Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Railroad Club Records
UA.12.3.10
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
- Title
- Railroad Club records
- ID
- UA.12.3.10
- Date [inclusive]
- 1883-1981
- Extent
- 0.5 Cubic feet , 18 folders
- Language
- English
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."
Historical Note
The history of the Railroad Club begins with the acquisition of a steam locomotive. In 1955, Michigan State University Trustee Forest Akers, with the approval of University President John Hannah, acquired the Pere Marquette steam locomotive 1225. The Dean of Engineering was not interested in this engine so it was given to the MSU Museum. The locomotive was placed on static display near Spartan Stadium.
In 1969, a group of students formed the Michigan State University Railroad Club as a rail fan club. In 1970, at the suggestion of student Randy Paquette, the club considered the possibility of restoring the locomotive and proceeded to start on this goal the following year. At this time, Jack Breslin, University Vice President, made it clear that the students needed to keep a presentable work area and if worked stopped on the engine, it would be removed for salvage.
In 1975, the club was able to fire up the boiler and blow the engine's whistle for the first time in 20 years.
In 1978, the club and supporters formed the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation and soon after was given ownership of the engine. The engine was moved to Owosso in 1983. In 1985, the engine moved under its own power and the first excursion service was in 1988.
The club ended as an independent entity with the creation of the trust in 1978. (Source: Wikipedia)
Scope and Content
Railroad Club records are comprised of records related to the club and include invitations to club activities, membership information, and a brochure related to Project 1225 (restoration of the Pere Marquette engine).
Historical Railroad records include records collected by club members and are comprised of forms, labels, stubs, rate information and a copy of the Chicago and Grand Trunk Railway Gazette from 1883.
The collection also includes a photograph and the serial publication "Project 1225."
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections March 2009
Conrad Hall888 Wilson Road, Room 101
East Lansing , MI, 48824
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Legal Status note
Copyright: Michigan State University. Property Rights: Michigan State University.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Related Materials
Related Archival Materials note
See Michigan Information - Railroads folder.
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
- Erie Railroad Company.
- Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company.
- Michigan State University. Students. Societies, etc..
- Pere Marquette Railway.
- Wabash Railway Company.
Genre(s)
- Brochures
- Invitations
- Letters (correspondence)
- Membership lists
- Photographs
Subject(s)
- College students -- Michigan -- East Lansing
- College students -- Societies and clubs
- Pere Marquette 1225 (Steam locomotive)
- Railroads
- Railroads -- United States
- Steam locomotives -- Michigan
Collection Inventory
Railroad Club Records |
||||
| Drawer | Folder | |||
|
Correspondence Undated |
F.D. | 1 | ||
|
Invitations 1975, 1989, Undated |
F.D. | 2 | ||
|
Membership 1972, Undated |
F.D. | 3 | ||
|
Michigan Steam Guide 1981 |
F.D. | 4 | ||
|
Project 1225 Brochure Undated |
F.D. | 5 | ||
|
Project 1225 Members' Bulletin 1989, 1995-2000, 2004 |
F.D. | 6 | ||
|
|
||||
Historical Railroad Records |
||||
| Drawer | Folder | |||
|
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company, Time Return and Delay Report Undated |
F.D. | 7 | ||
|
Chicago and Grand Trunk Railway Gazette September 1883 |
F.D. | 8 | ||
|
Erie Railroad Company Circular and Order 1915, 1918 |
F.D. | 9 | ||
|
Pennsylvania Railroad Restricted Run Movement Form Undated |
F.D. | 10 | ||
|
Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad Pan-Handle Route 1920 |
F.D. | 11 | ||
|
POD Labels 1968 |
F.D. | 12 | ||
|
Receipt of Registry Dispatch 1967 |
F.D. | 13 | ||
|
Registry Dispatch Book (Samples) 1959 |
F.D. | 14 | ||
|
Stubs 1970 |
F.D. | 15 | ||
|
Texas Pacific Railway Station Record, 1917 |
F.D. | 16 | ||
|
Toledo and Ironton Railroad Company Train Order 1971 |
F.D. | 17 | ||
|
Wabash Railway Company Rates 1923 |
F.D. | 18 | ||
|
Miscellaneous 1989, undated |
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Photographs |
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| Drawer | ||||
|
Railroads. Engine 1225 |
MSU Photo Collection | |||
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Serials |
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|
#584: Project 1225 |
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