Gilbert LaBine’s first uranium mine helped end the Second World War. His next fed the Cold War. Immigrants fleeing post-war Europe and job-seeking southerners came to Gunnar Mines in northern Saskatchewan, joining the area’s First Nations and Métis. They found adventure, romance, tragedy, and a freedom never again to be equaled. Meanwhile, lamps made of uranium drill core sat in their homes and their children played at the tailings pond. Sun Dogs and Yellowcake is their story.
The beautiful cover image is based on a photograph by the very talented Robbie Craig.
I am thrilled to announce that Sun Dogs and Yellowcake will be available this September. Stay tuned.
Author: Patricia Sandberg
Born in southern Saskatchewan, lived as a baby in a tent-house, and grew up in a uranium mining town. I am now a confirmed West Coast city-dweller.
Sailed to Hawaii and San Francisco and biked to Seattle. Book lover, dog lover, Spanish student, and gardener when I have time. Full time wife and mother (to grown-up kids).
Practiced law in Vancouver for more years than I care to remember. Volunteer and environmentalist.
A year and a half ago I started my research for a book about Gunnar Mines Saskatchewan, a mining town born in the frenzied search for uranium during the Cold War, set in the middle of the post World War II immigration boom and contributing in no small measure to the baby boom. In the midst of all this history and frenzy, Gunnar was simply a place where people raised their families. My book tells their stories.
View all posts by Patricia Sandberg
Pen to Paper 
I like the title, I like the cover image, I like the intro…who says I can’t judge a book by [what’s on] its cover? I’m thinking I’m going to get one of these.
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That’s lovely. The truth is that it is the wonderful Gunnar people that have made this book happen. And you are one of them!
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Congratulations!
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Thanks Ole, not just for the positive words here but for your great story in the book!
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Only got to Gunnar once, George Watson and I took two dog teams from Eldorado and did an overnight stop in Ken Passler’s cabin, somewhere over that way (Millikan Lake?) Probably a 50 mile round trip, coming back George was a long way ahead and I crawled back into Eldorado and up the firebreak to the dog camp in the dark. So I did get to se Gunnar! Looking forward to reading the book. Not enough written about that great part of the country.
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Nice to hear from you and thanks for following my blog. There were a surprising number of people who passed through the area and I agree – not enough has been written about it.
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So excited for you Patricia. I know it will be a good read.
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Thanks!
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Love to read about the north, lived in Uranium City 5 years, Eldorado 5 years, and can’t wait to read the book.
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Hi Richard, thanks very much for your interest. This area has not had a lot written about it and I hope you will enjoy my book.
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Looking forward to reading your book. Gilbert LaBine staked the first Pitchblende claim in May 1930 at what became Port Radium NWT. It led to the formation of Eldorado Mines and establishing of the Port Hope refinery in Ontario. The “waste” from the refinery was Uranium and some of it was supplied to the Manhattan Project which eventually produce “Trinity” the first Atomic Bomb.
There is a back story to the 1930 discovery which you might find interesting. I live 1/2 a block from the South Surrey Library and if you are interested, contact me and I would love to tell you the story over coffee.
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Great to hear from you Cam, Email me at CrackingstonePress@gmail.com.
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So beautifully written Pat! So proud of you for compiling our collective history and lending voice to the stories of those involved.
Beautiful format, pictures and artwork. Just an amazing telling of the history of Gunnar.
Thank You
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Thanks so much for letting me know how much you enjoyed the book!
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