This book is about the history of the Coeur d'Alene Mining District in the Idaho Panhandle. The Hercules mine was one of the largest mines there and is featured in the book. It was operated by the Day family, making a double meaning to the title of the book. The Day family were the controlling partners, but many others shared ownership in the Hercules. The book details the hardships that were faced in starting a mine, the economic depression that affected mining, mining profits, and demand for metals. It discusses how many railroad and smelting fees could make or break mining companies. It discusses how many mine owners diversified and bought other businesses that helped the district grow and prosper, such as mills, ranches, hardware stores, and hotels. There is information on how labor unions, particularly the Western Federation of Miners and the International Workers of the World impacted the mining district. It discusses the efforts by politicians to raise corporate taxes on the mines and lower tariffs on foreign metals, both of which affected the mining district. Silver, lead, and zinc production from the Idaho Panhandle contributed to the development of Spokane, Washington, now one of Washington's largest cities. The mining district rose and fell as a whole and the Hercules was at the center of it. This is an interesting history of an industry and how it made men wealthy. It also shows the mining district's impact on the local economy and the Pacific Northwest in general.
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The review of this Book prepared by BethG
