The Granite County Stamp Mill

 

The Granite County’s Stamp Mill, Steam Engine, Drill and Amalgamator, is a historical treasure assembled and operated by Dave Harris and Jim Waldbillig, contributing members of Granite County Historical Society, located at the east end of Broadway in Philipsburg, Montana. The original Royal Mine Ten Stamp Mill, ran by a steam engine, owned by Paul Antonioli and Dave Harris was manually removed from the original mine site and transferred to the Philipsburg site by volunteers Jim Waldbillig, Dave Harris, Larry Hoffman and Phil McDonald, in 2013. This endeavor was made possible by Larry Hoffman, mining engineer from Butte, who donated his time and equipment to the project. 

On September 27, 2014, Larry Hoffman with his Boom Truck, Bill Antonioli with a fork lift from the Contact Mine, Dave Harris, Jim Waldbillig, Phil Richardson, Jim Hyatt and Don Dee Kennedy began erecting what would become a five stamp mill at the original James Stuart/Hope Mill site (established 1867). Phil Richardson, owner and operator of a large industrial machine shop, was instrumental in the initial mill set-up and the heavy machine work, shaping of timber structures and bolt hole drilling in the timbers of the structure. 

After countless hours of manual labor and test runs the basic 5 stamp mill was demonstrated to the public in June of 2017. Charles Connell of Arizona is credited with the sharing of his vast knowledge in setting up a stamp mill, having traveled all over the world, where stamp mills still exist, plus restoring a ten stamp mill in Arizona. His frequent conversations and yearly visits will be missed as he passed away a couple of years ago. 

With many additional hours of experience, research and hard work the following historic components have been added to the original restoration of the mill, that initially was operated by a pulley on a tractor turning the cam shaft.

 1. Steam Engine. A stationary horizontal steam engine with a seven inch cylinder diameter and eleven inch stroke that was built by T.M. Nagle Company of Erie Pennsylvania sometime in the time period of 1879 to 1895. It was purchased from Phil Richardson in 2021 and became operational, running the stamp mill in 2024. Some parts were missing, including the large brass crankshaft bearing, which Jim machined from new brass stock in his shop. A fly-ball governor, drive pulley and automatic oiler were obtained and installed. 

2. The Boiler. Is of the vertical type, believed to be manufactured by Orr and Sembower of Reading, Pennsylvania in the early 20th century (the builders plate was missing). The Boiler was tested by ultrasound and found to be in need of repair, which was accomplished by a certified boiler repairman. Then the Montana State Boiler Inspector ran their initial inspection and it passed. This inspection must be done annually to continue operation. Next, other missing parts such as boiler base, grates, ash pan and firebox door were fabricated. Finally the plumbing which included water injectors, valves, piping etc. was completed.

3. Amalgamator. (also called amalgamating pan) was purchased from a party in Grants Pass, Oregon through Larry Hoffman, who drove to Oregon and hauled the pan back to Philipsburg. It was manufactured by the Dodge Mining Machinery Company of San Francisco California and is called the “Dodge Amalgamator.” An aside note: no amalgamating pans were used in the initial Royal Stamp Mill. These were used primarily in silver mills. The Hope Mill used amalgamating pans, employing what was known as the Washoe Process, (developed at the Comstock Lode in Nevada). This process employed salt, mercury and copper sulfate mixed in the pan with pulverized ore. The mixture was agitated slowly by a rotating paddle called a muller, for a number of hours. A chemical reaction released the silver in the ore to amalgamate with the mercury. 

4. Sullivan steam powered Diamond Drill. This model of core drill was evidently built sometime between 1884 and 1902. Rotation of the drill was powered by two small steam cylinder, as was the hoist used to pull the rod-string out of the hole. Use of the hoist required a thirty foot pole tripod. Pressure on the rods and bit was provided by water pressure from a steam piston water pump. This drill was purchased through Larry Hoffman in 2024. It is operational, except we do not have a chuck, rods or bits. 

The Boiler and Steam Engine License is thanks to Jim Waldbillig. In 1992, he obtained a steam tractor and became acquainted with the late Marvin Troutwine at about that time. Marvin was responsible for setting up the steam sawmill demonstration at Fort Missoula and Jim assisted him, gaining a lot of knowledge and experience. Jim then took the state exam, passed it and received his license. Although the license lapsed, Jim took the exam again and obtained his license back. So he is the reason this boiler and engine can be operated for community demonstrations. The Mill is currently operated for public viewing during the Flint Creek Valley Days the last weekend in July on Sunday afternoon during the car show and on Miners Union Day, usually the first Saturday in September after Labor day. 

It is believed that this is the only operational stamp mill in Montana and one of sixteen operational in the United States. This mill is also, one of only two stamp mills in the United States run off a steam engine. The second one is located in California.