Hello, fellow Frisco fans! I’m so excited to be here! My name is Jake, and I’m 22 years old. I grew up with parents who were obsessed with Salem’s railroad history, and many times as a toddler, I got dragged to walk old railroad beds searching for relics. As I’ve grown up, I began working in our state’s great park system, and became very involved in the historian community in southern Missouri. My parents grew older and their interests changed, and they moved on from the railroads. Well, my friends and I are picking up where my parents left off. All of us have had the honor of growing up together in Salem. We are a group spanning from 20-24 years old, and we want want to share the story of our hometown’s rail history. We’ve been researching over the last few weeks, compiling as much information as we can get ahold of (including full access to my parent’s folder of research) and we have mapped as much as we possibly can, while currently researching 2 more spurs. We have been searching archives, talking to locals, and getting permission from property owners to actually walk the old lines on private property. Our group’s goal is to hike as much of the original beds as possible this winter, and we’ve already successfully covered a lot. I’d like to thank this group. You have provided so much assistance to us in our research. I have read everything single page the mentions anything related to the Salem branch, and it has drastically affected my research. You guys are rockstars! We are compiling our finds using Google MyMaps, including inputting history, photographs, and recording all of the mine operation locations. All of our research will be made available to the public, because we want people to learn more about the Salem Branch. We are spending our winter getting our feet on the ground and documenting this railroad beds. We will report our findings back to you! Thanks guys! -Jake
Welcome to the group, Jake. Always exciting to see anyone interested in and passionate about researching and preserving Frisco history.
Jake, Welcome Aboard! I am so thrilled that you have found our forum as a valuable resource. Aside from what is posted on this forum, we also have "experts" in knowledge beyond what has been posted, so if you have questions, be sure to post those questions in the relevant sub-forum and we will most likely come up with answers for you. As with everything, the youth are our future and I am encouraged by your enthusiasm about a subject that is near and dear to the hearts of all of us here.
Welcome, Jake! Some of us are more-or-less local if that is of any interest to you. I know a guy well who worked up in Cuba for the Frisco (and then the BN); he still lives locally doing lawn mower repair, but he loves to talk local Frisco operations. Steve Allen Near Rolla
