Galamander
Datec. 1880-1910
MediumPhotography, albumen print
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x width): 3 15/16 × 4 15/16in. (10 × 12.5cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineBequest from the Estate of Elizabeth Beattie
DescriptionBlack and white photograph, view of a galamander (stone carrying tool), c. 1880-1910. Cady Connor’s house on Middle Hill is in the background. The galamander is a wagon-like conveyance consisting of two large spoked wooden wheels attached to a single large wooden beam frame. The galamander rests off the side of a dirt road in front of a small hill, a wooden frame house sits on the hill in background.
Object number2023.17.88
CopyrightPublic Domain
Inscribed(.88) Handwritten in pencil on reverse of photograph, “Stone Carrier – These Wheels / were backed into the quarry, astride / a stone – chains from the drum were / slung under the stone and the “boom” / with the ratchet engaging the drum / raised (the counterweight lifted the boom) / and a tackle from the boom + the tongue / was used to wind up the chain on the drum. / 4 to 8 yoke of oxen handled the rig up to / the cutting yard – about 1880”(.88) Handwritten on envelope in black ink: “STONE CARRIER / CADY CONNOR’S / HOUSE ON / MIDDLEHILL / in background / about 1910
(.88) Handwritten in pencil below above inscription: “Enlarge for detail in / galamander for a model”
(.84-.88) Typed on envelope with hand over-written corrections in black ink: “GALAMANDERS at Leete Island Quarry / 17’ 2” diameter wheels / 8” square axle 12’ between hubs / Moved Statue of Liberty stone. / The four big pieces were loaded on / WASP while she was grounded in the / mud; wood rollers on a bridge of / heavy timber, and rested on timber / crib on desk. One stone to a trip / Quarry to Bedloe’s Island. / See towbills, towing Schr. Alice / Scranton, Slp. WASP, Schr Tom Beattie / City Island – Bedlow’s 1885-’86.”
(.84-.88) Handwritten on reverse of envelope ink black ink: There was a 2-“derrick” job also / used for getting out long coping for / NY Bridges + for columns / [hand-drawn diagram of the galamander] / Wheels about 14 aft + 9 forward. Drawn by Oxen”NotesSubject Note: John Beattie's granite quarry, situated in Guilford on the Long Island Sound, was well-positioned to distribute granite via a fleet of schooners to locations in Connecticut and New York. Notably, granite from Beattie's quarry was used in the pedestal at the base of the Statue of Liberty.
The quarry operated from 1869, when Scottish immigrant Beattie purchased 400 acres of land on Leetes Island, until about 1918, when Beattie's sons closed up shop 20 years after his death. At its height, the quarry employed 700 people, many of them immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, England, Finland, Sweden, and Italy.
On View
Not on view
1890-1905
1890-1905
1890-1905
