A Mine, a Museum and a Junk Store

After the rough seas yesterday, King and I left Thessalon, Ontario by 8:00 a.m.  We had a short sail planned to Bruce Mines, Ontario.  We had a beautiful day with smooth seas.

Bruce Mines (population 600) was the site of the first copper mine in North America. The first copper claim was filed in 1846.  Cornish miners came to work it, and their story is preserved in the mine tour and the local museum.  I found it interesting that the miners needed to be small men in order to climb the narrow ladders down into the mines.  At the height of the copper production, the town of Bruce Mines was larger than Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

Our enjoyable and informative tour guides.  They are students who have summer employment as guides.

New stairs into the mine.

Phil - this picture is for you; a tree burl.  This is the entrance into the museum of local treasures from days past in this community.  

Shopping at Mae-ger Treasures in Bruce Mines

Really, this is true, I didn't even want to go in this store, but King said let's go in.  It is FULL of everything imaginable and the proprietor knew where to find anything we asked about.  The merchandise is from estate sales, etc. We exercised control and managed to spend only $50. This store alone is worth a stop in this town.  

Other cute stores in this town