Flint Mines



In 1891 there were five men who set out from Ainsworth to stake claims at Sandon. They were Seaton (the first one who had been in there with a guy name Carpenter), Henessey, Henessey, McGegan and Flint. Seaton had been betrayed by Carpenter in Ainsworth where the ore was assayed. Carpenter and some others headed for Sandon about the same time however were later than Seaton etal. This information is from the video GOLD TRAILS AND GHOSTS TOWNS OF B.C. with the researcher/commentator being Bill Barlee. As "E Mailed" to me by cousin Dave MacPherson of Alberta.

This is the home of the Flint Mines and a partial history of the same, owned and operated by Old James Carter, once of Michigan USA. After the turn of the Century old James had staked claim to several claims on Mount Carlyle, near Kaslo British Columbia. He once owned and operated the Martin, and several small claims below the Flint, as well as working the Flint.

In 1912 Lochie MacPherson was born in Kaslo BC, the son of John and Lillian MacPherson, by the time he was twelve, young Lochie was hiking the hills with his mentor James Carter. Years later the Flint and Martin Claims were to be picked up by Grampa John MacPherson, where he would work the claims with his partner and son Lochie.

Lochie was able to take the family, wife Ethel, daughter Gail, and sons, Gary and John up to the Flint Cabin during the Summers. In 1937 Lochie and Ethel with the help of their horse Prince, hauled Rainbow trout up to the Lower Flint Lake. Over the years many of joyous summers were hiking to the Flint and fishing for our dinner.

It wasn't until the early 60's a road was put in place up to the Flint Cabin, a log cabin originally built before the turn of the century. It is a rough 4X4 road with no place for the weak of heart as at times there is nothing but air to stop you from falling several hundred feet to Granite boulders the size a truck.

When Lochie Past on, his last wish was to be placed around the upper Flint Lake, where he is resting today, overlooking the most scenic Upper Flint Lake. At that time the MacPherson Family carried on the Mining practices by his daughter Gail of Lumby and two sons Gary of Nakusp and John of Castlegar and a young friend of Lochie, John of Kaslo.

The two John's were able to extend the Flint and Martin Claims into twenty-six units of Silver, Lead, and zinc producing Claims. John MacPherson was able to sell six of these lower units to a Vancouver based Mining Corporation (Cream Minerals). During a Prospector Course in Nelson BC, John MacPherson was able to access a Government Mag Map which shows a large deposit similar to the large multi mines like the LeRoi Mine in Rossland and the Sullivan Mine in Kimberley. This Mag Map brought on the addition of the Granite King Group of claims connected to the old renamed "Granite King"





This picture shows part of the Old Cabin with a snow slide that came down in the Spring of 98.
This photo shows the slide from across Carlyle Creek looking at the new cabin.
This photo is looking up Carlyle Creek directly behind the old cabin. The slide narrowly missing the old cabin.
The old Flint Cabin built at the turn of the Century, still comfortable and livable. I enjoy sleeping in the old cabin as it is near Carlyle Creek and I can go to sleep listening to the running water, and as the wife says "and running rats!"
This photo taken from the # 2 portal shows the campsite with Cousin Dave's Dodge. The old and new cabin, compressor shack, and main ore dump.
This photo overlooks the Lower Flint Lake from the back of the new cabin. On the far side of the lake is the road from the Valley below.
As our father requested to have his ashes spread overlooking the Upper Flint Lake, a cross made from drill steel was errected in his honour. A wild Maiden Hair Fern planted in front of the cross with fresh picked flowers placed in an old enamel coffee pot from the old Cork Province Mine.
The old wood stove was taken from the old cabin and placed in the new cabin. Since then a propane stove has replaced the wood stove.



Last Updated Thursday, April 27, 2006
Web Site design by
John D.MacPherson


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