so, apparently california is (well, used to be) naturally rich in petroleum, that was so close to the surface that you could just stick your hand in the ground to reach it.

these photos are from 1910 - 1955, California, USA.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.org/post/35897819

source: https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/oil-derricks-california-old-photos/

(Oil derricks line a road outside Los Angeles. 1930.)

there's many more pics on that website

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[–] 23 points 22 hours ago* (1 child)

They're still drilling for oil in CA, even in Los Angeles. Now though, they hide the oil rigs inside fake buildings.

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  • [–] 45 points 1 day ago

    Must...construct...additional...pylons...

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  • [–] 34 points 1 day ago

    WARNING: This product beach contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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  • [–] 37 points 1 day ago (2 children)

    I had heard about this, but didn't expect them to be so dense. It's a literal hellscape metal forest.

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  • [–] 6 points 19 hours ago
    [–] 11 points 1 day ago*

    There's a mini-doc about one California family: https://youtu.be/0WPzFnZkZmI

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  • [–] 4 points 21 hours ago

    But, but…. The good old days!

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