Mule drivers at Extension Mines

Before the introduction of electric mine locomotives, mules played a critical role in mining, pulling loaded cars to the shaft to get the ore to the surface. In this photograph, miners and mule drivers pose with mules outside the Extension mine. Wearing helmets with lamps, dark jackets over grubby shirts, long pants, and boots, they gaze unsmilingly at the camera. Several are mounted, some two to a mule and in one case backward, while others loosely hold the reins to their placid-looking animals.