Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1882-07-01
THE New BORDEN OPENING What

The New BORDEN OPENING Whai
Has Been accomplished During the
Suspension of Work.-As we have
heretofore mentioned through these
columns that the miners avsiled them
selves of the opportunity of making
numerous improvements to their
homes, yet it seems that some of the
companies have also taken advantage
of the lull in the work and have made
many numerous and costly improve.
ments in their mine property. OF
one we will make particular mention
because the changes are of such mag
nitude as must enhance the value OF
their property here and its stock in
market. We refer to the Borden
mining company.
During last fall a new opening was
made on the mountain side north of
Mr.. @. A. Greene's residences and a
fine vein of coal developed. Shortly
after this a tramroad, ALSO feet in
length, was commenced, connecting
the new with the old mine. This
was started under the supervision of
the late A @. Greene, Esq, who was
ably assisted by mine-boss John
Davis, the civil engineering being
done by Mr.. James II. Ward and the
excavation by David Knode, Esq.
The work to be accomplished was not
of an easy nature but rather difficult
owing to the grade, but with his
characteristic energy Mr.. Greene
pushed it ahead satisfactorily. The
completion however was not effected
until this spring, although some coal
had been gotten out, and now when
work resumes the miners of old Bor-
den will have a new road, new mine,
new houses, &c., to work on and in.
The old Borden mine which We
visited this week, has been nearly
worked out, and around the mouth
is large space which will be used
in the future as storage ground for
useless property. A new blacksmith
shop, l6 by IA feet, has been erected,
and the road at the top of plane has
been put in prime condition.
A few yards above the opening of
the mine is sink in the side Of the
mountain which was explained by
gentlemen accompanying us as one of
the first openings, and from which
coal was hauled to Cumberland in
wagons thirty-fve years, prior to the
purchase of the plant by the Borden
company,
Three large gates cross the tram
road which are placed at different
points for the pr election of cattle.
Near the new mine we saw a num-
Der of cars on the track, and counted
fourteen new ones. We closely exam
ined the new weigh office, Which is
l8 by IL feet, containing two apart
ments-one for the weigh bogs and
the other for the clerk. To the left
on the opposite side Of tho track is
small house, IL by IA feet, for the use
Of the mine boss and men, to lace
lamps, toola, &c., in, Adjoining it is
tool house, s by 10 feet.
The mouth OF the mine is 9 feet
high and 10 feet wide gradually get
ting smaller towards the top. Upon
entering it cool breeze of purs air
strikes the visitor and as he wsnds
his way along he notices the excel
lent work done in timbering the sides
of the main heading. About 200
feet from the entrance the first
heading is broken eff, which our guide
informed us was named "Kemp's
heading" in honor of trusted en-
ployoe. Near by is the first room
from which about $50 tons Of coal
have been taken. There are only
three rooms driven 80 farm the mine,
and but two headings, the ore men,
tioned above and the other known as
"Biddington's.' At the mouth of
the latter is a large trap-door and
only few feet away tho bottom of
the air shaft, which is 50 feet deep.
The main heading extends 500 feet
and has but one bend. Previous to
the labor trouble here about $500
tons had been put cut from this mine.
It will take but few months OF
good work to make this mine fine
yielding one, and under such men
as now control it muat succeed.
The bathing season is bringing its
usual harvest Of death among small