Picher Oklahoma Golden Eagle Mine #7 Underground Steel Sharpening Shop with Miner Real Photo Postcard

The postcard depicts an underground steel sharpening shop, a critical component of hard-rock mining operations, specifically at the Golden Rod Mine #1 in Picher, Oklahoma. These subterranean workshops were essential for maintaining the sharpness and integrity of drilling steels and other tools, which dulled rapidly when excavating lead and zinc ore from the region's tough limestone and chert formations. The presence of such a dedicated facility underground speaks to the scale and industrial self-sufficiency required for continuous mining production in the early to mid-20th century.

Picher, Oklahoma, was the heart of the Oklahoma portion of the historic Tri-State Mining District, which spanned parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. This district was a globally significant producer of lead and zinc, particularly during World War I and II, driven by demand for these metals in munitions and industry. The Golden Rod Mine #1 contributed to this output, representing a period of intense industrial activity and resource extraction that shaped the economic landscape of the region.