Memorable Moments from the Chapter's Past
This page was last updated on: March 06, 2017
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This and the next photograph show the first public exhibit by the Altoona Railway Museum Club. The exhibit was held at Lakemont Park and its purpose was to create an awareness of the area's railroad heritage. |
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From left to right (standing): H. Wayne (Harley) Burket, David Seidel, Mrs. Kay Maloney, Julia Corl, Mary Joe Wahl; Kneeling: Alan McCormick |
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This photo is from an exhibit in downtown Altoona at the Lorraine Shop (11th Avenue and 14th Street; opposite Gables'). |
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"Railfan's Historical Group Chartered"; Altoona Mirror, June 5, 1968 |
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"Railfan's Historical Group Chartered"; Altoona Mirror, June 5, 1968 |
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A railroad heritage exhibit at the Altoona YMCA dinner for the Christian Businessmen. Presented by the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS. The exhibit Kiosk was designed and built by member Joseph F. Wahl (right, facing camera). |
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The Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS presented an exhibit at the "Railroad Days" at the Horseshoe Curve. The kiosk was designed and built by member Joseph F. Wahl . Here, member Bernice M. (Babe) Wahl speaks with a visitor. |
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"Local Historical Society to View Railroad Movie"; Altoona Mirror, 11-14-1968 |
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"Off for Strasburg Railtrip"; Altoona Mirror, Monday, June 9, 1969 |
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6-9-1969, Chapter tour to Strasburg Railroad. Sign made and hung by Joseph Wahl. Left to Right: Irvin Lint, Elizabeth Garvin (holding sign), Kay Alice Lint, Alan Blakeslee, _____, Al Smith (holding sign). |
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Photo taken by Raymond Garvin on one of the Horseshoe Curve Chapter's first excursions shortly after being chartered. Location is the Strasburg Railroad prior to the construction of the State of PA RR museum. | This photo was located recently on EBAY. Preliminary identification: Kneeling front: Tom and Carole Kaylor, Mary Jo Wah, Joseph F. Wahl-sign letterer/artist. Standing, l-r: Virginia Stewart, unknown front, Normal Weston | back, Mr. (?)Rudasill, unknown, Alice Harpster, unknown, Elizabeth Garvin, Betty Weyandt,unknown (bac), Charyl Blakeslee, Catherine Seidel, Alan Blakeslee, Irvin Lint, Kay Lint, Jean Smith, Julia Corl, Al Smith; last 4 standing unknown and lady bending unknown. Kids on locomotive: All unknown except boy holding right corner of banner: Bobby Seidel. |
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August 1969. Another Community Exhibit, approximately 13 months after the Horseshoe Curve Chapter was chartered. This exhibit for the Christian Businessmen's Association at the Altoona YMCA. The exhibit was followed by a dinner and slide presentation to promote an awareness of the Railroad Heritage in Altoona. L-R: H. Wayne (Harley Burket), Joseph F. Wahl, Ralph M. Gundel. Photo by: David A. Barger |
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8-3-1969, An exhibit of railroad memorabilia at the Horseshoe Curve to celebrate "Horseshoe Curve Days." It was an effort in the community to promote the establishment of a railroad museum. Pictured are members Paul Burrows, Joseph Wahl, and Paul Westbrook. |
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Ca 1969. An expedition of Horseshoe Curve Chapter members seeking the old Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain RR caboose # 15 in the wilds of Huntingdon county. The H&BT ceased operations in 1954. The facts escape us at this time, but believe the cabin was used as a cottage or hunting camp. Not all members in the photo can be identified due to poor memory skills, but included are Catherine & Wm Seidel, Judy & Harley Burket, Mary Jo Wahl, David Seidel. Polaroid print. |
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10-17-69 Chapter members Mary Jo Wahl and Paul W. Westbrook observe passengers boarding the Lancaster Chapter NRHS Fall Foliage train as it prepares to depart for Lancaster. Horseshoe Curve Chapter assisted by staffing train from Altoona to Gallitzin and return for two trips, arranging busses for Lancaster passengers, and boarding of Altoona passengers. Photo by David Seidel |
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10-17-69 Lancaster NRHS Fall Foliage excursion to Altoona. Horseshoe Curve Chapter assisted by arranging busses and by staffing train at Altoona. Altoona station. Photo by David Seidel |
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8-3-69 Chapter members Paul Burrows and Paul Detrich discussing PRR memorabilia displayed by Chapter members at the Horseshoe Curve, Altoona, Pa. The Horseshoe Curve Chapter sought opportunities to display memorabilia to promote the area's railroad heritage and promote the establishment of a railroad museum for the greater Altoona area. Photo by David Seidel |
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8-3-69 Display of railroad memorabilia by the Horseshoe Curve Chapter members at Horseshoe Curve to promote local awareness of our railroad heritage and the establishment of a railroad museum for Altoona. Chapter member/Secretary Mary Jo. Wahl at left. Photo by David Seidel |
Back in the 1970's, Joseph F. Wahl, former long-time member of the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, built some models for the Blair County Tourist and Convention Bureau's tourist shows. The first was the Penn Central RR Caboose, constructed out of wood, cardboard, and Styrofoam with lighted windows of color transparencies of popular Blair County Tourist attractions. This caboose was easily disassembled and transported to tourist promotion shows. Completed in February 1970 (see markings on caboose picture) it was first exhibited at Cleveland in March of that year. received his commission to produce these works through Mr. Raymond G. Garvin, former Director of the BCT&CB.
The first image was from the Altoona Mirror, Dated 3-4-70. The second article was from the Altoona Mirror, dated 3-11-70.
Post Script; Joe also made the "N" gauge model of the Horseshoe Curve for the Blair County Tourist & Convention bureau which now resides in Building B of Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. The train hasn't operated in recent years but two of the 4 tracks were operating upon completion.
Chapter member Joseph F. Wahl at work in his basement workshop, 1487 Washington Avenue, Altoona, prior to his relocation to Albany GA in 1977. Joe Wahl was well known for his carpentry skills. Here, he is engaged in finishing touches on a part for a replica Penn Central RR Caboose for the Blair County Tourist & Convention Bureau, to be used a various trade shows promoting Altoona and Blair County. Photo by David Seidel 3-70: Chapter member Joseph F. Wahl putting finishing touches on the replica PCRR caboose he constructed for the Blair County Tourist & Convention Bureau for use at trade shows promoting tourism to the Altoona/Blair County area. Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum was ten years away in it's original form and 18 years away in it's expansion/development phase, all of which multiplied tourism 100-fold. Photo by David Seidel 3-70: Charter Chapter member Mary Jo Wahl and feline friend inspect the PCRR replica caboose built by her father, Joseph F. Wahl. Photo by David Seidel Studio of Altoona television station Channel 10, March 1970, on the John Riley Show, where the replica PCRR caboose, constructed by Chapter member Joseph F. Wahl for the Blair County Tourist & Convention Bureau, was exhibited. The caboose will promote Altoona-Area tourism at trade shows. Photo by David Seidel 3-70: Paul M. Woodring of the Blair County Tourist & Convention Bureau, and Joseph F. Wahl of the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, exhibit the new replica PCRR caboose which the BCTCB will use at trade shows promoting tourism for Altoona & Blair County. The caboose was featured on the John Riley Show on local TV channel 10. Lighted window panels in the caboose display large transparencies of local attraction. Photo by David Seidel
The first picnic by the Horseshoe Curve Chapter at East Broad Top Railroad. L to R: Joseph Wahl, Bernice Wahl, Catherine Seidel, Alan & Cheryl Blakeslee, Agnes Kirsch with children John and Christine, David Kirsch (standing), William Seidel, Edna and Paul Westbrook, _____, Fred Shaefer, Mrs. Matthews, Clara Mae Shaefer
Bus Trip to Baltimore MD
First Row: "Cliffy" Kendall, Ralph Gundel, David Seidel, Tim Reese, Wayne Campbell, Mr.Kendall, Al Smith (little boy behind first row: Robert T. Seidel);
Second Row: _____, Bob Allison, William Seidel, Bernice Wahl, _____;
Third Row: Elizabeth Raudabaugh, Elizabeth Garvin, Joe Wahl, _____ , Edna Westbrook, _____ , Alan & Shirley Blakeslee, _____;
Fourth Row: Bill Temple, Alice Harpster, _____, _____, _____, Paul Westbrook, _____; Back Row: Catherine Seidel, Mary Jo Wahl, Julia Corl, Clara Mae and Fred Shaefer, _____
(Photo by Ray Garvin - deceased)
Here is a photo of "Old Number 11" from the "old" Everett Railroad on a rare excursion from Everett, Pa. to Bedford, Pa. This required permission to cross the bridge over U.S. 30 at Everett Pa and traverse the PCRR connection into Bedford, Pa. This scene is a photo run-by on the return trip from Bedford. The Everett RR at Everett was the former remnant of the Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain RR and the Everett (Tourist) RR only operated Everett to Mt. Dallas, approx. 5 miles. The photo was taken on 10-4-70. (text and photo by David Seidel)
11-4-70 Part 1
11-4-70 Part 2
 Dave Seidel with the tan shirt and camera around neck. Paul Burrows with hands in pocket. |
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These few images are of the Chapter picnic on August 22, 1970 at the home of Ray and Elizabeth Garvin in Sinking Valley, near Altoona. Photos by Catherine Seidel on her Kodak instamatic camera. | ||
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NRHS Attempt to purchase the Hollidaysburg, PA Railroad Station |
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"Curve Railway Historians Seat Officers", Altoona Mirror |
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"Railway Society Plans Bus Trip"; 3-3-1972, Altoona Mirror |
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Joseph F. Wahl, (former long-time member of the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, National Railway Historical Society), received his commission to complete a second project for the Blair County Tourist and Convention Bureau - a model of Baker Mansion with similar lighted windows containing transparencies of popular attractions in Blair County. This article is from the Altoona Mirror, dated March 16, 1972. |
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These two photographs are of me (Chris Behe) at a Chapter trip to Strasburg Railroad. I'm about 4 years old here. |
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3-18-72 Trip to Philadelphia by the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS to attend the preview of the PRR SALE at 30th Street Station, to be conducted by the Penn Central RR. Attending this preview are, (left): Shirley & Allen Blakeslee (Bellefonte), Howard Ames (Former Altoona Yardmaster), Bill Temple, Paul Westbrook, Robert Emerson, Bernice (Babe) Wahl. Right: Joseph F. Wahl, Chuck Hazlett JR, & Wayne T. (Tim) Reese. Kneeling: David Seidel. |
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"Master Mechanics Library Charter May Be Returned" This Article details how the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS purchased the original PRR Charter for the PRR Master Mechanics Library, currently the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.
Part 1 Monday, 3-20-1972, Altoona Mirror; David Seidel Collection. |
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"Master Mechanics Library Charter May Be Returned"
Part 2 Monday, 3-20-1972, Altoona Mirror; David Seidel Collection.
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"Master Mechanics Library Charter May Be
Returned"
Part 3 Monday, 3-20-1972, Altoona Mirror; David Seidel Collection. |
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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]. 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!!" |
2-17-73 Horseshoe Curve Chapter members enjoying the FROSTBITE at the East Broad Top RR Winter Spectacular. L-R: Unknown, Wayne T. (Tim) Reese, and Mary Jo Wahl. Photo by David Seidel. And, it WAS COLD ! This photo was taken on 2-18-1973 when some Chapter members were treated to a tour of the Cambria & Indiana Railroad by Rail-truck. After a southbound run from Colver, PA, and after having just crossed the overpass bridge at Belsano, a bearing on a front rail-guide wheel froze and the truck dropped into the track gauge at the entrance to the Nanty Glo Yard. This was the end of the journey but we all had a good time. (text and photo by David Seidel) December 1973 Horseshoe Curve Chapter Christmas party. Member Julia Corl poses in the K-4 1361 prop. A good time was had by all. Photo by David Seidel Chapter Christmas Party 12-73. Major Gordon D Brigham Leads the Members of his Official Kazoo band which gained popularity with Ray and Elizabeth Garvin's bus mystery tours. Photo by David Seidel. Horseshoe Curve Chapter President Paul W. Westbrook Jr. poses at the annual Chapter Christmas party, December 1973 Horseshoe Curve Chapter members at the annual Christmas Party December 1973. Left to right: President Paul W. Westbrook Jr., Paul Burrows, Bob Allison. Photo by David Seidel. Horseshoe Curve Chapter annual Christmas party, December 1973. Chapter member Raymond G. Garvin, who recently spearheaded efforts to establish and incorporate Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, hams it up as the fireman on K-4 # 1361. Photo by David Seidel. Horseshoe Curve Chapter NRHS annual Christmas party, December 1973. Member Wayne T. (Tim) Reese poses for the photographer. Photo by David Seidel
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A display of railroad memorabilia at the annual meeting of the Blair County Historical Society at Altoona's historic Mishler Theatre November, 1974. The occasion enabled the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS to display memorabilia and promote the continued development of the newly chartered Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, a goal of Horseshoe Curve Chapter since it's founding. Photo by David Seidel. |
1976 Bi-Centennial Parades
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Martinsburg, PA: Conductor is David Behe, Engineer is David Seidel |
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In this and the next photo, the parade is being held at Altoona, PA. The conductor is Paul Westbrook. Engineer is David Seidel |
Fall Foliage Excursion Train
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"Fall Foliage Excursion Train to Visit Altoona" train ticket (for October 17, 1976) |
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"Fall Foliage Excursion Train to Visit Altoona" (for October 17, 1976) article from the Altoona Mirror. |
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This is a photograph from the Lancaster Chapter, NRHS's 1976 excursion train visit to Altoona. The photo depicts the welcome sign the Horseshoe Curve Chapter made for the event. |
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October 1976 - The Horseshoe Curve Chapter assisted with operations of the Lancaster Chapter Autumn Foliage Excursion train on arrival in Altoona. In this photo, Horseshoe Curve Chapter member Dean Arnold prepares to assist boarding passengers at Altoona. Photo by David W. Seidel |
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In this photograph, Horseshoe Curve Chapter President, Paul W. Westbrook Jr., wearing his fathers PRR Uniform, prepares to assist passengers boarding the Lancaster Chapter NRHS excursion train in Altoona for their annual autumn foliage tour to Horseshoe Curve. Photo by David Seidel |
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October 1976, Horseshoe Curve Chapter members Raymond G. Goodman, Lou Maierhofer and Ray's son Eric Goodman, awaiting passengers for the Lancaster Chapter NRHS autumn foliage excursion to the Horseshoe Curve. Photo by David Seidel |
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October 1976. READING 2102 is enjoying excursion activity in Horseshoe Curve country. Seen here on the loop track at "AR" Tower in Gallitzin. In the foreground is Gary Beefelt. "This was the first time I met Gary who became a good friend as well as Horseshoe Curve Chapter member and officer; Gary was also a member of the Western Maryland Chapter, NRHS. Gary died November 17,1995 and is missed by all those who knew him." By David Seidel. Photo by David Seidel |
1977 Chapter Picnic at David Seidel's cottage.
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L to R: Gary Beefelt, Joe Wahl, Bill Seidel, Tim Reese |
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Left to Right: Mrs Arthur, daughter in law of Harry and Pearl Arthur (center), Bernice Wahl. |
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Left to Right: Bob Millard, Mary Jo Wahl, Elizabeth Garvin, _____, Ray Garvin |
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Left to Right: _____ Arthur, Bernice Wahl, Gary and Cindy Beefelt |
During the 1970's (1977?), Horseshoe Curve Chapter NRHS, as a community oriented project, began to maintain K-4 No. 1361 for the City of Altoona at Horseshoe Curve Park. This effort involved sanding, wire brushing, and touch up cosmetic paint work on this locomotive as well as maintaining and replacing all of the spotlights around the locomotive, which was floodlit at night.
Painting the fencing. Paul Westbrook and Tim Reese. July 1977 when Horseshoe Curve Chapter NRHS engaged in a community service program to maintain K-4 # 1361 at Horseshoe Curve. Left to right: Ed Hunt, Gary Beefelt (deceased), Roy C. Hunt (deceased), unknown, and Larry McKee. Photo by David Seidel Paul Burrows in the Engineer's Seat.
7-29-78 Chapter Picnic at David Seidel's Cottage
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Left to Right: Ray Garvin, Dean Arnold |
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______, Paul Westbrook, Dean Arnold, Roy Hunt, Bob Millard. |
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Fall Foliage Excursion Train
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In this photograph, members Roy Hunt, Gary Beefelt, and Dick Charlesworth prepare for passengers to board the 10-15-1978, Lancaster Chapter, NRHS excursion train to Altoona. These excursions were the predecessor for the Railfest Excursion trains around the Horseshoe Curve. Photo by David Seidel. |
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10-15-1978. Christopher and Dennis Behe on a NRHS Excursion train from Altoona to Gallitzin and back. Photo by David Seidel. |
11-28-78 Chapter Meeting at the 12th Ward Civic Center
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Left to Right: Edna and Paul Westbrook, Larry McKee, Bill Temple |
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Left to Right: Dan Dusza, Gary Beefelt, Frank Ossenich |
3-27-1979 Chapter Meeting at the 12th Ward Civic Center
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3-27-1979 Chapter Meeting at the 12th Ward Civic Center, Harry and Pearl Arthur |
4-24-1979 Chapter Meeting at the 12th Ward Civic Center
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Left to Right: Connie Dusza, George Nicholson, Roy Hunt, Dick Charlesworth |  |
Left to Right: Dan Dusza, Gary Beefelt, Arley Wolfe |
2-27-1979 Chapter Dinner
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Left to Right: Bill and Nancy Temple, George Nicholson |  |
Left to Right: Ray Goodman, Arnold and Sylva Emerson |
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Left to Right: Edna and Paul Westbrook, Dan Dusza |
Grand Opening of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
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9-21-80: Grand Opening of original Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS members Richard M. (Dick) Corl (Penn Central Conductor) and Arlington I. (Arley) Wolfe observe the festivities. Both are now deceased. In the background is GG-1 # 4913 still in its drab Amtrak Black prior to repainting to Tuscan Red and Gold Pin-striping which was a project of the Horseshoe Curve Chapter for the museum. Photo by David Seidel. |  |
Photo of Horseshoe Curve Chapter Past-President, Paul W. Westbrook Jr on 9-21-80, Grand Opening day of Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum. On this occasion, Paul was outfitted in his father's PRR Uniform to greet guests visiting the museum. It also provided the occasion to point out the example of PRR "Named Trains" which adorned the local buses of the Altoona Metropolitan Transportation Authority (AMTRAN). Photo by David Seidel |
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4-19-80 article from Altoona Mirror noting the donation of a model of the
Horseshoe Curve by the Blair County Tourist & Convention Bureau. This model was constructed by Horseshoe Curve Chapter member, Joseph F. Wahl in the early 1970's for the tourist bureau's promotional trade shows. The exhibit is constructed in "N" scale. |
5-15-1981 Dinner at Dave's Dream Restaurant
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Horseshoe Curve Chapter anniversary dinner on 5-15-81 at Dave Dream restaurant in Hollidaysburg, Pa. Left side of table, front to back Clee Burrows, Mary and Paul Detrich (all deceased); Right side of table Paul Burrows, Arley and Clara Wolfe (all deceased). Photo by David Seidel |
7-18-1981 Picnic at David Seidel's Cottage
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Left to Right: Larry McKee, Dan Dusza, Paul and John Rouzer, Fred Moyer and Daughter. |
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This is an interesting article about Member Joseph Wahl's activities when he moved to Albany, GA. Dated 3-14-82 from the Albany Sunday Herald. | The last sentence on the scan was cut off. It reads: "with some work, and some advertising, it could be a lot bigger than it is." |
PRR GG1 #4913 Restoration
Andrea Vibbert of Avenel, NJ, located this locomotive and and contributed the initial $1000 of the purchase price. The Chapter contributed the remaining $4000 toward the purchase as well as refurbished the locomotive for the Railroaders Memorial Museum at a cost of approximately $5000.
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David Seidel, Dick Charlesworth, and Gary Beefelt (NRHS and Railroad Memorial Museum Board Members) working on the PRR GG1 #4913 refurbishing project. #4913 is on display at the Railroaders Memorial Museum. |  |
Paul Burrows and (unknown) working on the PRR GG1 #4913 refurbishing project. |
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Chapter President Paul Westbrook "horsing around". | ||
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David Seidel, working on the PRR GG1 #4913 refurbishing project. |
7-17-1982 Chapter Picnic at David Seidel's Cottage
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Edna and Paul Westbrook |  |
Left to Right: Dick Charlesworth, Dan Dusza, Paul Westbrook, Bill Temple, John Rouzer & Max Charlesworth |
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Debbie Rouzer |
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Grif Teller and David Seidel at the Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum Oct 1, 1982. The backdrop is the original oil of his painting "When The Broadway Meets the Dawn. Save this to a file. The occasion was the second anniversary of Railroader's Memorial Museum |
10-14-1982 NRHS Excursion Train
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Chris Behe and Ted Clapper. These excursions were the predecessor for the Railfest Excursion trains around the Horseshoe Curve. Photo by David Seidel. |
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January, 1983 at Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. Photo of Horseshoe Curve Chapter NRHS future webmaster/newsletter editor Christopher Behe operating a train layout during his "education and grooming [who said 'brain-washing?]". Photo by David Seidel |
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Picnic at David Seidel's Cottage
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Left to Right: Paul Rouzer, William J. Seidel & John Rouzer |  |
Left to Right: Gary Beefelt, Larry McKee |
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Gary Beefelt |
Christmas Dinner at the Bellwood, PA Methodist Church
Paul and Mary Detrich, Mrs. and Arlington I. Wolfe, Gary Beefelt, Roy Hunt Frank Oeasenich on left, Harry Arthur at Head, Pearl Arthur at far right, _____, Dick Charlesworth, George Nicholson Left side from front to rear: Debbie Rouzer, Larry McKee, William Seidel, Catherine Seidel; Head of table: Joe Folcarelli; Right side from rear to front: Fannie Folcarelli, Virginia (Folcarelli) Seidel, John Rouzer
NRHS and its
logo are trademarks of the National Railway Historical Society
(All photos are
by David Seidel unless otherwise indicated.)
