Scranton in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Oil House

Steamtown National Historic Site

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 27, 2015

1. Oil House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

To run smoothly, machinery requires lubrication—and the steam locomotive was no exception. Before a locomotive could leave the yard, dozens of its moving parts had to be greased and its oil cups filled to the brim. While the fireman tended the fire and topped off the locomotive’s fuel and water supply, the engineer, armed with a wrench, rag and oil can, inspected and lubricated every moving part of the locomotive.

(Inscription over the image in the bottom left)
Greasing a locomotive

(Inscription beside the image in the upper right)
Oiling a locomotive

Erected by National Park Service-United States Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 41° 24.471′ N, 75° 40.29′ W. Marker is in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in Lackawanna County. Marker is on Mechanic Street. The marker is located near the Oil House (Bookstore-Museum Shop) on the Steamtown National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scranton PA 18503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 27, 2015

2. Oil House Marker

Click or scan to see
this page online

distance of this marker. A different marker also named Oil House (here, next to this marker); Tank Car (here, next to this marker); 1902 Roundhouse Office (a few steps from this marker); Oil House Foundation (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamtown (within shouting distance of this marker); CNJ #5 Steam Derrick (within shouting distance of this marker); Illinois Central #790 (within shouting distance of this marker); Claremont & Concord Snow Plow #60 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scranton.

Lehigh Valley Locomotive image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 27, 2015

3. Lehigh Valley Locomotive

Delaware Lackawanna Locomotive image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 27, 2015

4. Delaware Lackawanna Locomotive

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 285 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 2, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.