Members of Northwest Underground Explorations pose on the remains of the water-powered air compressor of the Copper Bell Mine near the town of Startup, Washington. Water from May Creek was diverted far upstream to power the ten foot diameter Pelton-type water wheel. The wheel was manufactured by the Sumner Iron Works in Everett, Washington. The wheel directly powered two duplex air compressor pistons, one driven off each side. The compressed air was used to drive drilling equipment inside the mine located about a half mile away. (Photo provided by Philip Woodhouse)
