Babcock Coal Mine

W.J. Babcock was a farmer, businessman and local entrepreneur. He owned land on both sides of the river, including parts of today’s Fitzgerald Park and Lincoln Brick Park. He also operated what may have been the largest coal mine in the area. The Babcock Mine was one of the largest and longest in operation.

A historian in 1880 wrote: “A fine quality of soft coal for use as fuel is mined near Grand Ledge. The vein averages from eighteen inches to two and a half feet in thickness, and on the farm of W.J. Babcock, north of Grand Ledge, near the county line; it has been found three feet in thickness.  Mr. Babcock has mined more extensively than any other person in the vicinity, and at one time shipped large quantities to Detroit, Ionia, and Grand Rapids. He says it will yield 6000 tons per acre on his farm. The coal on his place is about sixty feet below the surface, yet he does not have to shaft to reach it and a natural drainage is obtained to the river.”

W.J. Babcock owned 100 acres at the end of West Main Street on Tallman Road. Begun in the 1870’s, the Babcock Mine’s design was typical of most mines in the area. A cave-like entrance was begun at the river bank and quarried into the rock Ledge until the coal seam was reached. The mine shaft snaked back and forth, following the coal.

The entrance to the Babcock Mine is believed to have been near the north end of the dam. The coal was removed and put in small wooden carts on miniature rail track. It was then hauled up the river bank. Here the coal was stored until ready for sale.

The mining operation stretched far under the farm above. Eventually the coal being mined was so far from the river bank it became necessary to find a more efficient way to bring the coal out. A second shaft was opened to replace the river entrance. This new shaft was vertical and went straight down sixty feet to reach the mine below. The new mine opening was located near the barnyard, in the middle of the apple orchard. A hoist house was built over the shaft with a pulley to bring up the coal. A pump was used to help keep the mine dry as it was prone to flooding.

A dirt lane ran from the corner of West Main and Tallman Road along the river back to the dam and the mining shack and operation. This lane was extended in 1916 to access the newly built brick factory nearby. Later, a second road branched off and ran through the orchard to the barnyard and the new shaft and miners shack.

By 1936 when the farm was bought by Fred Haueter, the mine was owned and operated by a Grand Rapids firm. They continued working the mine until about 1943. Thus the Babcock Mine was in operation for around 70 years and was likely the longest running mine in the area.