Source: The Mining Journal
Marquette, Mi.
December 11, 1886
Tp Begin Work Immediately
Sunday evening Col. W. M. Rexford, of Rexford Bros. & Hodge, the contractors for the Sault branch of The DSS&A was interviewed at the Clifton house by a reporter for the Mining Journal, in reference to the beginning of work on his contract. Col. Rexford stated that he intended to establish his headquarters at Newberry at once and that as soon as suitable camps can be built at the proposed junction, east of Newberry, the work of cutting out the right of way will com- mence. As many men will be employed as can be obtained for the work will be crowded from the start. The line is to be completed by the first of July 1887.
Besides requiring a large force to work on the road bed, the contractors have an immense number of ties to be gotten out this winter and are prepared to make contracts for them at once. All parties desiring work, contracts for construction on sections of the line, or for getting out ties and timber should apply to Col. Rexford as New- berry. He has already let one contract on the line to W. E. Tenoh, who will build the section of fifteen miles west of Sault Ste. Marie.
The first regular construction work will be done on this end of the line, as there is about fifteen miles of swamp work there which can be done much easier now than in summer. Col. Rexford has just finished work on a line near Kansas City and his tools will be brought from there via St. Ignace. A number of his old employee will also come up to work on this road but the great majority of laborers of all grades will be secured here if possible. The contractors do not fear too grant a supply of labor, but will work all the desirable men they can get and applications cannot be made too soon, either for work on the line or for the tie and timber contracts.
