Near Deerwalk in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Wheels Of The Endless Cable
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
1. Wheels Of The Endless Cable Marker
The smaller bull wheels were donated to the museum by Paul Reese. Paul's family has deep roots in Volcano and he was also a driving force in the birth of Volcano Days. The large band wheel was donated by Haessly Hardwood Lumber Co. of Marietta, OH. These wheels dotted the hillsides of Volcano in the late 1800's.
Erected by The Friends of Mountwood Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 39° 14.598′ N, 81° 18.068′ W. Marker is near Deerwalk, West Virginia, in Wood County. It is on Volcano Road (County Route 5) 0.8 miles south of Northwestern Turnpike (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the grounds of the Volcano Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1014 Volcano Road, Waverly WV 26184, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Mid-Ohio Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sixteen Horsepower Gas Engine (here, next to this marker); The Endless Cable System (here, next to this marker); Oil Pump (here, next to this marker); Wooden Oil Storage Tank (a few steps from this marker); Women of Volcano (a few steps from this marker); Thornhill Mansion
this page online
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
2. Band Wheel
This band wheel was used on a cable tool oil rig. It was directly driven from the ending by a wide leather belt on the large outside diameter, which reduced the engine rpms & increased the engine's power. The crank on the band wheel axle was used to impart the up and down motion (via a pitman) of the walking beam that was used to drill a new well or pump a producing well.
The opposite side of the main wheel, in smaller diameter was grooved to allow "bull" ropes to be installed to drive other machinery of the rig, such as the bull wheels. When a new well was started the band wheel's pitman arm was used to operate a "jerk" line until the hole was "spudded" deep enough (at least 40 feet) to allow the tool string to hang in the derrick and be operated by the walking beam.
Please note that "Parkersburg" is inscribed on the steel hub. Many of the early oil field tools and machinery were manufactured at the Parkersburg Rig & Reel.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
3. Wheel Display Dedication Plaque
This display is dedicated to Naomi McMullen Naylor and Herbert L. Naylor, O. D. by Mike and Carolyn Naylor on behalf of their family.
Naomi spent much of her younger life near Mountwood Park and would often go to Volcano with her Grandpa Farr for candy at John Schafer's store. Mom was 80 years old, when she took us on our maiden tour of Thornhill.
Herbert grew to love the area near Mountwood and the people and built a hunting cabin near Bull Creek. The cabin became much more than a place to stay while hunting. There were many family picnics and games that provided priceless memories.
They were always at home in this "neck of the woods."
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
4. Oil Field Workers Marker
Volcanic Oil & Coal Company Building a wooden tank Men at well site Wagon hauling nitroglycerin used in early "fracking" methods Placing a torpedo Working at a derrick
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
5. Wheels Of The Endless Cable Marker
The featured marker is located in front of the large wheel, left of the black dedication plaque.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 11, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
