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Introduction:
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Underground Stables If you look this way, you will see another tunnel opening. We can follow this tunnel to get to the underground stables where the horses and mules are kept. These stables have concrete walls and floors. Don’t worry though, the animals sleep on comfortable beds made of peat moss and drink fresh water that is piped underground into troughs.22 These horses and mules are very important to us. You and I are not strong enough to pull mine cars so we need the animals to do it for us. The animals haul the loaded train cars through out the mine.23 The men in charge of looking after these animals feed them hay, chopped oats and sometimes even carrots for treats. After each shift they make sure that the horses are clean, hosing the mud from their legs. There are also blacksmiths who look after their shoes.24 Our horses and mules work on rotation so that they don't get over worked. Occasionally they are brought to the surface but sometimes they stay below for 2 or 3 years.25 Now you have a good idea of what it’s like to be an underground miner in the early 1900’s, and the dangers that those miners faced. What do you think? Is this the kind of place that you would want to work in? |
Introduction | Tumbler Ridge | The Caufield Brothers | Japan Markets | Coal Mining and the Environment | Mining Technology | From the Mines to the Ports
© MM Fernie & District Historical Society.
