Research on Missouri Depots built by J W Gerhardt

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Marisi, Mar 5, 2015.

  1. Marisi

    Marisi Member

    Hello! I am conducting research on my step-grandfather, J. W. Gerhardt. He built 24 depots in the region for the Frisco Railroad (per the research I have so far). The only one I have definite information on is the one built in 1921 in Cape Girardeau, MO; it was demolished in 1960. I have seen a postcard of it on this site (sure would love to get a copy of it!), and I am hoping that someone here has knowledge and/or pictures of any of the depots that he built. I found this site via a comment in Fred Lynch's f8 and Be There blog from the Southeast Missourian; it is titled "Frisco Depot after 1944 Flood," and has a great picture of the depot with mud being cleaned up by a grader. Thank you!
     
  2. Phred

    Phred Member

  3. Marisi

    Marisi Member

    Re: Research

    Thank you so much for the tip! I will get right on checking this out.
     
  4. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Marisi, Welcome Aboard. Take some time to look through the thread on Cape Girardeau: http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?1161-Cape-Girardeau-MO and the sub-forum on the River Division: http://www.frisco.org/vb/forumdisplay.php?276-St-Louis-Subdivision

    I have sent you a PM (Private Message) with more contact information that may be of help.

    Aside from Fred Lynch's blog, you should also be aware of Ken Steinhoff's excellent www.capecentralhigh.com another blog heavily photo-centric based mostly in the mid - late 60's in the Cape area.
     
  5. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Welcome aboard.

    Charlie
     
  6. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    The the digitized Southeast Missourian from March 5, 1921 documents the dedication of the depot. Back in the pre-digital days, Dr. Nickell at SEMO had directed me to the Regional History Archives at Kent Library, where I'd copied this article years ago:

    http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Oc-rVwKPngoC&dat=19210305&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

    It not only documents the grand opening ceremony but it also is very descriptive of the exterior and interior furnishings of the depot. The half-page ad on Page 2 is also a nice example of early 1920s civic pride.

    Best Regards,
     
  7. Marisi

    Marisi Member

    I just checked through one of these links; saw some GREAT pictures! I see I definitely need to contact your uncle; that is how I can get some prints! Does he have the postcards as well? Anyway, I haven't had time to look through all of the links (am still trying to figure this site out and am hesitant to log off!) that you have given. I really appreciate the time you have taken with this. Thank you again!
     
  8. Marisi

    Marisi Member

    I possibly sent a previous reply to you by mistake! Anyway--I just checked the story from the Missourian, and have bookmarked it. Thank you for this information, I appreciate the time you took to find this and reply to me!
     

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