Click on the image above for a much larger version.
In the last year or so I have seen a couple of copies of a very high quality image of the C&O Depot at Rush, KY floating about on the web. I asked those that posted the web images if they knew the root source of the image. I specifically wanted to know the name of the photographer that took such a nice image of this iconic, but now demolished, Rush landmark. I never received any reply. It was just a very compelling image from an unknown source.
I recently had a phone conversation with Harold Bates regarding some miscellaneous Rush history tidbits and I mentioned this photograph. Harold indicated he thought the image I was describing may have come from Don Riel from Michigan. With Harold’s help, I was able to email Don and he replied with a high fidelity image file of the Rush Depot. Don’s emailed image was the one I was seeking.
Don Riel took this image in 1963. Don is originally from Russell, KY.
According to Don:
“I started taking train pictures at Russell, Ky. in 1952. My first camera was a Kodak Pony 135. I delivered newspapers in Russell for 5 years when I was in school. I saved my money and in November 1953 I bought a Burke and James press camera. I used black and white press cameras (Burke and James, Speed Graphic, and Mamiya brands) until 1989 when I started using 35mm color slides and black and white 2 1/4″ X 2 3/4″. In 1992 I quit using the press cameras.”
Press cameras are totally manual everything (focus, aperture setting, shutter speed setting, advancing the film, etc). They have no exposure meter. They are capable of photographs with outstanding quality, but only if the person operating the camera really knows what they are doing. The resulting negatives are huge in physical size. They look like this (click on image for a larger view):
So thanks Don for sharing your skill and this nice image with others.
The C&O Depot at Rush is included on the “Williams Creek Basin Interactive Map”. Almost 150 other features in the Williams Creek Basin are marked with icons on this map. These icons can be clicked on and information about that particular location can be reviewed. Many of these features have associated photographs. For info and access to the “Williams Creek Basin Interactive Map” just click on the link below:
The Williams Creek Basin Interactive Map
Next Article – The AC&I Mine Ledger for Coalton, KY (years 1888 – 1889)
Previous article – “That Marshall Woman” In a Lonely Grave
Lon, this entire production is huge. Your work and your passion to preserve these old records are an incredible contribution. And with such quality. Thank you. Lydia
Lydia,
Thank you for the encouraging words.
I am working on more content and the fact gathering from institutions like libraries, governmental agencies, state bureaucracies, historical societies, etc is going far better that I could have imagined.
I am hoping I can get additional help from those in the community that may have resources like photographs, diaries, stories, lists, etc. While many locals have generously contributed, I know there are many additional resources from individuals that are untapped.
Ultimately I hope that out of this collection of individual facts from this focused region will emerge a reasonably coherent history of that same area.
Enjoy! Lon
Lon,
Thank you for taking the time to research and then share such invaluable information on your website. I grew up in Geigerville and left home in 1972 for college and then finally the military. My mom and mama always talked about how they caught the train at Rush for shopping trips to Ashland . The return trip home, however, was by bus. My recollection of the depot was watching the evening passenger train pick up the mail bag as it raced past the depot. I can still feel the rushing wind and roar of the train as it passed by hooking the mail bag.
Please keep up the great work and continue to post updates.
Regards,
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Thank you.
You likely watched Giles (Snaky) Mullins hang the mail at Rush. I think Howard Burton may have also hung the mail.
I know Gullets in the area. Myrtle Gullet Moore, on Cobb Fork, is a longtime family friend. What was your Mother’s and Grandmother’s name your mention in your comment?
Enjoy! Lon
Lon,
My dad, August “Cap” Gullett, is Myrtle Gullett Moore’s brother. My mother is Betty Schmidt Gullett. My grandmother is Minnie Bates Schmidt.
Kevin
Lon,
Thank you for all your hard work. This is so interesting, Some of my family is from that area..Warman. Bunch and Hull. I found their names in the Ledger.