An exhibition mine is a mine, usually underground, which has been preserved as an educational or tourism exhibit. Such mines have usually discontinued active mining operations and are equipped with upgraded lighting, access, and safety measures for access by the general public.
List of Exhibition mines
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Hamilton's Stores were concessioners in Yellowstone National Park from 1915 to 2002. The stores were founded by Winnipeg native Charles Hamilton, who arrived in Yellowstone in 1905, aged 21, to work for the Yellowstone Park Association. The stores provided food, souvenirs and sundries to tourists at the major attractions along Yellowstone's Grand Loop Road. Seeral of the buildings constructed for Hamilton's are significant examples of the National Park Service Rustic style of architecture and have assumed prominence as attractions in their own right. Most or all are included as contributing structures in National Register of Historic Places historic districts.
- Lower Store, Old Faithful Built in 1897 as Klamer's General Store, Charles Hamilton bought this store in 1915. Substantially altered in 1904 with log and twig decoration, this store epitomizes the rustic style. The rustic detailing is attributed to Robert Reamer, who had completed the nearby Old Faithful Inn the year before. The building was enlarged in 1924, and the elaborate burled log porch was added in 1925. Old Faithful Historic District
- Upper Store, Old Faithful A much larger store built in 1929 near main parking areas with employee dormitories upstairs.. Old Faithful Historic District
- Lake Store Octagonal center structure with radiating wings near the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, built in 1922.
- Fishing Bridge Store Faux-log concrete structure.
- West Thumb Store Located in an old lunch station.
In 1953 Hamilton gained control of most park concessions with the purchase of stores at Mammoth Hot Springs and Canyon. Hamilton also operated bathhouses at Old Faithful from 1933, when he bought the geyser-fed pool from Henry Brothers until 1951, when they were demolished as inappropriate for a national park.[1]
As a result of a 1998 change in National Park Service policy which eliminated preferences for established businesses in parks, Hamilton's Stores lost the concessions contract in Yellowstone to Delaware North, and ceased operations.[2]
- ^ "Hamilton's Stores, Inc". Geyser Bob's Yellowstone Park Historical Service. Robert V. Goss. 2008-08-08.
- ^ "Hamilton Stores loses Yellowstone contract". Billings Gazette. 2008-08-09.