Boiler Stacks

Until the completion of the on-site turbine generator in 1923, steam was the principal means of power at the Quincy mills. This meant that there was need for boiler houses on site, one for each of the mills. While we couldn’t find any sign of the No. 2 boiler house, the No. 1 was a different story. For there the towing smokestack still stood, and by simply following it we were able to come across the building’s remains.

The first boiler house was a combination boiler/water pump house built from masonry. Very little was left of the building itself, save a large pile of bricks and poor rock. The stacks, however, were a different story. Quincy replaced the original steel stack at the site with a 175 foot concrete stack which still stands today. Here we stand at the base of that stack, at a small doorway which was probably used to clean out ash.

Looking a little closer we found that a piece of the original iron door was still intact.

Sitting in the shadow of this towering pillar of concrete was the remains of the original smokestack, built around 1890. What you see here is the stone support for a steel stack that once sat atop of it. A stark contrast to its neighbor, this structure is built from dark poor rock and red brick.

Here is a photo of the original smokestack to the No. 1 boiler/pump house (indicated by the yellow arrow). While not very impressive here, its 20 some foot height leaves quite the impression when your standing down below it. In the background of this photo you can see the No1 Mill. The photographer is standing on the original coal dock (I think).

While the outside is made from poor rock, the inside is lined with red brick. The brick is more heat resistant then the poor rock, and probably made cleaning soot accumulation much easier. The poor rock would most likely crack under extreme heat.

At this smokestack’s base is a door for cleaning out ash as well. This one is much more interesting and detailed, complete with red brick arch and iron door (unlike its neighbor, still intact). It almost looks like Hansel and Grettle could be cooking in there.

And before we move on, those mystery marking rear their head again. This is painted on the outside of the old smokestack foundation. If anyone has a clue..fill us in please.

Moving on…

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