Coalinga in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

“Wooden Walking Beam”

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

1. “Wooden Walking Beam” Marker

Inscription. This pumping unit, known as a wooden walking beam, was one of the oldest and last remaining in actual use within the Coalinga oil fields. Put into service in July of 1918, it was in continuous use until November 1979. Initial production was 170 barrels per day with an overall lifetime production of 275,000 barrels of oil.

Originally located about seven miles north of Coalinga, it was donated and relocated to this site by Chevron in September 1988.

In appreciation to those men and women of the oil industry who worked to make the City of Coalinga a better place to live.

Grateful acknowledgement is expressed to those organizations who donated towards this relocation project:
Allen Ranch and Family • Cheveron U.S.A., Inc. • Coalinga Community Foundation • Coalinga Redevelopment Agency • Coalinga-Huron Recreation and Park District • Rotary Club • Coalinga Lions Club • Coalinga Women’s Club

Dedicated by the People of Coalinga

Erected by Coalinga Community Foundation et al.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1918.

Location. 36° 9.224′ N,

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120° 21.242′ W. Marker is in Coalinga, California, in Fresno County. It is at the intersection of Elm Avenue (California Route 33/198) and Pearl Street, on the right when traveling north on Elm Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1650 Elm Avenue, Coalinga CA 93210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harry S. Watanabe (a few steps from this marker); Coalinga Union High School (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bob’s 76 Service (approx. 0.9 miles away); Motte Fountain (approx. 0.9 miles away); Coalinga Carnegie Library (approx. 0.9 miles away); Grammar School (approx. one

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

2. “Wooden Walking Beam” Marker

The marker is on the boulder on the left.

mile away); Coalinga Opera House (approx. one mile away); “Dr. Bill” (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coalinga.

Wooden Walking Beam image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

3. Wooden Walking Beam

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

4. Wooden Walking Beam

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

5. Wooden Walking Beam

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

6. Wooden Walking Beam

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,185 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 3, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.