The mica mines in the Chester Blandford State Forest were operated in the 19th century when the mica was transported by cart to a mill on old Route 20. It was then processed and sold as isinglass to be used as peek windows in wood stoves among other things.

During World War II, the government requested the reopening of the mica mines to offset the critical shortage of mica used in the insulation of aircraft spark plugs. Since the Chester mica was low grade for this purpose, the Chester Granite Company was hesitant about sinking the necessary shaft. The government, however, reassured them that they would be reimbursed so they went ahead with the project. Mining continued for three years, but after the war the government didn’t fulfill its promise and the Chester Granite Company went bankrupt.

There are also several quartz quarries in Chester. One is located off Round Hill Road, one in Chester Center and one on Prospect Hill. The mines on Round Hill and Prospect Hill were operated in the latter half of the 19th century by James Keefe. Processing was done at his mill near the junction of Walker Brook and the Westfield River. It has been said that after working six months in this mill, a man would drop from silicosis caused by inhaling quartz dust. Among other things, the quartz was used for glass-making and as a lining for kilns. (History of Chester)

#hikethehilltownhistory
#hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers #discoverthehilltowns #visitthehills #hilltownhistory #flashhike #intheberkshires #nature #adventure #history #hiking #outdooradventures #visittheberkshires #mylocalMA #visitma #hilltownhikers #westernmass #hikingwithdogs
Visit our blog for all of our adventures! want to come along on these hikes? Become a member at www.hilltownhikers.com
Help conserve the Chester Granite Saw, our newest property! https://www.pledge.to/help-conserve-the-chester-granite-saw
Text HILLTOWNHIKERS to 707070 to donate.
www.hilltownhikers.com