Americans mine for gold in northern Korea: Part 2

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Opinion

Wed, December 6, 2023 | 00:42

Americans mine for gold in northern Korea: Part 2

Posted : 2020-11-29 09:03

Updated : 2020-12-01 20:50

Mrs. Lower on her first visit to the mines in 1906. In the early 1900s, most of the young miners when they arrived were bachelors. Some of these young men sent for their sweethearts from back home and married them in Japan or Seoul before taking them to the concession. It was a gamble for all concerned and not all who wed in Korea returned home married. Robert Neff Collection (Courtesy of the Lower family)

By Robert Neff

Adventure could also be found in other forms. The mining concession's railroad was especially favored by visitors. These small engines crept up and down ― and in some cases, through ― the mountains transporting wood. Circa 1920s. Robert Neff Collection (Courtesy of Woodham family)

In the late 1890s, most of the Western employees of the mining concession were grizzled old prospectors and seasoned miners from the "Wild Wild West," Alaska, the Klondike and Mexico ― their willingness to use a gun or their fists was essential in getting the mines in operation.

However, once mining operations began to run smoothly the company phased out these ornery old cusses and replaced them with young and inexperienced men seeking an opportunity to make their fortunes.

The company hoped that they would become career men and remain in Korea ― raising families whose sons and daughters would end up working for the company.

I find it interesting and amusing to read some of the letters written by the children at the mines.

They are very similar to those of their peers in the United States ― letters about school (the mining concession had its own school), the dreaded visit to the dentist or doctor and, one of my favorites, the little girl who wouldn't go away so the little boy could finish his bath in the tub on the porch.

However, there are some distinct differences. Tales of wolves killing small children in the community, tigers prowling about at night and the frequent raids by Manchurian bandits and other outlaws.

Here are a few more pictures to give a brief look at life on the American mining concession in northern Korea.

My great appreciation to all of those families ― many who are not mentioned in these articles but provided so much information and so many images.

Some miners had Korean-style homes built for themselves. They were relatively comfortable and they often had one or two houseboys to do the cooking and laundry. Some of the miners returned to the United States with their houseboys and helped them go to school in the United States. Circa 1904. Robert Neff Collection

Korean homes near the mines. Some sources claim that nearly 5,000 Koreans were in some way connected to the mining operations. Circa 1920s. Robert Neff Collection (Courtesy of Jan Downing)

An American woman with her children and pets. Dogs were constant companions and are often seen in the pictures and home movie of the mining concession. Circa 1904. Robert Neff Collection

The mining concession had its own one-room school. Lessons were given in English but the children also learned Latin and, from their peers, Russian, German, French, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. One of the best students ― according to one of the teachers ― was a Korean houseboy who studied while he worked in the school house. A few of these children are still alive and reside in South Carolina. Circa 1930s. Robert Neff Collection (Courtesy of Jan Downing)

The small community often had to provide their own entertainment. Here, a group of miners and their families indulge in an improved version of the "wheel-barrow race." Circa 1913. Courtesy of Diane Nars

The club house at the main mining camp. In the beginning, it had phonographs and records for entertainment but later a small theater, bowling alley and tennis courts were added. It was the community's center but ― despite having little else to do ― many of the miners complained of the monotony of each other's company. Circa 1920s. Robert Neff Collection

Hunting was very popular with the Western miners. Tigers were, of course, the trophy prey but deer, bear, wild boars, geese, ducks and rabbits were also appreciated at the dinner table. Rev. Powers and his hunting party in the 1930s. Robert Neff Collection (Courtesy of Powers family)

robertneff103@gmail.com