The Altoona Railway Museum Club

David G. Behe graduated from Altoona Catholic High in 1954. He entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country aboard the U.S.S. Edisto where he traveled throughout the Arctic Circle. Upon his return home, he began working for Stockdale Mine Supply of Punxsutawney. David is mostly known for his 30-year career where he retired as a regional sales representative for U.S. Tobacco, Inc. Post retirement, David worked as a delivery driver for NAPA Auto Parts, a driver for Blair Senior Services, and lastly as a staffer for Senator Robert Jubelirer. David also proudly served his community for 18 years as a volunteer and chairman for the Altoona Fire Civil Service Commission.

December 31, 2010; Railfanning at the 8th Street Juniata (Altoona, PA) bridge. Pictured L-R: David G. Behe; David W. Seidel; Mark Wurst; Matt Fultz. Sadly, David Behe, David Seidel, and Matt Fultz have all passed away.

David Seidel of Altoona shows a small sampling of the hundreds of local postcards he has collected.

"The Altoona native and local history author is celebrating the recent release of "Altoona" a photo essay book that captures the town's life and past through images of never-before-seen vintage postcards from both private and public collections, a release states. The book not only chronicles Altoona from its infancy, but also the railroad industry which founded the city - namely, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company."

Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec

Circa 1972.....David Seidel, sitting in member Babe Wahl's kitchen (member Mary Jo Wahl no doubt took the picture), whacking out a newsletter [cutting the stencils] for the Horseshoe Curve Chapter's 'Coal Bucket' on Mary Jo's electric Smith Corona portable [plugged into the stove at 1487 Washington Avenue, Altoona]. According to David, "This was a monthly or bi-monthly ritual, accompanied by Babe's percolated coffee and a superb culinary concoction [usually pie or raisin oatmeal cookies]. YUM ! Babe made the VERY BEST pie crust ever!!"