Happy Creek Mine Interpretive Program Town of Hinton

HAPPY CREEK MINE INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM

TOWN OF HINTON

RESEARCH REPORT

Prepared For EDS Group Inc. 300, 3203 Ninety-Third Street Edmonton, Alberta

On Behalf Of Town of Hinton 131 Civic Centre Road Hinton, Alberta

Prepared By FMA Heritage Inc. 200, 1719 Tenth Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta

December 2009

December 18, 2009

Jennifer Jones, BLA Associate Landscape Architect EDS Group Inc. 300, 3203 93 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6N 0B2

Dear Ms. Jones

I am pleased to submit to you this report entitled, Hinton Happy Creek Mine Interpretive Program, Town of Hinton, Research Report. Should you have any questions regarding this project, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours truly, FMA HERITAGE INC.

Meaghan Porter, M.A. /mp

Executive Summary

At the request of EDS Group Inc., and on behalf of the Town of Hinton, FMA Heritage Inc. conducted a research program and Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA) to locate, inventory, document and assess the Historic Period Hinton Mine (No. 1257); to provide background historic data to the Town of Hinton; and to facilitate their proposed Hinton Happy Creek Mine Interpretive Program. Documentary research focussed upon themes identified by the Town of Hinton as significant, including general histories of the Coal Branch region, the Hinton Mine explosion, mining techniques, and the people who worked at and operated the mine. Information was collected from the Provincial Archives of Alberta, the Glenbow Archives, the Coal Branch Archives, as well as numerous text and internet sources.

The focus of the HRIA was to locate above ground remains. During the assessment, the mine was newly recorded as an archaeological site; the Hinton Mine (No. 1257) (FiQj 20). As the Town of Hinton is committed to preservation of the site, and are planning an interpretive program, minimal impact is expected. Development of a curation/preservation program is recommended, and site monitoring during construction of an interpretive pathway is also suggested, if necessary.

Data that will assist in the preparation of the interpretive materials have been presented in the current volume, and include archival and mapping information. A permit report detailing the HRIA results has been completed and will be presented in accordance with Alberta Culture and Community Spirit guidelines. The results have also been summarized in the current document.

Executive Summary iii

Project Personnel

PERMIT HOLDER : Meaghan Porter, M.A.

ARCHAEOLOGIST : Barb Neal, M.A.

RESEARCHERS : JP Foster, M.A. : Barb Neal, M.A. : Meaghan Porter, M.A.

DRAFTING : Eddie Fung, B.Sc. : Keith Wilford, B.A.

REPORT AUTHOR : Meaghan Porter, M.A

THANKS TO : Marilyn Campbell, Coal Branch Archives : Don Engerdahl, Town of Hinton : Jean Anne Fraser, Town of Hinton : Dale Gilbertson, Town of Hinton : Jacquie Hannington, Hinton Historical Tracks and Trails Society : Lorraine MacKay, Hinton Historical Tracks and Trails Society

Project Personnel v

Table of Contents

Letter of Transmittal ...... ii Executive Summary ...... iii Project Personnel ...... v Table of Contents ...... vii List of Figures ...... ix List of Plates ...... xi

Introduction……… ...... …………1 Objectives ...... 3 Scope of Work ...... 3 Research Methods ...... 7 Research Foci ...... 7 Documentary Research ...... 7 Archival Documents ...... 8 Text Sources ...... 13 Internet Sources ...... 15 Results………… ...... ……16 Historical Context ...... 18 Focus #1: Coal Branch Overview ...... 20 Focus #2: Overview of Hinton Collieries Ltd...... 23 Operators ...... 23 Operations ...... 27 Mine Life ...... 35 Locations of Historic Mine Features and Early Hinton ...... 36 Focus #3: Mining Techniques ...... 41 Focus #4: Mine Disasters ...... 50 Archaeological Survey Results ...... 57 Summary and Future Directions ...... 73 Project Review ...... 73 Potential Themes for Future Research ...... 74 Potential for Interpretive Programming ...... 76 References Cited ...... 77

Table of Contents vii

Table of Contents viii

Appendix I: Glossary of Mining Terms Appendix II: 1939 HCL and UMWA Wage Agreement Appendix III: Sample of Glenbow Archives Holdings CD Pocket: PAA Holdings, GIS Mapping Layers, Art Thornsen Interview Map Pocket: 1941 Mine Plan

List of Figures

Figure 1 Location of study area ...... 2 Figure 2 Example of plan submitted to the MBA from HCL, 1937 (PAA File 77.237 1257g) ...... 9 Figure 3 Hinton Collieries Ltd. in context ...... 10 Figure 4 Example of Mine inspection report (1936), (2 pages) (PAA File 77.237 1257a) ...... 11 Figure 4 Example of Mine inspection report, (2 pages) (PAA File 77.237 1257a) ...... 12 Figure 5 Early correspondence from MBA to the HCL operators (PAA File 77.237 1257a) ...... 28 Figure 6 Response from HCL in regards to early operations (PAA File 77.237 1257a) ...... 29 Figure 7 Archaeological sketch map of site FiQj 20, the Hinton Mine ...... 58

List of Figures ix

List of Plates

Plate 1 Detail of boiler plan on file at Coal Branch Archives, Hinton (#070409 Ken New fonds) ...... 14 Plate 2 Detail of Sterling Collieries ledger, on file at Coal Branch Archives, Hinton (#008.11 Sterling Collieries Ltd. fonds) .... 14 Plate 3 Frank Seabolt and family, n.d. (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 24 Plate 4 Frank Seabolt’s home at the Bar F Ranch, n.d. (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 25 Plate 5 Harry King and family, 1916 (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 26 Plate 6 Moving a house from Pocahontas to Hinton, 1932 (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 30 Plate 7 Miner William (Pinky) Gough’s first home in Hinton, 1930 (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 32 Plate 8 Miner Bill Aitken’s house, n.d. (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 32 Plate 9 Mine horses, possibly with barn boss George Johnson, note horse helmets, n.d. (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 33 Plate 10 Bumpus Woody hauling coal carts from the mine, 1937 (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 34 Plate 11 West view of current structures along Highway 16 located where historic above-ground mine structures were located...... 37 Plate 12 North view of eastern portion of study area and general location of historic mine stables ...... 37 Plate13 North view to Ford Motors dealership and general historic location of mine warehouse, washhouse and payroll office...... 38 Plate14 West view of general area of tipple, identified by Viola Eeles (courtesy Eeles 2005) ...... 38

List of Plates xi

List of Plates xii

Plate15 Northwest view of general area of mine entrance, identified by Viola Eeles (courtesy Eeles 2005) ...... 39 Plate 16 Historic miner’s house along Forest Heights Drive, Hinton...... 39 Plate 17 Frank Seabolt’s house at its current location: 109 Forest Heights Drive, Hinton ...... 40 Plate 18 Jack Pivik (right) and Pete Krytor (left) apparently at the HCL entrance located in the east bank of Happy Creek, 1930 (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 43 Plate 19 View of discovered mine shaft during sanitary line construction; note timbering outlined in red (courtesy Gilbertson 2009) ...... 44 Plate 20 Interior of Newcastle Mine, Drumheller, ca. 1914; note wooden props (courtesy of Glenbow Archives) ...... 44 Plate 21 Mining with a drill at Humberstone Mine, Edmonton, 1916 (courtesy of Glenbow Archives) ...... 45 Plate 22 Coal cutter, Kent Mine, Edmonton, 1937; note shaft timbering system (courtesy of Glenbow Archives) ...... 45 Plate 23 Mining at the face of Humberstone Mine, Edmonton, 1916 (courtesy of Glenbow Archives) ...... 47 Plate 24 Coal cart, Rose-Deer Mine, Drumheller, ca. 1912 (courtesy of Glenbow Archives) ...... 47 Plate 25 HCL miners and horse, n.d. (courtesy of Hart 1980) ...... 48 Plate 26 Currently, the only known photo of the HCL tipple; note lumber for use in mine, 1936 (courtesy of Hart 1980) ...... 48 Plate 27 Screen and picking table at the Rosedale Mine, Drumheller area, ca. 1912-1914 (courtesy of Glenbow Archives) ...... 49 Plate 28 Funeral for victims of the 1938 Mine Explosion, located in Edson (courtesy Hart 1980)...... 52 Plate 29 Grave site in Edson: large UMWA monument for all five victims; the smaller headstone behind tree is for Tony Pastushak ...... 52 Plate 30 Photo from Calgary Herald: 1) Peter Phillipino, 2) Martin Sprela, 3) Tony Pastushak, 4) the mine, 5) George Blecha, 6) William Ilecko (courtesy Calgary Herald 1938) ..54 Plate 31 Grave site in Edson: for Fred Babiluk, located beneath tree pictured in Plate 29 ...... 54 xiii List of Plates

Plate 32 HCL rescue team from left to right: unknown, Len Gaskell, Alvin Shredwicke, Jim Aitken, unknown, William Aitken Sr., n.d. (courtesy Hart 1980) ...... 56 Plate 33 Southeast view of northern footing located in eastern bank of Happy Creek ...... 59 Plate 34 Detail of copper pipe and cement in northern footing ...... 59 Plate 35 Northwest view of southern footing located on eastern bank of Happy Creek, possibly a fan footing...... 61 Plate 36 Detail of surface of southern footing ...... 61 Plate 37 Detail of gas tank located in Happy Creek, just north of the southern footing ...... 62 Plate 38 Detail of wood and metal strapping (possible coal cart fragment), located in creek adjacent to gas tank ...... 62 Plate 39 Undercut of eastern bank of Happy Creek showing coal exposure ...... 63 Plate 40 North view of Happy Creek to artifact concentration and northern footbridge ...... 65 Plate 41 Detail of punched sheet metal located in eastern creek bank, within artifact concentration ...... 65 Plate 42 Detail of machine part (possible pulley), embedded in eastern bank of creek, adjacent to sheet metal ...... 66 Plate 43 Detail of metal machine part located on western creek bank, adjacent to sheet metal ...... 66 Plate 44 Detail of cable located on eastern side of creek within artifact concentration ...... 67 Plate 45 Metal pipe located in creek bottom; typical find within study area ...... 67 Plate 46 Detail of large concrete pipe located in creek bed ...... 68 Plate 47 East view of railroad tie/timber located in channel on eastern bank of Happy Creek ...... 68 Plate 48 North view of tailings area ...... 69 Plate 49 Detail of concrete pad located in tailings area ...... 69 Plate 50 North view to concrete pad located just north of the southern footbridge ...... 70

INTRODUCTION

Documentary research focussed upon themes identified by the Town of Hinton to be significant, including general histories of the Coal Branch region, the Hinton Mine explosion, mining techniques, and the people who worked at and operated the mine. Information was collected from the Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA), the Glenbow Archives, the Coal Branch Archives, as well as numerous text and internet sources.

The focus of the HRIA was to locate above ground remains. During the assessment, the mine was newly recorded as an archaeological site; the Hinton Mine (No. 1257) (FiQj 20). Several above ground features were recorded; however, the bulk of material had been removed from the site almost immediately following abandonment and the site has been previously disturbed by various civic and commercial ventures. The site has perceived high archaeological and historic interpretive potential. As the Town of Hinton is committed to preservation of the site, and are planning an interpretive program, minimal impact is expected. Development of a curation/preservation program is recommended, and site monitoring during construction is also suggested.

Introduction 1

2 Introduction

Figure 1 Location of study area Introduction 3

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the study were to locate, inventory, document and assess the Historic Period Hinton Mine (No. 1257) in order to provide background historic data to the Town of Hinton in their proposed Hinton Happy Creek Mine Interpretive Program

SCOPE OF WORK

The proposed scope of work for the research project undertaken by FMA Heritage Inc. consisted of the following components:

1. Initial Documentary Research - A search of documents related to the Hinton Mine, to determine possible feature locations (i.e. mine entrance, tipples, spur lines, etc.) prior to the field reconnaissance, as well as provide information for the Interpretive Program. These documents were expected to include:

a) Primary sources consisting of archival documents available at the Glenbow Archives and PAA, as well as local sources, such as the Coal Branch Archives

b) Contextual sources such as local histories (i.e. Hazel Hart’s History of Hinton) and personal accounts of life in the Coal Branch area (i.e. Toni Ross’ Oh! The Coal Branch)

c) Secondary sources including the “Atlas of Abandoned Mines”, additional sources on the Coal Branch and related archaeological consultant’s reports

d) Secondary internet resources (such as ourroots/nosracines.ca; the Canadian Encyclopaedia Online) 4 Introduction

2. Meeting with the Town of Hinton and EDS Representatives - A meeting to determine the project goals and objectives, provide a status update, discuss the deliverables and future directions and, to attempt coordination or receive contact information of potential informants. A site tour of the study area was also scheduled at this time. In addition, examination of the documents available from the Hinton Library and Archives was anticipated to be conducted.

3. Field Reconnaissance/Assessment/Inventory - An in-field inventory (including photography, GPS locations, mapping, etc.) of items or features associated with the mine (i.e. machinery, slag) was conducted. The field reconnaissance consisted of a pedestrian traverse and visual examination of all areas within the proposed development area for the purpose of identifying surficially exposed cultural materials and/or features as well as areas of subsurface cultural potential. All existing exposures were examined for evidence of historic activity. Shovel tests may be excavated if deemed necessary by the permit holding archaeologist. The mine site as found within the study area was documented in the field and also was photographically documented. All site features and test locations (if conducted) were recorded using handheld GPS technology.

4. Oral History Data Collection - Attempts to conduct interviews and/or site tours with local informants in order to obtain further information and anecdotal evidence about the mine and the mine site. Representatives of the Hinton Historical Tracks and Trails Society and Town of Hinton were contacted in order to identify potential informants. This task resulted in the need for follow-up visits to Hinton.

5. Analysis and Research of Physical Remains - All cultural materials identified in shovel tests and a representative sample (up to 30 items) of transportable surface materials were expected to be collected. If present, large items, such as machinery, were not to be collected; however, they were to be photographed and Introduction 5

researched, in order to determine origin or function if possible. Negotiations may be necessary between the Royal Alberta Museum and the Town of Hinton for the final curation of the artifacts.

6. Final Permit Report - The report will be completed to provincial, ACCS Historic Resources Management Branch standards, outlining the results of the field reconnaissance. Copies will be submitted to both the proponent, and ACCS. The report will include: the study objectives and methodology; results of survey; and, results of evaluation of the study area, in terms of site integrity, representativeness, accessibility, utility in terms of public education and historic archaeological research. Recommendations will be made relative to the most appropriate resource management options.

7. Report Outlining Materials for the Interpretive Program - A report that will present materials to be used in the interpretive program will be completed. This will include information related to themes identified during the initial meeting with the Town of Hinton and EDS Group as significant to the overall concept of the program.

RESEARCH METHODS

RESEARCH FOCI

A meeting between FMA Heritage Inc., EDS Group and the Town of Hinton was conducted in the early stages of the program, to identify areas of interest and general themes. The goal was to focus on subjects to be further explored and utilized in the development of an interpretive program for the public. Areas identified as important to the Town of Hinton and the project included:

i) a general history of the Coal Branch area; ii) people who worked at the mine, including: a. ethnic origins; and, b. the key players involved in the HCL operations; iii) mining techniques and technology; and, iv) the 1938 mine explosion.

DOCUMENTARY RESEARCH

The main purpose of the current report is to present the results of the documentary research which will provide information for the Interpretive Program. This research included review of primary sources such as archival documents; contextual sources including local histories and personal accounts of life in the Coal Branch area; and, secondary sources including relevant text and internet documents. Data on file at the PAA (Edmonton), the Glenbow Archives (Calgary), and the Coal Branch Archives (Hinton) were reviewed. The results of this research also assisted in determining

Research Methods and Results 7

8 Research Methods and Results

possible feature locations (i.e. mine entrance, tipples, spur lines, etc.) prior to the field reconnaissance. A summary of available documentary sources is presented below.

ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTS

The majority of primary source information reviewed was located at the PAA. These holdings include correspondence between the Mines Branch of Alberta (MBA) and the HCL, comprising approximately 1,300 pages. Included in the correspondences are several maps of the mine workings (Figure 2), a final mine plan, mine inspection reports, and copies of documents from other agencies, such as Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reports specifically related to mine disasters. Copies of the holdings were requested, and upon receipt they were scanned and saved as PDF documents to be provided to the Town of Hinton as source materials for future research and development of the interpretive program. These are presented on a compact disc. The final mine plan from 1941 proved to be an invaluable source, and it is the basis for Figure 3. Mine inspection reports, which occurred relatively consistently throughout the mine’s operations, contain information including the number of workers, the gross output per day, presence of poisonous gas, general conditions, completion of appropriate paperwork, as well as the presence of a first aid kit, emergency hospital, and even the condition of the washhouse. An example is presented as Figure 4.

The Glenbow Archives’ holdings include historic documents relating to the United Mine Workers’ of America (UMWA) District 18 which included coalfields on both the British Columbia (B.C.) and Alberta sides of the Crowsnest Pass, Lethbridge, Canmore/Bankhead, the Nicola Valley of B.C., the Estevan coal field in Saskatchewan, Drumheller, Vancouver Island, Edmonton, the Coal Branch district, and the Nordegg/Saunders district. Items specifically related to Hinton include a couple of pieces of correspondence between the UMWA and the HCL regarding arbitration results; including disputes where members of the UMWA were terminated from employment at the HCL, wage agreements between the HCL and the UMWA, due and seniority lists of the members, and even individual membership cards. The Glenbow Archives also hold Historic Period newspapers on microfilm. Two Calgary

Figure 4 Example of Mine inspection report (1936), page 1 of 2 (PAA File 77.237 1257a)

Research Methods and Results 11

12 Research Methods and Results

Figure 4 Example of Mine inspection report, page 2 of 2 (PAA File 77.237 1257a) Research Methods and Results 13

Herald articles about the 1938 mine explosion were located and copied. In addition, the Glenbow Archives Library has a copy of Susan Fassnacht’s 1978 thesis; Hinton, Alberta, 1811-1957: a study of land use and settlement in a resource based community. This thesis contains a short section on the HCL with information taken from an interview with Bill Woodley, a prominent figure in early Hinton. Woodley operated the Woodley coal mines located south of Hinton from 1945 to 1956.

Also of note, the Glenbow Archives holdings include a large number of photographs related to Alberta mining. Although none are specifically of the HCL, many are from the Coal Branch area, and several illustrate mining techniques similar to those used at the HCL. A sample of these photographs is provided within this report.

The Coal Branch Archives were also investigated for information about the HCL and surrounding area. Documents available at the Coal Branch Archives include a 1937 plan of the HCL’s No. 2 Boiler (Plate 1), various books on the Coal Branch area, an original wage ledger from nearby Sterling Collieries Ltd. (Plate 2), as well as correspondence regarding the UMWA Memorial Cairn which was erected at the mine site in 2008 honouring victims of the 1938 HCL mining disaster. Numerous photographs related to early Hinton and the HCL are also housed here, including those utilized in Hazel Hart’s 1980 History of Hinton community history.

TEXT SOURCES

Numerous text sources were utilized for this research project, including those specifically about the Coal Branch area (such as Toni Ross’ Oh! The Coal Branch, and Vern Hughes My Life on the Alberta Coal Branch), the origins of the railway systems in the region, and local histories, including Hazel Hart’s 1980 History of Hinton, as well as general literature about Alberta coal and coal mining in Canada. Theses were consulted for information related to coal mining communities, two of those consulted related specifically to Hinton (Fassanacht 1978; Thompson 1996). In addition, brochures and tourism-related information were reviewed. Archaeological consulting reports relating to assessments of coal mines and associated communities were also examined (Ronaghan 1982; Van Dyke and Felske 1990; Kulle and Neal 1998; Kulle et al. 2000). 14 Research Methods and Results

Plate 1 Detail of boiler plan on file at Coal Branch Archives, Hinton (#070409 Ken New fonds)

Plate 2 Detail of Sterling Collieries ledger, on file at Coal Branch Archives, Hinton (#008.11 Sterling Collieries Ltd. fonds) Research Methods and Results 15

INTERNET SOURCES

Several internet sources were reviewed, including www.ourroots/nosracines.ca and www.ourfutureourpast.ca; both contain local histories and relevant books in digital format (including History of Hinton, Place Names of Alberta, Yellowhead Pass and its People). The online Canadian Encyclopaedia, Wikipedia, Google Images and various other search engines were consulted for information relating to the HCL.

RESULTS

As the current project is historic in nature, the Precontact occupation of the study area will be outlined briefly to provide context, followed by a more detailed Historic Period discussion. Results relative to the individual research foci are also detailed below. The study area lies within the Eastern Slopes culture area. Cultural materials from the eastern slopes share characteristics with the Precontact northern plains and boreal forest, as well as from the plateau of the interior of British Columbia. Consistencies in cultural materials and dates in both areas bear testimony to the movements and cultural influences between these environmental zones.

A cultural sequence specific to the study area has been formulated, which is based primarily on temporally diagnostic artifacts, primarily projectile points, recovered from the eastern slopes, indicative that the study area was potentially continuously occupied for the past 11,000 years (ARSU 1989; Langemann and Perry 2002). The earliest occupation is extrapolated by the presence of distinctive fluted lanceolate points of the Clovis Complex found near Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park (Christensen 1971), and Smoky River (Brink and Dawe 1986). Other potentially early forms following the fluted point series include lanceolates from both Grande Cache Lake and the Smoky River (Brink and Dawe 1986), and the Vermillion Lake and Eclipse sites (Langemann and Perry 2002). At Brûlé Lake, located to the southwest of Hinton, Ball (1986) recovered a large, stemmed point similar to Alberta/Scotsbluff from excavated context, dating to 8675+/-280 before present (B.P.) More recently, Alberta/Scotsbluff materials (Landals et al. 1995; Kulle and

Results 16

Results 17

Neal 1998) have been recovered from the Harris Creek locality of the McLeod River at archaeological sites FfQh 26 and FfQh 27. The early component at site FfQh 27 is associated with a radiocarbon date of 11,270+/-50 years B.P.

The Middle Period (7,500 to 1,750 B.P.) has few clearly separated, stratified components. Side to corner notched points mainly consisting of local material types are common (Hunt et al. 1982; ARSU 1989; Langemann and Perry 2002). Rare, non-local raw lithic materials point to Eastern Slopes sources such as Montana and southwestern Alberta (ARSU 1989; Langemann and Perry 2002). Over time, the use of non-local lithics increases dramatically, and influences from both the Plains, and interior plateau of British Colombia are noted. Additionally, influences from the Plateau are seen through the presence of several subterranean dwellings and cache or roasting pits (Langemann and Perry 2002).

The Late Period (1,750 to 225 B.P.) contains subphases comparable to Plains culture history, although influences from the interior plateau are also noted (ARSU 1989; Langemann and Perry 2002). A change to smaller side and corner notched projectile points, as well as technical changes in construction suggest a change to bow and arrow technology. Lithic materials still consist mainly of local sources, however, non-local materials including obsidian from the southern ranges of the Rocky Mountains are found during this time (Langemann and Perry 2002). Subterranean dwellings are also found during the Late Period, indicative of interior plateau influences. Given the evidence that suggests both Plains and interior plateau influences during this period, there was likely considerable movement through the mountains (ARSU 1989; Langemann and Perry 2002).

The distribution of previously recorded Precontact period sites within the Eastern Slopes region indicates a strong association with lake, river, and creek edges (ARSU 1989). This patterning likely reflects the environmental restrictions placed upon human populations within mountains systems, with terrain heavily influencing human activity by limiting directions of travel and restricting human occupation sites to selected areas (McCullough and Fedirchuk 1986).

The short Protohistoric period is characterized by the persistence of precontact technologies with the addition of innovations resulting from small scale, indirect contact with European culture. Among the most distinctive additions to Native culture were the acquisition of the horse on the plains, a shift in emphasis to a trapping 18 Results

economy in the parkland and boreal forest, and the introduction of metal and other European trade goods. Much of the evidence used to interpret this period is based on eyewitness accounts by travelers and historians, rather than from the archaeological record. However, very few sites are known from this period within the study area (ARSU 1989; Langemann and Perry 2002).

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Euro Canadian exploration of Alberta and the Eastern Slopes arose largely as a result of the fur trade. Prior to 1821, an intense rivalry between the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and the Northwest Company (NWC) resulted in an extension of both companies westward. Until 1811, the traders affiliated with the HBC and the NWC maintained amicable relations to the extent that the rival posts were often enclosed within the same palisades for mutual protection. After 1811, however, the competition between the two companies became increasingly intense and after a decade of strife, the NWC amalgamated with the HBC. By 1811, the NWC had interests in the Athabasca Pass and, by 1819, so did the HBC.

After its discovery in 1811 by David Thompson (NWC), Athabasca Pass became the commonly used route to the Pacific. The mountain crossing was usually made on foot, or with pack train, necessitating a depot on the eastern side of the mountains. In 1813, Jasper House I, located on the northwest end of Brûlé Lake, was established by the NWC, primarily for the purpose of provisioning the fur brigades using the Columbia route. The earliest notice of the house is in Franchère’s Narrative, which calls it Rocky Mountain House. “The post”, he says, “was under the charge of a Mr. Decoigne. He does not procure many furs for the company, which has only established the house as a provision depot, with the view of facilitating the passage of the mountains” (Franchère 1854). John McDonald (NWC) speaks of crossing the mountains the same year, and arriving at “Jasper Haw’s House, at a small lake, the source of the Athabasca River” (Masson 1890). However, the post was not called Jasper’s House until after Hawes had wintered there in 1817. Initially, it was probably called Rocky Mountain House, as Franchère states (Franchère 1854). The name Jasper’s House was later adopted to avoid confusion with Rocky Mountain House on the Saskatchewan. However, the post was still called Rocky Mountain House when Ross Cox arrived in 1817 to find “a miserable concern of rough logs, Results 19

with only three apartments, but scrupulously clean inside. An old clerk, Mr. Jasper Hawes, was in charge, and had under his command two Canadians, two Iroquois, and three hunters” (Cox 1832).

Jasper House was taken over by the HBC after its union with the NWC in 1821, and on October 10, 1824, George Simpson, on one of his tours, visited “Rocky Mountain House, commonly called Jaspers House, where Michl. Clyne [sic] was in charge” (Blöndal et al. 2008). By this time Jasper House was “merely a temporary Summer post for the convenience of the Columbians in crossing.” Klyne was still in charge of Jasper House, with “only a few indolent freemen” when Alexander Ross passed in 1825 (Ross 1855). Edward Ermatinger’s York Factory Express Journal puts Jasper House on Brûlé Lake in 1827; this was almost its last season of operation, for Jasper House II was soon to be built a short distance upriver in 1829 (Ermatinger 1912).

Later on in the study area, an independent trading post, Prairie Creek Outpost, was operated by Jack and Mary Gregg in 1899. The post was located along the Athabasca River, west of Hinton, near Prairie Creek. The Greggs sold out to an early GTP survey team in 1904 (Ross 1974; Salzsauler and Wegert 1999).

Yellowhead Pass lies in the mountains to the west of the study area. The pass is named after Pierre Hastination (or Bostonais), nicknamed Tête Jaune, a Métis/Iroquios guide and trapper working for the HBC (Currie 1957; Lamb 1977; Valemount Historical Society 1984). He led the HBC through the Pass in the early 1800s, and later established a fur cache and post along the Fraser River in British Columbia (BC). In the latter half of the 19th century, incentives other than furs, including the allure of gold and the possibility of a rail system that reached the Pacific, created additional traffic through Yellowhead Pass. The ‘Overlanders’, a group of about 150 settlers from Ontario and Québec, trekked from Fort Garry to Edmonton using Red River carts, and then on through the Pass to the BC interior in 1862 (Valemount Historical Society 1984; Gough 2009). Several continued on to the Cariboo goldfields later that year. The first ‘tourists’ through the Pass, William Fitzwilliam (Viscount Milton) and Dr. Walter Cheadle crossed through during their 1863 journey across Canada (Valemount Historical Society 1984; Waterson 2009).

In 1872, Sir Sandford Fleming, engineer-in-chief for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), had 25 survey parties in the field to select the transcontinental route (MacGregor 1972; Lamb 1977). Six parties were sent to select the routes through the 20 Results

Rocky Mountains. Fleming concluded that the Yellowhead Pass was the best route to take, seeing it personally in 1872 (Lamb 1977). However, largely due to political reasons, as well as Fleming’s absence, the CPR consortium selected a more difficult southern route through the Bow Valley, Kicking Horse Pass and Rogers Pass (Lamb 1977). Nevertheless, the Canadian Northern Railway and the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTP) selected the Yellowhead Pass route for their lines, roughly paralleling each other between Edmonton and the Pass (Currie 1957; Lamb 1977). By 1914, the Canadian Northern Railway had reached as far as Hinton (Fassnacht 1978). The foothills and Front Ranges of the Rocky Mountains adjacent to the Yellowhead Pass proved to have the bituminous coal needed by the railway. Initial coal mining development began around 1909 (den Otter 1967).

Coal mining for the railways resulted in development of the lumber industry in the Coal Branch area. Trees would be felled and skidded to small portable sawmills in the bush. This practice, called ‘hotlogging’, was eventually disallowed by the provincial government as the huge sawdust piles scattered throughout the brush from the portable mills were serious fire hazards (Kulle et al. 2000). As a result, seasonal camps were constructed (Ronaghan 1982).

Trapping, guiding, and outfitting were also widespread in the study area at this time. Ranching was also common in the early 1900s, becoming large-scale by the 1920s (Fassnacht 1978). Many ranches were owned by people not originally from the area, attracted to the large amounts of available land, as well as the remote and scenic location.

Hinton has experienced three major boom times: i) 1910-1914, which saw the arrival of the railway, and numerous trapping and outfitting ventures; ii) the 1920s which saw the re-opening of the railway, and establishment of early coal mining operations, and; iii) the 1950s, when forestry became the industrial focus resulting in the opening of the pulp mill in 1955, (as well as new coal mine and ancillary developments in the general area) (Thomson 1996).

FOCUS #1: COAL BRANCH OVERVIEW

Historically, the Coal Branch was one of the most prominent coal fields in Alberta. Located in the northwest of the province, the Branch was initially created by a railway Results 21

spur connecting several coal mines and associated communities to the main GTP rail line. In western Canada, the general order of coal resource development reflected the order of settlement, with coal being exploited as need arose to power, heat, and light the growing settlements. The sequence of development of commercial coal mining in the Alberta Foothills was directly related to the location and timing of railway construction. Locomotives were powered by steam, which was generated by high quality bituminous coal. The construction of a second transcontinental railway, the GTP, provided the impetus for exploitation of the coal beds in the Coal Branch. Mining was further encouraged by the planned construction of the Canadian Northern Railway through Yellowhead Pass.

The aboriginal population of the area was well aware of the coal outcropping in the area very early on (Ross 1974; Hughes 1995; Salzsauler and Wegert 1999). However, Jack and Mary Gregg, who operated the Prairie Creek Outpost and were prominent figures in the area, are generally credited as the first prospectors for coal in the early 1900s. Jack staked claim in 1909 and the resulting mine became the Mountain Park Mine (Ross 1974; Hughes 1995; Salzsauler and Wegert 1999).

In 1911, GTP announced intent to construct a branch line from Bickerdike running south to near the confluence of the McLeod and Embarras rivers, and from there to Coalspur. From Coalspur, the branch would parallel the Rocky Mountains to Lovett, serving the transportation needs of these mines (den Otter 1967). The funding was provided by the Alberta Government, guaranteeing $1,160,000 for a total of 58 miles for the purpose of “opening up a very extensive and large coal mining area” (Edmonton Bulletin 1912).

With the completion of the GTP’s Coal Branch lines in 1913, some 100 miles of rail had been laid. The entire line was known as the Coal Branch. The eastern segment was the Lovett Branch, including the communities of Robb, Mercoal, Coalspur, Sterco, Coal Valley, Foothills and Lovett; the western leg was called the Mountain Park Branch, including the communities of Cadomin, Luscar and Mountain Park. The communities of Marlboro, Obed, Hinton Brûlé and Pocahontas are situated further west, along the main rail line. Memories of life in the Coal Branch area are summarized in Toni Ross’ Oh! The Coal Branch (1974), Vern Hughes’ My Life on the Alberta Coal Branch (1995), and Mary Salzsauler and Joan Wegert’s Mountain Park Memories (1999).Largely a result of physical isolation, distinct interaction spheres were associated with each of these areas (Kulle et al. 2000). However, when Hinton 22 Results

miners were out of work they were usually able to find employment in mines located in nearby Drinnan or on the Coal Branch proper (Hart 1980).

Prospecting for coal near the mining community of Drinnan occurred in 1925 by Hardisty Creek (Hart 1980). Drinnan was located to the east of Hinton; the two towns merged in 1958 and Drinnan is currently part of Hinton’s valley district (Thomson 1996). The community and subsequent mine was named for R. G. Drinnan, manager of the Cadomin Mine, who later became director of Luscar Collieries and was involved in the Mountain Park Mine (Hart 1980; Karamitsanis 2000). Mr. Drinnan was also the Alberta vice-president of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (Hart 1980). The mines in Drinnan were located in 18 and 19- 51-24-W5M, and produced domestic coal, primarily used for heating buildings. Domestic coal is a seasonal enterprise. Mining occurs in the winter, generally from October through February, and is dependent upon the weather and demand. The majority of Drinnan miners were from Scotland (Hart 1980). In 1939 Drinnan Collieries closed due to decreased demand for domestic coal which had always fluctuated (Hart 1980). Summer and warm winters often had negative impacts on the domestic coal market

Following their return from World War II in 1945, the Woodley brothers Bill, Cliff and Herald along with Hubert Schnurr also operated two coal mines in the general area, in SE 11-51-25 W5M (Hart 1980; Alberta Culture n.d.). However, these operations were short-lived due to poor domestic markets (Hart 1980). The mines operated under the names Woodley and Schnurr from 1950-1951; H. Schnurr from 1951- 1954; Clifford Woodley in 1954; Yellowhead Coal Company from 1954-1955; and, finally Yellowhead Hard Coal Company from 1955-1956 (AEUB 2001).

Coal needs were for rail transport varied with the seasons and economy, and also indirectly related to the movement of grain (den Otter 1967). For some mines such as Coalspur, the domestic market represented a large proportion of their sales; other mines were more dependent upon the rail companies. Reports suggest that the Coal Branch fared well during the depression (den Otter 1967; Hart 1980). The onset of World War II increased the demand for coal, which was needed to fire boilers of ships. As a result, coal output in Alberta rose from 5,519,208 tons to 7,800,151 tons in 1945. Markets were regulated by the Canadian Government. Strikes were forbidden until the Department of Labour investigated, wages were frozen and prices Results 23

stabilized, in turn placing more pressure on coal companies. Coal shortages occurred, as well as a shortage of labour. In the post-war boom that ensued, output in 1949 reached a peak of 8,616,983 tons. However, oil was discovered in Leduc in 1947. Because it was cheaper than coal, diesel quickly replaced coal to fire locomotives.

FOCUS #2: OVERVIEW OF HINTON COLLIERIES LTD.

Prospecting for coal at Hinton was initiated in 1927, by the Alberta Mountain Collieries Ltd. The original operators of the mine were Frank Seabolt, Harry King, J. J. Williams, and Robert Jones. Operations ceased shortly thereafter; however, by 1930 mining activities resumed under the name of Hinton Collieries Ltd. (HCL) until its closure in 1941. Seabolt, King, Williams and Jones continued to serve as operators and owners. At its peak in 1935, the mine employed approximately 130 people, and the Town of Hinton had a population of about 1000.

OPERATORS

Frank Seabolt, the son of a Baptist minister, was originally from Georgia (Plate 3). He came to Canada in 1910 following the death of his first wife, Nancy. By 1912, Seabolt was operating a logging camp in the Coal Branch area providing timber props for Mountain Park Collieries (Hart 1980; Kulle et al. 2000). Seabolt, who was not a farmer, purchased a ranch from Jack Gregg in 1917 (Fassnacht 1978; Hart 1980). He converted the homestead and 340 acre property into a prominent dude ranch, known as the Bar F (Fassnacht 1978; Hart 1980) (Plate 4). Seabolt married his second wife, Annie, in 1915 during a return trip to Georgia. They had four children, Jim, Buddy, Marion and Annie Jr. In 1925 Annie Sr. passed away, followed by Annie Jr. one year later. Seabolt’s eldest daughter Dorothy (from his first marriage) arrived in the Hinton area in 1917. She married Howard Scott, the tipple boss at HCL. Dorothy and Howard had four children, Ross, Frank, Sylvie and Evelyn. Howard and Buddy went on to fight in World War II (Hart 1980). Frank Seabolt lived into his nineties (Hart 1980).

Harry King was a railway engineer from Mountain Park. He also owned a ranch, and operated a pool room and barber shop (Plate 5). He and Seabolt “owned Hinton”

Results 27

(Hart 1980; Jacquie Hannington, personal communication, 2009). King passed away early in life, in 1934; following his death, his widow was a shareholder in the company. King had one son, Matt.

Robert Jones was a prominent figure in the Coal Branch. He worked for the GTP survey from 1903 to 1909. Following Jack Gregg’s 1909 claim, the two started the Mountain Park mine enterprise, with backing from British investors (Maydonik 1985). Jones worked as a director of Mountain Park until 1934, when he left due to conflict of interest issues with operations at the HCL. He did, however, remain a shareholder at the Luscar and Mountain Park mines.

Little information is available about J. J. Williams other than that he was a miner. Mine managers at HCL included O.L. Puckett (1929), James Bowie (1930), Edgar L. Pavier (1931), James Cumberford (1931-1933), Louis Chavignaud (1933-1939), P. Hutchinson (1939), Thomas Mather (1939), John Jones (1939), Alexander Crawford (1940), and Thomas Pascoe (1940). Louis Chavignaud was manager at the time of the 1938 mine explosion. Chavignaud, originally from Toronto, had an extensive mining career, acting as superintendent at Cadomin before working for the HCL. After the explosion he and his family left Hinton, working at mines in Mountain Park, Coal Valley, Mercoal and Robb. He spent his last seven years as a consulting engineer and chief draftsman for Con-Force Ltd. in Edmonton (Hart 1980).

OPERATIONS During the beginning of operations, the grassroots origin of Alberta Mountain Collieries Ltd. is apparent, and the company periodically encountered problems with the MBA (Figures 5 and 6). Issues of concern for the MBA included lack of proper notification for coal prospecting, registered mine name and a mining licence (PAA File 77.237 1257 a). The majority of the equipment came from other mines in the area. Timbers and the mine cars used at the HCL had been purchased from the Brûlé Mine. The compressor and smoke stack were transported from the rock quarry in Jasper, and materials including old houses, building materials and the machine shop were brought from Pocahontas (Hart 1980). When the mine was fully operational in the early 1930s, complete houses were moved in from Pocahontas and other Coal Branch communities (Plate 6; Art Thornsen, recording on file Hinton Historical Tracks and Trails Society, 2009). Fassnacht (1978) reports that the HCL did not supply housing to their miners; rather temporary tar paper shacks and 28 Results

Figure 5 Early correspondence from MBA to the HCL operators (PAA File 77.237 1257a) Results 29

Figure 6 Response from HCL in regards to early operations (PAA File 77.237 1257a)

Results 31

bungalows were built by the miners near the mine site on company property (Plates 7 and 8). However, Hart suggests that minimally, Seabolt had built a boarding house for bachelors and newly arrived workers (1980).

Early inspections of the mine were favourable with limited poisonous methane gas detected, as it was operating as a shaft mine with a coal seam approximately 3.5 feet thick (PAA File 77.237 1257a). The mine was ventilated by a fan, apart from its earliest operations when it was still a single shaft, using natural ventilation. The primary method of haulage up the slope from the face was by a main rope and horse. According to local historian Hazel Hart, the mine kept a stable with approximately 36 horses, working in two-week rotations underground (1980) (Plate 9). From the tipple, a team of horses hauled the dray (coal cart) to the train cars along the HCL spur line (Plate 10). In 1932 the HCL submitted a request to the MBA to expand the northern part of the mine past the highway. By 1937 the HCL was installing electrical systems in the mine for lighting and ventilation (PAA File 77.237 1257c). It was also in 1937 when explosive gas became a concern as fireboss William Aitken noted flares with safety lamps and shots. It was recommended that electric safety lamps be used (PAA File 77.237 1257c).

Due to several circumstances, the HCL ceased operations on March 19, 1941. Machinery was removed immediately. One of the reasons provided to the MBA for the closure was that the long wall coal face had thinned too much and therefore revenue was reduced. It was anticipated that this would continue for up to 90 days (PAA File 77.237 1257d). Workers were refusing to continue if they were not to be paid as usual and the work was now especially difficult, requiring miners to work in the prone position for their entire shift (Hart 1980). The mine was completely abandoned and, in September of 1941, the MBA had to seize the property as the powder magazine was still full of explosives presenting a risk to the community at large. These were shipped out of the area to an undisclosed location under the direction of the MBA. George Johnson, former barn boss, acted as security for the mine on behalf of the MBA, until the explosives could be shipped. In May of 1944 a local forest ranger wrote the Branch, concerned about cave-ins occurring related to the mine near the location of the highway. Additional cave-ins were noted in 1952 (PAA File 77.237 1257d). Currently, the entire extent of the historic mine is unknown; residents near the current study area have reportedly complained of sinkholes occurring in their yards (Jean Anne Fraser, personal communication).

Results 35

MINE LIFE

Although not technically a company town, Hinton was effectively one in practice. Frank Seabolt owned the only store, restaurant and post office in town. Hart (1980), reports that items were sold at fair prices. The company built an emergency hospital on the second floor of the drugstore, and a school was constructed for use by children from Hinton and nearby Drinnan. Many homes were heated with steam from the mine’s boilers, and many homes had hot water (PAA 77.237 1257g; Marilyn Campbell, personal communication, 2009). HCL provided other facilities for employees such as a pool hall, commissary, garage and even a racetrack (Hart 1980).

Miners were required to pay the company, at cost, for their explosives and mining supplies and tools (such as picks and lamps), for use of the company washhouse, for tool sharpening, electricity for lamps, and coal for heating their homes. Review of a 1931 ledger book from nearby Sterling Collieries indicates additional deductions including store purchases, hospital ‘tax’ and Workman’s Compensation Board fees. Hinton miners likely paid similar fees. UMWA dues, approximately $1.50 per month, would also have been collected by the union. In 1939, wages at HCL varied depending on job description, but ranged from $4.90 to $6.94 per day (UMWA 1939; Appendix II). Boys under 18 were paid $3.85 per day for work inside, and $3.30 per day outside of the mine. The work schedule varied over the years; at its peak miners were working six days a week. Three shifts operated at the mine, both above and below ground: the morning, afternoon and the night shift. Two shifts per day hoisted coal out of the mine.

Conditions of the washhouse were an ongoing battle between the HCL and the MBA (PAA 77.237 1257a). The building was too small for the number of men using the washhouse. Eventually, the washhouse along with the boiler plant were replaced and considered satisfactory. As a result, miners enjoyed hot water, through a combination of hot steam provided by the boiler and a cold water tap, although one would need to be careful to ensure the proper combination (Hart 1980).

The miners had varied origins, from across Alberta, as well as across the United States and Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Ukraine and Wales. The majority of the labour force came from the Ukraine (Fassnacht 1978). 36 Results

As is often the case with mining communities, miners acted as a cohesive group despite their different backgrounds (Fassnacht 1978; Porter 2006a). Hazel Hart’s 1980 History of Hinton relates stories and local anecdotes of HCL miners including, among others, fireboss William Aitken, blacksmith William (Pinky) Gough, blacksmith Carl Hedburg, barn bosses George Johnson and Bert Long, miners Andy Korcek, Pete Krytor, Andy Kubalek, fire boss and electrician John McIntyre, tipple-boss Howard Scott, miner John Seve and miner Art Thornsen. As the nature of mining often lends itself to an itinerant occupation, many men who worked at the HCL had worked, or went on to work, at other mines in the Coal Branch area.

Miners and their families enjoyed a variety of sporting activities, played against other Coal Branch communities. Hockey was a favourite pastime of the winter months, with skating parties also very popular (Hart 1980). Warmer weather saw a variety of ball games including softball and football. In 1932 Frank Seabolt hosted a rodeo at the Bar F ranch, and subsequent rodeos were held in the Town of Hinton.

LOCATIONS OF HISTORIC MINE FEATURES AND EARLY HINTON

During a site visit on August 10, 2009, members of the Hinton Historical Tracks and Trails Society offered the investigators a site tour, based on a previous interview with former miner Art Thornsen, complemented by memories from long time Hinton resident, Jacquie Hannington. General historic locations of several above ground mine structures were identified, including a mine entrance, warehouse, washhouse, payroll office, and stables (Figure 3; Plates 11 to 13). Additional historic building locations including the Hinton Hotel (present site of the Arby’s), Frank Seabolt’s house during mine operations (behind the Arby’s), and miner’s houses (along Highway 16 on either side of Happy Creek) were identified. These locations were also confirmed following a visit to the Coal Branch Archives, Hinton. Viola Eeles, nee Gough (Pinky Gough’s daughter), has provided to the Coal Branch Archives photographs and descriptions of the various workings as she remembered them during her childhood (Plates 14 and 15).

Following closure of the mine the equipment was salvaged and buildings were moved throughout the town. The majority have been modified beyond recognition, including the drugstore/hospital location, presently the Fas Gas, as well as several miners’ houses. One miner house (or possibly several put together) and Frank Seabolt’s house are currently located on Forest Heights Drive, just to the west of the study area (Plates 16 and 17). Results 37

Plate 11 West view of current structures along Highway 16 located where historic above-ground mine structures were located

Plate 12 North view of eastern portion of study area and general location of historic mine stables

38 Results

Plate13 North view to Ford Motors dealership and general historic location of mine warehouse, washhouse and payroll office

Plate14 West view of general area of tipple, identified by Viola Eeles (courtesy Eeles 2005) Results 39

Plate15 Northwest view of general area of mine entrance, identified by Viola Eeles (courtesy Eeles 2005)

Plate 16 Historic miner’s house along Forest Heights Drive, Hinton

40 Results

Plate 17 Frank Seabolt’s house at its current location: 109 Forest Heights Drive, Hinton

Results 41

FOCUS #3: MINING TECHNIQUES

Coal formations in Alberta were formed from small, varied vegetation which grew adjacent to residual lakes and swamps during the Lower Cretaceous to Tertiary Periods (Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy 1957). The Lower Cretaceous deposits were affected by the formation of the Rocky Mountains. In the Coal Branch area, coal is hard, high quality bituminous coal located in the Kootenay Group in the west, and the Luscar Group in the eastern portion.

KOOTENAY GROUP

The Kootenay Group is subdivided into the Morrissey, Mist Mountain and Elk formations. In the front ranges of Alberta, the Kootenay ranges in thickness from 80 to 200 metres and thickens toward the west in British Columbia to over 1100 m. The middle Mist Mountain Formation is dominated by nonmarine, interbedded sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and thin to thick seams of bituminous to semi-anthracitic coal. The upper Elk Formation is also a nonmarine sequence of interbedded sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, shale and thin seams of highly volatile bituminous coal (Gibson 1985). The coal from both the Mist Mountain and Elk formations can be commercially mined.

LUSCAR GROUP

The Lower Cretaceous Luscar Group includes, in ascending order: the Cadomin, Gladstone, Moosebar and Gates formations. The group is recognized in the north and central Alberta foothills, from the Kakwa River to the Clearwater River. It has an average thickness of approximately 500 metres. Except for the Cadomin Formation, thin to thick coal seams that are commercially minable occur throughout the Gladstone, Moosebar and Gates formations (e.g. Rider and Jewel seams) (Langenburg and McMechan 1985).

Andy den Otter’s 1967 thesis about the Coal Branch and the 1957 Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy both provide excellent, basic discussions of coal mining techniques (a glossary of mining terms is provided in Appendix I), these are summarized below: 42 Results

The HCL was a shaft type of mine, commonly used in the Coal Branch. In this operation, a shaft is sunk until it reaches a coal seam; tunnels are often dug horizontally or sloping downward to save on cost (Plate 18). In the event that water is encountered, it can be easily pumped out.

During sanitary line construction in the vicinity of the study area, what appears to be part of the main slope was discovered (Plate 19). The slope was located 2.8 metres below the surface within the bedrock (Dale Gilbertson, personal communication, 2009). The angle of the slope was estimated to be approximately 11 degrees, and appeared to travel to the southeast (Dale Gilbertson, personal communication, 2009). This angle can also be deduced from the surface and lower elevations noted on the 1941 mine plan (Figure 3). Remains of the timbers were also apparent, which would have shored the sides of the entry.

Once underground, the room and pillar system is used. The coal seam is cut in a manner that creates ‘rooms’, with thick, rectangular pillars of untouched coal supporting the roof and separating the rooms (see Figure 3). The roofs are supported by wooden props, placed vertically within the rooms (Plate 20). This system allows miners to continue to tunnel. Cutting the rooms is called ‘whole’ or ‘straight’ working (Plates 21 and 22). To keep the coal output constant, the mine is divided into rooms which are worked successively. When a room is complete, pillars may be removed and the remaining space may be filled with slag or similar material, or allowed to cave in.

Undercutting the coal seam, considered to be an arduous task before machines, is where the miner digs out either the bottom part of the coal seam or the rock beneath the seam. As the material is cut out, props are placed underneath. When the seam has been sufficiently undercut, it is broken with dynamite or wedges.

Results 45

Plate 21 Mining with a drill at Humberstone Mine, Edmonton, 1916 (courtesy Glenbow Archives)

Plate 22 Coal cutter, Kent Mine, Edmonton, 1937; note shaft timbering system (courtesy Glenbow Archives) 46 Results

Sufficient ventilation is required to supply air to the mine; in addition to poisonous gas, a common problem was caused by the smoke caused by blasting. Fans or natural means were used to let enough air into the mine. Early on, the HCL was ventilated naturally; however, as they ventured further underground, a system with electrical fans was implemented.

Coal is transported from the face to the slope by cars, generally in a group (Plates 23 and 24). In 1957, common car capacity in Canada was one ton. At this time, track gauges in Canadian mines varied between 24 to 42 inches, with 30 and 36 inches being most common, and 60 pound per yard rail commonly employed on the main line. Horses or rope haulage pulled the cars through the passageways and up the slopes to the surface (Plate 25). Later on, electric or diesel locomotives were used. Once the coal reaches the surface it is transported to the tipple, a large wooden structure where the cars are tipped and coal dumped into a chute (Plate 26). The coal is then screened into various sizes. If it is dirty, it moves on conveyors past a crew who pick out the impurities (Plate 27). Machines later replaced the people, and a system including air tables, washers and driers is now used. After sorting, the coal is then dumped into the waiting coal cars beneath the tipple. At Hinton the coal was hauled to the rail line, located to the north of the tipple, on a dray, or horse-drawn cart (Plate 10).

The following is a sample of equipment provided to the MBA intended to be installed at the HCL in 1937 (PAA File 77.237 1257g):

A. Three Sullivan Model 10B Short Wall Coal Cutters, each 20 horsepower (hp), 220 volts, installed in three phases

B. Five Rotary Electric Coal Drills, 1hp to 1.5 hp, 220 volts, installed in a single phase

C. Two pitcar loaders, 3 hp, 220 volts, installed in a single phase Results 47

Plate 23 Mining at the face of Humberstone Mine, Edmonton, 1916 (courtesy Glenbow Archives)

Plate 24 Coal cart, Rose-Deer Mine, Drumheller, ca. 1912 (courtesy Glenbow Archives)

Results 49

Plate 27 Screen and picking table at the Rosedale Mine, Drumheller area, ca. 1912-1914 (courtesy Glenbow Archives) 50 Results

D. Three transformers, 440/220 volts, installed in a single phase

E. Steel-wire wound lead sheathed cable in slope; similar to that already in use

F. Steel tape 3-conductor, 220 volt cable frame transformer station

G. Flexible cable 300 feet long to operate each moveable piece of apparatus

FOCUS #4: MINE DISASTERS

Unfortunately, as is often the case in mining operations, HCL was not without fatal accidents. The first death in the mine occurred December 18, 1934. Thomas Hunt, age 33, died in the No. 1 Main Entry from a cave-in which occurred due to post placements and the roof slipping. Immediately following the incident, the jury found it to be an accidental death; however, the MBA felt that this was premature (PAA File 77.237 1257a). Therefore, the MBA insisted that the interior post placement and timbering system for HCL be revaluated and changed, with additional posts and timbers to be added to rooms. Little else is known about Mr. Hunt.

The most serious accident occurred on March 30, 1938. Five men lost their lives in an explosion in Room 2 of the Right No. 5 Entry, approximately 2,200 feet from the mouth of the slope entry. These were George Blecha, age 41; William Ilecko, age 31; Tony Pastushak, age 36; Peter Phillipino, age 37; and Martin Sprela, age 33. Ten men were working during the afternoon shift when the explosion occurred somewhere between 5:00 and 5:30 PM. Five men were severely injured during the explosion, including William Aitkin Sr., Tony Baumgartner, Gus Kubek, Jonas Pallo, and Reginald Williams. Of the injured, fireboss William Aitkin proved to be a hero of the disaster, pulling men from the rooms after the explosion despite his severe burns. His hands were reportedly so badly burned that he dragged the last victim out with his teeth (Hart 1980).Hinton did have a mine rescue team, although it took approximately four hours to remove everyone from the mine. The injured were taken to the Hinton Hospital, located on the second floor of the pharmacy. The men were cared for by Drs. M.E. Tiffin and J.W. Bridge, and Nurses Marjorie North and Geraldine Cashman (Canadian Press 1938; Hart 1980). Nurse North later received Results 51

accolades from the HCL and the local UMWA for her “diligent and efficient care” and “coolness and efficiency under great stress” (Hart 1980).

A funeral for the victims was held in Edson, as at that time Hinton did not have a cemetery (Plate 28). They were buried in a communal lot (No. 81), and share a monument donated by the UMWA (Plate 29). Also within the lot is an individual headstone for Tony Pastushak. The disaster had a large impact on the town and surrounding community. News of the explosion reached the Polish Consulate in Winnipeg, who wrote to the MBA enquiring if Polish miners had been killed, so that they could notify family members in Poland (PAA File 77.237 1257c). The local UMWA wrote the MBA calling for dismissal of the HCL management. Additional letters from surrounding UMWA locals were submitted to the MBA (PAA File 77.237 1257c). An interview conducted by “The Clarion” (a socialist newspaper out of Toronto) with injured miners indicated that when machine men expressed concern about the lack of timbering at the face, “they were told by management that they were scared, and that they would not dare ask for better safety conditions in any other mine” (Hart 1980). The mine however, continued to operate, although more cautiously, with requests for guidance from the MBA (PAA File 77.237 1257c).

An inquest was held following the disaster; the mine manager, electrician, overman, two examiners, and several miners were charged with various infractions of the Coal Mines Regulations Act. From the RCMP report, it is understood that the explosion may have been caused by several contributing factors, and the unsafe manner in which the mine operated was also identified (PAA File 77.237 1257c). The main cause is thought to have been an electric drill, used for making shot holes. The drill was not intended for use in a gassy mine (methane gas), as the motor was not enclosed. Sparks were seen coming from the motor by witnesses. In addition to the drill, several miners were using flashlight batteries for use in firing shot rather than the approved magnet shot-firing device; a contravention of the Mines Act. General practice would have had a competent miner who held a certificate firing shot for those without. It was reported that the morning shift had been taken off early due to poor air conditions. This had been identified two to three days prior as well.

Results 53

However, the ventilation was not improved, and miners continued to fire shots. It is also of note that the mine was in a transition period, switching from open lights to safety lamps, due to the explosive gas located in the mine. Several men, including the examiners, were working without safety lamps, as there were not enough on hand. These men also stated that they did not feel that they were working unsafely. Mine manager at the time, L. G. Chavignaud, admitted that he knew about the gas in the workings, but did not investigate. He further admitted to knowing that miners under his charge committed infractions against the Mines Act.

Charges were as follows: seven miners were charged with firing shots in a mine without holding a proper certificate to do so, two fire bosses and the overman were charged with failure to inspect the place where and after shots had been fire to see if work could safety be resumed, and they failed to inspect the work area with a locked flame type safety lamp. The electrician was charged with using a blow torch in the mine and finally, the manager was charged with three infractions (PAA File 77.237 1257c). These include allowing incompetent miners to fire shot, not properly ventilation the mine, and not requiring the examiners to inspect known dangerous parts of the mine for gas. Chavignaud pleaded not guilty on these charges, but was found guilty. In fact, in the summary of the inquest, Chief Mine Inspector, A. A. Millar, states that he held Mr. Chavignaud responsible for the accident (PAA File 77.237 1257c). Chavignaud later lost his certificate and was replaced as mine manager.

Relatively little is known about the miners who died (Plate 30). William Sprela was survived by his wife and four children. He had recently been elected president of the local UMWA, and prior to working in Hinton mined in the Drumheller area (Calgary Herald, 1938, March 31, 2009). Tony Pastushak was survived by his wife and son; the inscription on his personal headstone indicates that he was probably of Ukrainian heritage (the text is Cyrillic). William Ilecko was survived by his wife. George Blecha and Peter Phillipino were unmarried. Phillipino immigrated to Canada from Italy to work at the HCL after it opened in 1929. He was fondly remembered in the Calgary Herald by friend Jesse Lamb (Calgary Herald, 1938, March 31, 2009).

Another fatality occurred on January 22, 1940. Fred Babiluk, age 38, died and Nick Abramchuk, John Buckham, Andrew Kubalik, John Madliak, and Gus Wold were injured in a run-away coal car accident (Plate 31). A cone was improperly capped on a mine car coupling, and the car careened down the incline of the No. 5 East entry 54 Results

Plate 30 Photo from Calgary Herald: 1) Peter Phillipino, 2) Martin Sprela, 3) Tony Pastushak, 4) the mine, 5) George Blecha, 6) William Ilecko (courtesy Calgary Herald 1938)

Plate 31 Grave site in Edson: for Fred Babiluk, located beneath tree pictured in Plate 28