North Star Mine 1951

Geophysical exploration increased and by 1951 development operations were underway on the North Star property, 12 miles due east of Flin Flon. This mine was the first of many to be brought into production during the 1950's. Production of ore began in January 1955, and ceased on March 31, 1958.

Don Jon Mine 1,900 feet southeast of the North Star Mine, was developed through the North Star facilities and produced from January 1955 to August 1957.

When you hear discussion about the days and operations of North Star mine, one name always seems to come up and that was the man who was responsible for cooking and feeding all the individuals who worked at this mine site, by the name of Joe Bauhs. I first got to know Joe in the early 70's, when my work took me in and out of Snow Lake Mb., with first aid competitions. He was one individual who was a pillar of his community, took great pride in his work, and probably was one of the best marksmen in northern Manitoba.

Joe first came to this country as a prisoner of war and at the conclusion of WWII, Joe returned to Germany, received his discharge from the army, returned to Canada, and became a proud Canadian. He was a chef by trade, served in the German tank corps in WWII, also received a certificate for marksmanship from Marshall Goring, one of the high ranking German generals in the German army. After the war when Joe returned to Canada, he was looking for work as a chef or a cook and hired on with Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd., June 2, 1952 working in local cafeteria in Flin Flon for a short time, then to North Star mine until its closure in 1958, then to Snow Lake, Mb.,until he retired on October 31, 1979. Joe passed away July 31, 2003. Many young people who grew up in Snow Lake have many memories of hunter safety, the rifle range, and marksman competition under the guidance and direction of Joe and his assistant Ben Foord. These two gentlemen conducted classes which taught many young people how to respect a gun, and how to use it in a proper manner. Job well done guys.

This is a photo displaying hardware won by these two young men, Greg Foord on the left and brother James Foord on the right. In the photo you can see the rifles that they used and in the centre, you can see the trophies, medallions and awards of honour that these two young gentlemen won at provincial competitions. They were graduates of Joe Bauhs academy of marksmanship. Their own father Ben Foord was a great marksman as well, as I have seen pictures of moose that he has shot in his late 80's.

Copyright 2013 G.B.Reid