The Dead Men speak! (PAH)

Unknown

I can see it in my mind, though.

Jamie Hall, can't you picture that header?
Yours is the last one like this that I've seen.

Noel

Dave Yates (PAH)

a 1902 steamer

cast right here in York, PA! Went from coal to oil to gas over the years, but the coal tending tools are still hanging neatly upon the boiler room wall, including the bird's wing with feathers for those of you old enough to remember why they're there.

She passed the match test too for those who can recall how draft was set & checked.

Some chowder head (not Milne!) drilled right through the upper clean out door and added a helical type limit switch - long since gone except for its holder that's schmutzed shut with asbestos. Other than that, the Roberts Gordon conversion burner, a "modern" circa 1930's 15 Lb relief valve and an in-line LWC - the rest of the old gal is original.

Twin side arm heaters and an add-on header that was a factory built steam drying model molded to sit atop the boiler.

Nice scrolled "American Radiator" rads that do not connect across the top.

All that was wrong, was the Chronotherm pins had never been installed and the stat was utilizing the set-back side, which was turned to 50 this morning as Mrs. Homeowner thought it wasn't needed.

The Warren Webster devices and 1902 boiler just keep on chugging.

I hear dead people! Tain't a curse - tis a blessing(G).

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jerryb

need picture please!!!

hot_rod

return

for pictures will happen when I get some free time. Good customers though, so that won't be tough to arrange. I've been accoustomed to finding boilers cast by local foundaries in outlying towns, but don't recall any from York in the past.

T'was common for a local foundry to cast boiler sections at the turn of the last century & given the modes of transportation readily available - easy to understand.

Antique steam systems hold a special charm and even though the flue passages are often large enough to pass a football, unobstructed, they continue to capture the owner's affections (and mine too, I must confess).

Lots of sweat, grunting, pinched fingers and a good measure of cursing no doubt helped ensure a well-fit boiler was placed into service. I can only imagine that at the day's end of toiling, they returned to our shop to put away their tools, gave Doc a slap on the butt so he'd trot the 1-block to his dinner and stable, while the men washed up and headed out for an evening beer on their way home at the Gates & Plough Tavern, which stands yet today. This tavern is where our new US government met in secret in 1776. Somehow fitting that that bunch of rowdy fellows would choose a tavern as their secret meeting site!

This home served as one of many along the freedom trail while Lincoln was President.

Last month we installed a commercial UV light and water filter in a railway station where Lincoln spoke while on his way to Gettysburg. 4 score and...........

We live history every day!



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