Dear Folks,
I have found that the railway companies themselves are the best sources
for construction blueprints and yard layouts. Many of the large, well
entrenched railroads have company archives. As well, many of the fallen
flags (defunct railroads) have placed their archives in public hands.
For instance, the archives of the SOO LINE are at the Minnesota
Historical Society, the archives of the Milwaukee Road are at the
Milwaukee Public Library, the Chicago and Northwestern archives are at
the University of Illinois at DeKalb (I believe). As well, currently
operating railroads, through their marketing departments, usually
maintain an archive. I have had good success with Candian Pacific
Railway through their marketing folks in Montreal.
Many of the archives contain papers, blueprints, land acquistion papers,
railway charters and, often lots of photos. This would include
predessessor railroads and railroads merged into the larger company.
Plus, there are scads of railroad historical & technical societies run
by very dedicated amatuers who are always willing to help with info,
photos and oral histories. Often, many are ex-railway employees.
All are good sources of information and guidance.
Good Hunting.
Al Muchka
Assistant Curator, History Section
Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells St. Rm 521
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-2785
Email [log in to unmask]
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