Affixed to a large rock between the trail and the high tide line, this commemorative marker honors the memory of mining engineer Frederick Worthen Bradley. As President of the Alaska Juneau (AJ) and the Treadwell Mines, Bradley supervised all work at the AJ and the Treadwell from 1899 until his death in 1933. Recognized the world over for his success with low-cost mining and milling, F.W. Bradley was a popular, beloved figure at Treadwell.
Memorial text: Philip Reid Bradley, the nephew of Frederick Worthen Bradley, composed the language on the commemorative bronze plaque and was present for its installation in 1981.
“This Commemorative marker is placed on the site of the Treadwell Town Plaza and on the site also of the now-filled cove at the mouth of Paris Creek where gold first was found on Douglas Island. Higher on this creek at a place later lost to Glory Hole mining, the Treadwell lode was discovered and staked in May of 1881. This was first developed and mined by John Treadwell 1882-1889, then was worked by the Alaska Treadwell Gold Mining Company and affiliates until it finally closed in 1922. F.W. Bradley of San Francisco headed all work 1899-1933. His Superintendents included R.A. Kinzie, P.R. Bradley, R.G. Wayland, and L.H. Metzgar. Geologists were O.H. Hershey and Livingston Wernecke. Shaft depth reached more than 2800 feet. Five mills dropped 960 stamps. Gold Production totaled some 3.3 million ounces. Daily payroll exceeded more than a thousand men. Life here was good.”