Grass Valley in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
North Star Mine Powerhouse
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
1. North Star Mine Powerhouse Marker
The North Star Powerhouse, built by A.D. Foote in 1895, was the first complete water powered compressed air transmission plant of its kind. Compressed air, generated by Pelton Water Wheels, furnished power for the entire mine operation. The 30 foot Pelton Wheel was the largest in the world, and was in continuous use for over 30 years.
Companion Plaque Mounted on Side of Marker Base:
Engineering Heritage Collection
Pelton Waterwheel Collection
North Star Power House Museum
American Society of Mechanical Engineers - - 1991
Erected 1971 by State Department of Parks Recreation in Cooperation with the Nevada County
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 39° 12.514′ N, 121° 4.187′ W. Marker is in Grass Valley, California, in Nevada County. Marker is on Allison Ranch Road south of McCourtney Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10933 Allison Ranch Road, Grass Valley CA 95945, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nevada County Traction Co. (a few steps from this marker); Empire House (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Discovery of Gold at Gold Hill (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Patrick’s Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mount Saint Mary’s Convent and Academy (approx. 0.4 miles away); Reliance Hose Company No. 3 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lola Montez 1819 - 1861 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Historic Emmanuel Episcopal Church (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grass Valley.
More about this marker. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 843 on September 24, 1970.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
2. International Mechanical Engineering Heritage Collection Plaque
1. Pelton wheel. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on May 31, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Pelton Water Wheel Co. Vintage Machinery website entry (Submitted on March 28, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
3. North Star Mine Powerhouse Marker and Plaque
The Powerhouse Museum Building is seen in the background.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
4. North Star Mine Powerhouse Museum Building
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
5. North Star Mine Powerhouse Museum Building
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
6. Stone Aqueduct
This stone structure was an aqueduct to bring high pressure water to the two Pelton wheels in the building. It was built in 1895 at a cost of $1,700 dollars. The bottom of the foundation is 8 feet below the creek water level. It contains a 20 inch diameter riveted pipe. Pressure at the Pelton wheel buckets was 354 pounds per square inch.
(From signage at the aqueduct)
(From signage at the aqueduct)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
7. The Aqueduct
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
8. Pelton Water Wheel
Plaque Reads:
Pelton Type
Water Wheel
Produced 71000 HP at 327 rpm, Diameter 10 ft.
Weight 26,000 lbs. Built by Allis Chalmers
of single cast nickel steel
Gift of Oroville-Wyandotte Irrigation District
-------------
Dedicated September 1997
By Nevada County Historical Society
Water Wheel
Produced 71000 HP at 327 rpm, Diameter 10 ft.
Weight 26,000 lbs. Built by Allis Chalmers
of single cast nickel steel
Gift of Oroville-Wyandotte Irrigation District
-------------
Dedicated September 1997
By Nevada County Historical Society
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
9. De Remer Water Wheel
Plaque Reads:
De Remer Water Wheel
Hole in the Ground Gulch Mine
Wolf Creek, Ore.
Mined from 1864 - 1908
Hole in the Ground Gulch Mine
Wolf Creek, Ore.
Mined from 1864 - 1908
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
10. Electric Spur Gear Hoist
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
11. Serpentine Core
Plaque Reads:
60 Inch
Serpentine Core
Experimental Bored Shaft
Depth 1125 feet
Idaho-Maryland Mine
Grass Valley
Serpentine Core
Experimental Bored Shaft
Depth 1125 feet
Idaho-Maryland Mine
Grass Valley
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
12. Additional Equipment on Display
On the left is a portable stamp mill made by Straub Manufacturing Company of Oakland, California. This mill could be dismantled and carried on mules to isolated locations for testing of ores.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
13. 76 Inch Sheave Wheel
Grass Valley
Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 27, 2011
14. Steam Hoist
Graniteville, California
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,118 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. submitted on July 8, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
