Letter from Cornucopia. (August 30, 1875)
Letter 8
LETTER FROM CORNUCOPIA.
Mills and Mines—A Bright Future Predicted—Substantial Buildings Going up—General News
Cornucopia, Aug. 24th, 1875.
Editor Silver State: This camp is lively under its backward circumstances, yet times have been dull since the mill burned down, and there are no weekly shipments of bullion; we are only in the land of prospect and hope. The new mill will be in running order by the 1st of October. The result of which will materially change the live prospects of this camp and surrounding country.
Without the fear of repeating, I still, in the language of the miners, request some of the capitalists of the coast to construct a custom mill here. There is money in it.
The Leopard is not the only mine in the district. Other mines on the same vein will in time prove equal to said Leopard; and by the bullion products yielded from them, make this section one of the bonanzas of the Pacific coast.
These predictions are warranted by the signs of improvement occurring on every hand. Every one as fast as he can get lumber is preparing for winter quarters, and in the future—next year—expects to realize the hopes, fruition and reward yielded by the prosperity of a successful mining camp.
As instanced of the faith of the people in the camp, I can mention that such business men as A. D. Meacham, Reinhart & Co., from Elko, are preparing to construct good fire-proof buildings. Charley Cochran, of restaurant notoriety, is now opening out a splendid new establishment for the restaurant business on Main street. Walsh, of the Cornucopia Eating House, keeps up his lick. L. I. Hogle & Co. are making substantial improvements. The surrounding farmers in Bull Run Valley are having good crops of grain, hay, etc. Goltman is hauling hay into town most every day. Freeman will have his lodging house open in a day or two. Johnny Barrett is doing all the blacksmithing. Woodruff & Ennor, carrying Wells, Fargo & Co.’s express, are going to deliver us express packages in forty-eight hours from San Francisco. Judge Sinclair is still in San Francisco, and we are without a magistrate here.
We have to record another death. Mr. Eldridge, who formerly kept an eating house in upper town, was buried to-day. Most all the citizens turned out at the funeral, this showing respect to his memory.
Of other improvements I will mention that we have a photograph gallery. I have not learned the names of the proprietors. McAvin & Rodgers have a brewing establishment, and make the best of beer in this mountain town. They often inquire after the Silver State.
The Painter and South Leopard mines are coming out well, and there is good prospects for the Black Diamond.
The Fisher, superintended by George Tucker, develops splendidly.
PERSONAL. Ex-Governor Blasdell’s tall form was here the other day, but few knew him. One would have hardly thought that he once upon a time had been Governor of the sovereign State of Nevada. Whether he captured Cornucopia mines or not, I cannot tell.—S. M. H.
Originally published in the Silver State on August 30, 1875. (link)
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