DAVE'S TRAINS AND TREES
~ 5 Mile Railroad ~
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Note: Newspaper articles found on this website are courtesy of: California Digital Newspaper Collection, Center for Bibliographic Studies and Research, University of California, Riverside.
Last Update: May 8, 2026
1860 April 20
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 5, Number 36
STEAM POWER WANTED
THE subscriber is desirous of purchasing a Steam Engine and Boilers of from fifteen to thirty-horse power, to place in his Saw Mill and Shingle Mill, in the Bodega Redwoods; and he wishes to procure the said power upon such terms as to make it pay for itself. To this end he proposes to allow one-fourth of all the lumber, shingles, etc, manufactured, to be appropriated to paying for the desired power. Any person having an Engine and Boilers of the required power, either new or second hand, will find this a good opportunity, more especially if he wishes to run the same, as I would require the services of an Engineer. My mill is perfectly new, and substantially built; is located in one of the best localities for timber in the entire Bodega country; can be run by water power a portion of the year. It is 28 miles from Petaluma, and there is a good road out to the level country. Parties answering this by letter, will address me at Bodega, Sonoma county; and those in person will find my place without difficulty by going to Sebastopol, thence on the Russian River road to "Dutch Bill's", and thence to Olmstead's Canyon, 30-tf O.A. OLMSTEAD
1862 March 21
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 7, Number 32
FOR SALE OR RENT
I PROPOSE to rent my Saw Mill for a season, and will give the lessee two thirds of what he can make; Timber very convenient and an abundance of it; or I will, sell or exchange the mill property for a farm and other property. This is one of the best mill locations in this county, having good water power, plenty of good redwood and fir, and good pasture for stock of some two hundred acres, so enclosed that it places the mill In the same. The mill is one of the most substantial built in the State. Call and see for yourselves. My reason for wishing to sell are old age and poor health. O.A. Olmsted. Olmsted's Mills, Bodega Redwoods, Dec 23rd, 1861
1866 April 17
Morning Union, Volume III, Number 140
KILLED
Mr. Wilson, proprietor of Wilson's saw-mill, situated in Dutch Bill Canyon, Sonoma County, was instantly killed on Wednesday, the 11th instant, at the mill. The chock came out from under a heavy log, that was being let down hill to the mill, and which rolled over Mr. Wilson before he could avoid it.
1872 January 4
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 42, Number 7376
SONOMA COUNTY
A correspondent from Bodega Redwoods says: "We have had quite a rain this week in these parts, and last night was the heaviest of the season so far, raising the creeks to foaming torrents, and doing great damage. On Dutch Bill Creek especially, F. M. Gifford lost about two hundred logs by going over his mill-dam and broke his flume, damaging in all, by flume and losing of logs, about 1150; then the torrents continued on about a mile to 0. A. Olmstead's mills, taking everything before it, logs and trees, and made a clean sweep of his saw and shingle mills, damaging him about $3,500 to $4,000.
1872 June 8
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XV, Number 3
NORTH PACIFIC R.R. COMPANY
As there seems to be some confusion in the minds of many in regard to the route of the proposed North Pacific R. R. Co., we have taken the pains to find out the plans of the company, as far as it can be done. The first proposition was for a road from Saucilito to San Rafael, from thence to Tomales, from thence to Freestone, by way of Valley Ford, from there by Fuller's Mill to a place known as William Howard's ranch, thence down Dutch Bill Creek to Russian River at Duncan's mill, from thence up Austin Creek, or along the coast to Walhalla. Beyond Duncan's mill the road has not been surveyed. The distance from Saucilito to Walhalla is one hundred and fifteen miles-estimated cost of road two and a half millions of dollars.
For a road along this line Marin County voted a subsidy of five thousand dollars a mile, on condition that it was commenced in six months and completed in two years. To follow this line it was necessary to tunnel White Mountain, near Paper Mill Creek, at a heavy cost. To avoid this difficulty a new route is being looked out, although it will cause the forfeiture of the subsidy already voted. The route as now projected is by way of San Antonio Creek, through Chileno Valley to Two Rock and Bloomfield, from thence it will intersect and follow the above described line down Dutch Bill Creek to Russian River and Walhalla.
It is to be a narrow guage road, A. D. Moore is President, Commodore Platt is Vice-President. There is a rumor that the Central Pacific desire to buy out the franchise. Fortunately the present owners of the stock are largely interested in mill and other property at the terminus and along the line of the road and they will not sell, unless a guarantee is given that the road will be built. The steepest grade will be from Freestone to William Howard's ranch, an ascent of four hundred feet in a distance of five miles. The ascent from there to Russian River is seventy feet to the mile on an even grade. It is believed the road will pay well, as the wood, tan-bark, and lumber freight from that region would be sufficient to support it-it is besides one of the best dairy regions in the State. The completion of this road would give Sonoma County railroad facilities unsurpassed, I and we hope it will be built, if it can be done without further subsidy, to which we are opposed in any shape or form.
1873 April 1
Petaluma Evening Argus, Volume 2, Number 46
N.P.C.R.R.
The party engineers at work on Dutch Bill Creek have run two preliminary lines to Russian River. They find a good route. They have not yet commenced the location.
1873 April 12
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XVI, Number 27
LOCAL WAIFS
Mr. John Wade is in charge of a surveying party camped on Dutch Bill Creek, running the fourth line for the purpose of locating the route of the narrow-gauge road. This, the last line, will soon be complete. The different surveys mapped, and the route will be located along the most economical line, all things considered. If the lower line is adopted, the grade will be steeper but the bridges will be less high and costly.
1873 May 10
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XVI, Number 31
ABOUT ROADS
Editors Sonoma Democrat:- While traveling towards Russian River the other day I met John Wade, engineer in charge of the locating party of N. P. C. R. R., which has been at work in Dutch Bill Creek canyon for several weeks past. From him I learned that the line is finally located from the summit down the creek towards Russian River, a distance of four miles. The grade is 121 feet to the mile for that distance. No curve is sharper than 14 degrees (about 400 feet radius.) One tunnel is encountered of 650 feet in length. Dutch Bill Creek is crossed from north to south, about two miles from Russian River, on a short bridge of 70 feet in length. The work of location necessarily proceeds slowly, owing to the immense trees to be felled, and others piled deeply across each other, that have to be removed.
The country ahead has been thoroughly prospected, and the completion of the line is but a question of a few days. The ground is ready for the contractor to begin work at a moment's notice. The remaining portion of the land will be much lighter in grade than the first four miles. It is not known positively, but it is probable that the party will soon be engaged from the Dutch Bill summit towards Freestone. The present line is the fifth one run on this route, and is six and one-half miles long. There is one sawmill on Dutch Bill Creek, and Mr. Meeker's mill is not far from the proposed line of the railroad. It is certainly to be hoped that the railroad will be built, and the travel and freight from Santa Rosa and Petaluma into this region may be relieved from the imposition of such a road as is now used by stage and team.
As an item in the Petaluma Argus put it of another road, "It is a disgrace to a man to travel it twice." If the road is a specimen of the best that can be done, both as to grades and surface, on a route over which thousands of teams pass yearly, we ought to sell out. Even through the town of Sebastopol there is no road at all, only a long stretch of deep and almost level sand. Indeed, except the clearing out of the brush and a little side hill grading, this important road is almost in a state of nature. Some of the most important work in the Redwoods is done gratuitously for the county by men who otherwise would be without roads. Returning, I notice that the wooden pavement of the new bridge leading into town is in need of instant repair. Road master, to the front! Yours, etc., Good Roads.
1873 May 29
Petaluma Evening Argus, Volume 2, Number 96
DUNCAN'S MILL ITEM
Duncan's mill was to commence shipping lumber last Wednesday to Saucelito to build the Narrow Gauge Railrioad.
The contract for building the Narrow Gauge Railroad fro Knowlesville, on the Russian River, to the summit of Dutch Bill Creek, has been let, and work will be commenced by the 1st of June.
1873 June 5
Marin Journal, Volume 13, Number 12
THE LAST FINISH
The Railroad - Next Monday, 100 men will start work on Dutch Bill Creek, and within 10 days 300 men will be employed grading from Dutch Bill summit down to the Russian River.
1873 June 6
Daily Alta California, Volume 25, Number 8470
N.P.C.R.R.
At Dutch Bill Creek ground has been broken and a force of 150 men are busily engaged grading and filling.
1873 June 13
Daily Alta California, Volume 25, Number 8477
N.P.C.R.R.
The right of way on the Dutch Bill Creek section is being given very freely, and the surveyors are moving along gloriously. Two hundred men are at work grading on the commencement portion of this section.
1874 January 9
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 19, Number 49
LETTER FROM FREESTONE
The tunnel on Dutch Bill Creek was finished on New Year's Eve.
1875 August 25
Press Democrat, Volume I, Number 22
WHITE REDWOOD
In the neighborhood of Dutch Bill Canyon, near the coast in this county, may be seen a great natural curiosity. At the base of two large redwood trees the foliage is pure white. The sprouts containing this white foliage appear to come from the roots of the main tree. In one place it grows very compactly, forming a mat sufficiently strong to support the body of a man in a reclining posture. The white sprouts surrounding the other tree have obtained a growth of five or six feet, and though exposed to the rays of the sun, never changes color. It is very ornamental, and if it could be successfully transplanted to retain its color, would make the most choice garden plant on the coast. We are informed that if transplanted early in the spring, it will continue to grow. This white redwood has been known for many years, as described above, but has never been found elsewhere.
1875 September 10
Press Democrat, Volume I, Number 35
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
John Mills to Wm. Howard, 160 acres, Bodega township - $3,000.
1876 February 24
Marin Journal, Volume 15, Number 505
COAST LINE
J. F. Wade, Chief Engineer of the Narrow Gauge Coast Railroad, was in town Thursday, looking after the interests of the Company. Mr. Wade informs us that the engineer corps is now working between Freestone and Valley Ford, surveying the original location. About the 1st of March a grading force will be put on that portion of the route and the road bed will be completed to Freestone in time for the iron, which is expected to arrive about the 1st of July. The road will be completed through Dutch Bill Canyon and down Russian river to Duncan's Mill by the 1st of November.
1876 March 27
Press Democrat, Volume II, Number 45
DUNCAN'S MILL AND VICINITY
The Russian River Land and Lumber Company are building a sawmill on Bill Howard's creek. The work is in charge of Mr. Adams, who will push it on to completion as rapidly as possible. The survey of the North Pacific Railroad is completed all the way down Bill Howard's creek to Russian River. It will be continued on down the river. It is now confidently expected that the road will be through to Russian River next fall.
1876 May 4
Press Democrat, Volume II, Number 78
NORTH PACIFIC COAST RAILROAD
Mr Warren Dutton is in Santa Rosa to day. He informs us that the grading of the road and tunnels on the North Pacific Coast Railroad, will be completed to Russian River by the last of July. The Tomales tunnel 1690 feet long is finished. The iron will commence arriving in July next. It was shipped in March from New York on five different vessels, with three locomotives and the material for one hundred and fifty freight cars. The iron to be used in future is fifty pounds weight to the yard, much heavier than that heretofore used. It will be laid to Russian river by the last of August.
There will be altogether on the road thirteen locomotives, three hundred and fifty freight cars, thirteen passenger cars and four baggage cars. The road will pass a mile and a half from Bloomfield through the towns of Valley Ford and Freestone in this county; thence down the Howard canon to Russian river; thence down the river a distance of eight miles to Duncan's Mill. The terminus will be at Knowles' slough, half a mile from Duncan's Mill. At the terminus the company intend to put up workshops and also a first-class hotel, one that will attract visitors from abroad and pleasure seekers from the city. Mr. Moore, Vice-President of the company, is building a first-class saw mill in Howard canon on the line of the road, half a mile from Russian river. The mill will have a capacity of 40,000 feet a day with the latest and most approved machinery. It will be in running order by the first of August. By the first of September it is expected that trains will run to Duncan's Mill.
1876 June 30
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 22, Number 22
LETTER FROM FREESTONE
The people living near Meeker's, Fuller's and Smith's mill want a Post office at the summit of the railroad, four miles north of this place.
1876 June 8
Press Democrat, Volume II, Number 131
THANKS
We are indebted to W. S. Staley for some very beautiful specimens of ocean shells, imbeded in solid iron stone from the Narrow Guage railroad cut in Dutch Bill canyon. Also for portions of the bone of a petrified whale there discovered.
1876 July 14
Press Democrat, Volume II, Number 136
HARRISON COPPER MINE
We were shown by Mr. J. D. Carey, a day or two since, some fine specimens of copper ore taken from the Harrison mine in this county. This mine is situated on Dutch Bill Creek, some twenty miles north west of Santa Rosa. The specimens shown us were taken from a depth of twenty feet, and showed well in free copper and what is supposed to be oxide of copper. Mr. Carey informs us that experts say it will yield twenty per cent copper, though it has not yet been thoroughly tested. The width of the ledge is fifteen or twenty feet.
1876 August 11
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 22, Number 28
ALONG THE LINE
North Pacific Coast Railroad - Progress of the Work-Tunnel-Saw Mills-Tanbark, Etc The tunnel on the line of the North Pacific Coast Railroad, near Dutch Bill Canyon, is completed and ready for the rails. The length of the tunnel is 390 feet: width, 13-1/2 feet; depth, 14-3/4 feet. The length of the grading from the head to the mouth of Dutch Bill Canyon is eight miles, about half of which is finished. The present terminus of the road will be at the mouth of Dutch Bill Canyon, on Russian River, and it is expected that the work will be completed to that point by the first of November.
The name of the station will be Moscow. At a time not long distant the road will be extended further northward. John O'Donnall was Superintendent on the above-named tunnel, and his work has been well done. Six hundred and fifty men, of whom 500 are Chinamen and 150 white men, are employed in building the road.
The Russian River Land and Lumber Association are erecting on Dutch Bill Creek, one mile above Moscow, one of the largest saw mills on the northern coast. Nearly all the machinery is on the ground, and it is expected that the mill will be in operation by the first of December. The establishment will be known as the Tyrone Mills. The Company, of which A. D. Moore is President, owns 3,600 acres of land, which is sufficiently timbered to supply the mills for the next ten years. The Company has cut and ready for driving, when the rains come, 5,000 logs, and the number is continually increasing. The foreman states that the mill will be of sufficient capacity to saw 35,000 feet of long lumber per day. The number of men employed by the Company at present is 50; when the mill is in running order the number will be about 100. The saws will be double circulars and ponies. All kinds of lumber, including lath, post, etc., will be manufactured, and a mill for grinding tanbark will be attached, many cords of which have been cut. It is the intention of the Company to make large shipments of bark to Europe. C. F. Roix is logging foreman for the Company. Two miles above the Tyrone Mills is a mill owned by Latham & Streeten, of which M. V. Brown is foreman. It has been running about three weeks. At present 24 men are employed and 6000 feet of lumber is made per day. In a short, time the mill will be in creased to a capicity of 18,000 feet per day.
1876 August 31
Russian River Flag, Volume VIII, Number 43
THE NARROW GUAGE IN THIS COUNTY
From our Correspondent, "Nix," at Tyrone Mill, we learn that business is brisk with them at that point - Howard's Canyon. Streeton's Mill was cutting and the Tyrone " Moore's Mill" was expected to start up in a few days from the time he wrote. The first has a capacity of 15,000 to 20,000 feet of lumber per day and the last, 35,000 to 40,000 per day.
If Duncan's Mill should be moved to the mouth of Austin Creek, as there is some talk of doing, the Narrow Gauge road would receive about 100,000 feet of lumber per day as freight, in addition to thirty cars of wood, bark, coal, etc., which will make it one of the best paying roads in the State.
The railroad company commenced laying rails from Tomales northward, the 8th of this month and expect to get the road completed to Freestone, about eleven miles from Tomales by the 1st of September, and in a month from that time completed to Russian River.
In going through the canyon not long ago "Nix" met three wagons, drawn by four horses each, loaded with powder for the use of the graders. It will be mostly used to blow out the redwood stumps that stand thickly on the line of survey. He measured one the other day that was 20 feet one way by 16 the other, cut between 3 and 4 feet from the ground. About one-third of of it will have to be removed to make way for the railroad.
There are between 400 and 500 Chinamen at work along the road, keeping one four-horse team hauling rice and one two-horse, hauling hogs, for their subsistence. From our friend Eugene Rackliff, who is teaming along the line of the graders to Tomales, we learn still further that a town called Moscow is to be established on Russian River at the terminus of the road
1876 October 5
Marin Journal, Volume 16, Number 30
TOMALES
The telegraph line has been completed to Tyrone saw mill, but no office has been opened there yet. Track layers have reached Big Bridge, Dutch Bill Canyon, and are making good headway. Two trains are ballasting between Freestone and Tomales, and will have track in condition to run regular trains by 10th inst.
The complimentary entertainment tendered to Rev. A. Cullen by the Y. M. C. T. A. Society, and which came off Friday evening, Sept. 29th, was a very enjoyable affair. After the performance, which was well carried out and very amusing, seats were cleared away, and part of those present participated in a dance. It was well on towards morning when it broke up. It was fret-, drew a full house, and reflects credit on the members of that society.
Mr. Eugene Payne has received the appointment of Railroad Agent at Tomales, vice Mr. Dutton, resigned. The warehouse has been transferred to the company. Mr. Payne is also telegraph operator. Two Chinamen undertook to jump on a train below Freestone, on Monday, but failed, and were severely injured. One of .them had his ear sliced off by an iron stake box on the flat car, and the other had his skull cracked, his face mutilated, his teeth knocked in, and a general wreck made of his caput. They were taken to the city.
The Presbytery of Benicia met in Tomales Monday evening, and was opened with a sermon by Rev. J. L. Woods. Rev. A. Fairbairn was elected Moderator, and Rev. James S. McDonald Temporary Clerk. The attendance of ministers was good, only four or five of the members absent. The usual business engaged the body through Tuesday, and Rev. J. S. Todd, preached in the evening.
1876 October 14
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XIX, Number 52
CITY AND COUNTY NEWS
The Tyrone Mill, belonging to the "Russian River land and Lumber Association," will commence running next week. This is one of the finest mills in the county, and will cut forty thousand feet of lumber per day.
1876 October 19
Russian River Flag, Volume VIII, Number 50
THE NARROW GUAGE
From J. G. Dow, who came in from Howard's canyon last Friday, we learn that the iron for the North Pacific Coast Narrow Gauge Railroad is laid within four miles of Russian River, seventeen miles from Tomales.
The first passenger train was to run to Howard's Station and Summit, 15 miles from Tomales, last Monday. The road is nearly graded through Howard's canyon, and down the river to Moscow, a new town laid off opposite the mouth of Austin creek. This road passes within four miles of Guerneville, and Moscow is six miles southwest of Guerneville. The railroad company have recently contracted with Mr. Duncan, of Duncan's Mill, to carry his lumber over this road to San Francisco. This will result in the removal of his mill from the mouth of the river to Austin creek, and the building of a bridge by the Company across Russian River. The Company are about contracting for the building of their bridge to enable them to lay their track into Duncan's proposed mill yard. Mr. Dow has been running the stage from Russian River to Tomales for the past four months, but the railroad being now completed the stage will be drawn off. He will probably remain there for sometime engaged in other business.
1876 October 26
Marin Journal, Volume 16, Number 33
NORTH PACIFIC COAST RAILROAD
The completion of the North Pacific Coast (narrow gauge) railroad, from Saucelito to the Russian River, which will soon be effected, will have the effect of opening up one of the largest bodies of redwood timber in California - timber of the very finest quality.
A. D. Moore, President of the railroad company and co-partner of John Gawne of Stockton, owns a tract of 10,000 acres of timber land on Knowles' Creek, near Russian River, and has organized a corporation called "The New Tyrone Mill Company," which has built extensive mills that will be in active operation in about twenty days. The Stockton Independent announces that estimates based on a recent survey of the lands of this mill company, indicate that there are at least 500,000,000 feet of lumber thereon to be cut. With this quantity made readily available, there need be no immediate fears of a lack of supply of this valuable timber. The trees in this region are of a very large size, those measuring forty-five feet in circumference at the base being frequently met with.
1876 November 20
Press Democrat, Volume III, Number 94
HOTEL ARRIVALS
November 19, 1876. GRAND HOTEL-Neece & Pooler, Proprietors, Miss Annie Pike, H J Rich, A A Corey, H Geonemyer, R A Diver, F M Murphy, San Francisco; T A Forsythe & wf, city; J Butler, Sonoma; J Chandler, Windsor; H C Smith, Tyrone Mill; Sam Martin, Hempville, Ont; F. B Arana, Ukiah; Jno Taggart, Jr, Guerneville; Jno W Menefee, Duncan's Mill; Thos Brown, Cloverdale.
1876 November 29
Press Democrat, Volume III, Number 102
IMPORTANT CHANGES
The Coast Country-The Narrow Gauge Railroad-Through Dutch Bill Canyon to Duncan's Mill-Change of Mill Site -New Towns, Etc.
The completion of the San Francisco and North Pacific Coast Narrow Gauge Railroad from Saucelito via Tomales, Valley Ford, Freestone, through Howard or "Dutch Bill" canyon, to Russian River, will inaugurate a new era in the coast section of this county. A few notes of a hasty trip recently made from Santa Rosa to Duncan's mill, thence over a proposed new wagon road up Russian River to the termini of the railroad, thence on the line of the railroad through Dutch Bill canyon back to Freestone, will no doubt interest some of our readers.
OUR PARTY. In company with Mr. Weatherington, Mr. Warner and Mr. Hassett, members of the Board of Supervisors, and citizens John Orr and Rufus Temple, we left Santa Rosa Friday morning. The roads were in splendid condition, the weather delightful, the country charming. Brief stops were made at several points to enable the County Fathers to inspect a bridge, some new work on the road, or a proposed change of route, until we reached
FREESTONE, Where we observed the first evidences of improvement resulting from the construction of the Narrow Gauge. Besides other houses a very comfortable new hotel, containing 24 rooms, has recently been built, and is open under the excellent management of Mr. John Julian late of the Metropolitan hotel at Tomales. Everything about the house is neat and comfortable, showing that Julian does know how to keep a hotel. The general office of Mrs. Miller's coast stages is now located at this house. At the Bodega Road Station, on the farm of Mr. Jas. Watson, Johnnie Morris, the popular manager of O'Grady's pioneer hotel of Freestone, is building a commodious and well arranged public house, which will soon be followed by other improvements at that station.
TYRONE MILL, Owned by the Railroad and Land Company, is located midway through the canyon contiguous to a vast forest of redwoods which extends several miles to west, south and east. Though the road is graded clear through to Russian River the track is laid only to this point, and the first cargo of lumber is ready for shipment, only waiting the removal of the construction trains to make way for freight cars. These will probably have reached there before this meets the eye of the reader. An hour's ride on horseback from Orr's ranch, brought us to the above mill, at 12 o'clock. Through the hospitality of Mr. Moore, a substantial dinner had been prepared by his major domo, R. K. Aulls, which was devoured by our party with much relish. We then proceeded to examine the mill, which is probably the most complete in this section of the State. It is managed by J. P. Moore, as Superintendent; H. C. Smith, Bookkeeper; Henry Sewell, formerly of Soquel Mill in Santa Cruz, Foreman; Charlie Nelson, Engineer; and Frank Plummer, late of Murphy Bros, mill at Guerneville, Head Sawyer. A 200 horse power, 24 foot stroke, 20x24 inch cylinder Cincinnati engine, runs the machinery. The mill contains all the latest improvements in sawing apparatus. The logs are dragged to the gangway by oxen; an endless chain supported by an iron bull wheel driven by steam power conveys them thence to the carriage in the mill; Robb's patent set works locates them for the saw; rotary double and single seven foot saws, with Emerson's planer teeth, are in use; the carriage is drawn by a wire rope; the lumber is conveyed from the carriage by steam rollers. Among the latest improvements are Emerson's patent saw dust feeder, which conveys the dust to the furnace, through which it is scattered by jets of steam, that may be turned on as necessity requires; patent adjusting pulleys work all parts of the machinery separately; Sturvine's patent suction fan, 1,500 revolutions a minute, is in use; Robb's patent friction pulley; Diecy's gang edger, cutting two sides of a plank at once; two planers, lath and picket machines, etc. The mill gives employment to 45 men and is capable of cutting 48,000 feet of lumber per day.
THE RAILROAD. The officers of the S. F. & N, P. C. Narrow Gauge Railroad are: Directors-Milton S. Latham, A. D. Moore, J. McM. Shafter, Warren Dutton, W. H. L. Barnes, - Howard. President, M. S. Latham; Superintendent and General Manager of Road, Jno. W. Dougherty; Chief Engineer, Jno. F. Wade; Ticket Agent, W. R. Price. Two passenger and two freight trains run daily from Saucelito to Howard Station. The length of the road is 76 miles. From Tomales to Russian river, 24 miles, has been constructed this year under the direction of Mr. Wade. There are two tunnels on this extension, one near Tomales, 1700 feet long, and one in Dutch Bill canyon, 400 feet long. Between Tomales and Tyrone Mills there are 40 trestles and bridges, varying from 10 to 80 feet in length. The principal bridge, across Brown's canyon, near Fuller's mill, has two spans of 150 feet each, with 100 feet of trestle-work; height of bridge, 137 feet. It is a Howe Truss used as a deck bridge; the central pier is 110 feet high; 96,000 feet of lumber was used in its construction. This is the finest piece of work on the road and reflects great credit upon Mr. Wade. The heaviest grade from Tomales to Freestone is 80 feet; from Freestone to Howard's averages 105 feet to the mile; from Howard's to Tyrone, 120 feet; from Tyrone to Moscow it is almost level. The iron used upon this portion of the road is the same as that upon the Donahue, 50 pounds to the yard, with the latest improvement in fastenings, same as used on Pennsylvania Central. The rolling stock consists of 11 locomotives, 250 box and flat cars, and 9 passenger coaches. We were astonished to find the track so easy and smooth; quite as much so as most broad gauge roads. The scenery through Dutch Bill canyon is very grand and will no doubt attract many visitors in the summer season. Though this is his first attempt at railroad building without the assistance of older and more experienced engineers, Mr. Wade has succeeded in getting through the rugged canyon upon an easy grade and the completion of the entire work to the perfect satisfaction of the company, displaying such skill as an engineer as will rank him among the leading men of his profession. Howard's Station is improving rapidly, having already a hotel building and a church, with other buildings in course of construction. There are several mills in the vicinity of the railroad but on this hurried trip we were able to visit but one of them.
1876 December 21
PMarin Journal, Volume 16, Number 41
STREETEN'S MILLS
Ed. Journal: When a week or so ago, passing through San Rafael. I made my bow to too at the station, I was by a too kindly invitation, on the most pleasant trip I ever enjoyed during my 25 years residence in California. It was to Streeten's Mills. Leaving all the fine views and its romantic scenery aside, on the route of the new railroad, which from Tomales to the Mills is a marvel of engineering, in its tunnels, trestle work and suspension bridges - the road bed itself is more solid, broader and better ballasted than our end; the ties wider and closer laid, the rails heavier, and you slide over the whole without the least jar, which is rather singular in a newly constructed road, and is an honor to the young and unassuming engineer, Mr. J. F. Wade.
My last station was Howard's, about 70 miles from San Francisco. Before starting I was told that if no engine should be there, saddle horses would take me to the Mills. Saddle it was, and off we went on a three miles ride in one of the brightest and most charming moonlight evenings. Soon we struck the forest, and after awhile we came to a deep crossing in a creek, on emerging from which to the opposite bank, a view presented itself to my eyes that made me stop for a moment and inquire, "What fine village is this?" "It is the place", was my guide's answer.
The place is wonderfully beautiful and attractive, but I cannot describe it; nor can I speak in fitting terms of the hearty hospitality accorded me at the Mill. Certainly, I can not soon forget either.
About five months and a half ago the first brush was cut away and the first tree was felled in this virgin forest. Now there stands, as the best brilliant in the set, a solid, substantial, model mill with the best machinery. The mill was built on contract, by Mr. Brown, now its superintendent, and is an honor not alone to him, but also to its owner and projector Mr. Dockum, Superintendent, is an excellent man; and the head agent, Mr. Nathan, an intelligent young gentleman, is the "factotum." In fact, all of the 153 hands employed are picked men.
The Mills are surrounded with 25 dwelling houses or cottages, of various sizes, most of which would be an ornament to any city, and a description of one or two will suffice. They contain from three to four rooms, with kitchen, according to the size of the family. They are ceiled on the inside with tongued and grooved 4-inch red and pine boards, alternately; outside rustic, oil painted; height of room 10 feet, in the principal rooms; large fireplaces of brick (burned on the place). The smaller houses are also conveniently built-all with large fireplaces of brick. There is one very large house, with dining hall, kitchen, pantry, and rooms for the cook and his family; another house, with office, and a neat store, well stocked, with the exception of liquor-where the men and families can buy everything at cost price, (the men are paid their wages every 30 days) blacksmith shop in an other house, and so on-every house separate, with its own plat of ground.
Many hundreds of gum trees will be planted soon. An immense barn, where some 25 sleek oxen chew their cud with contentment, on one side, and the horses on the other, the middle being filled with about 75 tons best quality hay and tons of grain. There is to be a larger store built, and I hear that a school house is spoken of, as the place contains about 125 souls, with the children. There is a large reservoir about a mile from the mills, from which water leads to smaller tanks placed on top of the mills. Water can be thrown, in case of necessity, from 60 to 75 feet over the whole. There is also a good sulphur spring here, and, as the saying is, "God knows what there ain't."
Now considering that six months ago this was a perfect wilderness, and that all this thriving place has been built, with others now in process of construction, and still many more to be built as soon as time permits-all the lumber for the whole having been manufactured there, and, with that on hand, is more than three-quarters of a million feet, besides over three-quarters of a million feet delivered to the railroad company-isn't that pushing things? All the population seem to be happy and contented, in accordance with the wishes of the owner, who spares no pains nor expense to accomplish this purpose, as in everything he undertakes he appears to have an eye only to this end. And he is well repaid for his care by the promptness and alacrity of his workmen-every man being at his post at the sound of the whistle, and each seeming to vie with his neighbor in performing the greatest quantity of work in the least time.
Opposite the mills, on a high plateau overlooking the whole, the owner has selected a charming spot, where he has nearly completed a magnificent villa, solid and substintial, as is everything here, and a gardener is laying out plats and ornamenting them. All the buildings have been constructed by Mr. Campbell, a capable young builder, who has worked here since the first tree was felled, and has not lost an hour.
There are other points of interest which I had not time to note; but will only add that should I ever have an invitation to take a similar trip, I certainly should not refuse, for the effects of this one have been so beneficial as to make me feel five years younger. Scribbler.
1876 December 28
Press Democrat, Volume III, Number 126
OCCIDENTAL ITEMS
We learn from Mr. M. C. Meeker that the new station on the North Pacific Coast Railroad which has heretofore been called Howards, will hereafter be called Occidental. The Post-office there has that name and the railroad officials have consented to the change of the name of the station. Occidental will be one of the principal stations along that line. It is the present terminus of the road and will be so until spring. It is about eight miles from the sea shore and about the same distance from Russian river. The following buildings have already been erected: A two-story hotel, 36x40 feet, kept by A. J. Blaney; a shoe shop, 12x28 feet, occupied by Mr. Martin, recently from Canada; a blacksmith and wagon shop, 30x40 feet; a Chinese store, which is the headquarters for the Chinese along the road, and a well finished Methodist church, 28x40 feet. The church is paid for and out of debt. Mr. W. H. Howard is building a saloon, to be called the Occidental. The railroad company have depot buildings, including water tank and sand house, and are now building an engine house and turn-table. There is a flourishing Sunday school in the village having about 45 scholars, and it proposed to make an effort soon to have a public school established there.
1877 January 6
Press Democrat, Volume III, Number 133
HOWARD STATION
Mr. Howard, of Howard Station, on the Coast Narrow Gauge Road, informs us that the name of the station on the summit is Howard Station and not Occidental as was reported in this paper; and furthermore, that there is no probability of the name being changed.
1877 January 9
Press Democrat, Volume III, Number 135
SERIOUS ACCIDENT-Unknown Man Found Dead
Quite a serious accident happened on Friday last near Howard's Station. One of the Noyes Bros., working on J. Blaney's land, cutting timber, sawed a log; the lower part swung around, knocked him down and then rolled over him, breaking his thigh and injuring him seriously inwardly. Drs. Harrison and Hampton were called in, and he is in a fair way of recovering.
This morning Mr. Chenoweth came from Timber Cove and reported that on Saturday last a man was found about 5 miles back of that place dead, having been shot. On Saturday morning he called at the house of Hardin Chenoweth for a drink of water; this was the last time that he was seen alive. He is a stranger and unknown to all who have seen him so far. F. J. BLOOM.
1877 January 26
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 22
SOLD TO LATHAM
Moore Brothers this week sold to Milton S. Latham their entire interest in the North Pacific Coast Railroad, together with their saw mill property and timber lands situated near Moscow, the present tenniuus of the road. It is stated that Mr. Latham will immediately commence the construction of a new mill at Willow Gulch, about four miles from Moscow, which will be completed within three months and, will be one of the largest saw mills on the coast. Mr. Latham is determined that everything that can be accomplished by the use of abundant means toward the development of his newly acquired property shall be done.
1877 February 2
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XXX, Number 17
DISORGANIZED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Streeten School District near Occidental has lasped for the lack of scholastic population i here being but two children of ichool age in the district as reported by the trustee
1877 February 17
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 17
COAST NEWS
Platt's mill, at Stewart's Point, will cease operations next week. Dan Harback, long and favorably known as superintendent of the mill, has taken charge of the lumbering interests of the Russian River Land and Lumber Company, which includes Tyrone Mills, on Howard's creek, and a new mill to be built at Moscow. He is the right man in the right place. The new mill will be begun immediately. Work on Duncan's Mill Land and Lumber Co's new mill is progressing rapidly.
1877 February 22
Marin Journal, Volume 16, Number 50
LETTER FROM HOWARD'S
Ed. Journal: Thinking that a miniature description of the rural little hamlet known as Howard's Station would prove of some interest to your readers, permit me to give a brief description of Howard and its surroundings. Howard is located on the summit of Dutch Bill Canyon, in what is known as the Bodega Redwoods, four miles north of Freestone, four miles from Green Valley, and nine miles from the anticipated terminus of the N. P. C. R. R., a place widely known as Moscow. The town of Howard, or Occidental, as it is sometimes called, is growing very rapidly. I took a position on one of the main streets today and counted as many as nine new buildings under rapid construction.
Noble's Hotel, on the corner of Main and Third streets, is full to overflowing. The climate is very salubrious, and of even temperature; the scenery is grand and beautiful. Some of San Francisco's best artists have visited Howards, and pronounced it the most picturesque place on the coast. Lumber and wood are the principal products, the town being surrounded by many of the largest lumber mills on the coast. There is also near Howard's a fine farming and fruit and grape growing country. Once in a while you see a dairy ranch, producing the finest of butter. We have a post office, A. J. Blainey postmaster; Wells Fargo & Co. have also favored us with one of their live offices, and placed Mr. Eugene Payne at the wheel as their agent. So you see, Mr. Editor, that by means of the rushing iron horse of the Narrow Gauge, the throbbing of the Western Union telegraph, the promptness of express Charley and politeness of Uncle Sam's postmaster, we are not out of the limits of civilization and quick communication with San Francisco. Yours, Elbon.
1877 February 27
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 21
LETTER FROM FREESTONE
Passenger Trains will run to Freestone by April 1st - A Young Widow and a Saloon Keeper - A Ball at Howard's Station - etc., etc.
EDS. DEMOCRAT: Although I am not a regular correspondent and may not be able to give my thoughts through the pen with the fluency of an experienced writer, with your permission I give you a few items from this part of the county: Mr. J. Julian is still running the new hotel at the station, and is over-crowded every night. His table is as good, if not better, than any other in the county; he is a genial, good-hearted soul, has many friends and no enemies.
He is now building another hotel at Moscow, the terminus of the N. P. C. R. R., which will be finished about the 15th of March. The passenger trains will run through to that point about the first of April. The road is doing a good business, exceeding the most sanguine hopes of the projectors.
The proprietor of a certain saloon in this place, having been struck by Cupid's darts in the shape of a young and fair widow, betook himself to San Francisco, a week ago, to push his suit, in person, but the widow not exactly agreeing to the proposition, he gave her a touch of Shakspeare and said "Farewell. A long, a last farewell to all my greatness," and departed. His many loving creditors were the losers, and it is feared he will return to Freestone no more, but let them silently weep on. Singing school is now in vogue and many of our most promising young men attend, but we fear other attractions than singing help them to plod their weary way o'er the hills to the orchard. I am afraid our worthy man of horseflesh will wear all the heels off his boots or ruin the greys, driving so much after dark, if the school don't close soon.
Our genial landlord at Howard's Station, Mr. J. W. Noble, is going to give a ball as soon as the new store there is completed, and, from the many balls we have attended at his late hotel in Nicassio, we can safely say it will be a grand success. The railroad has no intention of changing its depot here or at Bodega Roads, as both stations are doing a paying business.
We have this information from a reliable source. The new road over the O'Farrel Hill is progressing slowly and will likely be completed by March 5th. The steepest grade will be 13 inches to the rod, while the present road is in places from 5 to 6 feet. Our roadmaster, we see, has got the re-appointment, and if he will do as well with the roads in the future as he has in the past we are sure the people will, with one accord, return thanks; in fact we know of a dozen families that have been praying ever since, as it is thought this must be the forerunner of some great evil to the people (bad roads). Mrs. Ina B. Miller, having finished all her business has taken her departure for Healdsburg. She has made many friends during her stay in Freestone, and will be greatly missed. Mr. J. T. Wade has severed his connection with the N. P. C. R. R., and will soon leave for Australia. We wish him success. Mr. John Morris has joined the Crusaders and thrown his bar and whiskey out of doors, or, what is the same thing, sold them. More anon. H.
1877 March 8
Marin Journal, Volume 16, Number 52
N.P.C.R.R.
Mr. Collister has been appointed Station Agent at Streeten's Mills, and Mr. Holland at Tyrone, both of which are new stations.
1877 March 26
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 44
FATAL TRAGEDY
A Free Fight - One Man Stabbed Twice - and Dies an Hour Afterward - Quick Work of Constable Rupe. Last night about seven o'clock P. M., in a saloon at the mouth of Howard Canyon, just below the Tyrone Mills on the narrow gauge road, a fatal tragedy occurred.
There were ten or a dozen persons in and around the saloon. Two men, Robert Alexander and one White had a difficulty which ended in a fist fight. Alexander whipped White. A few minutes after another fisticuff occurred between the same men, White for the second time coming off worsted. After a short time the fight was again renewed, this time White getting the best of Alexander. Shortly after a free fight took place between a dozen men. This brush lasted a few minutes when Alexander turned to a friend and said: "Why did you let the second man jump on me?" His friend said: "Let's get out of here and go home."
They started - Alexander took six steps - a deathly pallor overspread his face, and he sank to the ground. The man with him kept on. Others of the party went up to Alexander. He murmured a few words of which all that could be distinguished was "O, God! O, Christ." He was taken into the house, in a comatose state. An hour after, he who had been but so short a time before contending perhaps about a trifle lay lifeless, perhaps in sight of the man who had dealt him a treacherous and fatal blow.
Constable D. C. Rupe happened to be in Guerneville when a messenger in quest of a doctor arrived and he, Rupe, started at once for the scene of the tragedy. He reached there at 10 P. M. Dr. Wooley examined the dead man's wounds and found a deep cut in the left side of the neck, the blade of the knife had passed between the vertibrae of the neck and the collar bone. There was another wound on the left side of the backbone, ranging toward the kidneys and cutting through to the abdomen. From the appearance of the wound the supposition is that the cutting was done with a bowie knife. A man named Thomas Reed was charged with the murder.
Constable Rupe had left his horse on the other side of the river and could not get him over. He tried but failed to get a horse to pursue Reed to Tyrone Mills, where it was said he had gone. Rupe went afoot to the mill, reached there about 5 A. M. Reed had gone on to Freestone. He telegraphed to Justice Blume to arrest him; went down on the morning train to Freestone and found Justice Blume had the man in charge and entered complaint against him. Reed was committed for examination, and at 12 M. today Officer Rupe delivered his prisoner to Sheriff Wright and the iron doors of the jail were closed upon him. This was quick work, and officer Rupe is entitled to credit for his promptness. Alexander from letters found on his person is supposed to have come recently from Oakland. Reed, we are informed, has for some time been a resident of the county. Justice Miller, of Guerneville, will hold an inquest to-day, when it is supposed the facts in the case will be brought out officially.
1877 March 31
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 23
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Alex Duncan et al to J M Streeten, a tract of land in t7, r10 $60,000.
J M Streeten to Madrona Land Co, certain tracts of land t7, r10 $60,000.
1877 April 2
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 50
OUR WESTERN BORDER
A Brisk Town on the Narrow Gauge Road-Number of Buildings-The I. O. O. F. of San Francisco-Heavy Wood Contracts-Mills and Lumber Estimates.
OCCIDENTAL, March 28, 1877. EDS. DEMOCRAT: As news items from this place seldom appear in your valuable paper, we begin to think this little burg has not as yet let its importance be known -if any attach to it. This place last June was an open field, very small in extent, bounded on either side by a high hill, covered by trees and brush, and either end terminating in a canyon. The North Pacific Coast Railroad surveyed its line through this spot. The good people here with commendable enterprise at once began with a subscription list, to see what might be done towards erecting an M. E. Church building, the result being a church 28x40, with seating capacity for 160 persons. To give the place a name they convened several persons, and the result is as appears in the above.
On the first of November, 1876, the railroad reached this place. The Company saw fit to name the same "Howards." We are therefore abundantly blessed with names, viz: Dutch Bills, Occidenial and Howards. As soon as the cars ran regularly the place began to grow. A hotel 36x40, two stories in height, next a saloon, next a blacksmith shop, then a railroad depot building, then a store building, 28x40, two stories high-the second story being a hall. After this come several dwellings and a boot shop, also a butcher shop, with other buildings still in contemplation. A wagon shop has recently been added also. One thing is very notable; all of the above, except the depot building and the saloon, have been carried through by the well known, energetic sawmill man M. C. Meeker.
For the first time in the history of this place, on last Saturday appeared the small but often met sign, viz: "This lot for sale, size, 50x100!" Next Sunday an excursion train will run from San Francisco to this place, and will make Sunday trips during the season. On the 26th of April the annual anniversary of the Odd Fellows will occur, at which time the Odd Fellows from San Francisco will picnic at this place. Dame Rumor says some forty Lodges will participate. A dancing floor is being laid and seats arranged, brush cleared off and everything put in order.
This part of our country is rapidly developing. As this is a timbered section, sawmills are in order; and of wood, we hear of contracts being let to cut 1,000 cords, 5,000 cords, and so on. We have mills already built, and others in course of construction. When the two in course of construction are completed, the mills directly along the line of the railroad will turn out about 170,000 or 175,000 feet of lumber per day. One of those mills now building is located one half a mile up the Russian river from Dutch Bill creek. This will require the railroad to build a branch there, which will be one-half mile towards Guerneville. The extension of the road to that point is only a question of time. The companies now operating in milling here are the Russian River Land and Lumber Company, capital, $1,000,000; Duncan Mill and Land Company, capital, $300,0000; Madrona Land and Lumber Company, capital, $300,000. The amount of land owned by each, and estimate of lumber, is: Russian River Land and Lumber Company, 10,000 acres, estimate, 350,000,000 feet; Duncan Mill and Land Co., 3,000, estimate, 180,000,000; Madrona Land and Lumber Company, 1,000 acres, estimate, 55,000,000 feet; Meeker Bros., 2,800 acres, estimate, 17,000,000 feet; Latham & Streeten, 440 acres, estimate 8,000,000 feet. PITCH.
1877 April 4
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 52
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
O Willsie to J M Streeten, 80 acres in sec 7, t7, r10 - $3,100
1877 April 12
Russian River Flag, Volume IX, Number 23
LOCAL BREVITIES
Williams came in from the redwoods this week and paid us a visit. About Christmas last the Williams Bros, engaged in logging for the Russian River Land and Lumber Company at the Tyrone Mill, continuing till the first of last month, when they sold their logging teams and apparatus to the company, and are now living with their families at Guerneville.
1877 April 12
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 59
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
J M Streeten to M Heller, a tract in sec7 t7 r10 - $2,775
1877 April 16
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 62
THE LAST FINISH
We arrived at Tyrone, where we found Mr. Walter M. Phillips, Secretary and General Manager of the Russian River Land and Lumber Company, our old friend D. F. Harbach, Superintendent of the mills, and H. C. Smith, our young friend, well and favorably known to Santa Rosans. Mr. Smith is the accountant of the R. R. L. & L. Co.
The Tyrone Mill was built about a year ago and is the property of the Russian River Land and Lumber Company, of which Milton S. Latham is President. The mill is the largest in the county. On Saturday last it cut 40,000 feet of lumber. D. L. Harbach, the superintendent, is a thorough mill man and knows how to systematize the labor about a mill so that it will harmonize and accomplish the greatest possible results.
The foreman of the mill is Frank Plummer, who run Murphy's mill at Guerneville during its most successful season summer before last. Charles Roix, formerly with Duncan & Co., and with William Miller on the Coast, is foreman of the logging department. William Carlile is foreman of the construction and wood department.
The lands of the R. R. L. & L. Co., include about 8,000 acres, the tract leased many years ago by Capt. Stephen Smith, a portion of the Bodega Rancho. The tract came in into the possession of Mr. Moore and was by him sold to the present company. It fronts for two miles on Howard creek along the line of the railroad. It includes all the timber west of its east line to the sea. Its north line is along Russian river, except a corner of the Madrona tract, which takes in the lower part of Howard Gulch, and extends a short distance down Russian river.
Mr. Roix, an intelligent woodsman with whom we conversed, tells us that there is from six to eight years work in reach of the Tyrone Mill. The lumber in Walker Gulch above the mill he puts at 2,000 acres, and that on the hill above the mill at 1,000 acres, which will average, in his opinion, at least 40,000 feet to the acre. This would leave belonging to the company the timber in what is known as the Freezeout Gulch to be sawed at the Moscow mill, and the lumber in Willow Gulch for future disposition. In the latter gulch it is estimated there is as much standing timber as on the rest of the tract combined.
Mr. Knox informed us that the hill timber is not large but is of excellent quality. He has never seen a place where hill-side logging can be done to as much advantage as upon the lands of this company. The logs are brought to the mill by a steam engine, upon an iron railway, which is now extending to Walker Gulch, and when completed will place that valuable body of timber within easy reach of Tyrone Mills.
On Saturday morning, in company with Mr. Phillips, we visited the site of the mills now building for the Madrona Company - Moses V. Brown, who built J. K. Smith's mill, and Winfield Wright's barn is the Superintendent of this company, They are building two mills, one on Howard Creek, just below the Tyrone Mill, and one on Russian River, above the mouth of Howard Creek. We called on Mr. Brown, and regret that we did not see him. Both the mills of the Madrona Company will be connected with the railroad, one by a switch of half a mile, and the other is on the main track.
In the afternoon we took the freight train for the terminus of the road at Moscow. Leaving Tyrone Mills we passed through the lands of the Madrona Company to the mouth of Howard creek. We turned down Russian river and soon came again on the lands of the R. R. L.& L. Co.
1877 April 16
Press Democrat. Volume IV, Number 62
A DAY'S JAUNT COASTWISE
Howard Canyon - The Narrow Guage Road - Tyrone Mills - Moscow - Duncan's Mill - Julian's New Hotel - John Orr - D. F. Harbach - Freestone - Frank Murphy - Warren Dutton and Home Again. We accepted Friday last the invitation of William Howard to ride over with him to his place on the Narrow Gauge road. We weighed the matter mentally for a brief space. No go - kicked the beam! And in less than half an hour we were rattling out of Santa Rosa, behind a pair of strawberry roans, sandwiched between our friend Howard and E. S. Pomeroy.
Our thoughts were disturbed by the whistle of the locomotive of the narrow guage road, as it toiled up the grade from O'Farrell valley to Howard's station. Soon after we arrived at the latter place and spent half an hour in looking around the new town before the arrival of the evening passenger train, upon which we intended to go on to Tyrone Mills.
There seems to be a little confusion about the name of this place, the station is Howard's, and the Post office Occidental. The town is situated on the divide between the waters of Salmon Creek, which run into O'Farrel Valley, and the waters of Howard's Creek, which fall into Russian River. Mr. Howard was the first settler, and the town site is owned partly by him and partly by Meeker Bros. It is three and a half miles from Freestone, and ten miles from the terminus of the road at Moscow.
On the Main street McCaughey & Co. opened a general merchandise store, one of the neatest country stores we have seen. D. Robinson, formerly of Bodega, is a member of the firm. The store was opened on the 4th of April, 1877, and the proprietors are the pioneer merchants. The Summit House, at which we stopped a few moments, is kept by J W Noble, and we don't know a nicer place if one wanted to enjoy a visit to the country on the line of rail and telegraphic communication with San Francisco. There is a very neat Methodist Church in the place, in charge of the Rev. Mr. George. A. F. Blaney is Postmaster. I. Stahleaker is blacksmith; Theodore Sutton, wagonmaker, and William Doty keeps the only saloon in the place. Samuel Martin is the village shoemaker, and Charles Crosby supplies the town with meat. Eugene Hayes is agent for the railroad for W., F. & Co., and is also telegraph operator.
The population of the town is about fifty souls. We regretted that we did not see either of the Messrs. Meeker, who have manifested a very lively interest in the place. We had just time to make the above notes when the evening train came up and we were soon en route for Tyrone Mills, our first ride on this or any narrow gauge road. We were most agreeably pleased; the cars are elegant, and the road was smooth. It wound around the slopes of the canyon at a rapid rate, now over trestle work, now doubling the head of some gorge with graceful curve, or gliding through the overhanging pines and redwoods like a shuttle through a many colored warp.
We passed the Streeten mill, its white cottages picturesquely grouped in the valley below us; and just beyond into and out of a tunnel through an intervening hill whose sharp angle could not be turned, A few moments after, at 6 P. M., about four hours from Santa Rosa, we arrived at Tyrone, where we found Mr. Walter M. Phillips, Secretary and General Manager of the Russian River Land and Lumber Company, our old friend D. F. Harbach, Superintendent of the mills, and H. C. Smith, our young friend, well and favorably known to Santa Rosans. Mr. Smith is the accountant of the R. R. L. & L. Co. The Tyrone Mill was built about a year ago and is the property of the Russian River Land and Lumber Company, of which Milton S. Latham is President. The mill is the largest in the county. On Saturday last it cut 40,000 feet of lumber. D. L. Harbach, the superintendent, is a thorough mill man and knows how to systematize the labor about a mill so that it will harmonize and accomplish the greatest possible results. The foreman of the mill is Frank Plummer, who run Murphy's mill at Guerneville during its most successful season summer before last. Charles Roix, formerly with Duncan & Co., and with William Miller on the Coast, is foreman of the logging department. William Carlile is foreman of the construction and wood department.
The lands of the R. R. L. & L. Co., include about 8,000 acres, the tract leased many years ago by Capt. Stephen Smith, a portion of the Bodega Rancho. The tract came in into the possession of Mr. Moore and was by him sold to the present company. It fronts for two miles on Howard creek along the line of the railroad. It includes all the timber west of its east line to the sea. Its north line is along Russian river, except a corner of the Madrona tract, which takes in the lower part of Howard Gulch, and extends a short distance down Russian river. Mr. Roix, an intelligent woodsman with whom we conversed, tells us that there is from six to eight years work in reach of the Tyrone Mill. The lumber in Walker Gulch above the mill he puts at 2,000 acres, and that on the hill above the mill at 1,000 acres, which will average, in his opinion, at least 40,000 feet to the acre. This would leave belonging to the company the timber in what is known as the Freezeout Gulch to be sawed at the Moscow mill, and the lumber in Willow Gulch for future disposition. In the latter gulch it is estimated there is as much standing timber as on the rest of the tract combined. Mr. Knox informed us that the hill timber is not large but is of excellent quality. He has never seen a place where hill-side logging can be done to as much advantage as upon the lands of this company. The logs are brought to the mill by a steam engine, upon an iron railway, which is now extending to Walker Gulch, and when completed will place that valuable body of timber within easy reach of Tyrone Mills. On Saturday morning, in company with Mr. Phillips, we visited the site of the mills now building for the Madrona Company - Moses V. Brown, who built J. K. Smith's mill, and Winfield Wright's barn is the Superintendent of this company, They are building two mills, one on Howard Creek, just below the Tyrone Mill, and one on Russian River, above the mouth of Howard Creek.
We called on Mr. Brown, and regret that we did not see him. Both the mills of the Madrona Company will be connected with the railroad, one by a switch of half a mile, and the other is on the main track.
1877 April 18
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 64
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
MS Latham to Sonoma Land Co., 143 acres in t7, r10- $1.
MS Latham et al to Sonoma Lumber Co, certain lands in Analy township $1.
Jas M Streeten to Sonoma Land Co, 55 acres in s21, t7, r10 - $1.
1877 May 2
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 76
SPICY LETTER FROM PEPPERWOOD
DUTCH BILL CANYON. EDS. DEMOCRAT: As this section of country is gaining some notoriety on account of its vast timbered resources and the enterprise manifested in converting it into marketable products, a few items might be of interest. This classical stream was named in honor of Mr. William Howard, who, by way of abbreviation, is known by the delectable soubriquet of "Dutch Bill," or when they prefer to be more polite, say "German William."
Mr. H. is one of the early pioneers, having settled here, for ought 1 know, when it was a small gulch. Be that as it may, however, it is now a steep cavernous ravine on a huge scale, and but a few years since, was almost impassible for footman. It is about seven miles in length, and after being settled up necessitated the construction of a wagon road, and more recent developments exhibit that indomitable characteristic nature of human ingenuity, with this fast age.
The iron horse is made to glide over tressels one hundred and thirty-four feet high, along steep hillsides almost perpendicular, and through tunnels hundreds of feet long, with frightful rapidity. This railroad and nearly all the land adjacent thereto, which is densely covered with timber, is owned by the Russian River Lumber Company, who have two large mills in successful operation and three more in course of construction. Of the public houses in the canyon there are several.
First on the list is Mr. Wm. Brown's. They call him "Chicken" Brown by way of distinction. He sets a good table, sprikens Ditche and sells lager. About one mile further is Mr. I. N. Stockton. He deals out the "divine fluid," and is a Democrat. "Ike," as he is familiarly called, is a bachelor, claims to be of Kentucky stock, but some of his friends think he is a relative of the Partington family, for he says he "can’t see why the Russian River Lumber Company run their mills by steam, since the stock has been watered."
At the Tyrone mill Mr. Chas. Roix keeps hotel; good house. At the mouth of the creek, on Russian River, Patterson attends to the "inner man;" does good business. Near here church, school and the game law, "all same as Melican man." Three miles below is the embryo city of Moscow. It has a large hotel building, one saloon and one sawmill, all within the corporate limits. Taking a retrospective view we behold a gigantic enterprise in the way of the N. P. C. R. R., which but a few years since would have been considered among the impossibilities. "Tapping" as it does this vast Bonanza of timber country it can not fail to develope a rich and extensive source of wealth which would otherwise have been locked up in the principal forests. It is the means of furnishing employment to thousands of men for years to come.
The products of this heretofore "hidden treasure" will contribute to the improvement of the towns and the ranches adjacent to this line of railroad, and furnish a large supply to the great lumber market of San Francisco. It is truly a large field for the use of capital and if properly conducted will certainly be a lucrative investment, the profits of which will be millions and millions of dollars. PEPPERWOOD.
1877 May 5
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 79
THE REDWOOD
This tree which forms so large a part of the great forests of Sonoma county, possesses many remarkable peculiarities. It belongs exclusively to the foggy regions of the Coast, and grows only on underlying metamorphic sandstone. The great redwood forest of California extends from the northern boundary of the State to Russian River, increasing in width to the northward.
Upon a congenial soil the redwood will take root easily and grow with great rapidity, while it can not be made to grow upon other than a sandstone formation.
A few days ago Mr. Meeker informed us that a gentleman at Tomales had after repeated trials failed to make the tree grow, while on Russian River, not more than twelve miles north, is a noble forest in which the largest trees attain a height of 400 feet and a circumference of from forty, five to fifty feet. The openings so noticeable in redwood forests, generally covering a few acres, can be ascribed to no cause other than a change in the formation, as they are enclosed by redwood trees, and have, of course, the same fog and climatic influences as the surrounding forests. The wood varies in color and density, the heaviest is a dark red color. The lightest in weight is lightest in color. The average weight of redwood lumber is 4-1/2 pounds to the foot. Remarkable differences in the weight of the wood sometimes occur. In one instance which came under our observation the lumber sawed from trees in one gulch weighed but 2-1/2 pounds to the foot, while that from a gulch running parallel with the first but a quarter of a mile distant, leading to the same main canon, weighed six pounds to the foot. The trees growing on a gravelly soil are generally unsound on the top and in the heart, rotting from the top downward. When the tree stands on ground where the underlying rock is of a shelly or broken nature the timber is apt to be unsound. Upon precisely the same kind of soil when the underlying strata is solid the wood will be solid. The best and largest timber is of course along alluvial river bottoms, which rest upon a solid sandstone formation; though a good deal of hillside timber when the rock is solid will make the best of lumber. The wood splits true; it is close in texture, soft, light and durable. It does not rot either above or below the ground nor will it warp. Thin slats of redwood from 12 to 15 feet long worked into fences twenty-five years ago, can be seen in this valley as straight and sound as when they were first split. The redwood is first in commercial value of all the trees of California, and is not surpassed for the purpose for which it is used by any tree known in the Flora of the world. Within sixteen miles of Santa Rosa there is vast forests of redwood, which will supply our local demand for years to come, with a large surplus for export.
1877 May 15
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 87
Occidental Items
We are indebted to Mr. M. C. Meeker for the following items: The road from Meeker's Mill to Valley Ford has never been in better condition than it is at present . The Sunday excursion trains now run to Occidental, and nice picnic grounds have been prepared and a dancing floor erected for the benefit of excursionists . The freight train will make its headquarters at Occidental . A petition largely signed has been presented to the Board of Supervisors to establish a voting precinct there . A grand Sunday School picnic will be given by the schools of Bloomfield, Valley Ford, Freestone and Occidental, at Madrona Mill, on Saturday, June 9th.
1877 May 19
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 30
LETTER FROM PEPPERWOOD
Off for the Web foot Country - A. Collision of Trains-Tyrone Mills - Etc. Tyrone Mill, Sonoma Co., Cal., April 9th, 1877.
Eds. Democrat: A few days since a delegation of some thirty persons brushed their pedal extremities of the sand-soil on Russian river, and started for Oregon overland, on the train not propelled by steam. The party consisted of Mr. O. Wilcey, Mr. Jao. Allen, Mr. Wm. Divers, their respective families and several other gentlemen. Of the number, they represented the varied ages, from three score and ten to infancy, of married folks, and of young men and beautiful maidens. Their departure caused sorrow and regret to kind neighbors and pain and anguish to tenderhearted young men, several of whom followed the first day's travel, and two of the more sanguine, unable to resist the powerful influence of Cupid's fascinating charms, forfeited lucrative situations and continued the journey to the web-foot regions.
Two trains, one a freight and the other a construction, collided, on the 7th inst., near Moscow, on the N. P. C. R. R., almost entirely demolishing one engine and tender and badly damaging the other. Mr. Peter Symons, an engineer, was slightly wounded. Eddie Stone, a boy about twelve years old, was thrown from a horse and seriously though not fatally injured.
The Tyrone Mill is the largest in the county, and is running to the extent of its capacity. The whizzing of the saws, the clang of machinery, and the accuracy and precision, which thirty or forty men attend to their respective branches of business, is indicative of a perfect hive of industry and a system of regularity. The woods near by are full of men felling timber, the report of which sounds like the booming of cmuou; the stentorian sounds of "whow, haw, buck," with teams of oxen, keep the mill supplied with piles of logs for its rapid execution. There are about 100 personal employed in connection with the mill mostly single men. There are, however, some families and a few marriageable ladies in the vicinity. They are of various nationalities, all of whom have their peculiarities, characteristics, politics and religions, respectively. For instance, the descendants of the old puritan stock still hanker for baked beans and Boston brown bread for Sunday morning's breakfast.
Then, there are those who speculate on the possibility that, while Russia is so eager to feast on "roast Turkey." she may herself feel the effects of the fire. And, again, some of the boys, instead of going to church on Sunday, prefer to indulge in a social glass, and would hardly object to a little game of "draw." However, those foibles are all a matter of taste, but the commingling of society and the interchanging of ideas serve, no doubt, to advance the skill of mechanical art and promote the welfare and prosperity of civilization. So, let us conclude that the Tyrone is a "big thing on wheels" that in these hills she is destined to make her mark, and we can only express the wish that her proprietors may prosper, that her large corps of workmen grow rich and the pretty girls get married.
PEPPERWOOD.
1877 May 23
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 94
ACCIDENT
W. L. Chenoweth of Streeten's and Latham's Mill, was in town on Wednesday. He tells us that they are cutting 15000 feet of lumber a day at the mill. Yesterday a man at Howard's Station sawing wood for the Railroad Co., met with an accident; his hand struck the saw, and he lost the index finger of his hand, and had two other fingers nearly cut off.
1877 May 24
Marin Journal, Volume 17, Number 11
FINGERS LOST
A man named Corliss had three fingers taken off by a saw, at Howard's Station, on Tuesday. He was brought to Olema, where he has a family.
1877 May 29
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 99
BY THE WAYSIDE
EDS. DEMOCRAT: Those who have not experienced the effects produced by obeying the divine injunction, ‘"Take up thy bed and walk," "earn thy bread by the sweat of the brow," and, I will add, live on crackers and smoked herring, with the illusive imagination that it is a "bountiful repast," may know but little of the romance of mountain life, or the reality of the scenes which are of frequent occurrence in Dutch Bill Canyon. It is true there is a great demand here for labor, but scores of men go trudging along with a roll of blankets in search of a job, many of whom fail to find employment at remunerative wages, and in some cases not even for their board. Discouraged and without friends or money, they have ample time to meditate over the vicissitudes of better days, or, ponder by the wayside, like your humble correspondent, take refuge beneath the branches of a lofty pine, where I am jotting down these facts and thinking of the frailty and uncertainty of human existence.
The railroad bridge at Moscow is finished. At the completion baskets of champagne bottles popped, and an abundant supply of the ambrosial liquid was drank in honor of the celebration and to the health of Mr. Kingsbury, who is said to be the best bridge-builder in the State. One of the new mills, mentioned in a former letter, will commence operation next week.
The R. R. L. Co. are erecting a large store near the mouth of the creek, where it is rumored a town is to be layed out, which if done will no doubt be the most prominent place in this part of the country.
Mr. Archey Counter, a bachelor of this vicinity, slipped off to the city last week for the ostensible purpose of paying assessments on mining stock. Well there is nothing unusual in that, in these sadly degenerate days, but in the course of a few days he returned in good health. He pays just double the amount for board now that he did before, and they are both happy.
Wm. Doty, a wine merchant of Howard's, and Lewis Carter, hotel keeper at Freestone, were perambulating in the neighborhood of the Tyrone Mill a few days since. Whether they were contemplating the purchase of the mill property or had business of a different nature in view, is not generally known.
A man met with a severe accident yesterday, having all his fingers on one hand cut off by a circular saw. He was taken to Bodega for medical treatment.
The blacksmith shop has been temporarily closed. Business, however, continues quite lively. McCaughey's store does a good business. The hotel is full most of the time. The Noble House, as the name indicates, is "away up." As to the saloon, deponent sayeth not, as he don't drink. The butcher shop has changed hands; Mr. Robert Shafer, the "melancholy married man," continues the business. The Chinese wash and sell whisky. A very nice church adorns the suburbs. The town site is high and healthy; the inhabitants are all moral and industrious, and the girls young and handsome. PEPPERWOOD.
1877 May 31
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 3, Number 84
ATTEMPT TO BURN A RAILROAD BRIDGE
An attempt was made today to fire the bridge on the narrow gauge road across Brown's Canyon, just south of Howard's station. The fire was fortunately discovered in time to prevent the total destruction of the bridge. The damage will be repaired in a week. Trains will run as usual. The wood work had been saturated with coal oil.
1877 May 31
Marin Journal, Volume 17, Number 12
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
The bridge near Streeten's Mill was set on fire on Friday night last, the timbers being saturated with kerosene. It burned slowly, and was put out in the morning with little damage. It is believed the attempt was made by men offended at the employment of Chinese.
1877 June 2
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 32
BY THE WAYSIDE
By the way side - Wm. Doty, a wine merchant of Howard's, and Lewis Carter, hotel keeper at Freestone, were perambulating in the neighborhood of the Tyrone Mill a few days since. Whether they were contemplating the purchase of the mill property or had business of a different nature in view, is not generally known.
1877 June 9
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 33
MORE BRIDGE BURNING - Freestone, May 31, 1877
Eds. Democrat: Again incendiaries have been at work on property belonging to the N. P. C. Railroad. This morning at 3:20 o'clock notice was sent to the Freestone depot that the trestlework about 300 yards distance from the same was on fire. The agent at one a telegraphed to Howard's Station for help. At 4:10 a gang of white men and Chinamen armed at the seat of the fire and after strenous exertions the flames were subdued: The intense heat had formed the rails on top of the work in the shape of a bow.
At 4:15 a. m. a train which had been dispatched from Howard's to Freestone Mill arrived with lumber, and work was at once begun to repair damages. At 7 o'clock a. m. the work was so far advanced that trains could in safety pass the trestlework. This was quick work and is a great credit to the railroad company.
At the Tyrone Mill the following notice has been found on various places: "Any persons employing Chinamen look out for fire! It is generally believed that the person or persons who distributed these notices are the perpetrators of the recent outrages. The trestlework near Howard's Station which on Sunday last was also on fire is again in running order. Since writing the above another trestlework has been set on fire.
The section man, Mr. M. Shea, who suspected H. B. Hinds as the perpetrator of these outrages, caught him setting fire to the trestlework near Howard's Station. This happened at about 12 o'clock last night. Information was received at Freestone at 7 o'clock this morning. The constable and some deputies went in search of Hinds but he could not be found. The railroad company offered a reward of $500 for his arrest and conviction, Observer.
1877 June 19
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 117
OCCIDENTAL
The school house of this district is near Howard's Station on the Northern Pacific railroad. It is an excellent school building and a credit to the district. It is well furnished with patent desks. We regretted to notice that many of the beautiful desks had been injured by being cut with knives. They are the first that we have found in the county, injured in that way.
In justice to the present teacher, we are pleased to state that they were not injured during her administration. We did not fail to note the tidy condition of the room in all its appearances, creditable alike to teacher and pupils. Miss Kate Hinckley is the teacher in charge and is doing her work well and faithfully. The district received last year from state and county apportionments, $620.33. and maintained a school nine months. The Board of Trustees is a very efficient one judging from the good condition of the school, and the school property.
1877 June 28
Petaluma Courier, Volume 1, Number 39
BIG TREES OF SONOMA COUNTY
At the mouth of Dutch Bill Canyon, on Russian River, and near the railroad station, lives Jim English, a veteron redwood chopper and worker. One day last week Mr. Jas. E. Fowler, of Valley Ford, visited Jim's place and was shown by him a redwood tree, from which he had taken lumber enough to build his dwelling house, out buildings, corral, fenced his farm and besides had made 250,000 shingles, 1000 posts, 6000 shakes, and there is timber enough remaining in the tree to make 300,000 shingles more. Another tree has been cut in the neighborhood, from which 50,000 feet of clear lumber has been made. And plenty more of the same kind are still growing in all their beauty and grandeur.
1877 June 29
Daily Alta California, Volume 29, Number 9944
ROBBED
Last Sunday evening Mr Lean was robbed, near Howard's Station, by two boys, Charles Alley and Marvin Stone. Mr. Lean was riding on horseback along the road when he met the two boys, also on horseback. The boys dismounted, drew their pistols and told him to get off his horse and throw up his hands. He did as requested. The boys went through his pockets, and obtained a handkerchief, a knife, piece of tobacco and about three dollars in money. Both the boys were arrested and brought to Santa Rosa.
1877 July 21
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 39
ITEMS FROM THE REDWOODS
Mr. A. P. Meeker was in town to-day, and kindly furnished us with quite an amount of information concerning several of the new mills along the route of N. P. R. R. He informed us that the new town Occidental (nee Howard's), the first station above Freestone, is rapidly becoming a place of no small importance. Mr. L. Perry, who formerly managed the Continental Hotel at Tomales, is erecting a large and commodious hotel, which will soon be open to guests. This will make the second public house at that point. A large number of private residences are occupied, three or four more are being built, and others in contemplation. This speaks well for the merits of the place, as there was not a house there last November.
The Meeker Bros, are doing a brisk business. The Heller Mill, belonging to the Madrona Company, six miles farther north on the railroad, will start up next Monday. The O'Reilly Mill, belonging to the same company, situated about half a mile west of the Heller, is not yet completed. The Tyrone Mill, a mile to the south of the latter, is steadily at work. The Streeten Mill, belonging to the Sonoma Company, situated about three miles south of the Tyrone, is running steadily, but shipping little to the city. Large quantities of tan-bark and cordwood is being cut in the vicinity of Occidental and shipped by rail to the city. The whole country presents the cheerful aspect, born of enterprise and remunerative labor.
1877 July 26
Russian River Flag, Volume IX, Number 3
LOCAL BREVITIES
L. W. Olmstead, of Yuba county, paid us a visit this week. He is an old time resident of Sonoma county having been engaged with his father in the saw-mill business on Dutch Bill Creek in 1857. The mill was situated near tho present site of Streeton's saw-mill just below Guerneville, but was washed away in 1872.
1877 August 4
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 41
LOCAL BRIEFS
James Forsythe, of the Tyrone Mills, was at this office on Friday. He informs us that the mill is running to its full capacity. On the 20th of this month it cut 49,100 feet, the largest day's work ever done by any mill in Sonoma county.
1877 September 3
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 181
DIED
ROIX-At Tyrone Mill, September 1, 1877, infant daughter of C. F, and Carrie Roix. Los Angeles and Mendocino papers please copy. One more flower of earth has faded, Taken from us in its youth, Ere the bud had fully opened, We must place it in the tomb.
1877 October 6
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 210
LOCAL BRIEFS
J.H.. Chenaweth, of Occidental, sends us a twin grape which measures about four inches around.
1877 December 28
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 23, Number 48
LETTER FROM OCCIDENTAL
Three of the saw mills on Dutch Bill Creek have shut down this winter. It throws a number of men out of employment. There is a large amount of wood and bark piled up along the railroad, waiting shipment and better prices.
1878 January 11
Press Democrat, Volume IV, Number 290
GRAND JURY REPORT
We have examined the license register and the law in relation to licenses and find that all persons transacting business for which a license is required, must procure a license before the commencement of business, and all persons falling to do so are guilty or violating the law. We find that more than one hundred persons in Sonoma county have violated the law In this particular, we therefore recommend that the Tax Collector of Sonoma county proceed immediately to the institntlan of legal proceedings against said delinquents, a list of whom we attach hereto and make a part of this report: Expires.
Latham & Streeten, traders, Streeten Mill Expires Apr. 4.
1878 February 22
Press Democrat, Volume V, Number 16
ACCIDENT
A young man named Oscar F. Weeks left here yesterday morning on horseback for Howard Station, where he expected to take the cars for Tyrone Mills. His friends received a dispatch about noon today stating that his horse had fallen and he had been thrown in such a manner as to cause concussion of the brain, and it is feared that he is seriously injured. C. L. Ennis and Jos. M. Chinn left for the scene of the accident today.
1878 March 14
Marin Journal, Volume 18, Number 1
IINTERESTING LETTER FROM HOWARD'S
Howard's Station, March 11, 78. Ed. Journal - Some accidents have resulted from the storms since my last. A huge land slide was the first. A whole hillside slid down, with a crash so terrible and resonant that it was heard for half a mile. At the foot of the hill, on the bank of a creek, stood a barn, in which were 20 oxen, property of Meeker Bros., which was buried under the slipping mass. Neighbors came to the rescue from all directions. Three men jumped on to the roof with axes to let out the cattle; a perilous feat, as the whole mass was drifting like a ship in a current. But they got all out but two, and the men were only scratched pretty badly. On Sunday morning, between this place and Streeten's, a huge rock slid down upon the railroad track. While preparing to blast it, a part came off, and buried up three Chinamen, who were badly wounded, one especially, was hurt in the head, ribs, and wrist. Prof. Vaman has very large classes in calligraphy here, and is giving great satisfaction.
This town is situated on an elevated plateau, about 2,500 feet above the sea. It runs from north to south, and is surrounded by a luxuriant growth of various woods, including, redwood, different species of first class pine, for lumber purposes, laurel, mountain mahogany, pepper, black, white and live oak, Cottonwood and weeping willow. Also, in shrubs, wild laurel, Manzanita, hazel, wild rose and blackberry. The climate is very fine and healthy, and with the abundance of wild game, is very attractive to tourists.
We have a first class hotel, kept by A. J. Blaney, with accommodations for 10 guests; two saloons, one by Wm. Doty, and another by L. Pare, formerly of your county; Jas. McGumphy keeps a general provision store, a barber shop and hair store, and livery stable, blacksmith, shoemaker, butcher, etc; and an M. E. Church and Sunday School, Rev. A. R. Sheriff, pastor. L. J. Dupabque JK.
1878 March 23<
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XXI, Number 22
/h2>
LETTER FROM DUNCAN'S MILL
Mr. Editor; Why don't some enterprising printer from Santa Rosa come over here and start a paper. There are five or six villages and camps here within a radius of eight miles, and a population during the working season of say one thousand, which would be ample support for a good weekly.
The narrow gauge suffered severely during the past winter, and great credit is due the management for affording the people any means of transportation. Passenger traffic has been necessarily light, but the butter shipments have been unusually large; in fact, nine tenths of the butter consumed In San Francisco is produced by Marin and Sonoma counties.
The past week of sunshine has changed the general aspect of things In this vicinity. The mill superintendents are making arrangements for an early start, and Judging from the present demand and good prices of lumber, charcoal, bark and cord-wood, we may safely predict a very prosperous season for the entire community.
The Sonoma Company's mill is under the management of Mr. Dock man, and has a capacity of about 15,000 feet per day. The Tyrone Mill is presided over by H. C. Smith, erst-whilee of Santa Rosa, and has a capacity, under the young man's intelligent management, of from thirty to forty thousand per day. The Riley and Heller Mills are managed by Mr. M. V. Brown, who turnout from twenty five to thirty-five thousand feet a day. D. L. Harback reigns supreme at the Moscow, and turn out from twenty-five to thirty-five thousand feet dally. The Duncan is managed by the Duncans, father and son, and is one of the most complete and successful lumber factories on the coast. Mr. Julian is constantly Improving his hotel, in anticipation of a lively season, which will commence about the first of April. There was an inquest held here on last Sunday on the body of Mr. Winchester, who was found two miles above here the day previous, and had died, as it was proven, of epilepsy, Deceased is said to have been a man of intemperate habits, and leaves a family in Chicago. Duncan, March 19,1878.
1878 April 3
Press Democrat, Volume V, Number 50
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, MONDAY'S PROCEEDINGS
The petition of the residents In Occidental School District was then considered, and on motion of Supervisor Charles. It was ordered that the boundaries of said district be fixed in accordance with the petition on file as follows: Commencing as before on the northeast corner of the Cook ranch, and running as before until it intersects the line to the wagon road (so as to include Cook's ranch) up Dutch Bill creek; thence up said road until it intersects the county road leading to Sebastopol; thence following said road to the land of Hiram Brown; thence south on said line to the Meeker road; thence in an easterly direction on said road until it again Intersects the county road as near as may be to place of beginning, saving and excepting land owned by Meeker Bros, and Mrs. Rachael Stone, section 27, all the aforesaid land to be included in the Narrow Gauge District.
1878 May 24
Press Democrat, Volume V, Number 93
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
M. C. Meeker and wife to Joseph Wary, lot No. 07 in the town of Occidental, Sonoma county:$350.
1878 September 11
Press Democrat, Volume VI, Number 35
Real Estate Transactions
M. C. Meeker and wife to Wm Doty, half of lot 106, Occidental, $75.
1878 October 1
Press Democrat, Volume VI, Number 51
LOCAL AND OTHER BRIEFS
Mr. Harbach, Superintendent of the Tyrone Mills, lost a thumb a few days since while coupling cars.
1879 March 12
Press Democrat, Volume VII, Number 32
THE STORM AT DUNCAN'S MILL
It was the "boss" storm. Old settlers here say that Russian River was higher than they ever saw it. The North Pacific Coast Railroad is obstructed by several land slides between this place and Howard's Station. The obstructions are being rapidly removed and the road will soon again be open. The stage road up the coast is in such a condition as to render travel in that direction somewhat difficult. Duncan's Mill Company sustained no damage of any consequence by the freshet. Patterson's saloon at the mouth of Howard's creek was taken up bodily and swept off down the river. The mills and some other buildings in that vicinity were more or less damaged.
1879 April 24
Marin Journal, Volume 19, Number 7
TOMALES ITEMS
On Friday next, the I. O. O. F. of Howard's Station, have a picnic on the grounds near the station. A train will leave this place at 8:15 a.m. for accommodation of those desiring to attend. Returning train will leave Howard's at 5 p.m. Round trip tickets will be sold at the low rate of one dollar. We have no doubt a pleasant day will be had, and trust the people will avail themselves of the chance.
1879 May 6
Press Democrat, Volume VII, Number 68
AT OCCIDENTAL
The anti-new Constitution meeting at Occidental, or Howard's Station, Monday evening, was a complete success in every respect. The audience assembled in Odd Fellows Hall and was graced by the presence of a number of ladies who seemed to be as deeply interested as the gentlemen who were present.
At about 8 o'clock P.M., the meeting was called to order by Mr. Q. C. Taylor. Mr. A. P. Meeker was called to the Chair, and Mr. Howard chosen as Vice-President.
After a beautiful rendering of the Star Spangled Banner by a number of ladies and gentlemen, who made the surrounding hills echo to their delightful singing, the President of the meeting arose and thanking those present for the honor conferred, proceeded to explain why he, originally for the new Constitution, had changed and was now determined to oppose it; and taking up the article on taxation, analyzed it and thus gave his reason for the new faith that was in him to the satisfaction of those assembled.
Mr. S.T. Coulter "farmer Coulter" was then introduced and run a series of furrows broad and deep through the different sections of the new instrument, showing conclusively that the soil beneath the surface was unfit for the purposes for which it was Intended-handling his plow with admirable dexterity and showing conclusively that the crop it was calculated to produce was more likely to be tares and stinkweed rather than good wheat and lilies.
Mr. D. Sheward was next introduced, and for about an hour and a-half handled the different articles and sections of the great "What is it" in a manner that exposed its many defects, inconsistencies and direct contradictions not only with; its own provisions, but its antagonism to the "Constitution of the United States, the supreme law of the land" and in conclusion fervently urged all who desired to preserve to themselves the right of suffrage, and the institutions of the country a heritage for those to come after them, to vote against the proposed new Constitution-the great "What is it" of California, which has attached to it a lengthy address in a vain effort to explain its character. He said it reminded him of the man who painted a sign for an inn-keeper; and, who, that people might not mistake the design, painted beneath the figure, "This is a horse."
The ladies then sang "America" in a manner truly meritorious. The meeting then adjourned with three cheers for the Old Constitution. Occidental will give a good account of herself at the polls to-morrow, the 7th Inst.
1879 June 16
Press Democrat, Volume VII, Number 106
19 June 1879-FROM THE SUMMIT
Occidental, June 16,1879. Editor Democrat. As it is sometime since I have seen a report of the town of Occidental, And thinking a few items might be of interest, so I herewith present you with the following: Our town is thriving nicely and business is beginning to liven up somewhat. Quite a number of sales of real estate having been made in this vicinity in the past few months.
The Mills of the Russian River Land and Lumber Company, are all lying Idle at present. The Mills of Meeker Bros. are running as usual. The shipment of freight from this place is not as great as last year; still our streets are blocked partly up with freight, such as wood, charcoal, and pickets.
Our town now has two stores, one hotel, one blacksmith shop, four saloons, one butcher shop, one boot shop, and one feed store; also livery stable, a barber shop, post office and express office. We have a Methodist church with a seating for 155 persons H.C Tailiman pastor In charge. A Sunday school is connected with the Church which is well attended. Our temple of instruction is presided over by Miss Kate Hinckley. The attendance being about 40 scholars. A fire broke out in the upper part of the building occupied by L. Pere, but was put out with little difficulty. A ladder had been left standing against the building and no trouble was experienced in getting at the fire as soon as discovered. Had it been otherwise, the main street would have been burned to the ground.
Our Lone Star (McCrellis) has returned from his sojourn in the city, of a few days, in the interests of the W. P. C. He is no better pleased, with their labors, than the people in this vicinity are. A festival held here on Friday evening was a very pleasant affair was well attended and resulted in having an amount of about $80 for the benefit of the organ fund of the Sunday school. The syrup cake which was presented by Mrs. F. M. Meeker, weighed 16-1/4 lbs. and was guessed by Drago and White, which gentlemen presented it again to tbe festival. The ring cake was made and presented by Mrs. H. Perry was a beautiful cake and deserving of great credit. A Fourth of July celebration is to be held on the ranch of John Chenoweth and a pleasant time is anticipated. Yours, not the Lone Star.
1879 June 17
Press Democrat, Volume VII, Number 104
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
A gentleman whose name we did not learn, had a narrow escape at Occidental last Thursday. As he was crossing the railroad track, his team became frightened, turned suddenly, upset the conveyance, throwing the occupant on his head, the hind wheels in passing just grazing his skull.
1879 June 18
Press Democrat, Volume VII, Number 105
FOURTH OF JULY PICNIC
The residents of Occidental propose to celebrate the 103 anniversary of our nation's independence by a basket picnic Chenoweth's ranch, two miles northeast of town, In a beautiful grove, and have made every preparation for splendid time. Music will be furnished by Chaffe's Band, a platform has been erected and those that dance can have an ample opportunity to Indulge.
The officers of the day are President, Melville Meeker; Orator, John Goss, Esq; Reader. James McCoy; Committee of Arrangements, Melville Meeker, Hardin Chenoweth. Ira Perry and Wm. Light: Floor managers. A H Heffron and Wm. Light; Committee of Order, S Bailey, W L Chenoweth and Sam Martin. All are invited, and from what we know of the good people of that section, we can assure all that attend, a most enjoyable time. It seems fitting to commemorate the stirring scenes of '76 amid the rugged coast hills, where the liberty inspiring breezes that float over the Pacific away the tops of the gigantic redwoods. And where nature Iands an air of grandeur majesty to the scene.
1879 July 9
Press Democrat, Volume VII, Number 122
FOURTH OF JULY PICNIC
At Occidental - The patriotic residents or this section met at Chenoweth's ranch on the Fourth of July, pouring in from all parts, until more than a thousand were present. A.P. Meeker acted as President of the Day, and the literary exercises consisted of the reading of the Declaration of Independence, by James McCaughy, of Bodega, and an oration by John Goss Esq. of Santa Rosa. After which Chaffe's Band discoursed sweet music, and the platform was quickly covered with dancers, who passed the day in the most enjoyable of social pleasure. At the proper time, the baskets were opened and the picnic feast was spread, of which all partook.
In the evening the dance was continued at Occidental Hall, and late in the morning the merry revelers parted, and in dreams lived over again the pleasures of the day. The spirit of liberty that animated the patriots of 1776, lives and develops in the mountains, and in the redwood covered canyons, where the roar of the Pacific reverberates day and night, can be found those whose hearts beat in unison with patriotic pride at the mention of the honor and glory of of our institutions.
1879 July 17
Press Democrat, Volume VII, Number 129
EDITOR DEMOCRAT
ln reading your valued paper I noticed a letter from Occidental which stated we had purchased a $75 organ for our Sunday school. We purchased of L. C. Patterson, of Santa Rosa, a $275 Chapel organ for our Sunday school and with these hard times $200 is quite an item to be left out. Respectfully Yours, Purchasing Committee
1880 April 9
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 26, Number 11
OCCIDENTAL
The saw-mills have not started up yet. There is a rumor that some of the mills on Dutch Bill Creek that did not run last summer, will soon be started.
1881 August 6
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XXIV, Number 42
LETTER FROM OCCIDENTAL
Editor Democrat. Occidental for the past mouth has been unusually lively. Several important real estate transactions have taken place. Amongst others, F. R. Bittner, late of Honolulu, has purchased the Heffron property. He is at present in the blacksmithing business. Mr. Lawton of San Francisco, has lately bought the Moane place, about 1-1/2 miles north of here. Mr. McKay of Tyrone Station, has purchased of Mr. Anderson a fine farm south of Howard's. A. P. Meeker is talking of going to Arizona.
Quite a number of Oocidentalites visited Freestone last Sunday, to witness the dedication of the new church at that place. Sam Martin, who has been engaged in the shoe business here for four years, left for his old home in Canada, about two weeks ago. The parties that are negotiating for the purchase of the N. P. C R. R., passed through town last week in a "palace car," on a tour of inspection. J. D. Burke has sold his meat market to Mr. Craffarty of San Francisco. The grain crop in this vicinity has turned out well this year, and all the farmers are pleased with the result of their labors.
Charles Chenoweth, who accidentally injured himself with an axe, a few days ago, is still badly disabled. An old Indian called "Cherokee George." who lives west of Occidental, was absent from his cabin the other evening, when the structure and its contents were totally destroyed by some unknown parties. F. H. Wheeler has given up his position as railroad agent at this place and is now employed at the Olema Station. Charles Doody is his successor. Willie Bowers lost his life at Duncan's Mills, some weeks ago, was a nephew of Judge Bowers of Marin county. Two weeks ago a young man named Johnson, had his ankle dislocated and one arm broken at Meeker's Mill. Our usually peaceful village was somewhat disturbed a few evenings since by a general battle between a railroad man and his friends and a crowd of young men from town. For awhile it looked serious, but they were finally prevented from doing great injury by the interference of citizens. Review. Occidental, August 4th, 1881.
1881 December 10
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XXV, Number 8
LOCAL NOTES
The "Resources of California" for December publishes an excellent engraving of Tyrone Mill, this county.
1882 June 7
Weekly Calistogian, Volume V, Number 25
SONOMA COUNTY NEWS
(From the Santa Rosa Republican.) Work on the Coal mine has been resumed. The tunnel is about 670 feet in. At 100 feet further they expect to cut the first vein; at 250, the second vein; at 600, the third vein. The daily progress is five or six feet. There are indications in the tunnel of striking the sandstone formation. The French Banking Society at San Francisco, which purchased the 9,000 acres of land owned by the Russian River Land-Lumber Co., for $67,000 one year ago, have sold two of the mills-the Tyrone and the Holler mills and timber enough to nearly pay for it, and retain all the land and a mill. Our informant says the bank will make $100,000 by the turn.
1883 June 7
Marin Journal, Volume 23, Number 13,
DEATH ON THE RAIL
A sad accident occured last Saturday on the railroad at Tyrone. Three little children of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, who live near the track, were playing there, and the youngest, aged 18 months, was sitting on the track at a sharp curve in the road when the freight train came along. The engineer. Jack Driscoll, saw the poor little thing and made all possible effort to stop. but the distance was too short. Both legs and one arm were cut off, and the child died in a short time. An inquest was held and railroad fully exonerated. The little one was buried Monday in Tomales
1884 March 12
Petaluma Courier, Volume 8, Number 24
OCCIDENTAL
To the Honorable board of Supervisors, Santa Rosa, Gentlemen: I beg to respectfully notify you that the road known as the McGuire road, and leading from the corner of Chenowith's land through the land of Chenowith, Hanson, Lancel and Gaver, to the road known as Howard's Canon and Streeten's mill, has been obstructed on the lands of Lancel by the erection across the road of five gates in addition to three previously erected thereon, and one of six said gates is so narrow as to prevent the passage of wagons. Trusting your Honorable body will give relief in the premises, I am very respectfully. Nelson Drago.
1884 May 10
Petaluma Weekly Argus, Volume 30, Number 16
OCCIDENTAL
The busy spring work is upon us. The whistle from the saw mills is heard again, and teams have commenced hauling wood to this station. M.C. Meeker is getting ready to start his new saw mill, about a mile below town, on Dutch Bill creek. He purchased the Streeten mill property this winter and hasa been moving the boiler, engine, etc., from that mill to his new one. It has been an up hill business as there are several steep little hills to pull up and the late rains made the roads as soft that there was some danger of loosing sight of oxen, wagon, driver and load in the mud.
1884 May 24
Sonoma Democrat, Volume XXVII, Number 32
COAST MILLS
F. B. Glynn was in town on Friday and informed us that all the mills in the vicinity of Occidental were in operation. His mill in Coleman Valley, and Meeker Bros, mill on the Green estate, have been sawing some time. The Meeker Bros, have purchased the machinery in the Tyrone Mills, and are fitting up a mill in Dutch Bill canyon on what is known as the Gifford tract. Ludolph is putting up a new mill in Pocket canyon. The inquiry for lumber is large, and the prospects for a great demand were never better. The roads are in better condition for this time of the year than they have been for several years past.
1888 August 4
Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar, Volume 1, Number 20
EVENTS OF GENERAL INTEREST
Huckleberries are fast ripening and are very abundant in the redwoods near the Tyrone Mills on the North Pacific Coast railroad.
1891 August 27
San Francisco Call, Volume 70, Number 88
BRIDGE BURNED
A forest fire started on Friday near Sonoma Mills, in Sonoma County, on the line of the North Pacific Coast Railroad, destroyed the railroad bridge over Howards Creek and caused a suspension of freight traffic. Passengers are being transferred and lose little tine. A large gang of men is at work on a new trestle, which will be ready for operation in about three days.
1903 July 6
Press Democrat, Volume XXIX, Number 222
FIRE SWEEPS ON
EXCITING TIME OF FIRE FIGHTERS HEARDLING CONFLAGRATION NEAR MONTE RIO Furious Fire Raging on Kidd Creek- Men Brought on Special Train to Assist in the Work
A message was received from Occidental at a late hour on Sunday night stating that a forest fire of immense proportions was coming over the wooded mountain side near Tyrone station, which is between Monte Rio and Occidental. The onward sweep of the flames was bound to prove disastrous, the wire stated, to property at Monte Rio and Tyrone, and might sweep on towards Occidental.
The North Shore railroad secured all the men available to fight the fire and at midnight a special train from Sausalito and way stations arrived on the scene to assist in fighting the flames. Another fire, burning a mile and a half wide, was causing considerable excitement in Kidd Creek, near Duncan's and there a large force of men were employed in an effort to stem the progress of the flames. The fire burning in the region of Mount Jackson was burning furiously on Sunday. The flames could be seen for many miles on Saturday night. The fire has destroyed several buildings on ranches and on Sunday it was reported that a small shingle mill had been destroyed.
Note: Newspaper articles found on this website are courtesy of: California Digital Newspaper Collection, Center for Bibliographic Studies and Research, University of California, Riverside.