Natural Resources

Lithograph of

The natural resources collections offer centuries of evidence about how Americans have used the bounty of the American continent and coastal waters. Artifacts related to flood control, dam construction, and irrigation illustrate the nation's attempts to manage the natural world. Oil-drilling, iron-mining, and steel-making artifacts show the connection between natural resources and industrial strength.

Forestry is represented by saws, axes, a smokejumper's suit, and many other objects. Hooks, nets, and other gear from New England fisheries of the late 1800s are among the fishing artifacts, as well as more recent acquisitions from the Pacific Northwest and Chesapeake Bay. Whaling artifacts include harpoons, lances, scrimshaw etchings in whalebone, and several paintings of a whaler's work at sea. The modern environmental movement has contributed buttons and other protest artifacts on issues from scenic rivers to biodiversity.

Topic: Mining Lamps

Miner’s Safety Lamp

The American Safety Lamp & Mine Supply Company hired M.D. Cremer of England to produce this lamp around 1913. M.D.
Description (Brief)
The American Safety Lamp & Mine Supply Company hired M.D. Cremer of England to produce this lamp around 1913. M.D. Cremer, a former director of the Wolf Safety Lamp Company in England started the Cremer Lamp and Engineering Company in 1913 to produce lamps by contract from other firms. This safety lamp features a glass enclosure, double wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9768
catalog number
MHI-MN-9768
accession number
304880

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This is an Auto-Lite Carbide Mining Lamp, produced by the Universal Lamp Company of Chicago, Illinois, around 1920. This brand was among the most popular and dependable mining lamps of the early 20th century. After acquiring Shanklin Mfg. Co.
Description (Brief)
This is an Auto-Lite Carbide Mining Lamp, produced by the Universal Lamp Company of Chicago, Illinois, around 1920. This brand was among the most popular and dependable mining lamps of the early 20th century. After acquiring Shanklin Mfg. Co. and its "Guy's Dropper" brand, the Universal Lamp Company produced two of the three largest lighting brands to survive past World War II.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MI-1071
catalog number
MHI-MI-1071
accession number
310657

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S. until World War I, when buying German products became unpopular. This lamp is one of the most popular Wolf designs, employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8801A
catalog number
MHI-MN-8801A
accession number
265669

Miner’s Carbide Lamp

This lamp was manufactured by the Justrite Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois in the first half of the 20th century. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism.
Description (Brief)
This lamp was manufactured by the Justrite Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois in the first half of the 20th century. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism. The amount of water flowing into the calcium carbide container can be controlled, with more water producing more gas and a bigger flame when the lamp is lit.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9415
accession number
271412
catalog number
MHI-MN-9415

Miner's Safety Lamp

This safety lamp was manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America, from Brooklyn, New York in the late 19th century.
Description (Brief)
This safety lamp was manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company of America, from Brooklyn, New York in the late 19th century. This lamp is one of the most popular and effective Wolf Company designs, employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior. Lamps such as this were often used to gauge methane levels in mines, and were designed with upper air intakes so air on the mine’s ceiling could be tested.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7763
catalog number
MHI-MN-7763
accession number
235037

Miner's Cap Lamp

This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8777G
catalog number
MHI-MN-8777G
accession number
265669

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S.
Description (Brief)
This is a safety lamp manufactured by the Friemann and Wolf Company of Zwickau, Germany in the late 19th century. The Friemann and Wolf Company was a prominent lamp manufacturer that exported their lamps to the U.S. until World War I, when buying German products became unpopular. This lamp is one of the most popular Wolf designs, employing a glass enclosure, wire gauze on the top-interior, and a metal bonnet exterior to protect the flame.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8801B
catalog number
MHI-MN-8801B
accession number
265669

Miner's Cap Lamp

This lamp is an oil-wick cap lamp. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and remained in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout.
Description (Brief)
This lamp is an oil-wick cap lamp. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and remained in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting light was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8467
accession number
253945
catalog number
MHI-MN-8467

Miner’s Electric Cap Lamp

The Hirsch Electric Mine Lamp Company manufactured this electric cap lamp during the first half of the 20th century. The battery is enclosed in metal case, with a flexible cord that runs to the lamp that was worn on the miner’s helmet.
Description (Brief)
The Hirsch Electric Mine Lamp Company manufactured this electric cap lamp during the first half of the 20th century. The battery is enclosed in metal case, with a flexible cord that runs to the lamp that was worn on the miner’s helmet. The battery could be recharged at the end of the day for the next full day of use.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8758B
accession number
265669
catalog number
MHI-MN-8758B

Miner's Tunnel Lamp

This oil-wick lamp was made and in use in the early 19th century. The long hook was used to hang the lamp on mine support timbers or any available nook and provide light to the surrounding area.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp was made and in use in the early 19th century. The long hook was used to hang the lamp on mine support timbers or any available nook and provide light to the surrounding area.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MI-1217
accession number
239748
catalog number
MHI-MI-1217

Mule Mining Lamp

The Koehler Manufacturing Company produced this battery-powered lamp during the first half of the 20th century. Inventor Grant Wheat designed the lamp.
Description (Brief)
The Koehler Manufacturing Company produced this battery-powered lamp during the first half of the 20th century. Inventor Grant Wheat designed the lamp. The leather strap around the battery pack and lamp would be hung on the mule to light the way ahead as it pulled its load out of the mine.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8156
accession number
239148
catalog number
MHI-MN-8156

Electric Mule Lamp

This lamp is a "mule" lamp, manufactured by the Edison Storage Battery Company around 1920. The lamp would have been attached to a mule's harness to light the way for the driver of the mule in the mines.
Description (Brief)
This lamp is a "mule" lamp, manufactured by the Edison Storage Battery Company around 1920. The lamp would have been attached to a mule's harness to light the way for the driver of the mule in the mines. The battery and lamp are attached, and both are larger than that of cap lamps.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8037
accession number
236603
catalog number
MHI-MN-8037

Miner’s Carbide Lamp

This lamp was manufactured by the Justrite Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois during the 1930s. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism.
Description (Brief)
This lamp was manufactured by the Justrite Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois during the 1930s. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism. The amount of water flowing into the calcium carbide container can be controlled, with more water producing more gas and a bigger flame when the lamp is lit. This Justrite lamp features an Air Cooled Grip, with spacing between the rubber barrier and hot metal allowing the grip to stay cool.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8788F
catalog number
MHI-MN-8788F
accession number
265669

Miner’s Cap Lamp

This oil-wick cap lamp was made by George Anton & Son in Monongahela, Pennsylvania during the second half of the 19th century. It has as double spout, indicating that it burned "Sunshine" fuel, a mixture of paraffin wax and 3% mineral oil produced by the Standard Oil Company.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by George Anton & Son in Monongahela, Pennsylvania during the second half of the 19th century. It has as double spout, indicating that it burned "Sunshine" fuel, a mixture of paraffin wax and 3% mineral oil produced by the Standard Oil Company. Called a "Sunshine Lamp," the outer spout served to insulate the wick in the inner spout, thereby conducting enough heat to melt the wax in the Sunshine fuel. This kind of lamp hooked onto a miner’s cap, and produced an open flame.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9714
accession number
299293
catalog number
MHI-MN-9714

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This is an Auto-Lite Carbide Mining Lamp, produced by the Universal Lamp Company. Auto-Lite carbide mining lamps were produced from 1913 through 1960, most following the design Jacob Sherman patented in 1924.
Description (Brief)
This is an Auto-Lite Carbide Mining Lamp, produced by the Universal Lamp Company. Auto-Lite carbide mining lamps were produced from 1913 through 1960, most following the design Jacob Sherman patented in 1924. This lamp’s design places its manufacture date in the early 1920’s.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9234
accession number
268055
catalog number
MHI-MN-9234

Miner's Safety Lamp

This is a "Baby" Wolf Company Safety Lamp manufactured in Brooklyn, New York in the early 20th century. The "baby" name denotes the lamp’s smaller size.
Description (Brief)
This is a "Baby" Wolf Company Safety Lamp manufactured in Brooklyn, New York in the early 20th century. The "baby" name denotes the lamp’s smaller size. The baby Wolf safety lamp was manufactured for mine bosses or officials who only needed lamps for infrequent, brief periods and could therefore have a smaller lamp.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7861
catalog number
MHI-MN-7861
accession number
240639

Miner's Carbide Lamp

This Baldwin carbide mining lamp was made by the John Simmons Company around 1915. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism.
Description (Brief)
This Baldwin carbide mining lamp was made by the John Simmons Company around 1915. Acetylene gas is produced when water from the lamp's upper level encounters the calcium carbide stored in the base via a dripping mechanism. The amount of water flowing into the calcium carbide container can be controlled, with more water producing more gas and a bigger flame when the lamp is lit.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MT-311989
catalog number
MHI-MT-311989
accession number
157348

Oil-Wick Miner’s Lamp Patent Model

This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by George W. Trimble of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania that received patent number 75,603 on March 17, 1868.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by George W. Trimble of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania that received patent number 75,603 on March 17, 1868. The patent claims as its invention “providing the tube or spout of the lamp with a simple and novel device for feeding the wick to the flame, instead of pushing it out of the tube by striking the bottom of the lamp on something.” The invention can be seen in the spout of lamp.
Location
Currently not on view
patentee
Trimble, George W.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9754
catalog number
MHI-MN-9754
accession number
88881
patent number
075603

Miner's Electric Cap lamp

This battery-powered mining cap lamp was manufactured by McGraw-Edison in the mid-20th century. In 1957, Thomas A. Edison Incorporated merged with the McGraw Electric Company to form the McGraw-Edison Company.
Description (Brief)
This battery-powered mining cap lamp was manufactured by McGraw-Edison in the mid-20th century. In 1957, Thomas A. Edison Incorporated merged with the McGraw Electric Company to form the McGraw-Edison Company. This lamp consists of a battery in a self-locking steel case worn on the miner’s belt. A flexible cord connects the battery to the lamp, which was worn on a mining cap.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-8117B
accession number
240639
catalog number
MHI-MN-8117B

Miner's Cap Lamp

This miner's oil-wick cap lamp was manufactured in the early 19th century by George Anton & Son in Monongahela, PA. Hooked onto a miner's cap, this open flame on the miners head was a dangerous proposition in coal mines with flammable methane in the air.
Description (Brief)
This miner's oil-wick cap lamp was manufactured in the early 19th century by George Anton & Son in Monongahela, PA. Hooked onto a miner's cap, this open flame on the miners head was a dangerous proposition in coal mines with flammable methane in the air.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7728
catalog number
MHI-MN-7728
accession number
235038

Oil-Wick Miner’s Lamp Patent Model

This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by John B. Deeds and William Mack of Terre Haute, Indiana that received patent number 281,846 on July 24, 1883.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by John B. Deeds and William Mack of Terre Haute, Indiana that received patent number 281,846 on July 24, 1883. Deeds and Mack developed a lamp with an “oil tight lid.” The invention is described as “having its top or opening made slightly flaring, in combination with the hinged lid and the supplemental lid or disk with a packing of cork between them, and having holes therein opposite to each other, which communicate with a corresponding opening in the cork for the purpose of ventilation.”
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1883-07-04
patentee
Deeds, John B.
Mack, William
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9748
catalog number
MHI-MN-9748
accession number
88881
patent number
281846

Miner’s Safety Lamp

This Davy-style safety lamp was made by an unknown maker in the second half of the 19th century. In Davy lamps, the flame is surrounded by metal gauze.
Description (Brief)
This Davy-style safety lamp was made by an unknown maker in the second half of the 19th century. In Davy lamps, the flame is surrounded by metal gauze. The flame is unable to pass through the holes in the gauze, preventing any methane in the air from igniting.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9769
catalog number
MHI-MN-9769
accession number
304880

Miner’s Cap Lamp

This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp was made by an unknown maker during the second half of the 19th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9531
accession number
277978
catalog number
MHI-MN-9531

Mining Tunnel Lamp

This oil-wick mining lamp was manufactured by P. Wall, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania around 1880. This lamp is a hanging lamp, and would burn a mix of fat and oil for fuel, with a wick inserted into the spout.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick mining lamp was manufactured by P. Wall, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania around 1880. This lamp is a hanging lamp, and would burn a mix of fat and oil for fuel, with a wick inserted into the spout. The resulting light was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-7989B
accession number
234932
catalog number
MHI-MN-7989B

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