New Life for an Old Mine

from Bethel Living #57 June / July 2023

by Lauriekh1

Leighton’s of West Paris with

by Meryl Kelly

Traveling between Mine 1 and Mine 2 on the well-worn roads and deer paths surrounding Wheeler Brothers Mica Mines evokes a feeling of nostalgia for the untamed childhood many of us enjoyed in the wild woods of Maine. As we walked, John Wheeler, my guide, pointed to areas in the forest where he had cleared the black cherry and the moosewood to let the birch thrive. One could almost envision — transposed across the landscape — generations of Wheelers moving through the woods, stewarding the land and enjoying the riches afforded to all who dig their family roots deep into a place. Kids tromping through the forest, jumping from rocks and hunting for treasures. Adults doing the same. The secret spots and thoughtfully placed monuments scattered across the grounds, paying homage to those who came before or departed too soon, not only honor their family lineage but represent their deep connection to the very earth we tread upon.

Though the Wheeler family has lived in Bethel since 1792, the establishment of the family mica mines came much later. In 1954, brothers Roger, Ted and Abe Wheeler recognized the potential for quality mineral extraction on their land surrounding Pine Mountain in Gilead, due to promising showings of pegmatite. During that time the abundant reserves of feldspar, beryl, and high-grade plate mica prompted widespread mining operations across Oxford County. Armed with scant knowledge of mining, the brothers, with the help of friends, initiated operations. Though they entered the industry in the pursuit of beryl, family lore recounts that following the first blast the air was filled with mica, blanketing the ground as it fell. The decision was obvious, they would mine mica. This marked the beginning of a decade characterized by family matriarch Marilyn Wheeler as “feast or famine.” Sometimes mica rained from the sky and sometimes the high-quality deposits seemed elusive. Regardless, when the Wheelers prospered, they shared their success generously.

Between prospecting the land in Gilead and staffing the mica processing and trimming store they established on Bethel’s Main Street the Wheelers employed many area locals. The work was back-breaking but together they mined and processed thousands of pounds of high grade muscovite mica, all while cultivating enduring multigenerational friendships with other area families. The final blasts on Pine Mountain were made in the early sixties after the increased importation of low cost mica from abroad prompted the end of most mica mining operations in the United States.

When formal mining ceased in 1962, the Wheelers chose to maintain public access to their property, ensuring its preservation under their care for the next half century. In 2020 Roger’s sons — Roger, Tim and John — formed Wheeler Brothers Enterprises as a vehicle for operating a rockhounding business on the land. After considering all of their options, the brothers decided to focus their energy on encouraging land use by avid and novice rock hounds in the warmer months, while continuing to keep their trails open to snowmobilers and snowshoers in the winter. Since the goal during the operational years was focused primarily on the extraction of mica, the dumps still hold remarkable specimens of garnet, black tourmaline, various types of quartz and beryl, and other minerals. During the rockhounding season — May until first snowfall — guests are welcome to visit before 8am or after 4pm for walking and sightseeing, but the hours in between are reserved for those who pay to dig. In this way the Wheelers assure an authentic experience for those prospecting. Limiting the number of patrons affords guests a relaxing experience rather than a crowded freefor-all.

For guests with an interest in a more structured experience, the Wheelers offer a 1.75 mile walking tour with a guide who is well versed in the history of the Mines — its minerals, local geography, flora and fauna. Participants of these tours also get an opportunity to search for minerals and are supplied with guidance, tools and buckets for their finds. Guests who would like to regularly visit the scenic and secluded trail system can purchase a “Friends of the Wheeler Mines” hiking and walking pass which allows year round convenient access for a limited number of patrons. The brothers have worked with area school programs to offer some geology and local history education in addition to handson rockhounding experiences. With kids 7 years old and younger admitted for free, the Mines offers a perfect family-friendly outing. A long-standing relationship with the Wild River Snowmobilers Club ensures that trails are groomed throughout the winter, allowing access to the Mines with their spectacular icicle formations and the stunning view over the Androscoggin River Valley.

Before Bethel was a ski town it was a bustling community of loggers, farmers and miners. The Wheeler Brothers Mica Mines is just one remnant of our community’s rich past of working the land. The Mines and the surrounding woodlands stand as a living museum, offering a poignant narrative of the men and women who carved a path through the unforgiving earth, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of rural Maine. As guests visit the mines, the stories surrounding its origins resonate, urging us to honor the past while we continue to evolve into the future. As the next generation of Wheelers consider how best to manage the land, one assurance can be made: their land will remain largely undeveloped and available to be enjoyed by all.