rocks caused damage to the sculpture. The artists patched the rock and redirected run-off so the work will remain intact.
Thanks to Laura Landers for this image.
A two-part project
First up was the restoration of an art installation on Silver Street, on the outcrop at Site 14, The Willet Green Miller Memorial.
The Calder Fund allowed us to hire the original sculptors, Rob Moir and Sally Lawrence. They repaired the bas-relief sculpture that had been damaged by weather and vandals.
The photos above show before and after. Work was completed in 2023.
Remember that old switchback road?
The second and more significant contribution from the Calder fund was the restoration of that switchback road on the McKinley Darragh.
Contractors installed culverts, widened the road, and laid down crushed limestone on the slope leading to the top of the trail, just before the switchback portion. They also installed barricades to prevent motorized vehicles from using the trail. CHS volunteers brushed out the old road, and installed signs.
Interestingly, we found an early map in the Coleman Township archive, and discovered this trail was the original road that connected the Town of Cobalt to the mines at the south end of Cobalt Lake, and those further south at Giroux and Kerr Lake in Coleman Township.
You are invited
The trail head is located at Site 4 the Little Silver Vein. The trail itself is 0.6 km long.
Follow the signs as you climb the slope. At the top of the hill, just before the switchback descent, you will find the remains of the compressed air pipeline that delivered air to power the mine drills and hoists. This link takes you to an excellent video that describes the science behind the Ragged Chute installation on the Montreal River.
At the bottom of the hill, you will exit through a gap in a chain fence onto Coleman Road. This is located just a few paces west of Site 3 The McKinley Darragh Mill.
At this point, feel free to reverse your steps or you can return to Site 4 via Coleman Road.
Thanks
We offer our sincere thanks to Bob Beckett for connecting us with Keith Calder, and thanks to the Calder Fund for the generous donation in John’s memory.
Thanks to the Dean family who kindly agreed that the contractor could stage equipment and materials on their property.
The job could not have been completed without hours of volunteer labour. Special mention to Connie Corville who slashed out the trail, and to our trail manager, Reiner Mielke.
We are also grateful for Agnico Eagle who not only suggested the restoration, but who continue their support as we work together with the municipalities and our volunteers to preserve and promote mining heritage.