Information
Date
1934-05-29
Description
This photograph has three images. The first one (0272_0026) is a picture of the first bucket of concrete poured in Boulder Dam, June 6, 1933. The handwritten inscription reads, "The first bucket was 'grout' (cement and water) which was spread over surface of pour with steel brooms. All loose rocks have been pried out, and all cracks have been pumped with grout until filled. Some has taken a week of continuously pumping night and day. Each from and pour is supervised by government selected men." The second one (0272_0027) reads, "Excavation for foundation three hundred feet below river bed down to bedrock." The picture is looking upstream, excavation for dam foundation, Boulder Dam photo provided by the Bureau of Reclamation. It also says, "Seen from lookout point above. Trucks struggling up and down the steep grade, reminds you of ants as they attack this giant job. I often wondered where did they put all this dirt and rubble? Brakes were soon worn out and never replaced. Trucks were geared down real low, but you still got a thrill, going downhill. x-marks trussel for rail that will bring concrete from lower mixing plant around the bend where the mts. end in a gentle slope." written as a handwritten inscription. The third one (0272_0028) reads, "Drilling of walls to clean up and to blast off loose slabs on upstream canyon walls. These men climb hand over hand at end of shift, and slide down to work. The art of keeping your balance in a bos'n chair is picked up in a hurry at heights like this. I saw a miner hand a 90 lb. Hammer of his shoulder and climb hand over hand 75 ft. up, until he got past the overhang before he could touch the canyon wall with his feet. It was a side show," written as a handwritten inscription.
Digital ID
pho030893
Physical Identifier
0272_0026; 0272_0027; 0272_0028