Topic ID #16112 - posted 1/26/2012 5:35 PM
Jennifer Palmer
Webmaster
19th century historic....??? what's your best guess?
Jennifer Palmer
Webmaster
Soliciting opinions on what this structure was... What's your best guess? I apologize for the crappy cellphone pic, as I was out on a trail run and didn't have a real camera with me.
This is located near Delaware Water Gap, PA. It is adjacent to a 19th c RR grade (now a road). There was also a large lumberyard in the vicinity. I'm not sure if the property included this parcel or what else was located here historically. The ground surface slopes downward slightly to the left of the pic, maybe a meter lower.
Any guesses? I posted this on Facebook and some of my friends there suggested some type of coal loading mechanism, the supports for a slanted roof/overhang (maybe a covered area for loading lumber or other items to the RR), and a depot.
My curiousity is piqued. I haven't had the time to do any research on this, but was just curious if this rings a bell with anyone. Thanks, Jennifer
This is located near Delaware Water Gap, PA. It is adjacent to a 19th c RR grade (now a road). There was also a large lumberyard in the vicinity. I'm not sure if the property included this parcel or what else was located here historically. The ground surface slopes downward slightly to the left of the pic, maybe a meter lower.
Any guesses? I posted this on Facebook and some of my friends there suggested some type of coal loading mechanism, the supports for a slanted roof/overhang (maybe a covered area for loading lumber or other items to the RR), and a depot.
My curiousity is piqued. I haven't had the time to do any research on this, but was just curious if this rings a bell with anyone. Thanks, Jennifer
Post ID#19269 - replied 1/27/2012 6:04 AM
scottyj432
The column things are pretty massive. Not sure about the coal loading or lumber loading theory. Whatever they are (or were), they were meant to last and/or support a very heavy load.
Post ID#19270 - replied 1/27/2012 1:27 PM
SHPO Grunt
It does look like the foundations for a rather large tipple. Was there any mining in the area? As Scotty noted, those supports are really sturdy. I would guess either a tipple for coal or ore of some sort.
Post ID#19272 - replied 1/31/2012 3:55 AM
simrankim
nice pic...
Post ID#19275 - replied 2/1/2012 4:44 AM
rkeyo
Moderator
Are we sure this isn't evidence for Iberian Celtic druids building megalithic sun worship structures, in PA, so they can avoid the high property taxes in Europe?!
Post ID#19276 - replied 2/1/2012 9:24 AM
Dmack89
Definitley need more info to make an infromed guess. Is the trail the old RR bed? If not, what was it, it clearly seems to be related to these structures.
In the background it appears there is hill sloping in the same direction as the columns - is this true? What does it the landscape suggest might be here?
Any town names in the vicinity that might give a clue? Iron City, Woodville, etc.
Could be a lot of fun to track this all done - Good Luck. If you ever head that way again send us all better pictures - details on columns etc.
Post ID#19277 - replied 2/1/2012 10:10 AM
Jennifer Palmer
Webmaster
Thanks. I'm going to bring the GPS next time I'm out and get more info. This appears to be sloping downhill towards what used to be the New York, Susquehanna & Western RR, so it's clear that this must have been associated with it one way or another.
Post ID#19278 - replied 2/2/2012 4:59 AM
rkeyo
Moderator
It looks like some sort of loading structure, given the girth of the columns, rather than a storage facility, and is most likely associated with the RR. Checking old pix may come up iwth a match.
http://jgrossma.deviantart.com/art/1900-s-Coal-loading-structure-195831778
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevensiegel/4506015226/
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1883846
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eagle_Mountain_Railroad-Ferrum.jpg
http://jgrossma.deviantart.com/art/1900-s-Coal-loading-structure-195831778
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevensiegel/4506015226/
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1883846
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eagle_Mountain_Railroad-Ferrum.jpg
Post ID#19280 - replied 2/3/2012 7:32 AM
SHPO Grunt
It does appear that there was some historic copper mining, or at least attemped copper mining, in the area:
http://www.abandonedmines.net/pahaquarry.htm
It may be related to that.
Here is some more information:
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/historyculture/upload/cmsstgCOPER.pdf
That mill in the photo is strong candidate for what you are looking at.
http://www.abandonedmines.net/pahaquarry.htm
It may be related to that.
Here is some more information:
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/historyculture/upload/cmsstgCOPER.pdf
That mill in the photo is strong candidate for what you are looking at.
Post ID#19284 - replied 2/4/2012 5:06 AM
Jennifer Palmer
Webmaster
I appreciate the links and photos. There were some limited attempts at copper mining across the Delaware River, and some debate over how long it's been going on. As far as I know this did not extend into this part of Pennsylvania. The only industrial site I'm aware of historically in the immediate vicinity was a large lumberyard and associated sawmill. Lumbering was once a big local industry.
When I have time I'm going to research the history of the property. I apologize for posting the photo without much info. I will update when I have more to share! Thanks for everyone's input. Jennifer
When I have time I'm going to research the history of the property. I apologize for posting the photo without much info. I will update when I have more to share! Thanks for everyone's input. Jennifer
Post ID#19299 - replied 2/10/2012 7:25 PM
tiphane
I've never seen anything like these, but my husband (born and raised in a logging town) says they look like logging bunks. Think of the cradle-like structure of a log truck. The logs would've been stacked against the long columns and unloaded from the short side. Was the railroad along the short column side? The logs could have been unloaded directly onto railcars with timbers and poles.
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