Connecticut’s Mineral Resources

BROOKFIELD — On Monday, October 16, at 7:30 pm, John Pawloski, author of the recent book Connecticut Mining, will talk about Connecticut’s mineral resources, which are an important part of the local environment.

Much of America’s mining industry started right here in Connecticut, from America’s first sandstone quarry at Hartford in 1639 to the first copper mine at East Granby in 1705 and even the first mechanical rock crusher in New Haven in 1858.

There was a downside to these operations, however. Huge forests were leveled to make charcoal for the iron furnaces and there was an extensive use of child labor at the mines, to name two examples.

Mr. Pawloski will also bring a variety of crystals and ore samples collected from Connecticut’s mines, to share with the audience.

Hosted by Housatonic Valley Group of Sierra Club, the talk is open to the public. It will be held at the Brookfield Community Center at 100 Pocono Road. For information call 775-9644.