Ogden Rails, Acknowledgments

(Updated from text originally published in 2005 as part of the book, Ogden Rails)

Ogden Rails, A History of Railroading At The Crossroads Of The West
(Union Pacific Historical Society, 2005)

This book was made possible by a grant from the George S. and Delores Dore Eccles Foundation. The generous funding provided for research and acquisition of photographs, along with actual production and printing. Many thanks to the Foundation for their support. All proceeds from the sale of this book will go toward preservation of Utah's railroad history by the Utah State Railroad Museum at Ogden Union Station in Ogden, Utah.

The initial idea for this project came from Michael Burdett, Chairman of the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. Mike's guiding vision has been most helpful throughout. Thank you, Mike.

Concept of the project took solid form after numerous discussions between the author and Mark Hemphill, and between the author and Paul Withers. These two individuals each graciously lent their expertise and extensive background in publishing and printing. On several occasions, Mark especially added to the author's enthusiasm to see this project through to completion. Thanks to both of you.

When Mike Burdett first approached the author about completing a history of Ogden's railroads, the project appeared to be uncomplicated, and plans were made to have the finished book available within nine months. Early plans were for an 80-page book, with concern that available information would fill those pages. As research progressed, it became obvious that the combination of successful research, detailed information, and numerous photos would easily fill 80 pages. After more time, available photographs and text would prove to be more than sufficient, with concern for available space for necessary maps. Initial plans for detailed maps fell through, and the re-directed funding allowed for additional pages. Text was completed and the difficult process of photograph selection began. With an available supply of more than 200 photos, the effort of narrowing the quantity to fit available space would prove to very difficult indeed.

Any good history book should have maps, an index and a bibliography. Early plans for specially produced maps were shelved because of time considerations. Union Pacific Railroad had in its archives numerous maps of Ogden, showing the yard as it has developed over time, and many of those maps are presented here. Thanks to Don Snoddy at Union Pacific for providing those maps. The large fold-out map included with this book comes from the collection of Ogden Union Station, and shows the complete yard at its peak, missing only the Southern Pacific and Rio Grande roundhouses. The interurban terminal map and streetcar route map were produced by Shay Stark. Shay is possibly the premier historian of Utah's electric railroads, and his participation here is most appreciated.

The photographs presented here come from numerous and varied sources. The most significant source has been the highly illustrative photos of Emil Albrecht, from the collection of James Watson. Emil Albrecht grew up and spent his entire life in Logan, Utah. He began taking pictures in the mid-1930s and continued until his death in November 1988 at age 78. He traveled throughout Utah and neighboring states capturing railroading as he saw it. Emil was an artist who saw the world as a collection of details; and he used his camera to record those details. When the author contacted Jim about the availability of Emil's photos, he was surprised to receive a very definite 'yes.' Over the next six to nine months, prints of Emil's valuable negatives continued to arrive, as Jim was able to take time from his busy schedule and spend countless hours in the dark room. Jim's acquaintance with William A. Gibson, Jr., added several photographs from Bill's father (William A. "Art" Gibson, Sr.) to the effort. Thank you Jim, your help has made this book much, much more than originally envisioned.

Gordon Cardall, a former Bamberger engineer and avid historian of electric railroading in Utah, graciously made his own photographic collection available. His photos, and his excellent memory, have been most helpful. The unexpected availability of photographic images from John Humiston, taken during his visit to Utah in June 1940, have added much to the depth of coverage. Mrs. Kenneth (Doris) Knowles graciously made her late husband's extensive collection of Ogden Union Stock Yards data and photographs available to the author. Many thanks go to her, her family, and Mr. Scott Laughter for putting the author in touch with Mrs. Knowles. Other photographs come from many other sources, including: D. B. Harrop; Utah State Historical Society; LDS Church Archives; Utah State University; California State Railroad Museum; Colorado State Historical Society; Wyoming State Museum; and Ogden Union Station Museum.

Many an author today is able to set their words to paper with the help of a desktop computer and word processing software. But even those words need the help of an experienced editor. For this project, Dan Cupper, of Dan Cupper & Associates in Harrisburg, Pa., lent his considerable expertise. His editing efforts have made the author's words much more readable. Of course, any mistakes are solely those of the author.

After numerous discussions with, and bids from, local and out-of-state printers, service bureaus, and graphic artists, Withers Publishing Company was selected for the final production and printing effort. Paul Withers has on several occasions shown his exemplary competence and capability, and it is an honor to have him associated with this project. Paul has proven to be a good friend and a willing mentor. Thank you, Paul.

The author wishes to thank his wife Joanne and daughter Gina for their immeasurable patience over the past two years as this project came to completion. Their companionship on research trips made the time go easier, even though they were forced to fend for themselves while the author spent many solitary hours in various special collections reading rooms.

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