"On the Iron at Big Cloud" is a collection of short stories written by Frank L. Packard that offers a fascinating glimpse into life in a mountain division railroad town. The stories are set in the early days of western railroading, and each one introduces readers to a different character who plays a unique role in the community. The characters in these stories range from the railway workers who built and maintained the tracks to the families who lived in the town and relied on the railroad for their livelihoods. Through their experiences, readers get a sense of the challenges and hardships faced by those who lived and worked in these remote and rugged locations. Despite the difficulties, there is also a sense of camaraderie and community among the characters in the stories. Throughout the book, Packard's writing is evocative and engaging, transporting readers back in time to the early days of the railroad.
Canadian author Frank L. Packard lived from February 2, 1877, until February 17, 1942. Frank L. Packard attended the Universities of Liège and McGill after being born in Montreal, Quebec. He was a civil engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway when he was a young guy. His experiences as a railroad worker inspired him to write numerous train tales and later a series of mystery books, the most well-known of which included a character by the name of Jimmie Dale. He has some of his books adapted into movies. Frank Packard passed away in Lachine, Quebec, in 1942, and was laid to rest in Montreal's Mount Royal Cemetery. went to work as a civil engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway as a young man. His experiences working on the railroad inspired him to write a number of mystery books, the most well-known of which included a character by the name of "Jimmie Dale," who made his debut in the 1917 book The Adventures of Jimmie Dale. By day, he was a wealthy playboy, but at night, he put on a disguise and went by the name The Grey Seal. He breaks into homes and businesses to open safes.
