Stamp Mill and Engine

[John Merry]

Took a drive to the mountains Sunday to track down a lead I have had on an engine. After several hours of driving very primitive back roads and light snow I stumbled on to an old mill. The owner lived close by so after visiting and explaining my addiction to old iron he gave me permission to inspect and photograph the mill. Still intact with most of its original equipment, being there is almost like stepping back in time! Hoping to see the tank cooled Foos engine that I was looking for, a 6 or 8 HP Stover hopper cooled flat top turned up instead. Still, a nice original engine with most of its factory paint. The owner took a lot of the operating parts off the engine so they wouldn't be stolen. The 3 stamp mill is in very nice shape with a rock crusher located on upper floor, I believe the whole mill should be left where its at including the engine for historical reasons, which is the owners intentions. Anyway, maybe that Foos engine will show up on the next old iron adventure.

P.S. Will not divulge location.






Photos by Vicky Merry

[Tanner Remillard]

Wow John, that is a cool setup. I see your point in saving the whole mill for historical purposes, but I do hate to see it just sit there too. And, as much as I am a Stover nut, I about passed out when I saw that picture. Nice find

[Benny Mckheean]

Thanks for the pictures,there is a old gold mine close to my house that has been restored and you should see the size of that stamp mill it is the Reed Gold Mine where gold was first discovered in the USA in 1799 by a 13 year old by the name of Conrad Reid while playing in the creek he found a 23 lb nuget.If anyone is interested I can go take some pictures and post them here. Benny

[W.B.Lewis]

Anyone who lives in Dale EARNHART'S hometown and can post pictures of an old goldmine is one great guy. We will anxiously await your pics.

[BDMelon]

I spilled my mountain dew wheni seen those pictures my gosh everything looks so peaceful, but you know if someone don't keep this in the family , some cazyed idot will take the engine & sell and tear the crap out of thingsdoing it, I hope this stays right where it needs to be!!!! sweetness

can wait to see other picture
lets see them Benny

[Benny Mckheean]

Originally Posted by BDMelon

I spilled my mountain dew wheni seen those pictures my gosh everything looks so peaceful, but you know if someone don't keep this in the family , some cazyed idot will take the engine & sell and tear the crap out of thingsdoing it, I hope this stays right where it needs to be!!!! sweetness

can wait to see other picture
lets see them Benny

The storm has me staying inside for a few days because of the distance between the parking lot and the stamp mill.You have to wear earplugs when you go in because of all the noise I think there are at least 50 stamps on the machine and it makes a heck of a racket.I have to go by Ralph Earnharts grave and Dales Mama's house and will take a picture so if anyone wants to see them I will email them to you. Later

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by BDMelon

I spilled my mountain dew wheni seen those pictures my gosh everything looks so peaceful, but you know if someone don't keep this in the family , some cazyed idot will take the engine & sell and tear the crap out of thingsdoing it, I hope this stays right where it needs to be!!!! sweetness

can wait to see other picture
lets see them Benny

Yeah those pictures do look so peaceful!!! lets hope it stays that way.