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1938 Press Photo Oil well blows out gas, water, sand, and mud, California

This is an original press photo. Willows, California - Well "blew in" - it also blew out, and much of the surrounding landscape blew out with it. The well is the first gas producer in this area of northern California, and today was spouting a column of gas, water, sand and mud 200 feet in the air - but no oil. During the night the casing collapsed and the well cut itself a surface exhaust nearly 100 feet in diameter and 75 feet deep. The derrick and considerable drilling machinery, together with two automobiles, abandoned by workmen, fell into the aperture. Geysers shown are 25 to 30 feet high. (California)Photo measures 8.5 x 6.5inches. Photo is dated 01-10-1938.

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Historic Images Part Number: nei08274