newsletters

A.Langley Railroad artifacts from steam era described.

December “Porter” engine gets new brake system.

Robt Kennedy casket was transported in only car his brother, Jack, used while President.

April Photos of Nelson family, HA Martin, Breck pegram, Marshall Elting, David Alvarado, Jack Gately, Carl Lehman

June Photo of Augusta GA Union Station in 1968, last day of operation
July Photo of Denmark Stations
August

October No 44 Placed bronze plaque on engineer's side as dedication to L. Carrington Coleman.

January Photos of RR Stations…Harvin, Alcolu, Mullins, Savannah & Ga, SAL Freight in
Ga Central of Ga, Passenger Shed in Ga.

Photo of Vernon Scarborough, “Red” Bennett, Kit Darby and Katie Darby in
dining car No.3157.

March Remaining Jordan Spreader parts moved from Seven Mile Yard to storage lot
at SCE&G’s Charlotte Street facility.

April Photos of Chapter Activities (Kurek, Park, Le Cato, Nelson, Pegram, Rohl).

June News article about S. Spencer, First President of Southern, and death in train
wreck in 1906.

September Photos of stations in Middleton, Ohio in early 1900’s, Landrum, SC,
and Hudson, NY.

Photos of members Kurek, Varner, Pegram, Elting, Scarborough, Le Cato and Nelson.

                                          List of items needed for maintenance…steam crane, locomotive 44, office car, “Norfolk”,
                                        diner maintenance motor car No. 508, battery changing generator set, concession car, scrap
                                                car, all other cars.

April 1949 message from Charleston to ACL in Wilmington, NC … trouble with 14 cars piled up.

May Notes, records and blue prints obtained by which history of “Norfolk” (once called the
“Charleston”) may be traced.1975.

National Museum of Science and Tech in Washington, DC has new locomotive “Olomana”,
Baldwin 1883, built for three gauge in Hawaii.

May Chapter and Chas Police Athletic League sponsor steam powered excursion on Southern
Locomotive No. 4501.

April F. Moore asks for assistance in sorting through old RR papers that have accumulated. Pictures of 1940’s cars at either Southern Shops or near old Union Station.

August Chapter attention shifted to the Ann Street Museum now that financial matters
remove possibility of maintaining aging cars.

J. Heard completes Preservation Society and National Trust study of the Ann Street area.
Assistance was furnished by F. Moore and Le Cato.

October AMTRAK Station visited by private cars, “Pocahontas”, and “New Line Valley”.

Chapter invited to attend groundbreaking for Visitor Center. Gil Baldwin and Frank Moore
recognized for their work.

April Publishers, Houghton, Mifflin ask Chapter for photo of “Flying Dutchman”.

June A. McIntosh is presented mug by Post Master in recognition of “BF” contribution to
mail delivery.

July Suggestion made for quarterly meeting as social events to include families.

Museum patch collection includes Mt Washington, Western Maryland, Pullman and N&W.

Copies of “Reports of the Railroad Commissioners of the State of SC from 1880 to 1936”.

Univ of SC has twenty-two cabooses to be set out at Williams-Brice Stadium for parties.

July Joint meeting with Savannah and Jacksonville at Crossing Restaurant in old Central of Ga train shed.

August Chapter’s saving account for No.44’s restoration transferred along with train to SCRM.

Chas Museum featuring toy trains including our 1923 American Flyer train in O gauge tin plate.

V. Roming visited “BF” Museum to prepare a model of the “BF” for SC Museum in Columbia.

Mrs. J. Scudlark of Delaware donated “Model Railroader” Magazines (1952-1988) belonging to
her late father, Dr. Stewart Le Cato.

October V. Roming donates 188 copies of “Railroad man’s Magazine” (1906-1917) and
“Popular Science” of WWII era…Le Cato critique of magazines.

November extra Ann Street looks like avenue in Beirut with shell holes, earth works and tracked
vehicles moving about.

December SC Public Railways Commission to beautify plot of land near old wye at E Bay and
Chapel Streets.

Swiss Federal Railways to add two diners to be operated by McDonalds, golden arches and all.

January Chapter railway diner on lease to Hart County Scenic Railroad until April ’92.

Former CSX Line, The Buckingham Branch Railroad in Va, noted for scenery and
wildlife, carries cyanite, used in space crafts.

Norfolk and Southern Caboose, “End of the Line”, given to James Simons Elem School on
King Street.

Mention of, as late as 1897, “Blue Line” horse drawn street cars on Broad Street, “Red line”
on Rutledge Ave and “Yellow Line” on Meeting Street.

Le Cato talk at Bishop-Gadsden is attended by Loti Rhett Ball, descendant of
William Aiken…verified that Best Friend frightened his horse and caused death.

Mention of RL Stevenson book, which tells of trans-continental train divided in the
three sections (men, women and children, and Chinamen).

Melfi requested info about LF Melfi who worked on Chas to Summ Train Route, 1903-1928.

“Southern Railway Cook Book and Dining Car Manual” being transcribed by G. Mooneyhan.

May Report on Ann St construction and the thriving generation of pigeon life in the rafters that
has been undiminished by the steam and coal smoke.

Captain is given pewter and silver plate with “Best Friend” in Bas Relief for his assistance
with plate…he will display the plate at Museum on occasion.

French government expressed gratitude for relief supplies by sending “40x8”. boxcars
to states…SC’s in Cleveland Park in Greenville.

Caveat Emptor…railroad china collectors…article written from “pigeon loft” at 24 Gadsden Street.

January Postcard showing battery operated loco, custom built in Gainsville for Franco-American
Gold Mine at Hamby Mtn, circa 1939.

February Museum visitor from Royal Navy, R. Humble, has whistle museum in Cornwall,
traded chapter whistle for 5 chime CB&Q whistle.

Visitor, P. Bourassa, Canadian, member of 00 gauge, “Societe Nationale Chemins de Fer
du Quebec”…Le Cato also member.

The “Whistle Man” attended Chapter meeting, has Bodmin Steam Whistle Museum in England.

Movie, “The Emperor of the North”, with Lee Marvin, E Borgnine and Keith Carradine
is shown… about the best hobo in the land and Shack, a conductor who would rather . . . “kill a man than let him ride for free”.

Le Cato reminisces about 1950’s Turkish railroading as told to him while in Merchant Marines.

“The Railway Marketplace” has wealth of listings of cabooses, passenger cars, etc. for sale.

July “Carologue”, SC Historical Society Publication, reports on R. Wayner, author of “Car
Names and Consists”, and tells of his search for names of 15 passenger cars with 13 double beds each, built by Pullman in 1930 – “Pringle House”, now the Miles Brewton House at 27 King Street, was one name.

March D. Chapman selling photos of Southern Railway Helper No. 6374 on a grade Salibury Division.

“Railway Market Place” advertised “Jay Gould” @ $100,000 complete with magnate
daughter’s brass bed.

Remains of “Sunbeam Coach” found near Lake Thurmond near Parksville in Sumter National
Forest.

April Update on “Sunbeam” in Parksville, SC, being conserved by Dick Parks of Plum Branch.

April Hamburg, after railroad service established, seemed destined for thriving commercial success but Ga. Gov.’s son was killed in this area and town withered.

February P. Stabovitz gives details of rails at Navy Yard where 121/2 miles of track have curves of
only 100’ radius.

Three British Rosebud Kit Master shelf models displayed, were purchased at St.
Nazaire, France, W. 45^th Street in Manhattan and a Beyer Garrett articulated at a drug store on Tu-Do Street in Saigon in 1965.

Two kudzu covered locomotives shapes discovered at end of tracks, uncovered to reveal a tank engine and a turn of the century Baldwin, also found rusty set of drivers for “BF”.

June A. McIntosh tells of ancestor, former Mayor of Richmond, Va, who brought electric cars
into city.

Visitor Center shows video, “This is Charleston”, credits Charleston Chapter.

Review of book, “The Cat Who Blew the Whistle”, by Lilian Jackson Braun…tells mystery of missing railroad buff who restored his family’s

locomotive for use in dinner rides, mentions famous engineer adventures at throttle of Number Nine.

Ashley House resident donates “Le Train” by C.H. Ellis, with photo of “Best Friend” and “La Big Boy”.

August O. W. Link’s wife imprisons him in basement and takes over marketing of photos…His recording of Big “J” pulling out as chimes of Lutheran Church are heard and “Silent Night” blends with a fading steam whistle… “makes it hard to keep a dry eye”.

October AmTrak trip report, with “Coast Starlight” faring best with hand picked crew and its use
as testing ground for innovations and improvements.

January S. Farbstein of Ashley House donates non-operating models of locomotives that met
at Promontory Point to complete transcontinental railroad.

M. Hunt finds badge or tag marked N.E.RR. Charleston and Weldon Railroad at old ACL
freight station on E. Bay Street.

News article about Mr. St. Laurent of Summerville and railroad pictures and commemorative
stamps.

June “Whistle Stop Tour” brings train to Charleston, Chapter members attend.

July A. Nieland with CSX tells of modern practices in railroading, including the demise
of picturesque camp cars in 1991…crews now lodge in motels.
A. Knapp joins Chapter.

P. Stabovitz tells of steam locomotives in SC…includes those covered in kudzu at SCRM…also a shay near Remini, SC.

Set of vague drawings received showing Children’s Museum in one shed and “Museum” in other.

Photo of K.C. No.900, Bessemer No. 6251, Missouri Pacific No. 1483 and LeHigh Valley No. 5126.

August B. McCall uncovers documents relating to Army’s plan to use railroad artillery

Rev. A. Eaves donates framed Southern Railway interoffice memo to L. Rodgers, dated 1947.

October October 3^rd is 164^th anniversary of completion of world’s longest railroad in US, the
SC Railroad.

Visit to Spencer, NC Transportation Museum, viewed private cars, “Loretto” and “Doris”.

J. Le Cato tells of boat trip to identify locomotive sunken in Waccamaw River…
found four-cylinder engine, possible early Whitcomb This area said to be rich in submerged artifacts.
A. Pandy opens railroad hobby shop on Rivers Avenue.

December Dot Shultz obituary, instrumental in organizing Charleston Chapter.

I.D. Smith presented 25 year NRHS Silver Pin.

Picture of Waccamaw “Mystery Locomotive” sent to T. Fetters.

Visit to Pittsburg Avenue below Navy Base to view monorail track used by Futrex Inc.

1998

January Visitor Center displays Chief Greenberg and Officers’ HO Scale Model.

February Susan Griffin takes charge of gift shop at Visitor Center.

March D.C. Abbot plans to donate items from Ravenel-Meggett Line.

Post & Courier article gives account of plans for improvement of the Andrews Line (N Chas
through Andrews, Georgetown and on to Mullins).

April Plans for renovation of Moncks Corner Depot.

P. Stabovitz reports on American Orient Express Train at old Chas Naval Base.

May Directors’ meeting of Shed Management .

June Discussion of plans for Camden Shed.

July J. Phillips visits Chapter about new member recruiting.

Discussion of high cost of Camden Project.

Melfi family in Summerville has granite memorial made from stone of old turntable used in
Charleston…passengers helped turn train around.

July R. Vandergrift, civil war reenactor, visits Chapter.

N Charleston expresses interest in “BF”.

A. Smith of Yorkshire, England donates 36 locomotive prints.

Group in Northwest corner of state plan tourist line over Aiken Railroad.

September P. Stabovitz explores N Chas passenger station possibilities.

T. Kurek family remembered as true rail fans.

Berkeley Elec Coop’s, “Living” magazine reports that No. 44 is only existing steam loco
that has never been outside the state.

Efforts made to silence the train whistles within city limits of Winter Park, CO.

September Chapter votes to store “BF” in shed with glass panels to protect from elements.

Chapter provides copies of pictures for use in B&B at Branchville.

T. Fetters advises of new book, “Shay-The Supplement”.

October Problems continue with “BF” and artifacts being exposed to humid air.

P. Shults has father’s papers and mementos.

S. Griffin seeks photo of excavation of original wooden track of SCRR.

November “Charette” of future plans for “BF” to be prepared.

Col. Springs’ memorabilia in Railroad Museum in Lancaster.

1999

January Items cleared from “BF” car.

O. Convis donates photocopies of 1890’s engineer’s peronnel record.

F. Jackson doing research for German Submariner about rail lines traveled from Boston to
Ft McCain in Grenada, Miss during wartime.

February Delegation meeting to discuss future of Heritage Corridor.

P. Stabovitz makes drawings for “BF” display.

Gibbs Art Museum to display OW Link Photos of N&W Steam.

Ezra Miller’s great nephew visits Museum, wants to exchange photocopies of his papers for
some belonging to Chapter.

March OW Link book on sale at Gibbes.

Virginia Transportation Museum is selling video of Link at work.

Discussion of Sacramento request for loan of “Best Friend”.

April T. Monnica, Chief Conservator of State Museum in Columbia, inspects “BF”

and recommends storage in protected, climate controlled environment.

His report submitted to City Government.

R. Blair donates B/W reproductions of Railroad Equipment Displayed at Columbian Exposition in
Chicago, 1903 – has Rogers built ten-wheeler, plant system No. 100 with tender lettered, “Charleston & Savannah Ry.”

Dr. H. Heins authors book of medical student’s trip from Charleston to PA in 1860’s.

May Chapter discussed display of “BF” Locomotive at Sacramento Rail Fair ’99 and Link exhibit
at Gibbes …Chapter to loan artifacts for exhibit.

Captain J. Risk donates “Timely Railroad Topics” issued by ACL 1929-30.

“BF” to be displayed on curved track on John Street in glass covering.

“Churches on Rails” discussed.

Photo of American Baptist Publication Society Train.

June “BF” goes to California.

Branchville Station and Museum fire discussed.

Engine Nos. rather than Train Nos. now identify trains.

“October Sky” movie features O W Link cameo.

Martin family has mail order business in VA with anything with RR markings

(Southrail Specialties).

July “BF” returns to Ann Street.

August O W Link Gala at Gibbes.

J. Alterman photo presented to Gibbes, night shot of Museum with steam

locomotive passing in front.

“BF” Drum featured in garden at Gibbes.

September E. Hutto video, “The South Carolina Railroad”, available.

Moncks Corner Depot being rebuilt as cultural community center.

R. Prince books, “Atlantis Coast Railroad” and “Seaboard Air Line Railway”,

available through Indiana Univ Press.

Two wooden cottages mysteriously donated to HO scale layout.

October “BF” will have trackage and adequate shelter as part of Discovery Center.

Extensive light rail system and Futrex monorail are receiving attention in

press as solutions to traffic problems.

Hallmark Card Stores stock OO gauge locomotives.

November C. Blum organizes railroad fair at N Chas Armory.

2000

January P. Stabovitz looking for photo of “Fireless Cooker” locomotive.

Charlie, the alligator, one time resident in pond next to Army Depot is missing.

C.Carrere requests information on train wreck in St. George, 1905.

M. Weidle donates copy of “Map and Profile of the Country Between

Charleston and Hamburg with a View to a Proposed Rail-Road” (1828).

February K. Nicholson remembered as only female Chapter President.

Savannah Chapter visits.

J. Le Cato and W. Kennedy visit Spann Elem School in Summerville.

March Chapter loses space in Aiken House.

ET&WNC Garden Railroad formed by P. Stabovitz.

G. Johnson, who once drove “BF” in Chicago Transportation Show, visits Museum.

April Move of Artifacts continues.

August Charleston County Library to be used for some Chapter meetings.

L. Rubin signs books, “The Bollweevil and the Triple Play”, “Small Craft

Advisory” and “A Memory of Trains”, at Chapter Two Bookstore.

September Chapter to meet at Ashley House.

Camden Tower Project readdressed.

Aiken House to be converted to a Gift Shop.

October Slides, titled, “Steam Around the World”, shown.
A. Langley book, C&WC," tells of ACL & Central of GA.

2001

January

February Chief Greenberg discusses excursion to Winnsboro in police van.

J. Gilbert book, “South Carolina Railroad Stations”, available.

March Trip to SCRM discussed.

April P. Stabovitz writes account of Chapter trip to SCRM.

Dr. K. Sexton sends Chapter interesting pictures.

May Glass enclosure on John Street for “BF” accepted by Architectural Board.

June P. Stabovitz demonstrates rolling stock from his G gauge Railroad, a

Bachman ten-wheeler.

Mrs. W. Sawyer displays horizontal boiler, built by Stuart Co. in England …

brought to US 25 years ago.
B. Pegram, Past Chapter President, elected to executive post with Lionel Train Club.

North Alabama Railroad Museum has R. P. O. Car, ca 1920 Southern Coach
and Sleeper, “Ocmulgee River” and 1926 Box-cab.

August J. Le Cato tells of childhood near Baltimore and B&O local trains.

“BF” portion of Camden Project to be last constructed.

September J. Le Cato shows 40 year old slides of Turkish Railroad Steam.
A. Pandy invites Chapter to visit "Just Trains" on Rivers Avenue.

November Mrs. Editor takes a tumble . . . Mr. Editor becomes “Second Cook and Baker”.

Story of how name, AMTRAX, became AmTrak.

December Christmas Train, American Flyer electric engine with three Pullman green cars.

City of Charleston Police Train Show has replica of Orient Express at Charleston Place
Hotel.

December O gauge display at Charleston Place.

Transportation shed in Aiken with actors impersonating Wm. Aiken, Ezra Miller.

2002

March Children’s Museum has gala opening.

Recount of US supplies to rebuild French Railroads after WWll.

May Light Rail recommended for Charleston in letter to editor.

2003

July Thanks given to Mrs. Charlotte Humphrey for our use of Ashley House for Chapter meetings.

Captain John Le Cato writes of his need to curtail work as editor.

November P. Stabovitz helps with newsletter by computerizing the system.

Report given on success of three-day success of “BF” display that was done in conjunction with “Best Friend Train Show” of model train.

SCRM planning “Grand Opening”.

December Thanks given to Susan Griffin and her staff for help with display.

P. Stabovitz to index pictures, videos, books and maps relating to the “Best Friend”
into reference index.

Captain Le Cato’s poem, “The Best Friend of Charleston”, is reproduced for all to enjoy.

E-mail address established for Chapter at www.bfoc1830@yahoo.com.

“The Ballad of the Iron Horse”, TV documentary, by John H. Secondi Productions, shows
“BF” under steam.

L. Jaffee has blue grass song about “BF” (1976) – sngwrtr525@cs.com.

2004

January P. Segui and Capt. R. Plunkett become new members.

Construction on shed to begin in June.

February P. Bradley becomes new member … his Depot Diner in Ravenel has train memorabilia.

Plans discussed to recatalogue artifacts and have Rodger Stroup of SC Archives and History
evaluate them.

M. Lehr to check on use of Captain’s poem by “Hootie and the Blowfish”.

2-4-2 engine in Pirateland Park in Myrtle Beach in 1970’s, with markings C&MW, NRHS
CHARLESTON CHAPTER, moved to Cowan Tenn Museum.

Movie, “Station Agent”, recommended to railfans.

Photo of No. 44 following repainting in Feb 2004 at SCRM.

March Mayor forwards letter regarding poem to “Hootie”, recommending it be put to music.

K. Stoudenmire advances to Regional with “BF” Project.

Letter to B. Rainsford advising of our cataloguing of artifacts.

Chapter votes to become member of Soil and Water Conservation District.

Chapter votes to support Ravenel in efforts to establish train museum in depot.

Photo of “BF” on tracks.

April Model trains stored with “BF”, belonging to Le Cato, brought to meeting.

Newsletter which exist are being placed into notebooks.

J. Fisher donates matted photo of ACL Police Dept, 1940.

N. Wilson donates leather bound 1905 book on engineering along with photo of Henry Clay
Baber.

T. Fetter account of railroading adventures in Charleston and at Clemson.

Ravenel Depot toured by Chapter members.

Port Royal Depot now a retail store specializing in sharks .

Last Port Royal train dismantled.

1938 aerial map of St Andrews area donated by B. Kennerty.

T. Fetters assisting in marking old maps.

Members attend Assoc. of Retired Railroad Employees’ meeting.

DOT web site with train wreck investigation reports.

Photo of Ladson Dept, 1880.

May New meeting locations explored.

Library talk about Transcontinental Railroad by Citadel professor.

Chapter votes to donate dining chairs and conductor’s hand punch to SCRM.

June “Best Friend Model Train Show” scheduled in N. Chas, Nov 13-14.

Discussion on artifacts to be donated.
B. Hill, chairman of Ravenel Project, to attend next Chapter meeting.

The book, “Best Friend”, being reprinted in paperback.

Author, G. W. Williams, has been approached by Heritage Corridor and asked to read from book when train is displayed on John Street.

T. Fetters writes about P. Stabovitz for Railfan Magazine.

2001 photo of first train across bridge over Intercoastal Waterway from Myrtle Beach in 14 years … the Carolina Southern No. 100.

July Captain John M. LeCato’s passing is announced.

B. Hill visits Chapter to discuss Ravenel Depot Project.

“BF” addition to shed may be enlarged…College of Charleston may become involved.

Artifacts are preserved on video by P. Stabovitz.

SCRM trip and “back-up incidents” recounted

Newsletters (1967-2004) are being indexed and stored in notebooks.

J. Gold of Gold’s Gym passes away…was a railfan??

“B F Train Show” (model trains) to be held Nov 13-14.

Photo of Two Truck Shay, Victoria Co. N. 1066.

July Special Edition Dedicated to memory of Captain John M. LeCato (1917-2004).

August Hurricane “Charley” cancels August Chapter meeting.

Chapter to continue meeting at Ashley House.

Johnsons identify BF photo location as Summerville.

“Exotic Dancer” convention/Col. Springs are risqué RR.

Kurt Stoudenmire wins Silver Medal for BF history project.

First Chapter newsletter with full color photo.

CC-NRHS credited for photos of SC Depots in web site, Tsalmon.

SCRM to raise money with sponsors and adoption program.

September Chapter remembers Captain Le Cato.

Donations sent to Liberty Ship John W. Brown.

Maurine Le Cato welcomed as permanent Chapter member.

Private funds to be explored for artifacts’ display.

Newsletters indexed (1967-2004).

Fly family donates 99 Years of Progress, First Locomotive Built for Service.

Photo of the “Deezul”.

October Norfolk Southern contacts Chapter regarding activities with the “BF”.

Photo of Red Hill Station, Conway, SC.

November Meeting not held because of Danny Jones Train Show where we displayed K.
Stoudenmire’s project board.

Lionel trains in bankruptsy.

December Christmas Luncheon held at Lochlear’s Restaurant with good attendance.

“Best Friend” on display with many visitors in joint effort of Children’s Museum and our Chapter
and City of Charleston.

                                                Book, Railroad History on American Postage Stamps by Anthony J. Bianculli,
                                          is reviewed by Chapter. . .”Best Friend” is mentioned with January 15, 183 listed as first
officially scheduled run of the train…contact with author revealed that was the date
              according to the SC Historical Society.

2005

January Su Griffin takes over position as project manager for the City of Charleston in the Office of
Economic Development.

Website planned as www.bestfriendofcharleston.org.

Photo of 1947 locomotive crane at Anderson Quarry.

February Discussion of agreement between City of Charleston and Southern Region Industrial Realty,
Inc. for “Best Friend” donation to city.

March SCRM agrees to donation of ACL artifacts to Ravenel.

News photo of Mayor Baldwin with lamp donated by Chapter.

List of Short Line RRs shutting down.

April Plans discussed for Ravenel Presentation at next meeting.

Long time member, H. Lane, is remembered.

Attempt made to locate some boxes of artifacts once stored at 85 Calhoun.

May Meeting held at Ravenel Depot for presentation of ACL artifacts.

Presentation made by M. Lehr to Mayor Baldwin.

June Discussion of how to generate more interesting meetings to encourage attendance.

Discussed having an Activities Coordinator.

Letter from T. Fetters to J. Yates of Citadel regarding old phosphate plants in
Charleston area for new book being written by Fetters.

Photo of “Stockton Terminal” train.

July Art and Pat Giardino asked to serve as “Activities Coordinators”.

Dues to be increased for NRHS membership.

Photo of sports car pulling a small RR car.

August

September New members, B. Hill, F. Moore and J. Wilson were welcomed to the group.

Committee to recommend new officers for the Chapter for December vote.

Copies of “Best Friend” children’s book to be sold by Chapter.

October Meeting held at Carl Blum’s house…exciting multileveled train set-up.

November meeting was a progressive meeting between Best Friend Park and
Danny Jones Model Train Show.

                                                Discussion of “PV Mountain View”…V stands for the layers of varnish applied
                                            to protect the wood …the blunt-ended observation sleeper lounges was built
                                                for PRR’s lastest version of the Broadway Limited.

K. Wood purchased the Mt. View and it now sits behind the USC Stadium and
is destined for Rockton after football season.

Plans for a Port Royal Diner car for the Yemassee trackage discussed.

Photograph of Southern 1596.

November Best Friend Display is a success with over 300 people stopping in to see the train, the children
and the newly discovered blueprints of the train.

Donations flowed freely and pictures were taken of “Friend”ly Faces for our website.

BF’s trip to NYC for Norfolk Southern’s 175^th anniversary made the news and headlines.

New members, Tommy Burkhalter, Ben Pogue and Ted Xykellis, are welcomed to the Chapter.

December                         Christmas luncheon at Locklear’s Restaurant with guest, Craig Myers, editor of TIES
Magazine.
                                                Best Friend model train by Lionel on display.
                                        New officers elected…Mary Lehr, President; Arthur Knapp, VP; Pete Stabovitz, Secretary;
                                              ID Smith, Treasurer; with the appointment of Frank Moore, Historian; Art Giardino, Editor,
                                                Art and Pat Giardino, Activity Chairmen.

2006

January                               Railfans are called “Foamers” by operating people, Pete Stabovitz recognized
   as out-going president.
   BF visits NYC.
   “Steel Roads and Iron Men” video discussed.

February                            College of Charleston students visit BF (photo).
      Union Pacific assesses charges for use of their name, B. Kennerty donated pictures of
Jahnz and Radium Stations.

March                                M. Lehr's visit to Brosnan Forest Retreat discussed.
   Chapter visits American Orient Express,
   Display set up at Cheraw Festival.

April                                   Scrapbook contributed by I. Shecut.
   D. Adams of Beaufort tells of article about BF.
                                               Southern Railway Historical Association visits BF.
                                               M. Lehr presented award at SRHA convention banquet.

May New printer contributed.

Photos of BF dedication in Atlanta in 1929 identified by Pollie Singletary
Article about Gray brother contributed.

Sun Model Co planning “O” gauge model of BF.

June Thanks extended to Ashley House for many years service to Chapter.

BF slated for loan to Norfolk for display in Atlanta Headquarters.

Problem with BF track will need repair before train moved.

Discussion of celebration of Chapter’s 40^th anniversary in April 2007.

Grant Whipple remembered.

July Chapter meeting held at The Citadel’s Daniel Library.

Model train display attracts young visitors.

Simpsonville Historical Review editor visits.

Book on Johns Island being written by C. Haynie.

BF display until loaned to Norfolk addressed in S. Brennan letter.

C. Young donates scrapbook for Chapter History.

Story of L&W RR by P. Stabovitz.

                                              Tour of CSX planned.
Crews givesACL nickname, “All Cars Leak."

August                               BF track needs repair.
                                              CSX tour discussed.
                                              Group photo of tour.
                                              Boy Scout merit badge discussed.

September                     Chapter scrapbook displayed.
                                           C. Blum to have "Open House"
                                              Wooden model of Best Friend offered to Chapter.
                                             Best Friend display in November discussed.
                                             ABC affiliate contacts Chapter about magazine article.

THE BEST FRIEND NEWSLETTERS

January 1967 to Present