Classic Rigs
The Driller asked readers to send in pictures of rigs from yesteryear, and the response was great. Take a trip into the drilling past with us, and if you have pictures to share, send them to verduscoj@bnpmedia.com.
1890s Steam Powered Core Drill Rig
A steam powered core drill rig from the 1890s sent in by Jeff Hyatt of Hyatt Well Drilling in New York.
Rebuilt Rig
Jeff Hyatt, shown with daughter Cassandra, rebuilt this rig from the ground up. His father, who was also a well driller, knew the owner.
A close up of the restored rig
A close up of the restored rig, which is fully functional. It was once owned by Davis Brothers Drilling of Holmes, N.Y.
Jeff Shows his Handy Work
Jeff Hyatt, left, shows off his handiwork along with members of his family. Hyatt displays the rigs at antique festivals.
Pump Hoist
A pump hoist sent in from Clearwater Pump Service in Oregon.
C.S. Raymer Co. in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The next few photos were sent in from C.S. Raymer Co. in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Raymer has a long history in the drilling business.
Raymer has a long history in the drilling business. It was founded in 1890 by F.E. Raymer, and is now run by his great-grandsons.
Five-digit phone number on the rig
I don't have a year on this photo, but notice the five-digit phone number on the rig.
Pioneer of rotary drilling
Raymer calls itself a pioneer of rotary drilling in Michigan.
The old Bucyrus rig
The old Bucyrus rigs served Raymer Co. well.
All Markets Served
Raymer serves agricultural, residential, commercial and every market in between.
1950s
This one and the next handful of photos were sent in by Tasker's Well Company of Northwood, N.H. This one's a little grainy, but I'm guessing it's the 1950s based on the fins on the car on the right.
The company was founded by Elmer D. Tasker
The company was founded by Elmer D. Tasker in 1947. His sons, Dan and Jeff, operate it today.
The company's slogan
The company's slogan is "Our business is going in the hole."
Tasker
Tasker's offers wells, pumps, hydrofracturing services and tank installation.
An old rig
An old rig, mounted on an International truck, is stabilized for a job.
Tasker Crew
Tasker crews put the old Portadrill to work.
Old Bucyrus rigs
One of Tasker Well Company's old Bucyrus rigs.
Drilling in Africa
This and the next five photos were sent in my NGWA member Mary Helen Niemann.
Working with Rogers Geophysical
Niemann’s father worked for a company called Rogers Geophysical in Africa during the 1950s.
Somalia in the Late 50s
Niemann’s father’s work with Rogers Geophysical was in Somalia from 1957-’59.
Interesting Stories
Niemann didn’t have much information on the types of rigs, but she said her dad have “some interesting stories from his time in the desert.”
Houston company
A quick Internet search turns up old ads for Rogers Geophysical, a company that was based in Houston.
'Rogers crews go everywhere'
The company’s slogan was “Rogers crews go everywhere.”
A Parting Shot
A driller with C.S. Raymer of Grand Rapids, Mich., works with the help of an old Bucyrus cable rig.
Big Red
Bobbie Melton of Melton Drilling sent this picture of an old Bucyrus Erie cable rig.
Dependable, Kentucky Rig
The rig, Melton says, has only worked in Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties along the Interstate 75 corridor north of Knoxville, Tenn., since it was new.