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This image is of the daily operations of the Arminius mines, one of the largest mines in the area. Miners used a skip to transport three or four tons of ore at a time across the mine to be crushed before being washed in jigs.

This image displays the daily operations of the Arminius mines, one of the largest mines in the area. Pyrite from the Arminius Mines was often manufactured for sulphuric acid in fertilizer.

This image is of the Arminius Mines. Hundreds of employees worked at the Arminius Mines, most of which were local residents. A large portion of the Arminius Mines' workers were farmers in their off season. However, some were immigrants.

This image is of the Arminius Chemical Company's Sulphur Mines, one of the largest mines in the area. This mine sold its product to locations across the nation via the railroad. Thousands of tons of ore were sent out of the area each week.

Duke Cosby commissioned as Lt. in the 40th regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division of the Virginia Militia by Governor Wm. Cabell. 8 Nov. 1806 Seal still attached

Facing the hardships of the Great Depression, many children were required to forego their high school education and look for employment to help support their families. This photograph of the Apple Grove High School graduating class of 1937 shows…

Annie Elizabeth Butler of Mineral, Virginia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Butler

This card, belonging to Freeman W. Tomlinson, certified that he was a member of the Building Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor. During this time period, labor unions were joined by many to ensure that workers would be treated…

Alma Mason talks about how black schools in Louisa didn't have indoor plumbing or electricity even after the white schools did . An education to the core, her love for her children comes through in her description of her long career in segregated…

Alma Mason talks about how after placing an order for food at a local drug store, her sister wasn't allowed to sit on a stool. When the man told Alma's sister she had to get up, Alma decided they would leave without getting the food they had ordered

This image displays the Allah Cooper Mine during the active mining era in Mineral, Virginia. The two men toward the front left are said to be the managers of the Allah Cooper Mine. The Man far left of the group is N.H. Chandler (has mustache and…

This image is of one of the main buildings at the Allah Cooper Mine. There were twenty-four mines in the Mineral area, all near Contrary Creek.

In this final letter from Alice to Lizzie, dated December 17, 1937, the financial issues surrounding the arrangements for Uncle August's expenses have been settled. Just as a reference point, today's equivalent for the $10.00 check given to Alice by…

In this follow-up letter, Alice attempts to alleviate some of the tension by explaining how the previous letter's contents were based upon a misunderstanding. It is claimed that Lelia, the "she" referenced in both this letter and the previous one,…

This hastily-written five-page letter is the first in a series of letters from Alice to Lizzie in December 1937. This particular letter sheds some light on the topics of family and death during the Depression. While little is known about the…

This image is of Albon P. Mann, Superintendent of the Arminius Mines. Albon P. Mann carried the main responsibility for the productivity of the mine and was in constant correspondence with manufacturers whom he had made contracts with. His brother,…

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, many citizens became fearful of additional attack on American soil. While many could not enter into military service, they opted instead to volunteer some of their time to aid from their hometown. A pin and…

This armband immediately identified the wearer as a member of this important civilian volunteer corp. This armband is from the collection of the Goochland County Historical Society. Spotters were stationed in every county and state across the…

Volunteers typically served only once per week, so clear reminders of protocols were vital for consistency of reporting and information.

This page gives a quick review of the instructions volunteers were to follow to send a "flash" report upon…

Afton Railroad Station, east of Crozet tunnel circa 1950's