Jackson in Amador County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Labor Day Celebration

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 16, 2008

1. Labor Day Celebration Marker

Inscription. On this site in 1905, a double jack drilling contest took place. A 31 ½ inch hole was drilled in this granite in 15 minutes. The contest was won by Matt Thomas & Pete Vasilovich.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 38° 21.029′ N, 120° 46.524′ W. Marker is in Jackson, California, in Amador County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and California Highway 49, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jackson CA 95642, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Original site of Mel and Faye’s Diner (within shouting distance of this marker); Krabbenhoft Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Leam's Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Sanguinetti Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Miners Restaurant & Exchange (about 500 feet away); Weller Hardware, Pioneer Hall (about 600 feet away); Stampfly's Tent, Republic House (about 600 feet away); Pioneer Hall (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.

Regarding Labor Day Celebration. The Dictionary of Minerals and Mining defines double jack drilling as a "...historical method

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of drilling blastholes in rock by hammer and a hand-held steel or bit. Single-jack drilling was done by one miner. In double-jack drilling, one miner held the steel for one or two strikers with hammers."

In mining areas, drilling contests were held to determine who could drill the deepest hole in solid rock in a fixed amount of time. Seated atop the Mother Lode with dozens of hard rock gold mines in the vicinity, Jackson in 1905 would have had hundreds of miners with the skills and brawn that were able to participate in such a contest.

Labor Day Celebration Marker - Wide Shot image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 16, 2008

2. Labor Day Celebration Marker - Wide Shot

The marker stands in front of the fire house at the corner of Main Street and Highway 49. (The monument next to the Labor Day Celebration Marker is a memorial plaque for firefighters.)

Top of Granite Block image. Click for full size.

3. Top of Granite Block

Drill holes and drill

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,390 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 27, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on June 7, 2009. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.