Title supplied by cataloger. Ralph Jacobus Fairbanks (1857-1943) known to locals as “Dad” Fairbanks was an American prospector, pioneer, and entrepreneur who founded several towns in the Death Valley including Fairbanks Springs, Shoshone, and Baker. R. J. "Dad" Fairbanks, built businesses like the first Standard Oil service station in Baker. He saved tourists and prospectors who wandered into the desert, and recovered bodies of unlucky adventurers. After the death of his wife in 1938 Fairbanks moved to Hollywood, California; he died on October 3, 1943 at the Hollywood Nursing Home. The 20-mule teams were used by William Tell Coleman from 1883 and 1889, and consisted of 18 mules and 2 horses to haul Borax. Francis Marion Smith acquired other Coleman's holdings in 1890 and consolidated them with his own to form the Pacific Coast Borax Company. After the 20-mule teams were replaced by a new rail spur, the name 20 Mule Team Borax was established and promoted by Pacific Coast Borax to increase sales. View of "Dad" Fairbanks posing next to the 20 mule Borax wagons. Fairbanks use to own some of the mules that moved the Borax. Located in Mojave, California. See image 00107445. Photograph Circa 1935.
Type
image
Format
1 negative : safety ; 25 x 20 cm. Photographic safety negatives
Fairbanks, Ralph Jacobus,--1857-1943 Pacific Coast Borax Company Borax mines and mining--Death Valley (Calif. and Nev.) Minerals Mules Wagons Horse-drawn vehicles Prospecting Transportation Laundry industry Deserts Pioneers Businessmen Mormon men Historic sites Death Valley (Calif. and Nev.) Mojave Desert
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