I had seen those photos and posts before. If Second Street closed in 1978, it was late in the year, because it was operating as usual when I visited in August or September of that year. I hung out there regularly for a few years and stopped in one more time before heading off to college that fall. On that occasion the operator didn't say anything about expecting it to close. My family moved from the area soon thereafter so I lost track and was dismayed to find it gone some time later.
I'll answer the second question. When in doubt, go to the CNW time machine Mark Llanuza:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/7547061@N02/2407467555/
According to information / comments in response to the picture the Second Street tower in Clinton, IA closed in 1978.
Here's another picture of the tower also by Mark Llanuza:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/7547061@N02/2413843884/in/photostream/
Chris
Thanks for the tips. I had tried CNWHS before and couldn't find a way to post or ask a question on the website. The answers aren't in the Capsule History. I sent an e-mail about six weeks ago to archive@cnwhs.org and have had no response.
Ought to be talking to CNW Historical (even with the loss of Joe Pierson, that place has a mission and this ought to be an easy one for them)
http://cnwhs.org/
http://www.cnwhs.org/capsulehistory.htm Find somebody with the AFE / AFR Indexes and get the closeout dates.
Can anyone tell me:
1. Approximately when did two-way radio come into common use on freight trains on the Chicago-Omaha main line (Illinois & Iowa divisions)?
2. When did the Second Street interlocking tower in Clinton, Iowa close?
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