Osceola, MO, Clinton Subdivision, MP 115.1

The Frisco "6 over 6 " window consisted of 12, 10" x 20" lights.

Add the dimensions for the top, bottom and two side frame rails plus the pane dividing mullions, and you will come close to the actual window size.

 

Far out!

So these were pretty much the "standard" window size for wooden depots?

But as I look closer at the Osceola, MO photographs, they look more like single pane units.

Damn, I wish I had did more snooping around years ago.

 

I believe this to be a derivative of a postcard photo from my collection.

Posted here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1565114127094467/search/?query=karl&epa=SEARCH_BOX

The winner of the race to reach Osceola first is a matter of dispute. The Kansas City, Osceola, & Southern (aka the Blair Line, aka Frisco High Line, aka Frisco Clinton Subdivision) reached the north bank of the Osage River before its rival, the Kansas City, Clinton and Springfield (aka the Leaky Roof, aka the Clinton Line, aka the Frisco Osceola Subdivision).

The railroads ferried passengers and freight across the Osage. However, the KCC&S crossed the river first, and it entered Osceola during 1886, and ahead of the Blair Line track crew. The Leaky Roof placed its depot on the northeast side of town, and the depot site is located near present day Lincoln Street and B Street.

Two story depots were relatively rare on the Frisco, but the Blair Line built five such structures, which were located at Swope Park, Quick City, Latour, Blairstown, and Osceola. The Osceola depot, which was built during 1897, was the largest of the Blair Line depots, and the only one on the line to be built of stone, broken ashlar, which was quarried locally from the Burlington Formation.

The KCO&S depot was located near 4th Street and Chestnut Street. At the time of the photograph, the Frisco depot was one of only a handful to be lit electrically. The vast majority of Frisco stations were still lit by oil lamps.

An outdoor privy, which was located approximately 100’ railroad north of the depot, provided “sanitary” facilities. At this time, depots with indoor plumbing were more rare than depots with electricity.

The 30,000 gallon water tank is visible at the north end of the depot. The tank was more than adequate for the small 4-4-0s, 4-6-0s, 2-8-0s, which operated over the Blair Line at this time. The tenders of these locomotives carried 3800-6000 gallons of water.

The Frisco stationed a section gang at Osceola. The section house dwelling was across the tracks from the depot, and the section tool house was north of the water tank. The Frisco maintained a large, 32’ x 800’ stock pen, which was located south of the depot.

This photograph shows the Osceola depot at “train time” during 1915. Daily, four Frisco passenger trains called on Osceola. Since the loaded baggage truck wagon is at the north end of the platform, and since the shadows are short, it is likely that train No 22 is expected. If on-time, No 22 will depart Osceola at 12:05 PM.

The attention of the photograph seems to be centered upon six men, who appear to be traveling together. We can assume that the photographer was of member of the travel party. A second member of the party has a camera, and he can be seen in the center of the group looking at his bellows camera.

A local lad, who has come to the depot to watch the station activity has photo-bombed the scene. I am curious about the nature of the group, and its travel plans. The sole suitcase appears to have some plants or flowers strapped to it.

 

Some those guys look like the mob.

That may be why the depot has heavy blocks or bricks.

Did the station agent have a safe?

Only cash back then?