Description
The Haskin/Tonopah Gold Mine Papers consist chiefly of correspondence and clippings
pertaining to stock acquisition and ownership change at a particular gold mine near
Tonopah, Nevada. The Papers also contain a small file of materials relating to the
malpractice investigation of the Pacific Brotherhood Investment Corp.
Background
To virtually "every living Nevadan more than forty years of age, observes the WPA Nevada
guide book, "Tonopah stands for modern Nevada, for youth, excitement, hope and the great
adventure of a lifetime." A major gold rush began there in 1902, following the accidental
discovery of a rich vein of silver. By 1913, production had reached its zenith at $9.5
million, and, by 1921, it had fallen to half that figure. Gradually, one mine after
another was turned over to lessors. By 1930 the population of the town had fallen to
2000, but Tonopah survived as a gasoline, machinery and food distribution center. As late
as 1940, notes the WPA guide, "residents are strong in the belief that explorations will
soon find new wealth."