With growing public awareness of the progress being made behind the scenes to get Red Mountain Park up and running, people are beginning to donate mining and industrial artifacts for future display at the park’s Visitor Center. These artifact collections will be available for future generations so that they can learn of and celebrate the people who made Birmingham’s mining and railroading past a reality.
Recently, the estate of Alex Nuckols donated a fantastic collection of items to the park. Actual components from the Wenonah mines were given to Alex in 1968 as the scrap crews dismantled the mines.
This is a pair of prescription safety glasses from the Wenonah #10 bath house, as well as a gauge that was a steam pressure indicator from Wenonah #8. Photo courtesty Eric McFerrin.
The folks at Wade Sand and Gravel also have made important donations to Red Mountain Park. The Wade family owns the site where the historic Republic Steel Thomas Works once stood. Since the by-product plant and many support buildings remain, the Wades have graciously allowed park staff to look through the buildings for artifacts. Important items like locally-made artillery shells, steam locomotive blue prints and underground mine maps have been donated to the park as the result of this effort.
Amos Horton with donated artifacts: the timbering hook he holds was used to carry support timbers in the mine, and the web belt in his hand held the battery for an Edison miner's lamp. Mr Horton is 81 and worked at Wenonah from the late 40s until the mines closed in 1962. Photo courtesy Eric McFerrin.
Individuals also are donating historical artifacts. Recently, retired US Steel Wenonah miner Amos Horton donated his personal equipment from his days in the mines. Sterling Walls, who worked in a mining camp commissary, donated photographs and books.
Park staff, assisted by volunteers, also have documented and gathered many artifacts from the various mine sites around the property. For example, a mine car wheel from the 1873 Eureka 2 mine site has been found and preserved. We are working hard to protect these important historical assets for the future.
Ike Maston donated a piece of iron ore he recovered from a rail car he loaded on the day Wenonah #7 was shut down in 1962. Photo courtesy of Eric McFerrin.
Artifacts are a tangible way to introduce people to our wonderful local history. The Red Mountain Park Commission and staff are dedicated to celebrating our industrial history and want to take this opportunity to thank those who have made contributions of artifacts to the park. Written by: Eric McFerrin
