Missouri Metals Corporation 1917-18 - Mine La Motte

Beautifully engraved certificate from the Missouri Metals Corporation issued in 1917-18. This historic document was printed by the American Banknote Company and has an ornate border around it. This item is hand signed by the Company’s President (A. W. McLimont) and Treasurer and is over 84 years old. The certificate was issued to Marriott C. Smythe.

The company owned the property known as Mine La Motte. Mine La Motte was the site of an early, and long-producing, lead mining operation. Mine La Motte as the oldest lead mine west of the Mississippi. The lead mined at Mine La Motte, was used for the manufacture of bullets for every military action of the United States from the American Revolution to the Korean Conflict.

The company's name was changed from Mine La Motte Company to Missouri Metals Corporation. The company's property consisted of over 37,000 acres of mineral and farm lands in Madison and St. Francois Counties in Missouri. In addition, they had over 19 miles of railway. The company closed shop in 1919 and ended up in litigation.

A large portion of their property is where the S-F Scout Ranch is now located. In 1961, because of the helpfulness of the St. Joseph Lead Company and Mr. Elver A. Jones, and an initial gift of the Stix, Baer & Fuller Company by Mr. Authur B. Baer, a part of this property became known as the S-F Ranch of the St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.

The need for this Ranch became iminent as a result of the long range plan conducted by the council in 1959 and 1960. This plan, which encompassed a study of the traditional camp facilities of the council such as Camps Irondale, Lion's Den and Brereton, pointed out the need for an area that would be large enough for the council to grow on, and an area large enough to expand the program facilities on and an area rich enough in history and tradition to offer the incentive for the Scouts of today and tomorrow. The S-F Ranch now in excess of 4,200 acres.