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The railroad of the New Haven Coal Mining Company has practically been completed and the first train load of coal was drawn over the line Saturday afternoon

Feb. 21, 1901

There are twenty-six coal mines in the state, most of which are being operated in the Saginaw valley, although Jackson, Shiawassee and Eaton counties produce coal on a small scale.

 June 17, 1903 – The Evening Argus (75 years ago item)

Six Mile Creek coal mine, which has been idle for several years, is now owned by a company, composed of W. W. Dilts and Wiley Browning and sons Gorge and Albert. The machinery is being put in place and it is expected that the owners of the mine will be soon hoisting coal.

 The Owosso Times Jan. 29,1904

Six Mile Creek

The miners are finding coal in paying quantities, a vein of 4 ½ feet thick at present and growing better. We are glad.

The Owosso Times Feb. 5, 1904

Six Mile Creek

The miners are about the only ones that are in a warm place just now, and they are as busy as can be, cannot mine coal fast enough to to supply people, a great many go away without it.

The Owosso Times Mar. 18, 1904

Six Mile Creek

Our miner report a good vein of coal and it seems to improve the farther they go, we all hope so because the stock of wood is running short fast and we shall all be obliged to burn coal and very soon too.

The Owosso Times April 29, 1904

Six Mile Creek

Our mines have put down the price of coal for a while, so it is getting more plentiful.

He Owosso Time April 22, 1904

Six Mile Creek

Our miners are getting out quite a quantity of coal and hear they will put in quite a force of men this summer.

The Owosso Times Nov. 11, 1904

Six Mile Creek

Our coal miners are getting Beautifully less. Two families moving back to St. Charles to work in the mines there. We understand the reason, of not working here, is for lack of fund. We are all sorry because we need the coal that is under these beautiful hills.

May 4, 1905 – The Evening Argus

THEY NEED A RAILROAD

Six Mile Creek is Turning Out More Coal Than Available Teams Can Haul

Six Mile Creek needs a railroad. Every available team is now being used to take coal to Owosso. The mine is turning out a large quantity of coal.

The Owosso Times Jan. 20, 1905

Six Mile Creek

The miner's whistle is heard early and often. They are putting up buildings and improving the works and have commenced to haul up coal, The report is, there is a good quality of coal and lots of it.

The Owosso Times July 14, 1905

Six Mile Creek

The coal miners intend to buy teams to haul their own coal until a railroad will come to take away the quantity they will mine this winter. There is lots of coal here and now.

The Owosso Times July 21, 1905

Six Mile Creek

New families are moving to this place in order to work at the col mines – George Ott's well of water has gone dry on account of digging for coal so near his place.




Prospect for Coal

Good Vein Found on R. P. Bigslow’s Farm, North of Owosso – Feb. 7, 1906

Some time ago when digging a deep well on his farm a mile north of town, R. P. Bigelow found that drill passed through four feet of good coal.

Several parties have endeavored to arrange, with Mr. Bigelow to develop the vein, but he has not consented until this week, when arrangements have been made to prospect, with the view to opening up a shaft.

The coal lies at a depth of about 125 feet. There is a deep vein of shade, of blue rock, which will make a splendid roof for the mine. It is known a good vein of coal underlies nearly all this vicinity, and it will undoubtedly be operated sometime.

The Owosso Times Feb. 10, 1905

Six Mile Creek

There is such a demand for coal here that it has been found necessarily to secure more men to work in the mine.

The Owosso Times Feb. 24, 1905

Six Mile Creek

The work being done at the coal mines gives Six Mix Mile Creek quite the appearance of a village.

The Owosso Times March 3, 1905

Six Mile Creek

Considerable coal is being drawn from here to Owosso.

The Owosso Times Match 17, 1905

Six Mile Creek

Work at the mine has been suspended this week in order to put in new pumps.

The Owosso Times March 31, 1905

Six Mile Creek

More miners are expected next week, some of whom contemplate purchasing places here.

The Owosso Times May 5, 1905

Six Mile Creek

The miners are busy thus week making some improvements in the mine.

The Owosso Times June 2, 1905

Six Mile Creek

This place is changing somewhat – we hear the miners have bought the old store, also the building near it; they are getting out a lot of coal and don't go down very deep either.

The Owosso Times Sept. 22, 1905

Six Mile Creek

The miners are not able to get all the men they want and cannot fill all orders.

The Owosso Times Dec. 8., 1905

Six Mile Creek

Every man at this place who can spare his team is drawing coal for the Coal Co. and it makes rather a lively time to draw two loads to Owosso in a day.

The Owosso Times Dec. 15, 1905

Six Mile Creek

The miners are putting up more buildings and things look very prosperous.

The Owosso Time March 16, 1906

Six Mile Creek

The miners here have rather over stepped the mark by digging under people's houses without lease or license. We hope they will pay dear for that coal.

The Owosso Times March 23, 1906

Six Mile Creek

The miners have settled with Ernest Richards. It is probably the best way out of it. I would look a little better to lease the before taking out the coal.

he Owosso Times April 6, 1906

Six Mile Creek

The miners are putting down a new air shaft larger than the old one and very near it.

The Owosso Times Aug. 24, 1906

Six Mile Creek

The coal mine workers are not very busy just now. Next month they they will will begin with double force – The veins of coal are increasing in thickness and if gotten out will yield a big harvest for all land-owners.

The Owosso Times Sept. 14, 1906

Six Mile Creek

The miners seem to be doing a good business getting ready for winter and want to lease more land.

The Owosso Times Oct. 26, 1906

Six Mile Creek

The mine is employing more in in order to be ready for winter, for surely cold weather is coming. They report deeper veins of coal and of better quality.

The Argus Press Dec. 7, 1906

SIX MILE CREEK

New men are being employed everyday at the New Haven Coal Mine. Men are working double shift at the entry and expect to have the two mines connected in course of a few days.

The Owosso Times Jan. 25, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The coal mine had a small fire at the new shaft last week, but luckily the damage was small.

The Owosso Times May 10, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The coal mine is running on slow time just now until they can haul away what they now have on hand.

The Owosso Times June 21, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The mine is running on full time and plenty of coal in sight now.

The Owosso Times June 28, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The coal mine is working full time and it is a good time to lay in a winter's supply.

The Owosso Times Aug. 2, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The mine is getting out lots of coal and farms are now buying for threshing, also laying in a supply for winter, while it is plenty and cheap.

The Owosso Times Aug. 9, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The miners are getting out a lot of coal and have ready sales for it. It is a handy thing for farmers as the wood is almost exhausted.

The Owosso Times Aug. 23, 1907

Six Mile Creek

Farmer are buying coal for threshing and winter use. What would we do without the the fuel we have so near and handy to get? It is worth a small fortune to us all.

The Owosso Times Sept. 6, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The miners cannot get out enough to fill all orders. Almost every farmer is buying coal for threshing and winter supply.

The Owosso Times Nov. 1, 1907

Six Mile Creek

The Coal Co cannot get teams enough to haul the coal that is ordered and that's on account of the beets too.

The Owosso Times Dec. 27, 1907

Six Mile Creek

Great improvements are now being made at the mine. Carpenters are employed at what will be known as No. 2 and new machinery will be installed. The new boilers arrived this week. More miners are employed and still the output of coal is not sufficient to meet the demand.

The Owosso Times Feb. 14, 1908

Six Mile Creek

Work was suspended at the mine for several days the past week on account of a leakage of the boiler.

The Owosso Times Feb. 21, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The demand for coal here is so great that the coal yard is almost constantly filled with teams waiting their turn for a load.

March 4, 1908 – The Evening Argus

BUSINESS IS BOOMING

New Haven Coal Company Is Branching Out

Force Is To Be Greatly Increased And Thousands of Dollars Expected For New Buildings.

Business is booming at the Six Mile Creek Coal Mines. The force has been gradually added to during the winter until now about 50 men are at work. This in the time of stringent money is proof that business at the mines is of the pushing description that will not down.

A further announcement shows that the rush is not of the spasmodic kind. About a score of miners will be added to the force next week, indicating that orders are coming in, a lively manner, beggaring present capacity.

Several new buildings are to be erected at once that will cost well up into the thousands of dollars. A new tipple to be constructed that will be 95 feet high. In addition a new engine house and office buildings are to be built, and much new machinery will be installed.

The Owosso Times April 3, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The Mine has has more coal coal on hand than they can dispose of on account of the the bad roads.

The Owosso Times April 10, 1908

Six Mile Creek

A number of Calumet miners who have been working in the mines here, returned to Calumet Monday.

The Owosso Times April 17, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The buildings at shaft No. 2, are going skyward and will be ready for new hands as soon as they come from Calumet or some other place.

May 1, 1908 - The Evening Argus

WILL HELP FARMERS

Spur Track to be Built From Kirby Mine to Six Mile Creek

Agriculturalists Ask Some Changes In Proposed Construction – Owosso Sugar Company Also Interested

The spur that is to be constructed by the Grand Trunk Railroad Company from the Kirby mine near Corunna to the mine of the the New Haven Coal Company at Six Mile Creek. Is being discussed with great interest by the farmers of Caledonia and New Haven townships.

Beside the traffic in coal it has been repeatedly suggested of late that the proposed spur might be made very useful for the transportation of sugar beets. The county surveyor went over the proposed route last week, and preparations were about to be made for grading.

Many farmers who are not on the line are sugar beet raisers and some extensions have been asked for by this class. It to understood that the Owosso Sugar Company is taking a keen interest in the matter, and will bring pressure to bear to accommodate its patrons. Consequently further work on the proposed spur is being delayed until the attitude of the railroad in the matter can be definitely learned.

The Owosso Times May 1, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The new shaft No. 2 is being finished in order to be ready for hauling up coal, for the new railroad coming from the Kirby mine by the Grand Trunk Co.

The Owosso Times May 22, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The prospect is good for the R. R. from Kirby to be built this summer.

The Owosso Times May 29, 1908

Railroad Meeting.

An enthusiastic meeting was held in the New Haven town hall on Wednesday evening for the purpose of discussing the railroad propposition which has been up to the people of that township by the stockholders of the New Haven Coal Mining Company and the beet sugar interests.

In order of induce the promoters to continue the road to New Lothrop a delegation of our citizens, W. Eayder, Wm. Betatty, George Bullock, J. W, Northwood and W. L. Colby, who had been appointed to attend the meeting, were present. A general discussion of the best route was entered into and it was almost the unanimous opinion that the proper route after the road struck New Lothrop and north through Maple Grove to Saginaw. This route would open the best farming section in Michigan and the the beet sugar interests and railroad promoters are aware of this fact. The New Haven and Hazleton coal mines would be ample tonnage to make the line a money maker from the start.

The Grand representative present spoke very encouragingly of the project, and the farmers and others present were enthusiastic in their support. A committee of three was appointed to attend a meeting in Owosso on Monday at which time the matter will be further discussed.

The Proposed line is from Owosso to Saginaw and if nothing but smooth sailing is encountered the railroad will soon be in course of construction. – New Lothrop Herald

The Owosso Times July 3, 1908

Six Mile Creek

We don't see many miners just now. What is the the matter? They have buildings enough to have fifty miners here. More buildings, less work. When is the railroad coming, who can tell?

The Owosso Times July 10, 1908

Six Mile Creek

We wonder if the railroad meeting Wednesday evening will bring the cars our way as soon as promised.

The Owosso Times July 17, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The building being erected here for the coal company is about completed. Now all we lack is the cars that have promised to come this way.

The Owosso Times July 31, 1908

Six Mile Creek

We don't see any grading being done yet for the new railroad, as agreed

We don't hear the whistle at the mine any more; where are all the men that were here once before?

The Owosso Times Aug 7, 1908

Six Mile Creek

More miners are coming and we expect to see business booming very soon.

The Owosso Times Sept. 25, 1908

Six Mile Creek

We don't see much going on at the mine just yet and we are all waiting for that railroad we read about.

The Owosso Times Oct. 2, 1908

The council committee to investigate the advisability of assisting in the building of a railroad to New Haven township has asked for another week in which to look up the matter.

The Owosso Times Oct. 2, 1908

Six Mile Creek

Why does Owosso city tarry so long before deciding to help the Coal. Co. on the new railroad? It means a lot to the mines and to the consumer, too.

 Oct. 12, 1908 – The Evening Argus

FRANCHISE DRAWN

For the Proposed Railroad of New Haven Coal Mining Company Into Owosso

A SPECIAL MEETING

Of the common Council May Be Called This Week To Submit To City Taxpayers Important Question of Making Appropriation For Railroad Bridge

The franchise drafted by the city attorney to give the New Haven Coal Mining company the use of the streets desired in this city for the construction and maintenance of the proposed railroad from the company’s mines at Six Mile Creek to Owosso was read by the city attorney last evening, and would have passed but for the request of one of the men who is prominent in the railroad project. He asked that it lay over a week to give him an opportunity to discuss some of the minor points with Attorney Lyon. The matter was therefore tabled for a week.

Several officers of the company and members of the Owosso improvement Association were present at the meeting. One of the former was introduced by Secretary Pierpont, and stated that the railroad bridge across the Shiawassee river near the city will cost more than was at first thought and that the $2,500 that the city of Owosso has been asked to give will not defray the expense of the bridge. The Ann Arbor railroad company, with whose line in this city the spur will connect has agreed to go ahead and build the bridge it is understood but the company must furnish a bond guaranteeing the reimbursement of the railroad. Therefore the company desires an early expression from the city as to what it is willing to do in the matter of the requested appropriation.

A committee of the council appointed recently to confer with a committee of the Owosso Improvement Association considered the advisability of granting the company’s request, the joint committee deciding that it would be advisable for the city to concede what was asked on condition that the company would agree to carry its line through to New Lothrop. This committee reported at a previous meeting and was discharged.

The company’s representative stated last night to the council that while there was no question in his mind that the spur would ultimately be extended to New Lothrop, the company could not agree to do this right away. The question then arose as to whether the city would care to take steps to submit to the taxpayers the proposition of appropriating $2,500 under the agreement that the company would carry the branch to Six Mile Creek, without references to the extension. The mayor named Alderman Sturtevane, Rundell and Washington on this committee. They will meet with an improvement association committee, and if the proposition is favorably considered a meeting of the council will be called this week to vote to submit the question of raising the money to the taxpayers at the election November third.

The coal mining company certainly means business. All of the private right of way needed in Owosso for the road has been secured it is understood.

The Owosso times Oct. 16, 1908

The franchise to be given the New Haven Coal Co. to use certain streets for a railroad to Six Mile Creek was read to the council Monday but will not come up for passage until next week. Some alterations and additions may be made before it is passed. A committee consisting of Ald. Sturtevant, Rundell and Washburn was appointed to consider submitting to the people the proposition to aid the road to the extend of $2,500 if the railroad is built to Six Mile Creek.

The Owosso Times Oct. 16, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The Coal Co. really have a hard time trying to get the railroad. If the city is going to help the to do so is now or do without coal coal this winter; horses are growing fewer and no way to get coal market.

The Owosso Times Oct. 23, 1908

The City Council passed franchise for New Haven Coal Co. with guide lines for the railroad.

The Owosso Times Oct. 23, 1908

Six Mile Creek

The surveyors have been laying out the road to the coal mine this week.

The Owosso Times Nov. 20, 1908

Six Mile Creek

Reports are today that the railroad will soon be built. Work will commence this week as the ground is so dry it can be built in cold weather. We are glad to have it come this way.

The Owosso Times Jan. 1, 1909

Six Mile Creek

Everything is getting lively around the mine and we hope business will be run as it should be.

The railroad is being pushed as fast as possible to this place, and it will be th long needed thing to make a success of mining coal. There is lots of it here and we all need it. Any one coming here could buy a nice home near the by enquiring at the office.

The Owosso Times Jan. 15, 1909

Six Mile Creek

The railroad work is being pushed along as fast as the weather will permit.

The Owosso Times Jan. 29, 1909

Six Mile Creek

The railroad is coming on finely, the weather is so mild it's no trouble to remove the dirt. We hear that Handy Bros. Of Bay City will soon begin to drill for coal on one of the farms they have leased and will begin on George Warner's land first.

 The Michigan Miner Feb. 1909 page 14

New Haven Coal Co. – About one mile of track is all that is required to finish the switch. The company will then develop and produce on a large scale. A number of business men from Calumet now own this property and it is their intention to make this mine one of the large producers of the State.

The Owosso Times Feb. 19, 1909

Six Mile Creek

The good work on the railroad is going on at a good rate.

The Owosso Times March. 5, 1909

Six Mile Creek

The railroad is progressing as fast as the weather will allow.

The Owosso Times March. 12, 1909

Six Mile Creek

The me are working at the railroad and will soon have all done until the ground settles, ready for the ties.

The Owosso Times May 28, 1909

Six Mile Creek

Work has been resumed on the placing of the bridge for the New Haven Coal Mining Co.'s railroad. No adjustment has as yet been made which will allow road to complete the work of grading in this so that the laying of the rails may be commenced. It is believed, however, that the land owners and the railroad officials will soon agree as to the damages and that application will be made to have the injunction which stopped the work dissolved.

The Owosso Times June 18, 1909

With the exception of two parties settlements have been made for the right of way for the New Haven Coal Mining Co. railway in this city and it is believed an understanding will be reached with the two before the bridge is completed over the Shiawassee and thus all the work of laying the track to be begun. It is hoped no further obstacles will be encountered as the Mining Co. is desirous to get the road in shape for traffic during the next two months.

The Owosso Times July 23, 1909

Another Injunction Stops New Haven Railway

G. L. Dimmick, by his Attorney Warren Pierpont, has secured an injunction to compel a proper settlement for injury to his property by the New Haven Coal Mining Co. Railway before the tracks are laid. It is understood, however, that an agreement has been reached and when payment is made the injunction will be discontinued.

July 30, 1909 – The Evening Argus

BRIDGE COMPLETE

New Haven Coal Mining Company Now Preparing To Finish Laying Track

LARGE BUSINESS PLANS

Are Those of Company For Future and Their Realization Means Much To Owosso

The iron bridge of the New Haven Coal Mining company, across the Shiawassee River is completed and it is expected that tomorrow or by Monday at the outside, a gang of men will be at work laying rail rails between the bridge and Six Mile Creek.  The Evening Argus is informed today that all legal obstacles to the work have been removed and that the 50 men to constitute the steel gang will hustle the business of laying rails, to completion.  About 25 or 30 men, are now engaged on the north end of the line and at various points along the route building small culverts and bridges and preparing in other ways for the steel gang. It is expected that trains will be running over the line inside of a month, making allowance for all reasonable delays.

The stockholders of the company will meet the second of September at Laurtum, Mich., where most of them reside, for reorganization of capitalization, which will be increased from $30,000 to $750,000 at that time. This increase is to enable the company to expand its business activities on a large scale. At the time of the completion of the railroad to Six Mile Creek, the force at the mines will be increased from 50 to 200. The company plans to develop other property and sink more shafts as rapidly as possible on the several thousand acres of land that has been leased in this county, and it is the belief of the officers of the company that at no distant time 1,000 men will be working for the company in Shiawassee County.  Most of these men will reside in Owosso.

The company feels that it has a splendid market for all of the coal that can be obtained. This will be the only mining company with property on the Ann Arbor railroad, and shipments will be made to places in Wisconsin as well as other points across the lake and to all parts of Michigan.

We are informed that eight or ten concerns or embryonic concerns have opened negotiations with the coal mining company asking for locations along the railroad from Owosso to Six Mile Creek. One of these is a company that will manufacture tile ote. Some of the other interests are of similar character and plan to employ large forces of men.

The spur track is a private line belonging exclusively to the New Haven Coal Mining company and privileges for shipping over the line must be secured of this company. The Ann Arbor railroad will simply furnish the rolling stock.

Aug. 20, 1909 – The Evening Argus

WORK BEING RUSHED

Something About Railroad Operations of New Haven Coal Mining Company

J. W. Edwards of Saginaw Will Be the New Underground Superintend.

Owosso will soon have another railroad outlet in the northeasterly direction as the track to the coal mines at Six Mile Creek is now being laid at a rapid rate. The Ann Arbor company which is to operate this line for the coal mining company, now has its track layers working in the southwestern corner of New Haven township and in a very short time the rails will be laid to the mine. The locomotive goes right along behind the track layers and keeps the rails and ties always within a very short distance of the track. The right of way after leaving Gould street, in the eastern part of of city runs almost due north through the following farms: E. F. Dudley, F. W. Williams, S. F. Holmans, C. Mc Cormick, S. L. Henderson, J. L. Peterson, C. J. Wildermuth, C. G. Bodamer, Carl Schuir, Louisa Schultz, Chris Schautz, C. B. Linzer, J. G. Warner, Mills Ott, Geo. A. Ott.

In the vicinity of the mine the coal mining company has lately erected some heavy abutment walls of concrete to carry the track over the creek at that point.

The engineer are now laying out the side tracks which will be used in the yards at the mine. The yards will be quite extensive as a good many empty cars will be kept on hand for convenience in loading.

The mining company has secured the services of J. W. Edwards, formerly of Saginaw as underground superintend. Mr. Edwards will soon move his family to Owosso. When trains start running over this track it will prove a great convenience to all the farmers in the vicinity of the mine as it will enable the shipment of all farm products from that neighborhood. This will do away with a great deal of team hauling. The road will also be a splendid convenience for farmer coming to town and for people from Owosso going in that direction.

The coal mining company is already making coal sale contracts in Owosso and other neighboring towns and within a few weeks Six Mile Creek will be a busy place.

The Owosso Times Sept. 10, 1909

Track laying on the road to the Six Mile Creek coal mine is progressing very satisfactorily with about fifty men employed. On Wednesday the iron was down as far as the farm of Chas. B. Linszey.

The Owosso Times Sept. 17, 1909

The Owosso Sugar Co. will take advantage of the railroad built to Six Mile Creek by establishing a weight station so beets may be loaded loaded at that point and shipped to the factory, saving a long haul for the farmers in that section. About 600 feet of track will be built at once under the direction of Fred Hanscom.

The Michigan Miner 10/1909 page 15

New Haven Coal Co. – Jack Edwards, formerly of the old Saginaw, is superintendent of this mine. The mine is now connected with a switch from the Grand Trunk and a large force of men are now at work preparing the mine for a large tonnage.

The Owosso Times Oct. 15, 1909

START NEXT WEEK

New Haven Coal Co. Ready to Begin Active Operations. Has Promising Outlook.

The Hew Have Haven Coal Company, whose mines are located north and east of Owosso, will began shipping coal the first of next week. This marks the successful entrance of the company into local and outside fields. Its policy is to sell direct from the mines to the consumer.

With the opening of shipping operations, a force of 200 miners will be started working the mine, and more men will be added as the mine develops. The employment of this number of men is bound to result in great good to Owosso, as this city will be their natural trading center.

Besides facing so promising an opening, the future holds much for the company. It has secured several thousand acres of available coal deposits in New Haven and Other townships and will sink other shafts within the coming year. When each shaft is opened into a mine, force of at least one hundred fifty men will be needed to operate it.

In uncovering the coal deposits a clay shale has been encountered that will make excellent brick and tile. This also promises to furnish profitable industry if developed.

The company will not only sell its coal locally, but is planning to enter state and foreign territory. The coal is of a good grade of bituminous or soft coal and suited for all purposes.

Oct. 21, 1909

The railroad of the New Haven Coal Mining Company has practically been completed and the first train load of coal was drawn over the line Saturday afternoon. The improvement will, it is believed, prove of great benefit to the city of Owosso in an industrial way. Not only will this city of Owosso in all quarters for the company, but a substantial increase will be made in the force of men at the mines and is promised that a large number of the miners will live in Owosso.

The company intends to open up new shafts in this locality, and at it has been proven that this section is rich in coal deposits it can readily be seen that the branching out of the company will be of inestimable benefit to this city. It is hoped that within a comparatively short time may be extended to New Lothrop, thus giving citizens of that village and rich farming section, an compelled to use exclusively in going and coming.


The officers of the coal mining company are: President, James Vignetto; vice-president, Michael Richetta; secretary and treasurer, Bernard Bracco. The directors are James Vignetto, Michael Richetta, Bernard Bracco, Vital Coppo and Batiste Quello. A. M. Mc Kengie is general manager, with headquarters in this city and J. W. Edwards is superintendent of the mines.

The following statements are taken from the prospectus just issued by the company:

Organization and Location

The New Haven Coal Mining company was organized in 1905 with a capital of $20,000. In 1907 the capital was increased to $80,000 and in 1909 to $750,000. This has been a steady, natural increase, warranted by actual development work. The company stands today as originally, except that the charter has been twice amended to increase the capitalization. This has been done each time for the sole purpose of enabling the officers to operate on a larger scale From the very start there was little or no doubt about the coal deposits being very extensive. With the additional resources the mine work has been gradually expanded fully demonstrating that this company controls a large area of the finest coal mining lands in the state.

The present mine shafts are six miles north of Owosso and company’s lands radiate from that point in all directions. They are in Rush, New Haven, Owosso and Caledonia townships, Shiawassee county. The surface in all directions is occupied by first-class farms. The rapid depletion of the coal supply of the United States tends to increase the value of the remaining portion. The company’s several thousand acres are known to be heavily under-lain by coal of good grade, as demonstrated by drilling test made in all portions of it. The company is constantly increasing the total area which it controls so that their present coal store represents a reserve of very great value. This Company’s coal has been used by Owosso factories in a small way for years. They have liked the coal and want to use it exclusively, but as there has been no rail communication with the mine this was not possible, as only limited shipments could be made by team hauling.

Railroad Completed

Now, however, this condition is to be changed. With the railroad completed into Owosso, the coal can be placed on factory siding for a trifling cost, giving us a splendid advantage over every other Michigan and foreign coal company. Moreover as this the only coal mining company located on the Ann Arbor railroad, we will have a distinctive advantage at all points reached by that railroad. So far the company has had but two shafts. One of these is used for hoisting and the other as a ventilating and escape shaft.

We hold sufficient coal lands, however, on which to sink and operate twelve hoisting shafts with ample area tributary to each to keep these shafts supplied with coal for many years. It is for the purpose of sinking, equipping and operating additional shafts that the company has recently increased its capitalization and now offers for sale a limited amount of its treasury stock.

Excellent Markets

Owing to the geographical location of the mines of this company there will never be much difficulty in disposing of its coal. Owosso is just about the geographical hub center of the state and within a few hours rail travel to such cities as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw, Bay City, Ionia, Charlotte, Battle Creek, Pontiac, Ann Arbor and Port Huron. A large number of the factories and public institutions of the state are located in these cities and practically all the large coal users of the Lower Peninsula are near enough to Owosso to get the advantage of the low freight rates on coal from these mines. The present hoisting capacity with one working shaft is eight hundred tons of coal per day but with additional shafts this can be rapidly increased. The business of mining can be rapidly increased. The business of mining coal on a commercial basis in Michigan started in 1895 and has increased in importance until fully a dozen companies now operating in the Saginaw valley have proven to be very successful. Gradually the proven coal area has been increased and more complete knowledge of its deposits gained. The coal basin of Michigan embraces all of the central part of the Lower Peninsula a circular over one hundred miles across.

Large Coal Deposits

The coal layers occur in flat lying veins about one hundred feet from the surface. In places several of these veins occur one above the other. They are generally associated with deposits of paving brick clay. This clay lies directly underneath the coal veins and is now receiving much attention, as there is a heavy demand for paving brick, and other products of this clay. There is of a good grade of bituminous, or soft coal and suitable for cooking, heating and steam power purposes.

The company will sell coal both wholesale and retail. Owosso, a city of 15,000 people is surrounded by a thickly settled farming community all of whom use coal. In additional to this the city contains some very large factories and many smaller ones, all of which will use our coal. This in itself will keep several hundred miners busy the year round. In the city the company has a large general office and retail yards delivering coal by teams to homes, stores and factories.

Future Development

The railroad built into the city from the mines of this company connects directly there with the three main trunk lines of the railroad The Michigan Central, The Grand Trunk and The Ann Arbor.  Car shipments over these and other connecting lines will put the coal in all parts of the state, and enable the company to produce on a very large scale.

This, with economical mining, and good business management, will make certain, large and steady profits for the share holders during the years of the company’s business career.

A few views taken at the number two shaft are shown in this prospectus. Letters printed herewith from a few of the leading citizens of Owosso indicate their opinions. Being the only mine within fifty miles. It has a magnificent home market. Owning both the mines and the railroad, no car shortage or juggling with freight rates can interfere with its successful operation. The rapid increase in the value of the coal deposits in all parts of the United States makes an investment in this stock very much like buying good real estate.

There is only so much coal in the country. This company controls an enormous tonnage. The market value of this company’s products is increasing every day and it requires only mining to get the certain returns.

The Michigan Miner 11/1909 page 12

New Haven Mine – The New Haven mine is now connected by a switch with the Grand Trunk Railroad and has started shipping coal. The force of men is being increased and everything points to a more promising future for this property. The escape shaft is completed.

The Michigan Miner 12/1909 page 12

New Haven Mine – This mine is now connected by railroad. The mine has not been working as steadily in the past as was expected, but the prospects for a steady run in the future are more promising.

The Owosso Times Dec. 29, 1909

Circuit Court

Suit to recover two notes, one for $600 and the other for $1133, has been commenced by thee F. D. Glover Lumber Co. of Bay City, against the New Haven Mining Co. The Glover Company obtained the notes through Chas. Tarolli, formerly connected with the Mining Co.

As a result off a motion for a new trail made by Odell Chapman, attorney, for H. N. Ainswworth, Judge Searle order that the C. S. Barrett accept $1,600 in settlement of the verdict given him for $2,100 in the circuit court at the November term or a new trail would be ordered. Judge Searle believed the verdict excessive in view of the testimony. Settlement was effected on the basis of $1,600. A settlement has also has been reached between Messrs. Ainsworth and Barrett by which Mr. Barrett pays Mr. Ainsworth $1,875 for the stock of $2,500 which the latter held in the C. H. Barrett Co. and in addition relinquishes his claim to the judgment for $1,600 given Barrett in the first suit, the stock to carry with it the accrued dividends. Mr. Ainsworth agreed to pay the costs of the suit amounting to $118. It is understood the parties are are satisfied.

The court has adjourned for this term. The January term will open on the 34th inst.

Changes Ownership – Jan. 27, 1910

Noud – Kean Coal Company Turn over New Haven Coal Mining Property

Charles Tarolli President of Company Now Controlling Mines at Six Mile Creek

The ownership of the New Haven coal mining property has again changed hands. A deal was consummated this week, whereby the Noud-Kean Coal Co. transferred possession of the property to the Co-Operation Coal Mining Co. made up of Flint and Detroit capitals. The mine has been in operation steadily for some time and the work will be continued under the new ownership.

Charles Tarolli, former president of the New Haven Coal Mining Co., is president of the Co-Operation Co., and nearly all of his associates in the recent purchase are former members of the New Haven Co.

The Noud-Kean Company, will continue the wholesale business in this city, retaining the office now occupied on West Main Street.

The officers of the new company include Charles Tarolli, president; Fred Bagozzi, secretary and treasurer; these two gentlemen and Mr. Anerolli, all three of Detroit, directors.

The company also includes fifty co-operative stockholders in Detroit. It is expected that an equal number of stockholders will be secured in Flint.

The Noud-Kean company is now a member of the New River and Ohio Coal company, a consolidation of companies that handles 12,500 tons of coal per day. The local company will act as northwestern branch for the consolidated companies, handling the business in Michigan and Canada. M. J. Kean of the company stated on Wednesday that the permanent headquarters of the firm will be located in Owosso.

The Owosso Times Jan. 28, 1910

PRRODUCING COAL FAST

New Haven Coal Company Now Making Excellent Progress – Coal in Great Demand

The New Haven Coal company is gradually increasing the daily tonnage of coal taken from its new mines in New Haven township. The present output exceeds 200 tons per day. Lack of small coal cars for the mine has been a great handicap but this is now being rapidly overcome be the receipt of new cars.

Locally the company has met with a pleasing success in the sale of its coal. In addition to large quantities sold at the mines to farmers living in that vicinity – there has been an enormous local demand – and at time it has been a problem to fill all the orders. With present large production to meet all demands.

A large amount of coal is also being shipped to outside points and is evidently giving most excellent satisfaction as new orders are coming in every day at the company's office.

The Michigan Miner 2/1910 page 12

New Haven Mine – This property is now connected with the railroad and has started shipping. It is expected that this company will enjoy a better future as conditions are more favorable than formerly.

The Owosso Times Feb. 18, 1910

BIG LEASE OF COAL LANDS.

Announced Today by New Haven Coal Mining Company.

The news became public today that the New Haven Coal Mining company has taken mining leases on between 1500 and 2000 acres of land lying west and north and adjoining the city of Owosso. The announcement comes as a complete surprise. The securing of these leases has been done in a quiet, thorough bus iness like way that speaks well for the management of the company. It is the intention of the coal company to begin drilling and exploratory work as soon as the weather permits. Judging from all surface indications it is reasonable to suppose that coal in paying quantities and superior quality lies below these lands. The land leased lies in sections 2, 3, 10, 11, 14, 15, 22 and 23 of Owosso township. In referring to the coal deposits close to Owosso on the west, Dr. Lane of the state geological department says the best coal in Shiawassee county is found here. It lies in a vein averaging about three feet in thickness and at a depth of from 156 to 225 feet. The three big railroads entering Owosso all pass through these sections or close to them and it was this ready access to shipping facilities that first drew the attention of the men behind be New Haven company to the value of coal in this vicinity. General Manager M. J. Harrington says he and his associates are very optimistic of getting good coal in this territory. If coal of the thickness of three feet is found on these lands he says it will take at least twenty ears to mine the coal that would underlie said lands. What the success of this proposed enterprise means to Owosso, can readily be seen by all. A large coal mine at the western side of the city would surely mean a big gain for Owosso because of the men it would bring to this city. Mr. Harrington and the men behind the New Haven company are practical coal men of long experience in mining and it is a warranted assumption that they are confident of finding the body of coal they seek beneath these lands. Otherwise they would hardly be found going to the expense of so great a number of leases' and exploratory work. They have already shown the public that the coal mines at Six Mile Creek and New Haven township are a paying proposition. These properties as will be the case with the Owosso township properties, were developed with their own money. The company sells coal direct to the consumer. Many of the people of Owosso and several of the factories in this city are now using New Haven coal with pleasing success. Doing business on the straight line, thus eliminating the middle man, appeals to many people. At present the output of the New Haven mine is consumed mostly by Owosso people and farmers of this county. With a successful - development of these new lines, the" company plans to extend its retail business to outside cities and towns, selling direct to the consumer everywhere.

The Owosso Times Feb. 18, 1910

WILL NOW CARRY PASSENGERS

New Haven Coal Mine Railroad Put on Passenger Service Monday. Monday the New Haven Coal Mine railroad operated by the Ann Arbor Ry Co., by contract began running a passenger car. The car goes out to the mine every morning carrying the miners to their work and returns at night to Owosso. This will enable the miners to live in Owosso and go to and from their work at the mine every day. The mines are about six and one-half miles from Owosso. This road was opened last November and since then has proven a big boon to the farm territory between Owosso and the mine. Farm products are loaded at the mine siding and brought direct to Owosso either for local use or to be shipped to outside points. During the campaign just closed the Owosso and Mt. Clemens sugar factories utilized the road to bring out beets raised in New Haven and Rush townships. And in many other ways the road has answered as a freight artery into and from that section of Shiawassee county

The Owosso Times April 8, 1910

LOCAL MINES CLOSE

Miners at New Haven Mines Walked Out April 1st. Early Settlement Probable

The miners at the New Haven coal company's mines in New Haven township, went out April 1st as had been expected. There is very little difference between the miners and the New Haven company, but the former feel bound to obey orders of the United Mine Workers of America, whose officers ordered the strike. Many of the miners at the New Haven mines were making above $6 a day and some were getting as much as $11 per day. The general opinion is that the Michigan operators and Michigan miners will soon get together again. General Manager Harrington of the New Haven Company, say the local company has as abundance of mined coal on hand and will not be cramped in the least by the strike.

The Michigan Miner 10/1910 page 9

New Haven Mine – This mine is still idle owing to internal differences. The water is being pumped out and indications point to an early resumption of work.

The Michigan Miner 12/1910 page 14

New Haven Mine – The Six Mile Creek mine, as it is usually known by that name, has resumed work with a small force of men which will be increased as soon as men can be hired.

The Michigan Miner 3/1910 page 65

Knoud Keane Coal Co., Owosso – The Knoud Keane Coal Co. is a new corporation which has purchased the New Haven mine, about six miles or so from Owosso. The new management has already more than doubled the output and there is no doubt as to the future of this property. Mr. Keane the vice-president and general manager, was born and brought up in Saginaw, having left this city about twenty years ago. He is a man of splendid ability and a very capable mine manager. We welcome this new company to our state.

The Michigan Miner 5/1910 page 95

New Haven Mine – The New Haven mine is in better condition than ever before in its history. The new company has made a great many changes which has just put this mine in good physical condition. The only trouble encountered is getting men which it is expected will be overcome when the mine is better known.

The Owosso Times Dec. 9, 1910

The New Haven Coal Mining Co. has resumed operations at its mine at Six Mile Creek with Has, Richetta as manager.

Now Doing a Rushing Business – Dec. 30, 1910

New Haven Coal Mining Company Thrives Under New Management

The New Haven Coal Mining Company has made rapid strides forward since resuming operations several weeks ago. The company is at present employing 80 men and is getting out 100 tons of coal a day. The mines are operated under a new management. James Ricketta being the mine superintendent and J. W. Edwards, general manager. Considerable coal is being shipped away, while a large portion of the output is being used in this city and in the surrounding country.

CHANGE OF OWERS – Jan. 23, 1911

Immediate Renewal of Actives Promised At the New Haven Mines

J. J. Kean and Patrick Noud

Take over interests of New Haven Coal Mining Company – To Employ 150 Miners

J. J. Kean of Detroit was in the city today and completed a deal whereby he, with Patrick Noud, also of Detroit, becomes the owner of the property of the New Haven Coal Mining Co. The papers in the transfer of the property were made out this afternoon and the new firm is already in possession. The company has ample finical backing and will make a number of improvements at the mine at once.

The new firm will install all new mining machinery of the most modern type and will increase its force of men from 40, now employed, to 150 men. This number will be employed as long a the volume of business can be handled by them and when it is necessary, the company will increase the number, putting on as many more as needed. The working force will be increased at once, according to Mr. Kean’s statement.

The company will allow its men to live in this city, and will furnish a train to carry them back and forth from the mines. Arrangements have already been made with the Ann Arbor road, for a train to run at morning and night. It will leave here early enough in the morning to get the men to their work at 7 o’clock and leave the mines at 4:30 in the afternoon.

The company, for the present will bear the name of the Kean Coal Mining Co., but as soon as articles of incorporation can be made out, it will be renamed. Mr. Noud, who is president of the State Lumber Co., of Manistee, and of the Noud-Kean Coal Co., of Detroit, with mines in Virginia, will be president of the company. Mr. Kean will be general manager and J. W. Edwards, mine superintendent, W. F. Moon of Detroit will be auditor and secretary.

Both Mr. Noud and Mr. Kean have had extensive experience in the mining business. Mr. Kean, has been thus occupied since his youth and is therefore well fitted to act as general manager of the company’s interest here.

In speaking of the outlook this morning, Mr. Kean declared that the new company meant business in its undertaking and would make things hum within a short time. He stated the company has a leased on 760 of ground in New Haven township. He figures there is still about 3,500,000 tons of coal in the vicinity of the mines and says his company will mine it.

The property here won’t be a play thing as it has been in the past,” remarked Mr. Kean, “but it will be a business proposition with us.”

The majority of the stock in the old company was owned by wealthy Italian miners living at Calumet.

The Michigan Miner 6/1911 page 12

New Haven – About sixty-five men are working here at present. The mine is running about four days a week.

The Michigan Miner 12/1911 page 10

Noud Keane Coal Co. – This mine is working steady employing about 25 men.

 

The New Haven Coal Mining Company – 1912

Notice of Sale of Stock for Non-Payment of Assessment

Notice is hereby given that under and by virtue of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the New Haven Coal Mining Company, and the statue in such cases made and provided, there will be sold at public venue to the highest bidder at the office of Howard Streeter, room 400, Fort Street Union Station, Detroit, Michigan, at ten o’clock in the forenoon of the 27th day of September A. D. 1911, the following described shares of the capital stock of said company standing in the names of the following persons, for nonpayment of assessments levied and called on said stock and payable as follows:

Assessment No. 1 of one dollar per share, called November 10, 1909, payable December 12, 1909.

Assessment No. 2 of two dollars per share, called December 1, 1910, payable one dollar on January 20, 1911, and one dollar on March 22, 1911.

Together with interest on said unpaid assessments or installments thereof from the said respective dates at the rate of five per cent, and the expenses of notice and sale, unless said assessments, or installments thereof, and the interest and expenses of notice and sale be sooner paid.

In the following list the character ‘S’ placed after the certificate number means old certificate which is entitled to four shares of stock for every one upon being surrendered to the company.

[Stock on which all of Assessment No. 1 is due and unpaid:]

Stock on which whole of both assessments is due and unpaid:

Name

Ctf No.

No. Shares

Am’t due

Allen-Andrew

9S

24

$72.00

Anderson, Gus

270S

8

24.00

Blank, Matt

269S

8

24.00

Baronek, John

279S

8

24.00

Baronek, August

289S

8

24.00

Caffo, Joseph

11

28

77.00

Calusio, John

233S

4

12.00

Calusio, John

299S

4

12.00

Camp, Edward

262S

4

12.00

Cosso, Chas.

278S

4

12.00

Cole, H. S.

89

150

450.00

Cole, H. S.

90

50

150.00

Cole, H. S.

91

48

144.00

Cole, H. S.

363S

52

156.00

Dimmick, W. E.

267S

12

36.00

Dimmick, W. E.

283S

8

24.00

Dimmick, Harry

268S

4

12.00

Dimmick, John

282S

4

12.00

Florina, Pletro

149S

8

24.00

Gould, Glen

297S

4

12.00

Jackson, Chas. A.

295S

16

48.00

Jackson, Chas. W.

296S

4

12.00

Kingsbury, Geo. B.

293S

20

60.00

Michela, Joseph

31

48

132.00

Mundy, John

254S

4

12.00

Mundy, John

284S

4

12.00

Matson, William

256S

4

12.00

Reynold, James

240S

4

12.00

Ratti, Louis

1

8

22.00

Swanson, Andrew

10S

8

24.00

Swanson, Chas. F.

11S

12

36.00

Smith, Chas. F.

253S

4

12.00

Thompson, Chas.

263S

4

12.00

Thomas, James

264S

8

24.00

Trathen, Wm.

350S

4

12.00

Wholley, Joseph

248S

4

12.00

White, Phillip

265S

4

12.00

Stock on which all of Assessment No. 2 is due and unpaid:

Name

Ctf No.

No. Shares

Am’t due

Basso. Joe

15

50

$80.00

Castellini, Antonio

30

4

8.00

Guilio, Charles

29

8

16.00

Rolando, Domenico

34

20

40.00

Rolando, John

21

12

24.00

Rolando, Michele

20

8

16.00

Rafaelli, Camillo

2

8

16.00

Rolando, Joseph

35

4

8.00

Sandretto, Michael

33

20

40.00

Sandretto, Domenick

32

4

8.00

Tarolli, Chas.

157

16

32.00

By order of the board of Directors of the New Haven Coal Mining Company.

E. E. Boyd, Secretary

Dated Laurium, Michigan, July 5, 1911

Aug. 25, Sept. 1, 8, 15 and 22

 

The New Haven Coal Mining Company – 1912

Notice of Sale of Stock for Non-Payment of Assessment

Notice is hereby given that under and by virtue of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the New Haven Coal Mining Company, and the statue in such cases made and provided, there will be sold at public venue to the highest bidder at the office of the company at Laurium Michigan, at ten o’clock in the forenoon of the 27th day of September A. D. 1911, the following described shares of the capital stock of said company standing in the names of the following persons, for nonpayment of assessments levied and called on said stock and payable as follows:

Assessment No. 1 of one dollar per share, called November 10, 1909, payable December 12, 1909.

[Note: Laurium is located southeast of Calumet, Michigan.]

Assessment No. 2 of two dollars per share, called December 1, 1910, payable one dollar on January 20, 1911, and one dollar on March 22, 1911.

Together with interest on said unpaid assessments or installments thereof from the said respective dates at the rate of five per cent, and the expenses of notice and sale, unless said assessments, or installments thereof, and the interest and expenses of notice and sale be sooner paid.

In the following list the character ‘S’ placed after the certificate number means old certificate which is entitled to four shares of stock for every one upon being surrendered to the company.

Stock on which whole of both assessments is due and unpaid:

Name

Ctf No.

No. Shares

Am’t due

Adriana, Bernardo

228S

12

$36.00

Fogliaf, Glovanni

243S

4

12.00

Gianpaoli, Pietro

126S

4

12.00

Grivetti, Pietro

196

7

21.00

Giachinovico, Guiseppe

144S

8

24.00

Heck, Henry

266S

4

12.00

Laurium Printing Co.

86

8

24.00

Laurium Printing Co.

201

11

33.00

Magnio, Joe

122

8

24.00

Milano, Guiseppe

128S

4

12.00

Macaulay, Angus

10

116

348.00

Picconatto, Batista

121

4

12.00

Roch, Joseph

78

40

120.00

Stock on which all of Assessment No. 2 is due and unpaid:

Name

Ctf No.

No. Shares

Am’t due

Bosso, Louis

181

70

$140.00

Bassoni, Felix

14

152

304.00

Balma, Guiseppe

94

8

16.00

Bono, Giovanni

17

8

16.00

Bianchi, Andrini

105

8

16.00

Bartodotto, John

160S

8

16.00

Buscio, John & Bros.

98

8

16.00

Buscio, John

188

4

8.00

Benardi, John & Wife

135

8

16.00

Begondo, Peter

192

8

16.00

Boggio, Charles

152

16

32.00

Borgetti, Dom

197

8

16.00

Cabella, Carlo

111

4

8.00

Centenino, John

145

20

40.00

Cernio, John & Wife

24

8

16.00

Capello, Aurelia

143

8

16.00

Capello, Guiseppe

132

8

16.00

Cimino, Giovanni

4

8

16.00

Cerutti, Maria

153

8

16.00

Curto, Joseph

48

60

120.00

Curto, Estate

47

116

232.00

Castigliano, Attilio

198

8

16.00

Delaurante, Giovanni

53

24

48.00

Defilipi, Giacomo

130

8

16.00

Enrico, Antonio

6

8

16.00

Ellena, Antonio

170

4

8.00

Furno, Joe

76

20

40.00

Fassona, Eugenio

149

4

8.00

Grosso, Peter

138

8

16.00

Grivetti, Pietro

124

21

42.00

Gametro, Francisco

97

24

48.00

Gioga, Charles & wife

102

8

16.00

Gesne, Andrini

189S

8

16.00

Gesne, Anrini

227S

12

24.00

Gotto, Paolo

151

8

16.00

Giuglio, Antonio

137

12

24.00

Grislano, Batista

187

8

16.00

Guglielmo, Joseph

9

60

120.00

Galetto, Anton

184

8

16.00

Johnson, Chas L.

84

40

80.00

Kosier, Frank

144

20

40.00

Milano, Guiseppe

92

60

120.00

Masach, Grouse

13

8

16.00

Mainardi, John

159

8

16.00

Moniani, Victoria

87

8

16.00

Miglio, Joseph

112

16

32.00

Musso, Casimiro

18

8

16.00

Marocini, Natale

56

8

16.00

Miglio, Domenico

8

24

48.00

McQueen, D. K.

346S

80

160.00

Mntz, Chas

79

20

40.00

Nipoli, Paolo

5

8

16.00

Obart, Alexander

189

20

40.00

Olsen, Elmer

173

10

20.00

Platti, Giacomo

147

8

16.00

Paton, Bruce J.

54

4

8.00

Pierino, Paolo

107

8

16.00

Pardini, Amadeo

133

8

16.00

Picchiottino, Ernest

27

20

40.00

Ricca, Maria

25

8

16.00

Rastello, John B.

28

4

8.00

Riva, Luigi

194

8

16.00

Richetta, Joseph

60

80

160.00

Riva, Bastista

150

4

8.00

Rafaelli, Federico

103

20

40.00

Roveda, Riva Pietro

218S

8

16.00

Rinoldi, Giacomo

156

8

16.00

Serra, John

148

8

16.00

Samondi, Chas

113

8

16.00

Sandretto, Jas. L.

22

20

40.00

Toscano, Antonio

19

44

88.00

Toscano, Antonio

160

8

16.00

Torreano, John

55

20

40.00

Tappera, Bartholomew

141

8

16.00

Tinetti, Batistta

171

100

200.00

Tinetti, Louis

177

50

100.00

Tinetti, Louis

180

50

100.00

Vairo, Vincent

110

20

40.00

Vairo, Vincent

123

8

16.00

Vairo, Vincent

175

100

200.00

Vairo, Vincent

178

8

16.00

Vairo, Vincent

191

60

120.00

Valle, Stephen

42

8

16.00

Valle, Antonio

41

20

40.00

Valle, Antonio

109

8

16.00

Zerotti, John

34

32

64.00

Zanotti, Bros.

162

20

40.00

Zanotti, Antonio

273S

4

8.00

Zana, Domenico

182

4

8.00

Zana, Domenico

120

32

64.00

Zanotti, Georgio

162

8

16.00

Stock on which last installment of Assessment No. 2 is due and unpaid:

Name

Ctf No.

No. Shares

Am’t due

Burghi, Antonio

117

8.00

$8.00

Berchuconi, Alexandro

57

4

4.00

Furno, George

155

16

16.00

Iavello, Chas.

185

8

8.00

Lavarini, Camillo

88

16

16.00

Lenise, Emillio

136

8

8.00

Magnino, J. & wife

106

8

8.00

Pasquinelli, Leon

115

8

8.00

Perona, Lorenz

193

64

64.00

Perona, Lorenz

204

8

8.00

Suppella, Luigi

12

20

20.00

Santini, Marco

118

8

8.00

Aug. 25, Sept. 1, 8, 15 and 22

The Michigan Miner 1/1912 page 12

Noud Keane Coal Co. – This mine is working every day, employing about 15 to 20 men.

The Michigan Miner 2/1912 page 10

Noud Kean Coal Co. – This mine which is located at Six Mile Creek, Owosso, is working every day.

The Michigan Miner 3/1912 page 11

Noud-Keane Coal Co. – This mining property, situated at Six Mile Creek, six miles north of Owosso, and worth approximately $50,000, has been sold by the Noud-Keane Coal, consisting of Detroit capitalists, to a co-operative company company recently organized. The new company has fifty co-operative stockholders in Detroit and expects to secure as many more in Flint. Charles Tarolli, formerly president of the New Haven Coal Mining Co., which sold out to the Noud-Keane Co., is president, and Fred Bagozi, secretary and treasurer. A spur railroad was recently constructed from Owosso to the mines, and the company has leases on large areas of undeveloped property.

The Michigan Miner 6/1912 page 23


Foreclosure Suit – Aug. 2, 1912

Is brought against Co-operative Coal Mining Company by Thomas Noud

$5,000 Mortgage was given

When property was turned over to Co-operative Company by the Noud-Kean Company

The Co-operative Coal Mining company, composed of about 30 miners who collaborate in the mines in New Haven Township, six miles north of this city, is experiencing difficulties. Several weeks ago some members of the company started suit to collect money they claim is due them. Now, Patrick Noud has begun action to foreclose a $5,000 mortgage on tools and store goods at the mines.

The mortgage was given in part payment when the Noud-Kean Coal Mining Company sold the property a few months ago to the property a few months ago to the co-operative concern. Charles Tarolli, one of the founders of the mines and organizer of the New Haven Coal Mining company, was instrumental in organizing the co-operative company, of which he is an officer.

Several different companies have owned the mines since the New Haven Coal Mining company let go of the property. Much money has been expended in improving the property and great things have been predicted for it, which have never been realized. None of the companies has made a brilliant success of operating the mines, if appearances are to be taken as an indication and frequent litigation against the various owners has gotten into the circuit court of this county.

The railroad spur built to the mines several years ago by the Ann Arbor Railroad company, involving a heavy expense and necessitating the construction of a steel bridge over the river, now appears to be but little used. The coal mined now, is being sold to farmers who come to the mines to get it, it is said.

 BUY CONTROLLING INTEREST IN KEAN COAL COMPANY – May 23, 1914

The controlling interest in the Kean Coal Co., has been purchased by George M. Phillips and George McCabe both of Detroit. The name will be changed to Phillips & McCabe Coal and Lumber Co. A full stock of coal will be carried at all times; lumber will also be carried in stock. Mr. Phillips is a young man of pleasant personality and will be received here. He will move here at once. McCabe will move here next fall.

 

Are Interested in Road – June 12, 1914

New Lothrop Citizens very Anxious for Big Crowd at meeting Monday

Citizens of New Lothrop are deeply interested in the extension of the branch of the Ann Arbor railroad from Six Mile Creek, a project that has been under consideration for several months. On Monday, June 15, officials of the Ann Arbor road together with representative business men of Owosso and Saginaw will drive across the country from Owosso and look over the route proposed.  Dinner will be served here at noon, and at 2 o’clock a public mass meeting will be held at which the people of this vicinity are invited. It is expected that, not only residents of the village but farmers all along the proposed route, will be present and join in the discussion relative to the steps to be employed in building the road. New Lothrop citizens are deeply interested, and will leave no stone unturned to secure the line.

Many Interested – June 13, 1914

Extension of Ann Arbor Railroad to New Lothrop Would be Great Benefit

Consolidated Coal Company would operate mines

Now have leases on hundreds of Acres of Land in Hazleton and
have made extension tests – all want means of transportation.

Washington Snyder and Dr. White, of New Lothrop, were in Owosso Friday and informed “The Evening Argus that the citizens of New Lothrop and vicinity are deeply interested in the railroad meeting that will be held in that village Monday afternoon at two o’clock.

New Lothrop, which is one of the largest and most prosperous villages of the county, has always labored under the handicap of not having railroad connections of any kind. Its nearest railroad point is Brant, on the Saginaw line of the Grand Trunk, four miles distant from New Lothrop.  Years ago there was a movement to induce the Ann Arbor railroad to build a line from Owosso and considerable work was done on the proposition, but the company did not receive sufficient encouragement to go to the expense required. It is said that a good many farmers and others who would be benefited felt so sure that the road would be built, that they did manifest sufficient interest to

75 Owosso men take auto trip to New Lothrop – June 15, 1914

With Ann Arbor Officials, New Lothrop Citizens and Others They Discuss Railroad Project

About 75 Owosso residents accompanied General Manager A. W. Towsley and other Ann Arbor officials on the cross country trip to New Lothrop this morning in automobiles in the interest of extending the Owosso and Six Mile Creek spur of the Ann Arbor railroad to that village. A number left Owosso early this morning and met New Lothrop the Ann Arbor officials and remainder of the local contingent who left Owosso at 11:30 o’clock. A meeting was held in a hall there this afternoon at which the project was thoroughly discussed.

Representatives of the company controlling the coal mines at Six Mile Creek accompanied the Owosso men. Many greeted the visitors in New Lothrop. The decision of the Ann Arbor officials concerning the extension of the spur and providing passenger and freight service, is not expected for some time.

Drilling For Coal in New Haven Township – July 24, 1914

People’s Cooperative Coal Mining Company of Saginaw has leased considerable land

The Peoples Cooperative Coal Mining Company, of Bay City, are drilling for coal on Charles Tonacliff’s farm and if they are successful intend to start a coal mine there. They are also leasing other farms in this vicinity.

Mines To Reopen Oct. 10, 1914

Findley Coal Co. of Saginaw, Pumping Out Shaft at Six Mile Creek

The good news comes that the coal mines at Six Mile Creek, in New Haven, are being pumped out preparatory to resumption of work of taking out coal. The Findley Coal Co., of Bay City, is now in charge of operations, and are going at the work in a business like manner.

The New Haven mine is one of the largest in the state and is well equipped with appliances for mining and handling coal, the coal running over screens directly to cars on the Ann Arbor railroad track. Mismanagement in the past is believed to be the reason for the recent suspension of work. The mine has a capacity of 600 tons every 24 and the quality of the coal is very good.

The resumption of operations at New Haven means much to the people of Owosso and surrounding country. It has been the custom of many to employ themselves at the mines during the season when work is slack on the farm and there is also much to be done in the way of teaming.

Another effect of the reopening of this industry will be the impetus that will be given the building of the road through to New Lothrop. This much to be desired extension will be materially aided if conditions bring about a degree of activity on that portion of the Ann Arbor railroad in operation. No doubt those interested in the New Lothrop project will take advantage of the situation.

Mine at Six Mile Creek Caves in Nov. 25, 1914

Workmen Employed Pumping It Out, Return to Bay City

The coal mine at Six Mile Creek caved in Saturday morning, while some of the men were pumping the water out, this making it impossible for them to do anything more with it. The miners returned to Bay City on the first northbound train.

 Sept. 7, 1922 - The Owosso Argus Press - ad

What the Six Mile Creek Coal Mine
Means to Owosso

In these days, when both the government and State officials are bending every effort to insure the country an adequate supply of Coal; Owosso is indeed fortunate to have at its very door a fine Coal Property.

The vastness and multitude of America’s natural resources make us an unconquerable nation. Yet undeveloped resources are valueless. It requires very little though to understand that every natural resource should be developed and used as near its source as possible. Transportation of such things as timber, fuel, and food stuff’s a long distance, raises their cost materially. There is usually a first cost to develop such resources which means a later enrichment of the community. 1st – It keeps money at home, which would otherwise be sent away. Keeping money at home enlarges every one’s opportunities. 2nd – The development of a property such as the Six Mile Creek Coal Mines, gives employment to many people, whose wages are spent among the merchants and business men.

Have you ever thought why Owosso is considered one of the most prosperous towns in the state? There are many reasons, but we will only mention the most important and that is the large number and varied kinds of its industries. The slowing down of one branch of trade dos not necessarily means bad business. It is well known that a town dependent on just one kind of business is seldom a prosperous town, and affords far fewer opportunities to young men to develop.

Each new Industry strengthens the financial fabric of a community.

The Owosso Coal Mining Co. a $350,000.00 company will play an important part in Owosso’s future prosperity. The successful operation of a coal property requires considerable capital. The state in purchasing a mine recently is paying $150,000.00 for the property. They will need not less than $250,000.00 more to operate it and improve the equipment.

It is aimed to produce as soon as possible 500 tons of coal a day at the Six Mile Creek Mine. You all have a general idea of the price of coal today and can that in a short time the company will have on its books thousands and thousands of dollars. Business today is largely done on credit and the coal business is no exception.

The present equipment, though out of date, will be used temporarily because we mean to take out coal as soon as is humanly possible.

Our next article will tell you something of the new and improved equipment that will be installed, which will be the equal of any in the country.

Years and years of intensive mining could not remove the large deposit of coal at the Six Mile Creek properties; therefore, we mean to take it out at the lowest possible cost.  Watch for our next article which appears in a few days.

Owosso Coal Mining Co.

9-27-1918 – The Owosso Argus-Press

NEW HAVEN MINE BEING DEVELOPED BY NEW OWNERS

Company Already Has Begun the Installment of Additional Machinery

WILL INCREASE OUTPUT TO 100 TONS PER DAY

The company headed by H. A. Knapp of Bay City, which recently purchased the New Haven coal mines, has begun the installation of new machinery with a view to increasing the output of the mines to 100 tons a day. It is also erecting a concrete block engine house to replace the frame structure destroyed by fire some time ago. The company already has spent several thousand dollars now new machinery and will spend more.

At present only 20 tons a day are being mined, but additional men are being put to work daily and the mine’s output will be gradually increased. The coal is of good quality and by some reason of through sorting in the mines is free from slate and rock. Farmers are taking the entire output at present but cars will be spotted at the mines Monday and shipment to Owosso will begin.

The company’s soon to install electric lights throughout its mines and to replace its mule-drawn cars with motor driven vehicles.

The state fuel administration considers the New Haven mine very essential to Owosso and believes that this city should derive the greatest part of its soft coal supply there from. The state geologist made a survey of the mine a year ago and reported to the state war board that it was capable of producing an enormous amount of coal if properly developed.

Mr. Knapp, the general manager, is a coal man of years experience and at present owns two other mines.

12-20-1918 – The Owosso Argus Press

One of the mules at the Six Mile Creek coal mine got struck by a coal car while hauling coal below in the mine, breaking its leg, so it had to be killed.

Nov. 1, 1922 – The Owosso Argus Press

COAL COMPANY WILL START TAKING OUT FUEL IMMEDIATELY

First Mining Operations at Six Mile Creek Wednesday or Thursday

The Owosso Coal Mining Co., organized some months ago, and which since that time have been making repairs and preparations to start the mining of coal from the mines at Six Mile Creek, which it purchased at the time of its organization, expected to start taking out coal either today or Thursday.

The company has made numerous improvements at the mines and will make more. Including the sinking of a second shaft and the erection of a second tipple. The present plans of the company contemplate a daily production of 1,000 tons.

The company is at present generating its own electricity for use in the mines, but before next summer it plans to build a transmission line from Owosso to supply power. It will employ about 200 men within a year, it is expected.

Virtually all of the coal taken from the mines will sold for industrial purposes.

April 6, 1923 - The Owosso Argus Press

COAL STOCKHOLDERS HOLD ANNUAL MEET

Outlook for Future of New Haven Industry Is Bright, They Declare

About 50 stockholders in the Owosso Coal Mining Company, formed some time ago to take over the New Haven coal mine, attend the annual meeting held here Thursday.

The following directors were elected: N. A. Cobb, Battle Creek; C. C. Fritz, Lansing; K. A. Bacon, Owosso; G. L. Taylor, Owosso; F. A. Brown, Belleville; J. G. Pearce, Grass Lake; T. J. Jones, Battle Creek; Guy G. Crane, Owosso, and George Jerome, Bridgeport.

Officers elected are: President, K. A. Bacon, Owosso; vice president, O. C. Fritz, Lansing; secretary and treasure, G. L. Taylor, Owosso.

The company at present is averaging 100 tons of coal daily and sometimes its output reaches 124 tons. It has found a ready market locally for of its lump coal and is shipping the slack.

Jan. 28, 1932 – The Owosso Press

The ownership of the New Haven coal mining property has again changed. A deal was consummated this week whereby the Koud-Kean Coal Company transferred possession of the property to the Co-Operative Coal Company, comprising Flint and Detroit capitalists.

Sept. 30, 1932 – The Owosso Argus Press

A new coal mining project for Shiawassee County was announced today by C. E. Noyes, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, who gave out information given to him by Lyman H. DeLoche of Illinois, who said the the Shiawassee Coal Co., a newly organized company, had leased 510 acres of land in New Haven Township, around the old Six Mile Creek mines, and would start operations immediately.

According to Mr. DeLoche, the company expects to have 75 men at work by January 1 and ultimately will employ from 430 to 500, with a daily output of 1000 tons of coal per day.

Seventy-five test holes have been sunk, and show a vein averaging four feet thick, it is said. Frank J. Tucker of Ithaca is secretary-treasure of the company and Edward M. Lindsey of Illinois will be the manager.

May 3, 1933 – The Owosso Argus Press

MINERS TAKE OVER NEW HAVEN MINE; TO RUN THEMSELVES

Group from St. Charles Plans to Start Taking Out Coal Next Month

The New Haven coal mine at Six Mile Creek which has stood abandoned for the past 10 years, will soon be scene of a booming coal business if efforts of a group of St. Charles miners are successful. Work was started a week ago in preparation for opening the mine.

Approximately 35 miners, the most of them former employees of a St. Charles coal mine, are co-operating in the project. All are stockholders in the company which they organized and no stock is sold to outsiders.

It will be at least a month before coal will be removed from the mine, according to William Boyle, of St. Charles, president of the new company. Equipment is now be hauled to the scene for the purpose of pumping water out of the old mine. Boyle explained that no less than 30 days will be required to pump all of the water from the shaft and the two old entries. After that is done the miners will cut a new entry leading east from the present shaft.

The mine now consists of a shaft 94 feet in depth, and two entries leading from that shaft. On each entry there are several coal rooms. It is the contention of Boyle and his stockholders that the mine previously did not pay because there were not enough miners at work.

After the new entry is cut there will be approximately two and half miles of tunneling from the shaft and enough coal rooms to put 30 or more miners at work. They will work on strictly union scale of wages, Hoyle said, and all profits left will be divided among the men.

Firm Heads Are Named

In addition to Mr. Boyle the will be headed by three other St. Charles men, formerly connected with a mine at that place. The vice president is Alfred Mendicki, the secretary is Peter Gloannini and the treasurer is Albert Flaura.

Miners from Detroit, Flint, St. Charles and the vicinity of Six Mile Creek comprise the company as it exists at present. They do not expect to hire any more men at the start, but Mr. Boyle stated that more might be added after the mining in the new entry had been started.

An office is to be erected at the mine and all coal will be sold direct to the consumer, Boyle declared. It will be hauled from the mine by truck.

Mine Has Been Jinx

The mine has long been a hugaboo to investors. It was started by the Calumet Company, of Calumet, Mich., in 1912, but operated only five years. At that time the Ann Arbor railroad had a spur running to the mine. For some reason the mine never paid, despite the fact that the coal taken from the mine was regarded as the best in Michigan. Periodically for a number of years the mine changed hands, but always it was the same story – the investors lost money. It is said that least a “million dollars went into the mine but none of it came out.”

It is now a different story, however. The St. Charles men leased the mine, taking in appropriately 80 acres. They do their own work and the money put into the project is their own. Whereas, before, never more than 150 tons of coal were removed in a day, the miners declare that they will remove at least 200 tons per day.

The mine is flooded with water to within 10 feet of the top of the shaft.

Are: Investing $10,000

Equipment for pumping the water from the mine, according to Mr. Boyle, will amount to $10,000. There will be little cost after the mine has been put into operating condition. The miners will work on production basis, being paid for the number of tons which they bring to the surface per day.

A new coal vein has been located and it is to strike that vein that the new entry is to be cut.

The work which the men are doing at present consists of clearing the lad, constructing bridges and doing work about the surface near the shaft.

July 28, 1933 – The Owosso Argus Press

Miners Expect to Take Coal from New Haven Mine Soon

Group of St. Charles Men Have Been at Work on Project for Past Three Months. Plan to Cut New Entry from Old Shaft, Striking Valuable Vein.

Coal will be taken from the old mine at Six Mile Creek, once known as the New Haven Mining Company’s shaft, within another week, it is believed by a group of St. Charles miners who for the past three months have been at work rebuilding the mine.

For six weeks the group of 24 men who undertook repairing the mine as a community project among themselves, have been pumping water from the old shaft. The water has been removed sufficiently enough to allow them to enter the mine two entries at the end of the shaft and they declare that the mine’s timber is in good condition. It has stood idle, filled with water for nearly 10 years.

Will Use Own Coal

It was stated by some of the workers Thursday that an endeavor will be made within a week to remove enough of the coal to fire the boilers that are operating the pump. They believe that within two or three weeks they will raising coal for sale.

If their efforts are successful it will be the first time in a decade that coal hass been taken from the mine, despite the fact that the New Haven coal was generally regarded as coal that rivaled any in the state for quality.

One of the first things that the miners will undertake is the cutting of a new entry, leading in an east direction from the foot of the shaft. It is believed that the new entry will strike a valuable vein of coal.

Are Cave-ins

In a number of places the old entries have fallen in during the years that it has been flooded. The timber, they state, is good, however, and when men can clear out the entries they will be safe.

During the past two months the site of the mine has been transformed from an old abandoned one to a mine that has every appearance of becoming a thriving industry. The men have cut a new road that leads direct to the shaft. Offices may be built at the site and the coal sold direct, to be trucked away.

Timber has been erected about the shaft and an elevator installed. Some of the men are now at work in building carts in which to haul coal from the mines. The large number of carts left by the company when the mine was abandoned were in the mine and were rotted so badly that it is impossible to use them.

All the men cooperating in the project are St. Charles miners who were recently thrown out work. They leased the Six Mile Creek property from its owner, Camillio Rafselll,

They employ no men but it was stated recently by the group’s president that a few may be given work after the mining of coal has been started.

 The Owosso Argus-Press - 8-25-1935

Monthly Output from One Mine Now Exceeds State’s Total Tonnage in 1860

Mining and marketing of coal in Shiawassee County are increasing. In the words of one of the most successful of the individual coal mine operators in the county, D. W. Barry, “Coal mining in Shiawassee County has a future.”

Data gather during the last two weeks shows conclusively that before the close of the year more coal will be being taken from beneath the surface of ground within the boundaries of this county than ever been mine in Shiawassee County in any year.

Conditions have become such in the last year that there is a market for this coal in Michigan that never before existed.

Nothing Spectacular

There is nothing spectacular about the coal mining operations under way and beginning. Coal mining has been going on intermittently in the county since before 1850. Money has been made at coal mining in Shiawassee County since that time; and much has been lost. It has been since 1850, both an industry and a joke. It has been on one hand a mirage and on the other a salvation.

Yet today, after as zigzag a history as an industry ever had, it is going ahead almost at full capacity of the mines.

Before taking up the survey of Shiawassee County mines as they are today, it is interesting, in the light of the present activity, to study the history of coal mining in this county.

The first methodical search for coal in Shiawassee County was made in the fall of 1837 by Dr. Douglas Houghton, state geologist, when a cursory exploration was made to examine the outcroppings of bituminous coal. His report led to prospecting, but with the slender means used it did not prove successful. However, sufficient was determined to warrant a recommendation to the settlers to continue investigation of coal mining possibilities in this county.

Mine Started in 1877

In 1877 a mine was worked near Corunna on a profitable basis even after thousands of dollars had been spent in prospecting and opening the mines. The mine was located about two miles east of the county seat. Seventy-five skilled miners from Ohio were employed and approximately 100 tons were mined daily for a period not recorded.

Coal was even found within the city limits of Owosso on the banks of the Shiawassee River and in 1858 a shaft was sunk on the land of Judge Comstock. The coal taken out was found to be of a rich bituminous quality and tolerably fee from surphur. But the veins were found to be too thin to be profitably mined and the operations were soon abandoned.

In 1860 the future of coal mining in Shiawassee County was about as black as the coal, according to a report of the state geologist’s department. “A great number of borings,” quoting from the report, “have been made in the various parts of the county and their records show failure. This unquestionably is true in regard to all boring and excavations yet made in Shiawassee Count, unless the mining operations at Corunna are to be regarded as an exception which is extremely doubtful.”

Slump in Operation

This discouraging report was not the only factor in the sump of mining operations in the county during the early years. The first discovered seams were thin, timbering was costly, and much of the coal was found to be of low heat content, valuable only for industrial uses. Nor was sufficient capital available to open the mines.

To illustrate this, miners of today will tell you the experience the late Robert Gage had with a mine within the city limits of Owosso more than 40 years ago.

The mine was located in the vicinity of the end of Cedar Street. After sinking the shaft, Gage found that it coast him 20 cents a ton more to mine the coal than he could get for it. Coal prices were low at that time.

In 1860 the total annual output of coal for the entire state was 2,320 tons, according to official figures. In August of 1, 1934 the Consolidated Coal Company of Saginaw reported a tonnage from the Crapo Mine near Judds’ Corners for the month of August of 2,710, or more in one month from one Shiawassee County mine than the entire state produced in the year of 1850.

The conclusion is reached, and these statements are taken from known facts, that today more capital is available, modern mining equipment is used in the Michigan fields, and better seams have been discovered.

The increase in coal mining operations is not merely anticipation. Two factors over-ride all that has held back Michigan mining. The NRA raised the scale of wages in non-union states (Michigan coal is mined by union miners) and freight rates have remained high so the Michigan field can compete. These adjustments have made it possible at the present time to mine Michigan coal in competition with fields in other states.

Four New Shafts Started

There are two mines in Shiawassee County now in production, four new shafts are being opened and will be producing early in September.

It is anticipated by the operators and owners of these mines that they will mine an average of 1,225 tons daily this winter. An average of 315 miners will be employed in this county this winter, according to information given out be the owners and operators.

The Consolidated Coal Company’s Crapo Mine in Hazelton Township is one of the largest in the state.

To the Crapo mine, all the superlatives may be applied, insofar as Shiawassee County is concerned. It is the largest. It is the most productive. It is the most expensive. It is the most modern. It needs the employment of the most men for operation. From its shaft the best coal is said to be taken. It will last the longest, according to geological surveys. And, it is the youngest productive mine in the county. Even the company that operates it, as the above statements would infer, is one of the biggest coal mining concerns in the state.

$225,000 Spent

On July 18, 1933, the announcement was made that the Consolidate Coal Company, of Saginaw, had completed geological surveys and was ready to sink the shaft for what was predicated to be a truly great mine in the Michigan industry. The Crapo is located on the Delbridge farm, two miles north and one-half mile west of Judds’ Corners.

Test boring indicated the presence of at least two and one-half million tons of coal at a depth of 185 feet in a vein averaging four feet.

Approximately $225,000 was spent in putting down the shaft, erecting one of the finest tipples to be found in Michigan, getting up huge coal bins, and in putting in the finest equipment. In September of the following year, production was started and has increased since until the company is now near their goal of 1,000 tons daily. The number of men employed at the mine is said to near 300.

Any doubt about coal mining as an industry in Shiawassee County is eased in contemplation of the Crapo mine.

Geological investigation conducted before the mine was ever opened showed that below the 800 acres of ground leased by the company there lies a vein extending about two miles in every direction from the shaft. It is known that the Crapo mine is good for 15 years, according to G. C. Eastwood, general manager of the company. During the summer, Mr. Eastwood stated, 130 men have been working at the mine on half time. However, within 30 days from 150 to 200 men will be employed at the Crapo mine and their production of coal will average between 700 and 800 tons daily.

Second Largest Mine

The second largest producing coal mine in the county is the Six Mile Creek Mine owned ny the Owosso River Valley Coal Company of which Alfred Mandicki, of St. Charles, is president. This company opened the mine early in 1933 and was producing coal by September of that year. This mine, which was opened about 30 years ago, has been worked at several different periods. It was last operated before the present concern took it over, about 18 years ago.

In a report to the United States Department of Labor the company showed a total production of 12,277 tons during 1934. The operators believe that their production will be above that this year. In 1934 the monthly output of the mine was as follows; January, 1,400; April, 515; May 195; June, tons; February, 1,400; March, 1,268; July, 244; August, 1,012; September, 1,266; October, 1,634; November, 1,470; December, 1,470.

The company employs an average of 40 men throughout the year at the Six Mile Creek Mine. At peak production times 50 men are employed. The mine shaft is 100 feet deep. It is reported that there is enough territory for 10 years’ profitable production and that there may be more coal not yet located that can be mined from the shaft.

A wise man said that “great oaks from little acorns grow,” and the optimistic mine operator might observe that great tipples from small, timbered shaft opening arise. That such an observation might come true can be seen conveniently in the eastern part of the county where a new mine and the largest mine in the county, the Crapo mine are just six miles apart just west of county road 453.

Another New One

The new mine is that of the Tri-Party Coal Co., a Flint concern, located on the Charles Possey farm one mile north of M-21 on county road 453. Members of the Flint concern have been drilling in the vicinity of their present mine for the past two years and it was just this April that began the work of sinking a shaft. The 20 men now employed have the shaft down approximately 90 feet. The company knows that a vein of coal from three to four feet thick lies at 120 feet. They are putting in equipment, including electrical cutting machines and hoists, capable of taking out between 300 and 400 tons of coal daily. The company expects to be taking out coal within 5 weeks. This winter they will employ between 35 and 40 men who will mine an average of 75 tons daily through the winter. The coal from this mine is reported to compare favorably in heat content with that now mined in this county.

Mine of Tonnacliff Farm

The second of the new mines that are being opened in this county this summer is located on the Tonnacliff Farm, a quart of a mile directly south of the Six Mile Creek Mine. Henry C. Ehrke, formerly of Flint and who now lives in the vicinity of the mine in New Haven Township, says “I’m the guy who’s putting up the money.”He is the sort of capitalist who dons overalls and works right along with his men in the muddy work of opening the shaft. He expects to be down to the main vein and to be taking out coal before the end of the month. The miners are now 108 feet are on top of the second or main vein of coal. Thirty-eight feet below the surface of the ground they passed through a vein of coal four feet thick. The work of putting down the shaft was started early this spring after exhaustive drilling activities conducted around the territory of the shaft.

Mr. Ehrke has not incorporated as yet but stated that when the mine is in operation he will incorporate as the Central Michigan Coal Co. Emmett C. Lauderbach is superintendent in charge of the mine. At the present time 10 men are employed. Ehrke said he would employ 50 men this winter, when he expects a production of approximately 100 tons daily.

A modern tipple will be put in, and machinery that will be used includes a generator, electric cutting machines, hoisting machinery and two 250 horse-power boilers. There will be two cages in the mine shaft which is seven by 16 feet in dimensions.

The coal from this mine is a soft bituminous coal and by test shows an ash content of only 5.93 pounds per ton, and only 2.74 pounds of sulfur per ton. The test for heat content shows 12,758 BTUs per pound. Michigan coal mined late in the last century, records show, had a heat content of 8,000 BTUs at best. This would imply that those mining in about 1880 failed to reach or discover the profitable veins of coal beneath Shiawassee County ground. For purposes of comparison, it is learned that the best coal has an average of between 14,000 and 14,500 BTUs Ohio soft coal averages 11,000 BTUs.

Third New Mine

The third of the new mines is located near the Six Mile Creek mine and the Ehrke mine. Henry Zimmerman, of Flint, is opening the mine on the Clarence Schultz farm which is located three and one-half miles north and one-half mile east of Owosso. The work of sinking the shaft has been going on for nearly a month and it is expected that the main vein will be reached early in September when production of approximately 75 tons daily will begin. Mr. Zimmerman is enthusiastic about the pool he is going into and he believes that his mine will take its place among the productive and paying shafts in the county.

Can’t Discourage Him

D. W. Barry, of Saginaw, who opened the strip mining field east of Corunna four years ago, is now sinking a new shaft at the west border of the strip fields. He claims there is 150,000 tons in the pool he is over and that he will have it all out within one and a half year. After he has exhausted that pool, Barry claims that he has other leases in the county that will keep him mining in Shiawassee County for the next 10 years.

Barry has put a small fortune into the strip mines near Corunna. He expects to get it out of the shaft he is now sinking. When he gets down to the main vein of the pool he is now over, he expects to mine an average of 200 tons daily.

This man is a colorful, ambitious and tough figure. He has suffered enough in the strip mining operations to beat six ordinary men. Yet today he sawing timber a, digging and living on the tough edges because he believes in Shiawassee County coal mining. Asked if he could foresee all the has taken place in the last five years if would do it again, he replied with emphatic “yes.”

Barry assets that strip mining in Michigan is finished. He should know. Four years ago he opened the field, showed them how to do it profitably he tell you, and then pulled a portion of the residents in the vicinity of Owosso through the depression with the profits of his strip mines. He claims that he made a lot of money throughout the depression and that paid $8,000 a week in wages. For three reasons he took out an average of 150 tons a day from strip mines. His method was the use of long drag lines and steam shovels.

Strip Mining Expense

The strip mining in the Corunna vicinity has been carried on over an area of approximately 800 acres which is now a desolate scene of deep pits and high piles of earth. This method of mining, Barry claims, is much more expensive than mining from a shaft. Approximately 5,000 tons are taken out per acre.

Last winter he opened new area in strip mining but was stopped when hit a thick layer of sand rock that he couldn’t pierce even by blasting. To save what money he put into the hole, Barry sank a shaft. Floods filled the shaft and he lost approximately $6,000 worth of equipment that he hopes to regain soon by the use of a diving outfit.

It is told around that Barry lost more than $20,000 in this effort which covered an area approximately 40 feet by 15 rods. Barry claims that his entire loss was only $9,000 and that hopes to salvage most of that.

In the past, many mines in this county have been opened and have failed repeatedly under different owners. Barry claims that this is caused by ignorance on the part of the owners and operators (he includes himself in this category, saying that there is a great deal he has to learn about mining) and that only rarely does an operator have enough capital to successfully run the mine. Few mines in Michigan, he says, are successful if operated on capital secured through stock selling schemes.

There are two other mines in the county that merit attention. One is the Tucker mine a little more than a mile north of the city on Chipman Street. The history of this mine is one of repeated failure and bad luck and at the present time the property is reported to be for sale. The Cooper Coal Mine Company, of Saginaw, sank the shaft in 1925 and the operated the mine for a summer and part of a winter. Their finances gave out and the company withdrew after they had made two main entries and cut an air shaft.

In 1932, the shaft was pumped out but it immediately caved in. It was again dug out and re-timbered at much expense. Operations were carried on for approximately 10 months during which an average of 50 tons a day was taken out. At that tonnage a mine cannot be profitable, according to experienced miners. It is said that the fact that the money was raised by selling stock and that was too little of it sold led Tucker to abandon the mine.

Francis Grover, of Saginaw, now owns the mine. He open it last summer and operated it until last April when he quit, according to reports, because of a lack of finances. Under his ownership about 40 tons a day was mined. At every mine in the county, old miners and young alike, will tell you that the Tucker mine is finished.

There are several negligible operations being carried on in the Corunna strip field. One shaft is being operated by John Hedges. It is the former Middleton-Fraser mine by them in 1931 and 1932. It is located on the southeast of the extensive strip mining area. It has been operated from time to time for the last four years but never at any great tonnage.

Fills Rapidly

Water fills this mine almost as rapidly as it is pumped out and all of those who have operated the shaft have found that they must keep their pumps running almost constantly to keep ahead of the water, Hedges who purchased the mine last April, mines it irregularly.

In conclusion, it must be remembered that the cost of mining coal in Michigan, due to the peculiarities of the top soil, which is notoriously bad and the fact that nearly all the Michigan mines are subject to a flow of water, is one-third higher than in any other state.

For this reason the industry in Michigan and in the Shiawassee County for the most part, will remain depend on that balance of equally high wages in other states and high freight rates. Since Shiawassee County coal is mined only for local market, the latter factor keeps the local market open to local coal.

March 22, 1938 - The Owosso Argus Press

A definite decision on whether or not the spur track of the Ann Arbor Railroad, running to the New Haven coal mine shall be torn up will be reached at a meeting of railroad officials representatives of the Improvement Association, and General manager Blomeyer of the Ann Arbor, set for Tuesday and to be held in Lansing.

March 21, 1940 – The Owosso Argus Press

Coal Mine Is in New Hands

New Haven property Is Purchased by Bay City Operators

The New Haven coal mine, located at Six Mile Creek, which over the past 25 or 30 years, has had many owners and which numerous fortunes have been sunk, has been sold again.

James Miner, attorney for Faston Burgdorf, a former employee of the mine, announced this morning that negotiations were completed yesterday for the sale of the property to William Jones and Earl Gregg, both of Bay City, who will operate the mine as the Jones Coal Co. Both men are experienced mine operators and believe that they can make a paying position out of the property.

The property has been in litigation for more than a year and an involved procedure was necessary to finally close up the deal, including a mortgage foreclosure.

The property sold for $1275, a mere pittance compared with the hundreds of thousands of dollars that have been invested in it since it was first opened.

Plan to Improve Property

The new owners plan to spend about $10,000 in rehabilitating the property. The first step that will be necessary is to pump the mine out, it being full of water, and to recondition the machinery that is at the bottom. It is also planned to sink a new shaft because of the fact that the present shaft is too far away from the underground workings.

The mines were last operated by the X-L Coal Co., which encountered financial and labor difficulties more than two years ago.

Dec. 18, 1947 – The Owosso Argus Press

Violence flared late Friday afternoon at the X-L coal mine at Six-Mile Creek, which has been closed for some time because of a disagreement between the management and union miners.

March 21, 1950 – The Owosso Argus Press

The New Haven coal mine, located at Six Mile Creek, which over the past 25 or 30 years, has had many owners and in which numerous fortunes have been sunk, has been sold again, James Miner, attorney for Faston Burgdoff, a former employee of the mine, announced this morning that negotiations were completed yesterday for the sale of the property to William Jones and Earl Gregg, both of Bay City, who will Operate the mine as the Jones Coal Co. Both men are experienced mine operators and believe that they can make a paying proposition out of the property.

March 26, 1959 – The Owosso Argus Press

SHADES OF YESTERYEAR – A long time ago, there was a coal mine at Six Mile Creek and the ore had to be taken out. That called for a railroad. The Ann Arbor line answered the need with a line north out of Owosso. But the mine business collapsed. Six Mile Creek was reduced to residential living. The Ann Arbor gradually tore up the track. A couple years ago, the blocks along Gould street, across Main street to the Shiawassee River, wore torn up. This week Yoder Construction Co. of Perry is destroying the ancient trestle for scrap. The city is eyeing a small patch of railroad land north of the trestle to add to its adjacent park holdings. The welder cutting up the trestle is Jerry Paceck of Oakley.