Steam engine at Spencer Shops, N.C., 1977.

3 images. Includes negatives with the numbers: FC-9, FC-11, FC-10.

Copper and brass pots, cans, etc. at Spencer Shops, N.C.

1 image. Includes negative with the number: FC-8.

Frank Clodfelter running Southern Railway Asheville Special.

1 image. Includes negative with the number: FC-7.

Jim Bishop running Asheville to Salisbury train, 1974.

1 image. Includes negative with the number: FC-6.

Railroad between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., 1976-1981.

5 images. Includes negatives with the numbers: FC-4, FC-2, FC-1, FC-3, FC-5.

Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, N.C., 1952.

3 images. Includes negatives with the numbers: FC-13, FC-12, FC-14.

Bob Terrell, Associate Editor, Asheville Citizen, addressing town of Saluda, N.C., on their Centennial, 8 August 1981.

Town of Saluda with Southern Railway System tracks and Best Friend of Charleston steam excursion train in foreground, during their Centennial, 8 August 1981.

Bear Creek Junction station, Graham County Railroad, near Robbinsville, N.C., 11 July 1973.

Steam engine (ex-Reading) used for Delaware and Hudson Sesquicentennial at Montreal, Canada, 28 April 1973.

The excursion train was run from Albany, N.Y., to Montreal and return.

Ex-Reading locomotive Number 2102 on an excursion in the Greenbriar section of West Virginia, September 1971.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of track ahead on Asheville, N.C., to Hayne, S.C., diesel locomotive, October 1970.

59th Street Bridge, New York, 3 July 1976.

East River.

Sherman Pippin, left, and friend on Roan Mountain, N.C., in front of purple rhododendron, June 1973.

Sherman was over 90 years of age and retired as famous East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (narrow gauge) engineer. When a young man, Sherman drove a hack to Cloudland Hotel atop North Carolina-Tennessee line.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of track and Swannanoa tunnel approaching Ridgecrest, N.C., in Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina between Salisbury and Asheville, circa 1979.

Frank was running ex-Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson locomotive on an excursion train run by Southern Railway. Note yellow approach board in foreground. Ruling grade between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., over the Blue Ridge Mountains is 2.2%.

New York City skyline as viewed from Pan American building, October 1968.

Coal cars of unit coal train en route from Asheville, N.C., to power company near Terrell, N.C., October 1972.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of children waiting to catch passenger special from Salisbury, N.C., to Asheville, N.C., at Old Fort, N.C., before climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains to Ridgecrest, N.C., 1977.

Train travels through seven tunnels, crosses Mill Creek 11 times and circles Andrews Geyser. Andrews Geyser is artificial and was built to honor A.B. Andrews who was noted for his role in North Carolina's history. View is from Southern Railway's FP-7 locomotive.

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with Senator Percy, left, and Senator Frank Church, right. United States Capital, Washington, D.C., 17 December 1979.

Delaware and Hudson steam engine 302 at Montreal, Quebec, celebrating D and H's sesquicentennial in run from Albany, N.Y., 28 April 1973.

Engine is ex-Reading engine.

Burgin tunnel in Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., 1972.

Burgin is one of seven tunnels between these two stations. Southern Railway System.

Jarrett's tunnel between Old Fort and Ridgecrest in Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, circa 1972.

Southern Railway System.

Thomas Wolfe's grave, Riverside cemetery, Asheville, N.C., circa 1978.

Linville Gorge from Wiseman's view near Linville Falls, N.C., October 1978.

A scene on the Southern Railway near Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1972.

Clinchfield Railroad station, Marion, N.C., June 1979.

Roan Mountain, Tenn., 1972.

View of freight cars on Spencer to Asheville train, circa 1973.

Dendron, N.C.

View of Asheville freight yard from Victoria bridge with diesel switchers and Asheville roundhouse in background, circa 1973.

Dedication of Historic Spencer Museum, Spencer, N.C., with backshop building in background, 29 September 1977.

Gift to North Carolina from Southern Railway System. Former Spencer shop was the largest railroad shop in the South.

Southern Railway Murphy, N.C., station., circa 1973.

Station was destroyed by fire. Carolina Division.

L and N Railroad station. Murphy, N.C., circa 1973.

Southern Railway Spencer to Asheville freight diesel crossing Catawba River, Catawba, N.C., Carolina Division, circa 1970.

Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Unit coal train cars on Number 256 approaching Old Fort, N.C., June 1973.

Flagler Museum, Palm Beach, Fla., circa 1973.

The museum was the former home of Henry Flagler who built the Florida East Coast Railway from Jacksonville to Key West, Fla.

Asheville Special, train Number 4, Old Fort, N.C., en route from Asheville to Salisbury, N.C., July 1973.

Frank Clodfelter was the train's regular engineer for many years. Locomotive is FP-7, 1500 horsepower diesel built by EMD in 1950. Dome car Number 1613 is on rear. this train was the last passenger train left on the Carolina Division out of Asheville. Frank ran the last Asheville Special on 8 August 1975, which ended regular passenger service out of Asheville. Service began 2 October 1880 with wood-burning engines.

Burnsville, N.C., railroad station, 1971.

Scene at Melrose, N.C., at foot of Saluda Mountain on the Southern Railway, circa 1977.

Saluda Mountain is the steepest standard gauge (4 foot, 8 1/2 inch wide) main line grade in the United States. The grade is usually listed as 4.7% but it actually reaches 5.3% for about 300 feet after leaving Melrose en route to Saluda. Many railroad workers have been killed in runaways on this mountain.

Front end of ex-Texas and Pacific steam engine at Spencer, N.C., shops, date unknown.

Note eagle over headlight. This engine was leased by Southern for passenger train excursions throughout the system. The engine was numbered 610. Engineer Frank Clodfelter ran the engine on many excursions out of and into Asheville.

Loaded cars of unit coal train Number 256 on the Carolina Division near Catawba, N.C., October 1972.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of tracks ahead from Royal Hudson Number 2839 descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest, N.C., and Old Fort, N.C., June 1980.

The Royal Hudson (ex-Canadian Pacific locomotive) was leased by Southern Railway for steam excursions throughout the system.

Rockville, Md., railroad station on Baltimore and Ohio, May 1978.

The railroad station is now used for Amtrak passenger trains.

The Asheville Special with Royal Hudson Number 2839 (ex-Canadian Pacific locomotive leased by Southern) entering Point Tunnel near Old Fort, N.C., between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Southern Railway System, 27 September 1980.

This excursion train between Salisbury and Asheville (and return) was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first train from Salisbury to Asheville, N.C., 2 October 1880. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Freight train diesel climbing the Balsam Mountains between Asheville and Balsam, N.C., as viewed from top of engine, September 1974.

View was taken near Barber's orchard.

Front of FP-7 engine Number 6133 used on excursion train for school children between Salisbury and Asheville, N.C., on Southern Railway System, 14 May 1976.

This engine, along with Number 6141 was painted green and gold-trimmed. This train on 14 May 1976 during America's bicentennial year was known as the Educational and Orientation Special. Frank Clodfelter was the engineer.

Rhododendron on Roan Mountain atop North Carolina-Tennessee state line, June 1965.

Rhododendron (purple) is shown on North Carolina side. Bloom is usually best around June 20-24 each year.

Carolina Power and Light Company plant at Lake Julian near Asheville, N.C. (Skyland, N.C.), 1969.

Viewed from diesel locomotive while switching plant. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Freight train on High Fill as viewed fro Dendron, N.C., March 1974.

Train is on descending grade between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., on the Southern Railway. Train will traverse the tracks in the foreground.

Delaware and Hudson steam engine 302 (ex-Reading 2102) shown at Montreal, Quebec, Canada, during the D and H Sesquicentennial, 29 April 1973.

The engine with special passenger train rain from Albany, N.Y., to Montreal, Canada, and return.

Saluda, N.C., Southern Railway station, circa 1980.

Saluda Mountain is the steepest standard gauge (4 feet, 8 1/2 inches between rails) main line grade in the United States. Generally advertised as 4.7% grade, it actually reaches 5.3% for about 300 feet on this mountain between Melrose and Saluda, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System.

Rhododendron on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, June 1965.

Flame Azalea on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, June 1965.

Flame Azalea on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, June 1965.

Close-up of plant.

McElroy tunnel; Lick Log tunnel in background, circa 1977.

Southern Railway System. Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C. There are seven tunnels between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway.

Andrews Geyser on Southern Railway in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1971.

Loaded coal cars of unit coal train Number 256 descending the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1973.

Scene is at Coleman with Pisgah National Forest in background. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System.

Bill Purdie, Master Mechanic of steam excursions, Southern Railway System, with ex-Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson, Number 2839, Salisbury, N.C., October 1979.

This engine was leased by Southern for steam passenger train excursions throughout the Southern System.

Southern Railway station at Huntsville, Ala., with steam engine 4501 (Southern) at station, May 1972.

This passenger steam excursion ran from Chattanooga to Huntsville. The engine is Mikado type.

Railroad station Graham County Railroad, western North Carolina with track maintenance equipment to right, circa 1973.

This railroad, which runs from Robbinsville, N.C., connects with the Southern Railway in the Nantahala Gorge at Topton, N.C., on the Murphy Branch of the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway.

Purple Rhododendron on Roan Mountain in western North Carolina, circa 1977.

The mountain straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. Bloom is usually at its peak around the June 20-24.

Front end view of steam engine ex-Texas and Pacific at Black Mountain, N.C., circa 1977.

This engine was one of a number of steam engines that Southern Railway leased for passenger train excursions throughout the system. Frank Clodfelter was engineer on this trip. Engine was Number 610.

Ex-Texas and Pacific steam engine Number 610 being serviced at Spencer, N.C., roundhouse of the Southern Railway, circa 1977.

Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Southern Railway freight in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina on the Carolina Division of the railroad, October 1978.

The scene is between Old Fort and Ridgecrest on an October morning in 1978. Pisgah National Forest background. The picture was made east of Graphite, N.C., between mileposts 118 and 117, descending grade mileposts. Milepost 1 is at Salisbury, N.C., Note early morning light when sun has not reached the foreground.

October scene of the Southern Railway tracks between Asheville and Spencer, N.C., October 1978.

The scene was made in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina from the top of Jarrett's tunnel near Coleman, N.C. Note the scene is framed with an overhanging pine on the left and on the right by a brilliant maple tree. From spring until fall the maple tree is North Carolina's most colorful tree in the opinion of Frank Clodfelter.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of the tracks from an FP-7 locomotive while running the Asheville Special between Asheville and Salisbury and return, circa 1974.

The scene was shot through the windshield east of Dendron, N.C., on a descending grade of 2.2%. During steam days of the 1930s, Thomas Wolfe rode the Asheville Special between Asheville and New York and return. At that time, the train over the mountains to Salisbury was powered by green and gold-trimmed Mountain type engines.

Southern Railway station at Kannapolis, N.C., October 1976.

The station is on Southern Railway's Washington to New Orleans main line.

Mills River Baptist Church in Mills River section of Henderson County at church time on a June day in 1971, June 1971.

A North Carolina scene with a classic old-timey church built of wood on South Mills River.

Engine servicing facilities at New Spencer Yard of the Southern Railway System near Spencer, N.C., circa 1979.

The mileage for an Asheville to Spencer (new yard) is 150 miles for a freight crew.

Newly ballasted tracks of the Southern Railway System in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1981.

The scene is on the Asheville to Salisbury tracks of the Carolina Division as shown between mileposts 116 and 117 near Andrews Geyser. Pisgah National Forest background.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view from the cab of steam engine Number 2839 (ex-Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson) while climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., 1 October 1979.

The scene was near Graphite, N.C., between mileposts 117 and 118. This engine was leased by Southern for steam engine passenger train excursions throughout the system.

Jarrett's tunnel on the Southern Railway System in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1981.

Note newly ballasted tracks. Track is welded rail of 132 pound weight.

Cars of freight train on New River Bridge in Virginia, September 1972.

Note reflections in water.

Graham County Railroad yards, Graham County Junction, N.C., July 1973.

Water tank on right with track maintenance equipment in foreground.

Rear cars of Skyland Special excursion train in Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina on Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System, date unknown.

This excursion train ran from Asheville to Old Fort and return with Frank Clodfelter as its regular engineer. The scene was made from the top of Jarrett's's tunnel as the train was going upgrade.

Scene on the Southern Railway between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., with descending freight below, circa 1973.

The train is approaching Dendron, N.C., as viewed from High Fill.

Front view of George Vanderbilt's Biltmore House near Asheville, circa 1972.

A scene on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., July 1981.

High Fill is shown in foreground. Note tracks below near Dendron, N.C., where tracks loop under the tracks on High Fill. High Fill is near Andrews Geyser between mileposts 116 and 117. This portion of the railroad in the Blue Ridge Mountains has a ruling grade of 2.2%.

Southern Railway tracks through a rock cut near Andrews Geyser, 1977.

This scene on the Old Fort to Ridgecrest line of Carolina Division was made between mileposts 116 and 117.

Spencer to Asheville freight train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System, September 1977.

Photograph was made from the top of Swannanoa tunnel.

Train Number 16, Asheville Special being loaded at Asheville station, Biltmore, N.C., circa 1970.

This station was once named Biltmore station, but was changed to Asheville station when the old Asheville station was demolished. This is the station where Thomas Wolfe boarded the Asheville Special for New York.

Newton, N.C., station, circa 1980.

This station is located on the Southern Railway's Carolina Division between Salisbury and Asheville. Note train order signal in clear position. The clear position indicates to the engine crew that there are no train orders and to proceed.

Southern Railway tracks between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., 14 October 1981.

This scene in the Blue Ridge Mountains was made on High Fill between mileposts 116 and 117. Framed with October leaves.

Maple trees with October foliage near Asheville, N.C., October 1964.

Steam pile driver of the Southern Railway driving 39-foot rails into High Fill to keep fill from slipping, date unknown.

This scene on the Carolina Division was made on the line between Old Fort and Ridgecrest. Note rails below: train at this point will traverse the rails below in either direction: westbound trains gain elevation by circling over itself towards Asheville. During the period of wood-burning locomotives of the Western North Carolina Railroad, the fill was a trestle and after being filled in has given many problems.

Typical baggage car used by Southern Railway during the age of passenger trains, March 1974.

Scene made at Salisbury, N.C.

132-pound welded rail and new ballast on High Fill on the Southern Railway System, Carolina Division, August 1981.

The scene was made between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C.

Looking through a rock cut on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway between Old Fort and Ridgecrest on the line from Asheville to Salisbury, N.C., October 1966.

Picture made at the east end of High Fill between mileposts 116 and 117.

View from Swannanoa tunnel (top) at Ridgecrest, N.C., showing curving line of the Southern Railway from Old Fort to Ridgecrest, N.C., on the Spencer to Asheville line, circa 1981.

Diesel powered local freight train (Asheville to Old Fort and return) descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway, May 1978.

Note the light green of the forests on a day in May of 1978.

A locomotive engineer's view of High Fill and the tracks below Dendron, N.C., circa 1976.

The train will wind around a vast horseshoe curve overlooking Andrews Geyser and then traverse the tracks below on the journey down the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The train is the Skyline Special that once ran as an excursion train from Asheville to Old Fort and return.

View of cars holding welded rails from top of a Southern Railway train on the Carolina Division near Swannanoa, N.C., circa 1971.

Crowds attending the annual beauty queen contest on Roan Mountain, N.C., June 1973.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the cut east of Graphite, N.C., on the run from Old Fort to Asheville, circa 1977.

The train is the Skyland Special excursion train from Asheville to Old Fort and return. The locomotive is an FP-7 diesel built by EMD.

A view of the Southern Railway tracks on the Carolina Division in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1981.

Picture made between mileposts 116 and 117.

Southern Railway bridge over Lake Summit (Green River Bridge) on the Asheville to Hayne, S.C., run, July 1972.

Scene made near Saluda, N.C.

Scene looking from inside of Jarrett's tunnel to the west towards Asheville, date unknown.

The tunnel is one of seven between Old Fort and Ridgecrest in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway.

October foliage along the tracks of the Southern Railway in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, circa 1977.

Scene made east of Lick Log tunnel.

A scene from the top of Swannanoa tunnel near Ridgecrest, N.C., Carolina Division of the Southern Railway, October 1977.

Tracks are nearing the top of the mountain at the Eastern Continental Divide. This line runs from Asheville to Spencer, N.C. Picture in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort.

Waiting for a train at the Asheville station of the Southern Railway, date unknown.

The station was formerly named Biltmore station. The name was changed to Asheville station when the old Asheville station was demolished several years ago.

Freight cars of an Asheville to Murphy train near Addie, N.C., 1974.

Shown from the top of cars. Carolina Division, Southern Railway.

A scene on the Knoxville, Tenn., to Asheville, N.C., line of the Southern Railway System along the French Broad River, August 1966.

Photograph made about two miles east of Hot Springs, N.C.

Dome car Number 1613 with Salisbury, N.C., Southern Railway station in background, May 1974.

This car was used on trains Numbers 3 and 4 (Asheville Special to New York) on the trip to and from Salisbury, N.C. Frank Clodfelter was the regular assigned engineer.

Interior (bottom level) of dome car Number 1613 used on the former Asheville Special, trains Numbers 3 and 4 between Asheville and Salisbury, N.C., April 1974.

Steam engine 4501, Mikado type, used on Southern Railway steam excursions, circa 1972.

Old-timey threshing machine engine, date unknown.

Gold Hill, N.C.

Southern Railway diesel-powered freight train between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., on the Carolina Division, date unknown.

The train was en route from Asheville to Spencer.

Loaded coal cars of unit coal train Number 256 at Dendron, N.C., as viewed from top of diesel locomotive in siding at Dendron, date unknown.

Photograph taken on Southern Railway between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C.

Saluda, N.C., highway sign, date unknown.

Melrose, N.C., date unknown.

This is the tracks of the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System at the foot of Saluda Mountain on the Asheville to Hayne, S.C., run. Saluda Mountain is the steepest standard gauge main line railroad in the United States. Generally advertised as a 4.7% grade, the grade actually reaches 5.3% for about 300 feet after leaving Melrose and starting up the mountain.

Bean crop on South Mills River, Henderson County, N.C., date unknown.

Rock cut east of Graphite, N.C., on the Southern Railway's line between Asheville and Spencer, N.C., date unknown.

This scene in the Blue Ridge Mountains was made between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C.

Flowers and golf course, Linville, N.C., date unknown.

Andrews Geyser on the Southern Railway System between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, October 1971.

Field and baled hay in Mills River section of Henderson County, N.C., October 1978.

Royal Hudson Number 2839 steam engine leased by Southern Railway System for passenger train excursions over the System, date unknown.

This is an ex-Canadian Pacific engine once used in Canadian service.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view from a Southern Railway freight diesel of the tracks ahead, date unknown.

Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

View from Dendron, N.C., of High Fill, date unknown.

Note two levels of tracks where trains circle over themselves to gain elevation on Southern Railway's line between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C.

Southern Railway train emerging from Burgin tunnel downgrade between Ridgecrest and Old Fort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, October 1972.

This line of the Carolina Division with headquarters at Asheville runs from Asheville to Spencer, N.C.

Highway in Mills River section of Henderson County, N.C., date unknown.

Farming scene on South Mills River in Henderson County, N.C., date unknown.

Former Colonel Wilder home in Roan Mountain, Tenn., date unknown.

Colonel Wilder was of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina narrow gauge railway fame. Home was typical of the 1880-1900 period.

Memorial plaque to James W. Wilson on old highway Number 70 adjacent to Southern Railway tracks west of Old Fort, N.C., near Point tunnel, date unknown.

Wilson built the railroad over the mountains from Old Fort to Ridgecrest, N.C.

Southern Railway tracks between mileposts 116 and 117 between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1981.

Pisgah National Forest in background.

Jarrett's tunnel between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., Southern Railway System, Carolina Division, date unknown.

Track workers laying welded rail on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System near Conver, N.C., September 1973.

Southern Railway diesel locomotive used on train Number 223, Spencer to Asheville, shown at Spencer, N.C., September 1980.

Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Flame Azalea along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, date unknown.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in background.

Track laying equipment for welded rail on the Southern Railway System near Swannanoa, N.C., September 1973.

Mikado type steam engine, Number 4501 used in passenger train excursions throughout the Southern Railway System, date unknown.

Southern Railway unit coal train Number 256 en route from Asheville, N.C., to Plant Marshall on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System, circa 1972.

Annual Highland Games parade, Grandfather Mountain, N.C., date unknown.

Southern Railway System tracks in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., date unknown.

Photograph made at High Fill between mileposts 116 and 117. Note tracks below at Dendron, N.C. Train gains elevation by winding over itself at this point. Photograph framed by dogwood trees.

October foliage on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, N.C., circa 1978.

Parade at Robbinsville, N.C., circa 1972.

Bridge over Mills Creek near 116 milepost, circa 1972.

Southern Railway System between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C.

A private home in the western North Carolina mountains, circa 1981.

Photograph made to show colorful maple trees that frame the house.

Purple rhododendron on Roan Mountain, N.C., date unknown.

Loaded coal cars of unit coal train Number 256 passing Old Fort, N.C., as photographed from the top of a freight diesel engine, September 1973.

Note caboose of freight train in siding. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System.

Caboose of freight train at Coleman, N.C., siding, date unknown.

Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System. Blue Ridge Mountains. Pisgah National Forest in background. Scene between Old Fort and Ridgecrest. Train was en route from Spencer to Asheville.

Green and gold-trimmed excursion passenger train at Newton, N.C., during United States Bicentennial, May 1976.

This train, with Frank Clodfelter as engineer, hauled school children from Salisbury to Asheville on the Southern Railway's Carolina Division. The FP-7 locomotive Number 6133 was donated by Southern to Historic Spencer Shops for preservation.

A looking-back view of dome car Number 1613 on Southern Railway's Asheville Special, train Number 4, at Coleman, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, circa 1974.

The train was en route to Salisbury, N.C., for a New York connection. The view was taken by engineer Frank Clodfelter. Engineers are required to constantly look ahead but on curves are also required to look their trains over for hot boxes or other defects.

A North Carolina October scene in Henderson County, N.C., framed by a maple tree, circa 1974.

Band playing during Saluda, N.C., Centennial, 8 August 1981.

An excursion train along the Greenbriar River in West Virginia, October 1971.

An engineer's view from Royal Hudson Number 2839 near Winston-Salem, N.C., circa 1979.

This ex-Canadian Pacific engine was leased by Southern for excursion trips.

Loaded coal cars of the unit coal train Number 256 at Clinchcross, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway, circa 1973.

Train at Dendron, N.C., Carolina Division, Southern Railway System, date unknown.

Scene between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C.

Asheville to Old Fort and return Skyland Special emerging from Burgin tunnel between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., on Southern Railway's Carolina Division, circa 1976.

This tunnel is one of seven on this run. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Loading passengers on the Asheville Special at Old Fort, N.C., on the train's Asheville to Salisbury, N.C., run, circa 1971.

Frank Clodfelter is the regular assigned engineer.

Tracks up Saluda Mountain on Southern's Carolina Division, circa 1972.

Pulp wood at Champion Fibre Company, Canton, N.C., on the Southern Railway, date unknown.

Tracks of the Southern Railway System in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., May 1978.

Scene on High Fill in foreground framed by dogwood trees in bloom. Note tracks below at Dendron, N.C.

A scene of Linville Gorge near Linville Falls, N.C., date unknown.

Asheville to Spencer freight train emerging from Burgin tunnel on the Southern Railway System, date unknown.

Photograph made between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Pisgah National forest, background.

Wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, N.C., circa 1965.

Mayflower in bloom, North Carolina mountains, date unknown.

Scene on Southern Railway between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, circa 1977.

Asheville Special with Salisbury station in background, circa 1971.

Locomotive Number 6141 is an FP-7 diesel locomotive. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Royal Hudson Number 2839 (ex-Canadian Pacific engine) leased by Southern Railway System for excursion passenger service, date unknown.

Spencer yard, Southern Railway System, Spencer, N.C., April 1981.

Spencer yard, Southern Railway System, Spencer, N.C., April 1981.

L.E. Wetzel, Jr., Superintendent of the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System, addressing the town of Saluda, N.C., during their Centennial, 8 August 1981.

The mayor of Saluda addressing the crowds at Saluda, N.C., Centennial, 8 August 1981.

Burgin tunnel between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, circa 1972.

Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

Empty coal cars of unit coal train Number 257 climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System, circa 1977.

Train is going through the Burgin tunnel.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of the track ahead, approaching Dendron, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., September 1973.

Train is piggyback Number 224, Asheville to Spencer, N.C.

View of Asheville to Spencer freight train descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., March 1974.

Note High Fill above, where train is circling under tracks above.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view from EMD diesel locomotive on train Number 223, Asheville-bound piggyback train from Spencer, N.C., March 1974.

Number 223 is on siding at Coleman, N.C., for opposing train Number 162, Asheville to Spencer, N.C., freight. Number 162 is holding the main line. Photograph made in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway.

Asheville to Spencer train catching orders at Old Fort, N.C., Carolina Division, Southern Railway System, circa 1973.

Catawba River, Catawba, N.C., June 1973.

A typical Piedmont section graveyard, August 1977.

Eaton's Baptist Church near Mocksville, N.C.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view from the cab of an FP-7 EMD diesel locomotive holding the main track at Coleman, N.C., for an opposing Spencer to Asheville freight train on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System, circa 1974.

Clodfelter was the engineer on the Asheville Special en route from Asheville to Salisbury, N.C.

Swannanoa tunnel, Ridgecrest, N.C., Carolina Division, Southern Railway System, circa 1981.

Swannanoa tunnel is the first of seven tunnels between Ridgecrest and Old Fort.

The Asheville Special "Asheville to Salisbury passenger train" emerging from Lick Log tunnel between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., circa 1972.

Number was omitted by donor.

Signal light at the east end of Coleman, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., October 1971.

Early morning light in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1978.

Caboose on Spencer to Asheville freight train Number 162 is shown in foreground. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System.

Dome car Number 1613 on the Asheville Special in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., circa 1974.

Carolina Division, Southern Railway System. Photograph made by engineer Frank Clodfelter as he looked back over his train to inspect for hot boxes or other defects.

A typical example of an entrance to an emerald mine near Little Switzerland, N.C., mine, August 1977.

In foreground is a loaded hepper car with crossties in siding at Dendron, N.C., while train is awaiting train in background that is holding the main track, circa 1973.

Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

Loaded coal cars and caboose of unit coal train Number 256, Carolina Division, Southern Railway System, descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., June 1973.

Pisgah National Forest in background. Photograph made between mileposts 117 and 118.

Green River bridge over Lake Summit on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System between Asheville, N.C., and Hayne, S.C., August 1972.

Caboose and freight cars in foreground.

Asheville Special, train Number 3, Salisbury, N.C., October 1974.

Frank Clodfelter, regular engineer.

View through the window of an FP-7 diesel locomotive on the Asheville Special between Asheville and Salisbury, N.C., July 1973.

The scene was taken by engineer Frank Clodfelter while running engine between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C.

View of Asheville to Spencer freight train descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., as train approaches Dendron, N.C., circa 1973.

Skyland Special, Asheville to Old Fort and return excursion passenger train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1976.

Photograph taken at Coleman siding.

Framed through signal lights as Asheville to Spencer freight train descends the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., March 1974.

Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

Low-lying clouds on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, N.C., August 1977.

Empty hoppers of unit coal train Number 257 in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., September 1978.

Carolina Division, Southern Railway System. Approaching Swannanoa tunnel near top of mountain.

Jarrett's tunnel between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway, October 1978.

Diesel engines on the Murphy to Asheville freight train climbing the Balsam Mountains, September 1974.

Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System.

Spencer to Asheville freight train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., circa 1972.

Train is entering the Lick Log tunnel. Southern Railway System.

View from top of diesel locomotive, Southern Railway System between Asheville and Saluda, N.C., September 1974.

Steam engine Number 610, ex-Texas and Pacific at roundhouse of Southern Railway, Asheville, N.C., September 1977.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of tracks ahead while running an FP-7 diesel locomotive on the Asheville Special, train Number 4, Asheville to Salisbury, N.C., July 1974.

October woods framed from a private residence, Mills River section, Henderson County, N.C., October 1981.

Deer feeding on a rye field, October 1981.

Mills River section, Henderson County, N.C. Note maple trees.

Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., while running the Asheville to Spencer freight train, September 1973.

View is from EMD diesel locomotive. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

Asheville to Spencer freight train approaching Dendron, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains, circa 1973.

Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

Salisbury, N.C., railroad station, date unknown.

Southern Railway System.

Loaded coal cars of unit coal train Number 256 descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., circa 1973.

Photograph at Dendron, N.C., Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

Southern Railway passenger station, Salisbury, N.C., circa 1973.

Southern Railway Asheville to Spencer freight train descending the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dendron, N.C., circa 1973.

Framed by EMD diesel in siding.

View of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N.C., circa 1973.

View below Lick Log tunnel. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

Freight cars of Spencer to Asheville train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains at Dendron, N.C., circa 1973.

Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

Burgin tunnel, one of seven tunnels between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N.C., October 1977.

Southern Railway System.

Blue Ridge Mountains on the Old Fort to Ridgecrest line of the Southern Railway System, 14 October 1981.

These photographs made at the same location represent, in Frank Clodfelter's opinion, the most spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Old Fort to Ridgecrest line of the Southern Railway System. The photograph shows the range of the Pisgah National Forest in the background. This photograph was made on the vast horseshoe curve around Andrews Geyser between mileposts 116 and 117 on the Salisbury to Asheville line. One photograph shows a Spencer to Asheville freight train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another phototograph shows the caboose of an Asheville to Spencer freight train. These photographs were made 14 October 1981.

A collection of pictures made in the spring of the year at Biltmore House showing tulips, dogwoods, and azaleas, April 1981.

Frank Clodfelter manuscript materials, 1978-1981