Clay Spur Bentonite Plant & Camp, Dwelling (2 Unit), Clay Spur Siding on Burlington Northern Railroad, Osage, Weston County, WY

Significance: The Clay Spur Bentonite Plant and Camp is associated with the early 20th century bentonite mining industry in Wyoming and the United States. The Clay Spur Bentonite District was the center of the pioneer Wyoming bentonite industry and remained the premier Wyoming producing district until reserves began to dwindle in the 1950s. The plant embodies the distinctive engineering technology of the bentonite industry. The camp also reflects early twentieth century company town architecture with simple buildings and floor plans that could be quickly and cheaply constructed and adapted to many different uses. This two-unit dwelling is located on the east side of the main street of the camp. It is a one-story wood frame building (53.7 feet east-west by 26 feet north-south) with a gable roof covered with asphalt shingles. The exterior walls are covered with stucco. The building rests on a concrete foundation and has a partial basement with an outside entrance on the east elevation. There is a leanto roofed addition running the length of the building on the north elevation. The building faces south and has two entrances with concrete stoops. There is also an entrance on the east elevation. There are two internal brick chimneys protruding from the roof. Windows are one over one-light and one over two-light double-hung units with wood frames. There is a concrete sidewalk leading to all three entrances from the street. The interior consists of two apartments (east and west) with separate entrances. The west apartment has a living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bath, and closets. The east apartment has a similar arrangement, but only one bedroom. This building was constructed between 1930 and 1934 and has always served as a two-apartment residence.
Survey number: HAER WY-23-Q