Last week, I was scouting a hospital basement for interesting spaces when I happened to notice something lurking in one corner…

…this enormous iron wheel-shaped machine:

As it turns out, this was part of the original steam generator system that powered the hospital in the early 1900s (now long since out of use). Made by Crocker-Wheeler of Oswego, this beast was the electric generator…

…and behind it, you can see the control wall…

…lined with all sorts of awesome levers and switches that operated the system:

Love this array of gauges:

03b

But best of all, check out this wall of ridiculously huge wrenches that were used to service the machinery (for perspective, note the piece of paper on the floor):

Alas, the generator hasn’t been functional for decades.

-SCOUT

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  1. Matt Avatar

    Is this in Bellevue?

  2. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    Looks like it’s been kept clean and in good shape, especially if it’s been out of use for so long.

    On a related note, have you been to the engine room at Pratt Institute?

    http://steampunkworkshop.com/visit-pratt-university-steam-plant

    Speaking as one who spent many hours drawing the inside of that place as a student, it’s well worth a visit if you haven’t already.

  3. Janice Stearns Avatar
    Janice Stearns

    Looks like Dr. Frankenstein’s Laboratory!

  4. Joe R Avatar
    Joe R

    You’d love the Pratt Institute power house.

  5. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    I posted a comment yesterday which appears to be caught in comment moderation hell because I included a link to a web page with photos, but the text was:

    “Looks like it’s been kept clean and in good shape, especially if it’s been out of use for so long.

    On a related note, have you been to the engine room at Pratt Institute? Speaking as one who spent many hours drawing the inside of that place as a student, it’s well worth a visit if you haven’t already.”

  6. Hoosey Whatsis Avatar
    Hoosey Whatsis

    Part of what makes your blog SO enjoyable is your exquisite and evocative photography.

    All I can say about this post is … “It’s alive! IT’S ALIVE!!!”