Chester in Plumas County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

"Dinky"

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

1. "Dinky" Marker

Inscription. The “Dinky,” a narrow gauge locomotive, was discovered n May 1996 after 82 years at the bottom of Butt Lake. It was used during the 1910-1914 construction of the Almanor and Butt Lake Dams. An H.K. Porter engine, it is thought to be the ‘Eureka’ originally built for the Nevada Mill Company in 1887. The Dinky’s were stout little earthmovers and haulers at the turn of the century but when work on the dams was completed, this one was left to its watery grave. When Butt Lake was partially drained in 1996 for repairs to the dam, the Dinky was found in the silt and was meticulously restored.

Erected 1999 by E Clampus Vitus, Las Plumas del Oro Chapter No. 8, Vigilante Outpost No. 1911.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1996.

Location. 40° 18.035′ N, 121° 14.204′ W. Marker is in Chester, California, in Plumas County. Marker can be reached from Main Street (California Route 36). This marker is located on the grounds of the Collins Pine Museum, opposite the intersection of Farrar Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 526 Main Street, Chester CA 96020, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dave Stratford 1945 – 2001 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chester Veterans Memorial Plaza (approx. 0.7 miles away); In Memory of the Lumberjack (approx. 0.8 miles away); Chester Library (approx. 0.8 miles away); Olde Towne Corner Store (approx. 0.9 miles away); Char's Beauty Salon (approx. 0.9 miles away); Mt. Lassen Club (approx. 0.9 miles away); Rainbow Lodge (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chester.

Also see . . . The Porter Locomotec - Catskill Archives. The H. K. Porter Co. was the leading exclusive builder of light locomotives in the U. S. Until its surviving construction records became available not many months ago, little was actually known of the Porter output, although observers could safely guess that the greater number of Porters were industrial-type 0-4-0 tank engines. (Submitted on June 24, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

2. "Dinky" Marker

Dinky Locomotive image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

3. Dinky Locomotive

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

4. Dinky Locomotive

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

5. Dinky Locomotive

Panel on the Recovery and Restoration of the Dinky Locomotive image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

6. Panel on the Recovery and Restoration of the Dinky Locomotive

Click image to enlarge

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2012

7. Panel on the Recovery and Restoration of the Dinky Locomotive

Click on image to enlarge.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,141 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 24, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.