RAILROAD ENDS RUN AT
BISMARCK, MISSOURI
August 1975

     The run, established in March of 1902, originally began in Salem, Ill., crossing the river on the train transfer, then continuing on to Bismarck. The ferry was discontinued on July 17, 1961. Originally the run was operated by Missouri-Southern, then by Illinois Southern and finally by Missouri-Illinois Railroad.

     Both passenger and freight service was originally offered with passenger service discontinued in 1952. The run was made everyday except Sundays.

      In the 1940's when the Weingarten Prisoner of War camp was in operation, the train carried quite a number of passengers. Often there were 10 to 12 guarded coaches at a time and the local run carried them from Bismarck to Weingarten.

     On duty for the last run of Engine No. 1977 were Stan McIntyre, assistant trainmaster; Bob Whittier, engineer; Virgil Hammack, conductor; Tony Vogt, brakeman; Don Wene, brakeman; Mike Sadler, fireman trainee; and Lawrence Jogerst, agent. Ken Wolk is also on the crew as the regular brakeman and the final trip Monday was delayed only briefly in New Offenburg for a stop at the home of brakeman Ken Wolk for a farewell.

     Retired conductor Robert Haug provided many of the historical dates in the local railroad service. He retired from the railroad on January 23, 1969, after 53 years of service.

      The original crew of the Ste. Genevieve to Bismarck run on March 21, 1921, was Phil Eydmann, Sr., engineer; August Grannemann, fireman; F. C. Jones, brakeman; and J. F. Reese, brakeman.

Published by THE LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO, Thurs. Aug. 28, 1975.

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