Pictured is the original steam donkey at the pocket site of the Estelle Mines about 1905-1907. It was a large stream engine used to move loads on a narrow gauge mini railroad track along the creek up to a connection with the regular railroad. The boiler cover has become detached and is in the creek bed. (Contributed photo/Lem Arnold)
In the attached photo, Mr. Doug Carson, explains the layout and operation of the Estelle Mine in the Pocket Area. (Contributed photo/Lem Arnold)
Doug Carson, center, explains how the steam donkey moved loads of iron ore from the mining entrance shown to the regular railroad on the other side of the creek at the pocket. (Contributed photo/Lem Arnold)
At the meeting
No reading of minutes. Treasurer's report by Frances Cobb showed a net income of $0.59. Ten persons present.
Elected officers for 2010 are as follows for 2010: president David Boyle, vice-president/program chair Connie Forester, recording zecretary Jennie Chandler, corresponding secretary Betty Johnson, treasurer Frances Cobb, members at large Jane Strickland and Doug Carson and newsletter editor Joan Trundle. Vacant offices are historian and vice-president/PR and membership.
The group departed by car for a special meeting on a part of the Estelle mine tract on the west side of Pigeon Mountain.
Doug Carson and helpers gave an orientation to how the iron mines functioned in the Pocket Area, which is where the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail is located. There were huge trees standing in 1905 which provided the saw mill with the raw materials for the railroad ties and various loading platforms and some buildings in the pocket and also in the town of Estelle. The railroad came across the pass and ended in the cove not far from several mines which Carson showed the group. The steam donkey device was used for hauling heavy loads along the creek from the mine openings to the railroad head. It is still there in two pieces, including the boiler liner which has washed farther down the creek. Carson showed the group the noisy, bustling life of the mining operations and the supporting activities.
Lem Arnold showed a Youtube video on his laptop of a restored steam donkey in operation.
The next meeting will be held Sunday, Jan. 23 at 2:30 p.m. at LaFayette-Walker County Public Library. It will be a planning meeting.
Submitted by president David Boyle.
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