Does anyone have ANY information about the locomotive that was on static display at Harmon's Park in Paragould, Arkansas? It was lettered as a Southern, but being a park train who knows if it actually was. It was removed about 15 years ago due to neglect and vandalizing. ANY information would be very much appreciated. It's existence holds a lot of memories of playing on it when I was very young.

Thanks! Trent Dowler tdowler@hotmail.com

-- Trent Dowler (tdowler@hotmail.com), June 08, 1998

Answers

Arkansas is not a natural habitat for a Southern engine, so it is hard to imagine why anyone in Paragould ARK would letter it as a Southern engine if it is not one. Do you remember the number or wheel arrangement of this engine? It wouldn't be the first time a Southern engine ended up far from home. The 385 (H-4 Consolidation) is on the Morris County Central RR in New Jersey and undergoing restoration to operating condition. The 3500 (Class D? Mogul) was sold to Cuba back in the 1920's--as of 1994, the 3500 was still hauling sugar cane in Cuba--I have a video made in 1994 showing the 3500 in operation.

-- Lamar Wadsworth (LW.Sou.Ry.steam@juo.com), June 13, 1998.

My research over the past couple of years (or more) has turned up some very interesting history on the steam locomotive that was the subject of my original question.

Best of all, the steam locomotive has survived! Even better still, it's being cosmetically restored for display.

Even though the tender of the locomotive read "Southern", the locomotive never had an actual connection to the Southern Railway, and in fact, spent most of it's life in various locations in the state of Arkansas. Mostly on private railways and short lines. Most notably, it was on the roster of The Augusta Railway (Augusta, Arkansas)which was called, "The world's shortest railroad" at only 1 mile long.

If it's of interest to anyone, I would be pleased for you to take a look at my web page devoted to the locomotive and it's rich history. It's truly a great glimpse into the history and heritage of the locomotive, the people who worked so hard to obtain the old steamer for display in Paragould, and the town of Augusta and what they went through to build and maintain their little railroad. Lot's of fun history!

If there's anything that you can add to maintaining the history of the locomotive, Paragould, or Augusta, Arkansas, please drop me a note.

Although still under construction, the web page may be viewed at www.grnco.net/~tdowler

Thanks, Trent Dowler

-- Trent Dowler (tdowler@grnco.net), December 09, 2002.