1930's tower OIL SHALE. No water needed.

Does anyone have further information about the process used which enabled oil to be harvested from oil shale at the foot of the Bookcliffs west of Fruita, in Utah ranch area? Oil was gleaned by firing cedar wood, then captured as it flowed through iron spigots into catch barrels. Oil was then transported to Rangely by horse drawn wagons.

Jim Tomlison of Fruita was on site with his son in law when these photos were taken mid 1980's. He felt the tower was built by the Naval Department and later turned over to the BLM.

Tomlison noted there was no water involved and wondered just why today's technology couldn't match this feat.