These pictures taken in 1939 show some pretty heavy excavation in Mullen, NE. They appear to depicte a large scale dirt work project providing either storm water runoff detention cells, or possibly sanitary sewer lagoons. Although we can't say for certain what the project was, Kelly Supply was a major contractor for water services throughout Nebraska in the 1930s.

The most interesting aspect of these photos is the method of excavation used before the development of larger cranes and backhoes: a large wooden box on a wire, hand-guided by rope wielding workers. This "Kelly Crane" amounted to two large poles banded together with rope, attached to a hook with a pulley.

Although it looks like one may have been able to swing the box in and scoop up some dirt, it's more likely that the boxes were strategically placed, filled by shovel and elbow grease, then attached to the hook and hauled out. This must have made for a long and grueling work day!