New book: "A Study of Cape Horn Construction on the CPRR, 1865-1866" by Jack E. Duncan
Summary of a new book:
The book is available at Big Bend Ranger Station, Dutch Flat Historical Society, Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society, Placer County Historical Society and Smith’s Bookstore in Auburn. It is also available from the author.
Jack E. Duncan
8555 Crater Hill Road
Newcastle, CA, 95658
530-888-6027
jcduncan@psyber.com
Retail price $13.95
plus $1.05 tax in California
$2.00 if mailed
posted from CPRR Discussion Group at 5:35 PM
7 Comments:
Subject: A Study of Cape Horn Construction
From: "Jack Duncan" jcduncan@psyber.com
The book report of my study of 1865 action at Cape Horn is complete and printed. I now have a price of $13.95 for this 79 page book. ... The summary is 11 pages. ...
The book is detailed and somewhat technical in places ... With 99 figures it should serve as a library reference for those with a deep interest in the topic.
As you might guess, I have arrived at the same conclusion that Ed Strobridge arrived at, "There were no Chinese wicker baskets." My method was completely different from Ed's.
Both Ed and Lynn Farrar have been helpful with input and by criticizing the book. I believe that the three of us are in agreement about the activities out there except for the use of black powder. With no proof either way, Ed and I believe that some blasting logically occurred while Lynn feels that all work was done using pry bars, no blasting required. ...
—Jack Duncan
From: "Chris Graves" caliron@cwnet.com
He has done a nice job here, well worth the investment.
—Chris
Jack Duncan has provided a much shortened summary, which may be helpful for those who lack a high speed internet connection:
"A Study of Cape Horn Construction on the Central Pacific Railroad, 1865-1866." by Jack E. Duncan, 2005.
Apparently someone in Nevada with more money than much else has decided to build a Museum, dedicated to the Chinese that built the CPRR and were then cut out of the American Dream.
A local wag (who shall remain nameless, but many of us can guess the name) reports that first blush ideas may contain a full size replica of Cape Horn, done in bronze, with under-appreciated Chinese workers dangling in bronze baskets over the raging waters of the American River.
Read, and weep ...
Previous comment refers to an article in the Nevada Appeal, March 16, 2006, titled "Museum planners have a mountainous task before them."
"Chinese railroad workers honored at Nevada event" By BRENDAN RILEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS, ©Las Vegas Sun - Las Vegas, NV (News Article)
"CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Chinese laborers who helped to build the old Virginia & Truckee Railroad in 1869 were honored Thursday at a Nevada State Railroad Museum event that focused on a $40 million revival of the V&T and a $50 million museum complex to commemorate the workers. ... The governor said the revived V&T will be a major tourist attraction, and the museum that will be linked to the train station here will honor the Chinese workers who built the old railroad. ... The V&T was a key supply line to Comstock Lode mines in Virginia City, transporting passengers, property, goods and lumber to the mines and hauling out gold and silver ore. The Virginia City line was abandoned in 1938 because of the decline in the mining industry, and the entire railroad was pulled up in 1950. ... [More]
From: "James Geddes" jgeddesart@gmail.com
Subject: Cape Horn Book
I was just speaking with Aurthur Sommers (a school buddy of mine and fellow historian) about the latest sketch I completed of Cape Horn. I had no idea how much misinformation and embellishments have been added to the Cape Horn saga. So I thought I should buy a real trusted author on the subject! ...
—James Geddes
James Geddes Art
30504 NE 271st Street
Yacolt, WA 98675
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