The Conservation of Industrial Archaeology and its Role in … · 2016. 1. 12. · Bodie" walked the seldom quiet street, and killings occurred with regularity. Other businesses profited

Caroline Guay / Joe SembratNational Trust Conference 2015 Calgary, Alberta23 October 2015

The Conservation of Industrial Archaeology and its Role in Connecting Us with the Past

Conservation of Industrial Archaeology

Klondike National Historic Site



The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage


Urban Exploration, Ruin Tourism


Case Study #1: Allied Textile Printing (The Gun Mill) Paterson, NJ, USABuilt: 1836Abandoned: circa 1980


Case Study #1: Allied Textile Printers (The Gun Mill) Paterson, NJ, USABuilt: 1836Abandoned: circa 1980


Case Study #2: Plantation Agriculture Museum -Seed WarehouseScott, AR, USADate Constructed: 1948

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js1 The Seed Warehouse No. 5 has been restored to its 1948 appearance and new exhibits have been installed that explainthe building's original use, describe Arkansas's main seed crops, details how the building works as well as machinery that cleaned and processed seeds for planting.

In 1948, Robert L. Dortch of Scott, Arkansas, constructed Seed Warehouse No. 5 to accommodate his expanding commercial seed operation. This location was chosen because of access to the highway and to the Cotton Belt Railroad. A railroad spur connected the building to the main track. The Warehouse’s design included a floor-to-ceiling auger system with improved ventilation and sloping sides to accommodate the shape of huge piles of seeds including primarily cotton, soybeans and oats.The warehouse was acquired by Arkansas State Parks in 1985 as part of the Plantation Agriculture Museum. The Museum serves as one of the 52 state parks and museums administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Work began on the warehouse several years ago with funding from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) and was recently concluded with the addition of the exhibits and lighting. This warehouse may be the only structure of its kind in the United States that is restored, interpreted and open to the public. Two historic boxcars painted with Cotton Belt Railroad logos were donated by Union Pacific Railroad and added on the spur route alongside the building.joseph sembrat, 10/21/2015


Case Study #3: Bodie State Historic Park -Mining Artefacts Assessment Bodie, CA, USAEstablished: 1877Abandoned: 1942

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js2 The wild rush to the high desert country began as placer mining declined along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. In 1859 W.S. Body (Bodey) and others came upon what was to be one of the richest gold discoveries the West had ever known. The ore mined in the Bodie hills accounted for more than 32 million dollars in gold and 6-7 million in silver.

The spelling of the town's name was changed to Bodie in the early years to avoid the name being mispronounced. Bodie himself was not able to enjoy the fruits of his discovery as he froze to death the first winter while returning with supplies.

Mining was slow during the 1860's and early 1870's as nearbymines in Aurora, Nevada, were producing well. About 1875, a rich strike of gold ore was discovered after a mine cave-in. The rush was on! Even the severe winter of 1877-78 did not deter the miners. Mining companies formed and stocks jumped to fifty dollars a share. Stamp mills crushed ore from the mines around the clock

Gold fever spread like wildfire amongst all those who wanted to "get rich quick". The cry, "Good-bye God, I'm going to Bodie" was only half jest. During its heyday (1877-1881) Bodie rose to a population of approximately 10,000 and acquired over sixty saloons and dance halls. Bodie became known as the "most lawless, wildest and toughest mining camp the far west has ever known". The Bad Man from Bodie" walked the seldom quiet street, and killings occurred with regularity.

Other businesses profited during Bodie's Boom. A steady supply of wood was needed to power the mills and warm thehouses. The Chinese provided this by the "mule load" until the Bodie-Benton Railroad was completed to transport heavyloads of lumber and firewood. A room, with meals, was between $1.00 - $2.00 a day, general stores and saloons provided the necessities of life, and the oldest profession of the mining camps was practiced by the women of Bonanza Street. Yes siree, Bodie had just about all a man could ask for.


Case Study #3: Bodie State Historic Park -Mining Artefacts Assessment Bodie, CA, USAEstablished: 1877Abandoned: 1942


Case Study #4:Dortch Cotton Gin ConservationScott, AR, USAManufacture Date: 1919

Documents

The Conservation of Industrial Archaeology and its Role in … · 2016. 1. 12. · Bodie" walked the seldom quiet street, and killings occurred with regularity. Other businesses profited