The Blandford Gold Mine. In the early summer of 1873, some gentlemen of leisure residing in Springfield, made a trip among the hills and valleys of Chester and Blandford, and in their rambles came across a rock, and broke off a piece of it and took it home to show to a few persons acquainted with minerals and mining. Without hesitation, they told them that if it came from California, they should say that it was a good indication of silver or gold. After a few days of hesitation, they concluded to see if there was anything valuable there; and, if so, try and obtain it. Leasing the land and continuing excavations, they soon struck a wall rock; and, as they went deeper, began to find specimens of mineral ores, which they exhibited to several geologists- – among them Prof. Manes of New Haven, Ct., who pronounced them good; said that such specimens indicated a near approach to a rich vein of gold or silver. When at the depth of about twenty feet, finding a handsome piece of rock, and not knowing whether it contained anything of value, they submitted it to an assayer, who found it to contain $19.98 in gold and 16 ounces of silver per ton of 2,000 pounds. When at the depth of ten feet more, another assay was made, showing increased richness of the ore.
     With this encouragement, they took in other associates, and pushed forward with greater vigor. From time to time other assays were made, resulting in still richer specimens of the finest gold and silver. The shaft is now one hundred and eight feet deep, and those having charge of the mine think they have uncapped a rich vein, mostly of silver – but as much worth in gold as silver- as the last six inches contained several pieces of silver quartz, as large as a large native walnut, so free from stone that they could be hammered down like lead, without breaking; and they are unanimous in thinking that all that is wanted to make it a paying mine is machinery, etc., to put it in running order. The company has purchased the land which was first leased about two hundred acres, and now have full control. Beside the mine, there are some thirty or forty acres of Feldspar and Vitreous Quartz, and that of itself is quite valuable. Courtesy Barbara McCorkingdale

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