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1905 Steam Hauler with load of logging sleighs. Courtesy of the Connor Family.
"Rosie the
Steamhauler"
A new invention, the steamhauler,
replaced the need to use horses to trans-
port the logs to the mill or railroad spur. It
was capable of hauling train loads of log
sleighs. It was similair in idea to today's
tractor. It had a boiler, an engine cab and
crawler treads. Steering was done by a
man sitting in front. He was completely
unsheltered from icy winds or sleet.
"Near Stratford around 1910, the R.
Connor Company tried converting a
steam hauler to summer work by replac-
ing treads with wheels and sleighs by
wheeled lumber wagons. "Rosie the
Steamhauler" was a famous sight until
May 19, 1911 when it crashed through a
weakened Noisy Creek bridge during a
giant hailstorm. "Rosie" and the crew of
Andrew Schiller, engineer, and William
J. McLaughlin, fireman, were destroyed
in an explosion of scalding steam - ending
that steam hauler era locally." (From: A
Century with Connor Timber)
"Rosie" Courtesy of the Connor Family
"Rosie" accident on bridge over Noisey Creek.
Courtesy of Dorothy Schriener.