The Raising of Shamrock's Tower

The Raising of Shamrock's Tower. . The Shamrock tower was erected with the use of a basket pole derrick. The derrick was suspended by cables at each leg and could be moved from leg to leg to hang each adjoining leg and strut or cross-member. Each component of the tower, balcony, tank, and roof were hoisted by the derrick using whatever means possible, in this case, teams of mules. The basket pole was jumped up as the legs progressed upwards until the last section and was then utilized to erect the equator or balcony course. The tank bottom, or bowl, and the tank shell were assembled in bays on the ground. Since there were four legs, there were four bays. After the third bay of the bowl was hoisted and assembled, the derrick was then jumped into the bowl and the fourth bay was assembled. The four bays of the tank shell followed; then the two roof bays were assembled. The derrick was then removed and a saucer was placed over the center hole. The riser, or stand pipe, was assembled in one piece on the ground. The bottom was positioned on or near the center foundation pier. Load lines and sway guylines were attached. The standpipe was then raised with the use of a steam threshing machine. The two bottom struts were unpinned and allowed to dangle. As the riser cleared each strut, it was re-pinned. The top strut was not unpinned until the riser reached that point. Once in place, it was jacked up, shimmed, and a lead joint completed the standpipe. , Captions , . Top left: The Shamrock tower standpipe is poised to be raised into place. (Photo courtesy of Don Vearner) , . Bottom left: This steam engine belonging to Fred West of Sayre, Oklahoma, was used to provide the power to erect the standpipe. (Photo courtesy of Don Vearner) , . Bottom center: This photo illustrates the typical method of raising the standpipe. The bottom two struts are left to dangle until the standpipe passes that point.(Photo courtesy of Chicago Bridge and Iron) , . Bottom right: This photo shows the use a basket pole derrick, a common practice of the day. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Bridge and Iron)