Ingersoll-Rand Motor #1 Darwin Mine, Darwin, CA This image of an Ingersoll-Rand Co. manufactured motor was taken inside one of the many remaining buildings at the Darwin Mine in Darwin, California. This engine (one of three in this building) drove an armature or generator to supply electricity for the hoists, pumps, carts, and other mining equipment. The Darwin mine and town have a very long and interesting history dating back to the 1870's. The mines in the area were productive up into the 1970's, producing significant amounts of lead, silver, copper, zinc and gold. The town of Darwin is now mostly abandoned; current population is about 40. The company town surrounding the mine is completely abandoned, except for a caretaker. Scores of residences, shacks, and outbuildings associated with the mine stand empty - baking in the desert sun. I had the good fortune this trip to make the acquaintance of a local artist, Hal, who introduced me to the caretaker at the mine, Howard. Copyright © 2002-2004 Jerry Day If you arrived here by search engine, click here to see the rest of site. |
DarkSkyDreams Night Photography by Jerry Day |
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