"This huge gas engine is the source of power for the pumping of at least 25 oil wells in the Volcano area. Oil, once plentiful in the vicinity, has been used up to such an extent that production costs must be kept to a minimum by the use of cheap power. The engine power is transferred to the pumps by means of an endless cable.'--Back of photograph. 'William C. Stiles, Jr. introduced the endless cable pumping system in 1874. He did not invent the endless cable system but was the first to use it in the production of oil. The John Roebling Comapny (NY) manufactured the cable used. This same cable used when Roebling built the Brooklyn Bridge. Roebling's son, Washington Roebling, played a very keen role in the Union victory of Gettysburg. Roebling never bothered to protect their cable-consided it to be a bother. The large wheel in this photo is a band wheel. It transfers the power from the engine to the endless cable system. The belt shown is probably leather. The power is geared up by passing over three belted wheels. The last wheel have a diameter of 18 feet. The 18 foot wheel travel very slowly, but very powerfully. Form it the power transfered to the cable system.'--Mike Naylor, 03/2006.

Gas Engine, Volcano, W. Va.

Identifier:: 009711
Collection Number:: A&M 1800
Title:: Gas Engine, Volcano, W. Va.
Description:: "This huge gas engine is the source of power for the pumping of at least 25 oil wells in the Volcano area. Oil, once plentiful in the vicinity, has been used up to such an extent that production costs must be kept to a minimum by the use of cheap power. The engine power is transferred to the pumps by means of an endless cable.'--Back of photograph. 'William C. Stiles, Jr. introduced the endless cable pumping system in 1874. He did not invent the endless cable system but was the first to use it in the production of oil. The John Roebling Comapny (NY) manufactured the cable used. This same cable used when Roebling built the Brooklyn Bridge. Roebling's son, Washington Roebling, played a very keen role in the Union victory of Gettysburg. Roebling never bothered to protect their cable-consided it to be a bother. The large wheel in this photo is a band wheel. It transfers the power from the engine to the endless cable system. The belt shown is probably leather. The power is geared up by passing over three belted wheels. The last wheel have a diameter of 18 feet. The 18 foot wheel travel very slowly, but very powerfully. Form it the power transfered to the cable system.'--Mike Naylor, 03/2006.
Acquisition Source:: Matheny, H. E.
Acquisition Method:: Loan
Medium:: print
Projects:: West Virginia History OnView