News

Program will recall Southern Railroad's dining cars

By Bill Moss, Published: August 16, 2017

Raymond “Bo” Brown will look at the history of railroad Dining Cars followed by a brief history of Southern Railway at Saluda Train Tales at the Saluda Historic Depot at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18.

The program takes an in-depth look at the history of Southern Railway Dining Car Service, exploring china patterns, silver hollowware, silver flatware, linens, menus, all things used in the dining car during their 84 years of Southern Railway passenger car service.

Almost as long as he can remember, Bo Brown has been a railroad collector. This actually began at the age of 12 at his grandfather’s house in Spartanburg. Brown’s grandfather worked for Southern Railway as “Storekeeper” at the Hayne Car Shop. Brown’s collection started with a silver thermos, a lantern and a long neck oiler that his grandfather gave him while they were cleaning out a garage behind their home.
Brown hopes to someday open a Southern Railway Museum so that his collection can be displayed for others to enjoy.

Saluda Train Tales is a free monthly event to educate the community in the importance of Saluda’s railroad history and the Saluda Grade. The events are free and voluntary donations are appreciated.