On Bandana Run above Empire Lodge at the Deer Valley Resort is an ore bin, restored by Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History in 2017. Aside from the large dump of overburden above, it is the last remnant of what was once an impressive array of buildings on the site. Hugh Kilkenny, as an Irish immigrant and an independent prospector, discovered the claims in 1880. He developed and defended his property against all incursions for many years. He likely profited most handsomely from his work, for he had an impressive house on Park Avenue and his neighbors were among Park City’s gentry.
The ore in the Little Bell was quite profitable and Kilkenny hung on for twenty years. After dips and turns in the economics of the mining industry, Solon Spiro acquired majority stock in the Little Bell Mine in 1901. Because of lawsuits over undermining ore, he sold his interests to the Daly West Mine in 1902 and reinvested those profits in his Silver King Consolidated (King Con) properties.
Saving The Little Bell Ore Bin
The support structure for this 100+ year old ore bin was completely rebuilt in 2018. As you can see in the images below, the structure was leaning back into the hill as the rear footings had completely rotted away with one post supported by a large bolder. The Little Bell is now upright again thanks to new concrete foundations and footings under each main support post. It is now in good shape for the next 100 years! Stop by and take a look when you ski on Bandana Ski Run this winter at Deer Valley.
Engineering: Jonathan Richards, Calder Richards Consulting Engineers
Construction: Clark Martinez, Xcavation Company
Status: Completed in 2018
Cost: $65,034*
*As part of the Memorandum of Agreement for implementation of the Flagstaff Agreement between Park City Municipal Corp and Empire Pass Master Owners Association, Inc.(EPMOA), Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History has been reimbursed by EPMOA for this stabilization project.
Before and After
Learn More By Reading These "Way We Were" Articles:
Deadly Avalanche at the Quincy Mine by Michael O'Malley
Little Bell Mine Photo Gallery
Explore Park City's Iconic Mining Structures
Park City's dramatic mining history begins in the 1860s after the Civil War, with the transformation to skiing about 100 years later. Today, the same mountains that produced billions of dollars in silver and other valuable ore also hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and annually welcomes the world for year-round recreational enjoyment.
The Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History are passionate about preserving the rusting relics of Park City's early mining history for all to learn and enjoy. Click on a photo below to learn more about each of our projects and the history of each of these mine sites.