Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI
March 25, 2009, Page 3
Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon
History of iron mine published
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John Pellowski of Neillsville displays his book; “Red Land Black River” which was recently published. The book is a history of the Jackson County Iron Company Mine, which was in operation from 1969 to 1983. Photo by Peter Spicer/Clark County Press |
By Peter Spicer
“Red Land Black River,” the history of the Jackson County Iron Company, is now available.
Author John Pellowski, a Neillsville resident and retired Black River Falls history and economics teacher, wrote the 192- page book, which is now for sale at the Jackson County Historical Society, Amazon.com and Borders.com.
The Jackson County Historical Society will receive 40 percent of the book’s profits.
Pellowski’s students interviewed 114 individuals about the iron mine; the information was compiled over a three-year period.
The iron mine, which was operated from 1969 to 1983, was Jackson County’s largest employer at the time and employed many Neillsville-area residents, as well, said Pellowski, who added the iron mine was the state’s only one in operation at the time.
The mine’s demand for charcoal required kilns in area communities including Neillsville.