SAGINAW SOUTHERN, SAGINAW AND MANISTEE; TULE TANK AREA

 

SAGINAW SOUTHERN, SAGINAW AND MANISTEE; TULE TANK AREA

(Author's Note: it was with some trepidation that I posted this Blog, since it included the location of a potential historic site. Little did I know that just a few days later, the Rafael Fire raged across the landscape, engulfing some 20,000 acres in just a few days. As the days progressed, the fire slowly grew, where it is now possible that this location was consumed by the flames. The most important thing is that the locals, visitors, and fire crews are safe. It is not worth the risk in human lives to try and save this site. For the valiant fire fighters, I pray for their safety. It does bring to mind how important it is to document and share the information on these sites, as they are fragile and subject to nature's whim (June 23, 2021, 11:30 PM.)

                               

ORANGE circles denote Tule Tank and J.D. Dam. The dam was developed by the Forest Service as a recreation area, with the hope of drawing visitors and campers to the area. It is quite scenic, and there are forest spaces for camping. The lake behind the dam is accessible by several trails.

    The Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company was active over a vast area. Timber rights were held to the far south of Williams, generally spreading  east of Perkinsville Road; southeast to the Tule and Saginaw tanks; south to Pine Flat Tank near FR105; north of Bear Canyon, and at Sunflower Flats. According to Forest Maps, there are indications some sections were harvested prior to 1907.  Later timber harvests occurred along Pine Flat Road, to JD Dam,  and as far south as Bear Canyon in 1935-1937. This would include the areas of Tule, Saginaw and Distribution Tanks. 

(S. Sales Kaibab, South End Unit, 7/30/35 (NAU Map 522)).  

    Further research by the author indicates in this vast area, during the time period (1935-1937), mechanized harvesting was the norm, and the railroad was extant. As much as I would imagine or hope, the railroad does not appear to have operated in this area, with the exception of  Sunflower flats.   

Tule Tank Area.

 Orange line designates original road, north of the tank. Dark Blue designates rock wall area. Light Blue designates camp area and trail from the Tank to the camp. 

        Tule Tank is located along FR127, about twenty miles southeast of Williams, Arizona. The area is remote, and the roads are reasonably maintained. Although the main forest roads are in reasonable shape, the side roads will often be very rough and difficult to traverse. A high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Hunting and camping are the primary uses for the area, so be aware when entering the woods, and stay a respectful distance from campers.  

    Normally I do not divulge the locations of camps. I decided to make an exception, partly due to the fact that this area is remote, and in part because temporary forest dwellers (campers) have known about this location for some time. Just remember that it is protected by law like any other site, should be left undisturbed and in its original condition.   

 

The wash, next to the tank. This is looking north east, from the road. 

Tule Tank. Above the water and on the ledge is the remains of the early road. 

Looking south towards the wash, or seasonal river bed. 

Rock ledge, above this is located the remains of a camp or homestead

At the tank, looking at the rock ledge, where a trail or 

wagon road climbs out of the wash.

The wagon road as it climbs up the ledge. 

At the top of the ledge, the road widens

Rock Wall Area

The rock wall extends across the upper area, from the camp area towards the 

wash located in the ravine.

The wall just before the ravine.  

Looking across the ravine

There are indications that the wall extended across the

 ravine, creating a dam.

Construction methods used to build the wall. Note the logs

 placed parallel to 

the structure, and rocks used as fill.

Looking back on the river bed towards the Tank. 

The wall is several feet high. Although the intent for building this structure may 

be a mystery, there are several clues. One purpose indicates the it was used as a dam, 

the other purpose was to backfill the one side, creating a level area, possibly for the camp.

Stop and smell the Cactus blooms. 

Upper Camp Area

The site appears to have foundations for three large cabins or temporary structures.

There are artifacts in the area; leave them in place. Can appears to predate 1920.

Original Road Grade

The grade begins just to the north of the tank, and climbs the ridge on the left. 

Looking east on the grade 

Two views, looking to the west from the top of the grade

SAGINAW AND MANISTEE FLAGSTAFF AREA LOGGING RAILROAD: ALLEN LAKE LINE

     FLAGSTAFF AREA LOGGING RAILROADS; ALLEN LAKE LINE:

 SAGINAW AND MANISTEE LUMBER COMPANY.  

       COPYRIGHT; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (5/10/22)     

    The Allen Lake Line was located in Flagstaff, Arizona, extending to just south of Mormon Lake. This line became part of the Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company. Once the operation was closed in Williams, Arizona, the company migrated to the leased mill in Flagstaff. The Allen Lake Line was the main route wherein the company reached the timber holdings south of Mormon Lake. This is normally out of the my research area, but you will soon agree it was worth the trip.  

    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, and the lease of the AL&T allowed them to harvest these holdings. The Saginaw extended the Howard Spring line, extending it for 14 miles to Allan Lake, located South of Mormon Lake.  With the exception of one spur, the railroad line was served by trucks bringing logs to the railhead. 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. SouthWest  Lumber Mills took control of the AL&T and the Saginaw lease in 1952-53. The next reorganized company, South-West Forest Industries, ran the line until March of 1966 (Kuhn 1981:101; Glover 1965; Stein, Report #19,  page33.) 

     

The Allen Lake Line

RED designates railroad grade, as it follows FR91 and FR700. Terminus is south of Mormon Lake, at Howard Spring. Near the end, the satellite view shows a "Y." ORANGE designates canyon area, along FR91A. The area where the trestle is located is highlighted at the top left hand side of the map. 

***

    Today's adventure takes us south of Flagstaff to Mormon Lake area, on Lake Mary Road.  This rural highway is a scenic drive into the vast Ponderosa forests of Northern Arizona. As with all of our travels together, carry a good map, and study it before heading out into the woods. I may be missing a road sign or two, so best be prepared in advance. You should also drive a high clearance vehicle, preferably a 4x4. The road gets extremely rough in places, although there are indications that it will soon be resurfaced.

    We will begin our journey south of Mormon Lake, turning off on Forest Road  91. This means we will be following the logging road back towards I-17 and Flagstaff.  Heading northwest, the road jogs and connects with FR91 and the old roadbed. We will be traveling in a northwesterly direction.  

  

 Where the road meets FR91. Looking West.

A forest road splits to to the left, this is where the roadbed connects with FR91. 

Looking southeast, where the original roadbed heads to Allen Lake. 

This road is marked closed to vehicles. 

            

 My map calls this Railroad Tank. As viewed from the road, 

you can see an old metal structure. 

A close-up view of the tank site. It does appear that the tank may have been placed upright, but was later knocked over for safety reasons. A large amount of rock work indicates it was an important site, with additional structures.  

        At the tank, a riveted pipe next to a newer culvert 

 

Further along the grade are other culverts. Several of them are made of metal (iron?) plates, riveted together, giving some idea as to their age. Possibly old tank cars, repurposed as culverts?   

 

The road continues northwest, running on the old roadbed. 

At this point FR91 is well-maintained

Evidence of logging along the road.

The Logging grade diverges from FR91 to the south side of a park-like meadow. I decided to take the side road, and follow the original grade. My suggestion is continue on FR91, it will save you a lot of time and trouble.   

The grade continues on, then splits (91B or 91C?) into a canyon.

 My map did not show this road.

The grade continued on in a small canyon. HOWEVER, at the far end the road became very rough. Like, stop and get out and remove rocks; move two feet, move more rocks. The kind of area where if you broke down, it would be difficult to get a tow truck. The road did continue, but dead ends into private property. You have to take a connecting forest road to get back on FR91, or go all the way back. Best not try this unless you are very prepared. 

    At Bert Lee Park, the road connects with FR240 and FR700. Take FR700. FR240 will take you right back to Mormon Lake. FR700 is very rough in this area, and it takes a stout steed to ride the broken trail...  

As you continue on FR700, you will begin to see evidence of the grade on the south side of the road.

At several points the rock fill on the roadbed becomes several feet high. 

The forest road crosses a ravine on a fill; if you look carefully 

you will see the railroad grade down below.

The roadbed crosses the forest road, and is now on the north side.  

Look for a side road to the north. Park to the side, and do not block the gate.

The area behind the gate is closed. Just to the right is a creek bed, I walked up it a short 

distance to the trestle (part of which you can see in the photograph.)

The Northwest ramp to the trestle.

Sideview of trestle. DO NOT WALK on this trestle. 

Overview of the trestle. I got this shot from the southeast roadbed, where it is stable.

DO NOT WALK ON THE TRESTLE

The Arizona Lumber and Timber Company built the large trestle in 1929-1930, and was later rebuilt by the Saginaw and Manistee when they leased the line until 1952. Subsequent owners used it until 1966. The trestle structure measures 335 feet long, 30 feet wide at the base, and 22 feet wide at the top. At its highest point it measures 12-15 feet (Stein, Report #19,page 190.) Sections of the trestle have fallen away, revealing the methods used in its construction. The internal structure is made up of logs, cut and placed perpendicular to the direction of the trestle. On top of this, loose fill of rocks were used to complete the core. As it was built up, the sides were tapered to increase strength, then covered in stacked, flat masonry rockwork. It appears that repairs were made, and the structure was widened, again covered in flat masonry rockwork. Stein best describes it as "cribwork trestle with rock fill and facing (pg.191.)" I couldn't have said it better... This monolith is visible on Google maps, satellite view.   

From this side view you can get an idea as to how it was constructed.

The center area has eroded, exposing the core of cut logs used as fill. 

You can clearly see the stacked rocks, and part of the stonework that covered the sides.

 It appears to me that it was expanded and repaired at some point in it's history (probably when the Saginaw leased the line.) 

Close up picture of side stonework.

The southeast ramp.

Close up of construction methods used on approaching ramp.

FR700 continues on for about five miles, eventually ending near Flagstaff and I-17. 

The road generally follows the old railroad grade, which can be seen at several locations.