History:
This old wood burning engine was used in
early-day borax mining on the desert in
Death Valley and was brought here in 1941.
It was a distinct improvement over the 20
mule team that used to haul borax from the
mines, but was still hot, miserable work
when the wood fire in the boiler was roaring
and it was 120° in the shade.
Salt was also mined in those days, and each
week the laborers were paid half in money
and half in salt. This is where we get the
word "salary".