The First Train Into Newport Changed Everything

Monday, November 25th, was a notable date in the history of Newport. On that day the Idaho Washington Northern Railroad ran its first passenger train into this city and also inaugurated daily freight service in and out of this station. The first train arrived promptly on time at 9:20 a.m., bringing a number of passengers and also R. F. Blackwell, vice-president and general manager of the road, with a number of guests. Among the latter were Waldo I. Paine, general passenger agent of the Inland Empire electric system; J. H. Lothrop, general freight agent of the Inland Empire; Arthur D. Jones, a prominent real estate man of Spokane; and Dr. G. T. Doolittle, of Spokane, who will be chief surgeon for the I. W. N. The train was met at the depot by a large number of Newport citizens and a delegation from the Commercial Club, which was on hand to welcome Mr. Blackwell and his guests. The visitors were taken about the city and shown the numerous points of interest and industry. An informal luncheon was tendered the party by the Commercial Club at the Antler Hotel, at which an opportunity was afforded for getting acquainted with the business men of Newport. The party left for Spirit Lake on the regular 11 o'clock freight, which also made its first trip out of Newport that day.

There are six stations on the main line of the new railroad between Newport and Grand Junction, the distances from Newport being as follows: Penrith, 4 miles; Tweedie, 8.94 miles; Blanchard, 14.61 miles; Coleman, 18.45 miles; Spirit Lake, 22.16 miles; Fish Lake, 33.14 miles; Rathdrum, 36.27 miles; Grand Junction on the Spokane International Railway, 42.99 miles. Grand Junction is 20 miles from Spokane.

The new daily freight service to and from Spokane is one that could scarcely be improved and is equal to an express service. All shipments for points along the line delivered at the Spokane International's freight depot by 5 o'clock p.m. will leave Spokane at 11 p.m., and local freight will arrive at Newport at 8:45 a.m. A freight train leaves Newport at 11 a.m., which gives as prompt service out of here. Our merchants and shippers are quickly realizing the possibilities of quick service thus afforded, and the new road is assured of a large business out of here.

Mr. Blackwell and his associates have built this road without asking a particle of aid from any of the towns along the road. They have been liberal in their treatment of property owners along its route and have made prompt settlements with all whenever possible. The coming of the new road is the greatest thing that has happened in the history of this city, and in affording a competing line of transportation insures our city better service and an opportunity to grow. The building of the down river line will greatly aid the building up of that vast territory and will without question greatly increase the business importance and wealth of our city.

Notwithstanding the many difficulties which have attended the building of the Idaho Washington Northern into our city, the new railroad seems to have none but the best of feelings for Newport, and all its advertising matter does full justice to its business interests, and evidences a desire to build up and make Newport one of the coming cities of the northwest. The town should rally to the support of the new road and cooperate with it in the work of developing this section.

The new road is bringing its passenger and freight trains in on time to the minute. It is picking up a nice passenger business and freight traffic is also coming their way. The company has orders in for six coaches, and it is said that they will be the finest coaches ever turned out of the Pullman shops, electric lighted, steam heated and luxurious throughout. All the engines are equipped with electric headlights and are powerful ten-wheelers of the Baldwin make, the passenger engines being particularly adapted for speed, and it is expected that its passenger trains will soon equal the Great Northern's time into Spokane. The fare to Spokane is the same as over the Great Northern, although the latter has a shorter route.