This is how drilling was done in the mines for decades. The photo, taken at Rochester, shows a break in drilling to set shots. The single jack hammer commonly used is by the driller's feet. The chisel used to drill the hole is being held by his assistant. Another gentleman is also holding a single jack. As I understood it from my grandfather, they turned the chisel "drill" a quarter turn for each blow.
The mine lighting hadn't changed much either. The gentleman in the back is holding a typical mining candlestick. It had a sharp point so it could be stuck in a crevice or thrust into a timber. Another is on the tunnel floor almost burned out. Primitive by today's standards, still, the early miners moved an amazing amount of ground just this way.
Compiled by Barbara Powell, nevadasdesertlegends.com, nevadaphotoarchive.com.[[In-content Ad]]
