M238 Alva Lyons papers
Collection Summary
| Title | Alva Lyons papers |
| Dates (Inclusive) | 1882-2005 |
| Dates (Bulk) | 1940-1969 |
| Creator | Alva Lyons |
| Abstract | This collection contains the historically significant papers of San Juan Basin narrow gauge railroad conductor Alva F. Lyons. |
| Unique ID | M238 |
| Quantity | 6.5 linear shelf feet (in 14 document cases) |
Biographical Note
Alva F. Lyons was a Four Corners narrow gauge railroad conductor. For detailed
biographical information about this beloved man of Durango, Colorado, see the
records in
Sub-series 8.2 regarding the memorial in his name.
Arrangement
These records are arranged in series and, in some cases, sub-series, determined
by material type and/or origin. Each series is numbered consecutively and contains separate folders for each individual item
in the series. Each folder is labeled with a number, arranged in numerical order
within the box, and has a general title which explains its contents. These
records are mostly in chronological order within each series.
Scope & Contents
This collection contains the historically significant papers of San Juan Basin
narrow gauge railroad conductor Alva F. Lyons. It includes records pertaining to
the Order of Railroad Conductors. At left is a photo of a well-dressed group in
front of a Denver and Rio Grande Railroad passenger car, circa 1893-1895,
possibly at the Durango depot (click on picture for a larger view).
Restrictions
Access. There are no access restrictions on the use of these materials for research purposes.
This collection is open to the public for use in the Delaney Southwest Research Library at the
Center of Southwest Studies.
Use and Copyright. These materials are for use only in the Delaney Southwest Research Library;
they are noncirculating. Limited duplication of print materials is allowed for research purposes.
The user assumes full responsibility for observing all applicable laws regarding copyright, property
rights, and libel.
Preferred Citation
Alva Lyons papers, Fort Lewis College. Center of Southwest Studies.
Processing Info
Center of Southwest Studies archival volunteers Bud Davis and Paula Wiseman and
student archival assistant Gretchen Gray assisted with the processing of this
collection in 2007/08, under the supervision of the archivist. Student
archival assistant Elizabeth De Jong prepared the original folder list, and
student worker, Andrea Bailey, edited and revised the online finding aid in
winter 2010.
Acquisition Info
The Center of Southwest Studies acquired these materials as a series of gifts
from Alva F. Lyons in 1966 (accessions 1966:02224 and 1999:01009A). Lyons also
donated an 1882 conductor's bag and hat, ticket stamps, rubber stamps, a
copper-plated gold railroad spike, a telegraph, brochures and tickets, Modern
American Railway Practice (10 volume set) (1967:03003A), a railroad
switching lantern (1971:02052), a pair of Denver & Rio Grande Western
kerosene lamps which were most probably used by the railroad crews for checking
the tracks (1972:11001), and a scale model of the railroad depot at
Rico, Colorado (1973:10001.01).
Included in Mr. Lyons' gift of railroadiana (1966:02224) was a battery-powered
speaker which he used as the conductor aboard the Durango-Silverton train; the
speaker was given to him by the staff of the Hollywood movie Night Passage
in October of 1956 (according to information printed in white paint on one side
of the red battery box). Lyons used this speaker for a number of years to tell
Rio Grande Railroad passengers about the Silverton Branch, until the Railroad
installed in two of its trains a speaking and music system, which was operated
from the baggage car. Dimensions: red metal box is 5.25" high x 6.75" wide x
5.5" deep; its silver-colored metal handle (on top of the red box) is 2.6" high
x 5" wide; the attached gray metal speaker amplifier (made by University, USA)
above the red box is 8.25" at its greatest width (at the end of the bell) x 9"
wide x 8.25" diameter; the hand held microphone is 1.5" high x 2.25" in
diameter, and attaches to the red box by a coiled black rubber cord which is
approximately 1' long without being extended. It is well used, but in good
condition.
Separated Materials
None.
Related Materials
| M 019 | Rio Grande Southern Railroad record |
Sounds of narrow gauge railroads:
| Recording Number | Date | Contents | Link |
| 462 | Circa January 1959 | Reel side A (on both sides of audiocassette tape 1): engine music. Reel side B (on both sides of audiocassette tape 2): engine music, Durango to Farmington, caboose, Farmington to Durango (485 and 489), and Chama to Durango. Undated, but circa early 1959. According to the note on the master reel box, the recording was poorly done and needs editing. This reel was with the railroad collection assembled and maintained by Alva Lyons. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. Copied (May 1996) from one 7" reel tape onto two 90 minute audiocassette tapes. | |
| 461 | 7/27/1958 - 3/14/1959 | Reel side A (copied onto audiotape 1, sides a and b): Rio Grande, 0 to 42, told by Bruce Aker (sp?). Reel side B (copied onto both sides of audiocassette tape 2): narrow gauge to Silverton. According to the note on the master reel box, Bruce Aker sent this tape to Alva Lyons on March 14, 1959; John Braggs made the record between Alamosa and Chama; Jim Stevens recorded the sounds from Romeo to Antonito with Engines 480 and 490. With the Alva Lyons collection. Copied onto two 90 minute audiocassette tapes in May 1996 from one 7" magnetic tape reel. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. Digitized 5/1/2006 through the Center's grant with the Collaborative Digitization Project. | Side A ~ Side B |
| 460 | 4/28-30/1966 | Additional sounds of narrow gauge railroads, apparently recorded by Alva Lyons. Copied from one 7" 1.5 mil acetate reel onto two 90-minute audiocassettes, May 1996. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. | |
| 459 | 8/14/1966 | Reel side A: voice of Bill Fletcher, President, Railroad Club, on Durango and Rio Grande Western narrow gauge railroad, Durango to Hermosa, August 14, 1966. Reel side B: Leadville to Climax climb; 0 to 74, by Elolte Larsen; Engine #641, 2-8-0 10 car drag, standard gauge...; Engine #478, 95 to 150; Engines #476 and 483, 150 to 210; thunderstorm, 223 to 320; 321 to end, organ music (see reel box for more details), April 17 (1967?). Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. Copied (May, 1996) from one 5" 1.5 mil acetate reel tape onto one 90-minute audiocassette. (Digital recording contents note: the first seconds of Side A is the voice of Gayle Maloy or Louis L'Amour at the Ignacio peace treaty ceremony; skip past that to hear Mr. Fletcher's introduction to his compilation of railroad sounds.) | Side A ~ Side B |
Transcribed interviews in the Southwest oral history collection:
| Interview Number | Date | Contents | Link |
| 463 | June 25, 1982 | Interview by Robert W. Delaney. Transcribed by Catherine Conrad on April 3, 1996; edited by Todd Ellison on April 4, 1996. Release signed by Dr. Delaney and Center of Southwest Studies 1/98. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. Also, click to read the transcription of this interview: 6/25/82. | Side A ~ Side B |
| 464 | June 29, 1982 | Interview by Robert W. Delaney. Transcribed by Catherine Conrad on March 26, 1996; edited by Todd Ellison on April 4, 1996. Release signed by Dr. Delaney and Center 1/1998. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. Also, click to read the transcription of this interview: 6/29/82. | Side A ~ Side B |
| 465 | July 1, 1982 | Interview by Robert W. Delaney. Transcribed by Catherine Conrad on March 29, 1996; edited by Todd Ellison on April 4, 1996. Release signed by Dr. Delaney and Center of Southwest Studies 1/1998. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. | |
| 466 | July 7, 1982 | Interview by Robert W. Delaney. Transcribed by Catherine Conrad on April 2, 1996; edited by Todd Ellison on April 4, 1996. Release signed by Dr. Delaney and Center of Southwest Studies 1/1998. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. | |
| 467 | July 12, 1982 | Interview by Robert W. Delaney. Topics included Masonic origins, his enjoyment of being a trainman, and advice for the Durango and Silverton railroad. Stopped at 204 on counter. Transcribed by Catherine Conrad on April 3, 1996; edited by Todd Ellison on April 3, 1996. Release signed by Dr. Delaney and Center of Southwest Studies 1/1998. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel. | |
| 159 - 163 | September 20, 1989 through November 24 | Interview by Rae Haynes. Topics include the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Transcribed by Catherine Conrad at the Southwest Studies Center, Nov. 12, 1990; edited by Todd Ellison on April 4, 1996. Release signed 10/24/2005 by Alva Lyons' daughter Martha McDaniel, and by Rae Haynes on 3/14/06. Archival intern Renee Morgan updated the transcripts in January/February 2008 using comments written by Martha McDaniel in 1991. Click to read the transcription of the following interviews: 9/20/89, 9/27/89, 10/26/89, 11/10/89, and 11/24/89. Also, several typed pages of Rhodes / Ent family history genealogical notes made later by Martha Lyons McDaniel, daughter of Alva Lyons, when she edited the transcriptions in 1991. (Requires Adobe Reader free downloadable software, version 6.0 or more recent.) |
Access Terms
Baker, A. F.
Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (Colo.).
Haynes, Rae, compiler.
Lyons, Alva F.
Narrow gauge railroads--Colorado.
Order of Railroad Conductors of America.
Railroads--Colorado--Records and correspondence.
Railroads--Colorado--San Juan Basin--History--20th century.
Railroads, Narrow-gauge.
San Juan Basin (N.M. and Colo.)--History.
Series/Container List
Series 1: Southwestern
Colorado railroad histories and newspaper clippings, 1899-1979, compiled by Alva
F. Lyons. 25 folders. Arrangement is chronological for the
most part.
back to series list
| Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| Newspaper ads for various railroads in local newspapers | 1899-06-22/ 1901-08-24 | 1/1 |
| Photocopied newspaper ads for various railroads in local newspapers | 1899-06-22/ 1901-08-24 | 1/2 |
| Newspaper articles dealing with narrow gauge railroad and related | 1951-01-31 / [circa 1950s] | 1/3 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad records various newspaper clippings regarding trains and railroads (advertisements and otherwise) | 1911-09-23 / 1960 | 1/4 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad records news clippings - photocopied | 1948-05-24 / 1981-02-19 | 1/5 |
| Correspondence and newspaper clippings pertaining to/ from Marguerite Clark | 1949-12 | 1/6 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad news clippings | 1950 /1952 | 1/7 |
| Correspondence regarding the ‘nomad’ and Durango and Silverton railroad | 1950-1965 | 1/8 |
| Ramsey, KostKa and Association correspondence and records, newspaper clippings regarding Durango/ Silverton narrow gauge railroad sale, and related | 1954-02/1965 | 1/9 |
| Narrow gauge train to yesterday: Durango to Silverton by Milford E. Shields, poem and congressional record – appendix | 1959-07-28 | 1/10 |
| Narrow gauge records, newspaper clippings regarding sale of narrow gauge and white foundation | 1959-12 | 1/11 |
| With train, press release | 1959-12-04 | 1/12 |
| Railroad related news clippings, various newspapers | 1960 | 1/13 |
| Various printed materials regarding the Nomad on the Durango and Silverton railroad | 1950/1961 | 1/14 |
| Newspaper clippings regarding the Nomad on the Durango and Silverton railroad | 1950-06-15 | 1/15 |
| The Durango-Silverton railroad: A ‘new enterprise report’ for Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, report by Rodger L. Hall | 1961-01 | 1/16 |
| The Silverton narrow gauge – yesterday’s train today, address by Alexis McKinney | 1964-07-16 | 1/17 |
| Memories of a Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad railroader, by Helen Andria Hendson, independent study fulfillment | 1964/1965 | 1/18 |
| The golden era of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in the San Juan County, by Janice Strahan, independent study fulfillment | 1965-04-05 | 1/19 |
| Sixty years on the Durango-Aztec-Farmington branch (1905-1965), by Elinor M. McGinn, independent study fulfillment | 1965 | 1/20 |
| Talk for Lake Navajo campground, Arboles, spiral bound notebook by Alva F. Lyons | 1979 | 1/21 |
| A talk by Alva F. Lyons, railroader, [15 pages] | [1979] | 1/22 |
| Railroad related photocopied news clippings, newspapers | unknown | 1/23 |
| Brother of Railroad Trainmen History, [14 pages] | [1964] | 1/24 |
| Railroad management featherbedding, by Lou Corsi, The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen | [1957] | 1/25 |
Series 2: Railroad organizations and associations'
publications and printed materials, 1903-1989. 19 folders, in document cases 2
and 3. Arrangement is chronological. Includes records of the Order of Railway
Conductors of America, including minutes of the annual meetings of the Grand
Division in the 1940s.
back to series list
| Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| Order of railway conductors of America, books of constitution, statutes and rules | 1931/1966 | 2/1 |
| Official freight shippers guide and directory of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Railroad | [circa 1935] | 2/2 |
| Proceedings of the grand Division of the order of railway conductors; sessions 42, 43, (Chicago, IL.) | 1941-05 / 1946-02-14 | 2/3 |
| Report of officers and committees to the forty-third grand Division order of railway conductors of America; supplement ‘A’, (Report covering the wage movement of 1943), approved; supplement ‘B’ | 1945-05-07 / 1946-09-02 | 2/4 |
| Forty-third special session of the order of railway conductors of America; minutes | 1946-09-02 / 1946-09-14 | 2/5 |
| Report of officers and committees to the forty-fourth grand Division order of railway conductors of America; amendments, minutes, ladies auxiliary | 1950-05-01 / 1950-05-12 | 2/6 |
| Various railroading manuals | 1916-1958 | 3/1 |
| &Advertising handbooks; tourist’s handbook; special edition cinders & smoke: a mile by mile guide for the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge trip | 1903-1981 | 3/2 |
| Railway publications: the motorman conductor and motor coach operator; the railway conductor; railway progress | 1946-04 / 1952-07 | 3/3 |
| Pamphlets regarding narrow gauge trial rides and excursions | 1947/1980 | 3/4 |
| Narrow gauge news, (Alamosa, CO.) | 1954-01 / 1954-12 | 3/5 |
| Various railroad publications | 1957 | 3/6 |
| Green light, newspaper for the employees of the Rio Grande railroad; Vol. 18, No. 4 | 1957-07-15 | 3/7 |
| Railroad magazine: the magazine of adventurous railroading – founded 1906; Vol. 69, No. 4 | 1958-06 | 3/8 |
| Publications; Night passage, books, screenplay, magazine | 1950 | 3/9 |
| Caravan chronicle, by Barb Lynch [2x] | 1962-06 | 3/10 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co. records, railway historical society of San Diego, inc, newsletter; New Mexico historical review, railroads, Issue XLII:I | 1965-07/1967 | 3/11 |
| Various railroad publications: Our ‘rush to the Rockies’, Crosscurrents | 1976/1989 | 3/12 |
| The Rio Grande Green Light, Vol. 43, nos. 1-3, through vol. 45, nos.3 | 1982-01 / 1984-12 | 3/13 |
Series 3: Railroads' timetables and printed materials,
1942-1969, compiled by Alva F. Lyons. 22 folders.
Arrangement is alphabetical by name of railroad. Includes 2 folders re:
Silverton Northern Railroad and 3 folders re: the Galloping Goose on the Rio
Grande Southern Railroad.
back to series list
| Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| Organization, protest, and meetings on proposed abandonment proceedings on the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad narrow gauge lines | [circa 1967] | 4/1 |
| Refinancing and rebuilding of the central pacific: 1899-1910, report, by David F. Myrick | 1969-04-07 | 4/2 |
| Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Co. timetables | 1942 | 4/3 |
| Burlington route timetables | 1949-04/ 1949-09 | 4/4 |
| California western railroad timetables | 1954-27-08 | 4/5 |
| Canadian Pacific railway timetables | 1949/1959 | 4/6 |
| Canadian National railways timetables | 1957/1959 | 4/7 |
| Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific railroad timetables | 1947/1951 | 4/8 |
| Gulf, Mobile, and Ohio timetable, the Alton route | 1949-06 | 4/9 |
| Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway co. certificate for 10 shares, received Feb. 28, 1883; cancelled May 26, | 1883-02-28 / 1890-05-26 | 4/10 |
| Missouri pacific lines timetables | 1954-12-19 | 4/11 |
| Narrow gauge railroad – Bridgton and Saco River Railroad and Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge - advertising | 1956/1968 | 4/12 |
| Reader railroad timetables and advertising (Reader, AR) | 1963-01 | 4/13 |
| The galloping goose: a publication of the Rio Grande Southern historical and technical society. Volume III, Nos. 2-4; Volume IV, Nos. 1, 3, 4; Volume V, No. 1 | 1990/1993 | 4/14 |
| Galloping Goose advertisements: price pamphlets [3x], the R.G.S. story, Vol. III, pamphlet, misc. papers | [1933]/2000 | 4/15 |
| Galloping Goose advertisements (duplicates) | 1950 | 4/16 |
| Galloping Goose construction – plans and costs | 1931/1934 | 4/17 |
| Silverton Northern Railroad Co. tickets [9x], wine list, bill of fare [3x]. | Early 1900s | 4/18 |
| Silverton northern railroad company- correspondence | 1913/1917 | 4/19 |
| Southern Pacific union depot: red men hall for the benefit of the Durango public library, advertisement poster | [early 1900s]-04-28 | 4/20 |
| Wabash railroad timetable | 1949-04-24 | 4/21 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad printed materials: refrigerator car inspection forms (blank); blank statements of cars handled; blank scrip collections; foreign tickets routed | Early 1900s | 4/22 |
Series 4: Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad records and
correspondence, 1881-1983, compiled by Alva F. Lyons.
back to series list
Sub-series 4.1 Reports, statistics, and other records and correspondence, 1881-1983. 13 folders. Includes 2-volume topographic profile of the D&RGW RR system.
Sub-series 4.2 Railroad financial records, 1901-1969. 12 folders.
Sub-series 4.3 Timetables, local passenger tariff books, trip report stubs, trip records, and trip logs, 1882-1969. 16 folders.
Sub-series 4.4 Conductors, brakemen and yardmen records and correspondence, 1913-1960. 18 folders.
Sub-series 4.5 Abandonment of the Durango-Silverton railroad, records and correspondence, 1921-1961. 17 folders.
| Sub-series | Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| 4.1 | Condensed profile of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad system, office of the chief engineer (Denver, CO.) | 1962-01-01 | 5/1 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad records and forms: Examination sheet on rules and regulations; Boarding boss circulars; engine failure form | 1893/ 1902-02-14 | 5/2 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad summary of equipment | 1943/1966 | 5/3 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad company, (Denver, CO.), Circular 101-G”, listing light weights of system cars, etc. | 1945-05-01 | 5/4 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad manual of procedures, Pueblo division | 1945-05-16 | 5/5 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad company alphabetical and numerical list of station audit numbers, revised | 1949-07-01 | 5/6 | |
| Alphabetical and numerical list of station audit numbers for freight and passenger wheel reports only | 1950-07-01 | 5/7 | |
| Organization of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad railroad, chart of organization by departments and divisions | 1952-08-01 | 5/8 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western mediation agreement, case no. A-4661 | 1955-04-01 | 5/9 | |
| Freight operating statistics Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1963 /1967 | 5/10 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co. records, various railroad related records, papers, photos, and correspondence | 1906/ 1960-09-19 | 5/11 | |
| Advertising and news reports | 1881/ 1983 | 5/12 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad records, sketches of railroad yards (Aztec, NM), (Carbon Junction, CO), (Farmington, NM) | Early 1900s | 5/13 | |
| 4.2 | Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad railroad, tax revenue, distribution-Durango-La Plata County, and San Juan Basin | 1937 | 5/14 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad co. records, annual reports to the stockholders, value of stocks | 1909-1970 | &5/15 | |
| United States revenue act of 1941, federal tax on transportation of persons, letter to conductors | 1941-10-01 | 5/16 | |
| Passenger accounting department and passenger traffic dept. supplement no. 1 to circular no. 1-1941 | 1941-08-19 | 5/17 | |
| Durango mercantile co. No. 398, abstract of title to a rectangular tract …lying between the westerly produced lines of Seventh Street and Eighth Street, Durango and westerly of block 40, Durango, in the county of La Plata in the state of Colorado. By La Plata County Title Service, Inc. (Durango, CO) | [1948] | 5/18 | |
| 197, alphabetical and numerical list of station audit numbers, revised. Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1949-07-01 | 5/19 | |
| Car service accounting department, passenger conductor’s run chart. Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1951-08-03 | 5/20 | |
| Interdivision and joint (rail-motor) passenger tariff no. 498-C, one-way fares, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1952-08-10 | 5/21 | |
| Train expenses – one days operation, and correspondence addressed to Mr. Gain Ireland (Denver, CO) | 1953 | 5/22 | |
| Finance docket no. 20943, public utilities commission, witness: Henry E. Jobes; passenger revenues, Silverton branch as related to system | 1959 | 5/23 | |
| Durango and Rio Grande Western railroad annual reports | 1966/1969 | 5/24 | |
| Rio Grande semi-monthly deductions from wages for federal withholding tax, Railroad retirement tax, and hospital association dues | 5/25 | ||
| Semi-monthly timerolls, Denver and Rio Grande western Railroad | 1957-1958 | 5/26 | |
| Selected key points from Rio Grande Supervisory Relations course with quiz sheets 1-10 taken by C.B. Johnston of the transportation department | 1953 | 5/27 | |
| 4.3 | Level books, 1307 (books I and II), Colorado and Gulf railway, by Thomas H. Wigglesworth, (Durango, CO); 371. | 1901-09-11/ [c.1910] | 6/1 |
| Trip records | 1923-1938 | 6/2 | |
| Trip report stubs (4 books) | 1924/1935-03 | 6/3 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co. local passenger tariff; one-way fares, Alamosa division: no. 399: no. 486; supplementary no.5, no.15 | 1926-05/ 1941-12-16 | 6/4 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co. local and joint (rail-motor) passenger tariff, one-way fares: no. 485-A, Alamosa and Grand Junction divisions; no.483B, Denver and Pueblo divisions | 1942-12-01 / 1948-11-23 | 6/5 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad railway timetables: no. 19; supplementary no.6 to R.G.S. R.R. G.F.D. no 4100-H; Division 4, 102 | 1882-07-23 / 1919-07-20 | 6/6 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co.: Alamosa Division timetables: no. 122; no. 124; no.125. | 1942-09-06 / 1949-06-01 | 6/7 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co.; Pueblo Division timetables: no. 159, no.166; no.167; no.168; no.169 | 1949-08-21 / 1960-10-02 | 6/8 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co.: timetable of the Colorado division: no. 3-A; no. 5; [2x] | 1963-05-19 / 1965-10-01 | 6/9 | |
| Rio Grande public timetables/ advertisements: Main Line route, Moffat tunnel route, the Royal Gorge route, the Silverton route | 1949/1969 | 6/10 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad co records, time book, time tables, and numerical list of stations; Lyons’ ‘cheat-sheet’ | 1938-1965 | 6/11 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co. tariffs and circulars | 1928-09-25 / 1948-11-23 | 6/12 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad various union and association agreements | Nov. 1922-Jan. 1953 | 6/13 | |
| Rio Grande Western Railway Baggage Record, forwarded from Mount Pleasant | 1894 | 6A/1 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Car Record Train Books | Jan. 1945-Aug. 1957 | 6A/2 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Car Record Train Books | Sept. 1957-Jul. 1962 | 6A/3 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Car Record Train Books | Aug. 1962-Jul. 1965 | 6A/4 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad receipt of waybills received (1 book) | Jan. 1954-Nov. 1959 | 6B/1 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad form 3019 transfer/clearance cards
Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad form 3924 train delay report |
1958 Jan.-Feb. | 6B/2 | |
| Train logs (5 books) | 1935/1936 | 7/1 | |
| Train logs (4 books) | 1937/1938 | 7/2 | |
| Various blank tickets for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Co. | 1952 | 7/3 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad passenger traffic dept., local passenger tariff no. 525-D | 1965-01-20 | 7/4 | |
| 4.4 | Various records and correspondence regarding Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad with O. E. Sevier; O. J. Timmons; R. O. Hughes, Discontinuance of the field dept. and cancellation of local Division representatives; statement of salary and office expenses of general chairmen, R.G.W. railroad for years 1947-1948 | 1949/1950 | 7/5 |
| Letters to Harold P. Eno regarding complaints of new services of Durango to Silverton train | 1955-07 | 7/6 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad personal injury reports and inquiries; Mrs. Ellen H. Carson; Mrs. James Jacobs | 1913-09-09 / 1958-06-22 | 7/7 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad schedule of rates, rules, regulations for conductors and trainmen | 1926/1940 | 7/8 | |
| Seniority lists of Conductors and brakemen, Alamos Division, Utah Division | 1938-01-01 / 1946-07-01 | 7/9 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad schedule of agreement covering rates, rules and regulations for conductors, (3 books), memorandum of agreement between Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and the general grievance committee order of railway conductors and brakemen, and correspondence 1940 | 1940/1951 | 7/10 | |
| Memorandum of agreements by O.R.C and B.R.R.C regarding Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad rules, regulations and disputes | 1941/1949 | 7/11 | |
| Proposed changes in the rules of the schedule of agreement covering rates rules and regulations for conductors and brakemen effective May 1, 1945, insofar as those rules and regulations affect conductors of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1945-05-01 | 7/12 | |
| Memorandum of agreement between employees represented by the order of railway conductors and the brotherhood of railroad trainmen and Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1945-05-23 | 7/13 | |
| Seniority list of yardmaster, Durango yard (Colo.) | 1948-07-01 | 7/14 | |
| Memorandum of agreement between the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and the order of railway conductors | 1949-01-27 / 1949-12-10 | 7/15 | |
| Memorandum of agreement between the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and the order of railway conductors | [1949] | 7/16 | |
| Minutes of special meeting: general committee of adjustment, order of railway conductors, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1950-04-14 | 7/17 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad schedule of agreement covering rates, rules and regulations for trainmen / conductors, (3 books) | 1952-02-01 / 1957-11-01 | 7/18 | |
| National mediation board (an agency of the United States government): notice of election to be held under the railway labor act involving road brakemen, employees of Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, (Denver, Colo.) | 1955-06-21 | 7/19 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad miscellaneous records, correspondence | 1956-1960 | 7/20 | |
| Miscellaneous records and materials: tentative passenger train schedule, railroad retirement board list of representatives, switch lists, correspondence [undated] | [mid-1900s] | 7/21 | |
| A brief history of freight handled on passenger trains of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad | 1943-05-08 | 7/22 | |
| 4.5 | Organization of railroad to connect San Juan Basin with Santa Fe railroad, correspondence | 1921 | 8/1 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad tax information, information pertaining to closing of narrow gauge railroad | 1954 | 8/2 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad records and correspondence, proposed agreement by T.A. White, general attorney of the Rio Grande | 1959 | 8/3 | |
| White, William M. correspondence and records with Palmer Hoyt regarding narrow gauge railroad | 1959-11 | 8/4 | |
| McKinney, Alex, correspondence and records regarding Helen Thatcher White Foundation, railroad records, William M. White | 1959-10 / 1960-12 | 8/5 | |
| Abandonment of Antonito to Farmington railroad correspondence | 1950-12-28 / 1954-07-02 | 8/6 | |
| Abandonment of Antonito to Farmington railroad statistics | [1967] | 8/7 | |
| Correspondence relating to abandonment of rail service from Antonito, Colo. – Durango, Colo. – Farmington, N.M | 1961/1967 | 8/8 | |
| Abandonment of Antonito to Farmington railroad legal hearing | 1967/1968 | 8/9 | |
| Abandonment of Antonito to Farmington railroad newspaper articles | 1967/1968 | 8/10 | |
| Newspaper articles regarding abandonment of narrow gauge railroads | 1942-07-17/ 1968-04-05 | 8/11 | |
| Hearing letters, Durango – Silverton narrow gauge railroad | Pre – 1950s | 8/12 | |
| Incoming correspondence, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad regarding abandonment of Durango-Silverton line and abstract of assessment, La Plata County | 1939-02-19 / 1940-04-30 | 8/13 | |
| Correspondence/ records regarding abandonment of the railroad between Durango and Silverton | 1953 | 8/14 | |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad records, Silverton Hearing ICC, regarding abandonment of Durango – Silverton run | 1960 / 1961 | 8/15 | |
| Before the interstate commerce commission, in regards to abandonment of narrow gauge line between Durango and Silverton, application and agreement, list of members of Interstate Commerce Commission (I.C.C.) | [1959] | 8/16 | |
| Abandonment of Durango – Silverton railroad service miscellaneous records, correspondence, propaganda | Bulk late 1950s | 8/17 |
Series 5: Alva F. Lyons records and correspondence pertaining to railroad operations, 1928-1965. Includes records of the Order of Railway Conductors of America compiled by Lyons. 35 folders. Arrangement is chronological.
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| Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| Order of railroad conductors, work train case, correspondence (Farmington, NM) | 1928-01-21 / 1928-07-17 | 9/1 |
| Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, office of superintendent of transportation, circular no. 101 and 101A (Denver, CO) | [1928/1929] | 9/2 |
| Correspondence between Alva F. Lyons and others, (Durango, CO) | 1928-03-07 / 1931-11 | 9/3 |
| Alva F. Lyons incoming and outgoing correspondence | 1938-11-10 / 1941-12 | 9/4 |
| List of contributors to rail service organization | 1941-04/05 | 9/5 |
| Alva F. Lyons, incoming and outgoing correspondence regarding railroad business and transactions | 1942-12-23 / 1942-01-24 | 9/6 |
| Senator Edwin C. Johnson, correspondence regarding transfer of 95 draftees from Durango to Pueblo by bus rather than rail | 1942-02-22 / 1942-04-27 | 9/7 |
| Alva F. Lyons, incoming and outgoing correspondence regarding railroad business in Colorado, etc. | [1943] | 9/8 |
| Alva F. Lyons, incoming and outgoing correspondence (Durango, CO) | 1945-05-01 / 06-29 | 9/9 |
| Order of railway conductors of America: trustees circular | [1946-01-22 / 07-19] | 9/10 |
| Pamphlets and information pertaining to forty-third (special) grand Division order of railway conductors of America (Chicago, IL) | 1946-09-02 | 9/11 |
| Order of Railway Conductors of America correspondence and printed materials regarding special session of the grand Division to occur in Chicago, Ill. on Monday, Sept. 22 1946 at the Continental hotel | 1946-09-22 | 9/12 |
| Conductor correspondence, telegraphs, and tolerance, harmony and progress: proceedings of the twenty-eight convention of the BRT (Miami Beach, FL); minutes of meeting: general committee of adjustment, Order of Railway Conductors of America; Minutes: General committee | 1946 | 9/13 |
| Conductor correspondence, passenger count | 1947 | 9/14 |
| Manual of procedures, geographical list of stations and location | [1945-0-16 / 1948-09-05] | 9/15 |
| Articles 1-A through 91, and agreed changes, Order of Railway Conductors of America | Pre-1950s | 9/16 |
| Order of Railway Conductors of America, proposed new working agreement between carrier and conductors | 1950-04-04 | 9/17 |
| Order of Railway Conductors of America, records and correspondence: proposed changes in rules, rates of pay and working conditions covering conductors employed by Rio Grande, and cover letters | 1950 | 9/18 |
| Alphabetical and numerical list of station audit numbers for freight and passenger wheel reports only, east of Grand Junction, revised. | 1950-07-01 | 9/19 |
| Correspondence and records pertaining to Order of Railway Conductors of America actions throughout the year: statement of Roy. O. Hughes, Order of Railway Conductors of America president; ORCA general chairman’s monthly letter, summary of the provisions of the agreement between the carriers and the BRT in connection with present wage and rules movement; copy of letter addressing govermnets possession of railroads, addressed to Secretary of the Army, Frank Pace, Jr.; news articles, letters pertaining to ‘St. Lawrence project’, Alamosa Division transportation safety committee members list | 1951-02-22 / 1951-12-31 | 9/20 |
| Correspondence and records, personal and those pertaining to Order of Railway Conductors of America and other railway matters: strike instructions from O.S. Sevier, letter in reply to union and owning carriers dispute, letter addressing prior letter to Frank Pace, Jr. Secretary of army | 1952-02-22 / 05-11 | 9/21 |
| Correspondence pertaining to personal and public railway matters | 1953 | 9/22 |
| Correspondence regarding railroad transactions, and newspaper article | 1954 | 9/23 |
| The railroad retirement acts and railroad unemployment insurance act, amendments, (4 volumes) | 1946-07-31 / 1956 | 9/24 |
| Order of Railway Conductors of America correspondence and records: monthly circular ORCA, comparison information of roadmen, tentative voting schedule | 1955 | 9/25 |
| Incoming and outgoing correspondence, national commander American legion, and gross income reports | 1956 | 9/26 |
| Records and correspondence, the American legion – department of Oregon, economic commission, program | 1957 | 9/27 |
| Various rail related material and correspondence, with H.F. Eno; E.L Oliver | 1957 | 9/28 |
| The American legion joint circular with national economic commission and national rehabilitation commission, processing disability applications; representation and hearings, bureau of old age and survivors insurance | 1957-04-2/15 | 9/29 |
| Various railway related records and correspondence | 1958 | 9/30 |
| Correspondence and records pertaining to Order of Railway Conductors of America and other railway matters: Open letter to all members … regarding the jeopardized state of jobs | 1958 | 9/31 |
| Correspondence and railway work records | 1959-1962 | 9/32 |
| Various records and correspondence | 1961 | 9/33 |
| Various rail related material and correspondence | 1962 | 9/34 |
| Correspondence regarding Order of Railway Conductors of America and brakemen | 1963-1965 | 9/35 |
Series 6: Alva F. Lyons incoming correspondence from railroad fans, circa 1948-1965. 25 folders, in document case 10. Arrangement is alphabetical by last name of correspondent.
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| Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| Incoming correspondence from variety of rail fans, alphabetized and sorted by last name | 1943-1963 | 10/1 |
| Incoming correspondence from L. G. Arend and cartoon sketches, Denver to Silverton train ride | 1955 | 10/2 |
| Incoming correspondence from Bruce Achor | 1958-1960 | 10/3 |
| Incoming correspondence from Alvin Hale Bloodworth, and cartoons | 1963-09-23 | 10/4 |
| Incoming correspondence from C. C. Collins | 1948 / 1955 | 10/5 |
| Incoming correspondence from Hervey Angier | 1949/1958 | 10/6 |
| Incoming correspondence from H. Jack Brown | 1961-1963 | 10/7 |
| Incoming correspondence from Gregory Greene and Harold Waddington | 1953-1954 | 10/8 |
| Incoming correspondence from Raymond Howse | 1948-09-08 / 1961-12-14 | 10/9 |
| Incoming correspondence from John B. Hungerford | 1957/1963 | 10/10 |
| Incoming correspondence from Dick Kindig | 1954/1957 | 10/11 |
| Incoming correspondence from Jack Thode, and Daniel Peterson | 1950/1963 | 10/12 |
| Incoming correspondence from John F. Trout | 1958-1963 | 10/13 |
| Incoming correspondence from Nelson O. Whitaker | 1952/1958 | 10/14 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1948-1954 | 10/15 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1955/1956 | 10/16 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1957 | 10/17 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1958 | 10/18 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1959 | 10/19 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1960 | 10/20 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1961 | 10/21 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1962 | 10/22 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1963 | 10/23 |
| Incoming correspondence from various rail fans, sorted chronologically | 1964/1965 | 10/24 |
| Incoming postcards, Christmas cards, and other irregular greeting cards from various rail fans | 1943-1961 | 10/25 |
Series 7: Alva F. Lyons miscellaneous personal papers and family photographs, 1885-1966. 5 folders.
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| Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| Various political records:H.R. 8587 Bill to amend railroad retirement act of 1937 and railroad retirement tax act; before the interstate commerce commission,finance docket 11002; report of proceeds of railroad meeting, (Durango, CO) | 1942-10-12 /1956-01-18 | 10/26 |
| Pamphlets: abstract of assessments and levies, notes regarding above | 1934 / 1966 | 10/27 |
| Money duplicate receipt books, handwritten money receipt signed James Beaton (Minnie Gulch, San Juan County, CO) bulk 1941-1950 | 1885 / 1950 | 10/28 |
| Personal files and photos | [1950s] | 10/29 |
| Photos of White family, Durango – Silverton press releases | 1959 | 10/30 |
| Newspaper clippings with articles regarding Railroad | 1966-1968 | 10/31 |
| Slide photos from A.F. Lyons Donation | (unknown) | 10/32 |
Series 8: Papers pertaining to Alva Lyons and regional railroad activity, compiled and donated by Rae Haynes (accession 2006:037.002).
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Sub-series 8.1 Railroaders' newsletters, 1959-2002. 58 folders. Titles include The Crewcar (1986, 1 folder), San Juan Large Scalers Dispatch (1996-2002, 7 folders), the C & TS Dispatch (1988-2005, 18 folders), The Smokebox (2004-2005, 2 folders), The New Mexico Railroader (1986-2003, 13 folders), and Track n' Feathers (1989-2005, 17 folders). Arrangement is alphabetical by name of newsletter, then chronological.
Sub-series 8.2 Alva Lyons memorial records and correspondence,
1989-1998. 14 folders.
| Sub-series | Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| 8.1 | The Crew Car, newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 2 | 1986-06 | 11/1 |
| San Juan Large Scalers’ Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 9, 10, 12 | 1996 | 11/2 | |
| San Juan Large Scalers’ Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 3, No. 1 – 11, 1997 roster of swell people | 1997 | 11/3 | |
| San Juan Large Scalers’ Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 4, No. 1 – 6, 7, 9, 12 | 1998 | 11/4 | |
| San Juan Large Scalers’ Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 1 – 10 | 1999 | 11/5 | |
| San Juan Large Scalers’ Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 6, No. 1, 4 – 10 | 2000 | 11/6 | |
| San Juan Large Scalers’ Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 7, No. 1 – 4, May, Aug., Sept. | 2001 | 11/7 | |
| San Juan Large Scalers’ Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 8, No. 1 | 2002 | 11/8 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 1 – 3 | 1988 | 11/9 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 1 – 3 | 1989 | 11/10 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 3, No. 1 – 3 | 1990 | 11/11 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 4, No. 1 – 4 | 1991 | 11/12 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 1 – 5 | 1992 | 11/13 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 6, No. 1 – 5 | 1993 | 11/14 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 7, No. 1 – 5 | 1994 | 11/15 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 8, No. 1 – 4 | 1995 | 11/16 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 9, No. 1 – 4 | 1996 | 11/17 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 10, No. 1 – 4 | 1997 | 11/18 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 1 – 4 | 1998 | 11/19 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 12, No. 1 – 4 | 1999 | 11/20 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 13, No. 1 – 4 | 2000 | 11/21 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 14, No. 1 – 4 | 2001 | 11/22 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 15, No. 1 – 4 | 2002 | 11/23 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 16, No. 1 – 3 | 2003 | 11/24 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 17, No. 2 – 4 | 2004 | 11/25 | |
| C & TS Dispatch, newsletter, Vol. 18, No. 3 | 2005 | 11/26 | |
| The Smokebox, newsletter, Durango railroad historical society | 2004 | 12/1 | |
| The Smokebox newsletter, Durango railroad historical society | 2005 | 12/2 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1986 | 12/3 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1987 | 12/4 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1988 | 12/5 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1989 | 12/6 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1990 | 12/7 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1991 | 12/8 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1992 | 12/9 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1993 | 12/10 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1994 | 12/11 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1995 | 12/12 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1996 | 12/13 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 1999 | 12/14 | |
| The New Mexico Railroader, newsletter | 2000 | 12/15 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1989 | 12/16 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1990 | 12/17 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1991 | 12/18 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1992 | 12/19 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1993 | 12/20 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1994 | 12/21 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1995 | 12/22 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1996 | 12/23 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1997 | 12/24 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1998 | 12/25 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 1999 | 12/26 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 2000 | 12/27 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 2001 | 12/28 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 2002 | 12/29 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 2003 | 12/30 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 2004 | 12/31 | |
| Track n’ Feathers, newsletter, the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores (CO) | 2005 | 12/32 | |
| 8.2 | Lyons memorial, news clippings, from Crosscurrents | 1989 | 13/1 |
| Lyons memorial, news clippings: documentary features Durango, Durango Herald | 1989 | 13/2 | |
| Lyons memorial, news clippings: railroad prophet Alva Lyons dies at 92, Silverton newspaper | 1990-02-08 | 13/3 | |
| Lyons memorial, correspondence: Rae P. Haynes | 1990 / 1992 | 13/4 | |
| Lyons memorial: ceremony, assorted papers, photocopies of newspaper clippings | 1991 | 13/5 | |
| Lyons memorial: meetings, Alva F. Lyons memorial fund, correspondence | 1991 | 13/6 | |
| Lyons memorial: financial, various | 1991 | 13/7 | |
| Lyons memorial: design, originals of letters, etc. | 1991 | 13/8 | |
| Lyons memorial, design: plaque, sculptor name, design drafts, newspaper article | 1991 | 13/9 | |
| Lyons memorial: design: news coverage / news releases | 1991 | 13/10 | |
| Lyons memorial: design: Alva F. Lyons memorial fund letter and template of bronze plaque | 1991 | 13/11 | |
| Lyons memorial: Durango Herald news clippings, group seeks plaque to recognize Durango conductor | 1991-06-21 | 13/12 | |
| Lyons memorial plaque dedication, photos, newspaper clippings, souvenirs | 1991-08-03 | 13/13 | |
| Lyons memorial: design: envelopes and letter pages, Durango Herald letters to the editor | 1998 | 13/14 |
Series 9: Miscellaneous oversize printed materials, 1906. 1 folder.
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| Description | Date | Box/Folder |
| Portfolio of charts: supplement to and issued in connection with modern American railway practice, published by the National Institute of Practical Mechanics, oversized (in map case 3.38) | 1906 | (in map case 3.38) |