The Chemung Mine was founded around 1909 and the mine complex consisted of mill, mine offices, bunkhouse and general store. The Chemung Mine is located about 2.5 miles from the town of Masonic. The Chemung Mine was operated off and on until around 1938 and was the last operating mine in the Masonic District. The Chemung operated long after the abandonment of Masonic and other district mines which had either played out or suffered great decline in the 1920's.

During the 1950's and 1960's a lone prospector by the name of Elton "Heinie" Heinemeyer worked the Chemung tunnel and supported himself with his findings but never hit the big strike.