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Mainline Report
During the January Board meeting the officers and directors talked about many things that should be done, as well as discussing things they would like to see accomplished this year.
On the top of the “To Do” list was Railrodeo maintenance. This includes addressing track concerns (areas of poor electrical properties), animation problems, repairing worn or damaged scenery, and bringing rolling stock up to standards.
Also discussed was the Palatka layout. Some of the current plans are additional throttle locations, remote control of inaccessible turnouts (purchasing necessary machines), and continuing scenic work.
Other items were completion of the 501(c)3 application, look into insurance for exhibits/layouts, and members rolling stock listing.
Please invite anyone you know that might be interested in any of the aspects of Palatka Railroad Preservation Society to visit one of our Open House Events or 4th Tuesday Members Meeting. Of course guests are also welcome to see what we do any time we are at the train station or go with us on a field trip. Remember, the more members we have the sooner we can achieve our goals.
Howard Blasczyk, President
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday – February 7th – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House
Tuesday – February 16th – 6:30PM
Board Meeting
Saturday – Feb. 20th – 9 AM to 4 PM
Jacksonville Train Show
Prime Osbourne Convention Center
Sunday – March 7th – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House
Tuesday – March 16th – 6:30PM
Board Meeting
Saturday – March 20th – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House
Sunday – April 4th – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House
Saturday – April 17th – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House
Tuesday – April 20th – 6:30PM
Board Meeting
Tuesday – April 27th – 7:00PM
Members Meeting
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Did You Know?
The first railroad in this area predates the “War Between the States”. In 1858, the St. Johns Railway was incorporated to construct a railway to connect Tocoi Landing on the east bank of the St. Johns River with St. Augustine, a distance of about 15 miles.
By the time Fort Sumter, South Carolina, had fallen, a few miles of track had been laid. The original tracks were wood stringers topped with thin strips of iron. During the “War Between the States”, accounts indicate the rails were pulled up and the original steam locomotive destroyed by Union soldiers.
After the war, tracks were re-laid with iron and service resumed with “horse power as well as steam”. Around 1876, under William Astor’s ownership, two small wood burning locomotives were purchased along with new freight and passenger cars.
By 1886, the line connected with the St. Augustine & Palatka Railway and was operated jointly with it. By 1889, business on the St. Johns line had decreased to the point that trains consisted of 2 or 3 boxcars and ran only three times a week. The occasional passengers would have to ride among the freight.
Ownership of the St. Johns Railway transferred to Henry Flagler in the 1890s.
Our most recent acquisitions were donated by Matthew Conner. They include three mounted photos of British locomotives, a Florida East Coast sign, as well as other items.
Matthew is one of our frequent museum guests. He comes with his father and is our youngest donor. A special thanks to Matthew for his donations.
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How about some history?
Florida East Coast Railway:
mileposts 40 to 62
“FORGOTTEN EAST COAST”
A portion of the original mainline of Florida East Coast Railway was once part a company that bore the name of St. Augustine and Palatka Railway. A sketchy history of the line must be obtained from news accounts as documentation is limited.
The St. Augustine & Palatka Railway Company was incorporated in 1885 or 1886 by William Astor. It was a 22-mile standard gauge line running from Tocoi Junction (a few miles west St. Augustine), on the old St. Johns Railway, to East Palatka. When completed, it provided a continuous route from East Palatka to St. Augustine.
The following companies were involved in construction:
W. D. Burtchnell & Co. ------- clearing & grading
Morgan, Reynolds & Co. ---- clearing & grading
W. G. Hawkins ----------------- bridge construction
Curry Brewton ----------------- bridge construction
Morgan, Reynolds & Co. ---- bridge construction
W. D. Burtchnell & Co. ------- tracklaying
Joseph Hawthorne ------------ tracklaying
The first scheduled train operated from East Palatka into St. Augustine on May 31st, 1886, using the St. Johns Railway for the last few miles.
The annual report of the St. Augustine & Palatka Railway Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1888 filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission gives the following financial information:
Outstanding capital stock --------------- $225,000
Investment in road & equipment ------ $225,000
A news account on President Grover Cleveland’s visit to Palatka on February 23rd of 1888, gives a little history on the line and lack of connections between rail lines. He came from St. Augustine to East Palatka via the St. Augustine and Palatka Railway. He had to cross the river to Palatka via steamship – the railway bridge wouldn’t be constructed until latter that year.
During 1889, the property of the line was conveyed to the St. Augustine & Halifax River Railway Co., which was leased to the Jacksonville, St. Augustine & Indian River Railway Co. The property, rights and franchises, including track, were deeded to FEC April 4th, 1896.
The line between Hastings and East Palatka was abandoned in the early 1980s. The line between Tocoi Junction and Hastings was abandoned in 1988.
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