John Mahon was the owner of a mica mine in the early 1900's. Located just north of Murphy's Point Park along the cross country ski trail it was called the Mahon Occurrence. Originally it produced phosphate John took over in 1908 mining for mica.
According to government records from 1912, in just a few months nearly $4000 worth of mica was removed from the mine. In today’s dollars that is equivalent to $89,000. Give or take a penny or two. The exact location will be on the self driving tour to be distributed during the Family Reunion.
On a personal note I remember my mum talking about family rowing across Rideau Lake to go to work the mine. I wonder if they sang “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go” during their crossings.
Here is an incredible photo of the men of the mica mine. I believe the fellow on the left is the owner John Mahon. He obviously didn't mind digging right in with his crew.
