Updated Nov 28, 2012 @ 11:08 AM
I had the privilege of covering a story last week about the Eagle Scout project of Zachary Lambert, Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 81. He coordinated the effort to move a dragline bucket from a field south of Pittsburg. Working with the National Guard the 8,000-pound bucket was moved to Pittsburg Steel to be sand blasted and painted and when finished will travel to a new home at the Miners Hall Museum in Franklin where it will be put on exhibit. I really enjoy working on assignments that deal with the preservation of history. I have learned much during my time here about the rich history of this area. It is important that we hang on to our past and save as much as we can and it was great to witness Zachary doing just that. I have included a link to the story written by Nikki Patrick below.
http://www.morningsun.net/news/x35742369/Scout-arranges-move-of-bucket?zc_p=0
SEAN STEFFEN/THE MORNING SUN
Sgt. William Rusk explains to Zachary Lambert the logistics of how he and Pfc. Ben Queen will move the dragline bucket in the background out of the field south of Pittsburg where it has rested for decades. Lambert, a member of Boy Scout Troop 81, is coordinating the effort to have the bucket moved and prepared as an exhibit at the Miners Hall Museum for his Eagle Scout project.
SEAN STEFFEN/THE MORNING SUN
Pfc. Ben Queen, left, and Sgt. William Rusk attach chains to the dragline bucket, estimated to weigh around 8,000 pounds, in preparation for lifting it from the field where it has lain for many years. It was owned and used by the Wilkinson Coal Company
SEAN STEFFEN/THE MORNING SUN
Pfc. Ben Queen controls the crane lifting the dragline bucket and lowering it onto a load hauling system to transport it to Pittsburg Steel for sandblasting and painting. At the right is a second dragline bucket which remains in the field.
SEAN STEFFEN/THE MORNING SUN
Boy Scout Zach Lambert watches as Pfc. Ben Queen guides in a truck to move the dragline bucket from a field.
SEAN STEFFEN/THE MORNING SUN
Sgt. William Rusk drives the vehicle carrying the dragline bucket as Pfc. Ben Queen guides him out of the field where it had lain for many years. The first part of the bucket’s journey was to Pittsburg Steel for refurbishing, and it will ultimately be an outdoor exhibit on the grounds of the Miners Hall Museum, Franklin.
SEAN STEFFEN/THE MORNING SUN
Boy Scout Zach Lambert closes the gate after the vehicle carrying the dragline bucket has left, a successful mission conducted by Sgt. William Rusk and Pfc. Ben Queen of the National Guard.
SEAN STEFFEN/THE MORNING SUN
This dragline bucket, formerly the property of the Wilkinson Coal Company, has been donated to the Miners Hall Museum by Wendell and Lynda Wilkinson. It is one of two that have lain in a field south of Pittsburg for many years.
