Description
The first study of this important Pacific Northwest branch line, The Rusty Dusty charts the historical development of the Great Northern Railway in Washington State, and places particular emphasis on the Wenatchee–Oroville (W–O) route, the last significant artery the company constructed in the state. The line brought modern mechanized transportation to eastern Chelan and Okanogan Counties, and served the area’s agricultural industry. In its best years, the W–O shipped about ten thousand carloads of fruit—predominantly apples, but also some pears—to markets nationwide. In addition, the volume discusses the other important infrastructure piece—irrigation—and its significant role in the region’s successful fruit culture, as well railroad mogul James J. Hill’s support of early Wenatchee area irrigation projects. Finally, it offers new information about competition with Canadian lines serving the same region.
Mac McCulloch received his MBA from the University of California Berkley in 1983. His career in the railroad industry spans four decades. He grew up in Wenatchee and worked as a clerk for the W–O in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
John Langlot worked for the Great Northern, and BNSF at Spokane for 45 years and his hands-on experience informs these accounts of the W–O line.
Yakt Publishing, Inc.
Illustrations / maps / notes / bibliography / index / 417 pages (2016)
