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Buena Vista was the host city for 2002’s DSP&PHS convention. We explored roadbed through Trout Creek Pass, as well as up to St. Elmo and Hancock and all points in between, courtesy of a Buena Vista School District bus. It was almost like being in junior high school again, but the history lessons were much more interesting. A meeting highlight was member Ray Perschbacher – grandson of Joe, great-nephew of Oscar – presenting his family recollections of working on the South Park Line. We also visited the original Buena Vista depot in its life as the office for a local motel. Who knew that only a year later, we would be heavily involved in its rehabilitation and restoration?
Convention group assembled at the box car above St. Elmo. |
This is believed to be the oldest narrow gauge car still in existence. It was built in 1872.
Originally #25192 on the the Kansas Central narrow gauge it was moved to the Denver, Leadville & Gunnison in 1890 and retained the same number until the C&S re-numbered it 7681.
In 1908 it was taken out of service and set on the ground above St. Elmo as a bunk car. |
Even less remains of the 2nd box car on the St. Elmo site. But it does still show part of the logo for the Colorado & Southern. A bit newer than the first car.
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A house built on the bridge abutments for the original DSP&P line over the Arkansas River just north of Nathrop.
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Another view of the house and the still standing bridge abutments taken from the modern Rio Grande (now Union Pacific) bridge just east of the original DSP&P crossing.
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A few of the tools and artifacts that were found in the area.
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The remains of the pit for the scale house set just a couple hundred yards north of the original location of the Buena Vista DL&G depot. Just north of here there was a turnout that led to one of the early smelters.
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