Hello All. My name is Mike Kohutek. I am retired from a career in the field of Computer Systems design, implementation, optimization, testing and process documentatiion. I live in Lantana, an enclave in southern Denton County in North Central Texas. My interest in the SLSF is related to a desire to know about the construction and operation of the Frisco financed and operated lines in and around Victoria, Texas. The city of Victoria is located in south Texas, equidistant between Houston, San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Victoria was served by a branch line of the StLB&M from Bloomington, Texas. There were several freight customers, an interchange with the GH&SA, a good-sized freight house and a passenger depot in Victoria. This branch line was built in order to provide Victoria with a competitive rail service provider. My great grandfather sold a small parcel of land to the Pan American railroad for right of way. The Pan American (please refer to the Handbook of Texas online for details) did not succeed at achieving profitable operation. B. F. Yoakum and company used that right of way for SLSF to build its branch from Bloomington. Looking forward to getting to know all ya'll, and learning more about the Frisco. Regards, Mike Kohutek
Mike, welcome, and here's hoping that you'll find some entertaining, if not useful, information around here. We can always use knowledge folks to add to the greater knowledge, especially regarding those portions of Frisco-land that are more removed from the main spine of the SL-SF. Best Regards,
