SAGINAW SOUTHERN: NEW RESEARCH ON THE END OF THE LINE.

             SAGINAW SOUTHERN: NEW RESEARCH ON THE END OF THE LINE. 

The Saginaw Southern was an important part of the early history of the Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company's vast empire. In comparison to other railroad operations in other areas of the country, the Saginaw was limited in scope, at best. However, when understood in the context of the history of development in the high country of Arizona, the Saginaw is second to none. 

The history of the Saginaw Southern is covered in the post, dated 6/15/21. One of the mysteries that continues, for this intrepid amateur historian, is: where exactly did this particular railroad end? We know that the initial planning was to reach the Jerome area, however they found one of the most difficult routes to lay rail, particularly for and entity that was incorporated as a class I railroad. My conclusion has been that they got caught up in the general railroad fever that gripped the nation, and rather hurriedly found a path south hoping to reach Jerome (possibly Prescott) before the Santa Fe. The fever only broke when the Santa Fe beat them to the Verde River. Once this was concluded, the Saginaw reverted to its original purpose of railroad hauling of the Ponderosa pine logs. 

I have visited, then revisited the area south of Williams to do field research, hoping to find answers. As of recent, I have found more evidence of their extensive operations in this region. The pine forests did end most abruptly, yet there were still big trees to be found in the numerous canyons and ravines that pointed like the fingers of a hand towards the southern regions of the Mogollon Rim. 

Map Courtesy Google Maps

Research area references of this post are 35.094108, 112.-191364 and 35.095550.112, -189770. Yellow designates a wagon road, red railroad line.

Other reference points will be covered in the Saginaw and Southern parts I-III.

A very large cut log that has disintegrated with time

A cut log, appropriate for the length of a Saginaw log, partially buried in the ground. 

A water bottle is shown for scale.

I walked up the ravine as far as possible, eventually stopping at a forest fence. Not in a particular mood to find a way over a barbed wire fence, I decided to return to the comfort of the car. The hike gave me the impression that this was not a box canyon, where access is minimized. Instead, the area could easily have been accessed from several directions. What is certain is that there would have been no way that the railroad could have progressed this way further south, due to the fact that a very rocky end was clearly in view. 

 

The end of the line, or is it?

It is quite obvious that this area was logged several times. Ample evidence as seen in the images suggests, nay verily verifies, that the Saginaw was here first. The type of logs and stumps indicates logging methods employed during the time period of the Saginaw Southern (1898.) 

Having revisited this site after many years, gaining experience and additional knowledge, I now look at this as an area having been logged by horse drawn big wheel logging carts, and is not the exact location for the end of the railroad line.

I have a theory that at the end of the line, which exists somewhere north of this location, the Big Wheel logging wagons or carts were used. This was not limited to just this site, but over a large area. Logs would be hauled to the railhead, then moved to the mill. The timeframe that they logged was very limited, as higher value timber tracts that were more readily available lay further north along the line. It would also be more profitable to log out the surrounding area as quickly as possible before heavy rains made the already difficult placement of the line more tenuous than before. A quick and intense logging effort would make the line more profitable, helping to recoup the costs of building with such haste on a marginal route. 

I would further suggest this broad area was cleared within a year, then the line was pulled up to be used elsewhere. One indication of their haste were the remnants of the more worthless logs, and at times spilling and leaving quality logs on the ground. 

More visits, more field research... Stay tuned for parts I-IV.

UPDATE ON RECENT RESEARCH

 UPDATE ON RECENT RESEARCH

Since purchasing a new vehicle, I have found a renewed interest in researching the far reaches of the Saginaw. I am currently focused on an area south of Williams, towards Perkinsville. In past blog posts I speculated that I had found the end of the Saginaw Southern (search that topic in the Blog,) however I have accessed areas where there are numerous indications that the Saginaw laid spurs down the ravines and canyons, hoping to log the big trees that were standing in these secluded spots. They may not have logged where the juniper forests were dominate, but they did attempt to harvest the timber in these deep and rugged canyons. 

I have images of one area where they were present, clearly showing logging activity from that time period. Before I update my findings, further research is needed to find and connect the spurs with the main line. The Saginaw did not reach Perkinsville, but they sure did their best to log out the big trees before retiring from this region. 

If Google Maps is listening, I am waiting for an updated satellite view of this area. The one that is available is distinctly of poor quality and needs an update. Not that I want to pick a fight with Google Maps; they are an invaluable free service to researchers and the internet community. 

I will post a map of where my current activities are taking place, once an update is made by Google. 

Please keep viewing and watching my blog; things are getting interesting.

Williams, Arizona; Stage Station Bike Trail

 Williams, Arizona; Stage Station Bike Trail

One of the things I like to do on a day when the weather is pleasant, and that time is not an issue, is to head out on a well-traveled forest road. You never know what an interesting view or historical site you might find. This is assuming that the car is well-stocked with supplies and a tank of gas is waiting to be used. Good forest sense must be used at all times. I also keep my maps in the car in case the urge to explore comes upon me. Always be aware that all forest people are not your friends, so be prepared. 

Forest Road 108 can be accessed from Interstate 40, just west of Williams. Take Devil Dog exit, go south on to the road. I would like to hear why the exit has such a defining name. Google Map the area first; nearby is a reservoir with an old dam and the roadbed for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.  

The Stage Station Bike Trail is about 12 miles from the Interstate. This interesting area can be accessed by 4x4 vehicle. It is supposed to be about 12 miles long, seems like 20 miles. It is rocky, steep and challenging in some areas. However, it is worth a side trip because of the terrain and is a historical area.

A good map is located on "Singletracks.com. Stage Station Loop Photos." Local tanks include Deadman, Cow, Station and Stage tanks.  All of these are accessible from the loop road.

The Station Site is not marked along the road. However, keep your eyes open for other interesting features. There are elk, deer and squirrels to be seen, along with a large flock of turkeys lurking in the forest.

  

I traveled to this site twice in a week's time. It may or may not be directly connected to the Saginaw.  I just can't give up on a location until I prove whether it was or was not part of that company's legacy. 

The arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in Williams opened this portion of the rim country to further development. Stage connections were made to Perkinsville and Prescott. Although a military road connected Flagstaff to Prescott, Williams could now be the hub between the railroad and the inland towns of Arizona. 

Stage travel was not a glamorous way to get from one place to the other. Natural air conditioning was the norm; if it was warm outside so was the coach, and if it was cold your only recourse was to dress warm. In the rough terrain of the Bill Williams Mountains assisting the horses with the stage was often the necessity. You could find yourself walking behind or in front of the stage, depending on if it was uphill or downhill. Comfort was a convenience, not a necessity. Whatever the challenge, a stage ride was superior and faster than a wagon ride and often was the only connection to distant points until the railroad arrived.

The stage lines did not begin to disappear until additional railroad lines were constructed. Even then, it was possible that lines connected the towns, crisscrossing the landscape where rails were never laid. One example are the stage lines to and at the Grand Canyon area, most notably a historic stage road that can still be traversed from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. Along the way there is at least one stage station that is preserved as a historical site. The trip between the two points would take three days (more on this in an earlier post on this Blog.)

The Saginaw and the stage lines were contemporaneous- existing at the same time. To find indicators of either historical event may not verify that they belonged to one or the other, however it is part of building a case for whomever was present during this time period. 

Intersection with FR108 and FR41.

It is a rocky road. Imagine the stagecoach traversing this area. Stage travel was not for the faint of heart or the genteel of spirit. By comparison, this would seem to be a well-manicured highway to the stage roads of a bygone era. 

Some would say that this is an easy road to traverse. A 4x4 is the only way to go,

 unless you take a bicycle. 

The area has a diverse mixture of trees, including Ponderosa Pine, Junipers, and scrub oak.

Cow tank area. Note the stump. 

Cow Tank sign. 

Not the best image, however I was more interested in the log. Yep, drive a forest road to find a log. Well, it does have some historical interest. The aged patina was first to draw my attention. On closer inspection, the length and the appearance of the cut indicated that this could date to the time of the stage lines or possibly indicate that the Saginaw was in the area. A prior picture showed a stump, which appeared to be cut in the manner of that time period. The loop bike trail is dotted with stumps from that time period, which could only mean that the same technology was used by the Saginaw and other early loggers. Logs and other detritus are also relatively common; what makes it more challenging is that the area has since been logged again in the decades after the initial event took place.

The road overlooks a ravine. I could imagine the stage line running through this area, gently descending to the Prescott Area. 

There is a variety of plants growing along the route. Take the time to stop and admire the flora and fauna.

The landscape can be very deceiving in the forest. On the road, I followed the ravine, which ended as a box canyon. No way you could find a gentle ride to destinations south. 

Carefully looking over the boulders at the plunge pools in the rocks. 

Take note of where these fallen trees are located. They were not placed here by the Forest Service, rather they were washed down the dry stream bed by a flashflood. This should give an idea of the power of a sudden monsoon downpour, and the resulting flooding of the stream bed. The normal rock surfaces are worn by the flow of water, and the freezing winter weather breaks apart the boulders. Nature must be held in awe for its beauty and respected for unbridled power. 

Full image of Cow Tank Area. There is a corral to the left of the image. 

Station Tank 

Forrest scene with a stump. Stump indicates early type of logging by handsaws.

Stage tank. Although I could not find the remains, the station is probably located near the area of 

Stage and Station Tanks. A blogger posted in 2015 that the remains of the station could still be seen from the road. 

I will take some freedom to speculate; could this be part of the old stage road? It is satisfying to imagine what might have passed this way.

Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company: Perkinsville Area

 Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company: Perkinsville Area

I recently took a day trip south of Williams, Arizona. The weather has been mild this Fall, and I have learned from past experiences that you must take advantage of this before four feet of snow envelopes your reality.

South of Williams, Perkinsville is one of the easiest areas to find; simply follow Perkinsville Road South from Williams. This will take you past the Santa Fe Dam, Bill Williams Mountain and Barney Flats (one of my favorite areas to putter away another day.) The Road is paved, until you pass the cutoff to Drake. The gravel and dirt road can be rocky, so consider driving a suitable vehicle for moderate road conditions. A citified sedan might have problems, so use good judgement. Always take supplies in case you get stuck; however, this road is fairly well traveled so someone will wave as they pass you by on the side of the road. 

Perkinsville was a town area, once served by the railroad, currently the Verde Valley Railroad. This town has a connection with the Saginaw, in that the Saginaw Southern was planning to connect Williams with the Jerome area. The Santa Fe edged out the Saginaw Southern as the main north-south line by building a subsidiary through the canyon to the Jerome area. This provided a standard gauge connection to the outside world, enabling the smelters to ship their product directly market, instead of using the now-obsolescent Jerome narrow gauge line (all of this has been touched on with earlier posts; just search the Saginaw Southern or Jerome.) 

Perkinsville has three noteworthy historical points of interest: the rail line that is still in service that connects with the Santa Fe at Drake; the original station which is located on private property and is inaccessible except by train; and the original bridge. 

The original steel bridge dates back to about the 1920s-30s, making it 90-100 years old. The bridge design was common back in that era, and many examples can be seen in use today across the continent. It was simple to fabricate, transport to the worksite, and assemble. The structure was tied together with hot rivets and large bolts. Although the lattice type construction of the girders reduced weight and added strength, each rivet and part became a potential weak spot due to corrosion and stress. Usually, they can be found with copious amounts of metalized paint covering every exposed piece of metal. This bridge is no different. 

This particular bridge is slated to be replaced, and one day may disappear unless it is saved as part of a walking trail. If you want to see a piece of engineering history, it is best to do so before this disappears forever.  

The bridge site has been closed to overnight camping. It is posted for day use only. Be aware that water attracts wildlife, including poisonous snakes. Given the aromatic evidence, there appears to be a large number of skunks in the area. 

Also be aware that this is a remote area. To get here may not require a 4x4, but the road can be rocky and at times steep. Being remote, always be aware that not all persons may be friendly or have your best interest in mind. I usually travel the backroads properly armed; you make your own decisions.

Nevertheless, I find this to be a remarkable site, with old cottonwoods and oak trees, nestled in a river bottom that usually is running with water. A nice, peaceful area where you can enjoy the bridge, the trees and the babbling of the stream. A welcomed change to the semi-arid local environment.

The Perkinsville area is surrounded by private property. Respect the locals. The red rock area starts just east of the bridge. There is no access to the area except to locals.

The Verde Valley Railroad is nearby. This is an active line so watch for trains.

Take heed of the potential for flash floods. This area is dotted by a number of ravines.

 Stay aware of the weather conditions. If a storm is imminent, find higher ground. 

Something I didn't notice until reviewing the images; this is a twin span structure.

Wonderful old trees. This living wonder could have seen the earliest peoples visiting 

this source of water.

Hope you enjoy your visit. Stay awhile; listen to nature, calm down.

Recent Thoughts and General Ramblings of a Blog Author

                        Recent Thoughts and General Ramblings of a Blog Author

I have not forgotten or forsaken my beloved Blog on the Saginaw. This has become more than just a historical documentary on a little-known railroad empire. It is now more of a relationship that at times demands my attention. Similar to walking the dog, if you don't do it regularly a mess can result. Or you see a couple of feeding dishes and wonder if you forgot that you have a dog.

Like all of us, other activities must be prioritized and addressed before they become major problems. My old car had 150,000 miles that were filled with adventure and challenges. Like most old things that have served well, it came time to be retired.  Having a new vehicle has once again opened the vast reaches of the national forests to exploration, once again allowing that feeling of anticipation of what new discovery awaits down the forest trail. 

Some of those remote locations can now be traveled with a degree of safety and reliability, avoiding that nagging doubt as to when a breakdown may occur. Remote areas are best traveled with reliable transportation, and oodles of provisions, in order not to become another lost person statistic. Nature is not to be trifled with, nor many of the forest denizens. My hope is now to get out there and find the hidden reaches of the Saginaw. 

I am trying to master the intricacies of the computer, specifically how to get the pages on the blog to do my bidding. I would rather face wildlife than the keyboard of a device that really doesn't care if I can communicate with it. Probably shouldn't say that too loud, as the microwave will serve lukewarm coffee for the rest of my life. Technology one day will rebel. Hopefully I will figure out how pages work, and then I can get to another daunting task in the data verse, like finding my phone that hides in strange places. 

Williams Arizona: Vintage Postcards

 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, and sent through the mail to the patient recipient.  

 A postcard provided a faster means of communication at a cheaper rate. These simple mailable items were used by virtually anyone who were traveling to communicate with family or friends. A post card, literally a card that can be mailed, even had a reduced postage rate that provided additional incentive for travelers to keep in touch with those left at home. Today, old shoe boxes can be found at yard sales, stuffed full of treasured postcards that once provided the pleasure of old memories that might otherwise have been forgotten. 

Letters and postcards have become an archaic means of communication. Although there are legions of older people (I, being one) who will still use this methodology for all sorts of mischief. 

Studying old postcards can reveal a number of details that might have been otherwise lost to history. Those shoeboxes full of postcards are a valuable source of images and written information that provide clues to our past. The following are several examples that we shall consider in this posting. The two postcards of Williams were subjected to high resolution scans to help with my research. These images, however, are simple pictures of the cards. It seems that someone decided to replace their home printer with another brand that is not connected to the internet (it's just unnatural that a manufacturer can communicate with your printer and update the program without even paying a visit or asking first. Another courtesy that has become archaic.) In so doing, forgot to get a scanning printer; note to self, make list before purchasing a new printer.

"Birds-Eye View Williams, Arizona"

Post dated May 26, 1911.

This old postcard yields a number of secrets. View is looking Southwest, across the Santa Fe yards (which are quite substantial for the time) towards Bill Williams Mountain. The Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company's mill can be seen in the distance, and from the amount of cut lumber in the yards, is doing well. Upon close inspection, I could make out a structure with a smokestack near the mill. This could be one of the surviving images of the original electric company powerplant, that was located on the lot now occupied by the Dairy Queen (additional information is available in a separate posting). Further research will turn up more tidbits of historical facts.  

"Birds Eye View of Williams, Arizona", Curt Teich and Company, Chicago

Date Unknown

This image is taken from the hill that is directly southeast of Williams. The mill is in the distance; some interesting details can be seen. It is possible that the brewery structure is in the image. Another piece of history waiting for further study. 

 

Lumber Mill at Flagstaff, Arizona. 

Bradshaw's Color Studio, Box 195, Sedona, Arizona

Post dated December 21, 1964

This is an image of one of the private lumber mill operations near Flagstaff. View looks to the East, where Lake Mary will one day fill the valley floor. The distant hill forms a mesa, where one of the logging railroads built a set of switchbacks to reach the top. I included this image because I once visited this area, having no idea that a mill was located on this site. Nothing remains of the mill. Just a nice image of the forest, which has regrown from early logging, and a pastoral scene of the valley floor. 

Flagstaff Mill: Additional Images

 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 be humming with activity and is in reasonably kept condition. Weeds seem to be the proper form of landscaping, as it appears in both images.

Postcard: Author's Collection, Published by Bradshaw's Color Studios, Sedona, Arizona. 

The second image shows the cart on the same side of the highway as the mill. A wonderous crop of weeds decorate the site, along with sunflowers, placing this sometime in late summer. The mill is showing signs of wear, and a notable lack of log cars. This probably was towards the end of operations, circa 1952. It is possible that on the extreme right of the image is the old stone-built office and headquarters of the original mill owners. This building still exists as a law office or some other business. In the background are the Kachina and San Francisco Peaks. 

Image; Photograph in Author's Collection. 

This image shows a different view of the mill, looking Northwest. As can be seen, the Saginaw proudly displayed ownership by the large sign. Car enthusiasts could identify the year, make and model of the vehicle in the image. I suspect this is at the end of the S&M lease of operations. Again, weeds proliferate the landscape. 

Coming soon will be additional images of the mill in Williams; one image may show the original power plant for the community of 'Williams, as well as a number of other surprises. I will first do a high-resolution scan and some detective work with the images to find additional details.