Conduct Historic Preservation Field School to Assess and Preserve the Wall Street Mill, Joshua Tree National Park
Project ID: P23AC01585
Federal Agency: National Park Service Partner Institution: University of Vermont and State Agriculture College Fiscal Year: 2023
Initial Funding: $195,326
Total Funding: $195,326
Project Type: Education Project Disciplines: Cultural National Park: Joshua Tree National Park Principal Investigator: Porter, Doug Agreement Technical Representative: Spoo, Melanie
Abstract:
Performance Goals –
The Wall Street Mill, in the North Piñon Mining Historic District, consists primarily of a timber frame structure housing a two stamp mill, with roofing and wall material to enclose the working area of the mill. Moved to its current site in 1931, the mill served as an important regional hub for milling operations in the Northern Piñon mining district until 1942. After the departure of the original operator, Fred Oberer in 1931, the mill was Wargely owned and operated by Bill Keys for the duration of its period of use. The mill and accompanying well and pump are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The mill was operable at the time of its nomination in 1975, though currently it is inoperable due to deterioration. The timbers used to support the mill machinery range in condition, and a portion need to be replaced or repaired. The most exposed elements of the machinery are supported unevenly by the existing timbers, causing it to lean significantly and pose a risk of collapse if corrective action is not taken. The elements used to enclose the machinery and define the building are heavily weathered and show signs of significant deterioration. There are signs of vandalism both inside the structure, and on the exterior of the structure. The site is heavily trafficked by park visitors, as it is situated on a popular and low impact hiking trail, making it one of the more accessible sites in the park. Occasional interpretive programs are conducted at the site as well, making it a priority for stabilization, both for the safety of visitors, and to preserve it as a popular and important cultural resource.
The School of Engineering at the UVM will participate with NPS staff in a collaborative program of research, documentation, assessment, training, and pilot treatment at the Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR). To preserve cultural resources, enhance interpretive opportunities, and improve visitor safety, the UVM will assess current conditions, propose repairs, and evaluate repair options in the pilot treatment of the mill site. UVM will assemble a specialized team to conduct the condition assessment and propose treatment strategies for the mine structures. Pilot repair will be addressed using a field school format that will result in training of students and others in the repair techniques to be implemented.
Project Objectives –
Investigators from UVM and NPS staff will collaborate to accomplish the following specific objectives (see Attachment 2. Description of Methodology):
- Conduct condition assessment of the ore bin and stamp mill, including a wood assessment to locate and quantify remaining sound wood, and identify wood species and material characteristics that address repair requirements.
- Identify and prioritize the stabilization and repair needs of the structures to be repaired
- Develop and present various preservation options and develop a repair plan based on the preservation goals of the park.
- Conduct a field school to provide training in the repair techniques to be implemented in the repair of the mine structures.
- Develop a report based on the results of assessment and repair results. The report will include a narrative description of the tasks completed, project goals realized, and project photo documentation.