Up for auction is a specimen of abundant wires of silver to 1.0 cm in and on calcite. 

This silver wire specimen is from the estate of Vivian Hylands, a long-time Cobalt resident. Vivian was a fierce advocate for all things Cobalt, especially the mining heritage. She lived in the Buffalo Mine Mill house, as did her parents.  This piece came to Vivian through either her grandfather James Hylands, a mining entrepreneur who arrived in Cobalt in 1908, or her father Walter Hylands, or uncle Don Russell, both men who also worked in the Cobalt mine camp.

Vivian worked tirelessly in multiple volunteer roles in Cobalt and the neighbouring communities. We got to know Vivian through her work as the chair of the Cobalt Historical Society, and we include it in today’s auction in order to raise funds for that group.

The organization is responsible for the preservation and promotion of the Heritage Silver Trail in Cobalt and the surrounding Coleman Township. Of particular concern is the state of the roof of the Right-of-Way Mine headframe. This is one of the few century-old mine structures that still stands today.  The rest have long collapsed and have been removed.

During an inspection, we learned that the metal roof on the head frame must be replaced to maintain the building’s integrity. If the work is not completed, we risk losing this significant historical monument.

A year ago, we launched a fundraising campaign. We are approximately one-third of the way toward our goal. With your help, we will close the gap!

Please consider making a bid. We appreciate your support.