Newspaper Items
Crescent Tramway
This page was last updated on March 21, 2004
30 September 1882
"Consolidated" which has reference to the several mining companies
that have been feuding, which are now merging, as the Crescent Mining Company,
which filed its articles of incorporation on 27 Sept. 1882; the president of
the new company is Edward P. Ferry, and V.P. is Robert N. Baskin. Among others
on the Board is C. H. Withey. (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 30 september 1882)
21 April 1883
"Cresent Tramway" "The Crescent advertises for bids for a
tramway from the mine to Mackintosh's Sampling Works, near the lower depot. The
tramway is to be constructed on the east side of Thayne's Canyon." The
company also advertises for hauling ore over the tramway for a period not
exceeding three years: "With this tramway in operation there will be no
more delays on account of bad roads, as it can be kept open the year
round." (Note: ad referred to is not found.) (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 21 April 1883)
2 June 1883
"The contract for hauling Crescent ore has been let to Frank Dyer who has
for some time been engaged as a contractor hauling ores at Bingham. The terms
are $1.25 per ton for sixty tons a day to be hauled from the ore house in
Thayne's Canyon to Mackintosh's Sampling Works. The contract to go into effect June 1st. Mr. Dyer furnishes bonds in the sum of $10,000." (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 2 June 1883)
21 July 1883
"Mining Notes." "The tramway from the lower tunnel of the
Crescent Mine to the ore house in Thayne's Canyon is completed and ore can now
be taken direct from the mine and lowered to the ore house without being
unloaded from the cars." (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 21 July 1883)
12 January 1884
"Crescent Improvements" item cribbed from the Salt Lake Tribune; in
which E. P. Ferry, president of the company, says that ground is being prepared
for the building of a T-rail tramway, some 3 & 1/2 miles long, this coming
spring. Horses and gravity are the intended forms of propulsion over the
tramway. (Pitchard, Park Mining Record,
Park City, 12 January 1884)
19 January 1884
A. M. Grant is noticed as the Chief Engineer at the Ontario mill. (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 19 January 1884)
12 April 1884
"Work will be commenced on the proposed Crescent concentrator early next
month, but the construction of the tramway will not be commenced until the snow
is gone and the frost is well out of the ground." (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 12 April 1884)
15 April 1884
The Crescent Mining Company held their usual quarterly directors' meeting
yesterday; building of a tram railroad was discussed, etc. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Evening Chronicle, 15 April 1884)
21 June 1884
"Parties have been at work the greater part of this week surveying a route
for the Crescent tramway, and work on the construction of the same will no
doubt begin shortly." (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 21 June 1884)
28 June 1884
"Mining Notes." "The contract for supplying ties for the new
tramway, and for lagging for the Crescent, has been let to H. O. Young. Mr.
Young has set quite a force of men at work, and will begin filling the contract
immediately." (Pitchard, Park Mining
Record, Park City, 28 June 1884)
26 July 1884
"Work on the tramway and the starting of the smelter has given work to a great
many men who have been out of employment." "Work was commenced on the
Crescent tramway on Wednesday and it will be rapidly pushed along to
completion. Mr. F. H. Dyer has taken the contract for the work and has
sub-leased part of the work to other parties. The route of the tramway is to be
along the hill back of Judge Snyder's house, thence up Nigger Gulch, thence in
a westerly direction across the hill to Thayne's Canyon, thence along the side
hill to the mouth of the Aetna Tunnel. The route across from the hill back of
Snyder's to the smelter has not been fully decided on as yet. On the completion
of the tramway the Crescent Company will have a way of getting their ore down
from the mines that they can rely upon, and the route that has been chosen is one
that is comparatively free from snow in the winter, and the grade is the lowest
that could be found after a number of surveys, being about 400 feet to the
mile." (Pitchard, Park Mining
Record, Park City, 26 July 1884)
16 August 1884
"Work on the tramway is still progressing and by the looks of things it
will be completed by the time snow flies. Men and teams were at work this week
placing the ties and rails along the grade so that they would be handy for
laying." "The Marsac blacksmith and carpenter shops are temporarily
turned into car shops. They are busy at present constructing cars for the
tramway." "Track laying was begun on the tramway … to-day." (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 16 August 1884)
23 August 1884
"Track is laid on the tramway to within a short distance of the top of the
mountain on the northwest side of Nigger Gulch." (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 23 August 1884)
6 September 1884
"Mining Notes." "Rails have been distributed along the entire
length of the Crescent Tramway and it is expected that the track will be laid
its entire length by this (Saturday) evening." (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 6 September 1884)
1 November 1884
"The Crescent made the largest shipment of its history on Thursday last,
both teams and tramway being run to their greatest capacity."…meaning
that the Crescent Tramway is in operation prior to this date. (Pitchard, Park Mining Record, Park City, 1 November 1884)
1 January 1885
Article on the Crescent mine shows the tramway to have been built to a gauge of
30 inches. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 1 January 1885)
14 March 1885
"Preparations are being made to open up the Crescent Tramway, providing
the weather holds but good until the 20th of the month. This will give the
shovel brigade a chance to coin some wealth." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 14 March 1885)
4 April 1885
A longish item on "Frank H. Dyer, Esq." "While in Lima, Ohio, he
selected an engine for the Crescent Tramway which is expected to reach here
about the first of next month." "The [Crescent] concentrator for the
past two days has been undergoing a few needed repairs, getting ready for
operations when the ore comes dawn over the tramway. When that engine gets here
it will do some tall 'puffing' to climb some of the grades, but Mr. Dyer says
that it is warranted to pull its own weight - eleven tons - up a grade 500 feet
to the mile." (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 4 April 1885)
11 April 1885
"The Tramway Opened" finally, as snow removal proved more difficult
than expected; the track is in excellent condition. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 11 April 1885)
18 April 1885
"The Crescent Company have just completed an excursion car of four
seats." "The Crescent concentrator is running night and day, being
supplied with ore over the tramway. The road-bed is in a good condition and
when the new engine gets here business will be lively over this road through
the summer." (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 18 April 1885)
9 May 1885
"The new engine for the Crescent tramway ought to be here before long. It
was thought it would reach here by the first of the month, but it has not put
in its appearance yet." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 9 May 1885)
23 May 1885
"The engine which is to be used on the Crescent tramway is on the road and
is expected here to-day or tomorrow. The mule motive power will then be
dispensed with … as the little iron horse climbs the winding trail to the
Crescent mines." (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 23 May 1885)
30 May 1885
"The new engine for the Crescent Tramway arrived on Monday evening. It was
unloaded Tuesday and on Wednesday was put together. Two trial trips were made
on Thursday, but were unsuccessful. A new engineer will be here tomorrow
evening, as the one who came first to put it in working order, seems to be
rather too timid to attempt to go far on a mountain railroad track. He thinks
the rails are not heavy enough for an engine." "Mr. Shay, the
gentleman who came from Lima, Ohio, to put the Crescent engine in working order,
called yesterday. He says he likes the country very well, but cannot say that
he is in love with the railroads. It is his opinion that the curves are too
abrupt and the rails too light to successfully operate the engine over the
line. He will remain only until his successor arrives and will then shake the
dust of a mining town off of his feet forever." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 30 May 1885)
6 June 1885
"The engineer, Mr. Burke, who came out on a dispatch to test the Crescent
tramway engine, made the first attempt Tuesday afternoon with it and got up as
far as the trestlework in Nigger Canyon. As he reached that point and examined
the bridge he concluded it was strong enough to hold him up and wanted to cross
over, but Mr. F. H. Dyer thought it best not to try it until the bridge had
been strengthened and he at once put men to work with that purpose in view.
Another trial trip will be made tomorrow and Mr. Burke says he will reach the
Crescent mines if the track will hold him. He says the engine was built for
this purpose and he knows he can make it do the work." "Mr. Burke, of
Lima, Ohio, arrived in the Park on Monday evening. Our high railroads do not
affect his nerves in the least as he has been on the D.& R.G. R.R., and
knows what it is to run an engine up into the clouds. He says the rails of the
Crescent tramway are rather light but is satisfied the engine can be made to do
the work over them with perfect safety." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 6 June 1885)
13 June 1885
"The Crescent engine has not yet succeeded in reaching the dump at the
Rebellion. It has rounded rocky point and came within about 1,000 feet or more
and returned. The engineer, Mr. Burke, is confident of making a success of it,
notwithstanding the highness of the rails." Caterpillars -- have been
making tracks very slippery, one wreck of downbound cars being blamed on that
cause (brakes lock and do no good), so cars have had small brooms attached to
sweep the rails. (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 13 June 1885)
20 June 1885
The Crescent engine presently sitting on a side track opposite the Dexter
stables. It appears that the rail is, in fact, too light; "the engine will
work if it is turned loose on a heavy track." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 20 June 1885)
2 July 1885
E. P. Ferry, president of the Crescent Mining Company, says that hauling on the
tramway will be done by mules once again, the engine having proven too heavy.
He says: "There seems to be an impression in town that the company has
suffered the loss of buying an engine for which it had no use. The Company had
all its hauling done by contract, Mr. F. H. Dyer doing the work. It was his
idea that he could save considerable to himself by getting an engine instead of
using mules. He ordered a ten-ton engine, and they sent him a seventeen-ton
one, so that he has nothing to do but return it. The Company does not figure in
the transaction one way or the other." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 2 July 1885)
1 August 1885
"There is some talk of the Crescent Company tearing up the rails now being
used on their tramway and replacing them with heavier ones. With this
improvement the company will be able to run the engine which they bought for
the purpose of hauling up the empty cars. The cars are now drawn by mules."
(Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 1 August 1885)
22 August 1885
"A force of men are at work improving the grade of the Crescent tramway
between the concentrator and the mine. The curves are being eased and widened,
preparatory to laying heavier rails, so that the engine bought for the purpose
can be used to haul the cars up to the mine. The first carload of rails for the
new track arrived last night." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 22 August 1885)
29 August 1885
"Mr. Frank Dyer is now having the heavy rails distributed along the
tramway between the Crescent mine and concentrator and will commence laying
them very soon." (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 29 August 1885)
26 September 1885
"The engine on the Crescent tramway is now running regularly. The heavy
rail was laid over halfway to the mine last week, and the engine was started to
take rail up for the remainder of the distance. The new track is now nearly
completed to the mine. The engine works like a charm." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 26 September
1885)
26 September 1885
"Tramway Accident." "Yesterday morning the engine on the
Crescent tramway was tipped over on the switch, half way between here and the
mine, and the cab badly broken. It seems the main line at the switch was
obstructed and the engineer endeavored to pass around on the side track, which
had never been intended for anything but empty cars. When he had reached the
part of the track nearest the edge of the grade, the rails spread out and the
soft ground gave way, causing the engine to fall over on its side. If the
ground had been hard and rocky where the accident occurred, the result would
have been much more disastrous, for the engine would surely have rolled down
the mountainside. It will probably be Monday [28th] before the engine is got
back on the track again, but as there is nothing injured except the cab, there
will be no other delay." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 26 September 1885)
3 October 1885
Tramway engine to be repaired and back in service on Monday (5th). "Mr.
Burke, the engineer who had charge of the tramway engine when the accident
occurred last week, requests us to state that he was in no way to blame. He was
ordered onto the side-track, or he should not have gone." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 3 October
1885)
10 October 1885
L. H. Withey and others are here from Grand Rapids, Mich., on account of the
Crescent annual meeting, at Salt Lake City next Wednesday. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 10 October 1885)
15 October 1885
Annual report of the Crescent Mining Company, for the year ended 30 September
1885; receipts totaled $232,210.95, of which $199,413.15 is from 'Ore Sold.'
Disbursements totaled $93,740.24, of which the amount of $9,360.37 is described
as "Balance Construction Tramway." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 15 October 1885)
17 October 1885
E. P. Ferry desiring to retire as president of the Crescent Mining Company, he
is replaced by L. H. Withey. No dividend declared, and no comment on the
tramway. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park
City, 17 October 1885)
31 October 1885
"The heavy rails on the Crescent tramway have been laid within about a
mile of the mine." (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 31 October 1885)
1 January 1886
Notes from a lengthy article about the Crescent property, which of course includes
the tramway. The tramway was originally laid with 16-pound iron rail, which
proved to be too light for the Shay, so the track was taken up and relaid with
second-hand 30-pound rail from the Utah & Northern. This then made of it
"…a first-class 30 inch gauge road,…" The engine for the line is
also a novelty, being No. 130, and built under E. Shay's patent by the Lima
Machine Works. The engine weighs 20 tons in working order, is 27 feet long and
will pass a curve of 50 feet radius. It will take 15 cars of 1,300 pounds each
up the maximum grade of 460 feet per mile, at a speed of 6 or 7 miles per hour.
The engine operates at a boiler pressure of 140 pounds, and has two 8" by 8" cylinders. The little Shay is capable of running through one foot of
snow without a plow. .On the tramway line itself, the maximum grade of 460 feet
per mile runs for one-full mile; the average grade is 400 feet per mile for the
entire five miles of the line. Outside of town, no grade on the line-is less
than 240 feet per mile! (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Tribune, 1 January 1886)
2 January 1886
In discussing the Crescent, paper says "The engine has been laid up for
the winter and ore will be sent down by sleigh until the snow again leaves the
track open." (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 2 January 1886)
17 April 1886
"Marshal Frank H. Dyer" returned from Washington on Thursday, and
news of his appointment [as a U. S. Marshal] reached Park City on Monday, while
Dyer was in Chicago. Most of the article is an interview, in which Dyer says
that he is a native of Mississippi, and came to Utah from there about ten years
ago; located at Bingham for a year, and then vent to Cottonwood for about four
years, and will have been in Park City three years in June. When asked if he
"… will still have same interests at stake in Park City, …" he
answered "Certainly. I have several thousand dollars sunk in that tramway.
My contract for hauling the Crescent ores will not expire for two and a half
years yet. This and my other business interests will be managed by my brother,
A. G. Dyer." (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 17 April 1886)
1 May 1886
"The Crescent tramway will be opened for the transit of ores Sunday night,
all the snow having been cleared off and repairs made to the track."
Chester H. Withey, secretary of the Crescent company, received a telegram on
Monday notifying him that his father, Judge S. L. Withey, had died at San Jose,
California. Chester has gone to San Jose and will take his father home to Grand
Rapids, Mich., for burial. Chester's return to Park City is noted in the paper
of 15 May 1886. (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 1 May 1886)
29 May 1886
"The Crescent tramway engine has been laid off this week for repairs, New
cylinders have been put in, and the locomotive will be ready for active work
tomorrow." (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 29 May 1886)
12 June 1886
"U. S. Marshal F. H. Dyer arrived from Washington, D. C., Monday evening
with his commission. He will go to Salt Lake tomorrow to assume the duties of
his office." (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 12 June 1886)
16 July 1886
"Among the Pines" "Marshal Dyer's Tramway" and so forth;
extracts from a letter: "Parley's Park, July 15, 1886." "Few
trips can be more pleasant than that from Park City over the hills to Cottonwood
at this season of the year. There are several roads and footpaths, but the most
novel route by far is that which runs past the Crescent, provided you can
wheedle Frank Dyer's brother into allowing you to ride on the tramway operated
by the Marshal. Mr. Dyer has a good thing on his Crescent ore hauling contract,
it is said, but after taking the beautiful ride over the tramway, we think he
could make it much better by booming his line "into the clouds" a la
the Little Giant people, and charging a certain rate per head to passengers for
the ride. It is a little Marshall Pass, all in itself. The sensation of
creeping up the hillside behind the Maud Withey, taking a lunch in the clouds
at the mine with the hospitable Cooke (the clerk, not the cuisine man),
finishing your trip to Cottonwood in a buggy or on horseback and returning to
be whirled down the five miles of track in an empty car minus every means of
motive power except the impetuous slant of the rails - is something every
toiler ought to try. No one would begrudge a dollar for the trip up and down
the tramway, and a dollar thus spent would be advantageously invested."
(Item continues…) (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Daily Herald, 16 July 1886)
16 October 1886
"Mining Matters." The annual meeting of the Crescent company was held
at Salt Lake City on Wednesday the 13th; President Withey made report for the
year ending October 1, 1886 -- total receipts were $222,813.55; among the
disbursements: Transportation, sampling, etc. $16,263.23 Purchase of right-of-way
for tramway, and other improvements $25,836.00 (no other mention of the
tramway). (Pitchard, Park Record, Park
City, 16 October 1886)
6 November 1886
Chester Henry Withey married Mary Elizabeth Kelso on Wednesday evening this
week, by Rev. Father Galligan, at the Park City residence of Dr. C. Mantor. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 6 November 1886)
23 April 1887
"The Crescent tramway is being cleared, cars repaired and other
preparations [made] to resume ore hauling within .a short time." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 23 April
1887)
30 April 1887
"The Crescent Tramway engine is having a new coat of paint and some
repairs made to it." (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 30 April 1887)
7 May 1887
"The Crescent Tramway engine and cars have been thoroughly repaired and
artistically repainted." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 7 May 1887)
28 May 1887
"Two cars loaded with engines and boilers for the Crescent mine arrived
yesterday on Utah & Northern cars, wide gauge. It was the first load they
have hauled." "Four car loads of hoisting machinery arrived this week
for the Crescent and were taken up to the mine over the tramway." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 28 May
1887)
18 June 1887
"The Crescent Tramway is taxed to it's fullest capacity to bring down 150
tons of ore a day to the concentrator." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 18 June 1887)
22 October 1887
"A new engine house is being built over the Crescent Tramway." C. H.
Withey is fire chief in Park City. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 22 October 1887)
5 November 1887
"F. H. Dyer has sold the Crescent tramway and its equipment to the
company. This, it is understood, is in accordance with the original contract,
just expired, and the purchase price is sub rosa." Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 5 November 1887)
3 December 1887
"The Crescent tramway has been closed down for the winter." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 3 December 1887)
31 December 1887
In discussing "The Crescent's Exhibit" during 1887, it is noted that
. "Much of this year's revenue has been used to pay for the machinery and
purchase the tramway from F. H. Dyer, according to contract." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 31 December 1887)
11 August 1888
"On Wednesday as the Crescent tramway engine, with a train of empty cars,
was making the trip up to the mine, the shaft broke, through crystallization.
Fortunately no great damage was done, but the broken piece had to be sent back
to Ohio for repairs, and as a consequence traffic over the tramway was
abandoned." (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 11 August 1888)
18 August 1888
"The Crescent tramway's crank shaft has arrived and probably the train
will be started up this afternoon and ore shipments resumed." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 18 August
1888)
13 October 1888
"Crescent Meeting" which was held at the office of Judge Sprague in
Salt Lake City on Wednesday morning, 10 October. Of the total of 600,000
shares, 488,717 were represented. In the report of Pres. L. H. Withey (for year
ended 1 October 1888), he said: "Since the last report, the directors
purchased the interest of the contractor in the narrow gauge railroad between
Park City and the mine, and have operated it during the past season
successfully." (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 13 October 1888
15 December 1888
"Ore hauling over the Crescent tramway ceased yesterday for the season on
account of the bad weather. The tramway has done good work this-season. The
concentrator will run till about the end of the year." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 15 December 1888)
6 April 1889
"The Crescent tramway engine and cars are being repaired preparatory to
use the coming season." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 6 April 1889)
20 April 1889
"A trial trip over the Crescent tramway was made today and on Monday ore
hauling will be commenced. The concentrator is doing good work." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 20 April
1889)
18 May 1889
"A terrific collision occurred on the Crescent tramway Wednesday morning,
shortly after 9 o'clock. When the engine was taking coal the head ore train
bunted into it and sent 'Maud Withey' flying down the track, through the scale
house and into a train of empties. Engineer Bell and his fireman barely had
time to jump, but Mr. Sanders, who had charge of the ore train, bravely stuck
to his car. The damage done was considerable and delayed ore transportation
until yesterday morning. The wet and slippery condition of the rails was the
fault, and the brakes of course failed to prevent the ore train from sliding.
Fortunately none of the tramway employees were hurt." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 18 May 1889)
14 September 1889
"The crank shaft of the Crescent engine is broken and ore hauling will be
prevented until the coming week." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 14 September 1889)
3 January 1890
"The Crescent tramway closed down on the 30th, after the longest and most
successful run it has ever enjoyed. The engine has been housed and everything
made snug for the winter." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 3 January 1890)
29 March 1890
"The Crescent tramway engine is being overhauled and repaired preparatory
to opening the tramway for ore hauling this season." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 29 March 1890)
5 April 1890
"The Crescent company has sent a lot of tramway trucks to Salt Lake to be re-cast
at the Eagle foundry." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 5 April 1890)
10 May 1890
"The Crescent tramway is now open for traffic and the coming week ore
hauling will be commenced,…" (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 10 May 1890)
2 August 1890
L. H. Withey is the president of Crescent Mining Co. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 2 August 1890)
27 September 1890
James McGregor, a director of the Crescent Mining Company, has become secretary
pro tem, account C. H. Withey having resigned. "The Crescent tramway was
closed down this week while necessary repairs are being made to the engine by
J. D. and D. A. Camomile of the Eagle Foundry, Salt Lake. An extra engine would
not be amiss, for then ore hauling could be kept up while the good weather lasted."
(Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 27 September 1890)
18 October 1890
The annual meeting of the Crescent Mining Company was held on Wednesday the
15th at Salt Lake; James McGregor, who has been superintendent of the company
for the past year, is now elected also to the Executive Committee. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 18 October 1890)
13 December 1890
"The Crescent tramway is still running in full blast and ore is coming
down in large quantities. This season has proven the longest and most profitable
run the tramway has ever made." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 13 December 1890)
27 December 1890
In speaking of the Crescent, past, present and future, an item says that
"In the spring a much heavier Shea engine will be put on the tramway,
besides other improvements, all looking to a greatly increased output." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 27 December 1890)
24 January 1891
"Among the Ledges." "The Crescent Tramway in Operation,…"
"It is quite an innovation on past customs and makes an epoch in the
history of the Crescent mine to see the tramway in operation during the latter
part of January. Wednesday last 'Maud Withey, No. 130' was brought from her
quarters, where she had been stored supposedly until next summer's sun had
melted the accumulated snows, and after a careful grooming was fired up and
made a trip to the mine, bringing down ore. Engineer Gleason, from the mine,
handled the throttle and Ed Pegan was at his old post in front of the firebox.
To date regular trips have been made and will continue to be made until deep
snows interfere. Very little shoveling was necessary to open the road … as
there is not snow enough for heavy sleighing the tramway had to be
opened." (Pitchard, Park Record,
Park City, 24 January 1891)
27 January 1891
"Park City Pickings" by C. A. S.; "The Crescent tramway was put
in operation again this week. The engine was put away for the winter some time
ago, but the continued pleasant weather left little snow on the track and it
was taken out." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Daily Herald, 27 January 1891)
31 January 1891
"The Crescent tramway is still running…" (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 31 January 1891)
22 March 1891
An item which notices that James McGregor is the managing director of the
Crescent Mining Company. (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Herald, 22 March 1891)
4 April 1891
"The Crescent company is expecting its new Shea engine to arrive about the
15th of this month. The work of shoveling out the tramway will commence as soon
as the weather settles beyond cavil. There is considerable snow in places on
the road, and it will take same time to clear it. The road-bed and track were
in excellent condition last fall and no apprehension is entertained as to the
successful use of the new and heavier machine." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 4 April 1891)
18 April 1891
"The Crescent company has a force of mechanics at work constructing new
tramway cars. They are being constructed on the same general plan of the new
ones in use last summer with one or two slight alterations. It is expected that
a sufficient number of new cars will be ready for use by the time the road is
open to start ore hauling in first-class shape. Times will be lively on the
tramway this summer." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 18 April 1891)
25 April 1891
"Camp Crosscuts." "The Crescent's new Shea engine arrived Sunday
evening and on Monday was moved off the cars and placed on the tramway track.
Foreman Larsen made a good job of the transfer and got the machine over without
a mishap. It is a fine engine, has three cylinders and weighs twenty tons when
cooled and watered and ready for action. It is calculated that it will haul
twenty-one cars up to the mine with ease, and twenty-five with a little
crowding. W. A. Langford will handle the throttle." "A force of
forty-one men are engaged in shoveling out the tramway. Work is being
prosecuted from both ends and all possible dispatch will be used in getting the
road in shape. The old engine has been repaired and will be used until the road
gets in good working order, when the new one will be placed on the run." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 25 April
1891)
26 April 1891
"Utah's Great Camp," by C. A. S.; "The Crescent tramway is being
relieved of its snow by a force of thirty men, preparatory to active operations.
The new engine has arrived and is a beauty. It is being put in condition for
running." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Herald, 26 April 1891)
2 May 1891
"New switches have been laid in the Crescent yards and over at the mill,
the tramway has been cleared of snow and the old engine is being repaired for
use until the roadbed is in first-class shape, when the new one will be placed
on the run. It is expected that operations will be commenced about the 5th of May." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park
City, 2 May 1891)
9 May 1891
"The Crescent company received a large consignment of wheels this week to
be used under its tram-cars. The wheels are of a different pattern to those in
use heretofore, being two inches larger and have openings in the body instead
of being solid. The Crescent is making extensive preparations to increase its
output and will undoubtedly make a fine shaving by the close of the
season." "The Crescent tramway began hauling ore on the 5th,…"
(Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 9 May
1891)
17 May 1891
"The Week at Park City." "The Crescent." "The Crescent
Company are repairing and strengthening their trestle and bridge and when
completed the new engine will commence making regular trips. At present the
'Maud Withey' is doing the work and considerable ore is being brought down
daily to the concentrator."
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 17 May 1891)
6 June 1891
"The work of lengthening the big curve on the Crescent tramway at the
first trestle is rapidly approaching completion. The work being performed
lengthens the road several hundred feet and somewhat lessens the grade to the
white walls curve. It includes one large cut and two extensive fills and will
enable the new engine to make the turn without trouble. As soon as this change
in the road is completed the new machine will be placed on the run." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 6 June
1891)
12 June 1891
A long letter, from Park City and dated 10th, about the Crescent property, and
a ride over the Crescent tramway - "The thirty-inch track is laid with
thirty-pound steel rails,…" the train being hauled "…by a Shea
locomotive, which is arranged with two cylinders on one side,…" "A
new Shea locomotive, double the capacity of the old,…, will be at work
soon." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 12 June 1891)
11 July 1891
"Prospector,' the Crescent's new large engine, was placed on the road
Monday last, though up to date regular trips have not been made, awing to
several changes in the roadbed. It was found necessary to alter one or two
curves so that the machine could get around them with greater ease. She can go
to the mine now but the changes are being made to facilitate matters and give
the machine a better opportunity. It is calculated that the new engine will be
able to handle twelve loads or twenty-five empties and will prove of great
service in getting supplies to the mine this fall, when the up trains will be
heavily ladened." (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 11 July 1891)
15 October 1891
Annual meeting of the Crescent Mining Company yesterday; Lewis H. Withey is
president of the company; gives details of income and expense, some of which
is:
To Tramway operating, near cars, supplies & repairs, …$16,483.67
To New Locomotive, and freight on same, …$4,574.48
To Repairs on old Locomotive, …$151.33
Statement of Assets, October 1, 1891: Tramway and Equipment, …$49,704.41 (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 15 October 1891)
14 November 1891
"The Crescent tramway was closed down permanently yesterday. The engine is
housed, cars put away and everything made snug for the winter."
"There are several new features about the Crescent this week. A shed has
been built over the old engine to protect it from the storms of winter. The
tramway has been closed down until spring notwithstanding the assertion made
that it was the company's intention to run all winter." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 14 November 1891)
1 January 1892
Crescent Tramway is laid with 30-pound rail to a gauge of 30 inches. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 1 January 1892)
21 May 1892
"Snow shovelling on the Crescent tramway is nearly completed, the
shovelers now being in sight of the mine. Much more snow was encountered than
anticipated, there being same drifts twenty feet in depth. The work of
repairing and placing the track in thorough condition will commence as soon as
possible and trains will begin running as soon as the road is pronounced
safe." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park
City, 21 May 1892)
28 May 1892
"Active preparations are going forward and the Crescent tramway will soon
be hauling ore. The cars and the engine have been overhauled and the track is
being ballasted as rapidly as men can do the work. The season with the Crescent
will be rather short but it will be a lively one." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 28 May 1892)
4 June 1892
"The Crescent tramway commenced operations Monday last and ore is now
coming down … " (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 4 June 1892)
11 June 1892
"The crankshaft which operates the rear trucks on the Crescent tramway
engine broke yesterday and the road will be closed down for three days, as it
will require that length of time to repair the damages." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 11 June
1892)
18 June 1892
"Fourth of July Notes." "The Crescent tramway will be for the
use of visitors to the town on that day, and not for people who have been over
it many times and know all about it." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 18 June 1892)
9 July 1892
"Saturday afternoon the crank shaft on the tramway engine was broken. It
was sent down to the Eagle Foundry on the 4 o'clock Utah Central train and Mr.
Withey, superintendent of the works, put a force of men to work at once. The
result was the new shaft was sent back the next morning, was placed in position
and the engine was ready for active service on the Fourth. The Eagle Foundry
placed a feather in its cap by its remarkable promptness in furnishing the new
shaft." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park
City, 9 July 1892)
16 July 1892
"Considerable trouble has recently been experienced with the crankshaft of
the new tramway engine, and it has been shopped for a thorough examination as
to the cause of the trouble and for repairs. The old machine, which was placed
in perfect order this spring, is now being used, and the management realizes
what it means to have an extra machine. In the hands of its present crew the
old engine is doing splendid work." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 16 July 1892)
13 August 1892
"The Crescent company is building an enginehouse a short distance above
the site of the old one, which has been torn down. The new building will be
capable of holding both machines and one will be kept therein all the time and
both during the winter months."
17 September 1892
The Crescent tramway shut down on Thursday. "The tramway has been shut
down the last trip Thursday likely being the last until spring. The Crescent
company does not want to sell silver at the present low price, and will pile it
up, pending a rise in the price." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 17 September 1892)
15 April 1893
"The Crescent Tramway is being cleared…", which work began on
Wednesday. "The engine will be overhauled by James Langford in a few days
and placed in readiness for steady business." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 15 April 1893)
29 April 1893
"The Crescent has all its cars on the side tracks near the blacksmith shop
and they are being thoroughly overhauled and placed in readiness for active
service. The smaller engine will be taken from winter quarters Monday next and
placed in thorough working order for the summer's campaign." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 29 April
1893)
6 May 1893
"The Crescent tramway engine was taken from its winter quarters Thursday
and is now being thoroughly overhauled. The old scales have been taken out and
will be thoroughly cleaned and repaired and a new floor placed. The tramway has
been cleared of snow to the mine, but the weather has been so beastly and so
much new snow has fallen that more shoveling will have to be done,…" (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 6 May
1893)
20 May 1893
The Crescent tramway began bringing down ore on Monday, four down trips per day
being made. "The smaller engine is being used…" (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 20 May
1893)
21 May 1893
"The Crescent Tramway Reopened" "The Crescent tramway was
reopened for the season Monday last and now regular trains are running. The old
engine, 'Maud Withey', is being used until the track is in condition to stand
the heavier engine, 'The Prospector'. Mr. James McGregor, the manager of the
Crescent Company, was in the Park during the early part of the week, attending
to the opening of the season's work." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 21 May 1893)
30 June 1893
The Crescent shut down yesterday, mine, tramway and mill altogether. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 30 June
1893)
1 July 1893
Crescent and most other mines are not operating, owing to the crashing silver
prices. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park
City, 1 July 1893)
28 October 1893
The Crescent is shut down; no supplies are to be taken up to the mine this
year, so the tramway will remain shut down at least until the spring of 1894. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 28 October 1893)
9 December 1893
Earlier reports in error, the Crescent will resume some work, and open
the tramway. Shoveling completed Wednesday, but ice has now to be removed from
the track in places. (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 9 December 1893)
16 December 1893
"The Crescent, after a hard struggle, succeeded in opening the tramway
through to the mine and commenced hauling coal. Trouble was encountered every
morning,…, only about 60 tons of coal … were gotten up." Storm again
Wednesday, which blocked the tramway, and Thursday the attempt to re-open was
abandoned. "The new tramway engine broke an axle Monday morning and added
greatly to the difficulty encountered in opening the road. The break showed one
of the worst flaws imaginable in a piece of machinery supposed to be strong and
solid, and the wonder is how the engine ever ran so long as it did without the
break occurring. The company will have a new shaft turned in Salt Lake. The
engine was repaired with a pair of wheels taken from the old engine, and though
so low that the gearing had to be left disconnected on the wheels put in, the
engine is serviceable and can be used until the broken shaft is repaired."
(Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 16 December 1893)
1 January 1894
Crescent tramway was operated for about one month in the summer of 1893. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 1 January 1894)
8 February 1894
James McGregor (receiver and general manager of Utah Central) is also
superintendent of the Crescent Mining Co. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 8 February 1894)
29 September 1894
Report on the Crescent, and why it has done nothing whatever in 1894 -- silver
is too cheap at present, and the property will remain shut down until the price
rises. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City,
29 September 1894)
1 January 1895
Park City mines -- the Crescent -- has not resumed work since it gave up in
mid-1893. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 1 January 1895)
30 September 1895
"It looks like old times to see the ore trains coming down the Crescent
tramway and to hear the whistle of the mill. About 80 tons per day are being
handled and shipped to Salt Lake over the Utah Central." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 30 September 1895)
1 January 1896
In Park City, the Crescent is still shut down, but the tramway is still in
existence. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 1 January 1896)
13 June 1896
"The Crescent tramway is again opened and ore is being brought down, but
not for the company. The rock now in transit belongs to Owen Greenan…"
"The cars, are taken up by horsepower as the engine could not be used
without expensive repairs being made on the track." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 13 June 1896)
14 November 1896
"A force of men are now at work shoveling out the Crescent tramway, and if
it can be opened some 150 tons of ore belonging to the company and to M. L.
Houston will be brought dawn and shipped." Mine and tramway otherwise
idle. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City,
14 November 1896)
28 November 1896
Efforts to open the Crescent tramway have been abandoned. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 28 November 1896)
21 August 1897
Persons leasing parts of the Crescent are shipping ore; "Two trains are
now running between the mine and the Crescent concentrator over the tramway and
about 35 tons of ore a day are being hauled." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 21 August 1897)
4 September 1897
"The Crescent Sold." to the Wasatch Mining Company, for $75,000.00;
Crescent has not been worked this year except for parts leased. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 4 September 1897)
30 April 1898
"The repairing and building of cars for the Crescent tramway goes steadily
and merrily on. By the time the road is clear of snow everything will be in
readiness to commence hauling down the winter's accumulation of leaser's
ore." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park
City, 30 April 1898)
14 May 1898
"Camp Crosscuts." "It is expected to begin repairing the roadbed
of the Crescent tramway some time next week, unless storms intervene to
prevent. …many of the ties are very old and will require replacing before
trains can be run with safety." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 14 May 1898)
16 May 1898
Item from the Park Record: "It is expected to begin repairing the roadbed
of the Crescent tramway some time next week, unless storms intervene to
prevent. How long this work will take, …, it is thought it will take quite a
while, as many of the ties are very old and will require replacing before
trains can be run with safety."
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 16 May 1898)
18 June 1898
"Camp Crosscuts." "Ore hauling from the Crescent over the
tramway was temporarily discontinued Saturday last, pending the sampling and
marketing of the ore brought down to that time." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 18 June 1898)
21 June 1898
The Crescent tramway blacksmith shop burned in the great fire, as also the
Crescent mill. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 21 June 1898)
24 September 1898
The Crescent tramway is operating, from the mine to the U. P. depot, piling up
ore to be shipped. (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 24 September 1898)
26 September 1898
Ore is coming down from the Crescent over the tramway. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 26 September 1898)
8 October 1898
"Camp Crosscuts." "There is now between 2500 and 3000 tons of
Crescent ore on the platform at the U. P. depot and trains are still running
steadily over the tramway to the mine." etcetera of no value. (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 8 October
1898)
10 October 1898
There is now 2500 to 3000 tons of Crescent ore piled up at the U.P. depot,
"…and trains are still running steadily over the tramway to the
mine." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune,
10 October 1898)
15 October 1898
"Mining Notes" "James Farrell finished hauling ore over the
Crescent tramway Monday and on Thursday the road was closed for the winter. Mr.
Farrell says before the road can be used again it will need new ties clear through."
(Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 15 October 1898)
1 January 1899
Review of 1898:Park City mines - the Crescent: "One year ago we told of
the foreclosure and sale of this old property, and its being bid in by the
Wasatch company." Since then, has been leased to a number of different
operators. "The property is comparatively idle, it being worked to so
small an extent under the new management." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 1 January 1899)
31 March 1900
The Crescent property still exists, and so also, apparently, the tramway, but
not operated for some time. Attempts to start up mining again may be made soon.
(Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 31 March 1900)
19 May 1900
"Camp Crosscuts" "The two tram engines of the Crescent company
were on Thursday loaded on Union Pacific cars by T. M. Stringer and started on
their journey to Palestine, Texas, where they are to be used in the lumber
camps of that district." "J. G. Bywater and Bart Smoot were in the
Park Thursday on business connected with the shipping of the Crescent
engines." (Note that Thursday was 17 May 1900.) (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 19 May 1900)
26 May 1900
"Camp Crosscuts" "Men are engaged in taking up the rails of the
old Crescent tramway. James Farrell has the contract for the work." (Pitchard, Park Record, Park City, 26 May
1900)
7 July 1900
"Workmen have completed the work of taking up the rails on the old
Crescent tram,…" (Pitchard, Park
Record, Park City, 7 July 1900)
9 July 1900
"Crescent to Resume" "Mr. McGregor has so Decided - A Tunnel to
be Run" from Nigger Hollow into the old Crescent workings, which need
draining. No railroad in the plans.
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 9 July 1900)
