Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Free Enterprise Health Mine Postcard |
Object Name |
Postcard, Picture |
Description |
Color photo postcard of Free Enterprise Health Mine; back of postcard has printed: This is the Free Enterprise Health Mine, near Boulder, Montana, where people come from all over the world to find relief from arthritic and rheumatic pains and other ailments such as sinusitus, migraine, asthma and skin disorders, from breathing Radon Gas found on the lower levels of the mine. The Free Enterprise Radon Health Mine has a history that dates back to 1924 when it was originally appropriated for the mining of silver and lead ore. In 1949, mining engineer Wade V. Lewis, with two other locators, discovered the presence of radioactivity at the abandoned site. Lease for the Free Enterprise Uranium Mine was acquired and excavation proceeded. A Los Angeles woman, visiting with her husband in the summer of 1951 for the purpose of stock investment, noticed that her bursitis disappeared after several visits to the underground workings. Relaying the incidence of benefit, word spread and the stampede began. Pain sufferers demanded access even while mining continued. Nearly 1,000 people were permitted to visit for observation purposes only. Reports of pain relief ran so high that the operators were compelled to initiate revision of the mining operation into the health destination that it is today. Lewis managed the health mine for 21 years until his death at the age of 81. His dedication culminated in a discovery that has benefitted generations for over half a century. Management under the ownership of Lewis’ great grandson, Ryan Lewis, and his wife, Leah Lewis, continues to this day. -- radonmine.com |
Caption |
Back of postcard of Free Enterprise Health Mine. |
Provenance |
The Heritage Center |
Date |
Circa 1950s |
Collection |
The Heritage Center, Boulder, Montana |
Catalog Number |
2020.78.66 |
Photographer |
Walkup, A. |
Search Terms |
Boulder, Montana Free Enterprise Health Mine Health mine Radon gas |
Subjects |
Free Enterprise Health Mine |
Year Range from |
1950 |
Year Range to |
1965 |