While examining the system map (C&EI, CRI&P, and SL&SF) from a 1909 Annual Report, I noticed that a Frisco route was shown between Chaffee and Delta, MO. Is this a map error, or did the Frisco or Chicago and Eastern Illinois (C&EI) hold trackage rights on the St. Louis Southwestern (SSW) to Delta. Thoughts?
There is nothing mentioned about a connection with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois (C&EI) or St. Louis Southwestern (SSW) at Delta, MO in the book A Missouri Railroad Pioneer; the Life of Louis Houck, but I that is the only reference to early Southeast Missouri railroading that I have read completely. Any other description of Frisco operations on the Hoxie Subdivision line that I have read thus far have not included any mention of what would have been a short-cut from Rock View, MO to Delta, bypassing the junction at Nash, MO. I do not know, Karl, maybe Ken McElreath, Tim Cannon or Chris Abernathy might have additional information.
Interesting information Karl. I think the only timetable that I have from the Yoakum "Frisco System" era is a 1905 Public Time Table (PTT). If I could locate it in the still-packed boxes, I am not sure it would clarify matters any. Incidentally, I am intrigued by what appears to be an Illinois Central (IIC) branch running from McClure to East Cape Girardeau, IL. Best Regards,
Looking at your map, green lines usually indicated right or way for the actual railroad in question. Black lines usually indicated trackage rights on another railroad. Check the Index on the map and you can determine what was what. It would not surprise me if the Frisco had trackage rights at that time. Check the bankruptcy history of the Frisco. That will more than likely lead you to the deals made while in receivership.
Chris, Houck built the Cape Girardeau and Grand Tower (CG>) Railway that went near McClure on its way to East Cape Girardeau where it crossed the Mississippi River by ferry. That may be what you see.
Thanks for clarifying, Jim. I had never realized that Houck built on the east side of the River. I should have researched information on the old Houck Lines more carefully when I spent time scrounging Kent Library between classes. How is your Cape Girardeau depot project coming along? Best Regards,
Keith, They are building a new road from Blomeyer towards I-55 and it follows close by the old roadbed towards the Nash Junction. Just for your information, there is now a big roundabout at Blomeyer as well. My how time changes things!
Chris, My modeling projects are on hold. I got married and moved to Wolf Lake, IL which is along the old Cape Girardeau and Grand Tower (CG>) right of way as well as the Union Pacific (UP) mainline. I will get back up and running soon. Thanks for asking.
Sorry, it was the Grand Tower and Cape Girardeau (GT&CG) Railroad Company. It was 28.8 miles long had two sidings, used 60 pound rail and consolidated with the Grand Tower and Carbondale (GT&C) Railroad.
Jim, Thanks. I will have to check the Southeast Missourian newspaper archives and see what I can find on the GT&CG. Congratulations on your marriage! Best Regards,
This thread is another example of how there is most always someone that has not just the answer sought, but so much more! Thanks James, and Best Wishes. RE: the new road paralleling the old Hoxie Sub tracks from Nash to Blomeyer and the traffic circle; I was made aware of them by my new friend, Ken Steinhoff, on his blog. Please see the following link. http://www.capecentralhigh.com/cape-photos/bloymeyer-drive-in-theater/
Chris, The line Jim mentions ended up in Illinois Central (IC) hands and was part of the "mud line" from Murphysboro to Thebes. There was a line from it at a point near McClure to the Old East Cape Girardeau, IL and then by ferry to Cape Girardeau, MO. Ken Mc has photographs of the IC rail ferry at Cape. They might even be posted on here somewhere. The mud line was still intact as far south as Gorham in the early 1980s. Lots of roadbed left all the way to Thebes, even a few telegraph poles. South out of Grand Tower it mostly paralleled the Missouri Pacific (MP) to Thebes, IL. I have photographs of the IC depot at Gale, IL just north of Thebes. Houck also built the Cairo and Thebes Junction (C&TJ) from Thebes to Cairo, IL. I have pictures of the Cairo terminus and it was huge. I will post them if I can find them. This ended up in MP ownership and was intact until at least the late 1980s. I have pictures somewhere of the Cape local working that line. On the Missouri side near Illmo the C&TJ was a third line into Cape Girardeau along with the Frisco Gulf Line and the MP line that was constructed in the early 1930s. The former MP line is still in use by the Southeast Missouri Port Authority. The Missouri side C&TJ was built around 1910 and was not a very good road. It did not have a long life. The Frisco did not want it built as it had just bought the Gulf Line from Houck and did not want the competition. They even went as far as laying a few rails for sidings where Houck wanted to cross the Frisco and derailed some hoppers with ballast to block the way. I will see if I can dig up the whole story. 100 years ago: June 9, 1906 It is reported that all the difficulties that had arisen with the construction of the Cape Girardeau and Thebes Bridge Terminal between Cape Girardeau and the Thebes, Ill., bridge have been resolved. It is further reported that by August 1, trains will be operating between the Cape Girardeau & Chester (Houck) depot in Cape Girardeau and the Thebes bridge, making direct connection with all trains crossing the Mississippi River there. 100 years ago: Aug. 27, 1908 Work will begin tomorrow on the Thebes Bridge Terminal Railroad, beginning at a point near the Cotton Belt and will continue until the grading for the entire line to Cape Girardeau is finished. Louis Houck expects to have connections with the Cotton Belt tracks near the Thebes bridge by the first of November. 75 years ago: March 22, 1929 Construction work on building of new Missouri Pacific Railroad line from Thebes Bridge to Cape Girardeau is under way on section of line near Illmo. One of the big projects to be undertaken in construction work will be building of bridge over Diversion Channel.
Very cool information! Thank you. I now live right across the road from the old GT&CG Railroad right of way and the UP mainline at Wolf Lake, IL. Lots of modern rail action in my front yard. Some of those old telegraph poles still stand near my home. I think my railroad diorama list is growing. Still have to get some brick sheet from Walthers for the Cape Girardeau depot first. Dear Santa, ...
