"Almost" Saved From The Scrapper's Torch.

This engine was almost saved. However, "almost", is a worthless term when it comes to the scrappers torch. This is Oregon Lumber Co. #100 which was a 50 ton outside frame Heisler built new in 1924. Oregon Lumber accessorized her with a steam pump in front of the engineer's side of the cab and hose reel on top for fire fighting. The air pump was updated to a cross compound, and at some point, the Ruston stack favored by the Sumpter Valley Ry. and Oregon Lumber Co. replaced the original Heisler stack. This photo was taken by Earl Emlaw on Sep. 9th of 1947 at South Baker. Note the white flags in place signifying that she had run extra the 60 miles from Bates to Baker. Why do I say "almost" saved? The story passed down is that she was offered to the city of Baker for a park display, but the city fathers turned down the donation. In 1954 with negotiations underway for the sale of the Oregon Lumber Co. to Edward Hines, she was scrapped. It may have been coincidence or perhaps an effort to clean up obsolete and derelict equipment, prior to the sale. The scan is from the SVRR Archive.