Newspaper Items
Utah Northern (Utah & Northern)
This page was last updated on March 21, 2004
25 August 1871
On August 23rd, "the Utah Northern Railroad Company was organized at Logan
city, Cache Co., with the following officers: John W. Young, President and
General Superintendent; W. B. Preston, Vice President; Moses Thatcher, Secretary
and Treasurer; Franklin D. Richards, Lorenzo Snow, Wm. B. Preston, Joseph
Richardson, Legrand Lockwood, Wm. Maughan, 0. N. Liljenquist, Gin. Hyde, Sam'1.
Roskelly, M. W. Merrill, Lorenzo H. Hatch, Hezekiah Thatcher and John W. Young,
Directors. The road is to be built from some point on the Central Pacific
Railroad, in Box Elder Co., probably at or near Willard city, to Soda Springs,
and it will be a three feet track." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 25 August 1871)
28 August 1871
"Ground Broken for the Utah Northern Railroad."
Brigham City, Aug. 26.
"Editor News -- Ground was broken for the Utah Northern Railroad, this evening, by moonlight. The dedication prayer was offered by Lorenzo Snow. John W. Young broke ground, and a portion of the grade was begun and completed, by shovel, pick, plow and scraper, amid the firing of cannon and ringing of bells. A great number of people were present to witness the ceremony. The brass band and Professor Fishburn's choir were present." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 28 August 1871)
11 September 1871
"Ogden Items.-The following items are from the "Junction," of
Saturday: "Two miles of the Utah Northern Railroad have already been
graded, near Brigham City, by the people of that place." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 11 September 1871)
22 September 1871
"Railroad Mass Meeting at Ogden. We learn from the 'Junction,' of
Wednesday, that on Saturday last, a mass meeting was held in the Ogden
Tabernacle, at which representatives were present from all the districts in Weber
County, the object of the meeting being to take into consideration the building
of the U. N. Railroad.
"Hon. F. D. Richards delivered an address…
"John W. Young, Esq., President of the Company, stated that he had -for some time past seen the importance of building a railroad from Ogden to Soda Springs, and had introduced the matter to gentlemen of capital in the East, who had, after personal inspection of the route, undertaken-to furnish means for the iron and rolling stock, if the people would do the grading and furnish the ties. A company had been organized, work had commenced, and four miles of the road was ready for the rails, and five miles of rails would be here in a few days. Mr. Young then showed the advantage of building the line on the narrow gauge principle, proving that it would be a saving of over 40 per cent., taking its construction and running expenses into consideration.
"Hon. L. Farr and L. J. Herrick each made appropriate remarks,…" "The meeting is described as having been an animated, earnest and enthusiastic assemblage."
14 October 1871
"For the Utah Northern. -- A dispatch received this morning, from John W.
Young, Esq., who is now in the East, states that an engine and seven cars for
the Utah Northern Railroad, have been shipped. That gentleman has also
succeeded excellently in procuring iron and rolling stock." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 14 October
1871)
31 October 1871
"First Engine.- The first engine for the Utah Northern railroad arrived at
Ogden last night. It is named the 'John W. Young,' after the president and
general superintendent of the road. Iron and cars are expected daily, when
track laying will commence."
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 31 October 1871)
4 November 1871
"The Utah Northern is progressing rapidly. A great number of men and teams
are pushing the work ahead in Cache Valley, and all the officers of the road
are energetic and sanguine of success. A handsome little narrow gauge
locomotive, the 'John W. Young', arrived at Ogden the beginning of the present
week, and a telegram from Chicago announces that a complete construction train
is on the way for the new line." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 4 November 1871)
23 December 1871
"Mormon Railroad Enterprise" - excerpts from a long letter written by
some 'E.N.F.-' to the Newark (N.J.) 'Daily Advertiser', and lifted from that
paper by the Herald: "The Utah Northern railroad company is already
organized under the presidency of John W. Young, one of the prolific family of
the great prophet. It starts at Willard City, a few miles north of Ogden…
"This is a narrow gauge road, a small portion of which is already
constructed from Willard City, and Mr. Young is quite sanguine that he will be
able to bring sufficient capital to his aid for its construction. There is already
a locomotive upon the tracks, and with the opening of the next spring the work
will undoubtedly be pushed rapidly." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 23 December 1871)
22 January 1872
"Utah Northern Railroad. -- There are now at the depot two flat cars, two
trucks, and a combined mail car and caboose for the Utah Northern. As soon as
the iron arrives, which is on the way, track-laying will commence, and it will
not be long before the Loganites will hear the shrill whistle of the little
locomotive. Bring on the iron." Item from the Ogden Junction of the 20th. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 22 January
1872)
25 March 1872
"Utah Northern Railroad. -- the following was received by Deseret
Telegraph this afternoon: "Utah Northern RR Junction, March 25 - the first
spike on the Utah Northern RR. was driven at 11 a.m. today. Half a mile of
track will be laid this afternoon." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 25 March 1872)
28 March 1872
About a mile of track is laid on the Utah Northern. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 28 March 1872)
30 March 1872
"Utah Northern. -- 'A.C.' of Brigham City, writing under date of March
29th, says: "Little progress has yet been made in tracklaying on the U.N.
line, which commenced last Monday four miles from Brigham City, the tracklayers
being engaged most of their time unloading the iron which is now pouring in
from the East. We are informed that forty additional car loads of rail are now
at Ogden." (Pitchard, Deseret
Evening News, 30 March 1872)
6 April 1872
J. W. Young informs the Deseret Evening News that the Utah Northern Railroad
will run trains to meet the Central Pacific trains, for conference visitors. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 6 April
1872)
12 April 1872
"Utah Northern Railroad. -- Bro. W. J. Silver, master mechanic of this
road informs us that he was on the line from Tuesday until Friday of last week,
and was engaged in running the engine, which, he says, works splendidly. It has
a nine-inch cylinder, with a sixteen-inch stroke, and forty-eight inch driving
wheels. Besides the engine, the line has one passenger car, two dump, one box
and two flat cars." "The line is narrow gauge, being three feet wide.
Up to Thursday night about five miles of track were laid, and it was being put
down at the rate of half a mile a day. There is a large amount of iron on the
ground and Brother Silver passed seven car loads on his way back to this City.
The grading is nearly completed to Cache Valley." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 12 April 1872)
5 June 1872
The Utah Northern is to open officially, as far as Hampton's, on the 18th. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 5 June
1872)
12 June 1872
"The Utah Northern R.R. -- The first train for the accommodation of
passengers on this line, was run on Sunday last, when about five hundred
persons from Cache county were landed in Brigham City by it. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 12 June 1872)
("Sunday last" was June 9, 1872)
18 June 1872
The Utah Northern officially opened today; line runs from CPRR Junction, below
Brigham City, to Hampton's, or Bear River Bridge, a distance of some 23 miles. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 18 June
1872)
June 18, 1872 was announced as being the planned official first day of operation in the June 5, 1872 issue of the Salt Lake Herald. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 5 June 1872)
1 July 1872
Two trains a day on the U.N.R.R.; item says two more engines and a number of
passenger cars. (Pitchard, Deseret
Evening News, 1 July 1872)
11 August 1872
An item, column long, written by editor E. L. Sloan, on the trip recently made
by C. R. Savage over the line of the Utah Northern, and mentioning some of the
pictures that Savage made that day. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 11 August 1872)
13 August 1872
"Local Brevities." "Toohy calls the Young-Hooper pet Northern
narrow gauge, 'that scrap-iron affair!' Ta-ta!" (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 13 August 1872)
23 August 1872
"Local Brevities." "John Young's opinion of the Utah, Idaho and
Montana railroad is not flattering. He says the road will never be built, but
it is raising h--1 with the bonds of the Utah Northern in the New York market!
Which, it is not too much to say, is bad enough for the narrow gauge." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 26 August
1872)
26 August 1872
A telegraph office opened at Hampton's, with Charles Nibley as operator. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 26 August
1872)
30 August 1872
"New views of the Utah Northern,…, at the Pioneer Art Gallery" of
C. R. Savage. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 30 August 1872)
5 September 1872
Utah Northern timetable and fare schedule appear in the newspaper for the first
time. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 5 September 1872)
10 September 1872
Item from Council Bluffs 'Non Pariel' of 5 September, 1872: "Two narrow
gauge passenger cars intended for use on the Utah Northern arrived here yesterday.
They came via the Chicago & Northwestern, and will probably be shipped west
today." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald,
10 September 1872)
11 September 1872
"Cars for the Utah Northern. -- We had a pleasant visit this morning from
Albert Dutton, Esq., who reached this city on Monday evening, having in his
charge two new passenger cars - the 'Ogden' and the 'soda Springs' - for the
Utah Northern line, direct from the Jackson & Sharp Company's Works,
Delaware. Mr. Dutton started for Salt Lake on the 25th of last month, and had a
very pleasant trip." "These cars are capable of seating 46 persons
each; they are constructed with the latest improvements, having the Miller
coupling platform, patent ventilators, improved water tanks, etc. They are handsomely
finished, the inside being black walnut, ash and chestnut, and cost, we are
informed, somewhere in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars each." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 11 September 1872)
12 September 1872
"Ogden Items - We take the following from the 'Junction' of yesterday:
"last Monday evening two handsome palace cars arrived here, and were
forwarded northward, for the Utah Northern railroad, named respectively 'Ogden'
and 'soda Springs'. They were constructed by Jackson and Sharp, Wilmington, Delaware, and are as
beautifully finished as any standard gauge cars that run. They each contain
twenty-two double and two single seats, with patent bowed ends, which give more
room than the ordinary kind, and are fitted with the Miller platform, with self-acting
couplings. Two hand cars for the little road were also forwarded with
them." (Monday was the 9th of September 1872) (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 12 September 1872) ("last
Monday" was September 9, 1872)
21 September 1872
"Gen. P. Edward Connor arrived this morning from the West. He says the
Utah, Idaho and Montana road is to be built. That means the death knell of the
Northern narrow gauge, run under Mormon auspices. Well, it is time that the
roads in this country are in liberal hands." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 21 Seotember 1872)
23 September 1872
"Accident on the Utah Northern -- Last Thursday evening a slight accident
occurred on the Utah Northern. The engine ran over a steer, cutting him in two,
the collision causing the engine to run off the track and tip over. Slight
damage was done, and by Friday noon the engine was running again, the accident
causing the omission of one round trip." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 23 September 1872)
23 October 1872
"Utah Northern. -- Two more engines, more powerful and more suited to the
service than the others employed, are running on the Utah Northern R.R., one
commenced on Friday morning and the other on Sunday. Each has six wheels
coupled, three feet six inches in diameter, with cylinders 10 x 16 inches. The
big fill is within six feet of the top and its completion is all that there is
any waiting for on the way to Logan, to finish the road to which point there is
sufficient iron already on hand." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 23 October 1872)
(Friday was the October 18th, and Sunday was October 20th; the two engines referred to were Utah Northern's first 2-6-0 Mogul locomotives, UNRR No. 2 "Utah" and No. 3 "Idaho".)
25 October 1872
Utah Northern: "The two new passenger cars, handsomely upholstered and
elegantly painted, and the two new locomotives that have lately been added to
the rolling stock command enconmiums." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 25 October 1872)
11 December 1872
As of today, the Utah Northern Railroad runs to a terminus six miles from Logan;
Charles Nibley is appointed General Freight & Traffic Agent of the U.N.R.R.
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 11 December
1872)
20 December 1872
A shortage of spikes on the Utah Northern has halted tracklaying. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 20 December
1872)
16 January 1873
The U.N.RR. is about four miles from Logan. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 16 January 1873)
19 January 1873
The Utah Northern is now about one mile from Logan. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 19 January 1873)
1 February 1873
The Utah Northern has been completed to Logan. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 1 February 1873)
3 February 1873
"Completed.--The Northern Railroad is completed to Logan City, and there
is to be a blow-out there to-day on account of it. The Utah Northern is a
narrow-gauge, and is forty miles long." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 3 February 1873)
4 February 1873
Celebration of completion of the Utah Northern to Logan was to have been
yesterday, but snow interfered. New timetable for service to Logan was in this
paper for the first time; 'On and after February 1st 1873…'. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 4 February
1873)
5 February 1873
The Utah Northern suffering yet from snow blockade. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 5 February 1873)
13 April 1873
Grading for Utah Northern extension to Corinne is nearly completed, and
tomorrow work on the bridge over the Bear River is to commence, all the
materials being on hand. Also, all the ties are on hand for the line to
Franklin. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 13 April 1873)
7 June 1873
Utah Northern track completed yesterday to the Bear River Bridge. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 7 June 1873)
11 June 1873
The last spike on the connection of the UNRR to Corinne was driven at 4:00pm on
the 10th of June, 1873. (Pitchard, Corinne Reporter, 11 June 1873)
11 June 1873
On and after 12 June 1873, the Utah Northern will run regular trains to and
from Corinne. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 11 June 1873)
12 June 1873
The Utah Northern branch to Corinne has lately been finished, and "The
first regular train to Corinne, by this line, ran today." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 12 June
1873)
7 July 1873
"There is now coming out from the east a large amount of iron, and a
number of passenger and freight cars for the Utah Northern Railroad."
"In six weeks the narrow gauge will be open from Corinne to
Franklin." (Pitchard, Corinne Reporter, 7 July 1873)
6 September 1873
"Resources of Utah." "Statistics of Progress during the Year
1873 -- Summary for Six Months ending June 30th." April -- "The Utah
Northern Railroad. Grading on the extension of this line to Corinne was
completed and work on the bridge over Bear River was progressing rapidly."
(Pitchard, Utah Mining Gazette, 6 September 1873)
27 September 1873
"Local Summary." "Iron for seven miles more of the Utah Northern
Railroad has been received, and is now being laid north of Logan. Sufficient
iron for another twenty miles is on the way." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Gazette, 27 September 1873)
1 October 1873
"The Idaho -- the Utah Northern engine 'Idaho', which for two months has
been laid up in the engine house at Logan for repairs, made its trial trip this
morning, and worked like a charm. It rendered material assistance to the
heavily loaded train which came in from Logan while it was coming up the heavy
grades." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening
News, 1 October 1873)
9 October 1873
Utah Northern track completed to Hyde Park. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 9 October 1873)
11 October 1873
From the Corinne Reporter of the 9th: "A snow plow is being built for the
Utah Northern. railroad." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 11 October 1873)
31 October 1873
"A locomotive was sent to Ogden today, to assist in laying the track the
Utah Northern at that place." from Corinne Reporter, 31 October 1873. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 31 October
1873)
3 November 1873
"Rails on the U. N. R. R. in placing the rails on this end of the U. N.
road was commenced Saturday and is now being pushed forward… The iron 'pony'
arrived here this morning and will be placed on the track some time
to-day." etcetera of no value. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 3 November 1873)
11 December 1873
George Richard son is son of Joseph Richardson, money behind U.N.R.R. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 11 December
1873)
31 December 1873
"City Jottings." "The Utah Northern (narrow gauge) has enough
iron on hand to complete it from Ogden to Brigham City." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 31 December 1873)
15 January 1874
Utah Northern tracklaying south from Brigham Junction to Ogden has begun. (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 15 January
1874)
6 February 1874
"Utah Northern Connection." "Yesterday at 4:40pm the connection
on the Utah Northern Railroad was made at a point opposite the brick
schoolhouse in Willard Precinct near the residence of Mr. George Marsh."
"An immense audience assembled at this place, and at 4:35 the engines John
W. Young and Utah approached and saluted each other."The John W. Young
from the Ogden side, and the Utah from the north. Much speechifying, several
'last spikes,' and "…the last spike, of silver, made in the Brigham City
Co-operative Blacksmith shop, was driven by Judge [S.] Smith,…"
"The two engines then closed up and met, and were coupled, the northern
and southern parts of the road thus being joined…"; and later on,
"…the two engines bore off a large company in triumph to Brigham
City." Thus the Utah Northern arrives in Ogden. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 6 February 1874)
31 March 1874
"For the Narrow Gauge -- four new flat cars, also a mail and baggage car,
have arrived for the Utah Northern. They are all neat, trim and well-made, and
match the rest of the handsome rolling stock of the Company;" (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 31 March 1874)
24 April 1874
Item lifted from the Helena 'Independent', of recent days, says the paper; a
letter sent to someone in Helena by Mr. George S. Kennedy, of the firm of
Creighton & Co.; Kennedy wrote from New York under date of 31 March 1874 -
all arrangements for another 25 miles of railroad have been made -- "The
iron is bought and paid for, and also two new engines and sixteen new freight
cars." also says "Mr. Richardson, of New York, controls the
road." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald,
24 April 1874)
25 April 1874
Extract from letter dated 31 March 1874, written by George S. Kennedy, and
lifted by the News from the Deer Lodge Independent: "We have all the
arrangements made now to have the Utah Northern finished twenty-five miles
beyond Franklin' this season. The iron is bought and paid for, and also two new
engines and sixteen new freight cars. The road is now running from Ogden to
Franklin." (Pitchard, Deseret
Evening News, 25 April 1874)
3 May 1874
From Deseret Evening News of 2nd; Utah Northern Railroad was completed to
Franklin, Idaho Territory, at noon on 2 May 1874, to which place regular trains
will commence on the 4th of May, 1874. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 3 May 1874)
27 May 1874
"Trial Trip -- the new locomotive, 'Logan', lately purchased by the Utah
Northern Company for their road, has been put in running order, and made a
trial trip to Logan today." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 27 May 1874)
30 May 1874
"Runs Well -- Mr. S. Gordon, a locomotive engineer, from Paterson, N. J.,
who has put the new U. N. engine 'Logan' in running order, and who took her on
her trial trip to Logan a few days since, called this morning and informed us
that the engine runs admirably. It took fifteen cars over the road with ease,
three of which were loaded and six of them new, the new ones running as hard as
an old one loaded. Mr. Gordon thinks the engine is able to take twelve loaded
cars over the road with ease, notwithstanding the heavy grades on portions of
it." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 30 May 1874)
8 July 1874
"Another Locomotive - Another locomotive for the Utah Northern arrived
last evening. It is to be christened the "Franklin" and was built at
the Grant Locomotive works, Paterson, New Jersey, the same firm who built the
"Logan." Mr. Gordon, who was sent here to put the "Logan"
in running order will also put the "Franklin" in working
condition." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction,
8 July 1874) (See also, Deseret
News, 9 July 1874)
28 November 1874
"Lots of ties at the Utah Northern depot that came from Cache on the
narrow gauge road, which is doing considerable freighting. The ties are for the
Utah Western Railroad." (Pitchard, Daily Ogden Junction, 28 November 1874)
26 January 1875
From a longer item on the Utah Northern: "There are now five locomotives -
two 17 ton engines - on the Utah Northern, and plenty of cars. The trouble
heretofore was with the engines; [which] …are now adequate to the work and
are running regularly." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 26 January 1875)
29 December 1875
Last appearance of Utah Northern timetable dated 13 October 1875, which showed
service to Corinne. (Pitchard, Ogden
Junction, 29 December 1875)
30 December 1875
"Utah Northern." "…has adopted a new timetable, which appears
in this morning's Herald. It goes into effect on January 1st, 1876. Hereafter
the running of trains into Corinne will be discontinued, as the custom of the
town does not pay the company for keeping up the Corinne branch." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 30 December 1875)
30 December 1875
"Local Items." "Utah Northern.--Travelers by U. N. R. R. should take
notice of the change of schedule. Trains will leave Ogden on and after January
1st, 1876, at 9:20 a.m., reaching Franklin at 3:30 p.m.; and start from
Franklin at 9:00 a.m., reaching Ogden at 4:00 p.m." "Traffic to
Corinne will be discontinued. See time table." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 30 December 1875)
30 December 1875
"The Utah Northern. - It is announced that on and after Jan. 1st trains on
the Utah Northern R. R. will leave Ogden daily at 9:20 a.m., Franklin at 9:00
a.m., and Logan at 10:55 a.m. Trains to and from Corinne will be
discontinued." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 30 December 1875)
17 January 1876
"Local Items." "Wanted." "A competent boiler maker.
Steady employment is guaranteed if satisfaction is given. Apply to 'M. W.
Merrill, Supt., U.N.R.R., Logan." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 17 January 1876)
15 February 1876
A wreck, one mile south of Deweyville, on Utah Northern; engine without
snowplow hit a snowdrift, pilot bent down, caught, and engine went over on its
side; comment is made that "the mail and baggage car and coach were left
on the track uninjured." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 15 February 1876)
11 March 1877
Two new postal cars on the Utah Northern; made at Omaha. (Pitchard, The Utah County Enquirer, Provo, 11 March 1877)
16 October 1877
Item headed "U. & N. R. R.", about meeting of the directors at
Logan on the 10th; Royal M. Bassett. president; Geo. W. Thatcher,
superintendent. Twice the road is mentioned as 'U. & N. R. R.'. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 16 October
1877)
8 November 1877
Tracklaying on the Utah Northern north of Franklin is expected to be commenced
soon, there being 20,000 ties on hand. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 8 November 1877)
9 November 1877
Several miles of grade on the Utah Northern are ready for tracklaying, which
was to begin yesterday, says the 'Junction.' Some 20,000 ties are on hand at
the present time. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 9 November 1877)
17 November 1877
"Two very fine mail cars … have been added to the rolling stock."
And, the Logan shops are repairing the old engines 'as good as new.' (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 17 November
1877)
17 November 1877
A long letter on the Utah Northern, dated at Logan on the 15th; it says that
George W. Thatcher became the superintendent of the road in January. At
present, the Logan shops are repairing the old engines 'as good as new,' and
"two very fine mail cars … have been added to the rolling
stock,…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 17 November 1877)
19 November 1877
Track is some 4-1/2 miles beyond Franklin as of 15th. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 19 November 1877)
20 November 1877
The Ogden 'Junction' reports that ten miles of track have lately been laid on
the Utah Northern line north from Franklin. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 20 November 1877)
30 November 1877
"The iron for the Utah Northern having been released, a construction train
will be put on as soon as possible." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 30 November 1877)
29 January 1878
"Some 100 car loads, or twelve miles, of iron have arrived for the Utah
Northern extension, and been forwarded to their destination, within the past
month. The rails are of a superior character, being five pounds to the yard,
heavier than narrow gauge iron usually is." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 29 January 1878)
6 February 1878
"NOTICE -- Sale of Utah Northern Railroad" first appears; the order
is dated 31 January 1878, from Third District Court, in cause of Union Trust
Co. v. The Utah Northern Railroad Company. This notice is dated 5 February
1878, and sale is to be 20 March 1878 at Salt Lake County Courthouse. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 6 February 1878)
21 March 1878
Sale postponed to April 3, 1878. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 21 March 1878)
23 March 1878
Grading and tracklaying have resumed. The bridge over the Bear River (at Battle
Creek) has been completed. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 23 March 1878)
4 April 1878
"The U. N. Sale -- the sale of the Utah Northern RR took place at Salt
Lake yesterday; it was bought by Mr. S. H. H. Clark, for $100,000. He passed
over the road on a special train today." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 4 April 1878)
4 April 1878
"The Utah Northern Railroad was sold yesterday, at public auction." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 4 April
1878)
5 April 1878
"The Utah Northern." "The Utah Northern was purchased by Mr.
S.H.H. Clark, of the Union Pacific, for $100,000, and yesterday he went to
Logan to be installed in his new estate. He made the purchase for Jay Gould and
his associates,…" (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Tribune, 5 April 1878)
20 April 1878
"Utah Northern." "The Utah Northern Railroad is being pushed
rapidly towards the Snake River, where the scream of the locomotive will be
heard before the summer is gone. The company have already received ten new flat
cars and seven new box cars for the road. They are in every respect superior to
the old rolling stock, and will be put immediately on the track for service in
transferring freight to and from the terminus." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 20 April 1878)
26 April 1878
New timetable on the Utah Northern, trains now running to Round Valley. (Round
Valley Marsh shows on 1879 map as south of Oxford.) (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 26 April 1878)
16 May 1878
"Northern shipments -- Mr. Funge made his initial shipment to Franklin
yesterday, consisting of two cars of grain. The road is now running to its
utmost capacity, and would have been very short of rolling stock were it not
for the conversion of many flat cars into Doddridge refrigerator cars, the
invention of Mr. Doddridge, the U. P. agent at this point. They make a good
car, Mr. Funge choosing them to carry his grain in preference to their regular
box cars, as they are much more convenient to load and unload." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 16 May 1878)
21 May 1878
The U & N is building a ticket office and waiting room in Ogden, nearly
opposite the U.C.RR. depot, and it is nearly completed. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 21 May 1878)
15 June 1878
The U&N end of track is now at Marsh Valley. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 15 June 1878)
19 June 1878
U&N track is now 45 miles beyond Franklin, near the entrance to Portneuf
Canyon. Iron is being forwarded every day. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 19 June 1878)
20 June 1878
The Utah & Northern track is now to a point 45 miles north of Franklin, and
somewhere near the entrance to Portneuf Canyon. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 20 June 1878)
22 June 1878
U&N trains now run to Oneida, which name is changed from Watson today.
There are about 70,000 ties on hand at present. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 22 June 1878)
26 June 1878
New U&N timetable, on and after 22 June 1878, to Oneida; Train 1 is northbound
and train 2 is southbound. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 26 June 1878)
7 July 1878
The Utah & Northern depot at Ogden to be moved from its present location, a
short distance to the south nearer to the UP & CP depot. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 7 July 1878)
14 July 1878
New U&N timetable, again. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 14 July 1878)
25 July 1878
U & N engine ran over an old lady on a railroad bridge. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 25 July 1878)
10 August 1878
"The Omaha Republican, of the 6th, says: 'A narrow gauge cattle car,
number 101, stands ready for shipment at the Union Pacific shops, for the Utah
Northern Railroad. The company is preparing a number of box and flat cars for
the same road."' (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Tribune, 10 August 1878)
15 August 1878
"Utah & Northern Improvements." "The Utah and Northern
[Ogden] depot is about to be changed from its present quarters to a place near
the Union depot, the U. P. track being all the space that will intervene
between them. The road will be changed from its present route about a block
south of the iron works, from which point it will run directly to the location
of the new depot, instead of following the curved line at present in use. It
will cross the Utah Central track immediately east of that company's station,
and pass in the rear of the Keeney House and adjacent buildings to the new
quarters shortly to be prepared. This will necessitate crossing the
"Y" at the back of Keisel's establishment, and the grade of that
switch is now being lowered and will be reduced about a foot to admit of the
crossing." "It is understood that the new buildings for the Northern
will be more commodious and convenient than those at present used, and will
bring the business nearer to the center where it belongs." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 15 August 1878)
25 August 1878
U&N track is seven miles north of Oneida. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 25 August 1878)
10 September 1878
As of yesterday, the U&N track is 15 miles beyond Oneida, and laying 3/4 of
a mile per day. (Pitchard, Ogden
Junction, 10 September 1878)
12 September 1878
Utah & Northern track is laid some 15 miles beyond Oneida, and is going
down at the rate of 3/4ths mile per day. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 12 September 1878)
16 September 1878
"The Utah and Northern." "The new depot track for the Utah and
Northern is now completed with the exception of same little work on the
switches,…" (Pitchard, Ogden
Junction, 16 September 1878)
18 September 1878
"Progress of the Utah & Northern," from a letter dated at Oneida,
14th of September 1878 - the track is 17 miles beyond Oneida; "Three
engines from Baldwin's Locomotive works at Philadelphia are expected to arrive
in ten days, after which the company will put down ten miles a week. Grading is
done beyond Pocatello." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 18 September 1878)
21 September 1878
Tracks are laid to the new Utah & Northern depot in Ogden, which was used
for the first time yesterday. The freight houses are now being built. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 21 September
1878)
12 December 1878
"The Depot" at Ogden; lengthy, descriptive item. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 12 December 1878)
15 March 1879
The Utah & Northern track is 11 miles beyond Blackfoot. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 15 March
1879)
27 March 1879
U&N track is 15 miles beyond Blackfoot. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 27 March 1879)
8 April 1879
The iron bridge to be used by the Utah & Northern across the Snake River at
the present end-of-track arrived in Ogden yesterday. Three new locomotives, for
the Utah & Northern, were received at Ogden yesterday. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 8 April 1879)
11 April 1879
"The Utah and Northern Railroad some months ago contracted for twelve
engines, two of which arrived last fall and three this week, leaving seven yet
to come. There are now eleven engines on the road." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 11 April 1879)
15 April 1879
The Utah & Northern has been completed to Eagle Rock, and regular trains to
that place are to start today. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 15 April 1879)
20 April 1879
Utah & Northern bridge across the Snake river at Eagle Rock is completed,
and the construction trains now pass over it. Paper says that Eagle Rock is 199
miles from Ogden. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Daily Tribune, 20 April 1879)
26 April 1879
Oneida has been eclipsed, as everyone is packing up and going to Eagle Rock,
the new U&N terminus. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 26 April 1879)
11 May 1879
"The bridge at Eagle Rock was tested on Friday by three heavily laden
locomotives. It stood the test,…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 11 May 1879)
3 June 1879
"A Direct Denial and a Cutting Criticism." "Logan, Utah, May 31,
1879." "Editor, Ogden Junction:" "Dear Sir:--My attention
has been called to an article in yesterday's issue of a paper supposed to be
published in your city or some of its suburbs, by one Freeman. The article is
entitled 'Mormon Engineers,' and states that three of the new locomotives on
the U. & N. R. R. have been burned out; that they have to go into the shops
that new crown sheets may be put in, and that the cost of repairing them is
$2,500." "I have heard of this paper before, and of its base
mendacity and its bigoted littleness, when referring to anything connected with
its favorite 'bete noir'--a "Mormon." But perhaps it never achieved
such barefaced falsehood and so much vile animus in so small a space as is
contained in the above-mentioned article. To any person who knows the paper and
its publisher, the statement requires no denial; but in case any one might
suppose there was any shadow of truth in it, will you allow me to say that
there never has been a locomotive burned on this road; that we have never had
to put in a new crown-sheet; that all our new locomotives are in good order,
and have been so ever since they were set on this road; and that our engineers,
as a class and without exception, will bear favorable comparison with those of
any road in the West." "As to what is said about 'displacing Mormons
and putting railroad men on the line,' I believe the 'authorities'-- the
gentlemen who own this road -- are perfectly capable of judging what is to
their interest, and as long as they are satisfied that it pays them to retain
"Mormons" I presume they will do so, the repeated advice of the
editor of the 'Freeman' to the contrary notwithstanding." "But I
think it is not difficult to explain the Freeman's peculiar bitterness when
referring to the Utah & Northern. No doubt that its editor thinks it hard
that he is required to pay fare over a road whose men and management he seizes
every opportunity of vilifying to the full extent of his limited ability. And
perhaps the recollection of the Company's action in a certain little fuel
transaction still has an irritating effect on his pious and honest soul."
"Respectfully, "Robert Croft, "Master Mechanic, U. & N. R.
R." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 3 June 1879)
13 June 1879
"Increasing Work." "The Utah & Northern Railway are putting
up a large addition to their shops at Logan to accommodate a lot of new
machinery that is coming on for them and is expected in a short time. This is
necessary on account of the constantly increasing work that has to be done for
the road. They have now 16 locomotives and over 300 cars, which, all being kept
in repair at Logan, furnishes a great deal of work. A large blacksmith shop was
erected last fall, and the 25-horsepower engine which was then put in, will
furnish sufficient power to run the new machinery, which will include lathes, a
hydraulic wheel press, capable of putting on locomotive driving wheels, a wheel
borer, and a power bolt and nut-tapping machine. These with the machinery which
they now have, it is expected, will enable them to do all the work for the road
for same time to come." "We saw a locomotive which is now being
overhauled and thoroughly repaired, inside and outside, which when turned out,
will be about as good as new. The shops are in charge of Mr. Robert Croft, who
is a thorough mechanic and a very pleasant gentleman." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 13 June 1879)
9 July 1879
Item says that there are 16 locomotives on the U&N road, 15 of which were
running on Monday the 7th; also, "Three more of the elegant parlor coaches
will soon arrive,…" (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 9 July 1879)
23 July1879
The new timetable on the Utah & Northern yesterday shows service to Camas
Creek, 247 miles north of Ogden. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 23 July1879)
23 July1879
Last night's train out of Ogden on the Utah & Northern had one mail car,
one baggage car, one passenger coach, and two parlor coaches. (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 23 July1879)
4 September 1879
Utah & Northern now complete to Beaver Canyon, 275 miles from Ogden. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 4 September 1879)
9 October 1879
Utah & Northern timetable No. 8, effective 13 September 1879; later, paper
has timetable No. 10, effective 30 November 1879. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 9 October 1879)
11 October 1879
"The new mail cars for the Utah & Northern Railroad are on their way
from Omaha, and are expected here in a few days." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 11 October 1879)
19 October 1879
"Three new postal cars have been placed upon the Utah &
Northern." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 19 October 1879)
30 October 1879
Has Utah & Northern RR Timetable #8, in effect 13 Sept. 1879, showing
passenger service to Beaver Canyon. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 30 October 1879)
27 November 1879
"The U.& N.R.R. pay car during the past week has been scattering
wealth among its employees, and they in turn have been distributing the lucre
among merchants and mechanics until everybody has been made happy. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 27 November
1879)
4 December 1879
"The Logan U. O. Foundry company have built 21 water tanks for the . Utah
& Northern R.R. during the year 1879." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 4 December 1879)
4 December 1879
"Time table No. 10 has been issued by the U.& N.R.R. It went into
effect on the 30th of November." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 4 December 1879)
11 December 1879
"The U. and N. R.R. Co. have put in a new turn table, and are erecting a
commodious round house, under the direction of the master mechanic, Robert
Croft, at the depot in this city. A full description will be given in our next
issue." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader,
11 December 1879)
11 December 1879
"A magnificent snow plow has just been completed at the U. & N. R.R.
shops, in this city, for use on the road. It is built upon a new and improved
plan, is almost unbreakable; and is powerful enough to batter down a stone wall
of comparative thickness. The one great point of superiority in its
construction is that instead of throwing the snow where it is liable to again
clog the track, it casts the obstruction to a considerable distance." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 11 December
1879)
18 December 1879
"U. & N. R.R. Shops" a long and rather uninformative piece; says
that the Blacksmith, machine and repair shop is 'about' 30' x 160' with a
'lean-to' on the east side to accommodate an engine or a car in for repairs. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 18 December
1879)
18 December 1879
"The new turn table of the U.& N.R.R. at this place is a model of
solidity and neatness; and the round house now in course of construction,
though built of wood, will be a credit to the town and to the road. It will be
in semi-circular form, and will contain six stalls for engines. All the tracks
for the round house communicate with the main tracks. The carpenter work is
being done under the direction of Mr. James Quayle; and the whole labor is
under the supervision of Robert Croft, Esq., Master Mechanic of the road."
(Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 18 December
1879)
1 January 1880
"A Good Hotel," being the Corinne House, at Terminus, Beaver Canyon.
The proprietor is C. L. Bristol, and clerk is James Wells. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 1 January 1880)
9 January 1880
"The U. O. Foundry is casting six large stoves for the new roundhouse and
enginehouse along the line of the U. & N. RR. They will weigh 1,000 pounds
each." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader,
9 January 1880)
16 January 1880
Twenty U&N box cars blown over recently at Blackfoot. On the 11th, two
fellows walking on the track near Mendon were run over by snowplow, three
engines and the caboose. Joseph Lindon Baker died on the spot, and David Rowe
was severely injured. Train was moving about 15mph. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 16 January 1880)
23 January 1880
"The U. & N. pay car went north yesterday. All the boys are by this
time as happy as mountain oysters." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 23 January 1880)
Item notes that U.O. Foundry has made 23 water tanks for the railroad in the year 1879.
23 January 1880
During 1879, the U. O. Foundry made 23 water tanks for the railroad. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 23 January
1880)
30 January 1880
"The U. & N. round house at this point is approaching
completion." (Pitchard, The Logan
Leader, 30 January 1880)
1 February 1880
The Utah & Northern enginehouse at Logan is nearing completion. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 1 February
1880)
6 February 1880
Hampton's Station is now 'Collinston', A. Pratt is agent-operator. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 6 February
1880)
18 February 1880
A letter from 'Ogden', dated 17th, says that the Utah & Northern has 16
locomotives, 10 passenger coaches, seven baggage, mail and express cars, one
pay car, six cabooses, 170 box cars, 12 stock cars, 81 flat cars, for a total
of 287 cars. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 18 February 1880)
27 February 1880
The pay car came through on Wednesday, and all are happy. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 27 February 1880)
12 March 1880
An item in "Territorial Talk" headed "Summit of Rocky Mountains,
Idaho, March 9, 1880" -- driving of the first spike in Montana was on the
Utah & Northern, on the 9th; Captain E. T. Hulaniski, the agent at
Terminus, drove the said first spike. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 12 March 1880)
19 March 1880
Item from Junction, on death of Thomas Bolt, injured in accident on the U &
N during the snow blockade (about 29 Dec), from a piece of cab window glass
piercing his brain; he died 16 March at Ogden. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 19 March 1880)
26 March 1880
"Mr. I. H. Congdon, General Master Mechanic of the U. P. Rwy. Co., has
organized a branch of his business in Logan with our citizen Robert Croft as
Division Master Mechanic." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 26 March 1880)
26 March 1880
"Three new engines lately arrived for the U.& N. Ry., and three more
are soon expected; this addition is to provide for the anticipated increase in
traffic, the extension of the track, etc." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 26 March 1880)
26 March 1880
"Mr. Geo. E. Stevens, general master car builder of the U. P. Railway
Company, has lately been in Logan and organized a branch of the business for
this division of the road with Mr. Shoemaker as Division Master Car Builder,
and Mr. Frost as his assistant. The shops for the car works are soon to be put
up in Logan. This is another step in the right direction, towards keeping the
headquarters of the U. & N. in this city." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 26 March 1880)
16 April 1880
The U. O. Foundry has sent to the end of track two very substantial water
tanks. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 16 April 1880)
5 May 1880
A letter from Ogden says that the Union Pacific shops at Omaha are building new
coaches and freight cars for the U.P. and the Utah & Northern. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 5 May
1880)
14 May 1880
The roadmaster has a new 'hand-car velocipede,' which can be operated by one
man, and it can be disassembled so as to be carried in a caboose, baggage car,
etc. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 14 May
1880)
16 May 1880
Another letter from Ogden, about half of which relates to the Union Pacific and
the Utah & Northern: "The Omaha shops are building a large number of
cars for the Utah & Northern. The coaches and baggage cars are completed at
the shops, but the other cars will be sent here in bulk and put together by
Ogden mechanics, which will require an increase to the present force of men
here." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 16 May 1880)
21 May 1880
U&N timetable No. 11, in effect 6 May 1880 at 1:15am; shows Red Rock to be
the end of the line at present. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 21 May 1880)
10 June 1880
Letter from Ogden, dated 9th - "The Utah & Northern company are
putting up a large number of cars, made at the Omaha shops and shipped here in
bulk. The traffic over that road increases so rapidly that it keeps them busy
to supply the road with sufficient rolling stock to do the business." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 10 June
1880)
11 June 1880
"Robt. Croft, Esq., the master mechanic of the U.& N. Ry. is having the
smoke stacks of the engines on the road replaced by the fire exterminators
which are of larger dimensions than the stacks which have been in use and are
said to be very successful in extinguishing the sparks from the engines. They
will make the danger of fire-setting a thing of the past." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 11 June 1880)
17 June 1880
A short item notices that the 16 locomotives of the Utah & Northern are
quite busy. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 17 June 1880)
29 June 1880
Another of those letters from Ogden, most of which have been signed with an
"*", this one is dated 28 June - "The Utah & Northern is
adding to their rolling stock, which is now taxed to its full capacity to
transact the rapidly increasing business. Three new locomotives have just
arrived from the East and are being set up." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 29 June 1880)
2 July 1880
"U. & N. Notes" "Three new engines have lately arrived and
will immediately be brought into good use." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 2 July 1880)
2 July 1880
"Three new engines have lately arrived, and will immediately be brought
into good use." (Pitchard, The Logan
Leader, 2 July 1880)
10 July 1880
A letter from Ogden, dated the 9th - "The Utah & Northern Railway now
has in active service twenty-six locomotives, and these are taxed well to do
their vast and growing business." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 10 July 1880)
21 July 1880
Track of the Utah & Northern is now laid to a point five miles north of Red
Rock. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 21 July 1880)
23 July 1880
A letter from Ogden, dated 22nd - an accident while switching cars in the U.P.
yard at Ogden injured one A. L. Curtis; a U.P. flat car "…with some
narrow gauge Utah & Northern cars on it, …" hit the said Curtis, who
apparently was unaware of its movement. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 23 July 1880)
28 July 1880
An item lifted from the Ogden 'Junction' says that the Utah & Northern has
26 engines in service at this time. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 28 July 1880)
31 July 1880
"We learn that sleeping cars will take the place of the parlor chair cars
on the Utah & Northern in a very short time." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 31 July 1880)
31 July 1880
New U&N depot at Oxford is nearly completed. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 31 July 1880)
6 August 1880
"The locomotive 'Idaho' has been in the machine shop for nearly three
months undergoing extensive repairs. She will be ready for the road this week
and will be almost as good as new." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 6 August 1880)
12 August 1880
Letter from Ogden, dated 11th - "Mr. J. M. Bennett, Superintendent of
Pullman cars, came in from Omaha this evening to look after the Knights Templar
to-morrow, and will remain here several days to see the Pullman cars placed on
the Utah & Northern road. These cars are on the way and at once will be put
in use as soon as they arrive." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 12 August 1880)
13 August 1880
Another letter from *, dated 12th - "Two new sleeping cars for the Utah
& Northern came in this evening on the express train from the East, and
will be changed from the wide gauge trucks to narrow ones, and at once put to
use." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 13 August 1880)
13 August 1880
The depot at Oxford is nearly completed. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 13 August 1880)
13 August 1880
"FINE CARS" "Last evening a couple of Pullman cars, the Advance
and the came into Ogden. These care are designed for the Utah & Northern
RR., and are the first of six to be put upon the road. They were made at the
Pullman car manufactory. These fine rolling palaces are set upon broad gauge
trucks, which are so arranged that the thirty inch wheels can be taken out and
put upon regular narrow gauge width axles; the trucks will need but little
alteration to bring them to the necessary width for the Northern line. The
wheels will be taken to Evanston to be fixed, while the narrowing of the trucks
will be done at the shops here. It is said that by this mode, much money can be
saved by the company on each car.
"The cars are beauties, and the interior arrangements magnificent. The interior of each car has ten sections, containing of course 20 beds. The sides, besides having mirrors inserted at each section, are of fine woods, mahogany finish, beautifully inlaid with figures of flowers, etc. The tops of the cars are also of wood - three kinds - so laid that warping is next to impossible. Different portions of the car are mounted with German silver, the door handles, hinges, and in fact every metal part of the car is of this composition. The berths are also beautifully arranged, having every modern improvement lavished upon them in their construction.
"At one end of the cars are marble-topped wash stands and reservoirs, with silver-plated appurtenances, and so well is this arranged, that every inch of room is utilized to some useful purpose. At the other end of the car is the Baker patent steam heater, which does away entirely with the use of stoves. Above this, but on the outside is a very ingenious contrivance, a patent heat regulator, (automatic,) which upon the generation of a certain amount of steam in the heater, throws off the surplus steam, making it impossible for the cars to get too warm. The cars are lighted by patent lamps, in which is burned a fine, non-explosive sperm oil.
"These cars are pearls of workmanship and design, and will add much to the already great popularity of the Northern line. It is expected that by next Wednesday, at the latest, these two cars will be running between here and Blackfoot. none but old and experienced porters being employed upon them." (Pitchard, Ogden Junction, 13 August 1880)
14 August 1880
"Two new sleeping cars for the Utah & Northern have arrived at Ogden
and will be put on the road in a few days." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 14 August 1880)
15 August 1880
Letter from Ogden, dated 14th - a description of the two new Pullman cars on
the Utah & Northern; (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Tribune, 15 August 1880)
15 August 1880
New Utah & Northern depot at Swan Lake is finished. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 15 August 1880)
18 August 1880
"Yesterday one of the new U.& N. Pullman cars was started on its
Wednesday initiatory trip north. Among the passengers therein, was M. H.
Beardaley, the popular proprietor of the Union Depot Hotel, and Mr. Bennett,
Pullman agent." (Pitchard, Ogden
Junction, 18 August 1880)
19 August 1880
"The Utah and Northern Railroad is now running Pullman sleepers on its
road. Argo went north last night, Advance goes up tonight. L. M. Bennett, Esq.,
general superintendent of the Pullman Car Company went north on the Argo. The
sleepers are truly beautiful and comfortable in every respect." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 19 August 1880)
20 August 1880
Extract from a letter, dated 19 August at Oxford on the U&N: "After
spending the hours from noon to near midnight in a pleasant visit, I found
sweet rest in the fine Pullman sleeper Advance, now making its first trip over
the road,…" This can not be later than the 18th, as the person writing
this letter had been riding in the car since at least noon of the day before
the letter was written. (Pitchard, Ogden
Junction, 20 August 1880)
20 August 1880
"The U. & N. has placed on its road two Pullman sleeping cars. These
cars contain 20 berths, each berth affording luxurious accommodations for one
person. The sleepers are now running from Ogden to Blackfoot, far enough to
accommodate passengers for the night. We understand that more sleeping cars are
to be added immediately. A new day coach has also been lately put upon the
road. All these cars are models of comfort, luxury, elegance and completeness
of finish." (Pitchard, The Logan
Leader, 20 August 1880)
21 August 1880
"The first Pullman car over the Utah & Northern came up from Ogden
Wednesday morning, and it is undoubtedly one of the finest cars ever built. It
is furnished with all the latest improvements and appliances calculated to
furnish comfort to the traveler, and is the acme of fine workmanship and
elegance. It bears the name of 'Argo.' Two similar cars have already been
placed on the road, and the passenger trains each way will be supplied with one
between Ogden and Blackfoot." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 21 August 1880)
4 September 1880
End of track on U&N is 33 miles beyond Red Rock. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 4 September 1880)
10 September 1880
"New Terminus" "The U. & N. R. R. has penetrated the
Territory of Montana a distance of 19 miles, and is being pushed ahead rapidly.
It is the intention to remove the terminus to a point about 50 miles beyond
where it is now, on or about Oct. 1st. The next terminus will be an important
point, as freight for Helena, Virginia and eastern Montana will be left there.
It is expected that a new time table will be issued when the terminus is
removed." (Pitchard, The Logan
Leader, 10 September 1880)
10 September 1880
"On Saturday last a very fine day coach was added to the rolling stock of
the U. & N. It is the finest passenger car on the road." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 10 September
1880)
17 September 1880
An item reports that there are 23 engines now running on the Utah and Northern,
eight more are being built at this time, and an additional seven are ordered
for spring delivery. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 17 September 1880)
8 October 1880
End of the line is now at Dillon, so a new timetable today for the added 45
miles of railroad. (Pitchard, The Logan
Leader, 8 October 1880)
29 October 1880
Shops and such for U&N being built at Eagle Rock. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 29 October 1880)
19 November 1880
The U&N pay car went north on the 12th. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 19 November 1880)
3 December 1880
U&N is building snow fences, to help keep line open this winter. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 3 December
1880)
3 December 1880
"Occasionally a 'double-header' is required to take the heavy freight
trains over the divide on the U. & N. The freight traffic of this road has
been immense for months past, and at times has taxed to the utmost the motive
power of the road." (Pitchard, The
Logan Leader, 3 December 1880)
31 December 1880
A train on the Utah & Northern was wrecked near Beaver Canyon on Thursday
morning; engineer Phillips and fireman Lees were quite shaken up, but not
injured otherwise. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Daily Tribune, 31 December 1880)
31 December 1880
Long story on Utah & Northern snow troubles. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 31 December 1880)
1 January 1881
A wreck of U&N plow and engines at High Bridge, 29 December 1880. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 1 January
1881)
8 January 1881
Item from Salt Lake Tribune: U&N has 21 locomotives and 15 more ordered. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 8 January
1881)
14 January 1881
"Work in the Logan R. R. Shops." "Master Mechanic Robt. Croft of
the U. & N. courteously conducted us, a few days since, through the
railroad shops at the depot. At present, the shops are very much crowded with
work. Among the jobs now in hand are the construction of a snow plow, the
repairing of the stationary engines of the shops, and the repairing of the
engine that was wrecked near High Bridge on Dec. 29th. The snow plow is nearly
finished. The switch engine furnishes the power to run the machinery of the
shops while the stationary engine is being repaired. The locomotive, wrecked
Dec. 29th, was very much injured. As is supposed, a broken rail was the cause
of its flying the track. It was completely inverted, the cab was entirely
demolished, the smokestack knocked off, and the tender considerably injured. It
lay in a position at right angles with the track, and had to be turned right
side up, placed on the track, and brought to Logan to be repaired. (Material
here of no interest, deleted.) … as the frame and wheels of the engine were
intact it was easily brought to Logan. "The work done at these shops is
first class, and all repairs to the rolling stock of the road are executed
here. Work is also being done here for the shops at Eagle Rock, until they get
fully under way." (Pitchard, The
Logan Leader, 14 January 1881)
14 January 1881
"More Locomotives" "Several new locomotives are expected to be
placed on the U. & N. about March 1st. It is understood that fifteen
locomotives are now in the course of construction for this road at the Bolton
works, Philadelphia, and that eight of them will be ready about March
1st." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader,
14 January 1881)
27 January 1881
"On Tuesday the Utah and Northern received what is called a flanger, a
little machine used to clear the rails of ice." "This flanger is
attached to the rear of the engine running the snow plow, and clears the rails
of ice,…" Tuesday was the 25th. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 27 January 1881)
30 January 1881
U&N Logan roundhouse is nearing completion. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 30 January 1881)
8 February 1881
Letter from Ogden, dated the 7th: "Geo. E. Stevens, master car builder and
superintendent of buildings for the Union Pacific, spent today in this city,
and left this evening for Eagle Rock, on business." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 8 February 1881)
12 February 1881
Eagle Rock is the end of the first passenger division, and the second freight
division; Battle Creek is end of first freight division, and so beginning of
the second. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 12 February 1881)
12 February 1881
"Eagle Rock - Machine Shops, Buildings, &c." "On Monday we
paid a visit to Eagle Rock, at which place the Utah & Northern railroad is
building machine shops…" "The roundhouse which has ten stalls is
nearly completed, the tracks now being laid." "The machine shop …
building is 60' x 150', all in one room. All the machinery for boiler making
and engine repairing will be placed in this building. Adjoining this on one
side is the boiler and engine room, a stone building 40' x 60' which will soon
be ready for setting the engine and boiler." "The blacksmith shop
which is 60' x 100', is nearly completed, but the largest building will be the
car shop, the foundation and floor of which is completed, its size being 60' x
2001. In this shop all kinds of cars will be made, from a flat car to a fine
coach. An office for the master mechanic 20' x 40' is nearly completed, another
one of the same size for the foreman of the car shop will be erected. An ice
house 24' x 60' is furnished and filled with ice. Several other buildings, such
as store-houses, oil-houses, and a sand-drying house will be put up."
"Three buildings, 22' x 40' for boarding houses, have been built and are
occupied. Several smaller tenement houses will be built as soon as other work
is finished. A new depot will also be built. Between fifty and sixty men are
now employed there and it is estimated that when the shops are running nearly
two hundred men will find work. The machinery that is being put in is all new,
none of that now used at Logan being shipped there (i.e., to Eagle Rock), but
will probably be taken to Battle Creek,…" (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 12 February 1881)
15 February 1881
Ogden letter dated the 14th: the U & N to get three more sleepers, and nine
coaches, all now being built by Pullman; and new locomotives are soon to arrive. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 15 February 1881)
24 February 1881
Ogden letter dated the 23rd - the Utah & Northern has 31 engines in
service; at Spring Hill (formerly Red Rock) a 7-stall roundhouse is being
built, also one of like size at Battle Creek; and much work is being done at
Eagle Rock, the roundhouse there being of 10 stalls, together with shops and so
forth. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 24 February 1881)
26 February 1881
Item says eight to ten cars of iron arrive daily at Ogden for the U & N. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 26 February 1881)
4 March 1881
New iron bridge over the Snake river at Blackfoot, built by King Bridge Co.,
Cleveland, Ohio; cost $47,000.00; five spans, each 100 feet long, with a 60
foot trestle approach on the east, and 25 foot on the west. Bridge is six feet
above the high water mark. Item from Blackfoot Register. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 4 March 1881)
12 March 1881
One shipment of rails for U&N, comprising 85 cars, has arrived at Ogden,
from Joliet, Illinois. (Pitchard, The
Blackfoot Register, 12 March 1881)
17 March 1881
An item on the Utah & Northern reports that the road has 22 "old"
engines, and is getting the new ones at the rate of two per week. Another,
longer item on the Utah & Northern, while mostly the usual puff, does
contain some useful information, such as "the fact that twenty-three new
Brooks locomotives have been ordered, four of which have been received, while
the remainder are to be delivered at stated intervals between the present date
and the first of next September." And the sizes of the various buildings
making up the Eagle Rock shop complex are given (in feet): car shop, 60 x 200;
locomotive shop, 60 x 150; engine house, 40 x 48; blacksmith shop, 60 x 90; two
store rooms, 12 x 40 and 24 x 60; office, 30 x 40; and a coal house of 26 x
300. There is also a water tank, sand house, an ice house of 400 to 500 ton
capacity, and a roundhouse of 10 stalls, making a quarter circle. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 17 March 1881)
18 March 1881
"Terrific Wind Storm" last Sunday night - two box cars blown over at
Smithfield; nine blown over at Hyde Park; and four at Deweyville. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 18 March 1881)
25 March 1881
Pay car went north last Monday. Master mechanic at Eagle Rock is one Frank
Reardon. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 25 March 1881)
1 April 1881
"The Utah & Northern" "Colonel Washington Dunn, Superintendent of Construction of the Utah & Northern railroad, was in Butte a few days since,…" Track was laid last year to a point two miles above Dillon. (Pitchard, New North West,
Deer Lodge, 1 April 1881)
2 April 1881
"Fire at Logan." "Round House and Five Engines Burned." "On the arrival of the passenger train from the South yesterday morning news was received of the burning of the round house of the U. &. N. R. R. at Logan with five engines. Fran Conductor D. F. Brown we get the following particulars:" "About seven o'clock, a short time after the employees had quit work the round house was seen to be in a blaze, and almost before anything could be done to check it the entire building was burned to the ground. It was a six-stall frame building, the framework being of heavy timber. The covering burned off and left the frame standing. There were five engines in the building being repaired, nearly all of which had been taken to pieces, most of them with their jackets off, consequently they were injured but little. The master mechanic says he can have two of them ready in fifteen days. How and where the fire caught is a mystery; no one being able to form any idea." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 2 April 1881)
2 April 1881
A letter from Logan, dated 31 March 1881, and signed "Spiv," in
regard to the Logan enginehouse fire. He starts out: "At 7:30 o'clock
tonight,…" The roundhouse fire appears to have started in the southwest
corner of the building, and with a light west wind then blowing, the entire
house was in flames in five minutes. There were at the time six engines in the
house, only one of which was saved, and it had to be pulled out by hand. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 2 April 1881)
3 April 1881
The above fire is thought to have started in the oil & waste closet. The
present estimate of damage to the five burned engines is $6,000, and to the
building, tools and the like, $4,000. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 3 April 1881)
5 April 1881
Excerpt from a letter from Logan, dated 3 April 1881, in regard to the engines
damaged in the U&N Logan roundhouse fire of 31 March: "Men are now at
work on two of the engines and it is expected that they will be ready for the
road again in fifteen days. Two more of the damaged engines will be shipped to
the U. P. shops at Evanston for repairs at once and will be rushed through. The
fifth is a smaller engine and not so badly needed, but will be repaired as soon
as the more urgent work will permit." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 5 April 1881)
5 April 1881
Another letter from "Spiv" in Logan, dated 3 April 1881, excerpt:
"Men are now at work on two of the engines and it is expected that they
will be ready for the road again in fifteen days. Two more of the damaged
engines will be shipped to the U. P. shops at Evanston for repairs at once and
will be rushed through. The fifth is a smaller engine and not so badly needed,
but will be repaired as soon as the more urgent work will permit." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 5 April 1881)
8 April 1881
"Burning of the U. & N. Roundhouse." "At just about half
past seven o'clock on Thursday evening, March 31st; and after about half of our
last week's edition was worked off, a series of prolonged whistles were heard
throughout most of the city, issuing from a locomotive at the depot. It was
generally comprehended that the sound meant 'fire,' and a glance towards the
depot showed at once its location. Crowds at once commenced to rush in that
direction, to discover the roundhouse to be in flames. The building was in a
hopeless state of burning too soon for anything to be done to save it or its
contents, only about four minutes having elapsed after the first alarm until the
structure was completely enveloped in flames, making entrance into it
impossible. The roundhouse contained six stalls, all of which were occupied by
locomotives, only one of which was got out. The other five remained where they
stood, and were soon covered with the falling timbers, .&c., of the burning
building. The roundhouse was built almost entirely of wood, but even this would
scarcely seem to account for the rapidity with which it burned. The embers were
pretty well extinguished that night. It was supposed that the five locomotives
were utterly ruined, and this caused the report to be circulated that the loss
would reach from $40,000 to $50,000; but an examination of them showed that
they could easily be repaired at a moderate expense, and this is now being
done. The loss is thus reduced to about $10,000." "No one was
seriously hurt during the fire,…" (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 8 April 1881)
8 April 1881
"Railroad Shop Fire at Logan" "Five U. & N. Locomotives
Badly Burnt" "A Logan correspondent of the Salt Lake Tribune writing March 31st says: 'This evening, about 7 o'clock…'" "Of the
locomotives burned at Logan the Pilot says: 'All are so badly burned that they
will have to be taken down and have a general overhauling, amounting to about
the same as rebuilding. This will take time and cost considerable, but the
greater loss will be crippling the road of motive power during the few weeks
required in replacing these engines. The road had twenty engines, all told,
before this catastrophe, and the busy season coming on will require even a
greater number of locomotives than the entire number, but we are assured that
the road will push the rebuilding and most likely secure new engines, so that
the business of the road will not suffer. We were unable to learn the cause of
the fire.'" "The railroad shops were to have been removed from Logan
to Eagle Rock the day after the fire. For this reason the work is supposed to
have been done by an incendiary. The loss of five locomotives just at this time
is likely to retard the extension of the road as all were needed. Four of the
five were, however, old engines." (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge, 8 April
1881)
9 April 1881
"Local Brevities." "The Ogden Pilot says the Utah & Northern
engines, No's. 10 and 26, which were burned at Logan a few days ago, were
brought down last evening and will be sent to Evanston to be rebuilt. The
others burned at the same time will be overhauled at the Eagle Rock
shops." Superintendent of the carshops at Eagle Rock is a Mr. Shoemaker. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 9 April
1881)
9 April 1881
An item from the Ogden Pilot, probably of the 8th: "The Union Pacific
yesterday brought in two new locomotives for the Utah and Northern Railway.
They are numbered 27 and 28 and are of the Brooks pattern. Today men are busily
engaged in putting them in shape for duty. "Fourteen more similar engines
are included in the order given some time ago…, and thus the road will soon
have forty-two engines on duty." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 9 April 1881)
22 April 1881
"Railroad Notes." "A new engine arrived Wednesday. All but one
of the engines injured by the late fire have been put in working order. It is
not yet known whether or not the roundhouse will be rebuilt. Work is lively in
the shops." (Pitchard, The Logan
Leader, 22 April1881)
24 April 1881
"The locomotives recently injured by the Logan roundhouse fire, have been
repaired and are now doing service on the Utah & Northern." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 24 April 1881)
29 April 1881
The Union Pacific has changed a few names on the U&N recently -- Summit is
now Cachill; Oneida (Watson before 1878) is now Arimo; and Riverside is now
Shoshone. The U&N roadmaster is William Toombs. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 29 April 1881)
30 April 1881
From Dillon Tribune; U&N track is 12 miles north of Dillon. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 30 April
1881)
30 April 1881
A Letter from Logan, dated the 28th, rather long, but contains the following
useful info: "Two of the damaged engines were sent to Evanston and the
other three remained here, two of which were put into splendid running order
and nicely finished in fifteen days from the time work was commenced on
them." (The five engines referred to are those damaged in the Logan
enginehouse fire of 31 March 1881.) "The third engine being small and of
less service, repairs were not hurried. However it is now being repaired and
will be finished soon." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 30 April 1881)
30 April 1881
The Ogden Pilot of 23 April had an item on the five damaged engines, in which
it was said that the three engines not sent to Evanston were sent to Eagle Rock
for repairs, and the job was not as well done as that at Evanston. This
prompted "Spiv" up in Logan to write another of his letters, this one
dated the 28th, correcting the Pilot item: "Two of the damaged engines
were sent to Evanston and the other three remained here (i. e., Logan), two of
which were put into splendid running order and nicely finished in fifteen days
from the time work was commenced on them." "The third engine being
small and of less service, repairs were not hurried. However, it is now being
repaired and will be finished soon." The letter goes on to say that
"The Brooks Locomotive Manufacturing Company has an order for twenty-three
engines to be delivered to the Utah and Northern road. Seven of these have
already been delivered and are very fine engines. Two per month will be
delivered until the order is filled,…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 30 April 1881)
14 May 1881
A letter from the north describes one of the U&N passenger trains on the
11th, composed of two engines, three baggage cars, one mail car,-four coaches,
and the sleeper -- nine cars in all. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 14 May 1881)
21 May 1881
"This morning two fine new locomotives for the Utah & Northern RR.
went up the road. They came from the Brooks Locomotive Works, at Dunkirk, N.
Y., are numbered 30 and 31, respectively, and belong to the latest order of
twenty-five new engines for the same line. When the remaining part of the order
is filled, the U.& N. Co. will have forty-eight engines on their
track." (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 21 May 1881)
22 May 1881
Two new locomotives received "yesterday" for the Utah & Northern,
from Brooks. Yesterday was Saturday 21 May. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 22 May 1881)
27 May 1881
"Good Work" "There has been a marked disposition in certain
quarters to avoid giving credit to the railroad shops here in Logan for work
they have turned out. The facts are that these shops are turning out work that
is extremely creditable to them, and the locomotives that were injured by the
burning of the roundhouse that were repaired here, present a much better and
more workmanlike appearance than do the two that were repaired at
Evanston." "There is usually an abundance of work for these shops to
do, and no present probability of their early removal to Eagle Rock." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 27 May 1881)
28 May 1881
"23 new engines are being built for the Utah & Northern
Railroad." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 28 May 1881)
10 June 1881
"Railroad Notes"-"The roundhouse at Logan, lately burned down,
is to be rebuilt; a quantity of lumber and stone for the purpose has
arrived." "A roundhouse is to be built at Battle Creek, thirty miles
north of Logan. This and the rebuilding of the roundhouse at Logan, was decided
upon by the officers of the company who went over the road some two weeks
since." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader,
10 June 1881)
11 June 1881
U&N agent at Oxford is one P. C. West. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 11 June 1881)
18 June 1881
Melrose is the new terminus on the U&N, which is 20 miles north of Dillon,
and about 40 miles south of Butte. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 18 June 1881)
24 June 1881
"Railroad Notes" "The pay car has been remodeled at the shops
here in Logan, in such a manner as to make a very elegant structure of it. The
changes in it are quite extensive." "The roundhouse is to be built at
an early date." (Pitchard, The Logan
Leader, 24 June 1881)
27 June 1881
U&N terminus is now at Melrose, trains running through to that point as of
the 25th of June. (Pitchard, Ogden
Herald, 27 June 1881)
1 July 1881
U&N track arrived at Melrose on 6 June 1881; had begun laying track out of
Dillon on 13 April 1881 -- distance covered in that time, 35 miles. As of June
21, 1881 track is three miles north of Melrose; had spent 12 days there laying
tracks and such for terminal facilities. The paper has received a letter from
Thomas E. Ricks, on the construction train, he having a grading and tracklaying
contract. His crew is all LDS, except one man, so meetings are held every
Sunday. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 1 July 1881)
2 July 1881
U&N Northern division Roadmaster is one George Payne. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 2 July 1881)
9 July 1881
The U&N car shops at Eagle Rock have turned out several new stock cars and
more are in progress at. this time; the enginehouse at Dillon was blown down in
last week's windstorm. F. M. Shoemaker is superintendent of the car shop at
Eagle Rock, and Frank Reardon is the Master Mechanic. Foreman of the paint
department is a fellow named Murphy. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 9 July 1881)
15 July 1881
From an item in the Oxford Enterprise: There is a new depot at Smithfield,
agent is Mr. Hanson, from Blackfoot. Battle Creek is getting an eight-stall
roundhouse, boarding house, depot and the like. Logan is supposed to be getting
a new depot soon, and the depot at Market Lake is just completed. At Spring
Hill, near the old town of Red Rock, a roundhouse and other facilities will be
built soon. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald,
15 July 1881)
18 July 1881
The U&N Dillon engine house was blown down last week. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 18 July 1881)
18 July 1881
U&N roundhouse and such is laid out at Spring Hill. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 18 July 1881)
21 July 1881
"In conversation with Mr. Bennett,…" who was superintendent of
Pullman, he says that as the business on the Utah & Northern is so great,
that two more of the sleepers will be put on in September. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 21 July 1881)
23 July 1881
U&N end of track is eight miles north of Melrose. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 23 July 1881)
11 August 1881
Twenty cars of iron for the U&N are at Ogden. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 11 August 1881)
11 August 1881
"Last evening three new engines. No's 33, 34 and 35, arrived for the
U.& N.R.R. They were manufactured at the Brooks locomotive works at
Dunkirk, N. Y., and are fine specimens of the mechanic's skill. They went
north, this forenoon, two being bound for Logan, while the third goes as far as
Eagle Rock." "The three new U.& N. engines were in charge of Mr.
Smith, traveling engineer and inspector for the U.P.R.R.Co., who has come from
the East to set these locomotives up and test them." (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 11 August 1881)
11 August 1881
The U&N has received three more of the engines ordered some time ago. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 11 August 1881)
12 August 1881
"The roundhouse approaches completion." U&N at Logan. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 12 August 1881)
13 August 1881
Eight stall U&N roundhouse at Battle Creek is nearly completed, with other
buildings at that site. (Pitchard, Ogden
Herald, 13 August 1881)
13 August 1881
"Utah Notes." "Last evening three new engines (No's 33, 34 and
35) arrived for the U.& N.R.R. They were manufactured at the Brooks
locomotive works at Dunkirk, N. Y., and are fine specimens of the mechanic's
skill. They went north, this forenoon, two being bound for Logan, while the
third goes as far as Eagle Rock. -- Ogden Herald, 11th." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 13 August
1881)
17 August 1881
Forty-five cars of rail have been transferred at Ogden in the past three days. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 17 August 1881)
17 August 1881
A new timetable on the U&N this date. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 17 August 1881)
30 August 1881
U&N "Two narrow gauge engines arrived from the East Sunday morning,
and Tuesday went north, yesterday." (Sunday was the 28th) (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 30 August 1881)
2 September 1881
"Railroad Notes"-"The roundhouse at the depot is receiving the
finishing touches. It is somewhat larger and finer building than the former
one." "Two new locomotives were received last Monday. This makes 28
now on the road. Nine more remain to be sent in before the order given by the
company is filled." "The Logan shops continue very busy. A tender is
now being built out and out, except for the wheels. An old light engine is
being put in thorough repair, almost rebuilt in fact. It is the intention to
sell it when completed." "We learned these and other interesting
items from Master Mechanic Croft." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 2 September 1881)
2 September 1881
"Two new engines for the Utah and Northern are added to the rolling stock
of that road." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 2 September 1881)
12 September 1881
U&N track is twelve miles from Butte. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 12 September 1881)
13 September 1881
Relocation of U&N from Arimo (formerly Oneida) to Harkness, through the
Portneuf Canyon, and to the Oregon Road, to avoid the Marsh Valley mess. Two
miles of sidings being added in Pocatello to aid in unloading the mass of
material arriving for the Oregon Short Line construction. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 13 September 1881)
17 September 1881
New U&N timetable effective 17 August 1881 printed. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 17 September 1881)
23 September 1881
Engine 14 is draped in black, on account of Garfield's death. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 23 September
1881)
3 October 1881
U&N agent at Blackfoot is W. C. Borland. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 3 October 1881)
14 October 1881
The Utah & Northern has 39 locomotives in service. (Pitchard, New North West, Deer Lodge, 14 October 1881)
18 October 1881
A new engine and tender arrived today for the Utah & Northern, (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 18 October 1881)
20 October 1881
An item lifted from the Ogden Pilot, date uncertain, possibly the 19th:
"Two of the oldest narrow gauge Utah and Northern engines were yesterday
loaded upon Union Pacific flat cars for shipment east, but were held to await
further orders. One of the engines was in the Logan round-house fire, and both
have been refitted and made quite new in appearance. It is thought that the
company has sold them to make place for more powerful engines." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 20 October
1881)
21 October 1881
On Monday, U&N passenger trains began running to Silver Bow Junction. (Pitchard, New North West, Deer Lodge, 21 October 1881)
22 October 1881
Item on the wreck of a U&N passenger train, with no details except that
some folks were injured, wherein is referred to 'what is known as the
combination coach', a mail car, and a baggage car. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 22 October 1881)
29 October 1881
The U&N agent at Franklin, Mr. Hinckley, murdered; railroad offers a $1,000
reward for the murderer. (Pitchard, The
Blackfoot Register, 29 October 1881)
4 November 1881
Joel Hinkley, agent/operator at Franklin, was murdered on the evening of
Thursday the 27th of October; the railroad is offering a reward of $1,000 for
the killer(s). (Pitchard, New North West,
Deer Lodge, 4 November 1881)
11 November 1881
An item listing the equipment of the Utah & Northern: 39 locomotives; 17
passenger cars, including baggage & mail cars; five Pullman sleeping cars;
217 box cars; 226 flat cars; and 112 stock cars. "Besides these the
company has several old-style cars and some classed as outfitting cars." (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge,
11 November 1881)
11 November 1881
"The shops at Eagle Rock have just turned out the first railway car built
in Idaho. This car is numbered 01 and is of the class called 'outfitting', for
the use of the men on the road who go from place to place to build or repair
bridges, station houses, or gather up wrecks. The car is 48 feet in length and
is a model of good workmanship and design for the purposes required, and is
provided with all the conveniences possible. The Eagle Rock shops are well
prepared to do car work, and a good force of first class mechanics are
employed." item from Ogden 'Pilot' (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge, 11 November 1881)
13 November 1882
Railroad Matters: "The Utah & Northern track was laid on Thursday
evening to a point about seven miles below Deer Lodge - below the mouth of
Mullan canyon, where a side track goes in. There are only about three miles of
track yet to lay." (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Evening Chronicle, 13 November 1882)
27 November 1881
From the Ogden Pilot of the 26th: Nine flat cars from the Utah & Northern
sold to the D&RGW, and were loaded on the 26th at Ogden to go south. (Note:
U.P. journal indicates that the 9 cars were sold to the San Pete Valley
Railroad.) (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 27 November 1881)
13 December 1881
"The Utah & Northern continues to receive new rolling stock every day
or so." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald,
13 December 1881)
17 December 1881
"Eagle Rock Items." Editor Wheeler of the Register visited the shops
on Wednesday afternoon, and reported the following: Engine 15 has just been
overhauled, and will now handle the passenger run between Eagle Rock and Spring
Hill, with John Scott as engineer. Engine 8 has just gone into the shops for
overhaul. No. 40, a new engine received a few days ago, has been set up for the
road, and will go out with Jerry Griffin as engineer. No. 41 has just arrived
and will soon be ready for work. The car shop has built 23 stock cars, two
outfit cars and eight flat cars since work started, and two caboose cars have
been entirely rebuilt there. The sleeper 'Advance' is getting an overhaul now,
and the pay car is being refitted and refurnished, which when finished will be
a handsome car. "The old passenger coach No. 3, which was in the wreck
near Camas a few months ago, has been almost entirely rebuilt." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 17 December 1881)
23 December 1881
The terminus of the U. & N. was removed to Butte on Wednesday, 21st.
"The rolling stock of the road has lately been increased." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 23 December
1881)
24 December 1881
"Eagle Rock Items." New engine No. 41 will come out of the shop on
Monday, with W. W. Chapman assigned as engineer. Car shops at present are
turning out one new stock car every three days, and after Jan. 1st, they plan
to put out two new flat cars per day, until 45 are built. Two box cars have
been converted to outfit use for the line crews. Two engines have had snow
plows attached, it being the season. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 24 December 1881)
30 December 1881
"A Straight Line." "There are only three curves in the U. &
N. railway between Deer Lodge and the upper canyon, a distance of some thirty
miles. There is one curve near Race Track, one at Warm Springs, and one at the
river crossing near Mrs. Thomas'. The Northern Pacific line runs parallel to
the U. & N. at a distance of 63 feet for the next 20 miles. -- New North
West." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader,
30 December 1881)
13 January 1882
"Mr. G. J. Bywater, of the U. & N. Shops, lately finished the painting
of a locomotive that was indeed done in the highest style of the art. In this
class of work Mr. Bywater is unrivalled, and the Logan shops take pride in the
perfection and finish of the work they turn out." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 13 January 1882)
14 January 1882
U&N "Two new engines are daily expected, they having been heard from
as having left Omaha before New Year's." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 14 January 1882)
21 January 1882
"Eagle Rock Items." "Engines 31 and 38 which made an
unsuccessful effort to pass each other on the same track at Market Lake last
Friday, received new pilots and went out the following morning, not being
retained in the shops over twelve hours." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 21 January 1882)
4 February 1882
"Chips" "The sleeper and a coach of the Utah and Northern were
thrown from the track near Willard yesterday morning. But little damage was
done and nobody hurt." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 4 February 1882)
11 February 1882
"The sleeping car Advance which has been having a thorough overhauling, is
nearly completed. The accident down the road a few days ago, when the sleeper
and one coach ran off the track, damaged the trucks of the sleeper and the
trucks of the Advance were placed under it, the broken one to be repaired and
put under the Advance which will now be out in about a week." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 11 February 1882)
17 February 1882
"A neat, commodious and handsome depot is just being finished in Brigham
City." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader,
17 February 1882)
24 February 1882
"On Saturday morning a snowplow and five engines were ditched near
Pocatello trying to get through, and a track had to be built around them. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 24 February
1882)
26 February 1882
"Chips" "Ogden Pilot: The rails for a third rail on the Utah and
Northern from Silver Bow are arriving daily from Laramie. Fifty cars for this
purpose are now in the yard to go north." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 26 February 1882)
18 March 1882
New dispatcher, J. H. Edson. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 18 March 1882)
1 April 1882
"Local Brevities." "Arrangements are being made to put air
brakes on the passenger trains of the U.& N. Two engines on this division
have just been turned out of the shops at Eagle Rock with the necessary
attachments, and as soon as it can be done the cars will be put in shape for
it." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 1 April 1882)
1 April 1882
"Local Brevities." "Five new and elegant coaches arrived in
Ogden yesterday morning for the Utah & Northern, two of which came up on
this morning's train." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 1 April 1882)
7 April 1882
"Railroad Notes"-"Five new passenger coaches have lately been
put on the U. & N. They are of elegant style and finish, and contain a
number of improvements. They are warmed by pipes connected with a heater,
enclosed in a closet at one end, a far better way of warming them than the old
plan." "The engine, which was so badly wrecked with the snow plow a
few weeks ago, has been put in first class order again in the shops here, under
Master Mechanic Croft's supervision." "All passenger trains are to be
provided with air brakes, greatly lessening the danger of accidents. The new
cars are nicely lighted, and we understand an improvement in this and other
respects will be made in the old passenger coaches." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 7 April 1882)
14 April 1882
"The spring freight traffic is setting in, and will likely be very heavy.
Additional rolling stock, including two locomotives, has been ordered in
anticipation of the rush." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 14 April 1882)
14 April 1882
"A late number of the Ogden Pilot says that the Utah & Northern is
being improved by having air brakes placed on all passenger trains. The engines
on the line are being run into the shops as fast as they can be spared off the
road to have the air brake apparatus placed on them. The Westinghouse automatic
brakes are to be used. Beside the cars now in use on the road, two new trains
are being finished at Omaha, and will be brought out and placed on the road as
soon as completed. These are very important improvements, which will add very
much to the safety of the operations of this popular road. The track is being
improved as rapidly as possible and everything is to be made first-class."
(Pitchard, The New North West, Deer
Lodge, 14 April 1882)
20 April 1882
"A new engine, No. 43, arrived today (Thursday) for the Utah &
Northern Railroad." (Pitchard, Ogden
Herald, 20 April 1882)
20 April 1882
"A sleeper on the Utah and Northern was ditched on Tuesday; no one appears
to have been hurt." (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Herald, 20 April 1882)
21 April 1882
"On Thursday, at Ogden, a new engine (No. 43), arrived for the Utah and
Northern Railroad." The (No. 43) was in the original. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 21 April 1882)
23 April 1882
Utah & Northern Engine No 43 has just arrived. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 23 April 1882)
28 April 1882
"The first through train with air brakes on the Utah and Northern left
here day before yesterday. The brakes worked splendidly, and they will
hereafter be used on all of the passenger trains on that road.--Pilot,
22d." (Pitchard, The New North West,
Deer Lodge, 28 April 1882)
28 April 1882
"Two new engines, No's 42 and 43, have been placed on the Utah and
Northern Railway, one on the south end and one on the northern division."
Also received is a lot of 50 pound iron for the line from Silver Bow through
Deer Lodge, about to be built. (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge, 28 April 1882)
1 May 1882
Westinghouse automatic air brakes have been put on Utah & Northern passenger
equipment -- the Westinghouse mechanic left for the East this morning. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 1 May
1882)
24 May 1882
Car shops of the U.P., at Omaha, is building a mail car for the Utah &
Northern, 150 cars for the South Park line, and two observation cars for the
Utah & Nevada road. (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Tribune, 24 May 1882)
1 June 1882
Thursday - new timetable this date on the Utah & Northern. (Pitchard, The Logan Leader, 1 June 1882)
2 June 1882
Robert Blickensderfer is the Construction Engineer for the U&N on the line
through Deer Lodge; distance from Silver Bow Junction to the Deer Lodge depot
is 33 miles, 960 feet. (Pitchard, The New
North West, Deer Lodge, 2 June 1882)
2 June 1882
"Another mail car for the Utah & Northern is nearing completion at the
Omaha Shops." (Pitchard, The New
North West, Deer Lodge, 2 June 1882)
23 June 1882
U&N depot at Deer Lodge to be 50x150 feet, same as one at Silver Bow
Junction. (Pitchard, The New North West,
Deer Lodge, 23 June 1882)
25 June 1882
"A contract has been signed for the extension of the Utah & Northern
from Silver Bow junction to Deer Lodge, and from the Butte depot to the Silver
Bow mill and Parrot and Montana smelters." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 25 June 1882)
30 June 1882
"Train Wrecked." "Yesterday a train of six cars was wrecked on
the U. & N. near Pocatello at a point where the road leaves the old bed to
follow for some distance the grade of the Oregon Short Line. There is a sharp
curve here and the train in rounding it jumped the track. No person was hurt,
but one mule was killed and another so badly injured that it had to be
shot." (Pitchard, The Logan Leader,
30 June 1882)
2 July 1882
"The Utah & Northern received two new excursion cars on
Saturday." which was yesterday; it is possible that Utah & Nevada is
meant in the name. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 2 July 1882)
29 July 1882
"Eagle Rock Items." "Over ninety new flat cars have been
made,… Last week between seven o'clock Monday morning and six o'clock
Saturday night twelve new flat cars were turned out ready for the road."
"The old 'security' sleeping car seems to be wrongly named. It is out of
luck again and is back in the shop." Was in a minor wreck Friday of last
week, above Dillon, two coaches and this sleeper off the track; "damage
was slight, only the trucks being broken. This is the fourth accident that the
'security' has been in, not one of the other sleepers ever having met with
one." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 29 July 1882)
25 August 1882
J. Blickensderfer is Chief Engineer of the U.P., and his son Robert is Chief
Construction Engineer of the Utah & Northern. (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge, 25 August 1882)
16 September 1882
Union Pacific circular dated 11 September 1882 appoints W. B. Doddridge as
Superintendent of the Utah & Northern Railway, account George W. Thatcher
resigned, effective 10 October 1882. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 16 September 1882)
16 September 1882
Arimo water tank destroyed by fire 9 September 1882. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 16 September 1882)
19 September 1882
George W. Thatcher has resigned as Superintendent of the Utah & Northern
Railway. (Pitchard, Utah Journal, Logan,
19 September 1882)
19 September 1882
Two miles south of Preston, the regular southbound freight train was wrecked;
mostly an ore train, 17 cars were badly smashed up. (Pitchard, Utah Journal, Logan, 19 September 1882)
22 September 1882
George W. Thatcher has resigned as Superintendent of the Utah and Northern, and
will be replaced by W. B. Doddridge. (Pitchard, New North West, Deer Lodge, 22 September 1882)
6 October 1882
U&N track was laid into Deer Lodge on Tuesday, the 3rd; now putting in the
wye, sidings, and so forth. (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge, 6 October 1882)
17 October 1882
Minor derailment on the Utah & Northern yesterday, near Mendon, in which
the Pullman sleeper SECURITY, on the southbound train, derailed yet again. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 17 October 1882)
21 October 1882
"We would advise the U. & N. Railroad company to change the name of
the sleeping car Security to INsecurity, on Monday morning, when the southbound
train was near Mendon, a broken rail caused this car, which was attached to the
train, to jump the track. It was thrown over on its side, but fortunately no
one was seriously injured, although all were frightened at being shook up in
that manner so early in the morning. This is the sixth time that this sleeping
car has been in the ditch during the past year and a half, while of the four
other, not one has been off the track." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 21 October 1882)
27 October 1882
U&N track now three miles beyond Deer Lodge. Two engines badly smashed in a
collision in Portneuf canyon. (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge, 27 October 1882)
8 November 1882
Personal Points: "Ogden Pilot: R. Blickensderfer, Division Superintendent
of the Utah & Northern and the Oregon Short Line, came down from the North
yesterday morning and was a passenger for Salt Lake last evening." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Evening Chronicle, 8 November 1882)
9 November 1882
Railroad Matters: "Deer Lodge New Northwest: Samuel Ward, attorney for the
Utah & Northern Railway Company, this week bought of Palmer, Mills and
Larabie some twenty-five acres of ground on what is known as 'the Palmer
ranche,' at the mouth of Little Blackfoot, for the depot and yards of the Utah
& Northern company at that point. The intersection of the Utah &
Northern and Northern Pacific roads will be just below, near what is known as Cedar
Point. Several lines have been run for an intersection, but this latter has
been determined upon, and the grade is now being built. It is anticipated that
the entire track will be laid within the next two weeks." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Evening Chronicle, 9 November 1882)
10 November 1882
Preparing for Winter. "The Utah & Northern people are preparing for
cold weather, snow blockades, and the usual delays of winter travel, by laying
in a thirty days' supply of coal at the coaling stations along the line.--Ogden
Pilot." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Evening
Chronicle, 10 November 1882)
10 November 1882
First regular U&N passenger trains to Deer Lodge today. (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge,
10 November 1882)
11 November 1882
Idaho Division timetable #17 took effect 10 November 1882. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 11 November 1882
24 November 1882
The U&N pay car made its first visit to Deer Lodge yesterday, S. T. Josslyn
is paymaster, (Pitchard, The New North
West, Deer Lodge, 24 November 1882)
24 November 1882
Arrangement of Pullman layover on U&N at Deer Lodge explained. (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge,
24 November 1882)
28 November 1882
H. E. Hatch has resigned as U&N agent at Logan; replaced by C. D. W.
Fullmer. (Pitchard, The Utah Journal,
Logan, 28 November 1882)
15 December 1882
U&N trains 5 and 6, Ogden to Logan and return, will now have a passenger
car. (Pitchard, The Utah Journal, Logan,
15 December 1882)
16 December 1882
A new U&N timecard as of 10 November 1882. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 16 December 1882)
16 December 1882
An item saying that the U & N has 21 Baldwin engines and 22 Brooks. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 16 December 1882)
30 December 1882
Railroad Chat: "Constant additions are being made to the locomotive force
of the Utah & Northern. The road is at present doing an immense
business." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Evening Chronicle, 30 December 1882)
30 December 1882
At U&N Eagle Rock shops, two box cars a day are being turned out, until 80
are finished. A sleeper and a coach are in for repairs. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 30 December 1882)
30 December 1882
"O.S.L. Items" - "A few days ago a narrow gauge engine made an
attempt to run on the broad gauge tracks. A complete failure was made of the
experiment." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 30 December 1882)
9 January 1883
"The Utah and Northern Railway has declared its first dividend." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 9 January
1883)
10 January 1883
"The Utah & Northern has received a new locomotive brought from the
Union Pacific narrow gauge road in Kansas." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 10 January 1883)
10 January 1883
"The U & N locomotive force has been increased by the addition of
three engines from the Nevada Central railroad, which will be used as switch
engines at different stations along the line." (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 10 January 1883)
11 January 1883
"The Utah & Northern has received three locomotives from the Nevada
Central." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 11 January 1883)
14 January 1883
"The Utah and Northern railroad has declared its first dividend." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 14 January 1883)
3 February 1883
A Battle Creek item mentions that U&N engines 34, 37, 39 and 43 have been
transferred to the north end of the road, and engines 15, 17 and 19 to the
south end; the Brooks are 'the largest engines' on the road. Engine No. 34 has
just been overhauled at Eagle Rock, and is 'a thing of beauty,' (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 3 February 1883)
6 February 1883
"Snow on the U. & N." mentions the use of a flanger, by that
word. (Pitchard, Utah Journal, Logan, 6 February 1883)
6 February 1883
A wreck occurred Saturday on the U&N, at China Point, below Beaver Canyon,
in the which two engines were laid over on their sides. (Pitchard, Utah Journal, Logan, 6 February 1883)
8 February 1883
U&N Warm Springs depot completed. (Pitchard, Ogden Herald, 8 February 1883)
14 February 1883
U&N agent at Deer Lodge is George B. Smythe (Pitchard, The New North West, Deer Lodge, 14 February 1883.)
17 March 1883
New U&N timecard Wednesday March 14, 1883. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 17 March 1883)
17 March 1883
There are four U&N 'dinkey' baggage care under construction at the shops in
Eagle Rock. (1885 roster says were cars 54-57) (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 17 March 1883)
21 April 1883
One sleeper, one coach and a caboose under repairs in the Eagle Rock car shops.
(Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 21 April 1883)
24 April 1883
"All the cars of the Utah & Northern train, consisting of coaches,
cabooses and box cars, were blown from the wheels, at the depot in Ogden this
morning." Quite a bit of wind damage, there and here. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Evening Chronicle, 24 April 1883)
24 April 1883
Early this morning, the 24th, two coaches and a sleeper were blown over at
Franklin, on the U. & N., and six box cars were blown over at Collinston. (Pitchard, Utah Journal, Logan, 24 April
1883)
27 April 1883
"The freight cars, passenger coaches, cabooses and sleeper, blown from the
U. & N. track on Tuesday, were brought to Logan for repairs, and on
Thursday all but one were on the track again. Master Mechanic Croft fixed 'em
up quick." (Pitchard, Utah Journal,
Logan, 27 April 1883)
28 April 1883
U&N Eagle Rock Items - "I. H. Congdon, General Superintendent of the
M.P.& C. departments, with other officers of the road, were in town last
Sunday. They ordered the locomotive shops at Logan to be moved to Eagle Rock,
and also gave the car department some new work in the way of excursion
cars." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 28 April 1883)
5 May 1883
Eagle Rock notes - "The new offices are about ready for occupation. The
records of the Utah & Northern will be here in a day or two." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 5 May
1883)
5 May 1883
Eagle Rock notes - "Last Tuesday the sleeper Argo was turned out of the
shop. It has been undergoing a thorough overhauling. The finish of it now does
credit to the workmen of the Eagle Rock shops." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 5 May 1883)
19 May 1883
Eagle Rock Notes - "Engine No. 11, which recently ran into another train,
now has a new cab." "The car shops are building eight excursion cars,
from flat cars -- they get passenger car trucks, platform added to each end, an
iron roof, and the seats run across the car, no aisle, seats are reversible, a
platform or step of six inches width being added the length of the car. Also
the excursion cars will have heavy curtains, just in case." "We
noticed the sleeping car Security in the shop again. This seems to be an
ill-fated car, as it is the only one on the road that has ever met with an
accident and this is the seventh time it has had to go to the shop."
"Way car, or 'caboose', as it is generally called, No. 73 is just ready to
leave the shop." The car has a cupola, and is a two-truck car. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 19 May
1883)
26 May 1883
Eagle Rock Notes - "Three of the excursion cars are nearly done."
"Coach 13 will leave the shop Saturday. It is one of the newest coaches on
the road. It was built by the Pullman Palace Car Co., and was made to sell
rather than for durability. It will leave the Eagle Rock Shops looking as trim
as thorough workmanship can make it." "Engines 42 and 43 are in the
roundhouse for general repairs." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 26 May 1883)
2 June 1883
The U&N pay car is being painted. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 2 June 1883)
16 June 1883
The U&N pay car about done, as also one of the excursion cars; the Motive
Power department is doing work for the Oregon Short Line these days; and the
Railway Mail Service on the Utah & Northern employs seven clerks, on run
between Ogden and Deer Lodge, Montana. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 16 June 1883)
23 June 1883
Eagle Rock Notes - "This week two new waycars were taken through to the
upper divisions of the U & N. They are not as well finished as those out of
the Eagle Rock shops." "The car department is working until after ten
every night, in order to get out as many excursion cars as possible before the
fourth. They are also rushing work on the sleeper Security." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 23 June
1883)
23 June 1883
New U&N depot just finished and opened at Franklin. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 23 June 1883)
7 July 1883
There are 47 cars of steel rails at Ogden for the U & N; the replacing of all
iron with steel in the near future is contemplated. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 7 July 1883)
14 July 1883
U&N engines 31, 41 and 43 are being overhauled; engine 33 is getting air
brakes so as to be used on the passenger trains. "The work on the trucks
of the excursion cars is progressing finely. The remaining four cars will soon
be ready for the road." "The plans are all laid out and the work
commenced on a new baggage car. This is a much needed car on the road." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 14 July
1883)
4 August 1883
Eagle Rock Notes - "The excursion cars are all out but one. Last week one
baggage car and the sleeper Advance left the shop looking neat and trim. The
sleeper Progress is now in the shop for a cleaning-up and a new coat of varnish."
"Air brakes are being put on the dinkey baggage cars as fast as they can
be spared off the road."
Engine 43 is turned out, and engine 25 is now in for overhaul. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 4 August 1883)
11 August 1883
Eagle Rook Notes - "The last one of the excursion cars has just been
finished. Friend Paul says the sleeper Security has not been in the shops for
nearly two months, but he looks for it as soon as there is room to put it
there." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot
Register, 11 August 1883)
18 August 1883
The locomotive shops to be removed from Logan to Eagle Rock within the next
month. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register,
18 August 1883)
19 August 1883
The southbound Utah & Northern freight hit a cow on the track about four
miles out of Butte. Both engines were thrown off, and quite badly damaged, it
appears; William Cullum, fireman on the second engine, was not able to jump in
time, died in the wreck of scalding. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 19 August 1883)
2 September 1883
"The Utah & Northern connected with the Northern Pacific at Little
Blackfoot, last week." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 2 September 1883)
4 September 1883
Robbery of U&N train - conductor and eight passengers in the caboose taken
for everything by 'a Montana cowboy' - near Richmond, Cache County, Utah. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 4 September 1883)
8 September 1883
Five wrecked engines in for repairs; engines 10 and 20 went into the ditch,
killing an engineer, cause was cattle on the track; and engine 43 ran into a
car of rails, which badly broke up the front of the 43. Also, engine 32 has air
brakes; Engineer Baker, on engine 36, has retired. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 8 September 1883)
11 October 1883
The fare on the Utah & Northern, Butte to Ogden, has been $30.10, and is
now reduced to $25.00. (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Herald, 11 October 1883)
13 October 1883
For some time the Eagle Rock car shop has been turning out two new coal cars a
day, but at present they are working on a 'Pullman palace car', and they are
turning out "as fine a palace car as Mr. Pullman himself." (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 13 October 1883)
3 November 1883
Frank Reardon, master mechanic at Eagle Rock since it was built, is now to be
General Master Mechanic of the Idaho Division, having in his charge the Utah
& Northern and the Oregon Short line. Mr. William Hemphill, from Rawlins,
Wyo., will take over at Eagle Rock. (Pitchard, The Blackfoot Register, 3 November 1883)
10 Nov