1977 Press Photo Demonstration of mining tools, St. John Mine, Potosi, Wisconsin

Deomonstrating the use of miners' early hand tools, Vern Ihm (left), owner of the St. John Mine in Potosi, Wisconsin chipped away at some lead facings. Assisting him is Marvin Wurth, an area school teacher who leads tours through the mine during the summer season. A second drift or tunnel cut through the rock can be seen above their heads. The mine, high on a cliff above Potosi, was once the site of most of the lead mining activity in the United States. It was discovered by French explorer Nicholas Perrot in 1690. The site is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day . Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children 6 to 11 years of age.

Photo is dated 1977.

Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches.