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Stratford centennial
(1891-1991)
Stratford beginning, pp. 21-36
Page 36
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.
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