Clearwater Telegraph
April 23rd, 1921
Special Trip on the Clearwater Valley Railway Co.
By Frederic “Flash” Williams
To celebrate the completion of the “loop” the management of the Clearwater Valley Railway Co. planned a special run to commemorate the completion of the loop. Railway officials, town leaders, politicians and their families were invited on a special tour of the line.
Dignitaries started arriving at the Mara station around 8:00 AM and watched as the power was hooked up to the train. The engine for the trip was engine #12, the same engine that made the first run from Mara to Clearwater last year. After everyone had time to board the train the trip started at 9:00 AM.
Leaving Mara the train went behind Lacroix Hardware and into the only tunnel on the line, Tunnel No. 1. Leaving Tunnel No. 1 we reached the connection with the Okanagan Lumber Company and then crossed Adams Lake. The train arrived in Clearwater at 10:30AM and made a half hour stop so the passengers could get out and stretch their legs if they wanted to.
Leaving Clearwater the next point of interest is “Big Tank” siding, named after the large round formation that looks like a huge tank. At 11:00 AM we reached the junction where the line continues on to Mosquito Flats (and then on to Lac La Hache) or the train can take the “loop” back to Mara. When asked railway officials stated that construction of the line into Mosquito flats at slated to start next summer.
The Loop boasts the biggest and highest bridge on the line at 148 ft long and 196 ft off the canyon floor. This reporter noticed that several people could not look out the window while others were awed by the view.
The trip was enjoyed by all and when the train returned to the Station in Mara at 1:45 PM a large contingent continued with the celebration at the local watering hole.
Here is a photographic essay of this historic event.
Engine #12 backing into to Mara Station to hook onto the train at the station.
With the power attached and ready to leave, you can see the newly acquired power in Mara yard.
Leaving Mara the train passes behind Lacroix Hardware.
Leaving Tunnel No. 1 the train comes to the junction with the Okanagan Lumber Company.
Adams Lake, the Okanagan Lumber Company is planning to build a log dump there.
Entering the town of Clearwater.
Leaving Clearwater
Big Tank Siding
The junction where the "loop" leaves the mainline.
Train No. 12 on the "Deep Gorge" bridge, the longest and highest bridge on the line.
Back at Mara.