[Photo Albums]: Two Volume Photo Journal Documenting the Career of a Successful Gold and Uranium Prospector

RANSON, Roy R.

Published by Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, 1949

Two volumes. Small quartos measuring 6.25" x 9.25". Volume one red cloth over stiff paper boards with "snaps" stamped in silver on the front board. Volume two blue cloth over stiff boards with "snaps" stamped in silver on the front board. Contains a total of 380 black and white or sepia-toned silver gelatin photographs measuring between 2" x 3" and 3.25" x 5.75" with captions. Both albums very good or better with worn edges and edgewear with about near fine photographs with some age-toning and edgewear. Two photo albums compiled by Roy Ranson documenting his nearly 25 years as a successful gold and uranium prospector in Michigan between 1925 and 1949. Ranson assembled both albums in March of 1949 and arranged his photographs in partial chronological order with extensive captions. Some of the earlier photographs show Ranson with family and friends in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan in the mid-1920s. However, a majority of the content is from Ranson s long mining career. Ranson earned a degree in Mining Engineering from Michigan Tech which launched his interest in his future endeavors. Ransom first struck gold in 1936 and used the profits to purchase the M. A. Hanna Mining Company, renaming it Ranson Gold Mines, Ltd. In time, the company holdings grew to 34 claims comprising 1,533 acres of land. A decade later in 1948, he found a significant deposit of uraninite, or pitchblende, in Ontario during the staking rush that followed the Theano Point uranium occurrence. After the deposit played out, Ranson opened the mine as a tourist attraction. The photos chronicle the journey from mining degree to profitable mine beginning with early images of Ranson s first gold discovery. It continues through the years with prospector tents, including a wigwam, and more substantial mining camps; other minors; and mining equipment and a hydroplane. A long stairwell dubbed the "golden stairway" was built into the hills leading to a gold deposit and is seen in photos here. The camp dogs are also featured throughout the albums including one named Jan which was a gift from Admiral Byrd "after return of 1932 Antarctic Expedition." The weather played a big part in the operations of the mines and men are seen in snow snows, with plows, and dealing with heavy snow. Ranson travels to Alaska and the Yukon and photographs show the scenery and the places he was prospecting. An extensive collection of images following the long career of a Michigan prospector. Seller Inventory # 453070

Bibliographic Details

Title: [Photo Albums]: Two Volume Photo Journal ...
Publisher: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Publication Date: 1949
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good