Honorary Tribute to Colonel Drake
Description
'How it all started: The First Oil Rush'
On Edward Drake: 'Dogged persistence led this man to drill -- and drill -- and drill, seeking oil deposits. His success launched an Oil Rush and brought the world a new energy source'
On 27 August 1859, 150 years ago, an ex-train conductor drilled the first oil well, in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Together with his drillmaster and iron smith, 'Uncle Billy' Smith, he built a wooden derrick in April that year, not looking for water, but for oil.
After about 20 weeks, and arriving at a depth of 69 feet (20 metres), an oil occurrence with this revolutionary application was demonstrated for the first time in the world.
On 27 August 2009, exactly 150 years after this event that irreversibly changed the world, this special moment will be commemorated.
16:00 Commencement with drinks
17:00 Speech by Frank J. Drake Jr, 4th generation after Edward Drake:
'Oil for the Future: the Schoonebeek Case, 'Steam me up Scotty''
18:00 Ceremonial: Honorary Tribute to Colonel E. Drake
18:15 Champagne Contest: 'Who will be the new Colonel Drake?'
18:30 Commencement Pennsylvanian BBQ
20:00 Film: 'Lucky Luke and the Shadow of the Drill Towers', about Edward Drake's 'Titusville' bore
22:00 Closing
Each registered participant will receive a bottle of champagne that will be used for a joint ceremonial uncorking at the North End. A BBQ will be held from 18:30.
Registration no later than 25 August a.m.
Location
het Noorden, Noordeinde 2, Delft
Organiser
Mining
Name and contact details for information
Further information via the e-mail address below.