P a g e 9 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r gravel. During this period of dredge mining, however, the area did produce $7 million in gold. However, like so many mining towns, operations began to decline shortly at the turn of the century. As the price of gold rose significantly in the 1930s, dredge mining revived briefly. However, once World War II hit, mining ceased all together. Charles and Sue Bovey began buying the town in the 1940s and putting in the maintenance needed to repair to the city’s failing structures. It was through their efforts that the ghost town of Virginia City became restored for tourism in the 1950s and now stands as a tourist town, bringing back by the Old West to visitors from all over. –Courtesy of our friend Matt Grover at RareGoldNuggets.Com Matt Grover shares his vast knowledge of ghost towns, metal detecting, gold prospecting, rockhounding, maps, treasures and much more at RareGoldNuggets.Com Be sure to check out his website! The New Chicago School This school was built in 1874 by John Fetherman, costing $700. The furniture cost $100. Teachers were hired by the school board as much for their marriageability as their teaching ability, however they did hire married women. The teachers all stayed with the local families in the valley. The school year didn't start until Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz the crops were in during the fall, and when the weather got too cold they closed the school until spring. At one time New Chicago had a population of 1300, but when the railroad came through buildings started moving to Drummond. In 1989 this school belonged to the Parke family. They gave it to the Historical Society. With lots of volunteer help, it was moved, restored, and opened in May of 1995. In 1886, a petition started circulating and was signed by many residents of Bannack and surrounding towns asking for an increase of mail service. The once tri-weekly service was upgraded to six times a week. The post office for Bannack was once located in the Turner House pictured. Bannack's post office closed its doors for good in 1938. Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz
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