Galamander

Galamander. . , This historic galamander (granite lifter) was used in the local quarries for nearly a hundred years. As far as we know, it is the only surviving complete machine and stands as a memorial to the granite industry that flourished from 1820-1940. It could have come from the quarries of Vermont and New Hampshire to Maine, but it is definitely New England in its origin and use., The machine could easily lift several tons and transport this great weight over rough roads. It was designed to be high enough to pass over a heavy stone and then, by use of pole and winch which were integral parts of the machine, lift the granite to a foot off the ground and transport it suspended condition with great ease. The galamander was often used with oven as well as horses. Cut stones were transported onto wharves where they were loaded onto sailing schooners and shipped to their destination throughout the nation., The galamander was found in the 1960s in a wonderful state of preservation in the Robertson Quarry in North Sullivan and painted the typical azo blue called Littlefield Blue. The axles and bracing were all hand-forged and [obscured], This galamander was given to the Society by heirs of the late Ira and Harvey Robertson Estates. Further, the Society is indebted to the late Forrest Coombs, Royce Overlock and Wallace Billings in moving the galamander to its present site. The galamander was placed on the National Historic Register in 1992.