Railway & Locomotive Historical Society maps and technical drawings collection, 1828-1995, bulk 1837-1966

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Summary

Abstract:
The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society Maps and Technical Drawings collection contains more than 600 maps and technical drawings featuring primarily East Coast railroads and a small representation of West coast railroads. Most of the builders' drawings are from East Coast companies. The dates of these maps, drawings, diagrams, and railroad profiles date from 1828 to 1995, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1828 to 1966.
Extent:
52.35 Linear Feet 1 manuscript half-box + 4 oversize boxes + 11 map case drawers
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Railway & Locomotive Historical Society Maps and Technical Drawings Collection, MS 963, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society Maps and Technical Drawings collection contains more than 600 maps and technical drawings featuring primarily East Coast railroads such as the Central Vermont, Delaware & Hudson, New York, New Hampshire & Hartford, Old Colony, Pennsylvania and Reading railroads. Materials from West coast railroads including Southern Pacific, Sacramento Valley and Union Pacific are also part of this collection. This collection also includes drawings of American Locomotive Co., Baldwin, Hinkley, Lima, and Mason Machine Works locomotive companies' engines. The dates of these maps, drawings, diagrams, and railroad profiles date from 1828 to 1995, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1828 to 1966.

The evolution of the modern engine from a simple boiler on wheels to its current iteration is documented through these drawings, many of which were utilized in railroad shops, as evidenced by their condition. Materials also include detailed drawings of the exterior and interior of passenger cars. In addition, many long-forgotten short lines, townships, and stations can be discovered in this collection's maps.

These maps, drawings, specifications and diagrams are catlaogued in the CSRM Library online catalog, available at: https://csrm.andornot.net/ To see a list of all of the R&LHS drawings and maps, enter "MS 963" as a keyword search.

Biographical / historical:

The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society was founded in 1921 by Charles Fisher, Arthur Curran, Warren Jacobs, and Roy Carlson. In 1925, the aforementioned men, along with Albert Lumis and Carlton Philips, incorporated the society. It began as a regional organization centered mainly around the northeast but has steadily grown into a global entity with ten local/regional chapters, all of which are in the United States.

The New York chapter was the first to be established in 1934, and the latest chapter (The Steel City Chapter in McKeesport, PA) was added in 2017. Originally, prospective members had to submit a monograph on a railroad-related topic, as well as two photographs of locomotives. However, now only a ten-dollar yearly fee is required. Membership has steadily grown since its founding from 52 members in 1922, to 2,284 currently around the world. Members primarily consist of rail enthusiasts, as well as archivists, librarians, authors, and former railroad employees.

The purpose of the society is preserving and studying all facets of both railroad history and technology. It is the oldest organization in North America dedicated to this cause. In addition to archiving materials such as photographs, corporate papers, and other rail ephemera, the local chapters may engage in the preservation and restoration of locomotives. However, each chapter may emphasize a different aspect than the others. Additionally, most chapters publish a local newsletter/bulletin separate from the national organization's publications. The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society established their first archive at Harvard Business School in 1927. In 1983 a new archive was built as a part of the California State Railroad Museum. It was also the Pacific Coast Chapter's collection which formed the initial foundation of the California State Railroad Museum.

The 2025 leadership is as follows: The president is Robert Holzweiss, treasurer is Paul Gibson, and John Atherton serves as the secretary.

Acquisition information:
On loan from the Railroad Locomotive Historical Society.
Arrangement:

MS 963 is arranged in three series:

Series 1. Maps

Series 2. Technical drawings

Series 3. Diagrams, profiles and specifications

Arranged alphabetically by railroad or company.

Physical location:
Statewide Museum Collections Center
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research by appointment. Contact Library Staff.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the California State Railroad Museum. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the CSRM Library & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the CSRM as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Railway & Locomotive Historical Society Maps and Technical Drawings Collection, MS 963, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Location of this collection:
111 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 323-8073
Library.CSRM@parks.ca.gov
Website