Book tracks history of the Stump Dodger

Mullett did most of the writing, while Merritt worked with photographs, arrangements and proofreading his co-author’s work.

“Alfred’s English, so I have to translate from Oxford to Webster,” Merritt said.

But don’t worry — the authors will bring copies along to their booksignings planned this weekend at the SVRR depot in Sumpter, and at the Baker County Library during Miners Jubilee.

“I bought the last 400 books,” Merritt said.

The 127-page book is heavy on the photographs, and recounts the railroad’s history from 1889 up to the present restoration.

“We’ve always been Sumpter Valley fans,” Merritt said. “The stories are amazing.”

Both authors live in the Portland area. Mullett works in IT at Oregon Health and Science University and is a freelance writer, and Merritt manages the model trail department at Tammie’s Hobbies.

“I like trains,” he said.

While researching the book, the two pored over the photographic archives at the Baker library — and they found so much material that a second book about the railroad’s spur lines is already in the works.

“Now that we’ve written the book, people are bringing us photos they found in their attics,” Merritt said.

The authors will give presentations at 7 p.m. this Friday and Saturday at the Sumpter depot, and be at the depot all of Saturday and most of Sunday.

They will return for Miners Jubilee, July 17-19, and hold book signings at the Baker library.

Merritt said he hopes the book spurs more interest in the restored railroad.

“Our goal is to get people to come ride the railroad, and support the railroad,” he said.

The book’s price is $21.99, and each comes with one free boarding pass on the Sumpter Valley Railroad.