H. K. Porter Inc., in Pittsburgh, PA, built Ten Wheeler (4-6-0) type #5 in 1913. It was bought by Cummer Sons Cypress Co., in Lacoochee, FL, and, at a later date, was renumbered #3. A coal burner, the engine weighs 61,000 lbs, 48,000 lbs on its 40” drivers. It has Stephenson valve gear, 13” x 18” cylinders and, operating at a boiler pressure of 160 psi, delivered 10,340 lbs tractive effort.
A plentiful supply of virgin cypress and pine trees in the Green Swamp area led to creation of the Cummer Sons Cypress Company in 1922 in the town of Lacoochee, FL. A railroad was built through the middle of the swamp to transport the timber to the mill in Lacoochee. The company employed over one thousand working at the mill or in the logging woods. It built houses for its employees rented at 50c a room per week including water and garbage collection. Electricity cost 5c a room per week.
The company ceased operations in 1959 and #3 was donated to the Pasco County Fair Association in 1961. It is on display at the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City, FL. The museum is open year round Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-5.00 except public holidays.
