January 2010 - WINTER ISSUE 2010
CHAPTER OFFICERS
President:
Francis
X. Givler,
114 Scott Avenue,
Altoona,
PA
16602
(Note:
ALL time-sensitive correspondence should be sent to
this address)
ottodocfacs@atlanticbb.net
Vice-President:
Joseph K. Harella,
3812 5th Avenue,
Altoona,
PA.,
16602
jkharella@pennswoods.net
National Director:
M. Richard Charlesworth,
903 Penn
St.,
Hollidaysburg,
PA
16648;
charlesworth2@verizon.net
Treasurer:
Denny Walls, R. R. # 2, Box
, Hollidaysburg, PA
16648;
d63w@aol.com
Secretary:
Karin Givler,
114 Scott Avenue,
Altoona,
PA
16602;
kackiefrass@atlanticbb.net
Chapter
Historian/Editor:
David W. Seidel,
2011 14th St.,
Altoona,
PA.,
16601-3020;
dwsnrhs@aol.com.
Webmaster: Chris Behe
2009 Santa Trains
Horseshoe Curve Chapter’s annual
Santa Trains were a huge success this year.
Operated each Saturday before and after
Thanksgiving, with three trips daily, the patronage has gained in popularity and
provides the Chapter with their annual fund—raiser to continue our projects in
preserving railroad heritage and education.
These trips, operated in conjunction with the
Everett Railroad Company (and, Santa Claus) seem to be just as popular with
adults as well as children.
In
the latter category, over 900 children received treat bags from Santa Claus but
overall patronage for both days was over 1,000 passengers per day.
We are also indebted to the Roaring Spring
Historical Society who owns and maintains the Roaring Spring station, the only
surviving
Pennsylvania
Railroad station here in southern
Blair
County.
Predominantly, patrons for the Santa Trains come primarily, from a 25-45 mile
radius and may, in part, be due to the popularity of the movie Polar Express.
Entertainment aboard the trips was provided by the
following church choirs singing carols :
1.
BRAMBELTON
BAPTIST
CHURCH
2. GRACE BRETHREN
3.
ROARING
SPRING
CHURCH
OF THE
BRETHREN
4.
BARE
MEMORIAL
CHURCH
OF GOD
DUES RENEWAL REMINDER
Your 2010 dues are now due and
we hope, despite the economy, that you will consider renewing for the 2010
season.
The fraternity of the National Railway Historical
Society has it’s many rewards and the national publications are now on
schedule. The quality of these publications are worth the cost of the dues
similar to a major magazine subscription.
ANNUAL RE-ELECTION
As is traditional, the annual
election of officers is held in November of each year. By popular vote, the
current slate of officers has been re-elected.
They thank you for your confidence and support.
Contrary to popular opinion, they were not ‘railroaded’ back into office.
Their cumulative experience, leadership, and accomplishments make them
irreplaceable.
RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY TRUCK
PROJECT
The REA truck has progressed
further with the completion of signs for the truck by Jack White Signs
in
Altoona.
The signs were completed in early December,
and President Givler and Dave Seidel visited
Jack White Signs and drilled them
for application.
These are very well re-produced with the
lettering rendered in buff color with red shadowing, as was customary for
the period, this truck represents (1940’s). The truck is now housed inside
at Railroader’s
Memorial
Museum
for the winter, properly licensed and insured as an antique motor vehicle.
The one remaining appliance, as soon as President Givler acquires it, is the
requisite ‘flux capacitor’. In the following photo, President Frank Givler
positions a sign for installation.
CHAPTER WINTER PROJECT
Railroader’s
Memorial
Museum’s
utility “Marplex” truck has been moved to Frank’s Auto Service and will
undergo restoration over the winter months. The Marplex is a generic type
truck, mostly used to transport welding tanks and other tools around the
museum. It was previously used in a similar vein by Conrail and subsequently
donated to the museum.
There are several mechanical issues that need
addressed as well as body rust and paint.
As was demonstrated by the restoration of the
Railway Express Agency truck for the museum, Horseshoe Curve Chapter “can
do” to borrow an old Conrail slogan.
Work will begin after the first of the year at
Frank’s garage, usually on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings. Be
prepared to get dirty !
CHAPTER CHRISTMAS DINNER
Was held on Saturday,
December 5, 2009 at Deer Hollow Bed
and Breakfast, Tyrone
RD
(near Union Furnace).
Joe DeFrancesco’s grandmother, Rachel Gensimore
is a first-class cook !
We enjoyed the superb hospitality of Rachel and
Dink Gensimore as well as Joe, as usual. Great conversation, fellowship,
and, of course, Joe’s model railroad, kept us all entertained.
WE THANK THEM !
DAVE AND DICK TO
HARRISBURG
NRHSSMEETINGMEETING
Dick Charlesworth and Dave
Seidel traveled to Harrisburg in October to attend the monthly meeting of
Harrisburg Chapter NRHS, especially to enjoy the vintage slide program by
Frank Tattnall depicting, especially to enjoy the vintage slide program by
Frank Tattnall depicting PRR in the Enola area in the 1950’s. We appreciated
the hospitality of President Dan Nettling, Joe Heffron and Fred Wertz.
It was a most enjoyable evening.
On the way down, we stopped at the Duncannon
station, now occupied by Blue Mountain Cable Co.
They have done a first class restoration of the
building, to include removal of dense vegetation on the river side providing
an expansive view of the
Susquehanna River.
It’s worth the stop!
BILL BURKET’S NEW WEBSITE
If
you aren’t aware of, or haven’t yet visited the site, we recommend you take
a look at chapter member Bill Burket’s new website at the following address:
www.billspennsyphotos.webs.com
It is a remarkable inventory of vintage
Pennsylvania Railroad
images, much from the
Altoona area. Good work,
Bill ! OTHER PROJECTS
Late summer, autumn work
involved re-building a vestibule on one of the coaches and other
maintenance. Mr. Francis Givler Sr. painted the interior of one coach also
and Neil Myers assisted by spray painting the trucks on all the coaches as
well as those of the Everett Railroad at Wye Switches.
Airbrakes appliances were re-built and
installed as well.
Our thanks to all the volunteers who assisted
in some way especially the coach cleaning and window washing. The Chapter
coaches were also used in October by the Hollidaysburg Y for their autumn
foliage trips from
Canal
Basin
Park.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Hollidaysburg Branch
from Alto to Hollidaysburg Yard was completely upgraded with tie and ballast
work and new welded rail. Much of this was necessitated by the increased
traffic with loaded ethanol tank cars. These care are usually transported to
Hollidaysburg on the Local, then delivered to the tank farm at Canan Station
on the return trip to
Altoona
to fit the siding configuration.
The Position Light Signal
Bridge at Horseshoe Curve was taken out of service on August 30th, and
dismantled August 31st, replaced by the modern system and a cantilever style
mounting. The old signal bridge was preserved, however, and is now located
at Railroader’s
Memorial
Museum
in Altoona,
with signal aspects. When restored and re-erected, it will have signal
aspects for a “four-track” mainline.
“C”
Tower
(Conemaugh) in
Johnstown,
once a busy hub of interchange traffic for Bethlehem Steel Corporation’s
Conemaugh & Black Lick RR, has seen diminishing activity since the closing
of the mill in the 1993-1994 period. The original C Tower (frame) was
demolished
on September 30, 1958 when westbound freight
train ‘Extra 7065 West’ with diesel units 7065, 7173 and 7055, with 98 cars
and caboose, derailed at C Tower. The block operator at C Tower was killed
and another operator and signal maintainer were injured. The 65th car de-railed.
The replacement structure, concrete block, was
closed on October 27,
2003, and razed October 26,
2009.
SO Tower at South Fork,
essentially gutted by fire (set by vandals) earlier this year (they were
caught), had its “remains” razed October 2009.
As most of us in this region know, South Fork
is a busy branch line junction for area coal traffic to this day, but was
also the starting point for the great Johnstown Flood of 1889 when the dam
of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club breached during torrential rains,
sending a wall of water toward Johnstown.
IN MEMORIAM
Francis X. Givler Sr
Oct 2, 1933
– Dec 27, 2009
Mr. Givler is survived
by his wife of 54 years, Ruth Ann, and three sons: Chapter President
Francis X. Givler Jr
Ronald,
Bill; daughters Jennifer Smith, and LisaMeadows; father-in-law to
Chapter Secretary Karin Givler.
Our sympathies are sincerely extended to the Givler families.
He was a true gentleman, patriarch of the Givler family and will
be missed by all those who were privileged to know him.
In that regard, memories are genuinely the treasures of a
lifetime.
CALENDAR
January 26
-
Regular Meeting
February 23 – Regular
Meeting
March 23 – Regular
Meeting (Note: March has 5 Tuesdays…watch date).
Unless notified otherwise, all
meetings are at
7:30 PM in the
theatre of Railroader’s
Memorial
Museum,
on the fourth Tuesday of each month…1300
9th Avenue,
Altoona,
PA,
16602
.
May 4, 2010 - Spring 2010 Issue of "The Coal Bucket"
June
2010 Chapter Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order and the minutes from the May
meeting were read, there was a correction to the minutes that the anniversary is
for the Museum not the Chapter. A motion was made by Joey and seconded by Joe.
Motion carried. The treasurers report was read. Bills are all paid.
A detailed sheet is available for review. A motion to accept was made by
Dick and seconded by Joey. Motion carried
Frank asked the members present if they were in favor of
wanting to spend the money and have the other vestibule on #103 done this year.
After some discussion Dick made a motion to go ahead with the work on #103,
spending up to $5,000.00 and if more approval can be made by phone. Dan seconded
the motion, all voted in favor. Frank will contact Floyd Beegle to see when he
is available and talk with the Everett R.R. to see if the car can be moved to
the office.
Work is progressing on the Loretto, body is almost done, Joe
has all windows done on the east side and now will move to the west. The
roof will get painted first after the primer is finished.
Dick gave a report on the Wellsboro trip, he will be doing
another ad this week so anyone interested please get in touch with Dick for your
reservation. The cost is $89.00 for members and $94.00 for non. We will be
departing from station mall area approximately 6:30 or 7 am. We will visit the
canyon lookout, Tyoga Central R.R. for a train ride, Penn Wells Hotel for lunch.
Lunch will consist of meatloaf or baked chicken, and visit the Highland
Chocolate candy factory. Possibly stop at the outlets there.
Dave Seidel will be at Barnes & Noble
July 17th
for a book signing of his new Altoona post card book.
The meeting was open for general discussion.
A motion was made to adjourn by Joey and seconded by Larry.
Meeting adjourned.
ATTENDANCE: Wil Teeter
Leon Wilson
Karin Givler
Denny Walls
Frank Givler
Wayne Burket
Joey DeFRancisco Don Goebal
Mike Walls
Dick Charlesworth
Larry McKee
Jeff Holland
Joe Harella Dan Moringello
June
24, 2010 - Wiener Roast
A relaxing evening enjoying the superb hospitality of Joe DeFrancesco;
Rachel and Dink Gensimoe at Deer Hollow Bed and Breakfast, June 27, 2010. Photos
by Dave Seidel
July
2010 Chapter Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order and the minutes from the June
meeting were read. There were no additions or corrections, a motion to approve
was made by Larry McKee and seconded by Joey DeFrancesco. The Treasurer’s report was given.
A motion was made to approve by Dick Charlesworth and
seconded by Joe Harella.
Car #103 was moved to Duncansville office, Floyd should have
assessed for materials and work should start directly. Work on the Loretto
is progressing, all the windows on the west side are finished, black paint is
started on the roof, when the roof is complete the sides of the car can be
started. There has been no progress on the Marplex. REA truck has signs on, the truck went to the Antique Truck
and Machinery Show at Lakemont Park on July 24 & 25. Discussion again was of
putting a Wrigley’s gum ad or some local vintage ad. Jeff suggested checking the
internet to see what style would be preferred. Frank also took the truck to the cruise in at Target and
reported that it got a lot of attention.
Dick reported on the bus trip, we have
54 passengers. Dick ask that you please have him paid by the 1st of
August. Cards will be given to you for dinner chice to be placed at your seat.
A reminder was given to those present and will be sent out
about the Chapter picnic at the Teeter Lodge, please RSVP Frank so he can give
Wil a head count.
Mr Seidel was a guest on WRTA to promote his new book, along
with a very nice full page story in the Altoona Mirror.
The meeting was open for discussion.
Motion to adjourn was made by Don Goebal and seconded by Joe
Harella Meeting adjourned
ATTENDANCE:
Jeff Holland; Karin
Givler; Frank Givler; Bill Temple; Dave Seidel; Wayne
Burket; Joe
Harella; Dave Behe; Don Goebel; Bill
Burket; Mike Walls; Denny Walls; Dick
Charlesworth;
Joey
DeFrancisco; Joe Oricko; Duane Miller Tyler
Martinuska; Bob/George Merritt;
Mike Walls
Pictures of home
 Mirror
photo by Gary M. Baranec
David Seidel of Altoona shows a small
sampling
of the hundreds of local postcards
he has collected.
Writer depicts Altoona’s past through postcards
July 18, 2010 Altoona Mirror - By Jimmy Mincin,
jmincin@altoonamirror.com
David Seidel has again shone a light on the past
The Altoona native and local history author is celebrating the
recent release of "Altoona" (Arcadia Publishing, 128 pages, $21.99),
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.
"Photographic materials provide immediate clarity
for the written word," Seidel, 72, said. "It's a nice way to get a
good vignette of your hometown. Every little town and its people
have a story to tell. These types of books really capture that."
The book, officially
released June 14, is Seidel's third published work with Arcadia, the
leading local history publisher in the United States, with a catalog
of more than 6,000 titles in print and hundreds of new titles
released every year, according to the company's website (www.arcadiapublishing.com).
His other works include "Altoona and Logan Valley Electric Railway"
(2005), which he co-authored with Altoona resident Leonard E. Alwine,
and "Horseshoe Curve" (2008).
All proceeds from the book will be donated to the
Blair County Historical Society, he said, adding it can be purchased
at area bookstores, independent and online retailers, or through
Arcadia Publishing at 1-888-313-2665 or its website.
"I've donated all royalties from all of my books
to local nonprofits and museums," he said, adding he is a founding
member of the Railroaders Memorial Museum, a founding officer and
and chapter historian of the Horseshoe Curve Chapter of the National
Railway Historical Society, the Blair County Genealogical Society
and the Altoona-Blair County Photographic Society.
"I don't usually seek public attention, but I'm
looking forward to (the book signings)," he said. "I'm just hoping
people show an interest. In the retail environment, it's easy to
meet and talk with people. I enjoy that."
A retired employment security specialist for the
Commonwealth of Penn-sylvania Department of Labor and Industry,
Seidel was born in Altoona and has lived here all his life, he said.
His first job was as a newspaper delivery boy for the Altoona Mirror
at age 14. Upon graduating from Altoona Catholic High School (now
Bishop Guil-foyle) in 1956, he joined the U.S. Air Force, in which
he served until 1965. He had the opportunity to work with the
Pennsylvania Railroad for its final few years prior to its three
subsequent mergers.
"I've always loved the industry, but it was hard
to work for in those days because of the fluctuation," he said. "But
since Conrail and Norfolk Southern, employment has stabilized
dramatically. There's not as many peaks and valleys."
Seidel has been a collector of Altoona historical
memorabilia and newsprint for more than 40 years, he said, adding
much of his collection formed the basis for his latest book.
"I started collecting memorabilia around the
mid-'60s, after I got out of the military," he said. "It evolved
from there. That's when talks started for Altoona to have a
railroaders museum. That's when the movement to create a museum
began in earnest."
Local author Dennis McIlnay ("Juniata, River of
Sorrows: One Man's Journey Into a River's Tragic Past," Seven Oaks
Press, 2003) said Seidel's book "shows the really magnificent homes
and other buildings that were a part of Altoona's history.
"Not being from Altoona originally, I wasn't
aware of some of the buildings depicted on these postcards," McIlnay,
62, of Hollidaysburg said. "For life-long residents of Altoona,
these post cards are going to bring back a lot of memories. For
those who are non-residents, they're going to show the amazing
collection of building that Altoona once had."
McIlnay, a full-time professor of business
management at St. Francis University in Loretto, called Seidel a
"treasure trove of local information.
"He's an historical landmark himself in many
ways," he said. "He's a guy working to preserve Altoona history."
Joe Conlon, a retired English and history teacher
for the Spring Cove School District, has known Seidel for more than
20 years, calling him "one of the most unrecognized Altoona
historians out there.
"It's a very good book," Conlon, 85, of Roaring
Spring said. "Not enough people know or are interested in local
history. A lot of these postcards represent the history of Altoona."
But for all the accolades, Seidel takes it all in
stride.
"I do this as an extension of my avocation,
interests and hobbies - I'm not an academic or anything," he said.
"But I think it makes a contribution to Altoona, if nothing else -
and that's good enough for me.
Mirror Staff Writer Jimmy Mincin is at 946-7460
|
August
- September 2010 Issue of "The Coal Bucket"
August Chapter Picnic
Our thanks, once again, to Diane and
Will Teeter for hosting our annual picnic at their lodge near Hollidaysburg, PA.
Its always a pleasure to visit this rustic location and share food and
conversation. We were honored this year by a visit by our Regional
Vice-President, John D. (and Mrs.) Sweigart. A great time was had by all and we
thank the Teeter’s for the gracious hospitality. Mrs. Sweigart displayed the
NRHS “Tile” which is available from Society sales, which makes a nice addition
to NRHS memorabilia.
October
2010 Chapter Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the August and September meeting were read and
approved. A motion to accept the August minutes was made by Larry and Seconded
by Don. The motion was made to accept the September minutes by Don and seconded
by Joey. The Treasurer’s report was given. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Joey and
seconded by Dave Seidel.
Floyd is finished with the work on the car end, called Frank
to come and look it over. Frank discussed with those [resent the work that was
done. Frank told Floyd to measure the tank on car 104 to replace for the
restroom and give us a price. All the work area is spray painted but will need
primed and painted in the spring. The side vestibule windows that are missing, Frank is trying
to locate rubber gaskets to put in with new glass. Joe Harella did painting on Saturday. Museum end of car done
and steps that were black are now green. He also cleaned the paint from some
windows. Joey has lettering done and waiting for brushes and gold paint. Frank
will check on gold paint type and correct shade. Depending on the weather, this
may not get done til spring.
The Chapter Christmas dinner is set for
December 4th
at 6:00pm. At the bed and breakfast of Joey’s grandparents . It will be Roast
Beef and Turkey with all the trimmings, price is $20.00 per person including
gratuity. Dave will send out a reminder by email and Frank will send out cards
to those that do not have email. RSVP and money to come to Frank. Need a count
by November 26th.
Dick requested cost of one nights stay for the Lancaster
directors meeting. Denny made a motion to give Dick the cost of one nights hotel
stay. Motion seconded by Dan.
Dick reported that Santa trips are selling quickly. The two
extra caboose trips are sold out. Joey D went over car host schedule and plans.
Joey spoke about the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday
October 22 for the roundhouse. The attendance was 75 to 100 people.
Meeting was open for discussion.
A motion to adjourn was made by Don and seconded by Joey. Meeting
adjourned
ATTENDANCE:
Larry McKee; Jeff Holland; Tyler/Bob; Barry Kauffman; Leon Wilson; Wil Teeter; Larry Lear; Karin Givler; Frank Givler; Bill Temple; Dave Seidel; Wayne Burket; Joe Harella; Dave Behe; Don Goebel; Bill Burket; Neil Myers; Mark Yingling; Mike Walls; Denny Walls; Dick Charlesworth;
Dan Morningello; Joey DeFrancisco; Joe Oricko; Gary Clare; and Guest Ron Givler.
November
2010 Chapter Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order by the President and the
minutes from the October meeting were read with a motion to approve from Joe
Harella and seconded by Dick Charlesworth. Motion carried. The Treasurer’s report was given. Frank ask Dick for a report on the Santa trips, Saturday
was the first trips and went well. The assigned seating also went well for
being the first time. Dick asked Alan
Maples if he would consider giving us an extra day next year as the trips
this year sold out so quickly. A lot of discussion followed concerning the next year and the
Saturday trip.
Frank introduced a guest George Stanley from
Williamsburg.
Blair County Children & Youth sent a thank you for the
donation to their Christmas event to buy the children Christmas gifts. A check was sent to Toys for Tots at the Ramada and we
also had a tree displayed for our chapter. A donation was discussed for the Roaring Spring
Historical Society, Bill Burket made a motion. Motion
was seconded by Dick Charlesworth. All voted in favor. Motion carried. A motion was also made to give Norbert of the Everett
Railroad who is retiring a Sheetz gift card from the Chapter in
thanks for all the trips he has worked for us. Motion seconded by Denny
Walls. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
The Secretary asked the members present for nominations for
officers for 2011. Since there were no nominations, by unanimous consent all
the officers are keeping their present office for the next year.
The meeting was open for discussion.
A motion to adjourn was made by Don Gobel and seconded by
Denny Walls.
Meeting adjourned
ATTENDANCE:
Larry McKee; Jeff Holland; Tyler/Bob; Barry Kauffman; Leon Wilson; Wil Teeter; Larry Lear; Karin Givler; Frank Givler; Bill Temple; Dave Seidel; Wayne Burket; Joe Harella; Dave Behe; Don Goebel; Bill Burket; Neil Myers; Mark Yingling; Mike Walls; Denny Walls; Dick Charlesworth;
Guest: George Stanley
December
2010 - Santa Trains
Horseshoe Curve Chapter’s annual Santa Trains on November
20 and 27, 2010 were a great success. Trips were operated four times each
day from Roaring Spring Station to Martinsburg, PA and return. All children
received a treat bag, as usual, and everyone had cookies and hot chocolate
after disembarking at the station. Carolers were aboard the train to provide
carol sings during the trip and Santa Claus visited each child. In addition,
Santa received many letters and, we have it on good authority, that Santa
replied to these letters. Many thanks to all who helped in some capacity.
December
2010 - Message from President Givler
Chapter President Frank Givler wishes to extend his
appreciation to everyone for all the chapter’s achievements during 2010.
During any given year, we have a variety of projects going on
simultaneously. Even if you are unable to participate in a physical project,
the support received when votes need to be taken, and decisions made, it all
assists the chapter leadership. We look forward to another productive year
in 2011. As you know, there is no shortage of tasks or activities which
enables all of us to share in this fascinating hobby. Frank
