Silberkuhle Mine near Bödefeld

"Silberkuhle" near BödefeldAround the middle of the last century, German industry was still in its infancy. In the Ruhr area, the collieries and iron works increased. In our quiet mountain country, however, the inhabitants sought their income in agriculture, in forestry and in modest commercial enterprises, as they had always done. During this time, an attempt was made to set up a large industrial company in our homeland, which would give work and bread to thousands of people.At that time, the reputation of Westphalian California went through the Sauerland. Foreign companies, the English and mainly the French had made the decision to thoroughly exploit the Ramsbecker ore deposits and to build up a large industry there. Zinc and silver ores were mined. Silver ore in particular was in great demand. So, in several places in the parish of Bödefeld, digs were made for ore