BUNNY TIN MINE - a stope with timbering ,and a very primitive ladder. Until 1875, ladders did not have even spaces between the rungs, which accounted for many accidents, and even deaths. Until the late 1840's, miners had to climb ladders to go up and down; many spent 2 hours or more getting to level. Only 3 mines had "man-lifts", although many men tried to use the buckets for a 'free ride'. Accidents, some fatal, were frequent.    previous/home/next

from a postcard given by Caroline Wiley, 2009