This image depicts winter conditions for the slate quarry miners in one of the many quarries located in Monson. The "box" located in front of the workers was used to bring the men up and down into the quarries by using a hoist and chain attached to the top of the box, as well as bringing the smaller pieces of slate to the surface as this photo shows. The larger slate was also brought to the surface by wrapping chains, from the hoist, around the slate.

Located behind the men is a ladder which was used to go from ledge to ledge to drill as they continued deeper into the vein of slate.