CPRR Discussion Group

Stereo Views and Other Photography Resources Online

2009-07-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

From: sarah@teachersguild.org

... noticed that on your home page you are linking to stereoviews.info. I've also been using this other page about Stereo Views ... it's a good additional resource:
Stereo Views and Other Photography Resources Online
... it has tons of links to Stereo View collections, plus other photography collections like Lantern Slides, early photography, camera time lines and more. I even added it to my lesson plans; the kids loved it. Let me know if you decide to incorporate it!

—Sarah

Bloomers Cut - Auburn, CA

2009-07-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

From: "Mike Emmert" mike@mectc.com

I would like to make contact ... regarding the current historical designation status of Bloomers Cut ... and share with you that a development proposal on the west side of Bloomers Cut currently being processed by the City of Auburn requires that a bridge be built over the top of Bloomers Cut and has the potential of doing damage to this wonderful piece of history.

—Mike Emmert

CPRR Discussion Group

2009-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

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CPRR Museum Category Tags:
Transcontinental Railroad
Central Pacific Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad
Railroads, Trains, Locomotives
History of the American West, Chinese railroad workers
Photography, Photographs, Stereoviews, Stereographs
Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum
Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum

Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum.
Copyright © 2009, CPRR.org

Travel 1898 NY to Mexico City

2009-06-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

From: "Bradley Hodge" bradleysbk@yahoo.com

I have a reference to a trip made from England to New York City on the S.S. Etruria, Cunard Line and then from New York City to Mexico City by train.

Was this possible in 1898 and how was it accomplished? Do you know of any travel books or map routes which could verify such a trip?

—Bradley Hodge, Huntsville, Texas

Naming Pullman cars

2009-06-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

From: "Bill Weatherford" billianne@charter.net

I'm doing research on a play and wanted to know how and why Pullman cars were named and by whom.

Many thanks for your service,

—Bill Weatherford

"Secret Hotels of California Wine Country"

2009-06-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

"Secret Hotels of California Wine Country" by Jaime Gross, © Budget Travel, April, 2007. (Article)

" ... Old Crocker Inn: In the late 1800s, Charles Crocker, one of the founders of the Central Pacific Railroad, purchased nearly 600 acres above the Russian River and built a ranch and summer home there for entertaining his powerful friends and business partners. The ranch has been subdivided and parts have been sold over the years – much of it is now a residential development and a KOA campground – but five of those acres still bear Crocker's name, in the form of the Old Crocker Inn. ... " [More]

[Courtesy Google Alerts.]

Surviving early rail car

2009-06-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

"At the Throttle: Combine car 06 reveals its secrets" by Mark S. Bassett, © The Ely Times, January 26, 2007. (News Article)

" ... Under all of that paint was solid mahogany wood. It was beautiful and as smooth as a baby's bottom! And the discovery scared me; according to the records we had, the car was built in the late 1880's ... " [More]

[Courtesy Google Alerts.]

"Train needs makeover before next Hollywood close-up" - The Sierra Railway No. 3 motion picture locomotive

2009-06-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

"Train needs makeover before next Hollywood close-up" by DIXIE REID, © NEWSPAPER, January 25, 2007. (News Article)

" ... at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, the far-flung Tuolumne County outpost of Sacramento's California State Railroad Museum. ... In better times, Sierra Railway No. 3 was a star. Her first onscreen appearance was in a 1919 silent-movie serial called The Red Glove. Her first feature-film role was alongside Gary Cooper in The Virginian (1929), the first 'talkie' shot on location. In the 1950s and '60s, the locomotive appeared in a slew of Westerns, from the classic High Noon (again starring Cooper) to TV's Bonanza and Death Valley Days. Also among her 72 movie and TV credits are Gunsmoke, Petticoat Junction, Bound for Glory and Back to the Future III. ... She needs major work ..." [More]

[Courtesy Google Alerts.]

"Weather brings drama to Donner Pass"

2009-06-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

"Weather brings drama to Donner Pass" by Mark McLaughlin, © Sierra Sun, November 7, 2006. (News Article)

" ... In January 1890, a relentless barrage of blizzards and a derailed train shut down the railroad for 15 days. Central Pacific used every weapon in its arsenal to clear the line: a rotary snowplow, an armada of wedge plows, hundreds of railroad personnel, and nearly 5,000 civilian snow shovelers who were hired to augment CP crews. Despite their best efforts, the winter’s 66 feet of snow (fourth snowiest on record), overwhelmed their efforts and passenger trains were snowbound throughout the high country. ... " [More]

[Courtesy Google Alerts.]

California Iron/Wooden Artifact and Info on Stone Ovens

2009-06-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

From: "GATES, William R, VBABOIS" william.gates1@va.gov

Request for information/assistance on Wooden Artifact from Union Pacific Railroad Line, located near Las Vegas Nevada. I saw some information on one of the related links to your Iron Site information. I read some information in reference to "Fence Line Wooden Line Posts (RR Boundary, or Survey markers)".

I have a wooden post which is square approximately 1 1/2 inches on all sides, approximately 14 to 18 inches long, with the word "UNION" all in caps on one side, the letters have been scoured deep into the wood, the other half "PACIFIC" is missing assuming that Pacific was there?? There are small holes in the top and bottom which secures a wire. I was intrigued by the notion or possibility that these may be original Redwood items from the turn of the century i.e. survey markers, or some sort of boundry marker. I did find it along a old UP Railroad siding. Have you or anybody else ever seen something like this?? I can try to get you a few pictures, it is quite interesting.

I am also quite interested in early railroad history, I have walked miles of UP right of way in southern Nevada, found some of the old construction camps and the like.

Also as a matter of interest to you and other members of the CPRR.ORG group, on the subject of the Stone Ovens previously thought to be a RR Worker's Hut. I got a copy of Patricia Weggers document about this subject. I have found 3 to 4 locations in Nevada, near Las Vegas, all pretty much, intact. I can try to get you a photo of the best one I found, for you or any interested readers. Hope to talk with you soon, tell me what you think about the "Union" embossed wooden stake??

—William R. Gates, Nampa, Idaho

SP Commute Car Gates

2009-06-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

From: kylewyatt@aol.com

Attached is the patent for the wire gates used on the CP/SP commute cars in the East Bay. Thought it might interest you. It was initially used on the wooden open platform steam-pulled cars, and later adapted to the electrics.

—Kyle

Car, Commuter, Safety Gate - Brown 1889 403,176 - Sacramento

SF Newsletter Golden Spike to Dodge

2009-06-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

From: kylewyatt@aol.com

Attached is an article from the Sacramento Bee in May 1869. It may be from the 10th, or perhaps a day or two after. (I received the photocopy from a source who copied Bee articles from May 5, 8, 10, 11, and 12 - but unfortunately didn't mark this particular one.) This is the first contemporary article I know of that claims that dodge received the 2nd (SF Newsletter) golden spike, and not Durant as I had supposed (but also had no evidence of).

I'm also looking for more complete copy of the May 10 Bee article about the festivities in Sacramento and the speech of Charles Crocker. Attached is what I have. I attach a May 8 article describing the celebration and parade, including loco Gov Stanford in front of the depot. Finally, a May 5 article describing the plans for the parade (unfortunately with the middle section missing).

—Kyle Wyatt

Sac Bee May 10, 1869 perhaps - Promontory Ceremonies concluded, Dodge gets golden spike
Sac Bee May 10, 1869 - Sacramento Celebration May 8
Sac Bee May 8, 1869 - Sacramento Pacific RR Celebration - loco Gov Stanford
Sac Bee May 5, 1869 - Sacramento Celebration Program - partial

Eagle Scout Project - restoration of a Railway Express Baggage Cart

2009-06-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

From: "Suchernick Michael" HMSPhasmid@optonline.net

I am a Boy Scout in Troop 156, Howell NJ. I am working on my Eagle Scout Project which is the restoration of a Railway Express Baggage Cart. The cart that I am restoring belongs to the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, Pine Creek Railroad. All that is left of the cart presently are rusted rusted wheel assemblies and side straps – no wood exists at all. Can you help me in locating blueprints for REA Baggage carts and possibly proper paint information? ...

—Michael Suchernick, Life Scout, Troop 156, Howell, NJ

"JOLIET 1886 V" rail

2009-06-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

From: "Systems By Moltec" systemsbymoltec@qwestoffice.net

Granddad had a piece of rail that was marked "JOLIET 1886 V". What is its history?

Verdi, Nevada in 1870

2009-06-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

From: "Greg Smith" perfectcomics@gmail.com

I'm working on a paper regarding the train robbery of 1870 outside of Verdi, Nevada. I was wondering if you might have or could direct me to information regarding the town of Verdi in 1870. Specifically, I'm looking for information regarding vital statistics i.e. population figures, life expectancy, etc.

Also if you are familiar with the politics of the town and the gossip within the city. What I'm also trying to write about is what life was really like for the inhabitants. ...

—Greg Smith

Stereo viewer

2009-06-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

From: "Ulrich Rathgeber" Ulrich@cosmic-love.de

I have some original "Ilford Special Lantern Plates" in b&w and bromide, I think they are made around 1900. The sizes are 8,5 x 17 cm and 4,3 x 10,6 cm, most of the pictures on the glasses are stereoscope. I would like to know more about them, but find it hard to get some information. What kind of viewer do I need to see them in 3 D? What wold be an adequate price if I would sell them somewhere, for example to a museum or a collector?

—Ulrich Rathgeber

What machines were used to build the first transcontinental railroad?

2009-06-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

What machines were used to build the first transcontinental railroad?

Southern Pacific Caboose #1353

2009-06-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

From: Chantel.Paul@rabobank.com

... I have been very busy working on a web site at www.sp1353.com for Nathan about our caboose. I've finished the web site and would love for you to see it! ...

—Chantel Paul

CPRR Discussion Group

2009-06-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

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My aunt, Lora Hawkins, at Southern Pacific Railroad

2009-05-29T03:21:00.000-07:00

From: "Deborah Cariker" mrs_hosetoter@yahoo.com

My godmother and great-great aunt, Lora Hawkins, was, according to family lore, the first woman to ever work for Southern Pacific Railroad. Jilted by her fiance, she never married and chose a career. She was reportedly an assistant ticket clerk and stenographer at the Lake Charles, Louisiana, depot, and I have the name plate that was on her desk.

Can you please help me uncover any information about her employment at SP? Was she really such a ground breaker? I knew her when she was much older, in her 80s and 90s, and she was still feisty! ...

—Mrs. Deborah Cariker, Montgomery, Texas

Aunt Lora Hawkins at SPRR office

Older Aunt Lora Hawkins at office

Antique Stereoscopic Photographs for sale

2009-05-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

From: info@GeneQuintana.com

For Sale

Antique Stereoscopic Photographs

Available in many different categories including: California, Nevada, Utah, The Central Pacific Railroad, Lake Tahoe Area, Alfred Hart, American Indians and Mining.

Please visit GeneQuintanaFineArt.com to view our extensive collection of hundreds of Antique Stereo Views of the Great American West.

Also Featuring other Antique Photographs and Collectibles.

Chinese "Six Companies"

2009-05-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

From: "Mary Banchero" mbb@bancherolaw.com

How did the people get the workers for the transcontinental railroad? Did people just come and get paid? Or was it more complicated? ...

—Lena Banchero

Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum [electronic resource]

2009-05-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

The CPRR Museum is listed as an electronic resource as OCLC #67152131.

"Summary: Contains photographs, stereoviews, engravings, maps, and documents illustrating the history of the transcontinental railroad. Discusses the 1860s construction of the railroads, the financial backers, and workers involved in this project that reduced coast-to-coast travel from over one hundred days to six. Also contains information on the joining of the rails between the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroad in May 10, 1869. The virtual museum was established by the family of railroad pioneer Lewis Metzler Clement and launched in February 1999."

Guide to the Clement Family Documents Relating to San Francisco Cable Cars

2009-05-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

Guide to the Clement Family Documents Relating to San Francisco Cable Cars

"Abstract: Contains original and blueprint engineering drawings of cable car lines, electric railways, railroads, and other related drawings. Cable car drawings include drawings of the complete workings for 7 cable car lines for Market Street Cable Railway Co. Railroad drawings include drawings of bridges and profiles of sections of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad. The collection also includes Lewis Metzler Clement's reference materials and some of R.M. Clement's personal papers."

Diary of Stephen Allen Curry, 1864-1865

2009-05-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

From: calhist.org

I'm guessing the guide to this collection was posted on our California Historical Society website in connection with a previous exhibit. At this point, all of our finding aids are accessible only through the Online Archive of California and although the Curry diary is not among those listed, below is the text from the catalog record description for this item.

I hope this helps with your research.

—California Historical Society

California Historical Society
CHS MS 764
Author: Curry, Stephen Allen, 1834-1865.

Title: Stephen Allen Curry diary : photocopy of handwritten transcription, 1864 Nov.-1865 June 16.

Description: 1 folder (0.1 linear ft.)

Note: Consists of 38 pages from Curry's diary, prepared by his great-nephew Dr. James Hart Curry Martens. The diary details his ocean voyage from New York to San Francisco via Panama on the Ocean Queen. Also outlines his experience working on the Central Pacific Railroad in northern Calif., in the foothills of the Sierra. Places mentioned include Placerville, Robber's Ravine (now called Darrington), Dutch Flat, and Canyon Creek. Curry left Calif. on the ship Moses Taylor, June 15, 1865. Includes copies of pages from the genealogical study entitled The Currey [sic] Family in the Hudson Highlands: Descendants of Richard Currey of Peekskill Hollow, New York, by Philip Field Horne, 1970.

Note: Curry was the eighth of thirteen children of the Rev. Benjamin Ward Currey and Susan Hart Currey[sic]. He died three months after he left California.

Note: Descriptive guide available in library.

Language: English

Subject:
Currey family. Ocean Queen (Steamship).
Central Pacific Railroad Company.
Voyages to the Pacific coast.
Railroad workers -- California.
Diaries.
El Dorado County (Calif.) -- Description and travel.
Placer County (Caif.) -- Description and travel. Added Entry: Martens, James Hart Curry, 1901- Format: Archive/Manuscript