Robertson Quarry Galamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Robertson Quarry Galamander
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | ME 182 E side, NE of jct. with Grist Mill Rd., West Franklin, Maine |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1890 |
| NRHP reference No. | 92001292 |
| Added to NRHP | October 2, 1992 |
The Robertson Quarry Galamander is a very old and special vehicle. It was built to move huge pieces of stone. You can find it in a small park in Franklin, Maine. This galamander is the only one of its kind still left in good condition. It shows how people used to move heavy granite from quarries in Maine. Because it is so unique, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Contents
What is a Galamander?
A galamander is like a giant wagon. It is about 18 feet (5.5 meters) long and 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide. It has four big wooden wheels. The back wheels are 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, and the front wheels are 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. All the wheels have strong iron parts.
The main part of the wagon is a single, very large wooden beam. The wheels are attached to this beam. There is a simple seat for the driver near the front. This seat has a metal spring to make the ride a bit smoother.
How Did it Work?
A special crane, called a derrick, is attached to the back of the galamander. This derrick is a long, strong wooden beam. Workers used it with ropes and pulleys (a block and tackle) to lift heavy stone slabs. They would then carefully place the stones onto the galamander.
Moving Huge Stones
Once the stone was on board, a team of horses or oxen would pull the galamander. The driver could slow down or stop the wagon using a special lever. This lever pushed friction pads against the back wheels, acting like brakes. This allowed them to move very heavy stones from the quarry to where they were needed.
Why is This Galamander Special?
This galamander is one of only two known to still exist from Maine's many quarries. The other one, in Vinalhaven, Maine, was mostly rebuilt in the 1960s. This means the Robertson Quarry Galamander is the only original one left.
A Look at History
Galamanders were commonly used in Maine's granite quarries from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Some people believe a person named Rev. W. H. Littlefield helped create them. This particular galamander was found in a local quarry in 1965. Today, it is displayed under a special roof in the park. There are also signs that explain its history and how it was used.
