1
Arthur Noel, who was involved in mining stakes around Lillooet in 1896 to 1897, later came upon claims in the Bridge River Valley by 1898. His association with the owners of the Bend 'Or and Lorne mines grew to be prosperous for him and a short while later, his young bride Delina. The pair made their home on the hill above Bralorne's 1st Townsite for many years, working together and being a large part of the future success of gold mining in the Bridge River Valley.2
Mrs. Noel and prize grizzly.1900
Forest area outside of Bralorne, B.C. Canada
3
As a young bride of nineteen, Delina Noel came to the Bridge River Valley by pack train over McGillivray Pass. An accomplished trapper, marksman and outdoor enthusiast, she became involved in her husband's work at the Bend 'Or Mine, and later the Lorne.4
Arthur and Delina Noel at Bend 'Or Mine.1900
Bend 'Or Mine camp, Bralorne, B.C. Canada
5
From the time Delina Noel first came to the Bridge River Valley in 1900 with her husband, she had been an important element in much of her husband's mining acquisitions from running the stamp mills to supervising operations in the Lorne and Bend'Or Mines.6
Mrs. Noel holding first gold brick from Lorne Mine in 1916.1916
Noel property above Bralorne Townsite 1,Bralorne, B.C. Canada
7
Arthur Noel had ownership of the Lorne Mine from 1916 to 1928. During that time, the Noels recovered over $160,000. in gold from the Lorne Camp.8
The Old Arrastra on the Noel Property above Bralorne Townsite 11916
Noel property above Bralorne Townsite 1,Bralorne, B.C. Canada
9
The Arrastra was built by making a round enclosure with walls and attaching drags to a centre post somewhat like wagon wheel spokes. These drags had large rocks, and later, other harder and heavier weights, attached to the end. As the wheel turned, driven by water, the ore placed in the bottom was crushed and then taken out to be refined. The arrastra method was time and labor saving in B.C. for many decades and was also used extensively in Arthur and Delina Noel's mining operations throughout the years. One large arrastra was used on the Lorne property and was a well-known landmark in the valley.10
In 1929 Arthur and Delina Noel had separated and Delina stayed in the valley to carry on with mining claims on her own.11
Noel Cabin fireplace1958
Noel property above Bralorne Townsite 1
12
Mrs. Noel's famous fireplace was built with stones, hand picked by her, as fine samples of gold ore from the Lorne Mine. After she vacated her home for good, vandals removed the samples from the face of the fireplace, leaving only useless rubble.13
In her later years, Mrs. Noel had her own claim on Piebiter Creek and did much of the work on her own. Occasionally, however, she would hire helpers when needed, to do the heavy work.14
The Noel Cabin as was in 1980.1980
Noel property above Bralorne Townsite 1
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