P32: Frank Clodfelter Collection

Biographical Sketch: William Franklin Clodfelter was born in Asheville, North Carolina, on June 20, 1911, the son of James F. Clodfelter, a Southern Railway employee. After finishing high school he attended Asheville-Biltmore College (now The University of North Carolina at Asheville) in 1931–1932 and later graduated from Jones Business College in Orlando, Florida.

Frank Clodfelter started work for the Southern Railway in 1931, and during his career held a variety of posts including that of locomotive engineer. Photography was one of Clodfelter interests and he won several awards for his work. He served as chief photographer for The Asheville Citizen for three years. Clodfelter wrote several articles in newspapers and magazines, and he authored the text for Fogg and Steam: A Regional Look at Steam in North America, published in 1978 by the Pruett Publishing Company, Boulder Colorado. He was also an outdoorsman and conservationist. Frank Clodfelter died on June 29, 1984.

Collection Description: The Clodfelter collection consists of 14 black-and-white images and 229 color slides made mostly of railroads in western North Carolina between circa 1952 and circa 1981.

Black-and-White Photographs

Steam engine at Spencer Shops, North Carolina, 1976. Neg. FC-9

Steam engine at Spencer Shops, North Carolina, 1977. Neg. FC-11

Steam engine at Spencer Shops, North Carolina, 1977. Neg. FC-10

Copper and brass pots, cans, etc. at Spencer Shops, North Carolina. Neg. FC-8

Frank Clodfelter running Southern Railway Asheville Special. Neg. FC-7

Jim Bishop running Asheville to Salisbury train, 1974. Neg. FC-6

Railroad between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, North Carolina, September 29, 1980. Neg. FC-4

Railroad between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, North Carolina, July 1976. Neg. FC-2

Railroad between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, North Carolina, October 29, 1976. Neg. FC-1

Railroad between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, North Carolina, 1976. Neg. FC-3

Railroad between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, North Carolina, October 13, 1981. Neg. FC-5

Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, North Carolina, 1952. Neg. FC-13

Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, North Carolina, 1952. Neg. FC-12

Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, North Carolina, 1952 [?]. Neg. FC-14

Frank Clodfelter's Inventory of 35mm Slides

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

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

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

4. Steam engine (ex-Reading) used for Delaware & Hudson Sesquicentennial at Montreal, Canada, April 28, 1973. The excursion train was run from Albany, New York to Montreal and return.

5. Ex-Reading locomotive No. 2102 on an excursion in the Greenbriar section of West Virginia, September, 1971.

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

7. 59th Street Bridge, New York, July 3, 1976. East River.

8. Sherman Pippin, left, & 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 & Western North Carolina Railroad (narrow gauge) engineer. When a young man, Sherman drove a hack to Cloudland Hotel atop North Carolina-Tennessee line.

9. 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. 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%.

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

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

12. 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. 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. 1977.

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

14. Delaware & Hudson steam engine 302 at Montreal, Quebec, April 28, 1973, celebrating D & H's sesquicentennial in run from Albany, New York. Engine is ex- Reading engine.

15. Burgin tunnel in Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina between Old Fort & Ridgecrest, N. C. Burgin is one of seven tunnels between these two stations. Southern Railway System. 1972.

16. Jarrett's tunnel between Old Fort & Ridgecrest in Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Southern Railway System.

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

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

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

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

21. Roan Mountain, Tennessee. 1972.

22. View of freight cars between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. on Spencer to Asheville train. Dendron, N. C.

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

24. Dedication of Historic Spencer, N. C. Museum, Spencer, N. C. with backshop building in background. Gift to North Carolina from Southern Railway System. Former Spencer shop was the largest railroad shop in the South. September 29, 1977.

25. Southern Railway Murphy, N. C. station. Station was destroyed by fire. Carolina Division.

26. L & N Railroad station. Murphy, N. C.

27. Southern Railway Spencer to Asheville freight diesel crossing Catawba River, Catawba, N. C., Carolina Division. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

28. Unit coal train cars on No. 256 approaching Old Fort, N. C., June, 1973.

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

30. Asheville Special, train No. 4, Old Fort, N. C., July, 1973, en route from Asheville to Salisbury, N. C. 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 No. 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 August 8, 1975 which ended regular passenger service out of Asheville. Service began October 2, 1880 with wood-burning engines. Frank Clodfelter attended Asheville-Biltmore College, now a part of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, in 1931-32.

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

32. Scene at Melrose, N. C. at foot of Saluda Mountain on the Southern Railway. Saluda Mountain is the steepest standard gauge (4 foot, 8 1/2 inch wide) main line grade in the U. S. 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.

33. Front end of ex-Texas & Pacific steam engine at Spencer, N. C. shops. 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.

34. Loaded cars of unit coal train No. 256 on the Carolina Division near Catawba, N. C. October, 1972.

35. Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of tracks ahead from Royal Hudson No. 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.

36. Rockville, Maryland railroad station on Baltimore & Ohio. The railroad station is now used for Amtrak passenger trains. May, 1978.

37. The Asheville Special with Royal Hudson No. 2839 (ex-Canadian Pacific locomotive leased by Southern) entering Point Tunnel near Old Fort, N. C. between Old Fort & Ridgecrest, N. C. in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina - Southern Railway System. September 27, 1980. This excursion train between Salisbury and Asheville (and return) was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first train fro Salisbury to Asheville, N. C. October 2, 1880. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

38. Freight train diesel climbing the Balsam Mountains between Asheville and Balsam, N. C. as viewed from top of engine. View was taken near Barber's orchard. September, 1974.

39. Front of FP-7 engine No. 6133 used on excursion train for school children between Salisbury and Asheville, N. C. on Southern Railway System. This engine, along with No. 6141 was painted green and gold-trimmed. This train on May 14, 1976 during America's bicentennial year was known as the Educational & Orientation Special. Frank Clodfelter was the engineer.

40. Rhododendron on Roan Mountain atop North Carolina-Tennessee state line. Rhododendron (purple) is shown on North Carolina side. Bloom is usually best around June 20th to June 24th each year. June, 1965.

41. Carolina Power & Light Company plant at Lake Julian near Asheville, N. C. (Skyland, N. C.). Viewed from diesel locomotive while switching plant. Frank Clodfelter, engineer, 1969.

42. Freight train on High Fill as viewed fro Dendron, N. C. Train is on descending grade between Ridgecrest & Old Fort, N. C. on the Southern Railway. Train will traverse the tracks in the foreground. March, 1974.

43. Delaware & Hudson steam engine 302 (ex-Reading 2102) shown at Montreal, Quebec, Canada, April 29, 1973, during the D & H Sesquicentennial. The engine with special passenger train rain from Albany, New York to Montreal, Canada and return.

44. Saluda, N. C., Southern Railway station. 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.

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

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

47. Flame Azalea on the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina. June, 1965. Close-up of plant.

48. McElroy tunnel; Lick Log tunnel in background. 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.

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

50. Loaded coal cars of unit coal train No. 256 descending the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Scene is at Coleman with Pisgah National Forest in background. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System. October, 1973.

51. Bill Purdie, Master Mechanic of steam excursions, Southern Railway System, with ex-Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson, No. 2839, Salisbury, North Carolina. This engine was leased by Southern for steam passenger train excursions throughout the Southern System. October, 1979.

52. Southern Railway station at Huntsville, Alabama with steam engine 4501 (Southern) at station. This passenger steam excursion ran from Chattanooga to Huntsville. May, 1972. The engine is Mikado type.

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

54. Purple Rhododendron on Roan Mountain in western North Carolina. The mountain straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. Bloom is usually at its peak around the 20th to 24th of each June.

55. Front end view of steam engine ex-Texas & Pacific at Black Mountain, N. C. 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. Frank attended Asheville-Biltmore College in 1931-32 (now a part of the University of North Carolina) and is the author of many articles in magazines and author of the book Fogg and Steam published by Pruett Publishing Company, Boulder, Colorado, 1978. Engine was No. 610.

56. Ex-Texas & Pacific steam engine No. 610 being serviced at Spencer, N. C. roundhouse of the Southern Railway. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

57. Southern Railway freight in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina on the Carolina Division of the railroad. 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.

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

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

60. Southern Railway station at Kannapolis, N. C. October, 1976. The station is on Southern Railway's Washington to New Orleans main line.

61. Mills River Baptist Church in Mills River section of Henderson County at church time on a June day in 1971. A North Carolina scene with a classic old-timey church built of wood on South Mills River.

62. Engine servicing facilities at New Spencer Yard of the Southern Railway System near Spencer, N. C. The mileage for an Asheville to Spencer (new yard) is 150 miles for a freight crew.

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

64. Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view from the cab of steam engine No. 2839 (ex-Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson) while climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. on October 1, 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.

65. Jarrett's tunnel on the Southern Railway System in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between Old Fort & Ridgecrest, N. C. Note newly ballasted tracks. Track is welded rail of 132 pound weight. October, 1981.

66. Cars of freight train on New River bridge in Virginia. Note reflections in water. September, 1972.

67. Graham County Railroad yards, Graham County Junction, N. C. Water tank on right with track maintenance equipment in foreground. July, 1973.

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

69. Scene on the Southern Railway between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. with descending freight below. The train is approaching Dendron, N. C. as viewed from High Fill.

70. Front view of George Vanderbilt's Biltmore House near Asheville.

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

72. Southern Railway tracks through a rock cut near Andrews Geyser. This scene on the Old Fort to Ridgecrest line of Carolina Division was made between mileposts 116 and 117. 1977 photo.

73. 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. Photo was made from the top of Swannanoa tunnel. Sept., 1977.

74. Train No. 16, Asheville Special being loaded at Asheville station, Biltmore, N. C. 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.

75. Newton, N. C. station. 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 is no train orders and to proceed.

76. Southern Railway tracks between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. This scene in the Blue Ridge Mountains was made on High Fill between mileposts 116 and 117. Framed with October leaves. October 14, 1981.

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

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

79. Typical baggage car used by Southern Railway during the age of passenger trains. Scene made at Salisbury, N. C., March, 1974.

80. 132-pound welded rail and new ballast on High Fill on the Southern Railway System, Carolina Division. The scene was made between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C. August, 1981.

81. 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. Picture made at the east end of High Fill between mileposts 116 and 117. October, 1966.

82. 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.

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

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

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

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

87. 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. 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.

88. A view of the Southern Railway tracks on the Carolina Division in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Picture made between mileposts 116 and 117. October, 1981.

89. Southern Railway bridge over Lake Summit (Green River Bridge) on the Asheville to Hayne, S. C. run. Scene made near Saluda, N. C. July, 1972.

90. Scene looking from inside of Jarrett's tunnel to the west towards Asheville. The tunnel is one of seven between Old Fort and Ridgecrest in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway.

91. October foliage along the tracks of the Southern Railway in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest. Scene made east of Lick Log tunnel.

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

93. Waiting for a train at the Asheville station of the Southern Railway. The station was formerly named Biltmore station. The name was changed to Asheville station when the old Asheville station was demolished several years ago.

94. Freight cars of an Asheville to Murphy train near Addie, N. C. Shown from the top of cars. Carolina Division, Southern Railway. 1974.

95. A scene on the Knoxville, Tennessee to Asheville, N. C. line of the Southern Railway System along the French Broad River. Photo made about two miles east of Hot Springs, N. C. August, 1966.

96. Dome car No. 1613 with Salisbury, N. C. Southern Railway station in background. This car was used on trains Nos. 3 and 4 (Asheville Special to New York) on the trip to and from Salisbury, N. C. Frank Clodfelter was the regular assigned engineer. May, 1974.

97. Interior (bottom level) of dome car No. 1613 used on the former Asheville Special, trains Nos. 3 and 4 between Asheville and Salisbury, N. C. April, 1974.

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

99. Old-timey threshing machine engine. Gold Hill, N. C.

100. Southern Railway diesel-powered freight train between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C. on the Carolina Division. The train was en route from Asheville to Spencer.

101. Loaded coal cars of unit coal train No. 256 at Dendron, N. C. as viewed from top of diesel locomotive in siding at Dendron. Photo taken on Southern Railway between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C.

102. Saluda, N. C. highway sign.

103. Melrose, N. C. 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 U. S. 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.

l04. Bean crop on South Mills River, Henderson County, N. C.

105. Rock cut east of Graphite, N. C. on the Southern Railway's line between Asheville and Spencer, N. C. This scene in the Blue Ridge Mountains was made between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C.

106. Flowers and golf course, Linville, N. C.

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

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

109. Royal Hudson No. 2839 steam engine leased by Southern Railway System for passenger train excursions over the System. This is an ex-Canadian Pacific engine once used in Canadian service.

110. Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view from a Southern Railway freight diesel of the tracks ahead. Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

111. View from Dendron, N. C. of High Fill. 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.

112. Southern Railway train emerging from Burgin tunnel downgrade between Ridgecrest and Old Fort in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This line of the Carolina Division with headquarters at Asheville runs from Asheville to Spencer, N. C. October, 1972.

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

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

115. Former Col. Wilder home in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Col. Wilder was of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina narrow gauge railway fame. Home was typical of the 1880-1900 period.

116. Memorial plaque to James W. Wilson on old highway no. 70 adjacent to Southern Railway tracks west of Old Fort, N. C. near Point tunnel. Wilson built the railroad over the mountains from Old Fort to Ridgecrest, N. C.

117. Southern Railway tracks between mileposts 116 and 117 between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Pisgah National Forest in background. October, 1981.

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

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

120. Southern Railway diesel locomotive used on train No. 223, Spencer to Asheville, shown at Spencer, N. C. Frank Clodfelter, engineer. September, 1980.

121. Flame Azalea along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in background.

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

123. Mikado type steam engine, No. 4501 used in passenger train excursions throughout the Southern Railway System.

124. Southern Railway unit coal train No. 256 en route from Asheville, N. C. to Plant Marshall on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System.

125. Annual Highland Games parade, Grandfather Mountain, N. C.

126. Southern Railway System tracks in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Photo 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. Photo framed by dogwood trees.

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

128. Parade at Robbinsville, N. C.

129. Bridge over Mills Creek near 116 milepost. Southern Railway System between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C.

130. A private home in the western North Carolina mountains. Photo made to show colorful maple trees that frame the house.

131. Purple rhododendron on Roan Mountain, N. C.

132. Loaded coal cars of unit coal train No. 256 passing Old Fort, N. C. as photographed from the top of a freight diesel engine. Note caboose of freight train in siding. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System. September, 1973.

133. Caboose of freight train at Coleman, N. C. siding. 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.

134. Green and gold-trimmed excursion passenger train at Newton, N. C. in May, 1976 during America's Bicentennial. 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 No. 6133 was donated by Southern to Historic Spencer Shops and will be preserved for future generations.

135. A looking-back view of dome car No. 1613 on Southern Railway's Asheville Special, train No. 4, at Coleman, N. C. in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort. 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.

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

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

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

139. An engineer's view from Royal Hudson No. 2839 near Winston-Salem, N. C. This ex-Canadian Pacific engine was leased by Southern for excursion trips.

140. Loaded coal cars of the unit coal train No. 256 at Clinchcross, N. C. on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway.

141. Train at Dendron, N. C., Carolina Division, Southern Railway System. Scene between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C.

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

143. Loading passengers on the Asheville Special at Old Fort, N. C. on the train's Asheville to Salisbury, N. C. run. Frank Clodfelter is the regular assigned engineer.

144. Tracks up Saluda Mountain on Southern's Carolina Division.

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

146. Tracks of the Southern Railway System n North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Scene on High Fill in foreground framed by dogwood trees in bloom. Note tracks below at Dendron, N. C.

147. A scene of Linville Gorge near Linville Falls, N. C.

148. Asheville to Spencer freight train emerging from Burgin tunnel on the Southern Railway System. Photo made between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Pisgah National forest, background.

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

150. Mayflower in bloom, North Carolina mountains.

151. Scene on Southern Railway between Old Fort and Ridgecrest.

152. Asheville Special with Salisbury station in background. Locomotive No. 6141 is an FP-7 diesel locomotive. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

153. Royal Hudson No. 2839 (ex-Canadian Pacific engine) leased by Southern Railway System for excursion passenger service.

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

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

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

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

158. Burgin tunnel between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

159. Empty coal cars of unit coal train No. 257 climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. on the Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System. Train is going through the Burgin tunnel.

160. 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. Train is piggyback No. 224, Asheville to Spencer, N. C. September, 1973.

161. View of Asheville to Spencer freight train descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C. Note High Fill above, where train is circling under tracks above. March, 1974.

162. Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view from EMD diesel locomotive on train No. 223, Asheville-bound piggyback train from Spencer, N. C. No. 223 is in siding at Coleman, N. C. for opposing train No. 162, Asheville to Spencer, N. C. freight. No. 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. March, 1974.

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

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

165. A typical Piedmont section graveyard. Eaton's Baptist Church near Mocksville, N. C. August, 1977.

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

167. Swannanoa tunnel, Ridgecrest, N. C. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System. Swannanoa tunnel is the first of seven tunnels between Ridgecrest and Old Fort.

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

169. (Omitted in original numbering.)

170. 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.

171. Early morning light in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Caboose on Spencer to Asheville freight train No. 162 is shown in foreground. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System. October, 1978.

172. Dome car No. 1613 on the Asheville Special in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System. Photo made by engineer Frank Clodfelter as he looked back over his train to inspect for hot boxes or other defects.

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

174. 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. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

175. Loaded coal cars and caboose of unit coal train No. 256, Carolina Division, Southern Railway System, descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C. Pisgah National Forest in background. June, 1973. Photo made between mileposts 117 and 118.

176. 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.

177. Asheville Special, train No. 3, Salisbury, N. C. Frank Clodfelter, regular engineer. October, 1974.

178. View through the window of an FP-7 diesel locomotive on the Asheville Special between Asheville and Salisbury, N. C. The scene was taken by engineer Frank Clodfelter while running engine between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C.

179. 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.

180. Skyland Special - Asheville to Old Fort and return excursion passenger train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Photo taken at Coleman siding. October, 1976.

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

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

183. Empty hoppers of unit coal train No. 257 in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System. Approaching Swannanoa tunnel near top of mountain. September, 1978.

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

185. Diesel engines on the Murphy to Asheville freight train climbing the Balsam Mountains. Carolina Division of the Southern Railway System. September, 1974.

186. Spencer to Asheville freight train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest, N. C. Train is entering the Lick Log tunnel. Southern Railway System.

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

188. Steam engine No. 610, ex-Texas & Pacific at roundhouse of Southern Railway, Asheville, N. C. September, 1977.

189. Engineer Frank Clodfelter's view of tracks ahead while running an FP-7 diesel locomotive on the Asheville Special, train No. 4, Asheville to Salisbury, N. C. July, 1974.

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

191. Deer feeding on a rye field. Mills River section, Henderson County, N. C. October, 1981. Note maple trees.

192. 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. View is from EMD diesel locomotive. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System. September, 1973.

193. Asheville to Spencer freight train approaching Dendron, N. C. in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

194. Salisbury, N. C. railroad station. Southern Railway System.

195. Loaded coal cars of unit coal train No. 256 descending the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C. Photo at Dendron, N. C. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

196. Southern Railway passenger station, Salisbury, N. C.

197. Southern Railway Asheville to Spencer freight train descending the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dendron, N. C. Framed by EMD diesel in siding.

198. View of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Ridgecrest and Old Fort, N. C. View below Lick Log tunnel. Frank Clodfelter, engineer.

199. Freight cars of Spencer to Asheville train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains at Dendron, N. C. Carolina Division, Southern Railway System.

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

201-206. 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 photo shows the range of the Pisgah National Forest in the background. This photo was made on the vast horseshoe curve around Andrews Geyser between mileposts 116 and 117 on the Salisbury to Asheville line. One photo shows a Spencer to Asheville freight train climbing the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another photo shows the caboose of an Asheville to Spencer freight train. These photographs were made in October 14, 1981.

207-230. A collection of pictures made in the spring of the year at Biltmore House showing tulips, dogwoods, and azaleas. April, 1981.

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