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Thanks for posting such a good web site for the M&StL. I grew up near the M&StL road between Waukee and West Des Moines, IA in the early 1950s and watched many a freight train and puddle jumper. I model the Louie and collect M&StL memorabilia. Jon Gibson - Cumming, IA - email: JDGibsonMD @ att.net - submitted: 09/27/2004

I am looking for a picture of the M&STL roundhouse that was in Monmouth, Illinois. Also I've got a picture of the M&STL freight depot, and I told there was a passenger depot next to it at one time and would like to locate a picture of that depot. Any suggestions? Thanks Chris McIntyre Monmouth, Illinois chrism @1053kfm.com 4/15/2004

Haven't looked at your site for awhile Cash. Always interesting to hear of all the MSTL interest and memories of it. I was especially interested in Dave Clausen posting regarding his Dad Gerald. Gerald was a driver for Spellacy Motor Cargo, operating out of Mpls. with LCL operating rights for both the MSTL RY and the Great Northern RR. I was MSTL Agent at Mpls during the late fifties and until the CNW took over in early sixties. I remembered Gerald and most of the Spellacy drivers as we loaded their trailers at the MSTL. In fact I rode along a few times to Albert Lea and also to Madison or Marietta, Mn. The MSTL gave overnight service to all those in-between points. I originated from Boyd, Mn (on MSTL west end) and my Dad was a Section Foreman there. Thanks again Cash, for preserving history of a great Railroad! Len Vick, former Telegrapher & Agent Len Vick - Edina, Mn - email: Lenedrisvick @ cs.com - submitted: 4/12/2004

My Grandfather, Arthur Ray "Pat" Patrick, worked for the M&St.L railroad for over 50 years. Although I never met him, I have several wonderful pictures of him with the trains. If anyone out there remembers my Grandfather, I would love to hear from you. I have already heard many colorfull stories about him, so you are not going to surprise me. You can contact me at clill y@ costco.com and my name is Colleen. Thanks! Colleen Patrick-Lilly - Snohomish, Washington - email: clilly @ costco.com or needly64 @ aol.com - submitted: 03/22/2004

I was searching for some information about my grandfather Darwin "Binks" Buffington. I was so surprised to see his name come up as Darwin Hanes until he was married. I am not sure how to get the rest of the information on this site. I know he was a blacksmith before he ever was a water heater salesman. The family came from Marshalltown, Iowa then moved to Lynwood, California. Mariann Buffington Mackey - Livermore, Ca. - submitted: 03/14/2004

I grew up in Sheffield, Iowa in the 1950's. Sheffield is located about 18 miles south of Mason City on the M&StL main line between Mason City and Marshalltown. My fondest memories of the 'Louie' are of the 'Puddlejumpers' that ran on the line. The town received the majority of its mail via these trains. When the M&StL left us, things were never the same. What can be said about the M&StL is that it was just large enough to get the job done, yet small enough to care. Ray L Bryant - Iowa City, Iowa - email: ray-bryant @ uiowa.edu - submitted: 02/17/2003

My name is David Clausen, my father Gearld, who passed away in 1997, used to be an LCL DRIVER for M.ST.&L.(Spellacy Motor Freight, Mpls.Mn.). I remember the depot STORIES of getting stuck in snow storms and spending the night on a bench, stoking a coal stove to stay warm. I believe he used to run the Chaska to Albert Lea run, and quite often the Hopkins to Marietta run. I am sure this is where he discovered Redwood Falls, where we moved and I grew up.By God's grace, the Hanley Falls to Norwood/Young America section of the western division is being rebuilt and operated by Twin Cities and Western Railroad. I , being an avid railfan and M.ST.&L. lover, sent a color photo of an RS 2 in the green and yellow shceme, trying to encourage TCW TO " PAINT ONE FOR THE LINE" in the future; they E-Mailed me back to say its under consideration. David L.Clausen - Wyoming, Minnesota 55092 - submitted: 02/10/2004

Enjoyed your pages. I have a step stool from your Passenger RR. BILL - Mason, WV - email: wlg_8@msn.com - submitted: 02/09/2004

Hello, I grew up in Gowrie, Iowa and rode the M&StL often on the "Puddle Jumper" during the late 40's and early 50"s. When I was young I used to go up the switch tower with Bert Gardner (A fine old Gentleman) who let me move the levers when there were no trains around. Thanks for great site. Loren H. Dudley Loren H. Dudley - Bath, Maine - email: w1lhd @gwi.net - submitted: 01/31/2004

I worked at the Ceader Lake car shop and yards off and on from 1973 untill they closed the yard and tore the buildings down. I found this site just recently. You have done a great job. Robert (Bob) Hamilton - Forest Lake Mn. - email: carmanstp @ warpdriveonline.com - submitted: 1/3/20034

enjoyed the wseb site which i found by sheer luck! am 67 yrs old & was born & raised in brighton,iowa. my grandpa ingle worked for the iowa central & then it became the "louie". he retired off the section as foreman & had the 1st gas powered moter car.his son-in-law walter ruggles was foreman at brighton other son-in-law bert fairchild was roadmstr at fremount where he lived. his oldest son was section foreman at new sharon,ia. i left brighton at age 17 & road the rails to seattle in 1954 in a boxcar to mpls, where i hopped a freight to seattle. i finished h.s. in seattle my senior year & when i was 21 yrs old, i went to work on the northern pacific ry in 1959 when you had to be 21 yrs old to work on the railroad! jay alan johnson - otis orchards, wash - email: elainejohnson@icehouse.net - submitted: 12/13/2003

I worked for the M&STL 1957-1968 as a depot agent/telegrapher.. Lawrence Price - Elkland, MO. - email: Amigoq @ aol.com - submitted: 12/7/2003

My grandpa, John Thomas Ingle worked for them for years....he is gone now... sjp_ratl @ msn.com

I was an apprentice carman at the Cedar Lake Yd, Mpls.Starting in 1955.Worked as carman there and into C,N,W days.. fred Blomquist - White Bear Lake Mn. - email: fredlblomquist @ comcast.net - submitted: 12/11/2003

My father, Charles LeRoy (Roy) Fuller worked for the M&St.L from the time he was 18 years old back in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was demoted but not let go when the CNW took over. His railroad life was 47 years. If anyone is interested in talking to me, please do so. It would be wonderful to hear from someone who knew my dad. He was such a wonderful man. If you write me, please use the subject M&St.L so I will know it is a valid e-mail. Thanks. Mary Ann, proud daughter of a railroad man. marywolf23 @ aol.com - submitted: 12/10/2003

6 boys from minneapolis, mn that played football at west high school spent the summers of 1951 and 1952 working as section hands, laying track near corwith, iowa. mel jacobson, bob and dick hobert, bob laden, and ronnie cornwall. bob hobert became an all american football player and ph.d. mel jacobson - minnetonka, mn - email: melpots@pclink.com - submitted: 11/20/2003

I can't tell you how excited I was to find your website. My great grandfather, Peter Oleson, was a section foreman working out of Britt, IA for the M & STL. He died in 1931 and the newspaper identified his employer at the 'Missouri and St. Louis RR' Maps and information on this site has finally cleared that mistake up for me. He worked for the railroad ca.1885-1930. I have a few photos of he and his crew, one of them has them sitting on a handcar. I have joined your Yahoo group and will submit them as soon as I can dig them out. Thanks again Don McCormick - Lompoc, CA - email: don.ann @ verizon.net - submitted: 11/10/2003

Can't remember if I sent a comment. My father, Charles LeRoy (Roy) Fuller was vice-president of the M&St.L for a few years before it was taken over the the C&NW. ALL my memories are wonderful - I grew up riding the trains - had relatives in Oskaloosa, Iowa, so went there often. If you write me, please use M&St.L (subject) so I won't delete. Thanks. Mary Ann Mary Ann - Indiana - email: Marywolf23 @ aol.com - submitted: 10/24/2003

My father, Charles LeRoy (Roy) Fuller, worked for the railroad for "47" years, first the M&St.L, then the CNW. I grew up riding trains and have the most wonderful memories. My father was Vice-President of the M&St.L, so we were treated extra special when traveling (I know that now, but didn't then). My heart is filled with great love for the trains of old, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of that era. Mary Ann - Carmel, IN - email: Marywolf23 @ aol.com - submitted: 10/20/2003

hello my grandfather was the last engineer on the passsger train the 400 out of green bay wis i was looking up of the name of the engineer's who all drove the trian, my grandpa been dead now for about 14 year's but i rode in the engine when i was 7 years old and i'll never forget it maybe you can help me find the list i been looking for thank you mike mike - lake tomahawk, wis - email: mikelora @ newnorth.net - submitted: 10/13/2003

Hello All, My name is Steve, (This is in regards to the Business car Twin Cities) I've lived and grown up around trains in Roanoke VA, my entire life. You may ask what does a person in Roanoke have to offer the M&STL web site. Well, over the years I've been involved in many restoration projects and owned many pieces of Railroad equipment, from motor cars to pullman cars. The reason I write is to tell you all about a Passenger car that has always mint something to me while growing up, To me this car for the longest time was known as the "IT" car as it came of the Illinois Terminal Railway after a merger with the then Norfolk and Western railroad. I never thought much of it other than the fact that it was an Observation car Which in Roanoke HQ of the N&W there where always a dozen or so on hand, and I'd always wanted one of my own. In the last couple of years our local museum (The Virginia Museum of Transportation) moved to take an aggressive effort to restore pieces of it's rolling stock as maintenance had slipped but with new leadership in the restoration shop which lead to a nice restoration of the once "IT" car to be discovered that it was the Twin Cities Business car of the M&STL, it was discovered when the sandblasting was being done removing a lime green of the faded Illinois Terminal on the sides of the car and the name was reviled, in Yellow gold on a field of Pullman green. The car has since been mostly restored inside and out painted in Pullman Green. The inside of the car is still original as built and in nice condition. I've collected models of the M&STL and have been a fan for some time, along with my home town favorites of the Virginian and the Norfolk & Western. I was very excited to find out that a passenger car that has been in my life for some time had come from a Railroad that I've always been fond of. I've been working on restoring many full size railroad projects and have been happy to see one of the M&STL pieces discovered and saved to be Enjoyed by others. If any one has questions regarding this car feel free to write! (Pullmanpolo@Hotmail.com) Also please note that the Virginia Museum of Transportation does have this car but does not list very many of it's pieces of equipment on there web page, last I saw the Twin Cities it was beside a passenger platform with the J-class 611 nosed up near it's brass railing, not bad company not to mention the A-class 1218 is right there with it now as well. The Twin Cities Business car is the first pieces of equipment when leaving the main building of the museum and enter the collections yard behind. (I'm working with a friend to take some pictures for so as I may be able to share them with your web site, As I'm currently serving our country overseas with the US NAVY in the South Pacific on the Island of Okinawa Japan, I can't take the pictures my self or share the photo's that I've taken over the years of the car. hope to have them soon and I'll send them in! Enjoy Steve) Steve Smith - Roanoke / Salem VA - email: Pullmanpolo @ hotmail.com - submitted: 09/24/2003

Hello, happy to find this site. My father was a waiter and died on the train of a heart attack while trying to detrain at the Northwestern Station Train 512 in 1951. I keep looking and hoping to find something. The sound of the train whistle is like a call to supper for me. Thank you for making this site available. Sincerely, Cheryl Noble Cheryl Noble - Milwauke, WI - email: ladynoble1 @ yahoo.com - submitted: 09/29/2003

For an enjoyable article about the railroad in Iowa, see newspaper columnist Rob Bignell's " The mighty fine road of history and possibility" at http://www.presscitizen.com/opinion/cornfieldsoul/092103cornfieldsoul.htm. Danny - Iowa City, Iowa - email: dbertram65 @ hotmail.com - submitted: 12/10/1965

I saved a copy of this web page. Please let me know if you need it and is is no longer availible from the newspaper. Cash
File name: Iowa City Press-Citizen: Opinion

I was born on Aug 23, 1939 in a hotel near this site. Do you have any information about this area during this time? Marvin Thomas Smith - Fayetteville, NC - email: msmith1088@nc.rr.com - submitted: 09/18/2003

Which town? Cash

Hi--I was surprised to find this web site just from checking out the Fort Dodge web pages. My Dad, Harry E. Ramler, worked on the M&StL for 50 years starting in January 1909 and retiring as an engineer December 1958 at the age of 70. We lived in Fort Dodge, IA and his run was out of Fort Dodge to Albert Lea, MN then to Des Moines and back to Fort Dodge, when I was in school. Dad loved the railroad and his job. He didn't start out as an engineer. I have a photo of him taken in Jan. 1909 beside his engine number 66. It has a cow catcher on the front and a coal car directly behind the engine. His job description at that date was "Wiper". By June of 1909 he became a "Fireman" shoveling in the coal until August 1916 when he became an "Engineer" which he remained until he retired. I have a picture of him standing beside his motor car engine number GE 29 taken in Des Moines in the '40s. I am enjoying this web site and reading about others who have an interest in the M&StL. I have a photo taken of a large group of M&StL men, including my Dad, who worked in Fort Dodge. It was possibly in the late 20's or 30's--it might be dated. Many of their names are listed on the photo. When I locate it, I will try to e-mail it and possibly those pictures of my Dad beside his engines. From Bonnie R. (Ramler) Olson: bonnierose@evertek.net Bonnie R. Olsoon - Humboldt, Iowa - email: bonnierose @ evertek.net - submitted: 8/30/2003

I was just starting to look up the history of Buckeye and saw your pictures. My Grandparents were from Buckeye. My aunt Elizabeth Wallace still lives in Buckeye. My maiden name is Kolthoff just thought I'd let you know that in case you know any. Wanted to tell you I liked your sight I never made it to Buckeye to see it. There was a bad wreck in Webster City a couple years ago. Well I better stop for now. Bye,Vickie Vickie Bradley - Webster city, Iowa - email: threekids @ wmtel.net - submitted: 08/26/2003

I would have to correct the cheap& no wages/ I work for the Union Pacific, in the old C&NW district of Wisconsin. Former C&NW workers that are still with the UP are of the highest paid in the industry, over the national scale and more the UP employees. Approx $30 a day..... - - email: - submitted: 8/18/2003

Hi I just found out that my husbands Great- great grandfather Joseph B Smith & great-great- grandmother Catherine died in Gifford Iowa . So I thought I'd click it in and I came up with this site. My Husbands family were of some early poeple in Eldora Iowa and I've been searching for ten years trying to find more info about his great- Grandfather Peter John Smith who married Margaret Ruth Penn. Her Family were also early family members William Penn. My Husbands grandfather was born in Eldora Sept. 25, 1876 to Peter and Margaret , Joseph B Smith was Peter's Father.I do have reason to believe that Peter And Frank may have worked on the railrod as I have a census fron Norfolk Nebraska that says Frank was working on the railroad. Peter also had a Son named Jesse Smith and I don't know if he stayed around there or not , He married a Hattie?? I do beleive that alot of the Smith's Families may have been railroad workers. Even if noboby has a clue of these people this is a great site as I grew up in Norfolk Nebraska and My favorite playground was the Railroad yard. From Smith Families of Eldora Dalene Smith Dalene Smith - Norfolk Nebraska - email: dandalene @ conpoint.com - submitted: o8/13/2003

My grandfather C.A. Spitler was an employee of the M&St.L. railroad for more than twenty-five years. He worked at the depot in Ayrshire, Iowa. I have his copy of Mileposts on the Prairie. The book was presented to him (according to the date in the book) on Feb. 6, 1951. The signature, or what appears to be, of the author Frank P. Donovan Jr. is in the book under the title. Attached to the book is a card signed by the company present L.C. Sprague stating that the book was presented to C.A. Spitler for more than twenty-five years of service to the railroad. I have been looking for information on the MS&StL , and this sight has been very informative. Jerry Spitler Jerry Spitler - Coatesville, Pa. - email: jerryspitler13 @ msn.com - submitted: 08/05/2003

I would like to know when they closed the station in Kensett Ian - Kensett ,Iowa - email: titanic19@ wctatel.net - submitted: 07/24/2003

Hello! I am currently try to Model Monmouth,IL in 1950. I am gathering information on all three railroads CB&Q, M&StL and Rock Island Southern with emphasis on the CB&Q. I would appreciate any information you have. I do have a picture of the M&stl (C&NW) Freight depot. Both my Grandfather's worked on the Q, one at West Burlington locomotive shops and the other at the Burlington Iowa Depot. I would appreciate any help. Than You. Don Sands II Donald Sands II - Davenport, Iowa - email: sands2cbq@mycidco.com - submitted: 07/21/2003

My grandfather Harold Cragg work in the shops at Cedar lake for 40 years and retired in 1952. Does any one have photos of him at the shops. Or does the person {youngkins) who has all the men on and around the train have the names Also I remember a Round house, does anyone have a clear photo of that ? Mike Cragg - minneapolis, mn - email: mtcragg@ usfamily.net - submitted: 7/12/2003

My first interest in trains came to me in 1940. My uncle worked for the C.B.&Q. railroad in Galesburg, Illinois. he took me for a short ride in an old steam engine to the round house and back out to the yard. What a thrill for a 7 year old. My second fascination with railroading came to me in 1959 when I went to Italy and Germany for the US Government on some classified missile programs. I bought a couple sets of Bachmann and Rivarossi trains and extra engines and box cars. They are still boxed in my garage, but they were set up one Christmas (1966). I was born and raised in Abingdon, Ill. (10 miles south of Galesburg). We had the C.B.&Q. railroad and the M.&St.L. in Abingdon, Il. Ed Gray - Placentia, California - email: edgray@rt.nl - submitted: 07/11/2003

Have enjoyed being part of the M&StL group for about 2 years, today is the first time I reached this site. Was a telegrapher for the M&StL from 1952 until the CNW takeover in 1960 - was 1st trick at Ft. Dodge since 1956. Hope other ex-employees will jump on this site. Paul Green - Fort Dodge IA - email: pgreen@dodgenet.com - submitted: 07/10/2003

My Grandfather, Father and Uncle all worked on the M&St.L . My father Francis Carr started as a coal tender/fireman when it meant fire. I remember my mother telling me stories of digging the cinders out of dad's eyes when he got. He worked until 1972 (M'town) and a heart attack took him off the runs. My grandfather was Rolla Carr (OSKY) who according to family rumor was involved in the last head on in Iowa, involving two steam locomotives. I glad I found this sight as I get more info I will try to send it along. Dad was friends with Lonny Hamilton, Roger Birch and Jack Smith who's son John went on to be an engineer. Michael Carr - Spanish Fork - email: mcarr@sfcn.org - submitted: 07/04/2003

Great. I worked for the M & St L Div of the CNW in 1965 as a brakeman out of Ft. Dodge. Mike Porter - Kansas City, MO - email: m.porter1@netzero.com - submitted: 07/03/2003

My family has traced it's roots back to Steamboat Rock, IA, in Clay Township at around 1880 back to the Siebrands/Seabrands family. And I am interested in trains, too! John Salverda - Anaheim, CA - email: - submitted: 7/2/2003

Loved the site. I will have a small train book out with a small press in early 2004 and have a load of leftover photos if you would like some scanned for this page. I also sell and trade lowbudget train video ($10 range as alternative to highpriced commercial companies). If you or others wish, drop me an email at dalepierce1@netscape.net and specify train list. Have old C&NW, B&O, PRR, Great Northern etc off 8mm film plus a good deal of direct to video current stuff. Glad to hear from thos einterested in buying or trading. D. Pierce - Ohio - email: dalepierce1@netscape.net - submitted: o6/23/2003

My address has changed, and I havent seen any new messages lately. I hope I'm still in touch. Charles Stone - Maeshalltown, Ia - email: cw4vms@aol.com - submitted: 6/21/2003

My Mom's Uncle William (Will, Willie) Johnson was an Engineer on the Rocket years ago (40's?) and lived for many years with his wife Inez in Manley. Would there be anyone who might have any memories of him that they would share? I would especially like to know what happened to his son, Clifton. Don Woodley - Greene, IA - email: dwdwrks2@omnitelcom.com - submitted: 06/17/2003

This is a great website! I am taking a graduate class on business law and researching a case involving the M&SL from the 50's. This site has given me lots of helpful info. Thanks! Carissa - Jacksonville, FL - email: carissa39@hotmail.com - submitted: 06/01/2003

...Yes I recall three depots in Fort Dodge. I saw two of them torn down including a huge one at the end of Central Ave. The third was built when I was around 5 (1950 ish) and I think it is still there, being used for something. Duane Strode - Iowa City - email: duanecstrode@hotmail.com - submitted: 5/8/2003

M&StL Guestbook entry: Thanks for setting up your website and sharing your photos. I really liked the pictures of your kitbash of the IHC2-6-0. These are good running engines at a reasonable price. Just replacing the tender helps their looks. I've redone one and am working on an IHC 4-4-0, modern verson, trying to turn it into a Maryland & Pennsylvania engine. You really need to submit that article and photos to a magazine for publishing. More articles like that are needed. Maybe Mainline Modeler would be interested. Thanks again for sharing. God bless. Bob Bob Deffinger - Cincinnati, Ohio - email: rrdeffinger@msn.com - submitted: 05/03/2003 I do hope to get back to finishing the construction notes and then see if anyone is interested. Right now I need to finish (fix) the decals and do a little weathering. Lately this site has been receiving so much new information to scan I don't have time to model. I'm not complaining though, I love adding the new information. Cash

I WORKED FOR SOO AND CP FROM 90 TO 96. I TALK WITH GENE GREEN ALL THE TIME. HE IS IN CHAPIN IA RIGHT NOW TILL JUNE. RANDALL BAKER - 136 4TH ST SHEFFIELD IOWA - email: baker7us@yahoo.com - submitted: 04/19/2003

hi, i would like to let everyone know, who is interested, that the old train depot in hopkins, minnesota is 100 years old and has been renovated into a teen center and coffee house that is run by teens and is a chemically free place to hang out. we are having a 100 year anniversary celebration on sat. april 26, 2003 from 3 - 7 p.m. everyone is welcome. the building has been renovated and is beautiful. any questions, feel free to email me. thanks. mary mcneil - hopkins, mn. - email: marymac55343@yahoo.com - submitted: 04/10/2003

I got an e-mail from Paul attaching a schedule of M&StL run through Plover. I assume he read my post here of maybe two years ago.. From Oregon we took the train all the way to Plover in the 1940s to visit my grandmother. Last leg was on the M&StL. Phil Hirl - Tigard OR - email: phirl@aol.com - submitted: 3/19/2003 Hi Phil. Is the schedule something I could add to this site? Cash

What a nice site. I was very pleased to find the R.R. represented so well. Bill Coleman - Hedrick,IA - submitted: 03/13/2003

Nice site. Stumbled on it by accident. I was Brakeman & Conductor on STL. and C.N.W out of Ft Dodge Iowa 1950's and 60's. Paul DiNoto - Edgewater Fl - email: Wopcom1@ bellsouth ,net - submitted: 3/10/2003 Note: I started a page to cover the great information has sent to me. Thank you Paul for the nice contributions! Cash

Enjoyed your site very much Chuck Yaerger, Chief of Police - KENSETT, ARKANSAS - email: chief701@ipa.net - submitted: 3/6/2003

I grew up on the M & ST.L right of way in Young America Mn. I remember many nights sitting at my window watching the trains come through, some times passing on the long siding right under my window, or switching and dropping off or picking up cars on the short siding down the block near the station. Tracks are gone now. John Fillbrandt - Minneapolis Mn - email: jfillbrand@aol.com - submitted:3/2/2003

G'day Lyndon, Just visited your web site, and I have to say - "Bewdy, mate!" I may well be the only M&StL fan here on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, so it's not often that I get to see or read M&StL material. Even members of my local club who are into US railroads usually have never heard of the road, so you can imagine how pleased I was to find your site. You are doing a great job, and I congratulate you on your efforts. All the best, Mark. - email: marknewton@optusnet.com.au - submitted: 2/28/2003

Thanks for the memories, it was a blast from the past. In the 50's I lived in Mason city on Pennsylvania Ave. only a few blocks from the engine house and round table in the photos. I know that place like the back of my hand, played over there for many hours. We used to haul our bikes up on the cars in the Decker Packing yard and jump them from car to car. Thank goodness my mother never saw us. My grandfather worked for the Illinois Central and my father had a sporting goods and repair shop on Federal Ave in Mason City. Well thanks again. John Miner, Cary NC - email: mynrbird@aol.com - submitted: 2/27/2003

I am a geezer formerly from Winthrop, MN. I used to ride the M&StL into the twin cities, with my parents, back in the 1940's. What an adventure this always was! A lost bit of Americana. We in Winthrop used to ridicule the M&StL, calling it the Midnight and SomeTimes Later, or the Maimed and Still Limping. But it was a fond sort of ridicule. We all loved the M&StL. When it died, something in the soul of the town died also. I am happy you are resurecting a bit of heartland history. David L. King - Houston, Texas - email: dlking36@earthlink.net - submitted: 02/22/2003

I have emailed this to my father. He was born and raised in Algona during the 30's and 40's and my Grandfather ran the coal elevator in Alogona before and during the depression. He may be quite helpful with information G. Bradley - Alden, Iowa - email: cfbradley@iowatelecom.net - submitted: 02/21/2003

I switched for the M&StL in The Cedar Lake, Kenwood and Middle Yards in 1959. After a 4 year hitch in the Air Force I returned and worked for the CNW in the Cedar Lake Yard....It was an experience I"ll never forget...an unbelievable cast of characters...I enjoy your web site immensely....Thanks Mike McGrorty - Helena Montana - submitted: 02/17/2003

Great website...What else can I say Leon L. Lundquist - Minneapolis, Minnesota - email: LeonLundquist61@aol.com - submitted: 02/14/2003 Thanks for the phone call too Leon. I look forward to meeting you sometime. Cash

All I know about the m&stl is what I heard from my grandfather. When he was a boy they layed track through the middle of the family farm. The farm was between glenville and gordonsville minnesota. It must have been about 1890. Does anyone know what year that track was layed? Harold Flatt - Mesa AZ - email: haroldgrumpy@aol.com - submitted: 02/10/2003

I am trying to find employment information about Charles A. Leonard, who worked in the freight depot in Minneapolis starting early 1880's until retirment in the early '20's. I have a photo of him and several of his co-workers taken at the freight depot. He may have worked under the name Charles Peterson or Andrew Peterson prior to 1890. Alan Leonard - Anaheim, CA - email: alcis1@juno.com - submitted: 02/07/2003

I worked for the M&StL as a relief Agent/Telegrapher from 1956 to 1957 and as Chief Clerk in the Des Moines, Ia. Traffic (Sales) Office until 1959. I relieved Charlie Beard as Agent/Telegrapher, Dallas Center, Ia. & worked at many other stations in Iowa & Minnesota during that 1st year. I retired in 1998 as VP-Sales, Florida East Coast Ry. Don Brideson - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - email: donbrid@attbi.com - submitted: 02/04/2003

We are planning a celebration of the Hopkins Train Depot for April 26, 2003 (from 3 to 7 p.m.) and we are looking for folks to come forward for storytelling if they had any affiliation with the Depot when it was active, either as part of the RR, post office that was located there, or by being a passenger. If you wish to participate, please contact me javalamp@yahoo.com (Fran Hesch) Fran Hesch - Hopkins, MN - submitted: 02/01/2003

A family member died in a train wreck in Iowa around 1879-1880. family rumor says the boone wreck Name Keene. first name starts with M think Marion He lived i council bluffs across the street from Chicago Northwestern depot. sure could use some help virginia - - email: virbork@yahoo.com - submitted: 1/22/2003

Great web-site. My father, Earl Eugene Grabenbauer, worked for the M&StL Railroad for 20 years or so as an engineer. We lived in Marshalltown and Minneapolis while he worked there. He died in 1966 at the age of 41. He worked for M&StL from 1946 or so to 1966. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him. Marie Grabenbauer - Des Moines, Iowa - email: mmoostress@msn.com - submitted: 01/19/2003

In the late 1960's I worked as a yard clerk at the Cedar Lake and Railway transfer yards. Even though the properties were C&NW, the senority districts were M&StL. I have many fond memories of the "Louie". Also, dearly miss many of the employees: Big Ed Shriver, Uncle Bob Tederson, Big Andy Kushner, Nelly (I can't give you his nickname), Jerry Osborn, mumbles, just to name a few. Bill Hakala - Ham Lake, MN - email: whakala@juno.com - submitted: 01/07/2003

My father, Joe Beck, was a telegrapher-clerk for the M&StL at Tara, Iowa during the 1960's. Many fond memories of hanging out with him there during the summer months. Not sure where he originally started with the railroad but I know he also spent some time in Albia before and Ft. Dodge after and in Kansas City with the C&NW after the M&StL's demise. Great web-site. Bob Beck - Shawnee, KS - email: bbeck@oneok.com - submitted: 01/07/2002

Someone should contact my Dad (John (Jack) Mertz. He is 75 years old and full of information. His father (Harold Mertz-deceased)) worked for the railroad, Minneapolis St. Louis. My Dad has done model railroading for 40 plus years and has a personalized license plate that says O-Gauge. That is how much he is into this. Contact me and I will give you his address and phone number. He lives in Shakopee, Minn. Laura Heinisch - Chaska, Minn. - email: Lollybob56@hotmail.com - submitted: 12/30/2002

My father, Russell was a fireman and an engineer for the M&StL, as was my grandfather Patrick John Connolly - Edina, Mn - email: JCONNOLLY@JERRYSFOODS.COM - submitted: 12/31/2002

My Grandpa worked at M&StL from approximately 1922 to 1936 in Marshalltown, IA. He was a blacksmith in the reclaiming plant. His name was Darwin Hanes (or Darwin Buffington after he got married), nicknamed Binks. Grandpa's pass brought my Grandma and her 3 kids out to California where they settled their family. Any information on his job, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Dee-El Dawe - Omaha, NE - email: ddawe31635@aol.com - submitted: 1/01/2003

My father, Russell was a fireman and an engineer for the M&StL, as was my grandfather Patrick John Connolly - Edina, Mn - email: JCONNOLLY@JERRYSFOODS.COM - submitted: 12/31/2002

Someone should contact my Dad (John (Jack) Mertz. He is 75 years old and full of information. His father (Harold Mertz-deceased)) worked for the railroad, Minneapolis St. Louis. My Dad has done model railroading for 40 plus years and has a personalized license plate that says O-Gauge. That is how much he is into this. Contact me and I will give you his address and phone number. He lives in Shakopee, Minn. Laura Heinisch - Chaska, Minn. - email: Lollybob56@hotmail.com - submitted: 12/30/2002

My father was John Fry - one of the last "footboard" yardmasters at the Bartlett Yard in Peoria. He was "retired" from the M&StL when they (who shall remain nameless) shut the yard down and finished out his career on the TP&W in East Peoria. I, too, worked on the M&STL while going to college in the late 60's - notice even I don't even mention those who shall remain nameless!! I have been collecting pictures, memos, all scale of model trains (primarily O guage) of M&StL items for years. My father passed away in 2001 - I wish now that I had discovered this before his passing - he could have filled in many "blanks"!! Great sight and will be back often. Roger Fry - Fort Worthm TX - email: rffry47@Charter.net - submitted: 12/19/2002

Cash, I too grew up in the late fifties and early sixties with the train tracks running through my back yard in Marshalltown. We played on the tracks and in the cornfields on the other side. To walk the tracks and listen for oncoming trains was a thrill. Now I'm out here in New Mexico and I still live close to the tracks of the AT&SF. Great Site. Thanks. Karla McKitrick - Albuquerque, New Mexico - email: kmckitrick@tvi.edu - submitted: 12/12/2002

I worked for the Rock Island but worked Joint Agencies with M&StL at Livermore, Iowa and Manly Iowa in the late 50's and early 60's. I grew up in Albia where many times road the caboose on the Des Moines to Albia train from home to school. George H. Durbala - Rio Vista, CA. - email: telegh@aol.com - submitted: 11/22/2002

My Grandfather was born in Manly and worked on the Rock Island in Manly, Des Moines and Council Bluffs until he retired in 1958 (Lloyd E. Iverson). My Mother (Shirley Iverson Drummy) and Aunt (Beverly Iverson Nielsen) were both born in Manly and attended both grade school and high school there. As a Rock Island enthusiast, I really enjoyed seeing pictures of the train yard, that I haven't seen since 1962 or 1963, my last trip to Iowa. Linda Griggs - Phoenix, Arizona - email: lgriggs5@cox.net - submitted: 11/22/2002

Hi, I lived in Kanawah for almost a year , 1974 - 1975. Attended Kanawa elimentry school with my sisters, my three elder brothers went to high school. my father was young retired from air force, my mother English. wThe railway was long out of use, but I remember playing in the old trian cars. It was realy lovely to find this picture. Happy times are few in my childhood, there in that town are some of the best.TRemember Jane carter, not related, friend who's parents owened the funeral parlour. My father owned the big furniture store in the high street. Asd you can see i am realy excited & sure has given me some fond memories. Thank you. If you have more of the town I would love to visit the site again & see them. I was born in fort dodge. thank you again. God bless you always. Carter - hitchin hertfordshire U.K. - email: emmaleecarter@msn.com - submitted: 11/18/2002

I found this site quite by accident. I have been "hooked" on the M&StL for a whole lot of years. Both of my grandfathers worked for the M&StL out of Oskaloosa. My dad's father started as a fireman and was an engineer before he had a stroke and had to retire. My mother's father was a section foreman and retired from the CNW. I saw several entrys looking for pictures. I found the book "Minneapolis and St. Louis in Color" to have a wealth of pictures. I don't remember the author's name but it is published by Morning Sun. I also have my grandfather's "Mileposts on the Prairie" which also has several pictures in it. Like a couple of you my HO is still in boxes as well. I have a picture of my grandfather on the front platform of a RS1 and will scan it and send it to you as soon as I can. Thanks alot for your work on this site. Mike Zern - Arvada, Colorado - email: mikezern@attbi.com - submitted: 10/25/2002

I was born and raised in Belmond, Iowa and have never seen these pictures before. It's really neat to see what used to be! Thanks!! cynthia - Belmond, Iowa - submitted: 10/20/2002

Hello Lyndon, Your website looks great on M&StL. Thanks for the info... I didn't know that Clark was quite the M&StL modeler. Dustin, Roseville, MN (formally of Oelwein, IA) - submitted: 10/16/2002

Hi Great pictures I am a C&NW fan Owen Currrier - Mason City, Iowa - email: obcurrier@mchsi.com - submitted: 11/10/2002

Enjoyable site. I grew up in Illinois, so I have my favorite road over there, but have lived in Iowa since the mid 70's, and actually lived along the old M&StL railbed in Fremont Iowa. I have acquired a real interest in most of the Iowa Roads, and have been acquiring some artifcats and postcards of some of the old depots. I may have a picture of the Depot in Fremont that I acquired. If so will forwrd to you. Additionally I now live near the old Milwaukee High Bridge that goes over the Des Moines river between Madrid and Woodward. In the fall and winter I can see this bridge from my deck. Sadly there is talk of abandoment of this line, and has already been 6 months with no traffic. Rod Owensby - Madrid, IA - email: trains@willinet.net - submitted: 10/30/2002

My Great-Great Grandfather, George Washington Russell, was a Conductor on the M & St. L in the early part of this century. He lived in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He used to tell a funny story (true or not) about an incident on the train. It seems that the town of Cedar, IA was on his route. One day as they were approaching the town a rather large woman got up to use the "facilities". Just then, the train hit a rough piece of track, and the woman went sprawling in the aisle - skirts flying up in disarray. My Grandfather, seeing the Depot approaching, called out "Cedar"! A young man leapt up from his seat and punched my Grandfather in the nose, saying, "I see'd her too, but I was too much of a gentleman to say so!" Doug Russell - Tacoma, WA - email: uncledoug@att.net - submitted: 10/29/2002

Found your web site and really enjoy it. My home HO freelanced model layout is called the Midnight & Sometimes Later RR, thanks to my mother riding the Minneapolis & St. Louis and calling it the Midnight & Sometimes Later. Ed Dibble - Houston, TX - email: edmsl@earthlink.net - submitted: 10/28/2002

I found this site quite by accident. I have been "hooked" on the M&StL for a whole lot of years. Both of my grandfathers worked for the M&StL out of Oskaloosa. My dad's father started as a fireman and was an engineer before he had a stroke and had to retire. My mother's father was a section foreman and retired from the CNW. I saw several entrys looking for pictures. I found the book "Minneapolis and St. Louis in Color" to have a wealth of pictures. I don't remember the author's name but it is published by Morning Sun. I also have my grandfather's "Mileposts on the Prairie" which also has several pictures in it. Like a couple of you my HO is still in boxes as well. I have a picture of my grandfather on the front platform of a RS1 and will scan it and send it to you as soon as I can. Thanks alot for your work on this site. Mike Zern - Arvada, Colorado - email: mikezern@attbi.com - submitted: 10/25/2002

I was born and raised in Belmond, Iowa and have never seen these pictures before. It's really neat to see what used to be! Thanks!! cynthia - Belmond, Iowa - email: - submitted: 10/20/2002

Great photos! Kathy Cobeen Martin - Austin, TX - email: Kadie08@aol.com - submitted: 10/08/2002

Great site! Harvey Henkelman - Tampa, FL - submitted: 10/06/2002

I have just recently walked on the Onawa Train tressel in Onawa, Me I would like to find a web site that gives the history of the making of the tressel. Do you think you can help me find one? Thank you for your time, Nancy Strayer PS We also saw the famous "tame fox." Nancy Strayer - Bangor, ME - email: nancy_strayer@umit.maine.edu - submitted: 02/01/1944

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hi, i will be moving to manhattan, ks at beginning of october and am interested in buiding a garden railroad at ur new home there. any info / tour of your layout would be appreciated. thank you. roy fowler - west plains, mo - email: rfowler@townsqr.com - submitted: 09/21/2002 Sorry Roy, since moving my layout now consists of 6 feet of flex track on a bookshelf under the basement stairs. At least I have more trains running than Joe Binish. The rolling stock is now stored in a room full of cardboard boxs. Modelers who have unfinished layouts call them the "Plywood Pacific". I think my layout is currently the "Cardboard Central Line". Cash

I have been receiving quite a few blank guestbook entries the past few weeks. If you signed and don't see your entry please drop me a note at mstlguestbook@eldora.net Things work fine when I test the page but I would like to know if anyone else has trouble.

Cash

My father use to draw a caricature for us when we were little kids that he said was drawn by many and found on many a box car, he called it Coal Smoke Sparky. Does anyone else remember this? Love checking the site out for new things being added. My father then worked for the CNW from which he retired. M & ST L's switchmens daughter - submitted: 09/17/2002

Hi, I'm looking for photos of trainmam on the M&StL Railway between 1890 -1894 My Great grandfather Lowzelle Sprague was a trainman for a number of years, till 1895 when he then moved to Osakis, MN. Sharon - Fairmont, MN. - email: momstoy@frontiernet.net - submitted: 09/05/2002

Found your site by chance after trying to find info on a car-M & St. L train accident in November of 1914 just outside Moorland, Iowa which involved my great grandmother's sister and which killed all car passengers, excluding the sister. Lots of neat info, but nothing on this particular train accident. Liz - MN - email: dgroomer@msn.com - submitted: 09/04/2002

Greetings from Utah! I too became hooked on trains after reading the Boys Life Series. I am now at a point in my life where I can finally really throw myself into model trains. I would love to find a copy of those magazine articles, do you have them or know where I could find a copy? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Sincerely, Steve Wimmer Steve Wimmer - Draper, UT - email: stevenwimmer@yahoo.com - submitted: 09/30/1958 Steve, I have the articles and at the risk of being jailed I plan to scan the articles sometime and add them to this site. Cash

Hello, I don't know if this is the place to write this but I live in a house built in the mid to late 1800's (in Shakopee, MN)and am currently doing a major remodeling project. While tearing down plaster and lathe I came across an old remnant from M. & ST. L so I did a search on the Internet to try to determine how old this remnant was. The remnant I found is a thin piece of paper with a black, red and white circle logo on the left side, a red background with the words M. & ST. L. Modern & STreamLined Freight Service in the center and then on the right side a picture of a locomotive in black and white. Based on your knowledge of this company do you have any idea what this may have come from? I am very interested in the history of this house and of the people who may have lived here many years ago. Thank you for your time in reading my message. Kate Kate Pauly - Shakopee, MN - email: kdoucette@qwest.net - submitted: 08/26/2002

I have been researching the early history of the M&StL near Minneapolis, including the identities of early photographs, accounts of wrecks, a legend of a locomotive lost in Mud Lake, Shakopee Station, Vogel's Hill, Summit Station, Summit Siding, Shakopee High Trestles, Stacey Trestle, Minnetonka H&D RR Crossing, Shady Oak Spur, Washburn Station, Miroc Station, Mudcura Station, the clay mine at Riley Lake, Chaska, Carver, Sioux City Junction, and the line relocation of 1902-03. I have dozens of comments and questions, and a couple of answers about the times in the salad days of the late 1800s to share with any who are interested. Ron Keagle, Spring Park, MN (Phone 952-471-0208) keagledesign@visi.com - submitted: 8/19/2002

Just moved to New Ulm and I am trying to learn more aout the railroad history of the area. Shawn Heider - New Ulm, MN - email: shawnheider@hotmail.com - submitted: 8/18/2002

Nice site. For your information, Oelwein, Iowa has a nice railroad museum that includes restored rail cars and also includes employee records that date back to the early 1900's. The Chamber of Commerce could help you out on how to visit it. Also, William Faulkner, who is the son of the man, whom Faulkner, Iowa was named after is living in Independence, Iowa. He is very elderly & I am unsure of his current health. He has shared early history of Faulkner, Iowa with me before in the past. Darwin Meyer - Independence, Iowa - email: darwinmeyer61@hotmail.com - submitted: 08/09/2002

george devins - mission hills, kansas - email: gdevins@glynndevins.com - submitted: 08/07/2002

In the photo of the employes of the cedar lake shops. my father is above the fifth person from the cab on the cat walk.His Name is Steven J Varhol.He Passed a way in June 1967 William Varhol - Brooklyn Center, MN - email: wvarhol@aol.com - submitted: 7/26/2002

Great site my dad worked for the M& STL At the Ceader lake shop's. Steve Varhol. I have many great memory's of going to work with my father on the midnight shift in the summer. Your site brought back many Great memory's thank you. William Varhol - Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 - email: wvarhol@aol.com - submitted: 07/26/2002

Starting from the beginning.....somewhere around 1966 I received a trainset for Christmas. Now a rarity, HO guage MStL switcher, several cars and caboose built by Lionel! I'd like to reproduce that same set (the original is secured in my train room) for my garden railway. Ed Bornemann - New Fairfield CT - email: edbornemann@hotmail.com - submitted: 07/08/2002

Cash, as always, great site. Appreciate the link to my Iowa Central layout. www.iowatelecom.net/~dharding/ Doug Harding - submitted: 07/06/2002 Doug, I will get there to operate someday. Cash

5/2003 Well, I finally made it and had a great time. Management alowed me to operate my own power (M&StL #304) over what would have been her home rails. I was able to meet Gene Green and give him a ride home to Chapin where I was able to see some of the projects he's been working on. A great trip. Thanks Doug. Cash

Great Site. Attended College in Monmouth in late 60's. The M&stl was on the decline. I do have some pictures. D. Hitchcock - email: dhitchcock50@ameritech.net - submitted: 07/07/2002

I'm signing in for my father, Manford (John) Reitan, former chief dispatcher for the M&StL during the 1950's. He enjoys the history tidbits and the information I print out and read to him. He will be 98 on Aug. 6th 2002. Anyone who wishes may e-mail a greeting to him at hal@reitans.com and I will read it to him. Hal Reitan - Minneapolis, MN - email: hal@reitans.com - submitted: 07/06/2002 Hal has given me a box of his fathers papers and photos to scan and add to the site. I enjoyed meeting you Hal and thank you for the great information. Visitors should check the employee page for progress on this project. Cash

well actually i would love to know who you are? my name is sprague hollander. the eldest of two sons of jerrie, my mother (lucian's daughter) roger hollander and my grandmother ruth sprague. ring any bells?. let me know regards sprague hollander - ny ny - email: spragueh@earthlink.net - submitted: 07/05/2002

You've assembled a great web site that's a valuable resource for Upper Midwestern railroad history. As a fan of the CGW (that road ceased to exist 6 months before I was born - so I feel your pain) I found your site to be of particular interest and would like to especially point out that your system map for the M&StL was very helpful in my research. Thanks for building and maintaining this site. John Stueber - Chicago, IL - email: jrstueber@earthlink.net - submitted: 06/16/2002

Very interesting site. As a passenger fan, I'm always interested in the disposition of older cars - especially business cars. What happened to "Twin Cities"? Thanks for all your efforts. Ron Palmquist - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - email: Musictrains@aol.com - submitted: 06/13/2002

Where are employee records for M&StL Railway Co. held? I'm looking for 1870-1900 records pertaining to g-grandfather Patrick Leahy. M. Joseph Leahy - Auke Bay, Alaska - email: mjleahy@gci.net - submitted: 06/05/2002

I am writing a book on train wrecks called "picturial history of indiana train wrecks." I am wondering if you have any train wreck photos. Thanks Harry S. Graves - Salem IN- email: trainwreck@swirve.com - submitted: 06/05/2002

Found site while surfing. It's nowing today in Onalaska WI. A very professional site. Primarily a CNW fan thanks to grandfather who was an engineer at Green Bay WI. Good memories of Sunday afternoons when he would take us to the roundhouse and we would walk thru looking at all the big engines. Tour culminated in a ride on the turntable. Member of CNWHS and really enjoy their efforts as well as the noteworthy contributions and enthusiasm M&StL and CGW fans provide. Thanks you to all. Have seen some excellent M&StL modeling at LaCrosse Model Railroad Show. Modular layout from Mason City? Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us. Have two daughters in Mpls area. One lives near 38th Street so I try to visit the Hennepin Overland model railroad layout once a year. Best Wishes - Dave Novitske P.S. My car license plate is WI CNW 400. Stop me if you see me. David L. Novitske - Onalaska WI - email: dlnovitske@aol.com - submitted: 04/21/2002

I found your site by chance. I have a copy of MILEPOSTS ON THE PRAIRIE. It is signed, "To Mr. Walter Gibbons With very kind wishes from L. C. Sprague 1951" Walter Gibbons was my grandfather. Brian Gibbons - Kennebunk, Maine - email: mousams@gwi.net - submitted: 04/17/2002

Found your site by chance, my father, grandfather, and great grandfather all worked for the M&St.L R.R. My father Charles M. Youngkin retired in the late 60's or early 70's. My grandfather Allen E. Youngkin in the 50's. My great granfather, Robert J. Youngkin died in 1889. He was a RR Detective I was told. My father and grandfather were both switchmen and worked in the Ceder Lake yards in Mpls. Mn. I also had two cousins and an uncle who worked there also. Connie - Northern Minnesota - email: olebones@yahoo.com - submitted: 04/02/2002

Found your site after buying a RS1 in an American Railroad model shop, I decided to search the web to see if I could find anything relating to the railroad, found your site to be a mine of information, I am hoping to build a switching layout incorporation M&StL, and was wondering if you have any information that might assist in building my layout. Tim Brown - Manchester, United Kingdom - email: TBrown2798@aol.com - submitted: 03/30/2002

All I can add at this time is my father and his family lived in Kanawha, Iowa in the 1800's and 1900's. My grandfather, Henry McClay Africa, was the Postmaster at one time and my grandmother owned a millinery shop. Her name was Franke Keziah Duryea Africa. There children were George Arnold, Guyan Kennedy, Esther Ruth, Henry Duryea and James Arnold( my father). I know I have letters from my Aunt and father and photographs that I will go through to see if I can find any information that may be of interest. I also recall that an uncle was a doctor in the area. I will have to look up the name. Also, granddad was an active Mason. Kenneth C. Africa - Sonoma, California - email: rgkca@vom.com - submitted: 03/29/2002

Hello! I've just gotton around to exploring your site some, it holds a wealth of info. I really liked the all weather windows that you sell, I want some for modeling an RS-1 in the solid red scheme. I will have to return here for reference and more info. Great site, Carry on the good work!!!!!!!!!! George Bos - Brookings, SD - email: bossalvage@hotmail.com - submitted: 03/27/2002

I located your web site only today, and am only beginning to review what appears to be a great site with a ton of information. Although I have never resided near the M&StL, the road is of interest to me. I am a member of the C&NWHS. Thanks for providing the site. Clem Devine - Racine, WI. - email: cjdevine@execpc.com - submitted: 03/27/2002

Worked on the msl from 1959 till the cnw took over. Worked as a switch foreman. William R Thibodo - mpls mn - submitted: 03/25/2002

I made my first student trip as a fireman on the M&StL 1-31 42, and retired as an engineer Sept. 15,1980. My father Wm.B.Stone was a telegraph operater from 1922 till 1955. We lived in many places from Farmington Ill. to Latimer,Ia. Charles W. Stone - Marshalltown, Ia. - email: cwvms@prodigy.net - submitted: 3/24/2002

Hi, I'm the fellow who went with you to the old roundhouse and turntable at Manly. The other fellow was CGW railfan, Patrick Brennen from So. St. Paul. This is a great Website. I'm using the computer at our local library. Keep up the good work. Phil Anderson - Windom, Minn. 56l0l - submitted: 3/13/2002

EXCELLENT SITE---MY GRANDFATHER, HENRY DALLAS MAHER STARTED ON THE M&STL IN 1892 AS BAGGAGEMAN AT AGE 22. HE LEFT HIS HOME IN PERRY, IA MOVING TO MPLS AND WENT FROM BRAKEMAN TO FREIGHT CONDUCTOR IN 1899, AND IN 1902 BECAME A PASSENGER CONDUCTOR. ON FRIDAY MAY 22, 1914 HE HAD RUN SOUTH AND IN ALBERT LEA BECAME ILL. HE APPARENTLY HAD SCATCHED HIS NOSE A FEW DAYS BEFORE AND IT DEVELOPED INTO BLOOD POISONING. HE WAS TAKEN TO HIS SISTERS HOME IN PERRY, IA., WHERE HIS CONDITION GREW WORSE AND DIED MAY 28. I UNDERSTAND HE WAS PRESIDENT OF THE O.R.C. IN MPLS. I BELIEVE THAT TO BE THE ORDER OF RAILROAD CONDUCTORS??? I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN ANY FURTHER INFO OR POSSIBLE TRAIN ORDERS RE: HENRY DALLAS MAHER. THANKS AGAIN. JERRY MAHER - BLOOMINGTON, MN - email: GMAHER090@PRODIGY.NET - submitted: 03/12/2002

Great Page Had a good time at Mason City I have been out of the loop for awhile and it was good to get back with some old freinds and new. Thx for the web site. It is great. cyas Hurly Morris - Brooklyn Park MN. - email: hurly-terry@worldnet.att.net - submitted: 03/12/2002

My father, Frank, worked on the M& St.L RR in the early 1900s. Wesley Dulitz - Webster,SD - email: wdulitz@itctel.com - submitted: 03/12/2002

Keep up the good work! I also recommend you to visit my site, and tell me what you'll think of it in my guestbook! My URL: http://communities.msn.nl/BennosModelbaan Everyone is WELCOME!!!!! CU, Greetings from Holland! Benno - Almelo ~ the Netherlands - submitted: 03/10/2002

Great site! Please add blue prints of bridges in your local area if possible. Tom Mezzo - Garwood, New Jersey - email: thomasrmezzo81 - submitted: 3/3/2002

Most interestig pages. Jack L Jones Missouri Central Rail Road Sales Dept. Jack L. Jones - Eldon,Mo - email: jackl@socket.net - submitted: 2/18/2002

My grandfather and father worked for many years, from steam to diesel, on the C&NW in So. Pekin, IL. I am interested in steam engine pictures from early 1900s to the end of the era. John Freed - Glasford, IL. - email: jonandjanetn@yahoo.com - submitted: 02/13/2002

Hey, Cash, this is Craig from Como Shops. Nice website. I downloaded the history section on the 'Louie' to put on floppy so I could read later. Just joined the C&NW Historical Society this week. Quiet at store tonight. Craig LeVay - East Lake Elmo, Minn. - email: levay@visi.com - submitted: 02/09/2002

thanks for the memories, its been fun austin osmond - new sharon iowa - email: aorrfan@iowatelecom.net - submitted: 02/08/2002

Really enjoy the site! Big fan of the "LOUIE". My father has been a railroader for the past 30 years starting with the CNW, so it's in my blood! I'm also big into the modeling hobby as well. This site is very helpful in my research! Daniel Booher - Marshalltown,IA - email: daniel_booher@tones.com - submitted: 02/06/2002

My Father worked for the M&STL for 24 yrs is retired and doing well at the age of 74 . He started with the Omaha as a painter aprentist. He also worked for the C&W. Iam looking for a manifest of employees from the Cedar Lake shops if you could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Rick W. Rick Wierstad - St Paul MN - email: norfolkent@AOL.COM - submitted: 02/06/2002

I've been a fan of the M&ST.L. for many years, I even tried publishing a newsletter about it in the middle 70"s, not much luck. If I ever get to build my layout, it will be a "Louie" layout as if it still existed and was the "winner." I even wrote a fictitious history of the line beginning in 1961 to date. James Lohman - Hopkins, MO - email: lohman@heatland.net - submitted: 02/04/2002

I grew up in Watertown, SD. My dad was a fireman, and later an engineer, for the M&St.L from 1922 to 1968. Mostly he worked between Watertown and Morton, Mn., or from Watertown to Aberdeen. Several of my uncles also worked for the St.L, and my grandfather and great-uncle worked in the roundhous in Watertown. I collect M&St.L memorabilia, and I do have some old photos. - - email: nickelodeon100@hotmail.com - submitted: 01/20/2002

Interesting site. I'm a "Rock" fan at heart but I enjoy the history of all the "grainger roads". Sanford Gruhn - Humboldt,IA - email: gruhn@trvnet.net - submitted: 01/13/2002

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