The Lost Gold Mine | Adventures in Research (11-06-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host/Author: Andrew Rines
• Episode: The Lost Gold Mine | Adventures in Research (11-06-51)
• Release Date: June 1, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents "The Lost Gold Mine," a gripping tale that transports listeners back to the rugged landscapes of 19th-century Arizona. The episode blends vivid storytelling with meticulously restored audio, capturing the essence of classic Western radio dramas while enhancing the auditory experience with rich soundscapes.

Episode Content

Setting the Scene: Pima, Arizona

The story begins on August 20, 1864, in the village of Pima, Arizona. Two steadfast prospectors, Davidson and Adams, engage in a conversation that sets the stage for their adventurous quest. They discuss rumors of a river whose sands glitter with gold—a promise of untold wealth yet to be claimed.

Encounter with the Apache Guide

As Davidson and Adams contemplate the possibility of discovering gold, they interact with an Apache individual referred to as "Chief." The dialogue reveals underlying tensions and mistrust between the prospectors and the Native American guide. Despite Adams' skepticism and distrust, Davidson believes the Chief is trustworthy due to his demeanor and lack of deceptive behavior.

The Journey to the Lost Gold Mine

Motivated by the dream of striking it rich, Davidson and Adams, along with six other men from the area, embark on a perilous journey guided by the Chief. They traverse through challenging terrains, including gorges and narrow crevices in red limestone cliffs, finally reaching what appears to be a hidden riverbed teeming with gold. The team employs primitive panning techniques to extract gold from the riverbed, initially finding promising nuggets that fuel their ambition.

Rising Greed and Internal Conflict

As days pass, the initial success breeds greed among the men. Mitchell, one of the group members, emerges as a spokesperson advocating for advancing further upriver in search of more gold, despite the Chief's warnings about the dangers posed by the Apaches in that region. This proposition leads to conflict within the group, culminating in Mitchell and five others deciding to pursue the mine alone, leaving Davidson and Adams behind.

The Aftermath and Failed Expedition

Mitchell and his contingent venture upriver but soon encounter dire circumstances. Their supplies dwindle, leading to starvation and desperation. Eventually, they attempt to return, only to be found by Davidson and Adams in a weakened state. Their failed expedition underscores the perils of unchecked greed and the harsh realities of frontier life.

Return and Reflection

With dwindling resources and no immediate hope of survival, Davidson and Adams decide to make their way back to Fort Wingate. Along the journey, they encounter U.S. soldiers who dismiss their extraordinary tale of the lost gold mine as impossible. The soldiers' skepticism leaves Davidson and Adams to reconcile their harrowing experience with the disbelief of others.

Twenty Years Later

Two decades later, Adams attempts to rediscover the elusive gold mine but meets with no success. His enduring desire to uncover the lost treasure ultimately leads him to abandon the quest, reflecting on the elusive nature of wealth and the futility of their pursuit.

Themes and Insights

• Greed and Its Consequences: The episode poignantly illustrates how the pursuit of wealth can lead to internal discord and tragic outcomes. The initial camaraderie between Davidson and Adams deteriorates under the weight of greed, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

• Human vs. Nature: The perilous journey through unforgiving landscapes serves as a testament to human resilience and the daunting challenges posed by nature.

• Cultural Tensions: The interactions between the prospectors and the Apache guide shed light on the misunderstandings and mistrust prevalent during that era, reflecting broader themes of cultural conflict.

• Evolution of Mining Practices: The narrative contrasts the primitive methods of the past with modern mining techniques, emphasizing advancements in technology and safety that have transformed the industry.

• Persistence and Resilience: Despite numerous setbacks, Davidson and Adams' unwavering determination underscores the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

"The Lost Gold Mine" is a captivating episode that weaves a tale of ambition, conflict, and the relentless pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of the Wild West. Through rich storytelling and enhanced audio quality, Old Time Radio Westerns brings to life the timeless allure of frontier adventures while offering reflections on human nature and progress. This episode not only entertains but also prompts listeners to consider the broader implications of their quests for success and the inherent risks that accompany such endeavors.

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Note: This summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview while adhering to copyright guidelines by refraining from including extensive direct quotes from the transcript.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Toyota Representative]

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[Paul Channon]

Adventure in research Suppose someone told you of a river whose sands glitter as though they were filled with gold. Suppose you were sure it was gold. Wouldn't you be eager to see it? Of course you would. Especially if you also learned that no one had ever staked a claim to it. Why not? Well, thereby hangs a tale. A tale of a lost gold mine. This is Paul Channon bringing you another transcribed story of science, produced as a public service in cooperation with the Westinghouse Research Laboratory, and today telling you a strange story that begins in the village of pima, Arizona, on August 20, 1864. On that day, two prospectors were deep in conversation on their favorite subject.

[Davidson]

Well, Adams, what do you think?

[Adams]

I ain't sure.

[Paul Channon]

What about you?

[Davidson]

I think that redskins telling the truth, don't you?

[Adams]

Maybe he is, maybe he ain't. I don't trust any of them. Never seed one yet. I wouldn't sooner put a bullet in.

[Davidson]

Maybe so, but he looks okay and he talks okay. That's all I care about.

[Adams]

Well, it ain't all I care about.

[Davidson]

Adams, I'm surprised at you. What can one Injun do against you? And me and six others? One Injun against eight white men. You a little ashamed of yourself? Hey, by the way, where'd them six fellas go to?

[Adams]

Hey, there they are down the street.

[Paul Channon]

Looking at a horse.

[Adams]

You want me to go get him?

[Davidson]

Ah, let him be a while, get back to what we were talking about. I'll grant you that Injuns is bad business, but I think this one's on the level. Mainly because he just ain't got no reason to lie.

[Adams]

Maybe not. He's an Apache. Andy, how do you know he won't lead us into an ambush?

[Davidson]

Well, if we ain't wise to that one, we deserve to be ambushed.

[Adams]

I don't look at it that way. I got a nice head of hair and aim to keep it.

[Davidson]

Can't blame you for that. But I still think our engines on the level just ain't got no reason not to be.

[Adams]

Redskins don't need no reason.

[Davidson]

Now, you listen to me, Adams. We get a chance to strike it rich, to be millionaires for the rest of our days. We could live in a hotel in San Francisco. We could buy the hotel. Say, how would that be? Buy a hotel and order anything you like for dinner. Oysters and terrapin soup and pheasants and fancy dessert. Ain't that worth taking a chance for?

[Adams]

Well, now, of course it is.

[Davidson]

How about it, David?

[Adams]

You reckon I could have one of them there bathtubs in my room?

[Davidson]

Why, sure you could.

[Adams]

Could I have it all for myself.

[Davidson]

Sure. If you own the whole hotel, who's gonna stop you? You can spend all day in the bathtub.

[Adams]

A ten?

[Davidson]

Sure.

[Adams]

Okay, then I'm with you. Let's go. Hey, where's that engine?

[Davidson]

Oh, here he comes now. Remember that knee handling.

[Adams]

Go ahead.

[Davidson]

How are you, Chief? My friend and me was just talking about you. You're all ready to go ahead?

[Adams]

Okay, you want me show you gold mine?

[Davidson]

Yeah, just like you said.

[Adams]

You give me big stick, make loud noise.

[Davidson]

Yep. Give you a brand new rifle and plenty of ammunition.

[Adams]

Davidson, you're going to trust that engine with a rifle?

[Davidson]

I said I'd handle it, didn't I? I'll take the responsibility. Okay, Chief. Can we start right now?

[Adams]

How many men come with us?

[Davidson]

Well, there's Adams here and me and them six fellas down the street.

[Adams]

No, too much.

[Davidson]

What do you mean, too much? All eight of us will go, and we won't go at all. What did I tell you?

[Adams]

Trying to pull something.

[Davidson]

We stop jarring, Chief. I said we're all going, or you don't get the rifle. Make your mind up too much.

[Adams]

Take only two white men.

[Davidson]

I said we're all going. And that's how it's going to be. Here, take a look at this rifle. Ain't he a beauty?

[Adams]

Fine gun.

[Davidson]

Well, what do you say? If you start out now, the rifle's yours. Yes or no?

[Adams]

Me say yes.

[Davidson]

Good. Adams, go over and round up the others.

[Adams]

We're leaving now.

[Davidson]

Right this minute, we're heading for the biggest gold mine in the United States.

[Paul Channon]

Starting from the base of Twin Mountain, Davidson, Adams and their party followed the Indian guide up into the foothills. For days, they wound their way through gorges and passes. Finally, they squeezed through a narrow crevice in the red limestone cliff. And when they emerged, they could hardly believe their eyes. For there, stretching out in front of them, was a river.

[Davidson]

A hidden river.

[Paul Channon]

Did you ever see a riverbed like that?

[Adams]

I'll bet that sand is chock full of gold. And let's take a look.

[Davidson]

Wait a minute.

[Adams]

Wait nothing. Come on, fellas. Go.

[Paul Channon]

Yes. There was gold in that riverbed. In 15 minutes, they found three gold nuggets worth hundreds of dollars.

[Davidson]

Adams, look. This one's bigger than a man's feet.

[Adams]

It's bigger than a man's head. Get saddlebags, pots, hands, anything. This is a biggest strike in history. Come on, get.

[Davidson]

Hold on. Hold on. Wait a minute, everybody. Before we make another move, I'd just like to say a few words to our Engine guide. Chief, you sure kept your word. We want to thank you. No. I guess you'll be going back to Pima.

[Adams]

Yeah. But first let me say one thing. If everybody stay here, nothing happened.

[Davidson]

Why? What do you mean, stay here?

[Adams]

Mean no go up river.

[Davidson]

Why not?

[Adams]

Upriver is land of Apaches. You go there, you all be killed.

[Paul Channon]

At first, the prospectors heeded the Indian's warning. Remaining at their first location, they recovered their gold by the primitive operation known as panning. First, they stirred the sand from the riverbed and shook it by hand in a miner's pan. This permitted the gold to sink to the bottom. Then, by dipping the pan into the water and pouring the water off, they gradually washed away the sand until only the gold and heavy minerals remained. Finally, by twisting and tilting the pan, they separated the gold. A primitive process which went on for days. But men and gold make a strange combination. The more gold the party extracted, the more gold they wanted. Finally, one of the men, acting as spokesman for the others, walked up to Davidson.

[Mitchell]

I'd like to talk to you.

[Davidson]

Sure, Mitchell. What's on your mind?

[Mitchell]

Well, I. I guess you know what I'm going to say. We've all been thinking the same thing for days now. We work this part of the river clean. We want to move on up the river.

[Davidson]

I was expecting that.

[Mitchell]

You might as well get as much as we possibly can. Now. Now, there must be tons of gold up there just waiting for someone to come and get it. Now, ain't that right?

[Davidson]

Yeah, that's right.

[Mitchell]

Oh, I know what you're thinking. That engine's got you scared. 80.

[Davidson]

I ain't looking for trouble, Mitchell. Up the river is Apache country. Even the U.S. army don't go out of their way to tangle with them.

[Mitchell]

I don't care who's up there, Davidson. I'm after gold, see? And there ain't no Apache living that's going to stop me. Besides, hey, I ain't going up there alone.

[Davidson]

How many is going with you?

[Mitchell]

Every one of us, except Adams.

[Davidson]

And he.

[Mitchell]

He wants to stay here with you.

[Davidson]

Well, I guess I can't stop you if you want to go. When are you leaving?

[Mitchell]

Bright and early tomorrow morning.

[Davidson]

Got plenty of ammunition?

[Mitchell]

Yep.

[Davidson]

How about food?

[Mitchell]

Well, now, that's what I want to talk to you about. We'd like our share of the grub. Is that okay with you?

[Davidson]

Let's see. Six of you. We're starting to run low on food, Mitchell.

[Mitchell]

We won't take no more than our proper share. Now, how's that?

[Davidson]

Okay. I Guess. Good luck to you. And if I don't see you in the morning, keep your eyes and ears open.

[Paul Channon]

Wide open.

[Mitchell]

We will, Davidson. We'll come back in a week wearing gold shoes.

[Paul Channon]

Yes, sir.

[Mitchell]

Gold shoes.

[Paul Channon]

Davidson and Adams waited. By the end of August, their supplies ran out. Finally, they could no longer post a decision that was inevitable.

[Adams]

I tell you, you'll never make it, Davidson.

[Davidson]

Would you rather stay here and die?

[Paul Channon]

How far is it to Fort Wingate?

[Davidson]

I don't know. Yeah.

[Paul Channon]

It feels so weak.

[Adams]

Hardly. Stand up.

[Davidson]

How do you think I see you? Adams, listen to me. Once we get to Fort Wingate, get some food in our stomach, then we can go back and join the others up the river. We've got to get to Fort Wingate first.

[Adams]

Don't you see that?

[Davidson]

Yeah, I guess you're right. We ain't got no other choice. The way I calculate, Fort Wingate ought to be somewhere in that direction. If we keep moving straight, we ought to hit it.

[Adams]

But suppose we don't?

[Davidson]

I ain't gonna think about that. Adams. We gotta get there to understand he just gutted.

[Paul Channon]

And so Davidson and Adams started out slowly down the same mountain passes, through the gorges, and finally through the same narrow crevice in that red limestone cliff. When they emerged on the other side.

[Adams]

Davidson. Hey, look. There's Mitchell laying on the ground. And there's the rest of them. All six of them?

[Davidson]

Every last one of them. I warned them not to go up the river.

[Adams]

Looks like their food ran out. They must have tried to get back to us. Hey, Davidson, what's that? A passage. Let's get out of here.

[Davidson]

Quick. Back through the crevice.

[Adams]

One of these.

[Davidson]

Down this way.

[Paul Channon]

Front.

[Davidson]

Go.

[Paul Channon]

So it happened that on September 16, 1864, a detachment of US soldiers from Fort Apache, Arizona, saw two solitary figures stumbling across the desert, half demented from heat and thirst. They told one of the strangest stories ever heard. When they were finished, the soldiers merely smiled.

[Mitchell]

Well, Lieutenant, what do you think?

[Adams]

Why, the whole thing's impossible. Absolutely impossible. A lost gold mine in Arizona. Why, they're out of their mind.

[Paul Channon]

That's what everyone else said, too. We know that Davidson gave up and returned to his home in the East. Adams went back to his family in Los Angeles. Twenty years later, he returned, searched for the same location for the crevice in the rock. But he was unsuccessful. At last, in despair, he said.

[Adams]

It'S no use. I just can't remember. Perhaps they're right.

[Paul Channon]

Maybe it was just a dream. But a dream or not, so ended one of the strangest incidents in the story of mining, an industry whose whole history is one of human hardship and struggle. Today, in contrast to the primitive efforts of Davidson and Adams, mining is done with the help of modern science. The old prospector has been replaced by the expert geologist, whose knowledge of the earth is as accurate as a surgeon's knowledge of the human body. And the old miner with his pick and shovel has given way to huge machines run by electricity. Weighing millions of pounds, they scoop out whole carloads of ore in one gulp. Yes, the days of Davidson and Adams are largely a thing of the past, but the spirit which drove them on still lives and continues to make the mining industry an ever living adventure in research. And that's today's adventure in research. Produced in cooperation with the Westinghouse Research Laboratory, these programs are broadcast to Armed Forces personnel overseas through the facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Join us again next week for another transcribed story of science on Adventures in Research.

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[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Technogod who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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