27

A short distance downstream from Gold Mine Brook is another brook, called Miller Brook, (Katie's Brook or Little Brook;the latter name appeared in the mining agreement with the land owner). Mining buildings were erected, such as a cookhouse and bunkhouse.
In September 1903, the Truro Daily News printed a mining update: "The Gilt Edge Mining Co., with a capital of $1 million, is making good progress with the preparations for the development of its gold area in West New Annan. The Company's building for their stamp mill and other machinery is 140ft (42m) long by 24ft (7.2m) wide and 2 stories high. The machinery, which comes from New York, will soon be installed, and operations for the plant will commence in November." It all sounded very promising.

28

Gilt Edge Mining Co. Cook/Bunkhouse, New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada
Early 1900's
New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada

Credits:
North Shore Archives CSHC
Roy Kennedy

29

By the turn of the century there was evidence of gold found in Central New Annan.
Robert Wilson, as he dug a well, met bedrock at about 4 feet (1.2m). This was directly over a vein of white quartz in which a soft metal was found, the size of a grain of sand. This caused a great deal of excitement; river gravel was panned and test holes were dug all over the area, but to no avail. Other excavations took place with no widespread success, however, it is said that Bob Munro found enough to buy himself some silver foxes for breeding purposes!

30

Transporting Machinery for the Gold Mine, New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada
Early 1900's
New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada

Credits:
North Shore Archives CSHC

31

Despite predictions that the mine would start up "only a month away", by April 1904, nothing had happened; "...most of the buildings are erected, some machinery in place while other portions are on the ground ready to be placed. " A 7 ½ ton rock breaker was hauled in on sleds from Truro. The machinery came by rail and was hauled from the station by a team of horses. The consulting metallurgist C. C. Munroe of Roxbury, Mass. commented that great hopes were entertained by the owners; everything indicated that the hopes would soon be realized.
Promises, promises....it all sounded so reasonable and expectations were very high.

An American, probably a major investor with experience in gold mining operations, visited the area soon after this. He must have had considerable influence for as a result of his visit the mining operations were closed down. All the work and investments for nothing.

The "gold hunt" continued for a while after this.

32

Gilt Edge Mining Co, New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada
Early 1900's
New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada

Credits:
North Shore Archives CSHC

33

Today, nothing is known about the gold content in the mined material. Several local residents stated that the site had been "salted", that is, gold was placed in certain samples in order to mislead the investor. One recalled seeing a gold coin with pieces cut out around the edge, the possible source of gold in the samples.

34

Evidence Today, New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada
28 June 2010
New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada

Credits:
Jim MacIntosh

35

Considerable searching in the Gold Mine Brook area revealed little; this vertical piece of piping well embedded into the ground was all that was found. Despite all the construction and encouraging reports of imminent excavations, nothing ever happened. It must have been a great disappointment to the many local men employed in developing the site. The women too must have felt frustrated that their days of cooking for the work crews and living in rather desolate surroundings, were for nothing other than their pay and board.

36

Residences for the Gilt Edge Mining Co, New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada
1900's
New Annan, Nova Scotia, Canada

Credits:
North Shore Archives CSHC

37

Salt Mining

In 1912, Peter Murray of Malagash on the North Shore, decided to drill a well. Arthur Treen reports that when the water emerged from the well it melted the ice and snow around it. On tasting it, they found it to be very salty, and sent a sample away for testing; it was reported to be 98% salt. This was the beginning of a new industry in Malagash.

38

Salt: First Salt Mine, Malagash, Nova Scotia, Canada
2 September 1918
Malagash, Nova Scotia, Canada

Credits:
North Shore Archives CSHC

39

The earliest mine shaft was started in 1918, with some 12 men working it. As the industry grew, a small settlement developed, with men coming to work at the mine.

40

Portable Salt Drill, Malagash, Nova Scotia, Canada
1912
Malagash, Nova Scotia, Canada

Credits:
North Shore Archives CSHC