Plumas County Points of Interest

Butt Lake Dinky 24 September 2013
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Butt Lake Dinky
SR 36 and Chateau Way
Chester
Built 1887

The marker reads:

"Dinky"

The 'Dinky,' a narrow gauge locomotive, was discovered in 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 Dinkys 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.

Dedicated February 6, 6004 (1999) By
Las Plumas del Oro Chapter 8
Vigilante Outpost No. 1911 of the
Ancient & Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus

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