The photo that Fritz shared (pg. 262-263 Rainbow Route) was an absolute classic in its quality of view of the #100, and the characters on the job. This is the kind of image that makes fans want to work years to build a model of that locomotive or scene.
But there is a major defect in the caption. The No.100 still has link-n-pin couplers. The Safety Appliance Act was approved March 2, 1893 and was to take effect in ten years, but became finally effective for the country September 1, 1903.
During those approaching years, the D&RG and the C&S made constant objection to putting brake shoes on their engine driver wheels account of the long steep downhill grades which could expand and loosen the tires. They were using water brakes but that did not conform to the letter of the law. The D&RG and C&S were therefore exempted until July 1, 1904 to comply with the Safety Appliance Act, and may have involved delay of the rebuilding for the brakes shoes and couplers.
The Silverton Railroad could have dragged along with the D&RG and did not fully comply by Sept 1903, but that photo is surely taken about 6 or 7 years before the caption reading 1910. Although not a help in dating this photo, the photo in 1912 on page 279 shows the same office building with a new long wooden sidewalk that crosses Cement Creek and the railroad tracks past the office.
On page 282 is a 1911 similar view to the 1901 photo of interest here, and the smoke stacks and what they came out of has been destroyed, likely by fire or flood.
Item #2 The Silverton Northern Engine House may have been built in 1910 and not 1912 as the map says. Note the very last line in this article.
June 18, 1910s Silverton Standard
Visiting mining men. Arrived in Silverton early Tuesday evening. The following day in company with a large number of the members of the Commercial club was spent in visiting several of the mines and mills of the county. A special train neatly fitted up for the occasion placed at the disposal of the party through the generosity of Mr. Mears of the The Silverton Northern road was plentifully supplied with refreshments and cigars and no detail was overlooked which would add to comfort and pleasure of the party. At 9:30 am, they started for the first trip of the day up the beautiful Animas valley. From start to return the distinguished visitors were kept busy viewing the different mines, mills, places of interest and the innumerable great veins, with their enormous outcroppings on the mountain sides as the train sped along the river banks. First the beautiful substation of the San Juan Water and Power Company, next the magnificent Wolhurst, the former home of the late Edward Stoiber, and then the great Silver Lake mill, tramway and tramway terminal, the Iowa tram and lower terminal, the Contention mill and Lowe tramway, in the order named. From Howardsville a quick run was made up Cunningham gulch as far as the Green Mountain mill from which point the many mines and mills that famous section were pointed out to the visitors. On the run to Eureka the attention of the club’s guests was called to the Hamlet mine and mill, at the mouth of Maggie gulch and further on the Kittimac mill and tramway near Minnie gulch. They were also informed as to the vast amount of work now going on and in contemplation on the rich properties of both these gulches. At Eureka they viewed the Sunnyside mill and tramway as well as the other properties in the vicinity of that lively little burg. Then the climb to Animas Forks began and on the way they gazed upon some of the most picturesque scenery of the Rockies, the remnants of the great snowslides of the previous winter in the bottom of the canon, at places hundreds of feet below, the ruins of the Tom Moore’s great boarding house, the result of one of the great slides, and the fatal spot where Father O’Pouke was swept to death in the Animas river and brave, big hearted Jack McComb gave up his life in heroic but futile efforts to rescue the struggling priest from the rushing torrents. It was 11:30 when the train whistled into the Forks. The next couple of hours were spent in reviewing the working of the great Gold Prince mill, under the guidance of Mill Super. Paul Hansen, who is making such a magnificent success in handling the ores from the now famous mine of the same name. Then all the other great mines of that lively section were pointed out to the visitors and Otto Mears gave them a brief but interesting account of its early history when it was the metropolis of the district. The hungered horde was then escorted to the spacious boarding house where the genital proprietor, Steve Holman and his estimable wife, served them to a feast fit for the Gods, which was most thoroughly enjoyed by ever one present. Manager Pitcher, who had the party in charge then shouted “All aboard”. And the return trip was under way. It was intended to stop and go through the Sunnyside mill, but the lateness of the hour denied that pleasure. After reaching the city they viewed the
workings of Mr. Mears’ new machine shop and then took a quick run to Gladstone. Long list of all those in attendance.
Also:
July 2, 1910s Silverton Standard
Talk with Otto Mears:
With his three railroad Mr. Mears has put in machine shops for repair work- in fact, he is rebuilding a locomotive, putting in a complete new boiler. This is a sample of the kind of work the shops are prepared to turn out. He has five locomotives on the three lines which are now being operated. It is cheap transportation from Animas Forks district that has enabled the Gold Prince mine and mill to resume operation. The same is true of many other properties. New life is being taken on in every direction.
It was not possible to visit the different outlaying camps, simply enjoying a ride to Animas Forks where only half an hour was spent. But the ride demonstrated that many mines are resuming operation and the people are encouraged. At Eureka the Sunnyside mill is grinding away steadily and good reports come from the Sound Democrat and other properties located in Picayune gulch while, in addition to the Gold Prince, the Vermillion mine above Animas Forks is working under the direction of R. w. Hollis
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/2010 09:15AM by John E. Bull.
