Re: New book(s) in the works on Sumpter Valley?

Efforts were made in the past to get Ferrell to update and re-publish "Rails Sagebrush and Pine", but to no avail. There have also been discussions with him to allow someone else to update his book to correct errors and add a section on the restoration, but my understanding is that permission was never given.

Many of our members have contemplated a new book. In fact one member has talked with me recently about writing a new book on the SVRy. This same member has interviewed several of the men who worked on the SVRy and associated lumber companys such as the Baker White Pine.

The complete story of the SVRy is large. In fact, much larger than Ferrell's compilation of the railroad. All the lumber companies, the towns, the people, the thousand of miles of logging spurs and the events could, in my opinion easily fill a large volume. A quality book should include the stories and history, not just the photos.

The story of the SVRy is a rich and engrossing story that Ferrell's book did not completely cover. With all due respect I don't think six months will even begin to uncover the events, stories and photos of the SVRy. Maybe two to three years will be needed to do a quality job.

I have never written or compiled a book on a railroad such as SVRy. My wife does writing, and is starting a project on stage coach stations, but because of the enormous time it takes to interview and gather photos on the subject she will probably be a couple years completing it.

I suggest you give serious consideration before you embark on the history of the SVRy. Come and ride and spend some time talking with members, past and present before you decide to do this. It needs to be done, and we all would like to see it done in a quality manner that includes the work done on the restoration.

Good Luck,

dan