History of Thetford Mines, Québec, Canada

1832 - THETFORD,
township, in the co. of Magantic, is bounded N.W. by Leeds; S.E. by Adstock, and lies between Groughton and Ireland. - This township, thought generally mountainous, has a few intervals of good land fit for cultivation, on which grain, hemp, and flax might be raised; the S.E. part is very indifferent, and covered with a thick moss, beneath which there is a bed of stone, with not more than five or six inches of poor exhausted earth upon it. The timber generally is not bad and consists of beech, elm, birch and maple, with plenty of hemlock, spruce fir, &c. - Watered by two large lakes, a few moderate-sized rivers and many small streams. - One-half of it is the property of Dr. North. - Ungranted and unlocated, 22,000 acres.
A Topographical Dictionary of The Province of Lower Canada by Joseph Bouchette, Esq., London, 1832

Its history begins in 1876, with the discovery of asbestos in the region. A year later, mining began and the Québec Central railway was built to facilitate access to the mines.

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In 1885, the Township of Thetford-Sud was formed and in 1892, the Municipality of Kingsville, whose name was replaced by that of Thetford Mines in 1905.

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1886 - Parish of St. Alphonse Thetford Mines is established

Guide to Quebec Catholic Parishes and Published Parish Marriage Records, Compiled Jeanne Sauve White

1892 - September 22, 1892 - Thetford Mines incorporated as a town

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ September_22

1906
Thetford Mines, a banking post-village and outport of Wolfe co., Quebec, on the Quebec Central R., 80 miles SW. of Quebec. It has extensive asbestos-mines. Pop. about 3000.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1908 - Église de Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue established at Thetford-Mines

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1924 - Église de Saint-Désiré established at Thetford-Mines

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1925 - Église de l’Immaculée-Conception-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie established at Thetford-Mines

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1938 - DEATH PIT. 7 QUEBEC MINERS DIE IN ROCKSLIDE.
Thetford Mines, Que., Dec. 8. (CP) - A rock-slide two hours after a dynamite blast in the Bell asbestos mine here brought death last night to seven miners who were buried alive. Early today three of the bodies had been recovered.

Thirty-four children were left fatherless when the men died.

The victims and their respective families:
LEDGER AUBUT, 46, father of six.
EDMOND EMERY, 43, father of seven.
DONAT GREGOIRE, 42, father of six.
ALBERT LEMIEUX, 37, father of five.
LOUIS NADEAU, 54, father of two.
JOSEPH PERRON, 44, father of five.
ADOLPHE THERBERGE, 35, father of three.

The men were only 20 feet below the head of the shaft, clearing away debris from the blast, when the sudden slide occurred. One body was recovered last night, another about midnight and the third early this morning. Two men escaped uninjured in the slide.

Reports said nine men were clearing away loose rock in the mine after the dynamite blast about 5:40 p.m. yesterday. About two hours later,... Read MORE...

1948 - November 28 - Strike by 2,000 workers at Johns-Manville plant in Asbestos starts this day; will last two years, to 1950; joined by 2,500 workers from Thetford Mines, Québec

canadachannel.ca/ todayincanadianhistory/ index.php/ November_28

Thetford Mines
Thetford Mines, Qué, City, pop 16 628 (2001c), 17 635 (1996c), 18 251 (1991c), area 36.95 km2, inc 1892, is located on Rivière Bécancour in the Appalachians, 107 km south of Québec City. It was named after the town of Thetford in Norfolk, Eng.

In 1876 Joseph Fecteau scraped some fibres from a greenish rock with his fingernail; without realizing it, he had discovered asbestos. In 1877 Roger Ward claimed the first mining rights and the Johnson brothers began production the following year. In 1879 the arrival of the railway made it possible to transport the mineral in larger quantities and more quickly to Lévis, Qué. The city grew rapidly as the mines attracted people from other areas. First named Kingsville after William King, an important mine owner, the present name was given in 1905.

Today, both underground and open-face mines are in operation, and the streets of the city are built between the mines and the asbestos tailings. In the 1950s a major part of downtown was relocated... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Thetford Mines:
Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines (Mining and Mineralogical Museum):

Explore the rich mining history of the region through exhibits showcasing minerals, artifacts, and mining equipment.

Club de Golf et Curling de Thetford:

If you enjoy golf, the Club de Golf offers a scenic 18-hole course. In the winter, the club also hosts curling events.

Domaine Adstock:

A great spot for outdoor enthusiasts, Domaine Adstock offers hiking trails, a lake for fishing, and in the winter, it's a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Théâtre du Ganoué:

Check out local performances, plays, and cultural events at Thetford Mines' community theater, Théâtre du Ganoué.

Promenade Redford:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Promenade Redford, a scenic pathway with benches and green spaces. It's a lovely place for a walk or a quiet moment.

Parc Notre-Dame-de-la-Providence:

This park is a great place for a family picnic. It has playgrounds for children,... Read MORE...