Special
Attraction : Visit to OLD Gypsum Plant
The existing
plant, what is left of it, was built in 1926 and replaced two older
buildings which burned down on this very same spot. Three buildings
have already been torn down with raze dates of the rest, this summer
and next summer. This will remove any trace of the plant and where it
stood.
The location
is unique as it is one of the very few industries where the main line
of a railroad, the Staten Island Railroad (a B&O subsidy) ran
through the working plant. Not around it or near it, but through the
plant. Built with conveyer belts running underneath the tracks to
handle materials between buildings.
By the way,
all the tracks have been covered over during recent years since rail
service was terminated in the area. It was discovered that 5 feet
under the present track layer, is another set of tracks with a much
smaller rail size. It is believed that when the line was electrified
for passenger service, they leveled out the main line by simply
covering over the old main line tracks.
The old
smoke stack from the steam power plant may remain as it is being used
for by number of microwave companies.
This plant produced not only products like sheet rock,
but also joint compound used with it and a product called Pyroblock
which was a fireproof block used in early construction.
While we are not allowed in the buildings themselves,
enough of the outside walls have been removed to see inside.
Add to it,
that the buildings are all of different construction methods, from
brick to cement block to poured concrete to corrugated steel on steel
frame. The remains of wooden bunkers are also visible. When looking
at the main building from the street, you are actually looking at the
second floor of the plant.
Gypsum ore
was brought in by ships, which docked right at the plant. The
railroad provided coal to the plant, as well as all the other
materials needed in processing its products. At the end of
processing, it also took away the finished product for rail delivery
throughout the nation.
Tom
Wortmann, GSD
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The
GSD's summer event will be held on July 1 at the VFW hall at 49 The Boulevard on Staten Island.
The meet will feature two clinics: Learning about the
structures that comprise an anthracite mine and modeling trash for
your layout. The event will also feature Bring 'n Brag in the
morning.
After
a quick lunch on your own at one of the many local eateries, the afternoon
will feature tours of several layouts
and the Gypsum Plant.
As
always directions and maps will be provided at the meet.
Donuts
and coffee will also be served in the morning. Maps for the
local restaurants will be available at the end of the morning
session.
Please
join us at 9 AM at the the VFW hall!
NOTE:
New Location
This
is not the Marine Corps League Hall where we have had prior GSD Meets.
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