The following letters will provide how the trestle type or “Great Northern” coal dock came about on the Northern Pacific.

Mr. Thomas Cooper                                                                          On Road, May 22, 1903

Referring to your letter advising me that Mr. Darling is waiting for information from my department  relative to modifications which should be made to the Staples dock……..

Several times I have discussed with Master Mechanic Curry and others the failures which occur at the Staples dock. ……..

I would recommend for Staples that the entire machinery on this dock be removed and heavier machinery be applied, as it has not been strong enough from the fact that they are constantly breaking and I do not believe, that if the dock is modified so that the chain can be operated vertically in place of on the incline, that it will be strong enough, from the fact that failures are occurring on the vertical chain dock at Duluth and other points………

My study of the coal docks on the NP thus far indicates that the mechanical dock is not as satisfactory as the old style dock for the reason that coal placed in storage is necessarily handled twice, and each time the coal falls it is broken more or less…

While in Duluth tomorrow I will inspect the Great Northern dock which I understand is operating very successfully and giving the best of service.

A.E

Superintendent Motive Power.

Mr. F W Gilbert

General Superintendent, Building

Mr. W L  Darling

Chief Engineer, Building

May 30th, 1903

Dear Sir,

New standard coal docks have been authorized this year at the following points:

GN        Carlton       –  2 pocket -$5,052

Glenullen    -  2 pocket

GN          Glendive          -  6 pocket

GN        Whitehall     -  4 pocket

GN         Ellensburg   -  4”        “

Trout Creek –  4”        “

Lind             -  remodeling present plant

As you are aware, our present dock is by no means satisfactory. They are continually getting out of order, and are expensive to operate. I have concluded to try the Great Northern form of dock at the following points:

Carlton, Glendive, Whitehall, and Ellensburg.

At Glenullen and Trout Creek we will put up Northern Pacific Standard docks.

The General Superintendent will arrange to cancel as many of the orders as possible for material for the docks which it has been decided to construct of the Great Northern standard, and any materials it is too late to cancel can be taken into stock and used for repairs.

The Chief Engineer will arrange to get copies of their standard plans from the Great Northern, and will furnish copies of said plans and bills of material to the Division Superintendents, so that they can make their requisitions. In order that there may be no further delay, the promptest action possible is necessary all around.

Mr. Gilbert should advise the Assistant General Superintendents interested, in regard to the above arrangement.

Yours truly,

Thomas Cooper

General Manager

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