the Dispatcher Historical Heralds Painted The Shawnee Rock Island Shops Part 2 by Dean Schirf continued from July Volume 48 Issue 7, August 2013

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1 the Dispatcher Volume 48 Issue 7, August 2013 Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society Oklahoma Railway Museum Ltd, NARCOA Affiliate Member The Shawnee Rock Island Shops Part 2 by Dean Schirf continued from July The August, 1924 Rock Island Employees Magazine stated that there were 985 employees at the Shawnee shops and the number of people directly dependent on wages paid by the railroad numbered The annual payroll stood at $1, Also during this period of time a major oil field was discovered in Seminole, Ok., that placed the state of Oklahoma at the national forefront in petroleum production. The Rock Island benefitted in a major financial way as a result of the Seminole Oil Field discovery. By March, 1927 RI handled a maximum of 4,076 cars of oil in one month and 13,000 inbound cars in four months. Due to the increased business it was necessary to construct 12 new tracks in the Shawnee yard bringing the total number of tracks to 22. The main line leading from the passenger depot to the west end of the yard was also doubled tracked. It was said at the time that the Seminole Oil Field was generating more revenue than the Chicago operations. The field was so prolific that it impacted the national price of oil driving the price as low as 17 cents a barrel. Historical Heralds Painted by Gary Githens photos by Gary Githens Rock s May 1, 1929 General Roster of Structures and Equipment listed the Shawnee Roundhouse at 16 stalls. Nine measured 92 and 7 measure 102. The length of the steel turntable was only one of five on the entire system. Its coach shop had a car capacity for twelve cars and the paint shop track could accommodate two cars. continued on page 4 The Heralds dating back to 1931 were removed in September of Saving them was an effort by the Oklahoma Historical Society, Retro Metro Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. They were recently painted in their original colors by ORM member Kenneth Kozak. Thanks Ken.

2 Page 2 the Dispatcher Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. It is mid July and the summer is passing fast. We had four car hosts for last weeks run day thanks to John Jewell and two friends he brought out and Bill Factor, one of our younger members. That helped a bunch with the train crew not trying to do both tasks. Work is continuing on the Rock Island caboose with the arrival of siding that had to be milled to our specs. It is being primed and should be ready for installation in the next couple of weeks. The painting has started on the Santa Fe caboose and should be completed in about a month. The LAJ CF-7 is in the shop for evaluation and fixing minor details. If all goes well Terry will have it running in a week or two. Ken Kozak finished the painting of the two plaques from the Robinson Street overpass. They are now back to what they were like in the 1930s. They are much more attractive than when they were placed at the museum. Stan Hall Board of Directors Stan Hall, President Larry Dodd, Vice President and Program Chair Drake Rice, Secretary Charles Price, Treasurer Bob Nantois, NRHS Director Bob Cossairt, Director of Buildings & Static Displays Bob Hussey, Director of Track Maintenance Terry Birchett, Director of Mechanical Operations Harry Currie, Director at Large Greg Hall, Director of Museum Activities Bob Cook, Director of Museum Displays Ed Birch Jr., Train Show Chair Gary Moore, Membership Chair Gary Githens, Dispatcher Editor ORM wireless internet service by Gary Githens New antenna mounted on roof of Jim Murray shop building A commercial quality wireless network system was recently installed by U.S. Communications Corporation. Thanks to Marty Fisher for giving us a break on the cost. The system will allow communication ORM president Stan Hall logs onto wireless internet between the ORM computers and will primarily be of assistance with the archiving of documents. This is not intended to be a system for public access.

3 the Dispatcher Harry Currie keeps laying platform brick at the museum to improve the grounds and extending our platform to accommodate the long Thomas Trains. Keep up the puzzle work in laying the bricks. It is an interesting talent to make all the pieces fit together, one that Harry has mastered. The electrical work is now completed for the RI Combine Birthday Coach and just in time. Work was completed on July 4th and it was in use on July 6th. The car allows larger groups to have parties at the museum and is being booked on a regular basis. David Eads got the AC going and Jim Pasby and others helped get the trenching filled in and with all the rain, we should have grass growing over the areas by September. Bob Hussey and troops have been busy replacing ties in front of the depot and along the track and now is putting down ballast north of NE 36th Street. With all the track work and ballast down, the track speed has been increase slightly and ride is a lot smoother along the approximate 3 miles of museum track. Bob s troops also have expanded the parking area for our food vendors that serve the many guests we have at the Thomas Event. By now you have probably seen or heard about the MAPS Transit Committee s meeting where a consulting Engineer firm hired by the city has recommended that the city work toward connecting the pieces for service from Bricktown to our Adventure Station at NE 50th Street, beginning on a limited basis but expanding as the trolley system expands to provide a unique experience for the citizens and the many guests that come to Oklahoma City. Museum Update Around the grounds by Drake Rice Page 3 Such an expansion will take a lot of planning, construction and funding, but with commitments from the city, it could become a reality. It makes our work at the museum very important to provide a place that people will stop and visit. We need to begin moving forward on our own proposed museum expansion in manageable phases. President Stan Hall and Secretary Drake Rice have met with the Architect and discussed final changes that were made by the members at several meetings that were held. The museum has also requested some initial phase projects and associated cost to begin working for an implementation. The Mechanical Department keeps moving forward on bringing the CF-7 to life so it can be placed in service at the museum. The engine was pulled out of the Murray Shop Building for some initial testing which helped identified some additional work that needed to be done. Work continues on the RI Caboose rebuild. Charles Price, Bob Cossart, Jim Pasby and others continue to work on the mowing effort, which with the rains we have had this year is about to be a full time job. Also, Karl and Jim with the help of Bob and Charles have replaced and improved the electrical and AC in the RI Baggage Car which will allow the model trains to keep running in the hot afternoons. We hope to see you at the museum. Stan Hall Stan Hall Greg Hall painting the Santa Fe caboose

4 Page 4 the Dispatcher The Shawnee Rock Island Shops by Dean Schirf point for the railroad. In 1927 a massive imposing car repair facility was constructed in El Reno and along with its 23 stall roundhouse and growing rail classification yard it was clear that management was building up the facilities at the point where the Shawnee Rock Island passenger car repair shops. (Sanborn Map-Jan 1919) This shop was destroyed by fire on July 7, 1924 and a new shop was completed by August 1925 that still remains standing today. The Great Depression of 1929 would have far reaching impacts on the number of back shops on the Rock Island. In Oklahoma there were two back shops that were located close together in Chickasha and Shawnee. Both shops performed similar functions. The depression of '29 and the corresponding downturn in the national economy closed down the Chickasha facilities and for a time the shops in Silvis and Shawnee became the dominant repair overhaul locations on the Rock Island System with employment running as high as 985 workers at the Shawnee facility. A number of the Chickasha operations were transferred to El Reno including the southern divisional Twin Cities to Houston North-South Mid Continent line crossed the Memphis to Tucumcari Choctaw Route. In 1939 the Rock Island Shawnee shops were closed and like Chickasha the operations were transferred to El Reno. At one time the Shawnee shops were the largest of the Rock Island back shops in Oklahoma and one of the largest in the Southwest. continued on page 5

5 the Dispatcher Page 5 The Shawnee Rock Island Shops by Dean Schirf Rock Island played a key role in the settlement of the State of Oklahoma. In 1917 it had 1327 miles of track operating in the Sooner State, the second most mileage of any of the fourteen states it served over its 8000 mile rail system; second only to the State of Iowa. The Rock Island Shawnee Depot completed in May, 1910 was a fine example of Soutwest Spanish Heritage architecture. The last passenger train, The Cherokee, was in November It was demolished in the early 1970 s. (Dean Schirf Collection) A class of Shawnee school students getting ready to board a Santa Fe passenger train in the early 1950 s at the Shawnee Santa Fe Depot [Dean Schirf Collection] One can still see existing structures dating back to the heyday when the Shawnee Shops were still operating, including the large red car repair shop, an old oil house and the engine repair facility that has been refurbished by the City of Shawnee to service the city s truck and vehicular fleet...in fact, you can still see the original tracks in the pavement on the east side of the structure that lead to the same portals that once serviced Rock Island steam engines! The roundhouse has long been torn down and its turntable disassembled and sent to Burr Oak, Il. Also, in addition the Santa Fe and the Katy (later the Oklahoma City, Ada and Atoka) had rail and passenger service to Shawnee. The Santa Fe had at one time some 200 employees, a decent size rail yard and eight stall roundhouse and one of the most striking depots in the state that still stands that houses the rail history of Shawnee. Oklahoma's greatest rail photographer, Preston George, was first attracted to railroads and trains growing up on this Santa Fe line in Newkirk in the northern part of the state. As for the Rock Island it met an untimely and sad ending when the Federal Government ordered the rail line liquidated in March, 1980, thus making it the largest such liquidation of any railroad in the U.S. She was at one time a proud and viable railroad... songs were sung about her letting you know she was indeed a mighty fine line and on its Route of the Rockets ran some of the nation's most handsome passenger trains decked out in an eye catching Maroon, Cream and Silver. May she live on in our memories and upon the tracks still operating under the banner of other rail lines. During Dean s research of the Shawnee R.I. shops he came to know Johnny Kniesel who was of great assistance to him. The above picture is of a Choctaw, Oklahoma and Golf RR lock and key someone found on a trash heap and gave to Johnny. He cleaned it and it looks great [Dean Schirf Collection]

6 Page 6 Around the grounds photos by Gary Githens unless noted the Dispatcher Bob Hussey s crew recently extended the west side of the parking lot Harry Currie with assistance from Drake Rice added additional brick walkway as indicated inside the rectangle Greg Hall appling primer to the Santa Fe caboose Stan Hall The R.I. combine car has been air conditioned is being used for birthday parties Rock Island caboose has the new floor installed and work has began replacing siding Special milled siding to match the original R.I. Caboose siding

7 the Dispatcher Page 7 ORM Depot Store The Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. (ORM) has items available for both children and adults at the Depot Store. These include baseball caps, polo shirts, t shirts, lapel pins, and coasters. Funds raised by donations for these items support the Museum projects. The Depot Store, located inside the Oakwood Depot on the Museum grounds, is open during regular Museum hours 9 am to 4 pm on the first and third Saturday operation days of each month April through August. The store is also open for special events. Become an ORM Member 2013 ORM/NRHS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: New Membership Line 1 Line 2 Line 3 Line 4 Renewal Membership (begin Jan 1st) Date $36.00 per year Individual Membership in the Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd. (spouse included) Pro-rated dues $3.00 per month $30.00 per year Individual Senior (age 65 and up) (spouse included) and Individual Student (full time student) Membership in ORM Pro-rated dues $2.50 per month $36.00 per year To add Railway Historical Society (NRHS) Membership (add $5.00 for spouse) (Student Memberships: $16 per year) SEND NRHS DUES TO ORM ADDRESS BELOW, NOT DIRECTLY TO NRHS $ Lifetime Membership Send your application and dues to: Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Name Address City State Zip Code Phone Fax Cell Phone E Mail Order Form Engraved Platform Bricks Cost is $50.00 per brick. Up to a maximum of 4 lines with 16 letters and spaces per line Purchaser s Name Phone No. ( ) Engraved Platform Bricks More than one platform brick can be donated to the Museum and you can make copies of the attached form. Mail completed forms with checks or money orders to: Jim Murray, ORM, 3400 NE Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma If you have any questions, you can e mail Murray at: jtmurray@cox.net. Crosstie Donations Friends and families of ORM continue to make donations for crossties, equipment and facilities on the Museum property and on the leased track. If you want to make a donation to purchase a crosstie, a donation of $50.00 will help purchase a new crosstie. You can donate a crosstie in recognition or in memory of someone. All donations should be made out to the Oklahoma Railway Museum Ltd. Please note on the check what the donation is for, mail to: ORM Ltd., 3400 NE Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, 73111

8 Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Page 8 the Dispatcher TIMETABLE Any changes to the following information or articles for the Dispatcher, should be directed to the Editor, Gary Githens, (e mail: ORMnews@cox.net). For information on upcoming programs, contact Jim Pasby, jimpasby@att.net). Oklahoma Railway Museum (ORM) Open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 9:00 A:M: until 5:00 P:M. except on major holidays ORM Train Rides - First and third Saturdays April through August at 10:00 A.M, 11:00 A.M. Noon, 1:30 P.M. and 2:30 P.M. ORM Board Meetings Last Thursday each month at ORM, Oklahoma City 7 pm. Oklahoma N Rail For information, call Rick Inselman, 405/ Oklahoma Passenger Rail Association Rail Consumer Advocate Organization. Meets bimonthly. For information, write or call Roger Carter, 1120 South 21st Street, Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018, 405/ Passenger Rail Oklahoma A grassroots advocacy organization. Meets every Saturday and Sunday morning an hour prior to the arrival of the Heartland Flyer in Norman. The depot opens at 7:50 am. Contact Evan Stair at sfrr@aol.com, 405/ , or 517 Claremont, Norman, OK Depot volunteer opportunities are available. Oklahoma S.W. Division NMRA 2nd Saturday each month, 1 pm, Goldman Room, Kirkpatrick Center, Jim Heidon, President Yukon s Best Railroad Museum Thursday/Saturday/Sunday and by appointment. Located 1 block north of Main and UP tracks in Yukon. Call John Knuppel, 405/ , for times and information. OUT OF TOWN Railroad Museum of Oklahoma Tuesday thru Friday afternoons 1 pm to 4 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm, Sunday 2 pm to 5 pm, or by appointment, HO, N and Lionel layouts, Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7 pm at Old Santa Fe Freight Depot, 702 North Washington, Enid Waynoka Station/Waynoka Historical Society 202 South Cleveland, Waynoka Call Sandie Olson, 580/

9 Oklahoma Railway Museum, Ltd NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Museum Information Contact us-thursday and Friday we have someone to answer your questions Our museum is open every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission to the museum is free. The Museum is an outdoor museum and MAY BE CLOSED for inclement weather or when the temperature is below 40 F. Find us From I-35 North take the NE 36th St. exit, at the stoplight on NE 36th turn left and go west about 1/2 mile. At the stoplight for Grand Blvd turn left for about two blocks, we are on the left at NE 34th St. Regular Trains Train Rides are scheduled the First and Third Saturdays of the month from April through August The trains leave the Station at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00 noon, 1:30 pm, 2:30pm Ticket Price is $12 for Riders 13 years old and up, $5 for Riders from 3 to 12 years old, Children under 3 are free when accompanied by an adult Special Trains Thomas the Tank Engine will be here on September 27,28,29 and October 4,5,6, 2013 We recommend that tickets be purchased in advance. Tickets are available from TicketWeb toll free call Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $14 on all trains if purchased as a group All Tickets are $16 on the Friday Trains. These leave the Station every 50 minutes starting at 9:50am All Tickets are $18 on Saturday and Sunday Trains. These leave the Station every 50 minutes starting at 9:00am Halloween Train October 26, 2013 Tickets $15, Two dollars off if you are in costume. Children under three are free on lap of parent The trains leave the Station at 9:00, 10:30, noon, 1:30, 3:00 Smiley the Clown will be here. This is for Children, no scary stuff Christmas Train December 21, 2013 Tickets $15 Children under three are free on lap of parent The trains leave the Station at 9:00, 10:30, noon, 1:30, 3:00 Santa Claus will be Here, Chocolate, candy canes, songs and more fun Birthday Parties We offer you two unique venues to host a birthday party. You supply the cake, presents and the guests while we supply tables and chairs. Also included are paper engineer hats and a rail safety activity book. We have a 1921 wooden caboose which can accommodate up to 25 people and a 1921 Party coach which can accommodate up to 60 people Time and date must be held with a 50% deposit. The balance is due day of the party. Birthday Party package options and membership information next page

10 Birthday Party package options Package One includes two hours for the party and a 30 minute train ride for 20 guests on historic railroad passenger cars. Additional train tickets can be purchased for $5.00 each. The train rides are available on the schedule for regular trains above. The costs are: Birthday Caboose: $ Party Coach: $ Package Two is a two hour party without a train ride. This package is available throughout the year on most non-operating Saturdays. The costs are: Birthday Caboose: $ Party Coach: $ Bookings and date/time availability are available on our website -ww.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org -and can also be made with our party coordinator Chuck Shinn. He can be reached at or by -chuck@oklahomarailwaymusem.org Membership -Membership benefits include: Two free train rides on regular run days (Does not apply to Day Out with Thomas, Halloween and Christmas trains) ed copy of the ORM newsletter The Dispatcher Member Picnic and train ride Memberships are available at the following rates: Regular Membership $36 per year (spouse included) Senior Member (age 65 and up) $30 per year (spouse included) Student Member (Full-Time Student) $30 per year. Lifetime Member $500 If you wish to join the National Railway Historical Society, dues are an additional $39.00 per year