Construction began on the Green Mountain Railway in February of
1883. Crews began by clearing a 100-foot wide strip through the
forest, working twelve hour shifts per day and the rate of $0.125 per
hour, or $1.50 per day. in mid April, 15 of the 175 or so workers
went on strike, demanding a raise of $0.021 per hour, or $0.25 per
day. Their request was dismissed by Clergue, and construction of the
railway continued on without further incident.
