The managerial guy in front looks like Billy Jack. I wouldn’t want to disappoint that guy with shoddy work or showing up late on the job site.
A lot has changed since 1911 but individuals are still tieing that rebar together with steel wire. I wonder how specialized that crew was, I think most were carpenters for the formwork but maybe they performed both tasks.
Can anyone explain how the vertical chains and tightening wheels work in the process?
Good question and observation Vlad! I’d like to know about the chains and wheels too.
is the chain/wheel setup a version of a pump jack or a jump form?
they look connected to the work platform.
Interesting that they’re all wearing hats of a far different nature than the hardhats such a crew would be wearing nowadays!
The fellow 4th from the left does not seem to care for the Suit and his posing.
4th from left guy and guy on right are figuring out best place in concrete to entomb mr. suit. guy on extreme left is taking a practice swing.
That building is the outflow gatehouse, The crew is building the wall between N.&S. sections.
Those chains & wheels are what operate the clapper valves over the outflow pipes.
Clapper valves are simple and less expensive than gatevalves. They swing inward to the reservoir. When shut, waterpressure keeps them tight.
Vintage Portland 
Great photo
The managerial guy in front looks like Billy Jack. I wouldn’t want to disappoint that guy with shoddy work or showing up late on the job site.
A lot has changed since 1911 but individuals are still tieing that rebar together with steel wire. I wonder how specialized that crew was, I think most were carpenters for the formwork but maybe they performed both tasks.
Can anyone explain how the vertical chains and tightening wheels work in the process?
Good question and observation Vlad! I’d like to know about the chains and wheels too.
is the chain/wheel setup a version of a pump jack or a jump form?
they look connected to the work platform.
here ya go:
http://www.nationalforming.com/climbing-systems.html#climbingplatform
Interesting that they’re all wearing hats of a far different nature than the hardhats such a crew would be wearing nowadays!
The fellow 4th from the left does not seem to care for the Suit and his posing.
4th from left guy and guy on right are figuring out best place in concrete to entomb mr. suit. guy on extreme left is taking a practice swing.
That building is the outflow gatehouse, The crew is building the wall between N.&S. sections.
Those chains & wheels are what operate the clapper valves over the outflow pipes.
Clapper valves are simple and less expensive than gatevalves. They swing inward to the reservoir. When shut, waterpressure keeps them tight.
Chains and clappers are removed. https://media.nbcmiami.com/images/1200*675/resevoir-AP110629090942.jpg
Right on guys !!!
Build that wall, divide north from south. Donald Trump would be proud.
looks like high quatiy enginerring well built wall thats when they built things good !!!