This week in history as reported by The Summit County Journal the week of Dec. 30, 1922.

Lessee’s discoveries cause activity in old properties

The second half of 1922 witnessed the resumption of ore shipments from Breckenridge. However, the increased activity in the mines has been gradual and does not yet reach the tonnage produced before and during the World War.

The increased price paid for silver, lead, zinc and copper is a great help toward getting back to normal conditions, though shipping charges make it almost impossible to produce the lower grades of silver and gold ores at a profit.

Since the smelters make a treatment charge, they should not be allowed to retain 5% of the silver value in ores and should pay at least $20 per ounce, instead of $19 per ounce, for the gold. It is a matter of fiction that there is any considerable loss of gold and silver in modern smelting methods. Retaining 5% from the ore producer is nothing less than robbery.

A favorable contract with the smelter at Salt Lake City, Utah, has enabled the Michigan Mine lease to produce and ship from one to two carloads of sulfide ores per day for more than a year.

Charles Weaver accidentally killed

The people of Breckenridge were shocked last Sunday when the news of the death of Charles Weaver reached town. Weaver was well known, having lived in the vicinity for many years, and married a Breckenridge girl.

The first reports said he committed suicide by throwing himself under a train in Eagle, but it was later developed that it was not the case, according to evidence from the coroners. He was making an attempt to get out of the way and slipped between the rails. The point at which he was killed was a narrow cut on a curve, and the trainmen were unable to see him in time to stop the train.

Weaver was about 46 and was born in Michigan. He came to Colorado about 13 years ago. During his residence, he followed dredging until about two years ago, when he gave up the business. He then started as a salesman, handling a line of shirts and men’s clothing. He married about 10 years ago to Mrs. Maggie Woodly.

New mill at Royal Tiger to commence operations early in the year

According to an announcement from the Royal Tiger Co., their new mill is being rushed to completion so that it will be started early next year. Mr. J.A. Traylor, general manager of the Royal Tiger Mines Co., arrived last week and is very optimistic. He has already made certain of obtaining a good price for his lead product, but he is still making efforts to secure a contract on zinc.

Very little work has been done in the mine during this period of depression, but the ore bodies were well blocked out in the previous period. It is expected that very little work will be necessary in the mine to commence operations, but a large force will be needed to keep the large mill supplied with ore.

This is good news to the people of Breckenridge and Summit County, as it will mean the employment of a couple hundred more men, adding to the prosperity of this section of the country.