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by
Lawrence K. Hersh
108 comparative photographs of the first transcontinental
railroad
circa 1868 by Alfred A. Hart and 1997 by Lawrence
K. Hersh.
Left Photo Copyright © 1998 Lawrence K. Hersh;
Right Photo Courtesy Stanford
University Special Collections.
Hart Stereoview #349a. "Scene near Deeth, Mount Halleck in distance."
(variant), right; #97349, 1997, left.
Copyright © 1998-2000 by Lawrence K. Hersh
ISBN: 0-9677880-0-5
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 99-85908
Copyright © 1998 Lawrence K. Hersh
Photo number 97281, was taken in July of 1997, from just below the
"Cross" on the hill west of the downtown area, off of Fourth Street. This
is quite a comparative view, showing how fast the city has grown in the
last 128 years. Had the fence not been an obstacle, I would have shot this
photo a little higher up on the hillside. But, I then realized I could
not. The fence would have been visible in the photo. The river is now nestled
within the trees. [p. 13.]
Photo Courtesy Stanford
University Special Collections
Photo number 304, circa 1868, "Looking West from Red Bluffs, Lower
Canyon of Truckee River," is in my opinion one of Alfred Hart's most prized
photos. This view to the west from the rock tops is spectacular, encompassing
not only the railroad, but also the sweeping "S" curve of the river. The
view also includes the land protrusion into the river. Again Hart's photo
wagon is visible. [p. 46.]
Copyright © 1998 Lawrence K. Hersh
Photo number 97304, taken in July of 1997, somewhat of proximity to
number 304, is a view to the west. Today the same rock outcroppings as
in number 304 can be seen in the foreground. The railroad has been realigned
south of I-80 and old US-highway 40 that replaced the original railroad
grade, is gone. The only reminder of the original river course, now still
water, is supplied by a small amount of flow, under the Interstate and
track. [p. 47.]
Photo Courtesy Stanford
University Special Collections
Photo number 316, "End of Track, near Humboldt Lake," circa 1868, is
an excellent view to the southwest, showing a construction train stopped,
headed eastbound, with lots of tents in the foreground. These tents were
probably occupied by Chinese, who contribution to the construction of this
railroad made the Transcontinental Railroad a reality. The railroad grade
parallels the westside of Humboldt Lake. [p. 60.]
Copyright © 1998 Lawrence K. Hersh
Photo number 97316, taken in May of 1997, shows the general spot Alfred
A. Hart photographed in 1868, from atop the sandhill on the eastside of
the railroad grade. This is one of my favorite photo sites. I can spend
hours exploring this area, thinking only of going back in time, while standing
on top of the sandhill. It appears as if the freight trail can still be
seen in today's photo, as well as in number 316, foreground of photo.
[p. 61.]
The expression "A picture is worth a thousand words," still applies. I can recall the feelings that overwhelmed me when I found myself at the same if not the exact spot of Alfred A. Hart, liken to a euphoric state of mind, something that happens to a few during their lifetime. Thanks to a Higher Power, I am one of the fortunates. Hiking along the abandoned railroad grade, across Nevada, opened new opportunities; viewing artifacts in place, sometimes next to the grade or several feet away, gave me enough encouragement to venture to the next photo location. The memories of a thunderstorm, the smell of desert sage, horses and cattle on the range and the many friendly people along the way, still linger close to my heart. Perhaps this book will bring enjoyment to the many who cannot venture to these areas.
About the Author:
Lawrence "Larry" Hersh, has been in Southern California for the
past 54 years, growing up in the San Fernando Valley area, enjoying model
railroading ever since. His employment as a Communications Electrician
has been very rewarding allowing him to construct G, HO, and O gauge layouts.
As a member of Los Angeles Live Steamers, Larry and other club members, spent many years developing the signaling and electric switch system which still exists today at LALS, at the time of this printing.
Larry is a member of the following organizations: Nevada Historical Society, Reno, Nevada; Nevada State Museum, Carson City, Nevada; Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, Nevada; Northeastern Nevada Historical Society, Elko, Nevada; California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento, California; and last but not least, Los Angeles Live Steamers, Los Angeles, California.
I hope this book will bring enjoyment to your reading experience.
Lawrence K. Hersh, December 3, 1999