Making Charcoal

Making charcoal took a total of 13 days and 35 cords of wood from the time each oven was filled, burned, and then emptied. Wood was hauled by wagons or hand carts to the front of the oven and layered inside, then the wagons or hand carts were moved to a platform on the backside, level with the window above, to complete the layering. Both openings were closed with iron doors and the wood was set on fire. Around the bottom of each oven, three rows of air vents controlled the rate of burning. During the first 3 to 4 days, the two lower rows were blocked with rocks or bricks, leaving the top row open, and the smoke was watched to judge the burn: first white and almost steam-like, then yellow for 36 to 48 hours, then blue for 12 hours. After that, the top row of vents was closed and the second row opened, then the process was repeated with the second row closed and the first row opened, and after a final repetition all vents were sealed so the fire could extinguish itself. The oven then remained sealed for approximately 3 days to ensure the fire was completely out. Once the kiln had cooled, the doors were opened, the charcoal was removed through the lower opening, put into sacks holding one bushel, and hauled either to a holding area or to the furnaces at Ward. In September of 1879 the platform burned to the ground.

Preston, Nevada · United States