Road Trip – Part Two
At the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s Conversations 2022 in Chicago last month, I was talking with some friends about my planned trip westward after the conference. Bryan Bechtold recommended a route across northern Kansas, following the railroad through the small towns that still remain in this prairie landscape.
This video presents a collection of photographs from my time in Kansas.
Edd Fuller, Editor
Superb. Though I have never been to this part of the country, the little towns are reminiscent of many I passed through during my days as a traveling sales rep. The post offices, often in older, nondescript buildings are a constant, as are the ever-present agricultural scenes…grain elevators…implement dealers, etc. And then there are ‘the tracks’. Many stretches of them have long since seen better days…and more traffic. Were some of these of the old Rock Island? (Where was the ‘diamond’ photographed at?) Gosh, looking across this sparce prairie landscape one can almost hear the sound of the lonesome wind blo…wait…I CAN hear it! Thanks, Edd.
Greg Hodges, Powhatan VA.
Thanks for your kind words, Greg. Yes, these are on the former Rock Island Omaha to Denver route now operated by Kyle Railway. (Thanks to Jack Fuller (not related to me) for this information)
The diamond was in Courtland, KS.
What an extraordinary portrait of a part of the country that time seemingly forgot. It is hard to imagine those out of the way towns ever having enough population to support grand movie theaters and retail stores. Two of the most haunting photos are of the grade crossing in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Was there ever enough traffic to merit crossing protection?
Between the photography and the music, this presentation is a work of art. Thank you so much, Edd Fuller.
Nice, as I look at he pictures like I have said before you can take a moment and think about all the people that worked and lived in those now empty buildings. One shot has a building that looks like wind and weather has so taken its toll on it, even what looks like a holder for a for sale sign is stripped of its information. I see a lot of this in Montana in places I fish, I should take more pictures
Simply beautiful scenes – even if darned sad. Thanks for the views. They’re haunting… Bill
Exquisite! Elegant! Equal part documentary and art! Congratulations!
Ed, we share a love for what can be seen of the past in the traces of today. In Kansas change happens more slowly, but it happens never the less.
I have taken to capturing post offices as well. Each is unique and a vital lifeline for its community.
Looks like you enjoyed Jennings, with several views of the depot.
I have watched the video several times and see something new each time. Thanks for sharing your road-trip with us, I felt I was riding along with you.