When I used the term "prairie school" it's the term used right to current
day where rooflines are flat, natural material used to harmonize with the
environment, open interior space, natural lighting, etc. - all hallmarks of
Frank Lloyd Wright but copied, or at least an influence, on many, many
architects, esp. in the 30's/40's. ANd agreed, certainly international in
scope. The depot was fieldstone with large windows & a noted absence of
columns/walls inside. H&R is indeed a big name in architecture/engineering.
I have a card stock piece from them with sample of all the materials used
in the LaX depot inc. material for seating.
As for the trackage: the original pass. main began (S end) just shy of MP
295 (1&1/4 miles S of Graf). The passenger bypass (former frt main)
eliminated 29 grade crossings for Zephyrs that otherwise had to wind their
way down to the old downtown Pearl St. depot & then out to No. LaX. My 1940
date meant the rebuilding of what heretofore was strictly a frt line; ie.
new rail, super-elevation, ballast, better drainage, etc. And of course the
general area is where the LaCrosse & SE crossed the Q - founded by Cargill
family of Cargill Grain fame - the family fortune began in LaX before moving
to Twin Cities. The old mansion (w/2 story coach house/servant's qtrs) was
deeded to the Presbyterian church & used as S.S., lounge & office space.
The old parlor, with real gilt ceiling, crystal door knobs & marble
fireplace was used for weddings inc. my parents. The L&SE, which
paralleled the Q for awhile running S before it cut over to Coon Valley, was
abandoned in "34 - the LaCrosse modeler's/fan group (name escapes me) put
out a model of one of their 36' boxcars (MDC body) some yrs ago for those
who model the Q back when & want appropriate interchange cars from the "Coon
Valley Route". Nominally a Milw affiliate as terminated with them, there is
evidence they also had 2nd hand equipment from the Q. The old passenger
main hosted an ex-Q SW-1 for industrial switching (Heilemans, etc) into the
70's for BN. Even C&S insulated boxes normally seen in Golden @ Coors would
show up! Speaking of beer, the only time I saw a prototype of the colorful
Athearn Hamm's 50' car was on a Q frt heading from Chi to Twin Cities in
late 60's. Got a snapshot with my Instamatic! Gerald
PS - mention of the auto frame traffic to Peoria & whether it went W on the
Q. Have no idea but do know (& have pic somewhere) of such traffic in gons
coming off the GB&W @ E. Winona for Q forwarding to Twin Cities and then to
? The WISE NMRA group had model of a custom KGB&W or GB&W gon (Athearn
car) with frames for sale yrs ago (late 70's?) - could also get the frames
separate.
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