Name/Title
Photograph, CabinetEntry/Object ID
2017.030.0883Description
This is a photograph of the Redwoods in Northern California. It shows guys working a "Bull Donkey" (a large donkey engine fitted with drum and cable for hauling logs ).
A very early steam donkey was built in Humboldt County by the California Iron Works before the turn of the century. Bull donkeys were used to replace bulls on long skid roads before many logging companies had access to railroad equipment. Bull donkeys are characterized by very large, wide faced drums with tremendous line storage capacity. The large donkey utilized a single steam cylinder, banked controls and manual frictions, all relatively rare on more modern steam donkeys. The donkey engine also had link reversing gear which is also extremely rare on a logging donkey.
Photo purchased by Frank H Wassmann who worked in the forest of Del Norte County when a youth. This occupation was short-lived. Frank returned to Benicia and started his own plumbing business.Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection