What is it?

I was out and about this past weekend on a specialty job repair.

Saw this by the side of the road.

Anybody care to venture a guess as to it's purpose?

[IMG]http://www.roofingcontractorreview.com/gallery/d/759-1/stoneroof020.jpg[/IMG]>>>

It was the mention of oil that tipped me off. Discovered in PA in what, ....1890something...>>>

Jed's got it.

I was working near Franklin PA. Titusville, Oil City area.

That's an old oil tank. I saw a few of the wood ones, mostly "newer" steel tanks. The hills are laced with oil pipes and steel cables that ran multiple pumps. Some are still used and pumping oil.>>>

I think it is a watering station for horse drawn wagons. As mike said it would collect spring water. Back in the day this road was probably a lonely place and a mid point between towns.>>>

Old oil barrel?>>>

You're close Mike.

I was working near Allegheny National Forest, Northwest PA.

"specialty job" - I'm working on the pics for that. Will upload soon.>>>

Given it's location in what looks like a slight cut in the hill and the moss below, I'd say it was one of two things: 1, most likely the catch basin for a spring 2, a very unsafe air shaft for a home dug coal mine, or fruit cellar>>>

Modern art conceptual outdoor sculpture attempting to draw a parallel between nature and a football huddle.

What is a 'specialty job repair?'>>>

Looks to be a cistern or something that holds plants , A still might be made of copper brass type of stuff . My father was a steam and pipe fitter . He made a small personal still for his own use. Out of an old drinking fountain. Still can see him with the spoon and match getting it just right .Looking for that nice clean flame .>>>