Murry Hammond is working to produce Rusty Rails & Dusty Trails history newsletters on the following Walker County subjects. In general, I am looking for photographs to illustrate these histories, and surviving family stories to personalize them. If you have any pictures or stories on these old log railroads or sawmill life that you would be willing to let us copy for our publication, I'd love to speak with you by mail or e-mail or telephone. Contact: Murry Hammond (click for e-Mail) or call anytime at 818-653-4626.
Here are our needs:
Trinity Valley Southern Railway, 1901 - 1936. The T.V.S. was incorporated by the Columbia Lumber Company in 1901 to connect Dodge with Oakhurst in San Jacinto County. From 1908 on, it was operated by the Palmetto Lumber Company. The road operated a small railroad "bus" that used a gasoline automobile engine, to haul mail and passengers between Dodge and Oakhurst. We are looking especially for photographs of this vehicle, and any stories of riding it or seeing it operate. Photographs of this line are extremely hard to find - anything help is greatly appreciated.
Elmina, Texas and the Walker County Lumber Company, 1901 - 1935. The Walker County Lumber Company operated a large sawmill and a company railroad that was incorporated as the "Elmina & Eastern Railroad." I do not own a copy of Mr. Oliphant's article/booklet on Elmina's history, and would love to locate one as a starting point toward assembling this interesting history.
Thank you! |
