26 January 1905

Sumpter Roads Active

Baker City Oregon USA - The Sumpter Valley Railway is getting ready for the increased spring traffic expected to follow the opening up of new mines in the Greenhorns and the extension of the road toward John Day Valley. The building for the new machine shops, 60 x 90 feet, is well under way and the new roundhouse is about completed. It will give 12 additional stalls.
 
Surveyors were busy today making the final survey through the city for the Eagle Valley Railway Company, a franchise for which was granted at the last meeting of the city council. Like the Sumpter Valley line, this will be a narrow gage road, and rumor has it that for a time repair work will be done at the Sumpter Valley Company's shops. W.L. Vinson, promoter of the Eagle Valley road, gives assurances that the money for building the road has been secured, and that grading will be commenced as soon as the frost is out of the ground. A junction with the O.R.&N. and connection with the Sumpter Valley Railway will be made at this point. One advantage will accrue to the mine operators of Cornucopia and the Seven Devils because it will be narrow gage and will obviate the necessity of a transfer in shipping to the Sumpter smelter.