The Holmes Sawmill Boiler

From time to time I get an email from a visitor requesting information about a piece of machinery, and all too often there’s not much that I can offer in the way of help. Such was the case recently when I was contacted by Mark and Sally Holmes about the steam power used at their great grandfather’s sawmill. As you can see from the photos, there isn’t much to go on. No identifying numbers or other markings that might be helpful. That said, it’s an interesting project so I suggested putting out a request for information on the Mule, on the off chance that someone might see it who could provide some help. If that someone is you, leave a comment or send Sally an email at : shoeboxgenealogy@gmail.com . Now I’ll let them continue the story in their own words.

Can anyone help provide information on this 100+ year-old steam sawmill boiler?

My great grandfather, Russell Holmes, ran a logging/milling operation in Bleecker, Fulton County, New York, from 1890 until his death in 1918. After a brief stint of ownership by another lumber company, the land was reclaimed circa 1921 by the State of New York. Today, now part of the rugged Adirondack Park, the forest has reclaimed most of the evidence of the Holmes logging/milling operation. One behemoth exception is this steam boiler.

The steam sawmill was situated at the base of a mountain, receiving the timber from the higher elevations by team (vs. water). The logs were then hauled out, again by team, about five or six miles to the nearest public road.

In early May 2018, I photographed the boiler. Although I examined the boiler closely, to my amateur eye, I couldn’t spot a manufacturer’s name or any such identifying markings.

 

I've been told by the Bleecker Town Historian that the boiler was initially "dragged in through the woods.” This would definitely have occurred pre-1918. The historian added that, during WWII when scrap metal was in demand, men went to the old steam sawmill site. Whether or not some pieces were retrieved is not clear. But, as told by the historian and evidenced by the photos, the bulky remains of the boiler were not retrievable and thus it lies today.  

Related or not, is a "Wanted" advertisement in a 1913 New York newspaper - "Second-hand boiler about 65 horse-power (R.E. Holmes)" -- Would the boiler pictured be in that range? 

 

Any information – the manufacturer, possible date range of manufacture, HP capacity – any thoughts -- would be greatly appreciated.

Mark Holmes