Mac McCullough & John Langlot 417 pages hardcover
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.