Book Feature: Random Records of a Lifetime
This week, we will be taking a look at Volume 3 of William Henry Holmes’ Random Records of a Lifetime as part of our continuing collaboration on the #ManyHatsofHolmes transcription event with Smithsonian Libraries (@smithsonianlibraries), Smithsonian Transcription Center (@smithsoniantranscriptioncenter), Smithsonian Archives, and Smithsonian Field Book Project.
Volume 3 covers the Yellowstone explorations from 1872-1878, and part of what Holmes documented was all the marvelous geysers! Yellowstone National Park was founded in 1872, and it is home to over 500 geysers, which accounts for half of the world’s geysers. Our top illustration is the Castle Geyser, which may be the oldest geyser in Yellowstone, and it erupts approximately every 10-12 hours. This page from Holmes’ Records is a reproduction of a 1872 watercolor by Thomas Moran.
Next up is a circa 1872 photograph by J. E. Haynes of the Giant Geyser, which was dormant for many years after 1955. It is the second largest active geyser with eruptions reaching 250 feet and lasting for an hour, but its eruptions have become even more infrequent.
Here’s an 1878 illustration by R. N. Brooke of Union Geyser erupting, and Holmes notes that Brooke “had not seen a geyser in action” with further comment on the illustration: “Not at all bad.” This geyser has been dormant since the late 1970s.
Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t include the most famous geyser in Yellowstone, Old Faithful. From Montana State University: “Its average interval between eruptions is about 91 minutes, varying from 65 - 92 minutes. An eruption lasts 1 1/2 to 5 minutes, expels 3,700 - 8,400 gallons (14,000 - 32,000 liters) of boiling water, and reaches heights of 106 - 184 feet (30 - 55m).” Living up to its name, Old Faithful has eruptions that are easily predictable, which is what has made it a centerpiece of Yellowstone.
Volume 3 of William Henry Holmes’ Random Records of a Lifetime was contributed for digitization by Smithsonian Libraries. You can help transcribe Volume 8 of Random Records of a Lifetime with Smithsonian Transcription Center here!
