Monday, August 1, 2011

protected by chemical warfare!


I thought I would give you a mini tour of the bank vault. Mini because I know so little about it and mostly mini cause it is tiny in there! One of the neatest things about the vault is a little metal sign on the front that reads, "CAUTION! This vault is protected by chemical warfare!" Now, notice the little metal line running up the wall on the next picture...


This line had a canister of mustard gas at the base of it and if you follow it up the beautiful domed ceiling...it leads to this ominous looking creature.

This looks like something I may have had nightmares about as a child. Fortunately, we were able to remove the canister and this thing isn't going to shoot out anything anymore(except maybe dust and rust). The other feature inside the vault that I find fascinating is this little hole. Look on the first picture directly above the safe and you will see it. I wonder what it was for? A breathing hole in case you got locked inside!!! If you know, let me know and I will give you a prize.

The next few pictures are just of the door. The details are just so lovely.






We have sandblasted it and are now going to seal it. Look at these interior doors. They are super heavy and super scary when you close them and you are inside!

Next, is our progress for the day! The windows have to be taken out and repaired and new frames constructed. This has not proven to be an easy task.



apparently these windows are not only fragile, but very weighty.


Jay managed to get the front window safely out and tomorrow that girl will have a brand new frame and maybe a few coats of new paint. I hope she will be smiling!

2 comments:

  1. Love those doors! Old buildings are so interesting and intriguing, there was a ventilated control in old vaults for emergencies which was operated from the inside, I think that hole is where the control was located.
    XXX Ido

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  2. First used in 1915, xylyl bromide was a popular tearing agent since it was easily brewed.

    Lachrymatory agents (e.g., Tear Gas) are commonly used as riot control and chemical warfare agents. During World War I, more toxic lachrymatory agents were used.

    I don't think I would want to be gassed while in this vault!

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