I'm not sure if one of the more amazing Q facts has been
mentioned in this interesting thread.
According to David P. Morgan, writing in a two part article on the
"Burlington Story" in Trains magazine in November/December
1955, the Q was "one of those corporate paragons that defies
emulation: it has never turned its affairs over to a trustee or
receiver, never compromised a financial obligation, and never
missed a dividend since 1861."
Given the woeful records of most granger-region railroads and
the tough circumstances of the Depression, that is quite an
accomplishment. Morgan notes that every road in Q territory,
except the UP and ATSF sought bankruptcy protection during the
Depression.
These articles are well worth chasing down.
I wonder if Kalmbach could be persuaded to authorize
re-publication by the BRHS?
Michael Dawson
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