February 21, 1941 – Alvin Whitney to JSA; Clipping from Times Union

  • February 21, 1941 – Alvin Whitney to JSA

Dear Mr. Apperson:

My apprehensions about mining developments in the Adirondacks seem to be coming true. Maybe we must abandon our semi-wilderness to all-devouring defense requirements. But it will turn our hair white.

If this new operator has to contrive transportation out of Sanford Lake region, guess is that it will be a highway rather than a railroad – built and maintained at State expense. What are the possible routes?

Sincerely yours,

Whitney

Clipping: Albany Times Union – Friday, February 21, 1941

ADIRONDACK MINE MAY REOPEN

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, (AP) – C. F. Garesche, president of the Titanium Pigment Corporation, said today his company was negotiating for the purchase of the old MacIntyre iron mine at Tahawus, NY, and hoped to open it in the spring for the first time in thirty years.

Garesche said that the ore of the mine, first worked in 1826, was unusual n that it was a mixture of iron ore and titanium – known to chemists specifically as titanium dioxide ferrous and ferric oxide.

He said that his company, a subsidiary of the National Lead Company, was interested I the mine mainly because of its Titanium content. Since the war in Europe began, he said, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain titanium – used in the white pigments of paints and wallpaper – from India, principle source of the supply.

Garesche said the mine was operated by the Adirondacks Iron and Steel Company, beginning I 184. In 1894, he said, it became the property of the MacIntyre organization and some thirty years ago was abandoned.