Note: Please study the images carefully to determine the condition of this vintage photograph, as it may not be in perfect condition. It may contain wrinkles, cracks, and possibly even tears due to its age and how it was handled before it got to us. A scanner may interpret colors and contrast differently than human eyes will, so it is possible that the actual photograph may be slightly darker or lighter in person.

1939 Press Photo Steel Mill Workers Mike Sowich & George Sikora Stop Iron Flow

Turning of the "Tap"--After the blast furnace has been "tapped," a "mud gun" shuts off the flow until another charge is ready. Here Mike Sowich (left), a "hot" blastman," and George Sikora, a "mud gun" operator, swing the gun into place. Their job is a hot one for the iron reaches a temperature of 2800 degrees fahrenheit in the furnaces. Most blast furnaces have a daily capacity of 1,000 tons, are tapped five times in 24 hours. Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches. Photo Is dated 1939.

PHOTO FRONT


PHOTO BACK

Historic Images Part Number: kfx69154