The Black Donald Story

Available October 2017

Originally published in 1990 and having been out of print for over 12 years, Burnstown Publishing House decided to reprint a small number of copies, with part of the proceeds going to the Greater Madawaska Public Library in Calabogie.

Following is the text from the Ontario Historical Plaque located at the mine.

“The Black Donald Graphite Mine, located west of Calabogie in Renfrew County, was one of the most important producers of graphite in Canada during the first half of the twentieth century. The extensive deposit of high-quality ore it exported was discovered in 1889 but mining was not begun by the Ontario Graphite Company until 1895. Operated by the Black Donald Graphite Company by 1908, the mine increased output during World War I and in 1927 was producing approximately 90% of Canada’s graphite. Although underground workings were suspended in 1939 when the ore body was thought to be exhausted, mining was resumed within four years to meet wartime needs. All production ceased in 1954 and in 1967 the site was flooded by the headpond of the Mountain Chute dam.”

ISBN: 978-1-77257-059-5 (PB)