Valles Mines, Missouri, U S A
Founded in 1749 by Francois Valle years. 274 years later as The Valle Mining Company, his 4000+
acre property every year absorbs 21,000 tons of carbon dioxide and puts out 14,000 tons of oxygen, enough
to meet the needs of 63,000 people. [USDA Forest Facts]
Site Map
The Furnace Tender's Cabin - 14103 Valles Mines School Road
The house he lived in
The first smelter
The last furnace tended.
Discovered 2021 by Adam Marty
Under tons of soil near the chimney. Awaiting restoration 2023.
Last 'habitants' of the Cabin
Former residents Ed and Verna Skiles as I knew them
In the early 1970's when I lived across the street, Verna and Ed Skiles (pictured) told how they grew up in the
valley during the Depression. Children of different families, their families grew buckwheat and the kids picked blackberries in season
which they sold in town to buy milk.
While living in the Furnace Tender's Cabin they taught us how to live off the land.
Verna's wildflower pressings can be found on Exhibit Wall A in the Lost History Museum.
MORE: How granddaughters Cindy Marler and Kay Williams remembered them.