Long lost artifact?

[abuesch]

Earlier this summer I was fortunate to take three trips into the GSMNP, the last a solo venture to Sugar Fork/Hazel Creek. After visiting the mines I set out on an exploration to find a site rumored to have exist, but rarely mentioned (twice online that I know of) and definitely no images. As luck would have it I succeeded in my quest but the journey was long from over. Not a trip for the faint of heart. Attached is one image from six. Any guesses as to what I stumbled across?

[AfterParty]

Db coopers treasure

[pilgrimskywheel]

A steam engine

[Another Kevin]

Looks like a firebox - I'm guessing from a Franklin stove, which, given the location, might have been adapted to power a still.

There are lots of old stoves at abandoned camps in the Adirondacks. When the logging was done, a lot of the equipment was left behind because it wasn't worth the hauling. Here's part of one serving as a heat reflector in a fire pit at a shelter.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/418/19...a86537f3e4.jpg

[pilgrimskywheel]

Looks like the coal hatch to a steam engine locomotive. However a steam engine can run anything, and was probably either a saw mill or a still - popular in that area I'm told. Small gauge railroads were used for hauling coal and timber up there once upon a time though they were converted to many uses following their services as trains.

[abuesch]

Closest response but not quite.

[abuesch]

The clue is in the letters but yes it is part of an intact boiler.

[illabelle]

I found a forum discussing the

Orr & Sembower steam engine...

https://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59386

[pilgrimskywheel]

Tractor or farm equipment?

[gollwoods]

Is that the relic off the forney creek trail between 68 and the top of the trail

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[pilgrimskywheel]

Maybe a well pump?

[abuesch]

I found a forum discussing the

Orr & Sembower steam engine...

https://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59386

That was pretty quick.

[rocketsocks]

Cool!!!!!!!!!!!

[abuesch]

Is that the relic off the forney creek trail between 68 and the top of the trail

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No, this is a door to an intact boiler, but much smaller than that one. A winch is nearby and this boiler is still vertical. Basically the setup looks to be mostly intact, minus piping for the steam.

[pilgrimskywheel]

Mining hoist?

[illabelle]

What do I win?

That was pretty quick.

[abuesch]

No, this is a door to an intact boiler, but much smaller than that one. A winch is nearby and this boiler is still vertical. Basically the setup looks to be mostly intact, minus piping for the steam.

My father is a boiler expert (retired from Nooter, Corp.) and he said it is a donkey winch. I know a little about it's history but need to do more research.

[abuesch]

What do I win?

Hmm... how about an "attagirl"?

[pilgrimskywheel]

Soooo, do I get the cold star on my refrigerator chart with the first guess of "Steam Engine"? I could really use a gold star right now - I got two frownie-face stickers last night! Lol! Ten gold stars and I get a pizza party on Friday with ice cream for dessert!

[illabelle]

If I can have a couple of Pilgrim's gold stars to go with it! Funny thing is, I don't know a thing about steam engines. My mechanic husband will be proud of me.

Hmm... how about an "attagirl"?