DAVE'S TRAINS AND TREES

~ 5 Mile Railroad ~

~ Area News ~

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 5 Marin Journal, Volume 13, Number 12 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.

1876 August 31, Russian River Flag, Volume VIII, Number 43

The Narrow Gauge 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 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 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 Bsnicia 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 19 Russian River Flag, Volume VIII, Number 50 The Narrow Gauge.

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. For the best and cheapest clothing and gent's furnishing goods go to M. Meyer's store, northwest corner plaza, Healdsburg. *tf

1876 October 26, Marin Journal, Volume 16, Number 33

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. OCCIDENTAL HOTEL-G. A. Tupper, Prop'r . Dr Finlaw, W J Lawrie, Chas Runyon, J A Barham, W F Allingworth, Chas Colgan, Chas Clark, Jas Menefee, City; W Brown, W W Elliott, Oakland; G W Anderson, J Miller, San Francisco; C E Singley, Petaluma; Mrs T E Monroe, Sacramento; Geo Grimes, San Buenaventura.

1876 November 29 Press Democrat, Volume III, Number 102 IMPORTANT CHANGES.

[Note: Some of the article not related to Occidental-Tyrone removed] 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 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 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 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

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 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 April 12, Russian River Flag, Volume IX, Number 23

Williams came in from the redwoods this week and paid us a visit. About Christmas last the Williams Bros, engaged in logging for the Rusuan River Lind 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.

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=RRF18770412.2.22

1877 April 16 Press Democrat. Volume IV, Number 62 A DAY'S JAUNT COASTWISE.

[Note: some of this article removed-not related to my needs] 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 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.

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SRPD18770502.2.13

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 persona 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

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 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 June 2, Sonoma Democrat, Volume XX, Number 32

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 29 Daily Alta California, Volume 29, Number 9944

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 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 u 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.

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 Interesting 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

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 April 24 Marin Journal, Volume 19, Number 7

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 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

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 tor 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

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

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 May 24, Sonoma Democrat, Volume XXVII, Number 32

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

Huckleberries are fast ripening and are very abundant in the redwoods near the Tyrone Mills on the North Pacific Coast railroad.

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.

Contact