Helen Furnace Cache Traditional Cache
skeetsurfer: Archiving this cache page due to lack of response from cache owner for 1 month.
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This geocache will take you to a very interesting place in Clarion County, the Helen Furnace. The furnace is in excellent condition, the most significant element being the charging bridge. Unfortunately, one of the structural supports for the bridge has cracked, making the crossing unfeasible. It would be nice if this condition could be repaired, permitting access to the top of the stack. It is not clear who has maintained the site, but the area is very clean, maintained, and much of the furnace remains intact. The foundation pit for the engine house is located to the right of the furnace. The right hand tuyere still has the brickwork in place, including the round access hole for the blast pipe. The cupola remains intact, and the view up the stack shows that the wooden covering at the top is protecting the inner stack from damage. History Start of Operation: 1845 Blowout: 1856 Daily Tonnage: 1,500 tons per year - best actual output was 1,000 tons. Built By: Robert Barber and Packer Stack: 32 feet w/9 foot bosh Blast: Cold Type: Charcoal The furnace was built by W.S. Packer & Company, but they soon ran into financial problems and sold out to David Richey. He apparently owned the site for a limited time, and sold the property to Samuel Wilson. The Wilson's were a primary player in the region in terms of materials - they must have owned extensive property in the area. Mr. Wilson operated the furnace until 1857. The furnace was originally named "Highland" furnace after Alexander McNaughton, who prided himself on being a highlander. However, owing to the strong accent, the name sounded like "Hieland", which was adapted over time to "Helen". The site has recently been restored by Clarion County with some improvements to encourage your visit. There are picnic tables, and a portajohn on site, so bring a lunch and explore this historical site.
Information found on Helen Furnace website at http://www.oldindustry.org/PA_HTML/Pa_Helen.html
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(Decrypt)
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