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Plum Orchard

Of interest is the water-powered elevator built by the Otis Elevator Company. This was installed when the house was constructed. Mr. Otis himself was a visitor of the Carnegies at Dungeness about the same time that Plum Orchard was being constructed [interview with Jerre Brumbelow] and may have been seen to the actual installation of the elevator. Interestingly enough, Otis Elevator developed the first successful direct-connected geared electric elevator machines in 1889 [from the Otis Elevator Company web site] – 10 years before Plum Orchard was constructed and electrified with direct current electricity. According to reports, when the elevator was in use, “the water could be heard swishing through the pipes like a commode refilling after a flush.” [p. 146, "Cumberland Island: Strong Women, Wild Horses"]

The inside top of the elevator showing the ornate ceiling.	A bit dusty, but the interior seems to be in relatively good shape except for obvious scratches.	Another view of the interior. The flooring is not discernable because of the dust.

On the 2nd Floor Elevator Door, there is a viewing (?) panel you can open. The main door has an interlock so that it cannot be opened unless the car is at that floor.	This is part of the operational end of the elevator. Hopefully, more can be determined and added later about its operation.

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