DRGW Book Review, Part 1

Book review of my latest Rio Grande related book acquisition.

The Moffat Tunnel of Colorado
An Epic of Empire



Copyrighted 1927
The Wahlgreen Publishing Company
Denver, Co.

Edgar Carlisle McMechen
Authorized by Resolution of the Moffat Tunnel Commission
In Two Volumes
Volume 1

In my case, A Limited issue, De Luxe Edition printed from Kenntonian type.
By The Wahlgreen Publishing Company of Denver, Colorado
Each copy numbered nd signed by the Author.
I have copy #11
With hand written note to authors brother Hansie, Dec 25, 1927



The book makes for a VERY interesting, and fascinating read! Gives much background about Colorado, before tunnel was built. The benefits to Colorado with tunnel being built. The financial dealings made, to get the tunnel actually built!
Contains many photos, showing construction INSIDE the tunnel. also many engravings of important people involved with the construction, financing etc...of the tunnel.

Table of Contents
Part One

The Barrier
Chapter 1

Epic character of the Moffat Tunnel -- An industrial Necessity -- The mountain barrier
Background of the Colorado builders -- Their heritage of Colonial ideals -- The railroad and discovery of Gold as stimulants of imagination -- Exploratory wagon roads -- Berthoud Pass and the Union Pacific -- Winter Conditions on the high passes -- Territorial growth hampered by uncertain stagecoach transport -- Pacific Railroad the sole hope of Colorado pioneers

Chapter 2

The Pike's Peak gold region in Eighteen Sixty -- Arrival of David H. Moffat -- His character and origin -- Impressions of pioneer Denver -- Moffat's marriage -- The industrial situation -- General Dodge's surveys -- Cheyenne route chosen by Union Pacific
Disappointment of mining towns -- Roger's plan to tunnel the divide -- Organization and construction of Denver Pacific -- Era or railroad development -- The Rio Grande and Palmer -- Moffat succeeds to the industrial throne in Colorado

Chapter 3

Condition of Colorado when Moffat assumed industrial leadership -- Agricultural development -- Moffat's fortune made in mines -- Generosity to friends -- Some early plans to tunnel the divide -- Burlington venture fails -- Moffat's faith unshaken
President of the Rio Grande -- Attempts to divert its course -- Broadgages system -- His constructive viewpoints - Cripple Creek interests -- Banking operations reveal vision
Panic of Ninety Three and Moffat's heroic attitude -- Growth of public utilities
Connection with tunnel

Part 2
The Railroad
Chapter 1

The divide a railroad graveyard -- Other investment opportunities -- Moffat's extensive holdings -- Electric line suggested -- Moffat decides upon a steam railroad -- Ridgway's selection -- Moffat's purpose revealed -- Rollings Pass chosen -- Harriman's opposition
Battle for Gore Canyon -- Hughes' notable service -- Roosevelt takes a hand Construction difficulties -- Tragic winter operation -- The Harriman-Moffat meeting
The black year at Yarmony -- Col. Dodge extends aid -- Steamboat reached -- Moffat financially ruined -- His death

Chapter 2

Crisis after Moffat's death -- Evens inspires associates -- Allen Bill first attempt to build tunnel with public funds -- The erb reorganization -- Denver votes bonds -- Declared unconstitutional -- Second recievership -- Operating difficulties -- War Board takes control -- State railroad commission created -- Spectacular Tri Tunnel campaign Defeated again -- Commission abolished -- Cessation of government control -- The darkest hour -- Effort to junk road -- Opposition develops -- Freeman learns to operate
"The Hill"

Part 3
The Tunnel
Chapter 1

Pueblo flood opens way for creation of Tunnel district -- Act passed in special session of
State legislature -- Commission appointed -- Notable legal victories gained in proceedings to test validity -- Bonds sold and contract awarded -- Objectives of Moffat Tunnel reviewed -- Territory served -- The Dotsero cut-off -- Distance and elevation reduced
Engineering details of the work -- Other great transportation tunnels of the world -- The water tunnel -- Denver's plans for its use

Chapter 2 Construction of the portal camps -- Consideration given the human equation attracts high type of labor -- Alternate system of working headings developed in twin bore -- World's records broken -- Methods of tunneling -- Soft ground at West Portal increases cost -- Second bond issue -- Most serious crisis in tunnel history -- Opposition
develops to election of commissioners -- First water flow encountered -- Contract signed
by Moffat Road -- Thrid bond issue -- The battle with an underground river

Chapter 3

Bad ground at West Portal -- appaling geologic conditions -- Timbers rotate and splinter
Standard methods fail -- Steel wall plates and double timbering -- George Lewis becomes General Manager -- Invents Lewis girder, salvation of the tunnel -- Other time-saving expedients -- The call-shift -- Strategy makes it successful -- Experienced miners unobtainable -- The big cave-in -- A dramatic fight against disaster -- Heroism of the workers -- Water tunnel nears contact -- West Portal crew holes thru -- "Who in the H--L built this tunnel?" -- The mountain protests -- President Coolidge touches key
Colorado and Utah shake hands in tunnel

Chapter 4

The shear zone at cross-cut nine west -- Pronounced the worst ground ever encountered -- Steel linind adopted -- Swelling ground -- Headings increased and Four girders installed -- Railroad tunnel holed thru -- The fourth bond issue -- Total bond reciepts exceed fifteen and one half millions -- Unparalleled extent of soft ground
Commission displays public spirit -- Contract term expires -- Ventilation plant decided upon

Chapter 5

Ideal of an independent trans continental gateway maintained -- Voting pool formed to prevent sale of Moffat Road to antagonistic interests -- Reorganization committee, with Gerald Hughes at the helm, begins rehabilitation program -- Secures apathetic consent of trustees -- Old investors come to rescue with two and one half millions in new capital
Reoganization becomes effective in 1925 -- Details of plan -- Provision for Dotsero Cut-off or extension from Craig westward -- Sale of the Moffat Road and organization of the new company -- Recievership terminated -- Conclusion

List of Illustrations
Steel engravings
Half tone engravings
Maps and Diagrams

 

I'd tend to agree. Again, fascinating reading!
And, yes, quite costly! I'm betting that many folks would think I'm
crazy for the price I paid for my set of books! Bet $350 during last CRRM mail auction, for same set of books. And lost!

But, I'm also curious, as to how many De Luxe versions were printed??
And how, or where I'd go to try and find out.

 

Thank you for sharing with us Keith & either way,they are yours to enjoy! So enjoy em ;-)
Envious,is all I can think of lol....
Maybe try a pm to Karens books regarding the rarity of these gems?

 

Did discover another signed copy, at the Denver Public Library!
Copy #389. So, I know that many books were signed. Maybe more.

 

Have the origiinal 1962 copy of said book also!
Still think the latest set is highlight of collection!
Gotta finish reading volume two now. Which, where I am currently, deals with the folks behind the tunnel. Listing a brief bio of each individual.
Still interesting reading, but not quite as much as Vol 1.