Hoist buildings, at least at the time the North Kearsarge was built, were generally wood structures that sat on a poor rock foundation. The hoist engine itself was supported by its own heavy-duty foundation that was designed to hold the great deal of weight and force the engine would carry. Like at Osceola, this foundation was built from a core of poor rock and sandstone that had been wrapped in a brick shell. (The bricks were better at holding weight and absorbing vibration then the rock) After these buildings ending their usefulness, the hoists were removed and the buildings were burned down. This left nothing but the outer walls of the buildings foundation and the large red-brick foundation to the now missing hoist engine.

Here is what we found at North Kearsarge #3. The outer wall of this hoist was relatively intact, except from the front end facing the road. We think it might have served as a loading door of some type. The classic “H” shaped foundation sits in the middle, with two large “pits” at both ends. Also seen, but not shown here, was a utility trench of some sort entering the building from the top. The direction of the shaft house and head-frame are also towards the top of this diagram, placing the hoist drum in the upper “pit”.

The hoist engines were secured to the heavy foundation with threaded rods. The steel casing of the hoist was pre-drilled with holes for these bolts, and were slipped over them during installation. Large nuts were then threaded onto the ends of the rod, which when tightened secured the engine down to the foundation. When the engines were removed for scrap or salvage these nuts were usually just cut off, as you can see at the top of this one. (also note the evidence of fire damage on the wood slip over the rod)

For some reason we have yet to figure out, the anchor rods are wrapped in a wooden slip which follow them all the way into the foundation itself. It might have just been easier to lay the brick work up against this straight faced box then the rod itself. This shot is taken looking off the operators platform down towards the mandibles surrounding the hoist drum. The large sandstone blocks were used for the core of this hoist foundation. At Osceola it just more brick.

Speaking of bricks, the hoist here was built using the same type of brick as the Osceola Mine. (the Brush brand) Since both the North Kearsarge and Osceola Mine were built and operated by the same company, it stands to reason.

This is the lower part of the “H”s legs. This part of the foundation we think was used to support the cylinder itself. The hole directly to its front (bottom of picture) is where we think the steam manifold that fed the cylinder might have been housed. The piston would move back and forth in line with this foundation and the piston rod would come straight down from there.

At the other end of the foundation (the upper legs of the”H”) lies the foundation which supported the piston rod assembly and crankshaft for the hoist drum. We’re looking from the perspective of the hoist drum which would have sat right in front of the damages portion of the wall. If you look closely you can se a slight dip in the top of the foundation. This might be done to clear the crank as it made its way to the bottom of its run. This is the same as the dip seen in the hoist engine diagram on yesterdays post.

At the bottom of the hoist drum pit was a lining of bricks stepping out from the foundation wall a few feet. This might be to catch any oil or grease dripping off the drum during operation. Maybe.

This is the long maintenance corridor that runs the length of the hoist building. This would be in the basement of the building, with the hoist foundation on the left and the outer wall to the right. Most likely feed lines and other equipment would run in these tunnels, and they could be inspected via this corridor.

This is the outer wall of the building. It sits a good six feet off the ground, which seems a little high for a basement wall. People entering the building would no doubt have to step up a good amount of steps.

Moving away from the hoist ruins, we came across another ruin sitting right next door. We had an idea what this one was as well…

tomorrow: boiler house