The Jubilee Mine

The Jubilee coal mine was developed in a time when the world thirst for coal was at its peak. Just before WWII this mine was built just up the lane from our house. The mine frame towered over the whole area but the frame for the haulage wheels stood over 80 feet. These huge haulage wheels were used to bring material and coal to the surface. The wheels were about thirty feet in diameter and powered by a huge steam driven engine.This mine tapped into a multi seam vein of rich coal.

The development of this mine suddenly stopped at the end of the war before it brought a pound of coal to the surface.The building was boarded up and the entrance to the mine shaft was covered with railway ties. It stood for years and was a constant reminder of what could have been and once was.

For we who lived close by it offered a great challenge to explore. In spite of the warnings given by all our parents, it was too good to leave alone. At first we were contented to drop stones down through the cracks of the cover and count the seconds it took to hit the water. Later we found entrance to the building housing the huge engine and fan to send fresh air to the miners. The darkness and off limits added to the mystery of our investigations.

We made a blood oath not to tell anyone about this. Soon this became tame and we began to climb the structure holding the wheels. Further and further we climbed the structure without being caught. One day we decided to make the whole climb up to the wheels. The next day we climbed to the top platform but some got dizzy or scared and turned back to be cheerleaders for the rest of us.

From our vantage point we could see the whole town and right out to the ocean. We discovered that we could make the wheels turn if we stood together on the spokes and get it in motion. We had fun but became fearful and climbed down. This feat was more difficult than climbing up and I personally was very afraid but refused to admit it.

Word got around about what we did and we decided to make the climb again the next day. We did climb with a reduced number and we did get the wheels going very fast. We realized they would make a few revolutions after we got off the spokes so came the crowning glory. We decided to get the wheels moving quickly and hang on and make a free ride right around the world as we called it.

We also heard a creaking and moaning of the ungreased wheel which caught the attention of my grandmother who lived one house from the jubilee. She yelled so loud we scrambled to get down, only to be met by our relative who was a company policeman.We were in big trouble and were taken home to our parents. My mother gave me time to think of my deed before Dad arrived from his shift at the pit.

I received a suitable punishment but rationalized that the fun and adventure made it all worth while. Shortly after the buildings were demolished. There is no trace of the mining past in our town and the proud history of mining that employed thousands is all but forgotten. Maybe mining will be forgotten but I shall never forget the Jubilee Mine and our adventure in 1947.