The Empire Mine is "one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California." Between 1850 until its closure in 1956, the Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold, extracted from 367 miles of underground passages."
It's hard to imagine the roar of the "stamps" and machinery as you walk the serene grounds today. We've never been inside the buildings before; this was a fun trip.
We toured the "clubhouse" and the Bourn "Cottage." Both are lined with redwood and are in good shape.
The Clubhouse
There are two lovely fountains and a reflecting pool outside of Bourn Cottage.
Bourn Cottage
Our tour guide has deep roots in the Grass Valley community. His great grandfather was Cornish.
Katie - the housekeeper's- rooms
Our second tour of the day was of the mine. We had read a lot of the info on previous visits, but it was fun to hear it again. Below is the "chute" in to the mine.
A small fire was going in the blacksmith's shop
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| BreZaak |
The Smithy made rings from nails....prairie diamonds
Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...
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