1

For over 7 decades, the Bridge River Valley saw the prospectors make their dreams and hard work pay off in both small and large amounts.
When the potential for hitting it big was talked about all over the province, the valley soon became the place to be in view of the bleak circumstances elsewhere during the depression. The two most important mining operations in the country for so many years would come to an end but to the community who lived there, it was the end of an era; one that was worth all efforts to preserve the last bits and pieces of it's history for the benefit of all, past and present.

2

1971 Day crew of Bralorne Pioneer Mines Ltd. shortly before it's closure.
June, 1971
Bralorne Mine, Bralorne, B.C. Canada


3

A few months before Bralorne Can-Fer Resources closed, this crew photo was taken in June, 1971. Many of the workers would have another mine to go to in Houston, B.C. For the rest of the community, it was a choice of staying and watching the depletion of services, jobs and schools, or retiring or moving away to find work in other populated areas.

4

Notice on Barber Shop Door in Show Hall Building re: reduction in business hours as of May 28, 1971.
1971
Bralorne-Pioneer Museum poster board exhibit titled ''Signs of the Times''


5

As some of the miners moved on to other mines and some of the general population was declining in numbers, there was also a decline in the services needed in the community. Bob's Barber shop was one service that proved unprofitable to keep it's former hours of operation during the collapse of the community.

6

Notice from bank of Montreal building re the closing of the bank at September 15, 1971.
September, 1971
Bralorne-Pioneer Museum poster board exhibit titled ''Signs of the Times''


7

Over the next few weeks, all services were either shut down or downsized significantly. Signs and notices were posted everywhere advising of changed hours, operations, schedules and ultimate closures.

8

Bus schedule to Bralorne
September, 1971
Bralorne-Pioneer Museum poster board exhibit titled ''Signs of the Times''


9

Notice to passengers of new times and days of service.
1971
Bralorne-Pioneer Museum poster board exhibit titled ''Signs of the Times''


10

Mining finished at the end of August, 1971 with clean-up taking place the following month. By December, 1971, two caretakers were the only residents remaining on the company payroll.

11

The Bralorne mine could have bulldozed every building and property and walked away. Perhaps, they knew as the community did, that the end of an era should not be forgotten, but preserved and remembered for the exciting time that it was.