Philadelphia Mint closed last half of 1855
RogerB
Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
This might be of interest to some members.
Mint of the United States
Chief Coiner’s Office
January 31, 1856
J. Ross Snowden, Esq.
Director of the Mint
Dear Sir:
I beg leave to report that on the 20th of July 1855, all coining operations were closed, and the last delivery of coin made. At that time was commenced the removal of the machinery, and storing it, while occupied from the above date to 1st of August. The portion of the building under my control was delivered into the charge of Capt. Talcot, Chief Engineer of Repairs, during the months of August, September, October and November. Every attention was paid to the keeping and improving of the machinery, so as to have it ready for service immediately upon completion of the rooms, then being repaired for its reception.
On the 17th of November last, by your special order, I commenced moving and adjusting the Rolling Mills, Cutting Presses, Draw Bench, and other machinery connected with the department, in their proper station, and finished doing so before the room was completed, or ready to receive them; there being no roof on that part of the building at the time.
On the 8th inst. (January) I began placing the Coining and Milling Presses in the Coining Room, and ended by the 18th. On the 19th inst. the first delivery of gold coin to the Treasurer was made, a period of six months having elapsed since operations had been suspended.
I avail myself of the opportunity to commend the men of the various departments to your special notice for their strict attention and industry in removing and replacing the numerous pieces of machinery in their respective positions, also the Chief Engineer and his assistants for untiring labor whilst the water pipes, connected with the Engine and boilers were frozen during the present month of cold weather.
I would respectfully suggest the immediate filling of the vacancy in the Whitening and Cleaning room occasioned by the decease of William Gilchrist; the work there is heavy and laborious and requires another workman.
I would also recommend an additional Fireman in the engine Room, to attend to the fires during the night as the heaters draw all the spare steam off that was formerly reserved for use early in the morning. This causes much delay in commencing operations in the several departments.
Respectfully submitted by
Geo H. Childs,
Chief Coiner, U.S. Mint
Comments
Thanks for the informative post.
I can almost feel the machinery. My grandfather had a coal fired furnace that generated steam to hear the house. What an elaborate symphony of weighted safety valves to monitor the water levels and such. Thanks for that. Peace Roy
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I have been part of two factory renovations, and can closely relate to the issues detailed and experienced - both expected and unexpected. Cheers, RickO
Why were such extensive renovations needed for a building that was approximately 20 years old?
No doubt because the original building was built by the lowest bidder.
Coining machinery generated a lot of vibration and stress on the structure. Maybe there's something in the archives that explains why extensive repairs were needed.
A lot of mints have lasted longer than 20 years.
After one of the very first U.S. manned space flights, a reporter asked the astronaut what he was thinking about just before takeoff. He replied something like: "All I could think of was that this thing had been built by the lowest bidder!"
...and such buildings required regular maintenance, just as any other industrial facility.
I hope this works. Still trying to figure out how to post. Slow learner here!
Yeah, my screw up. Hopefully, here is the first page.
Yes, the point of the construction was to make the Mint fire proof, as noted on the reverse of the James Ross Snowden medal:
http://www.icollector.com/1874-James-Ross-Snowden-Mint-Medal-in-Bronze_i5924169