Caedes

  A-ye auld carbide factory  

Click here to view at full resolution.
Uploaded: 09/29/06 12:19 AM GMT
A-ye auld carbide factory
Views: 805
Dlds: 131
Status: active

A shot from a recent hike in Gatineau Park, near Ottawa Canada, where there is a sign that explains ... "Tomas Willson (1860-1915) settled here in 1907 to study chemical fertilizers. The engineer, who had made a fortune with his discoveries and inventions in the field of electrochemistry considered this the ideal site for one of his most daring experiments. Within these walls, now in ruins, he condensed phosphoric acid to produce phosphate fertilizer. He earned his nickname "Carbide" by developing a methods for the production of calcium carbide. This substance is harmless when dry, but produce acetylene - an extremely flammable gas- when dampened with water. With Willson's process, acetylene could be safety stored in the form of inert calcium carbide. Today, the Willson house, located on O'Brien Point at Meech Lake, is used for federal government conferences." Today the site is almost completely grown in trees, including through the old factory roof. Another angle to follow.

Comments

Post a Comment  -  Subscribe to this discussion
::colocolor
09/29/06 2:28 AM GMT
Gorgeous shot and wonderful commentary. I love the contrast between man (ruinous) and nature. Nature seems to win - so adaptable, eh? Color and lighting are good. going into my faves. I'm sure that river is going to gush right out into my lap.....blublblblblbbl...
0∈ [?]
Don't tell me it's good, tell me what is good about it. Don't tell me it stinks, tell me what I can do do improve it. Thank you for taking the time to tell me anything at all. Be blessed. anne :-)
::jeenie11
09/29/06 4:58 AM GMT
interesting photograph. the empty building with trees inside and the waterfall are so eyecatching to me. good one! jen
0∈ [?]
not writing thank yous feels really strange. i guess i'll just say THANK YOU now! Please Visit My Gallery
::cynlee
09/29/06 5:30 AM GMT
I like the multicolors of the structure. I like the green trees hanging out the windows. That water must be passing through with great force to photograph so white. Those big boulders are interesting too. Nicely captured, Dave. Can't wait to see the rest.
0∈ [?]
Man is the instrument of God. - Boehme
::Anita54
09/29/06 12:10 AM GMT
Very beautiful sight with terrific composition, clarity, color and excellent writeup. The depth and angle are amazing and it's a keeper for sure. Thanks for this one Dave.
0∈ [?]
Can't always give individual thanks but I am so appreciative of everyone's comments and input. I truly enjoy seeing all of your posts and am always happy to see you at My Gallery. Thanks, Anita
::djholmes
09/30/06 1:27 PM GMT
What a beautifully mysterious shot of an interesting place. I love pictures of ruins, and having a gorgeous waterfall and forest surrounding this one makes it really special.
0∈ [?]
Thanks to all who comment on pictures in my gallery. Please accept my apologies if I am unable to thank you each time, and please don't feel obligated to thank me for my comments.
::foofoo
10/01/06 12:20 AM GMT
This is just an amazing photo Dave. Very nicely composed with the bridge, the rushing water and of course this magnificent building. Very interesting history facts as well. Looks very good.
0∈ [?]
Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget ;)

Leave a comment (registration required):

Subject: