- In 1908, James Duncan Hague, North Star Mine owner, died in his summer home in Stockbridge MA. George Agnew became the new president of North Star Mine Co.
- Hague’s son, Billy Hague, 31 years old, was appointed Managing Director of the North Star Mining Co. Billy was born in New Jersey in 1882 and educated at Harvard, class of 1904. He worked for the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Co. as a surveyor and geologist. He was instrumental in the construction of the Copper Queen smelting plant. He travelled the US and Mexico extensively to broaden his mining experience.
- Billy Hague and AB Foote are first cousins. In 1872, Billy’s father, James, married Mary Ward Foote, sister of AD Foote.
- In 1910, a New York City architect, Mr. Julian Peabody of Peabody, Wilson and Brown, NY was commissioned to build a craftsman style house for Billy, his wife, Elizabeth, known as Bessie. James Duncan Hague, their son named after his grandfather, was born on July 11, 1911.
- In 1913, AD Foote retired as mine superintendent and A.B. Foote assumed the job under Manager Billy Hague. AD remained as Consulting Engineer. As mine manager, Billy Hague set up a new accounting system; conducted air drilling experiments; conducted time studies of mining operations; obtained funding and directed the move of mining operations to the Central shaft on Allison Ranch Road. A new steel head was erected in 1915. A 60 stamp mill was running by 1917. The only equipment left at the old site was the Cornish pump. The original Assay House became a rental house.
- In 1918, Billy Hague died of influenza in France during World War I. After his death, Elizabeth and James continued to live in the Hague House. Helen Bontecou, a relative of Elizabeth’s, arrived from back east to be James’ governess. When James went to Tamalpais Boys school in Marin County, Helen became a Resident Mistress of the Katherine Branson School, a private boarding school in Ross, CA. (Note: all Foote daughters attended this school.) Helen returned to Grass Valley/Nevada City, opening an art gallery with artist Tyler Micoleau. Micoleau was married to Janet Foote, the oldest Foote daughter.
- In 1929, when North Star Mine was sold to the Empire Star Mines Co. Ltd., Jeanette and AB Foote purchased the North Star House and about 170 acres. It did not include the Hague House still owned by Mrs. Billy Hague and her son, James.
- In 1945, a widowed granddaughter, Janet, returned to Grass Valley with her two children. Her mother, Jeanette, suggests that she move into the Hague House.
- The North Star Mine ceased all mining operations in 1956.
- In 1957, Newmont Mining Corporation Chairman Fred Searls, Jr. created a research station on the North Star 700 acres. The main goal of the North Star research was to understand and control bark beetle infestations. The research was administrated by The Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, an affiliate of Cornell University. (The Boyce Thompson Institute, named for the founder of Newmont Mining Corp., is an independent research institute devoted to using plant sciences to improve agriculture, protect the environment, and enhance human health). The Central mine buildings were used as labs and offices. The Project Manager, Mr. Vite and his wife and twin daughters lived in the Hague House. Remodeling was done and the swimming pool was built. Bark beetle was eliminated in the 700 acre Ponderosa pine forest.
- After the Institute finished its work, The Hague House was used as a rental. It was vacant and falling into disrepair in 2002 .
- In 2002, a developer, Mr. Sanderson, purchased the 700 acres that included the Julia Morgan North Star House and the Hague House. He deeded 14 acres to the Nevada County Land Trust, now known as the Bear Yuba Land Trust.
- In 2006, the North Star Historic Conservancy became owner of the 14 acres and 4 buildings including the Hague House.
