Iron Mining at Bessemer, 1899-1914:
The Hand of Father Time
by Dave Hanes
Mining communities like this one in Mayo township, near Bancroft, Ontario, dotted our province during the 1800s and early 1900s, each one similar but each also with its own characters and stories to tell. Our history lives on when brought to life by persons like myself and many other authors who have spent countless hours, weeks and sometimes years to have their efforts put into a book for the public to enjoy.
We didn't know anything about Bessemer, and when we finally found the main #4 workings, it mildly interested us and we began to casually do some exploring. Then it happened. One old forgotten foundation led to another, until we found the foundation of what was to have been a hotel and theatre, built by Tommy Stevens. 
One day at the base of a small hill and flooded stream we uncovered many old bottles and an old miner's carbide lamp. Some of these bottles dated back to the 1880s.
We started out by talking to a few of the local "old-timers", and using tape recorders. Then we would get together and listen to the tapes. It sounded interesting enough from the little we had, that we it should be put into a book to preserve the memories. We hope the result is as fascinating for you as it has been for us.
Go Here for the Table of Contents
ISBN:0-88954-424-7 | WMPub# 1198 | 8½" x 11"
212 pages, Beautiful Hard Cover | $44.95
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Early Mining Of Mayo Township
Chapter 2; A New Face Appears
Chapter 3: If Not Copper, Try Iron
Chapter 4: A Community Develops
Chapter 5: Progress Makes A Slow Start
Chapter 6: The Community Grows
Chapter 7: Rail Futures
Chapter 8: We Lay The Steel
Chapter 9: Rail Travel Is A Way Of Life
Chapter 10: "Bessie" Joins The Bessemer Crowd
Chapter 11: An Abrupt Change
Chapter 12: School Days in Bessemer, 1908
Chapter 13: We Work And Wonder
Chapter 14: Our Talents, Our Dangers And The Days Of Our Years
Chapter 15: Uncertainties And Rivalries
Chapter 16: Not A Vintage Year
Chapter 17: We Begin Anew
Chapter 18: Meet An Informative Old-Timer
Chapter 19: School Days And Growing Up In Upper Hermon
Chapter 20: The Running Of A Mining Company
Chapter 21: "Bessie" Is Joined By Other Engines
Chapter 22: Life Has Its Tragic Moments
Chapter 23: A Final Closure
Chapter 24: The Wind Passes Over It
Chapter 25: Come, Take A Walk With Me And I'll Show You Around