I never met John Cone directly. He passed away on June 15, 1988, four years before professional responsibilities delivered me to Park City. However, I can say that we did meet “vicariously” for the first time twenty-five years ago. This introduction left an indelible impression upon me.
The introduction to Mr. Cone occurred on a beautiful summer day courtesy of the Park City Museum and their summer historical hiking program. Our hike that day would explore Glencoe Canyon and the mines associated with that area, in particular the Mayflower and Star of Utah. We rallied at the Mayflower exit off RT-40. Sandra Morrision, then Executive Director of the Park City Museum, and Museum benefactor Hal Compton were our hike leaders. During the course of introductions, Sandra mentioned that one of the hikers, Keith Droste, was intimately familiar with the Mayflower mine. I had never met Keith. Understandably at the time, I had no way of knowing that we would ultimately become good friends and that through Keith (and eventually others) I would get to know John Cone.
During the hike we learned that Keith Droste had been the General Manager of the Mayflower Mine from 1962 to 1966. This operation had been a joint venture between New Park Mining Company (owner of the Mayflower Mine) and Hecla (an international mining conglomerate). The joint venture was consummated in 1961 based upon the recommendations of Hecla’s due diligence group, managed by Keith. Keith’s analysis of the New Park property had commenced in 1959.
Credit: Courtesy of Patrick Cone
The mixing of talent from both companies, combined with Hecla’s financial and engineering prowess, unleashed the Mayflower Mine’s glory years. Keith’s description of the mine during its heyday proved spellbinding. An intriguing aspect of the time traveling conversation involved the collaboration (circa 1966) of Professor John Cone, Keith, and others to create a unique classroom experience at the Mayflower. When referring to Professor Cone, Keith conveyed the utmost respect – it was palpable from both his tone and body language.
In the 1940s, John had been New Park’s lead mining engineer. During his tenure John persuaded the owners to upgrade the mine despite capital limitations. In collaboration with his colleagues, particularly Frederick Alan “Bud” Kuhlman, they designed and installed a modern hoist. The new lift would allow the main shaft to exceed 3,500 feet in depth. No other Park City mine came close to this depth with a single shaft. This achievement was duly noted in Keith’s report and recommendation to from the joint venture.
After four hours the hike wrapped up. Keith and I exchanged contact information. Should the opportunity present itself, I wanted to learn more about Keith, Professor Cone, and the Mayflower Mine. What I learned, so shall you in part two next week.
The Park City Museum wishes the best to all of Park City’s students as they head back to their own unique classroom experiences. Acknowledgements: This article owes its existence to Marianne Cone, Patrick Cone, Keith Droste, Jim Hewitson, and Mike Wright.