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ArlyA
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Railroad enthusiast Don Geske Sr. took this photo of Marquette & Huron Mountain Railroad 2-8-0 #23 at or near the Presque Isle facilities on the north side of Marquette in the summer of 1975. By 1962 the days of steam railroading were virtually over, so on December 1 of 1962, John A. Zerbal purchased 12 of the then-unused 2-8-0 steam locomotives from the ore-hauling Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad that he had recently retired from to create the Marquette & Huron Mountain tourist railroad, with steam-powered passenger trains running the 25 miles between Presque Isle (Marquette) and the scenic town of Big Bay on the Lake Superior shoreline.
The M&HM Railroad saw moderate success for two decades in spite of falling short of expectations, but when owner John Zerbal passed away in April of 1984, operations ceased before the 1984 season had even begun as his family had no interest in operating a tourist railroad. All 12 locomotives were sold or auctioned off, and surprisingly, 11 of the 12 still exist and are operating, on display, or in some stage of restoration. The 12th one, the number 32, was purchased by the Air Force at the 1984 auction for "target practice" and has never resurfaced, so it's highly unlikely it survived.
The number 23, seen here, is now in Kingston, New York. Attempts to restore her to operating condition had begun 20 years ago, but lack of volunteers and funds have drastically slowed the progress. But at least she and 10 of her sisters are still with us.
1975 Don Geske Sr. Photo
The M&HM Railroad saw moderate success for two decades in spite of falling short of expectations, but when owner John Zerbal passed away in April of 1984, operations ceased before the 1984 season had even begun as his family had no interest in operating a tourist railroad. All 12 locomotives were sold or auctioned off, and surprisingly, 11 of the 12 still exist and are operating, on display, or in some stage of restoration. The 12th one, the number 32, was purchased by the Air Force at the 1984 auction for "target practice" and has never resurfaced, so it's highly unlikely it survived.
The number 23, seen here, is now in Kingston, New York. Attempts to restore her to operating condition had begun 20 years ago, but lack of volunteers and funds have drastically slowed the progress. But at least she and 10 of her sisters are still with us.
1975 Don Geske Sr. Photo
