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Blog Update

 I am continually trying to find additional information for this Blog. What is most interesting to me are the old postcards, which can capture important images from different eras regarding the Saginaw. I hope to post new findings soon. I have also decided to compile all of the information on the Saginaw in an e-booklet form. This will help a user page through the various topics in a more organized manner. All rights will continue to be reserved by the author, since there are unscrupulous individuals who will plagiarize the contents without giving proper credit where it is due. My commitment is to ensure that information from another source is properly credited on this Blog. I also want to provide authorization for any creditable educational organizations to use the information that I have accumulated, just make sure you give credit as to the source.  As soon as I can figure out how to use the Blog structure more effectively, I will begin reformatting some of the posts.  Thank you for
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Williams Arizona: Vintage Postcards

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 Williams Arizona: Vintage Postcards Although I have recently concentrated on the Saga of the Saginaw, this Blog also covers the history of Williams, Arizona. Someday, after some expert tutelage and earning an advanced degree in computers (or just learning by trial and error), I will reorganize the Blog into two sections. Until then, posts will be forthcoming in random order. After all, would you rather be following a Blog on the personal lives of narcissistic postings, or this one where you can learn something valuable and life-changing (maybe not the latter, but I can hope.) Today, with the availability of the internet and texting on telephones (even that is becoming an archaic term), anyone can keep in contact with whomever else instantly throughout the world. At one time, communication was a somewhat more complicated process, involving the application of pen or pencil to paper. This was then neatly folded into an addressed envelope, stamped with the appropriate amount of postage, a
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Flagstaff Mill: Additional Images

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  Saginaw and Manistee  Flagstaff, Arizona Mill; Additional Images One of my recent posts focused on an image of the leased Flagstaff Mill. Additional research has uncovered a number of images from postcards and other sources. The images and postcards were purchased and are in the author's private collection. Where practical, I have included credits as to the original source.  The two following images reveal a broader perspective of the mill in Flagstaff. In the first image, the big wheel logging cart or wagon is seen across the road, which is old route 66, on the west side of Flagstaff. None of the structures are currently in existence, with the exception of the cart which is now located at the Pioneer Museum.  Postcard, Author's Collection. Published by Petley Studios, Phoenix Arizona. Photo by Carlos Elmer. The above image reflects a robust operation at the millsite. A number of log cars, apparently steel fish-belly type flat cars, are at the mill. The Mill itself seems to b
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RECENT FINDINGS: AN UNUSUAL ARTIFACT IN THE WOODS

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  RECENT FINDINGS: AN UNUSUAL ARTIFACT IN THE WOODS Following the old roadbeds of the Saginaw can be a rewarding experience. Not only is it a walk through the past, but an opportunity to get out of the house and exercise. A pleasant day with companions or with a favorite dog, bringing about lasting memories.  Often, I find various leftovers of the Saginaw's passing. It is a good practice, and the law, to marvel at such relics, then leave them to age where you find them. A number of months ago I found one artifact that took time to ponder, and after careful research I came to an informed opinion as to what it was.  Oddly shaped, with a series of curves and ridges, the item was a bit perplexing. It appeared to be cast in one piece, then forged and worked for a particular purpose.  There was a deep indentation, designed to overlap a flange on a wheelset.  A series of numbers were cast on the piece, probably the mold number and manufacture dates. A preliminary assessment was that this
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Steam Locomotives on Display in Flagstaff , Arizona

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Additional images of the two engines on display in Flagstaff. Number 25 is near the station in downtown Flagstaff, along old Route 66. The other one is located at the Pioneer Museum. Both are worth the visit, including the museum. Then again, the downtown Flagstaff area is rather "nifty" as well. Stop in at the visitor center located at the depot and get local maps and directions. Spend some time, enjoy the area and be safe.  
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SAGINAW AND MANISTEE FLAGSTAFF OPERATIONS: 1941-1952

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    SAGINAW AND MANISTEE FLAGSTAFF OPERATIONS: 1941-1952   On March 1, 1941, the Saginaw and Manistee leased the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company from manager Joe Dolan. The S&M had acquired vast timber holdings in the area of Mormon Lake; the lease of the AL&T allowed them to harvest these holdings.      The Saginaw extended the Howard Spring line an additional 14 miles to Allan Lake, located South of Mormon Lake.  The Allen Lake Line was essentially a steam engine powered, reasonably straight conveyor belt to and from the mill. With the exception of several short spurs and a "Y" near the southern end, the line was fed by trucks.   Mechanized logging had replaced the need to constantly relay spurs into the forest. A steady flow of quality timber was provided to the leased Flagstaff mill, and during WWII made a significant contribution to the war effort.     In October of 1944 the Saginaw and Manistee purchased its' first and only 2-6-6-2 articulated mallet locom
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Observations and Musings: Identifying a Mystery Shay

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  Observations and Musings A Mystery Shay is Revealed After a short absence, I once again awakened this Blog from its blissful slumber, authoring new posts. There was some urgency in completing the updated engine roster, as the old list was outdated. I am thankful for all of the research by prior scholars who immeasurably helped in documenting this information. Combined with my recent research, I hope to have given them due credit for their prior work.  I am also thankful for a significant milestone in the number of hits on this Blog. It is now becoming a reference point for research and information on the Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company of Williams, Arizona. This is not to be confused with other logging railroads that used the same name in different formats, and in separate regions of the country. Thanks to all who have browsed these pages, and making this Blog what it is today. Hopefully, I will get a book published someday...    Courtesy National Archives, neg. 48-RST-4C-2   Thi
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