Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Free Enterprise Mine, Boulder, Montanan Postcard |
Object Name |
Postcard, Picture |
Description |
Color photo postcard of Free Enterprise Mine, Boulder, Montana; back of the postcard is printed: It doesn't take 60 minutes to "get our ducks in a row." This freshly painted sign on a store front in downtown metropolitian Boulder, Montana, at Second & Main, points the way to the Free Enterprise Radon Health Mine (in its 29th year at this printing). The Mine's friendly mascot, "Miracle Duck" (M.D.), proudly reminds viewers that the renowned TV show, 60 Minutes, flashed the Free Enterprise name on the screen while giving honorable mention to the many "quack remedies" now available to the public. Multitudes of mine visitors, over many years, have papered the walls of the mine with testimonials, apparently contradicting that television report. |
Caption |
Back of postcard of Free Enterprise Health Mine. |
Provenance |
The Heritage Center |
Notes |
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 |
Date |
Circa 1981s |
Collection |
The Heritage Center, Boulder, Montana |
Catalog Number |
2020.78.67 |
Photographer |
Unknown |
Search Terms |
Boulder Montana Advertisement Radon gas Uranium Free Enterprise Health Mine |
Subjects |
Free Enterprise Health Mine |
Year Range from |
1981 |
Year Range to |
1985 |