Vintage work crew photos

[hemmjo]

I was wondering what a blowing engine is... found this;

National Museum of Industrial History

Where does the blast for blast furnaces come from? For many furnaces, the blast of air was supplied by “blowing engines.” This presentation will describe how massive engines once ran around the clock to pump the requisite two tons of air required for every ton of iron produced. We will trace the evolution of air pumping devices associated with blast furnaces and do a deep dive into the “Gas Blowing Engine House” in Bethlehem, Pa, which is the largest surviving facility of its type in the world.

Found this video. Pretty long to watch but you can fast forward to get an good idea.