The CCC&StL was newly formed when this photo was taken. To the right is a new 4-6-0 built by Brooks switching the yard near downtown Anderson. The smoke and blur of the drivers indicate that it is backing. The structure to the right is the new Big Four Freight House between Jackson Street and Meridian. Over the top of it can be seen a water tower. That was later moved North of the track to the Northwest corner of Central Avenue. On the left is the new 1887 Big Four Station. Note that there are no buildings to the left of the station. They hadn't been built yet. Photo from the Madison County Historical Society Collection.
I love looking at old photos like this, there's so much information in them. It's interesting to note that the "new" locomotive was built with Stephenson valve gear. When did Baker and Walschaerts gear come into use?
You would have to look quickly because what they haven't torn down is on the block. That is, all but the station. That was recently redone and looks like a million bucks.
The 1894 photo appears to show the station from the same angle as the current photo. Seeing all the tracks in front of the station then and all the asphalt today reminds me of Sonny & Cher singing "They Paved Paradise And Put In A Parking Lot." :we-cry:
Thanks, Roger, for another great old photo. It is such a shame that so many rails were pulled up in the theme of "progress," and now we need them to be restored. :tb-sad:
Actually, the original photo was the reverse of my photo of the station. This one is more to the correct point.
