It is always a head scratcher — what gift to give that rail fan in your family or friends?
As an example. My late Dad was a very accomplished and recognized amateur marine historian.
The challenge was, to find a recent book about marine history or compilation on a particular tug company, as a gift at Christmas.
He pasted away long before the Internet, but somehow, he managed to outsmart me on more than one Christmas by saying, "Well thank you Son. But I have that book in my collection ..."
Fortunately we have a suggestion: Thomas Hillebrant's adoration for the Palouse Empire shines through in his newly released tome, "Palouse Rails: Granger Railroads of the Inland Northwest."
[Ed Note: A "Granger" is a farmer.]
As a student at Washington State University, in the heart of the Palouse in Pullman Washington, back in the early 1960's, I too, was mesmerized by the distinct seasons of the Palouse, which yielded the nation's richest crops of wheat, barley, lentils and chick peas.
Wheat grown in the Palouse, with it's soil rich in volcanic ash produced by the volcanoes of Washington's Cascade Range, yields up to 100 bushels an acre, twice the national average.
"Palouse Rails tells the stories of seven major railroads serving this region, from their origins to the present day, through the eyes of contemporary railroad photographers. These images capture the railroad equipment, locations, personnel, and operations that, for generations, have connected Inland Northwest agricultural regions with each other and with the world."
Yes — there are a few of my photos included in this volume.
I've placed a handy-dandy order button in the right margin connecting you to a site recommended by Tom, who wrote, "Proceeds from purchases made through this History Preservation Group (Washington, Idaho & Montana) will go toward some rail preservation projects that are important to me."
Buy a copy for yourself, and rail fans on your Christmas List!
Contents:
1. Union Pacific in the Walla Walla
2. Union Pacific in the Palouse
3. Northern Pacific in the Palouse
4. Northern Pacific in the Walla Walla
5. Great Northern in the Palouse
6. Spokane, Portland & Seattle in the Palouse
7. The Milwaukee Road in the Palouse
8. The Camas Prairie Railroad
9. The Washington, Idaho & Montana Ry.
Bibliography
Particulars:
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
Book Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 190
Author: Thomas Hillebrant
ISBN-10: 1634990609
ISBN-13: 9781634990608
Publication Date: October, 2018
Dimensions: 9.25" x 6.50"
Photos: 200 Black & White, Color.
See Also:
"Palouse Rails" — Thomas' Blog
"Rails to Trails - Part 1: The Soil"
