I posted this elsewhere as I know this board is more for toys but I also know there are several from the northern Ohio region.......
I have just completed reading and would like to recommend the book "Invisible Giants; The Empires of Cleveland's Van Sweringen Brothers". The topics covered include the building of the Cleveland Terminal Tower, the development of Shaker Heights and its rapid transit system, and the history of the railroad system the brothers put together in the 1920' to 30's. The author Herbert H. Harwood, Jr. has written several other railroad books and uses his skills to present an interesting read. He gives historical background on each railroad encountered in the story. The Van Sweringens controlled the 4th or 5th largest rail system in the US by 1930. Included in their realm were the Chesapeak & Ohio, Nickle Plate, Erie, Pere Marquette, Wheeling & Lake Erie, Missouri Pacific and Chicago & Eastern Illinois. The brothers actually got started in the railroad world with the help of Alfred Smith from the NYC while trying to solve some right-of-way issues relating to their Shaker Heights rapid. This history includes some good guys and some less than good guys and the fall out of the crash of 1929, which the brothers actually survived, albeit in poor shape..... but not so for the following several years. If you are from Cleveland or the northern Ohio region you might enjoy the book for the interesting facts and some of the photos presented. This book is published by the Indiana University Press. You might scope them out as they have numerous railroad books in their catalog. I work at IU but have nothing to do with the press.
Jim
Thanks Jim - being just 15 miles east of Cleveland, Willoughby, Ohio, I have a big love for the local RR. As a kid, with most of my family was living near the Sharker Rapids, I rode and watch the rapids often. BTW - the Shaker Rapids are still running today.
I will be looking for this book.
I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com
Tom,
You are going to enjoy the photos of the Shaker Rapid then! They are black & white and are not numerous but they are pretty interesting............ My wife grew up riding the west side rapid, which came to be after the Vans were gone, but was in their planning way back when.
Say "Hi" to that bird!
I think Spankybird would like this book, too.
http://www.thepress.purdue.edu/Books%20Pages/Book%20Descriptions/HistoryRailroadStover.asp
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
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