a photographic study of congress theater's original basement level mechanical and electrical equipment

an extensive photographic record of congress theater's basement level mechanical equipment was completed late last week. the utilization of multiple camera lenses was required to accurately capture both surface details and systems found throughout the subterranean space, located directly beneath the lobby floor. additionally, images were taken using the theater basement's existing lighting - for better or for worse - to ensure the presentation of objects within the spaces are portrayed accurately. that way uninterrupted continuity and/or consistency of these conditions can be replicated in the future if need be. any and all sources of light are artificial and weren't altered or enhanced.

it's important to note that the majority of extant mechanicals and/or machinery haven't been altered much since the time it was installed beginning in 1925. some of the more prominent systems that were recently retired or remain in use include, but not limited to, two massive kewanee firetube boilers, the cooling system fabricated by the american carbonic machinery company, belt-driven fans and/or blowers installed by the clarage fan company, and multiple slate-backed open (i.e., exposed) electric switchboards equipped with copper knife switches, volt and amp meters, and other components fabricated by general electric and cutler-hammer.

note: the gallery below, divided into their respective categories, represents the first wave of edited images... a few hundred remain unedited and in time will be be added to this post or a future entry.  

valves:

surfaces:

blower:

carbonic:

electric: