<p> This thesis examines the social construction of technological practice of the Fairbanks Mining District (1902–1942) in order to enrich an understanding of the relationships among miners, mining endeavors, and cultures of work. Framing the study are the two theoretical approaches: sociotechnical systems and <i>chaînes opératoires.</i> A regional analysis was conducted using archaeological data gathered as a part of a hazard mitigation study of abandoned mining lands. These data are combined with architectural reconstruction drawings, census data, geological reports, and archival materials to posit connections within the district, discern patterns, and examine how these changed over time. This study revealed that people’s relationships in the district were diverse and dynamic, going far beyond simple class hierarchies of labor or capital. A preference for California style milling practices and mill architecture are clear, despite detractors like the inappropriateness for an Alaska climate or the mill’s relative efficiency, indicating that preference ruled over efficiency.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10141261 |
| Date | 29 September 2016 |
| Creators | Holman, Tamara J. |
| Publisher | University of Alaska Anchorage |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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