A long story - but we hope you'll help us

[simco1]

I hope this is an appropriate message for this group


From:
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society
PO Box 1002
Century, FL 32535

In our local paper recently we read of a speech at the University of West Florida (Pensacola, Florida) commencement by Ms. Susan Story, president of Gulf Power Company, the electric company for much of our region. The article mentions those who should desire to become “history-makers.” She spoke of “vision, passion and mission.”

The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society in Century, Florida has a “vision:” to preserve a part of railroading, Northwest Florida, and South Alabama heritage and history. Our “mission” is acquiring an artifact: a 1919 Baldwin 2-6-2-steam locomotive for restoration and static display in the Historic District in Century, Florida (placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989). Century’s name, of course, is derived from the fact it was founded by The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company near the turn of the 20th century.

We have a “passion" for this project, too, a lot like the people who were here before us. Most of us were born and raised in this area and know about them. They worked long hours for little pay to eke out a living during difficult times by devoting themselves to hard work for their families.

A seed donation is presently in the bank and set aside for the purpose of acquiring the engine, “Old 100.” However, we estimate we need as much as $80,000 more to obtain the engine, transport it here, and properly restore it for a static display. In order to obtain funding such as grants, we also need written commitments of support from rail fans everywhere, with specific statements of what they will do (labor, technical advice, financial support, etc.).

Two gentlemen near Mobile, Alabama who purchased the engine in the 70s for scrap prices and then restored it to operating condition, have committed their help in rebuilding the engine for a static display Therefore, we have a beginning in competent administrative, physical, and technical help. Financial assistance is our largest hurdle, and letters of commitment from the members of this group are "musts" to obtain funding from the State of Florida.

We applied for grants for its acquisition and preservation from the state’s Division of Historical Resources in May, 2004 and December, 2004 but were not funded either time. We are now appealing to groups, corporate sponsors, town governments, and individuals who have a sense of the importance of a project like this.

Besides the history and symbolism reflected by this engine, the fiscal effect it could have on our area is tremendous. As a drawing card into our area and the little town of Century from the thoroughfare of U.S. 29, a major artery connecting to Interstate highways it could bring a fiscal boost to the entire area, not just our town.

This is not to mention the educational value for those who have not seen, nor may ever see, an example of steam engines such as this. Can you imagine the children in this area – yes, and many adults – who’ve never had the opportunity to see up close, much less touch, something like this engine? Of course, those of us into steam locomotives know this already!

Besides the existing displays at our three museums, we are working to create more interpretive displays showing the roles of all races contributing their hearts and souls to this region and of early logging operations. We know there are many community-minded persons and groups here who have sponsored civic causes in the past, and we are hoping you will think about helping us.

The Historic District of Century is a living example of a late 19th and early 20th sawmill town, and the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society is committed to preserving memories of the people whose lives were spent there and in the logging woods. We’ve worked on this particular venture for nearly two years now, so we aren’t easily distracted from accomplishing this project so future generations may see, use, and learn.

Some background: During the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, logging was an honorable yet difficult occupation, even profitable, since the forests of rural northwest Florida and south Alabama were rich in longleaf pine. Even during the Spanish occupation of this part of West Florida the virgin stands of Pinus palustris were known for their value. There is a portion of the Escambia River near here known as “Scot’s Bend.” It is named for the Scottish immigrants who settled here to ply their logging skills for the Spaniards during their occupation of Pensacola and Spanish West Florida.

The history of this little corner of the world hinges around the work and accomplishments of common men, be the color of their skin white, black or red. A fitting tribute, a monument, if you will, is due those men and women so the young may ask questions and learn from a bigger-than-life artifact.

The engine, the only one left of some 29 steam locomotives operated for over a half century by the now defunct Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company, is at present owned by a railroad museum in Connersville, Indiana. Used from 1923 until 1937 as a logging engine by the ASLC, it was seen every day as the mill’s yard switching engine from 1937 until 1954. Then it was on prominent display almost another 20 years on Front Street in the town, next to the mill. In 1974 it was sold to the railfan aficionados mentioned above who restored it to run on a private railroad; then in 1976 they sold it to the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Indiana.

The WVRR used it about 15 years pulling a passenger excursion train on a scenic route in southeast Indiana halfway between Indianapolis and Cincinnati, Ohio. It is currently retired from duty and sits in their yard. They have offered to sell the engine to us. The opportunity to obtain an artifact such as this particular locomotive comes once in a lifetime, especially a symbol of the founding of a town such as this engine is. We hope to purchase the engine before Whitewater Valley Railroad gives up on us.

The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society has published a book that gives a brief rundown on the history of “Old 100.” It’s available by mail and may be seen at our website’s bookstore (www.algersullivan.org/bookstore.html) We think you will be pleasantly surprised when you look at our web site at http://www.algersullivan.org/.

I speak for the members of The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society’s “Bring Back Old 100” committee and the membership of the ASHS when I say please accept our gratitude for anything you will do to assist us.

Don’t be like me: I am one of those who waited until my later years to develop that desire to be a “history-maker.” This is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Jerry Simmons
VP ASHS
Chair, "Bring Old 100 Home" Committee

[AntonioFP45]

This is ambitious and impressive. Worth the effort!

Please forgive my question, but why not go for restoring her to operating condition?

If you check with other societies and groups that have restored locomotives, you'll likely find that people will respond more quickly to a fund raiser where a steamer will be restored to operating condition vs. a "static display" condition. Even people that are not railfans are fascinted whenever they see steamers in action.

Look what happened when the K4 that sat rusting for years at Altoona was restored. Great responses from the public.

Hope you and your group consider this.

Cheers!