July 2005

The Wooden Derrick

The New 106' Wooden Derrick is standing with more work about to get underway.  Click here for more information on this project.

Machine Shop

The Museum has been wishing for a machine shop in order to make our replica of an old time oil company camp more complete.  As we wished and struggled with ideas and plands, the West Kern Water District came up with the answer.  They are donating to the Museum their original machine shop with its overhead line shaft, motor, big drill press etc.  This machine shop has been in operation since 1920.  We will have to pay to have it moved and one wall built but the money for the move and foundation has been donated.  We are still waiting for County Building Department to approve permits to lay the floors for this and the carpenter shop.

The D. Wayne Smith Patio

Designed by a local horticulturist, this patio is being built in remembrance of Wayne Smith who bequeathed us a large sum to our trust fund.  The patio will include a large mural of the once large Buena Vista Lake.   In front of that a stage is being built with a Yokut tule house, a tule boat and other articles used in the daily lives of the Tulumne Yokuts.  This will allow children on school tours to learn more about the daily lives of the Tulumne Yokuts.   Benches, attractive plantings and shade cloth will make this an attractive, useful area.

The Warehouse Building

The exhibit and storage building is being assembled.  It stands to the north of the Motor Transport building.  It will eventually store various Museum items and also be an exhibit depicting an old oilfield warehouse.

Information about other on-going and future projects will show up here from time to time. Please visit us again to look for any updates.

If you would like more information about or to donate money or resources to any of these projects, please contact the museum.
Phone (661)765-6664, Fax (661) 765-9175 or Email: curator@lightspeed.net